Analysts Defend Merck Amid Investor Concerns Over Weak Guidance

On Tuesday, Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) reported fourth-quarter sales of $15.62 billion, up 7% year over year and slightly beating the consensus estimate of $15.49 billion. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales increased 9%.

Merck reported adjusted EPS of $1.72, up from $0.03 a year ago and beating the consensus of $1.62. Lower charges for business development transactions and operational strength primarily drove the increase.

Merck expects fiscal year 2025 sales of $64.1 billion-$65.6 billion versus a consensus of $67.31 billion.

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The sales range reflects a decision to temporarily pause Gardasil/Gardasil 9 shipments into China beginning February 2025 through at least mid-year.

Goldman Sachs analyst writes that ...

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