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Jun 30, 2021

Merck Q2 2021 Earnings Report

Merck's financial performance for Q2 2021 showed strong momentum driven by key growth drivers, with the impact of the pandemic lessening.

Key Takeaways

Merck reported a strong second quarter in 2021, with pharmaceutical sales increasing by 22% to $10.0 billion and animal health sales totaling $1.5 billion, up 34% year-over-year. GAAP EPS was $0.48, which includes a $1.7 billion charge for the acquisition of Pandion Therapeutics, Inc, and non-GAAP EPS was $1.31.

Pharmaceutical sales increased 22% to $10.0 billion, driven by oncology and vaccine growth.

KEYTRUDA sales rose 23% to $4.2 billion, reflecting strong momentum in non-small-cell lung cancer and other indications.

GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9 sales rebounded to $1.2 billion, growing 88% due to COVID-19 recovery and strong demand.

Animal Health sales totaled $1.5 billion, an increase of 34%, driven by companion animal products.

Total Revenue
$11.4B
Previous year: $10.9B
+4.9%
EPS
$1.31
Previous year: $1.37
-4.4%
KEYTRUDA Sales
$4.2B
Previous year: $3.4B
+23.5%
GARDASIL Sales
$1.2B
Gross Profit
$8.3B
Previous year: $6.61B
+25.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$8.58B
Previous year: $11.1B
-22.8%
Total Assets
$90.7B
Previous year: $90.6B
+0.1%

Merck

Merck

Merck Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Merck expects sales growth of 12% to 14% in 2021, with full-year revenue estimated between $46.4 billion and $47.4 billion. Full-year 2021 GAAP EPS is expected to be between $4.24 and $4.34, and non-GAAP EPS is expected to be between $5.47 and $5.57.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong global underlying demand across the business
  • Sales growth of 12% to 14% expected in 2021
  • Full-year 2021 revenue estimated to be between $46.4 billion and $47.4 billion
  • Full-year 2021 GAAP EPS expected to be between $4.24 and $4.34
  • Full-year 2021 non-GAAP EPS expected to be between $5.47 and $5.57

Challenges Ahead

  • Pandemic will have a net unfavorable impact to 2021 revenues of less than 3%, all of which relates to the pharmaceutical segment
  • Unfavorable effects of foreign exchange
  • Pricing pressure
  • Higher manufacturing costs
  • The sales nor the EPS guidance ranges provided above include the impact of the potential launch of Merck’s COVID-19 antiviral drug candidate, molnupiravir.