The pharmaceutical and technology company Merck has revised its annual targets downward after reporting earnings growth in the first quarter, citing uncertainty surrounding global tariff policies.
The Darmstadt-based company announced on Thursday that its adjusted operating profit (Ebitda) rose by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching €1.54 billion. Analysts had, on average, expected €1.51 billion. "We continue to consistently implement our strategy, thus achieving efficient and profitable growth," stated CEO Belén Garijo. Revenue increased by 3.1 percent to €5.28 billion.
For the full year, the DAX-listed company adjusted its targets, pointing to the economic and geopolitical environment and, in particular, uncertainties in tariff policy. The group now expects annual revenue to be between €20.9 billion and €22.4 billion. Adjusted operating profit is projected to range from €5.8 billion to €6.4 billion. As recently as early March, Merck had forecast revenue of €21.5 billion to €22.9 billion and adjusted operating profit between €6.1 billion and €6.6 billion.
(Reporting by Frank Siebelt, edited by Myria Mildenberger. For inquiries, please contact our newsroom at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and economics) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for companies and markets).)
