Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA Announces Second-Quarter 2026 Financial Results; Highlights Key Regulatory and Clinical Milestones Across Broad, Diverse Pipeline
Sales Growth Reflects Continued Strength in Oncology, Including Initial Uptake of KEYTRUDA QLEX, and Animal Health, Plus Contributions From Launches Such as WINREVAIR
Financial Highlights
-
Total Worldwide Sales Were $16.6 Billion (5% Growth; 4% Growth ex-FX)
- KEYTRUDA/KEYTRUDA QLEX1 Sales Were $8.4 Billion (5% Growth; 4% Growth ex-FX); Includes KEYTRUDA QLEX Sales of $463 Million
- WINREVAIR Sales Were $588 Million (75% Growth; 75% Growth ex-FX)
- Animal Health Sales Were $1.8 Billion (8% Growth; 5% Growth ex-FX)
- GAAP Loss per Share Was $0.54; Non-GAAP Loss per Share Was $0.13; GAAP and Non-GAAP Loss per Share Include a Charge of $2.31 per Share for the Acquisition of Terns
Pipeline & Portfolio Highlights
- Received U.S. FDA Approval for LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), the First and Only Once-Daily Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor To Reduce LDL-C in Adults With Hypercholesterolemia
- Announced Positive Data From TroFuse-005 Trial Evaluating Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in Certain Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
- Announced Positive Phase 3 Results From Once-Weekly Investigational Oral HIV Treatment Regimen of Islatravir and Lenacapavir, in Collaboration With Gilead
Full-Year 2026 Financial Outlook
- Narrows and Raises Expected Worldwide Sales Range To Be Between $66.3 Billion and $67.3 Billion
- Now Expects Non-GAAP EPS To Be Between $2.66 and $2.76; Outlook Includes Charges of $2.43 per Share for the Acquisition of Terns, Comprised of a One-Time Charge of $2.31 per Share as Well as Costs of Approximately $0.12 per Share To Finance the Acquisition and Advance MK-4208 (Formerly TERN-701)
RAHWAY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2026.
“We continued to make substantial progress across our business this quarter, driven by strong execution and growing contributions from new product launches,” said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “The FDA approval of LIPFENDRA is an exciting moment for our company and for patients, marking the latest milestone in our nearly 70-year legacy in cardiovascular disease. Together with key regulatory and clinical advances across oncology, HIV and immunology, this achievement reflects the strength of our pipeline and portfolio transformation as we bring forward the next wave of innovation. I am confident in the ongoing execution of our strategy as we deliver for patients and further enhance our long-term growth trajectory.”
Financial Summary
$ in millions, except EPS amounts
Second Quarter
2026
2025
Change
Change Ex-
Exchange
Sales
$16,607
$15,806
5%
4%
GAAP net (loss) income2
(1,335)
4,427
N/M
N/M
Non-GAAP net (loss) income that excludes certain items2,3*
(330)
5,366
N/M
N/M
GAAP EPS
(0.54)
1.76
N/M
N/M
Non-GAAP EPS that excludes certain items3*
(0.13)
2.13
N/M
N/M
*Refer to table on page 7.
N/M – Not meaningful
For the second quarter of 2026, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) loss / earnings per share (EPS) assuming dilution was a loss per share of $0.54 and non-GAAP loss per share was $0.13. Both the GAAP and non-GAAP loss per share were due to a charge for the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Terns) of $2.31 per share. Both GAAP and non-GAAP EPS in the second quarter of 2025 include a charge of $0.07 per share for an upfront payment related to a license agreement with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma).
Non-GAAP EPS excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs and costs related to restructuring programs, as well as income and losses from investments in equity securities. Non-GAAP EPS in the second quarter of 2025 also excludes tax benefits primarily resulting from favorable audit reserve adjustments.
Year-to-date results can be found in the attached tables.
Second-Quarter Sales Performance
The following table reflects sales of the Company’s top products and significant performance drivers.
Second Quarter
$ in millions
2026
2025
Change
Change Ex-Exchange
Commentary
Total Sales
$16,607
$15,806
5%
4%
Pharmaceutical
14,760
14,050
5%
4%
Increase primarily driven by growth in oncology as well as cardiometabolic and respiratory, partially offset by a decline in diabetes.
KEYTRUDA/
KEYTRUDA QLEX
8,366
7,956
5%
4%
Growth primarily driven by strong global uptake in earlier-stage indications, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), cervical cancer, head and neck cancer and bladder cancer, as well as higher global demand in metastatic indications, including urothelial cancer. Sales of KEYTRUDA QLEX were $463 million.
GARDASIL/
GARDASIL 9
1,169
1,126
4%
3%
Increase primarily due to higher demand in Asia Pacific and Europe, as well as favorable timing of tenders in Europe, partially offset by lower demand in certain other international markets.
PROQUAD, M-M-R II and VARIVAX
592
609
-3%
-3%
Decrease primarily reflects lower demand in the U.S., partially offset by higher net pricing in the U.S., higher demand in Europe and favorable private-sector purchasing patterns for M-M-R II in the U.S.
WINREVAIR
588
336
75%
75%
Growth primarily reflects continued uptake in the U.S. and early launch uptake in certain international markets, particularly in Japan and Europe.
BRIDION
497
461
8%
8%
Growth primarily due to higher demand and net pricing in the U.S.
JANUVIA/JANUMET
429
623
-31%
-31%
Decline primarily due to lower demand and net pricing in the U.S. due to competition, as well as lower demand in China and most other international markets due to ongoing generic competition.
Lynparza*
365
370
-1%
-2%
Relatively flat compared with prior year.
PREVYMIS
295
228
29%
28%
Increase primarily due to higher demand in the U.S. and certain European markets, reflecting in part the launch of new indications.
Lenvima*
283
265
7%
6%
Growth primarily due to higher demand in the U.S., partially offset by lower net pricing.
WELIREG
271
162
67%
67%
Growth primarily driven by higher demand in the U.S. and continued launch uptake in several international markets, particularly in Japan, as well as favorable wholesaler purchasing patterns in the U.S.
OHTUVAYRE
204
–
–
–
Product obtained as part of the Company’s October 2025 acquisition of Verona Pharma plc. Includes a benefit from the timing of specialty pharmacy purchases in the U.S.
CAPVAXIVE
184
129
42%
40%
Increase primarily driven by launch uptake in several international markets, particularly in Asia Pacific and Europe, as well as in the U.S.
VAXNEUVANCE
148
229
-35%
-36%
Decline primarily due to favorable prior period public-sector activity in the U.S., which increased sales in that period, as well as lower demand in the U.S. and in most international markets in the current period due to competitive pressure.
LAGEVRIO
5
83
-95%
-95%
Decline largely due to lower demand in Japan and the U.S.
Animal Health
1,775
1,646
8%
5%
Growth attributable to both Livestock and Companion Animal product portfolios.
Livestock
1,041
961
8%
6%
Growth primarily driven by higher demand for ruminant and poultry products.
Companion Animal
734
685
7%
5%
Growth primarily due to new product launches. Sales of BRAVECTO line of products were $359 million and $335 million in the current and prior-year quarters, respectively, which represents an increase of 7%, or 4% excluding impact of foreign exchange.
Other Revenues**
72
110
-35%
-34%
Decline primarily due to lower revenue from third-party manufacturing arrangements.
*Alliance revenue for this product represents the Company’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs.
**Other revenues are comprised primarily of revenues from third-party manufacturing arrangements and miscellaneous corporate revenues, including revenue-hedging activities.
Second-Quarter Expense and Related Information
The table below presents selected expense information.
$ in millions
GAAP
Acquisition-
and
Divestiture-
Related Costs4
Restructuring
Costs
(Income)
Loss From
Investments
in Equity
Securities
Non-
GAAP3
Second Quarter 2026
Cost of sales
$4,395
$1,067
$184
$-
$3,144
Selling, general and administrative
2,904
17
–
–
2,887
Research and development
9,741
6
(1)
–
9,736
Restructuring costs
151
–
151
–
–
Other (income) expense, net
99
–
–
(191)
290
Second Quarter 2025
Cost of sales
$3,557
$576
$165
$-
$2,816
Selling, general and administrative
2,649
15
1
–
2,633
Research and development
4,048
3
53
–
3,992
Restructuring costs
560
–
560
–
–
Other (income) expense, net
(7)
–
–
(61)
54
GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information
Gross margin was 73.5% for the second quarter of 2026 compared with 77.5% for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease was primarily due to higher amortization of intangible assets and inventory write-downs.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 10% compared with the second quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher administrative costs (including investments in IT), as well as higher promotional costs in support of product launches.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $9.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $4.0 billion in the second quarter of 2025. The increase was largely due to a $5.7 billion charge for the acquisition of Terns and higher clinical development spending, partially offset by a $200 million reduction in R&D expenses as part of a funding agreement with Blackstone Life Sciences (Blackstone). R&D expenses in the second quarter of 2025 include a $200 million charge for an upfront payment related to a license agreement with Hengrui Pharma.
Other (income) expense, net, was $99 million of expense in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $7 million of income in the second quarter of 2025. The unfavorability was primarily due to higher net interest expense, partially offset by higher net income from investments in equity securities.
The income tax provision for the second quarter of 2026 was $654 million on a pretax loss of $683 million, resulting in an effective income tax rate of (95.9)%. This effective income tax rate includes a 108.9 percentage point unfavorable impact of the charge for the acquisition of Terns, for which no tax benefit was recorded.
GAAP loss per share was $0.54 for the second quarter of 2026 compared with earnings per share of $1.76 for the second quarter of 2025, largely due to higher charges for business development transactions, reflecting a $2.31 per share charge in the second quarter of 2026 for the acquisition of Terns compared with a $0.07 per share charge in the second quarter of 2025 related to a license agreement with Hengrui Pharma.
Non-GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information
Non-GAAP gross margin was 81.1% for the second quarter of 2026 compared with 82.2% for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease was primarily due to higher inventory write-downs.
Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 10% compared with the second quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher administrative costs (including investments in IT), as well as higher promotional costs in support of product launches.
Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $9.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $4.0 billion in the second quarter of 2025. The increase was largely due to a $5.7 billion charge for the acquisition of Terns and higher clinical development spending, partially offset by a $200 million reduction in R&D expenses as part of a funding agreement with Blackstone. R&D expenses in the second quarter of 2025 include a $200 million charge for an upfront payment related to a license agreement with Hengrui Pharma.
Non-GAAP other (income) expense, net, was $290 million of expense in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $54 million of expense in the second quarter of 2025. The unfavorability was primarily due to higher net interest expense.
The non-GAAP income tax provision for the second quarter of 2026 was $882 million on pretax income of $550 million, resulting in a non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 160.3%. This effective income tax rate includes a 146.2 percentage point unfavorable impact of the charge for the acquisition of Terns, for which no tax benefit was recorded.
Non-GAAP loss per share was $0.13 for the second quarter of 2026 compared with earnings per share of $2.13 for the second quarter of 2025, largely due to higher charges for business development transactions, reflecting a $2.31 per share charge in the second quarter of 2026 for the acquisition of Terns compared with a $0.07 per share charge in the second quarter of 2025 related to a license agreement with Hengrui Pharma.
A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net (loss) income and EPS is provided in the table that follows.
Second Quarter
$ in millions, except EPS amounts
2026
2025
EPS
GAAP EPS
$(0.54)
$1.76
Difference
0.41
0.37
Non-GAAP EPS that excludes items listed below3
$(0.13)
$2.13
Net (Loss) Income
GAAP net (loss) income2
$(1,335)
$4,427
Difference
1,005
939
Non-GAAP net (loss) income that excludes items listed below2,3
$(330)
$5,366
Excluded Items:
Acquisition- and divestiture-related costs4
$1,090
$594
Restructuring costs
334
779
Income from investments in equity securities
(191)
(61)
Increase to net loss / decrease to net income before taxes
1,233
1,312
Estimated income tax benefit5
(228)
(373)
Increase to net loss / decrease to net income
$1,005
$939
Pipeline and Portfolio Highlights
In the second quarter, the Company achieved key regulatory milestones across the portfolio while continuing to advance its broad and diverse pipeline.
- Oncology:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each with WELIREG, for the adjuvant treatment of certain patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), based on Phase 3 LITESPARK-022 trial.
- Approvals represent first approved combination of a PD-1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha inhibitor for these patients.
- In July, FDA approved expanded use of KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each with Padcev, as treatment before and after surgery for adult patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), including cisplatin eligible patients based on Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 trial; the expansion builds upon prior approval of this regimen for cisplatin ineligible patients based on Phase 3 KEYNOTE-905 trial.
- FDA approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each with Trodelvy, for the first-line treatment of PD-L1 positive (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥10) advanced TNBC, based on Phase 3 KEYNOTE-D19/ASCENT-04 trial.
- FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation (BTD) for calderasib (MK-1084), an investigational oral specific KRAS G12C inhibitor, in combination with KEYTRUDA, for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with KRAS G12C-mutation and expressing PD-L1 (tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥1%).
- Announced that Phase 3 TroFuse-005 trial evaluating sac-TMT, an investigational anti-TROP2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being developed in collaboration with Kelun-Biotech, met its primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy.
- First Phase 3 results from the Company’s broad sac-TMT clinical development program, which includes 17 ongoing global Phase 3 trials across multiple tumor types.
- At the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, new research was presented across over 25 types of cancer, reinforcing long-term impact of KEYTRUDA and momentum in the Company’s rapidly advancing oncology pipeline, including:
- Five-year follow-up data from Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 trial, in collaboration with Moderna, underscoring continued potential of intismeran autogene (mRNA-4157/V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA for patients with stage III/IV melanoma following complete resection.
- Data from Phase 3 OptiTROP-Lung05 trial, led by Kelun-Biotech, evaluating sac-TMT plus KEYTRUDA in China, adding to ongoing research of novel treatment approaches for patients with NSCLC.
- Results from final analysis of KEYNOTE-522 evaluating KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, reporting a continued survival benefit for patients with high-risk early-stage TNBC.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each with WELIREG, for the adjuvant treatment of certain patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), based on Phase 3 LITESPARK-022 trial.
- Vaccines and Infectious Diseases:
- In July, presented new data for daily and weekly options across HIV treatment and prevention pipeline at 26 th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026). Hosted HIV investor event to highlight these data.
- In collaboration with Gilead, presented first Phase 3 results for islatravir/lenacapavir (ISL/LEN), an investigational oral once-weekly single-tablet HIV treatment regimen, which maintained virological suppression in adults with HIV who switched antiretroviral therapy. ISL/LEN has the potential to be the first approved oral, once-weekly HIV treatment.
- Presented first results from a Phase 2b study evaluating switch to investigational once-weekly oral islatravir and ulonivirine (ISL/ULO) in adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1.
- Received regulatory approvals in Japan and China for ENFLONSIA for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season.
- In July, presented new data for daily and weekly options across HIV treatment and prevention pipeline at 26 th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026). Hosted HIV investor event to highlight these data.
- Cardiometabolic and Respiratory:
- In July, FDA approved LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), the first and only once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, to reduce LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, based on two Phase 3 trials from the CORALreef clinical program: CORALreef Lipids and CORALreef HeFH.
- At week 24, LIPFENDRA significantly reduced LDL-C by a placebo-adjusted 56% and 59%, respectively.
- In July, FDA approved LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), the first and only once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, to reduce LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, based on two Phase 3 trials from the CORALreef clinical program: CORALreef Lipids and CORALreef HeFH.
- Immunology:
- Announced positive topline results from Phase 3 ATLAS-UC induction-only study (Study 2) evaluating tulisokibart (MK-7240), an investigational humanized monoclonal antibody targeting tumor necrosis factor-like cytokine 1A (TL1A), in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC).
- Initial topline results from primary analyses of two Phase 2 studies evaluating tulisokibart:
- In hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), the study met its primary and key secondary endpoints. Full results will be shared at an upcoming medical meeting.
- In systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), the study did not meet its primary endpoint and will be discontinued. No new safety concerns were identified.
- Business Development:
- Completed acquisition of Terns for $6.8 billion.
- Added MK-4208, a novel investigational oral allosteric BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently granted BTD by the FDA for the treatment of certain adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
- Completed acquisition of Terns for $6.8 billion.
Notable recent news releases on the Company’s pipeline and portfolio are provided in the table that follows. Visit the News Releases section of the Company’s website to read the releases.*
Oncology
FDA Approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, Each With WELIREG, for Adjuvant Treatment of Certain Patients With ccRCC; Based on Results From Phase 3 LITESPARK-022 Trial
FDA Approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, Each With Padcev, as Treatment Before and After Surgery for Adults With MIBC; Based on Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 Trial, Combined With Previous Approvals Based on Phase 3 KEYNOTE-905 Trial
FDA Approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, Each With Trodelvy, as First-Line Treatment of PD-L1+ Advanced TNBC; Based on Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-D19/ASCENT-04 Trial
European Commission Approved KEYTRUDA Plus Padcev as First PD-1 Inhibitor Plus ADC Regimen for Adults With Cisplatin-Ineligible Resectable MIBC; Based on Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-905 Trial
FDA Granted BTD for Calderasib (MK-1084), an Investigational KRAS G12C Inhibitor, for Certain Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic KRAS G12C-Mutant NSCLC
The Company Announced TroFuse-005 Trial Evaluating Sac-TMT Met Primary Endpoints of OS and PFS in Certain Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
The Company and Moderna Presented 5-Year Data for Intismeran Autogene in Combination With KEYTRUDA in Patients With High-Risk Stage III/IV Melanoma Following Complete Resection at ASCO 2026
KEYTRUDA as Monotherapy Significantly Improved PFS in Certain Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer With Mismatch Repair Deficient Tumors Compared to Chemotherapy; Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-C93 Trial
The Company Highlighted New Long-Term Data and Advancements Across Broad Oncology Portfolio and Pipeline Research at ASCO 2026
The Company Completed Acquisition of Terns
Vaccines and
Infectious Diseases
The Company, in Collaboration With Gilead, Announced That the Once-Weekly Investigational Oral HIV Treatment Regimen of Islatravir and Lenacapavir (ISL/LEN) Maintained Virological Suppression in People With HIV Who Switched Antiretroviral Therapy
The Company Presented New Data on Daily, Weekly and Monthly Options Across its HIV Treatment and Prevention Pipeline at AIDS 2026
The Company Announced Initial Access Plans for Alimatravir (MK-8527), Its Investigational Once-Monthly Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Phase 3 Development; Multi-Faceted Strategy Aims To Enable Rapid, Broad and Sustainable Access to Alimatravir, if Approved, in Low- And Middle-Income Countries
The Company Announced New Agreement With AIDS Drug Assistance Program Crisis Task Force To Improve Access and Care for People Living With HIV
FDA Approved an Additional Indication for CAPVAXIVE in Children and Adolescents Aged 2 Through 17 at Increased Risk for Pneumococcal Disease; Based on Results From Phase 3 STRIDE-13 Trial
Cardiometabolic and Respiratory
FDA Approved LIPFENDRA, the First and Only Once-Daily Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor To Reduce LDL-C in Adults With Hypercholesterolemia; Based on Results From CORALreef Lipids and CORALreef HeFH Trials
Immunology
Tulisokibart Met Primary and Key Secondary Endpoints in the Phase 3 ATLAS-UC Induction-only Study in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active UC
Animal Health
The Company’s Animal Health Business Completed Acquisition of TARGAN, Broadening Its Commercial Poultry Portfolio Through TARGAN’s Innovative High-Speed Biodevice Technology
*References in the above news release titles have been modified for the purpose of this announcement.
Upcoming Investor Event
The Company will hold an Oncology Investor Event to coincide with the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2026 on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at 6 p.m. CET / 1 p.m. EDT, during which senior management will provide an update on the Company’s oncology strategy and program. The event will take place in Madrid, Spain, and will be accessible via live audio webcast at this weblink.
Full-Year 2026 Financial Outlook
The following table summarizes the Company’s full-year financial outlook.
Full Year 2026
Updated
Prior
Sales*
$66.3 billion to $67.3 billion
$65.8 billion to $67.0 billion
Non-GAAP Gross margin3
Approximately 81%
Approximately 82%
Non-GAAP Operating expenses3**
$42.0 billion to $42.7 billion
$36.0 billion to $36.8 billion
Non-GAAP Other (income) expense, net3
Approximately $1.4 billion expense
Approximately $1.3 billion expense
Non-GAAP Effective income tax rate3
35.0% to 36.0%
23.5% to 24.5%
Non-GAAP EPS3***
$2.66 to $2.76
$5.04 to $5.16
Share count (assuming dilution)
Approximately 2.48 billion
Approximately 2.48 billion
*The Company does not have any non-GAAP adjustments to sales.
**Includes one-time R&D charges of $9.0 billion for the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (Cidara) and $5.7 billion for the acquisition of Terns. Outlook does not assume any additional significant potential business development transactions.
***Includes one-time charges of $3.62 per share for the acquisition of Cidara and $2.31 per share for the acquisition of Terns.
The Company has not provided a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP effective income tax rate and non-GAAP EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, given it cannot predict with reasonable certainty the amounts necessary for such a reconciliation, including intangible asset impairment charges, legal settlements, and income and losses from investments in equity securities either owned directly or through ownership interests in investment funds, without unreasonable effort. These items are inherently difficult to forecast and could have a significant impact on the Company’s future GAAP results.
The Company is raising and narrowing the range for its full-year sales outlook and now anticipates full-year 2026 sales to be between $66.3 billion and $67.3 billion, including a positive impact from foreign exchange of approximately 1% at mid-July 2026 exchange rates.
The Company now expects the full-year non-GAAP effective income tax rate to be between 35.0% and 36.0%, including the impact of the non-tax deductible one-time charges for the acquisitions of Cidara and Terns.
The Company now expects full-year 2026 non-GAAP EPS to be between $2.66 and $2.76, including a positive impact from foreign exchange of approximately $0.15 per share at mid-July 2026 exchange rates. This range includes one-time charges of $9.0 billion, or $3.62 per share, related to the acquisition of Cidara and $5.7 billion, or $2.31 per share, related to the acquisition of Terns. This range also includes costs of approximately $0.12 per share to finance the Terns acquisition and advance MK-4208. The charges related to Terns were not previously included in the outlook. In 2025, non-GAAP EPS of $8.98 was negatively impacted by one-time charges of $0.20 per share in the aggregate related to certain business development transactions.
Consistent with past practice, the financial outlook does not assume additional significant potential business development transactions.
Earnings Conference Call
Investors, journalists and the general public may access a live audio webcast of the call on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 9 a.m. EDT via this weblink. A replay of the webcast, along with the sales and earnings news release, supplemental financial disclosures and slides highlighting the results, will be available on the Company’s website.
All participants may join the call by dialing (800) 369-3351 (U.S. and Canada Toll-Free) or (517) 308-9448 and using the access code 9818590.
About Our Company
At Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “Company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the Company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Appendix
Generic product names are provided below.
Pharmaceutical
BRIDION (sugammadex)
CAPVAXIVE (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine)
ENFLONSIA (clesrovimab-cfor)
GARDASIL (Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent [Types 6, 11, 16 and 18] Vaccine, Recombinant)
GARDASIL 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant)
JANUMET (sitagliptin and metformin HCl)
JANUVIA (sitagliptin)
KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)
KEYTRUDA QLEX (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph)
LAGEVRIO (molnupiravir)
Lenvima (lenvatinib)
LIPFENDRA (enlicitide)
Lynparza (olaparib)
M-M-R II (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)
OHTUVAYRE (ensifentrine)
PREVYMIS (letermovir)
PROQUAD (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Virus Vaccine Live)
VARIVAX (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live)
VAXNEUVANCE (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)
WELIREG (belzutifan)
WINREVAIR (sotatercept-csrk)
Animal Health
BRAVECTO (fluralaner)
_______________________________
1 Available in some markets as KEYTRUDA SC.
2 Net (loss) income attributable to the Company.
3 The Company is providing certain 2026 and 2025 non-GAAP information that excludes certain items because of the nature of these items and the impact they have on the analysis of underlying business performance and trends. Management believes that providing this information enhances investors’ understanding of the Company’s results because management uses non-GAAP results to assess performance. Management uses non-GAAP measures internally for planning and forecasting purposes and to measure the performance of the Company along with other metrics. In addition, annual employee compensation, including senior management’s compensation, is derived in part using a non-GAAP pretax income metric. This information should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a description of the non-GAAP adjustments, see Table 2a attached to this release.
4 Reflects expenses related to business combinations, including the amortization of intangible assets, intangible asset impairment charges, and expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration. Also includes integration, transaction and certain other costs associated with acquisitions and divestitures, as well as amortization of intangible assets related to collaborations, licensing arrangements and asset acquisitions, and recognition of fair value step-up to inventories for asset acquisitions.
5 Includes the estimated income tax impacts on the reconciling items based on applying the statutory rate of the originating territory of the non-GAAP adjustments for all periods presented. Amount in the second quarter of 2025 also includes a $146 million benefit primarily resulting from favorable audit reserve adjustments.
MERCK & CO., INC., RAHWAY, N.J., USACONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS – GAAP(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES)(UNAUDITED)Table 1
GAAP
% ChangeGAAP% Change
2Q26
2Q25
June YTD 2026June YTD 2025Sales
$
16,607
$
15,806
5%
$
32,893
$
31,335
5%
Costs, Expenses and OtherCost of sales
4,395
3,557
24%
8,590
6,976
23%
Selling, general and administrative
2,904
2,649
10%
5,604
5,202
8%
Research and development
9,741
4,048
*
22,333
7,669
*
Restructuring costs
151
560
-73%
346
629
-45%
Other (income) expense, net
99
(7
)
*
237
(43
)
*
(Loss) Income Before Taxes
(683
)
4,999
*
(4,217
)
10,902
*
Income Tax Provision
654
571
1,363
1,388
Net (Loss) Income
(1,337
)
4,428
*
(5,580
)
9,514
*
Less: Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
(2
)
1
(5
)
8
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
$
(1,335
)
$
4,427
*
$
(5,575
)
$
9,506
*
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution(1)
$
(0.54
)
$
1.76
*
$
(2.26
)
$
3.77
*
Average Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution(1)
2,470
2,513
2,471
2,522
Tax Rate
-95.9
%
11.4
%
-32.3
%
12.7
%
* 100% or greater(1)Because the Company recorded a net loss in both the second quarter and first six months of 2026, no potential dilutive common shares were used in the computations of loss per common share assuming dilution as the effects would have been anti-dilutive.MERCK & CO., INC., RAHWAY, N.J., USATHREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2026 GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES)(UNAUDITED)Table 2aGAAPAcquisition- and
Divestiture-Related
Costs(1)Restructuring Costs(2)(Income) Loss from
Investments in
Equity SecuritiesAdjustment
SubtotalNon-GAAPSecond QuarterCost of sales
$
4,395
1,067
184
1,251
$
3,144
Selling, general and administrative
2,904
17
17
2,887
Research and development
9,741
6
(1
)
5
9,736
Restructuring costs
151
151
151
–
Other (income) expense, net
99
(191
)
(191
)
290
Loss Before Taxes
(683
)
(1,090
)
(334
)
191
(1,233
)
550
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
654
(219
)
(3)
(50
)
(3)
41
(3)
(228
)
882
Net Loss
(1,337
)
(871
)
(284
)
150
(1,005
)
(332
)
Net Loss Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
(1,335
)
(871
)
(284
)
150
(1,005
)
(330
)
Loss per Common Share Assuming Dilution(4)
$
(0.54
)
(0.35
)
(0.12
)
0.06
(0.41
)
$
(0.13
)
Tax Rate
-95.9
%
160.3
%
June YTDCost of sales
$
8,590
2,081
421
2,502
$
6,088
Selling, general and administrative
5,604
49
49
5,555
Research and development
22,333
6
33
39
22,294
Restructuring costs
346
346
346
–
Other (income) expense, net
237
(371
)
(371
)
608
Loss Before Taxes
(4,217
)
(2,136
)
(800
)
371
(2,565
)
(1,652
)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
1,363
(421
)
(3)
(135
)
(3)
80
(3)
(476
)
1,839
Net Loss
(5,580
)
(1,715
)
(665
)
291
(2,089
)
(3,491
)
Net Loss Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
(5,575
)
(1,715
)
(665
)
291
(2,089
)
(3,486
)
Loss per Common Share Assuming Dilution(4)
$
(2.26
)
(0.70
)
(0.27
)
0.12
(0.85
)
$
(1.41
)
Tax Rate
-32.3
%
-111.3
%
Only the line items that are affected by non-GAAP adjustments are shown.The Company is providing certain non-GAAP information that excludes certain items because of the nature of these items and the impact they have on the analysis of underlying business performance and trends. Management believes that providing non-GAAP information enhances investors’ understanding of the Company’s results because management uses non-GAAP measures to assess performance. Management uses non-GAAP measures internally for planning and forecasting purposes and to measure the performance of the Company along with other metrics. In addition, annual employee compensation, including senior management’s compensation, is derived in part using a non-GAAP pretax income metric. The non-GAAP information presented should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, information prepared in accordance with GAAP.(1) Amounts included in cost of sales reflect expenses for the amortization of intangible assets, as well as the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories related to the 2025 Verona Pharma plc acquisition. Amounts included in selling, general and administrative expenses reflect integration, transaction and certain other costs related to acquisitions and divestitures.(2) Amounts primarily include employee separation costs, accelerated depreciation and asset impairment charges associated with facilities to be closed or divested, as well as contractual termination costs, associated with activities under the Company’s formal restructuring programs.(3)Represents the estimated tax impacts on the reconciling items based on applying the statutory rate of the originating territory of the non-GAAP adjustments.(4)Because the Company recorded a net loss in both the second quarter and first six months of 2026, no potential dilutive common shares were used in the computations of loss per common share assuming dilution as the effects would have been anti-dilutive.MERCK & CO., INC., RAHWAY, N.J., USAFRANCHISE / KEY PRODUCT SALES(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS)(UNAUDITED)Table 3
2026
2025
2Q
June YTD
1Q
2Q
June YTD
1Q
2Q
June YTD
3Q
4Q
Full Year
Nom %
Ex-Exch %
Nom %
Ex-Exch %
TOTAL SALES(1)
$16,286
$16,607
$32,893
$15,529
$15,806
$31,335
$17,276
$16,400
$65,011
5
4
5
3
PHARMACEUTICAL
14,349
14,760
29,109
13,638
14,050
27,688
15,611
14,843
58,142
5
4
5
3
OncologyKeytruda
7,906
7,904
15,810
7,205
7,956
15,161
8,142
8,337
31,641
-1
-2
4
2
Keytruda Qlex
128
463
590
5
35
40
–
–
–
–
Alliance Revenue – Lynparza (2)
341
365
706
312
370
682
379
389
1,450
-1
-2
4
2
Alliance Revenue – Lenvima(2)
256
283
539
258
265
523
258
272
1,053
7
6
3
2
Welireg
199
271
470
137
162
300
196
220
716
67
67
57
56
Alliance Revenue – Reblozyl(3)
148
122
270
119
107
226
136
164
525
15
15
20
20
Vaccines(4)Gardasil/Gardasil 9
1,069
1,169
2,238
1,327
1,126
2,453
1,749
1,031
5,233
4
3
-9
-10
ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax
538
592
1,130
539
609
1,148
684
619
2,451
-3
-3
-2
-3
Vaxneuvance
202
148
350
230
229
459
226
140
825
-35
-36
-24
-26
RotaTeq
206
134
340
228
121
349
204
119
673
10
9
-3
-4
Capvaxive
142
184
325
107
129
236
244
279
759
42
40
38
36
Enflonsia
1
2
3
79
21
100
–
–
–
–
Cardiometabolic & RespiratoryWinrevair
525
588
1,114
280
336
615
360
467
1,443
75
75
81
81
Ohtuvayre
131
204
335
178
178
–
–
–
–
Alliance Revenue – Adempas/Verquvo(5)
109
126
235
106
123
229
112
129
470
3
3
3
3
Adempas(6)
78
78
156
68
80
147
82
83
312
-2
-4
6
1
Infectious DiseasesBridion
472
497
969
441
461
902
439
499
1,841
8
8
7
7
Prevymis
272
295
568
208
228
436
266
275
978
29
28
30
27
Delstrigo
75
101
176
67
83
150
77
79
306
21
17
17
10
Zerbaxa
82
77
159
70
74
145
81
87
312
4
2
10
8
Isentress/Isentress HD
59
60
119
90
86
176
82
67
325
-30
-31
-32
-33
Dificid
34
22
56
83
96
179
43
25
247
-77
-77
-69
-69
Lagevrio
28
5
32
102
83
185
138
57
380
-95
-95
-82
-83
DiabetesJanuvia
367
258
625
549
372
921
382
302
1,604
-31
-30
-32
-32
Janumet
207
171
378
247
251
498
243
199
940
-32
-33
-24
-25
Other Pharmaceutical(7)
774
641
1,416
865
703
1,568
1,004
770
3,340
-9
-9
-10
-11
ANIMAL HEALTH
1,791
1,775
3,566
1,588
1,646
3,234
1,615
1,505
6,354
8
5
10
6
Livestock
1,064
1,041
2,105
924
961
1,885
1,023
987
3,896
8
6
12
7
Companion Animal
727
734
1,461
664
685
1,349
592
518
2,458
7
5
8
4
Other Revenues(8)
146
72
218
303
110
413
50
52
515
-35
-34
-47
-6
Sum of quarterly amounts may not equal year-to-date amounts due to rounding.(1)Only select products are shown.(2)Alliance Revenue represents the Company’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs.(3)Alliance Revenue represents royalties.(4)Total Vaccines sales were $2,314 million and $2,361 million in the first and second quarter of 2026, respectively, and $2,607 million and $2,370 million in the first and second quarter of 2025, respectively.(5)Alliance Revenue represents the Company’s share of profits from sales in Bayer’s marketing territories, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs.(6)Net product sales in the Company’s marketing territories.(7)Includes Pharmaceutical products not individually shown above. Also reflects total alliance revenue for Koselugo of $161 million and $10 million in the first and second quarter of 2026, respectively, and $44 million and $43 million in the first and second quarter of 2025, respectively.(8)Other Revenues are comprised primarily of revenues from third-party manufacturing arrangements and miscellaneous corporate revenues, including revenue-hedging activities. Other Revenues related to the receipt of milestone payments for out-licensed products were $132 million and $0 million in the first and second quarter of 2026, respectively, and $95 million and $5 million in the first and second quarter of 2025, respectively.
Source: Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA




