We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
What's in the Cards for Merck KGaA (MKGAF) in Q1 Earnings?
Read MoreHide Full Article
Merck KGaA (MKGAF - Free Report) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2018 results on May 15.
Merck’s shares have declined 11.1% so far this year against the industry’s rally of 0.8%.
The company reports results under three business sectors — Healthcare, Life Science and Performance Materials.
Merck’s revenues were driven by organic sales growth in its Healthcare and Life Science segments in the fourth quarter. We expect to see the same trend in the upcoming quarterly results.
In December 2017, Merck’s multiple sclerosis drug, Mavenclad was approved in Australia and Canada, following its approval in Europe in the third quarter of 2017. The expansion in new geographies is likely to boost sales of the drug in the to-be-reported quarter.
Moreover, in 2017, Bavencio was approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for Merkel cell carcinoma. The drug was also approved for advanced bladder cancer in the United States in 2017. Healthcare sales are likely to get a boost. The company develop Bavencio in partnership with Pfizer Inc. (PFE - Free Report) for several cancer indications.
Sales of three key drugs — Rebif, Erbitux and Gonal-f — are expected to be lower in first-quarter 2018. The downside is likely to be caused by persistent competitive pressure and price reduction. Moreover, unfavorable currency movement is anticipated to dent the top line.
Moreover, operating expenses increased in 2017 due to new launches and higher pipeline development cost. Expenses are estimated to increase in the first quarter as the company focuses on the development of an innovative pipeline, launch of Bavencio in new geographies as well as Mavenclad.
In 2017, the company divested its biosimilar business and is currently considering strategic options for its Consumer Health segment.
Merck is also focused on the development and protection of its novel DNA-sequencing technology – CRISPR. In February, the technology was issued patents in Korea and Israel. This can also increase the expense for the company.
We expect management to shed light on the progress and commercialization plans for Bavencio on the earnings call. The company is likely to provide updates on its strategic plans.
Here are a couple of healthcare stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements — a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) — to post an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
ArQule, Inc. is expected to release second-quarter results on Aug 3. The Zacks #2 Ranked company has an Earnings ESP of +140%.
5 Medical Stocks to Buy Now
Zacks names 5 companies poised to ride a medical breakthrough that is targeting cures for leukemia, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and other conditions.
New products in this field are already generating substantial revenue and even more wondrous treatments are in the pipeline. Early investors could realize exceptional profits.
Image: Bigstock
What's in the Cards for Merck KGaA (MKGAF) in Q1 Earnings?
Merck KGaA (MKGAF - Free Report) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2018 results on May 15.
Merck’s shares have declined 11.1% so far this year against the industry’s rally of 0.8%.
The company reports results under three business sectors — Healthcare, Life Science and Performance Materials.
Merck’s revenues were driven by organic sales growth in its Healthcare and Life Science segments in the fourth quarter. We expect to see the same trend in the upcoming quarterly results.
In December 2017, Merck’s multiple sclerosis drug, Mavenclad was approved in Australia and Canada, following its approval in Europe in the third quarter of 2017. The expansion in new geographies is likely to boost sales of the drug in the to-be-reported quarter.
Moreover, in 2017, Bavencio was approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for Merkel cell carcinoma. The drug was also approved for advanced bladder cancer in the United States in 2017. Healthcare sales are likely to get a boost. The company develop Bavencio in partnership with Pfizer Inc. (PFE - Free Report) for several cancer indications.
Sales of three key drugs — Rebif, Erbitux and Gonal-f — are expected to be lower in first-quarter 2018. The downside is likely to be caused by persistent competitive pressure and price reduction. Moreover, unfavorable currency movement is anticipated to dent the top line.
Moreover, operating expenses increased in 2017 due to new launches and higher pipeline development cost. Expenses are estimated to increase in the first quarter as the company focuses on the development of an innovative pipeline, launch of Bavencio in new geographies as well as Mavenclad.
In 2017, the company divested its biosimilar business and is currently considering strategic options for its Consumer Health segment.
Merck is also focused on the development and protection of its novel DNA-sequencing technology – CRISPR. In February, the technology was issued patents in Korea and Israel. This can also increase the expense for the company.
We expect management to shed light on the progress and commercialization plans for Bavencio on the earnings call. The company is likely to provide updates on its strategic plans.
Merck KGaA Price and EPS Surprise
Merck KGaA Price and EPS Surprise | Merck KGaA Quote
Stocks that Warrant a Look
Here are a couple of healthcare stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements — a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) — to post an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Summit Therapeutics PLC (SMMT - Free Report) is expected to release results on Jun 13. The company has an Earnings ESP of +9.51% and carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
ArQule, Inc. is expected to release second-quarter results on Aug 3. The Zacks #2 Ranked company has an Earnings ESP of +140%.
5 Medical Stocks to Buy Now
Zacks names 5 companies poised to ride a medical breakthrough that is targeting cures for leukemia, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and other conditions.
New products in this field are already generating substantial revenue and even more wondrous treatments are in the pipeline. Early investors could realize exceptional profits.
Click here to see the 5 stocks >>