Merck (MRK) Tops Q1 EPS by 4c

Merck (NYSE: MRK) reported Q1 EPS of $0.89, $0.04 better than the analyst estimate of $0.85. Revenue for the quarter came in at $9.3 billion versus the consensus estimate of $9.46 billion.

“Our first quarter’s performance sets us on a good course for the year,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. “We remain focused on advancing our pipeline and driving the commercial success of our key launches and inline medicines and vaccines.”

“Business development is a top priority, and we are actively pursuing the best external science through licensing or bolt-on acquisitions to bolster our pipeline and grow our company,” said Frazier.

“The Global Human Health business performed well in the first quarter. The JANUVIA franchise demonstrated strong growth, and we remain pleased with the ongoing launch of KEYTRUDA in markets around the world,” said Adam Schechter, president, Global Human Health. “Additionally, we are already seeing positive signs in the launch of ZEPATIER in the United States.”

“Merck Research Laboratories advanced several clinical development programs in the first quarter of 2016. We continued to accelerate the development of KEYTRUDA with an additional supplemental filing in head and neck cancer, and by securing a fourth Breakthrough Therapy Designation in classical Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck Research Laboratories.

“We demonstrated strong performance with a leveraged P&L, growing sales and EPS, excluding the impact of foreign exchange. We benefited from the contribution of new product launches, while continuing to sustain growth in our key franchises and driving operational improvements across the company,” said Robert Davis, chief financial officer.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Merck (MRK) click here.

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