Merck Announces Fourth-Quarter & Full-Year 2016 Financial Results

Merck press release ----- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2016. "The performance of Merck's broad and balanced portfolio allows us to remain committed to biomedical innovation that saves and improves lives and delivers long-term value to shareholders," said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. "The momentum behind our pipeline and key product launches, including the continued growth and expansion of KEYTRUDA into new indications and markets around the world, further reinforces our company's strategic direction." Worldwide sales were $10.1 billion for the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease of 1 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2015, including a 1 percent negative impact from foreign exchange. Sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 reflect the unfavorable impact of approximately $150 million of sales in Japan, which occurred in the third quarter of 2016 rather than in the fourth quarter due to the implementation of a resource planning system. Full-year 2016 worldwide sales were $39.8 billion, an increase of 1 percent compared with the full year of 2015, including a 2 percent negative impact from foreign exchange. GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings per share assuming dilution (EPS) were $0.42 for the fourth quarter and $2.04 for the full year of 2016. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.89 for the fourth quarter and $3.78 for the full year of 2016 excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, restructuring costs and certain other items, which include a charge to settle the worldwide KEYTRUDA patent litigation. For more on Merck's fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results click on the picture below to read the release.