Merck Raises Profit Forecast After Strong Third-Quarter Sales
Merck increased its full-year profit outlook following third-quarter sales of $18.1 billion, driven by strong performance from Keytruda and Winrevair.
Merck raised its full-year adjusted profit forecast to a range of $2.77 to $2.82 per share, up from the previous estimate of $2.66 to $2.76. The company reported third-quarter sales of $18.1 billion, a 5% increase that exceeded analyst expectations of $17.31 billion. Adjusted earnings for the quarter reached $2.49 per share, surpassing the $2.08 forecast by analysts.
Growth was primarily driven by the cancer drug Keytruda, which generated $8.6 billion in sales. This included $830 million from Keytruda Qlex, the subcutaneous injection version, marking its highest quarterly total since launching in 2025. Additionally, sales for the pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment Winrevair rose 93% to $694 million.
The updated profit outlook incorporates a one-off cost related to a worldwide licensing deal with SciBrunch Therapeutics. It also includes charges stemming from the acquisitions of Terns Pharmaceuticals and Cidara Therapeutics. Robert M. Davis attributed the company's performance to a science-led strategy.
