Merck(MRK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $15.5 billion, reflecting a decrease of 2% year-over-year, or an increase of 1% when excluding foreign exchange impacts [23][12] - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $2.22, with a gross margin of 82.2%, an increase of one percentage point due to a favorable product mix [35][34] - The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of between $64.1 billion and $65.6 billion, representing growth of 1% to 3% excluding foreign exchange impacts [36][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In oncology, sales of Keytruda grew 6% to $7.2 billion, driven by increased uptake in earlier-stage cancers and robust demand for metastatic indications [25] - GARDASIL sales decreased by 40% to $1.3 billion, primarily due to reduced demand in China, while global growth excluding China was strong at 16% [27][24] - The animal health business saw sales increase by 10%, reflecting higher demand across all species and contributions from the Aqua portfolio acquired from Elanco [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decline in GARDASIL sales in China was approximately $1.1 billion, which reduced growth excluding foreign exchange by seven percentage points [24] - Outside of the US and China, GARDASIL experienced strong demand, particularly from a catch-up cohort in Japan [27] - The company noted that the ongoing launch of WinRevair generated global sales of $280 million, with significant uptake in both the US and international markets [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing its manufacturing footprint and has invested $12 billion in US manufacturing since 2018, with an additional commitment of over $9 billion through 2028 [11][10] - The strategic direction emphasizes the advancement of a robust pipeline, with over 20 promising new products expected to launch in the coming years, potentially generating over $50 billion in commercial opportunities by the mid-2030s [16][19] - The company is committed to maintaining its dividend and prioritizing investments in business development to drive growth and returns for shareholders [42][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for improved growth in the second half of the year, despite challenges from tariffs and foreign exchange impacts [12][13] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the potential impacts of tariffs due to its global supply chain and inventory management strategies [13][70] - Management highlighted the importance of scientific leadership and innovation as key drivers for long-term value creation [20][19] Other Important Information - The company has nearly tripled its late-phase pipeline since 2021, with significant advancements in oncology, cardiometabolic diseases, and HIV treatments [16][14] - The FDA has set PDUFA dates for several key products, including subcutaneous pembrolizumab and doravirine-based regimens, indicating a strong pipeline of upcoming approvals [60][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss Merck's strategies to mitigate tariffs? - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to rebalance the supply chain and invest in US manufacturing to mitigate the impact of existing tariffs, with a focus on optimizing supply chain strategies [70][72] Question: What is the long-term guidance for KEYTRUDA? - Management emphasized confidence in the long-term potential of the pipeline, with over 20 new products expected to drive significant revenue growth, but did not provide specific line-by-line guidance [78][79] Question: Can you comment on the FDA's recent changes and their impact on vaccines? - Management noted that while there are active dialogues with the FDA regarding imminent PDUFA dates, the long-term impact of personnel transitions remains uncertain [85][86] Question: What is the environment for business development given current macroeconomic conditions? - Management acknowledged the complexities in the current environment but reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing science-driven business development opportunities [92][94] Question: What are the expectations for GARDASIL growth moving forward? - Management indicated that while GARDASIL growth is expected to slow, strong growth is anticipated outside of China, and they are focused on maximizing opportunities in the market [132][131]