Merck share: Consistent

Positive business development

Merck posted positive business figures for the first half of 2023 on Wednesday. Accordingly, sales increased by 17.1 percent to 12.6 billion euros. Adjusted operating profit rose by 17.7 percent to 3.14 billion euros and net income by 29.2 percent to 2.06 billion euros. Due to the positive development, the management confirmed the full-year forecast. The Merck share rose in early trading on Wednesday.

High demand for pharmaceuticals and life science products

The high demand for pharmaceuticals and life science products was one of the main reasons for the good business development. For example, sales in the pharmaceutical division increased by 19.3 percent to 7.8 billion euros. Here, among other things, the cancer drug Keytruda and the multiple sclerosis drug Mavenclad contributed to growth. The life science division also performed well, with sales rising 14.9 percent to 4.8 billion euros. In addition, the laboratory business recorded a 13.5 percent increase in sales to 1.7 billion euros.

Management confirms full-year forecast

Due to the good half-year figures, the Merck management confirmed the forecast for the full year. Accordingly, sales are expected to increase by 10 to 12 percent in 2023. Adjusted operating profit is expected to grow by 9 to 11 percent. Net income is expected to increase by 14 to 16 percent.

Merck share rose after quarterly figures

After the publication of the quarterly figures, the Merck share rose in early trading on Wednesday. At times, the gains were more than two percent. In the further course of trading, however, some of the initial profits were given up again. Nevertheless, the share is still well on the way to its record high of 205.05 euros, which was set in January 2023.