Merck KGaA (MKGAF) Q1 Earnings Down Y/Y, 2017 View Updated

MKGAF

Merck KGaA (MKGAF - Free Report) is a science and technology company specializing in the fields of healthcare, life science and performance materials. The company's portfolio comprises a wide array of products ranging from innovative pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to life science tools, specialty chemicals and high-tech materials.

The company is focused on oncology, multiple sclerosis, infertility, growth disorders, selected cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, women’s and children’s health, cough and cold as well as everyday health protection.

The company reports its results in three business sectors – Healthcare, Life Science and Performance Materials.

At its 2016 Capital Market Day, the company provided an update on its objectives up to 2018.  Beginning 2017, the company aims to gain approval of one medicine or new indication every year.

We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

Earnings: The company’s first-quarter 2017 earnings per American Depositary Receipt (ADR) came in at $1.28, compared to the year-ago figure of $1.50.

Revenue: The company posted revenues of $4.1 billion in the reported quarter.

Key Stats: The company’s lead candidate, Bavencio (avelumab), received approval for treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and advanced bladder cancer in the U.S.

Guidance: For 2017, the company updated net sales forecast in the range of €15.5 billion – €16 billion. The company continues to expect a slight to moderate organic increase in sales. Favorable foreign exchange is projected to impact sales by 1%–2%. The company provided earnings per share forecast in the range of €6.15 - €6.50.

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