Earnings Preview: Merck

Merck (MRK) is expected to report Q1 earnings before market open on Tuesday April 21 with a conference call scheduled for 8:30 am ET.

Guidance

Analysts are looking for a profit of 77c on revenue of $5.77B. The consensus range is 71c-88c for EPS, and revenue of $5.62B-$5.96B, according to First Call. In February, the company reported Q4 EPS 87c vs. consensus of 74c and reaffirmed FY09 EPS guidance of $3.15-$3.30 vs. consensus of $3.29.

Analyst Views

Positive influences for this quarter should come from strong results in Januvia-Janumet diabetes treatment. Negative factors this quarter could come from currency headwinds and lower sales from Cozaar/Hyzaar and Gardasil lines. The joint marketing with Schering-Plough (SGP) of the cholesterol drugs Zetia and Vytorin will be closely watched by investors.

On March 20, Cowen upgraded Merck to Outperform from Neutral. Cowen made the upgrade based on the company's strong pipeline and its strategic merger with Schering-Plough.

Comments

[Investigator:]

Poor sales trend will continue ,sell MRK. Merck will remain in the dumps for a long time. Cervical cancer happens around age 48.5,
this vaccine was followed for three years. Gardasil is another Vioxx.

Apr 20 02:13 PM