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    Merck Announces First-Quarter 2024 Financial Results
    6:30a ET April 25 '24 BusinessWire

    Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2024.

    "Merck has begun 2024 with continuing momentum in our business. We are harnessing the power of innovation to advance our deep pipeline and are maximizing the impact of our broad commercial portfolio for the benefit of patients," said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. "We drove strong growth across key therapeutic areas, executed strategic business development, and in the U.S., we are now launching WINREVAIR, a significant new product in the cardiometabolic space for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a progressive and debilitating disease. We have important opportunities ahead of us across all areas of our business, and we are highly focused on realizing them."

    Financial Summary

                                                                    First Quarter
     $ in millions, except EPS amounts
                                                           ---------------------------
                                                              2023  Change Change Ex-
                                                                             Exchange
                                                           ------- ------- ----------
                                                           $15,775 $14,487         9% 12%
     Sales
    ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ---------- ---
                                                             4,762   2,821        69% 76%
     GAAP net income(1)
    ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ---------- ---
                                                             5,279   3,564        48% 54%
     Non-GAAP net income that excludes certain items(1,2*)
    ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ---------- ---
                                                              1.87    1.11        68% 76%
     GAAP EPS
    ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ---------- ---
                                                              2.07    1.40        48% 54%
     Non-GAAP EPS that excludes certain items(2*)
    ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ---------- ---
    

    Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) earnings per share (EPS) assuming dilution was $1.87 for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP EPS was $2.07 for the first quarter of 2024. GAAP and non-GAAP EPS in the first quarter of 2024 include a charge of $0.26 per share for the acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (Harpoon). GAAP and non-GAAP EPS in the first quarter of 2023 include charges of $0.52 per share related to the acquisition of Imago BioSciences, Inc. (Imago) and a collaboration and licensing agreement with Kelun-Biotech.

    Non-GAAP EPS excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, costs related to restructuring programs, as well as income and losses from investments in equity securities. Non-GAAP EPS for the first quarter of 2023 also excludes a charge related to settlements with certain plaintiffs in the Zetia antitrust litigation.

    First-Quarter Sales Performance

    The following table reflects sales of the company's top products and significant performance drivers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First Quarter
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              2024                         2023                       Change           Change Ex-Exchange
     $ in millions                                                                                                                                         Commentary
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           $15,775                      $14,487                           9%                          12%
     Total Sales                                                                                                                                           Approximately 2% of the negative impact of foreign exchange was due to devaluation of Argentine peso, which was largely offset by inflation-related price increases, consistent with practice in that market.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            14,006                       12,721                          10%                          13%
     Pharmaceutical                                                                                                                                        Increase driven by growth in oncology and vaccines, partially offset by a decline in diabetes.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             6,947                        5,795                          20%                          24%
        KEYTRUDA                                                                                                                                           Growth driven by increased global uptake in earlier-stage indications, including triple-negative breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma, as well as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the U.S., and continued strong global demand from metastatic indications. Substantially all of the 4% negative impact of foreign exchange was due to devaluation of Argentine peso, which was largely offset by inflation-related price increases.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             2,249                        1,972                          14%                          17%
        GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9                                                                                                                                Growth due to strong demand, particularly in China, which also benefited from timing of shipments, as well as public-sector buying patterns in the U.S., and higher pricing.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               670                          880                         -24%                         -21%
        JANUVIA/JANUMET                                                                                                                                    Decline primarily due to lower pricing and demand in the U.S., as well as ongoing generic competition in many international markets, particularly in Europe, Canada and the Asia Pacific region.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               570                          528                           8%                           8%
        PROQUAD, M-M-R II and VARIVAX                                                                                                                      Growth largely from higher pricing in the U.S., as well as higher sales in Latin America, due in part to timing of government tenders.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               440                          487                         -10%                          -8%
        BRIDION                                                                                                                                            Decline primarily due to generic competition in certain ex-U.S. markets, particularly in Europe, partially offset by higher demand in the U.S.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               350                          392                         -11%                          -5%
        LAGEVRIO                                                                                                                                           Decline due to lower demand in certain markets in the Asia Pacific region, partially offset by higher demand in Japan and the U.S.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               292                          275                           6%                           7%
        Lynparza*                                                                                                                                          Growth driven primarily by higher demand in certain international markets, particularly in Latin America.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               255                          232                          10%                          10%
        Lenvima*                                                                                                                                           Growth primarily from higher demand in the U.S.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               219                          106                         106%                         106%
        VAXNEUVANCE                                                                                                                                        Growth largely driven by continued uptake for pediatric indication in the U.S. and launches in Europe. Sales growth in the U.S. also benefited from public-sector buying patterns.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               216                          297                         -27%                         -27%
        ROTATEQ                                                                                                                                            Decline primarily due to timing of shipments in China and public-sector buying patterns in the U.S.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             1,511                        1,491                           1%                           4%
     Animal Health                                                                                                                                         Growth primarily driven by higher pricing in both Livestock and Companion Animal product portfolios, partially offset by lower volumes. Approximately 2% of the negative impact of foreign exchange was due to devaluation of Argentine peso, which was largely offset by inflation-related price increases.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               850                          849                           0%                           4%
        Livestock                                                                                                                                          Sales were flat reflecting higher pricing across product portfolio, as well as higher demand for swine and poultry products, partially offset by lower demand for ruminant products.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               661                          642                           3%                           4%
        Companion Animal                                                                                                                                   Growth due to higher pricing across product portfolio. Sales of BRAVECTO were $332 million and $314 million in current and prior-year quarters, respectively, which represented growth of 6%, or 7% excluding impact of foreign exchange.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               258                          275                          -6%                          11%
     Other Revenues**                                                                                                                                      Decline due to impact of revenue hedging activities.
    --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *Alliance revenue for this product represents Merck's share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs.
    

    First-Quarter Expense, EPS and Related Information

    The table below presents selected expense information.

                                                         GAAP         Acquisition-        Restructuring             (Income)                   Non-
     $ in millions                                                             and                Costs            Loss From                GAAP(2)
                                                                      Divestiture-                               Investments  Certain Other Items
                                                                  Related Costs(3)                                 in Equity
                                                                                                                  Securities
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                  
     First Quarter 2024
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                       $3,540                 $463                 $116                   $-                   $-               $2,961
     Cost of sales
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                        2,483                   21                    5                    -                    -                2,457
     Selling, general and administrative
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                        3,992                   16                    2                    -                    -                3,974
     Research and development
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                          123                    -                  123                    -                    -                    -
     Restructuring costs
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                         (33)                  (4)                    -                (116)                    -                   87
     Other (income) expense, net
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                    
      
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                    
     First Quarter 2023
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                       $3,926                 $545                  $29                   $-                   $-               $3,352
     Cost of sales
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                        2,479                   20                    1                    -                    -                2,458
     Selling, general and administrative
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                        4,276                   10                    -                    -                    -                4,266
     Research and development
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                           67                    -                   67                    -                    -                    -
     Restructuring costs
    ------------------------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
    

    GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information

    Gross margin was 77.6% for the first quarter of 2024 compared with 72.9% for the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to the favorable impacts of product mix (including lower royalty rates related to KEYTRUDA and GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9), foreign exchange and lower amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by higher restructuring costs and inventory write-offs.

    Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $2.5 billion in both the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, primarily due to higher administrative costs, offset by lower promotional costs, reflecting the prioritization of spending on key growth products, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange.

    Research and development (R&D) expenses were $4.0 billion in the first quarter of 2024 compared with $4.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower charges for business development activity, which included a $656 million charge for the acquisition of Harpoon in the first quarter of 2024, compared with charges of $1.2 billion for the acquisition of Imago and $175 million for a license and collaboration agreement with Kelun-Biotech in the first quarter of 2023. The decline was partially offset by increased compensation and benefit costs, higher clinical development spending, as well as higher investments in discovery research and early drug development in the first quarter of 2024.

    Other (income) expense, net, was $33 million of income in the first quarter of 2024 compared with $89 million of expense in the first quarter of 2023. The favorability primarily reflects a $572.5 million charge in 2023 related to settlements with certain plaintiffs in the Zetia antitrust litigation, largely offset by lower income from investments in equity securities and higher net interest expense in 2024.

    The effective tax rate was 15.9% for the first quarter of 2024 (which includes a 1.6 percentage point unfavorable impact for the acquisition of Harpoon), compared with 22.6% in the first quarter of 2023 (which includes a 5.5 percentage point unfavorable impact for the acquisition of Imago).

    GAAP EPS was $1.87 for the first quarter of 2024 compared with $1.11 for the first quarter of 2023.

    Non-GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information

    Non-GAAP gross margin was 81.2% for the first quarter of 2024 compared with 76.9% for the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to the favorable impacts of product mix (including lower royalty rates related to KEYTRUDA and GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9) and foreign exchange, partially offset by higher inventory write-offs.

    Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $2.5 billion for both the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, primarily due to higher administrative costs, offset by lower promotional costs, reflecting the prioritization of spending on key growth products, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange.

    Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $4.0 billion in the first quarter of 2024 compared with $4.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower charges for business development activity, which included a $656 million charge for the acquisition of Harpoon in the first quarter of 2024, compared with charges of $1.2 billion for the acquisition of Imago and $175 million for a license and collaboration agreement with Kelun-Biotech in the first quarter of 2023. The decline was partially offset by increased compensation and benefit costs, higher clinical development spending, as well as higher investments in discovery research and early drug development in the first quarter of 2024.

    Non-GAAP other (income) expense, net, was $87 million of expense in the first quarter of 2024 compared with $70 million of income in the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher net interest expense.

    The non-GAAP effective tax rate was 16.1% for the first quarter of 2024 (which includes a 1.5 percentage point unfavorable impact for the acquisition of Harpoon), compared with 20.4% in the first quarter of 2023 (which includes a 4.3 percentage point unfavorable impact for the acquisition of Imago).

    Non-GAAP EPS was $2.07 for the first quarter of 2024 compared with $1.40 for the first quarter of 2023.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income and EPS is provided in the table that follows.

                           First Quarter                                      First Quarter
    ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
                                                                               2024                 2023
     $ in millions, except EPS amounts
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                  
     EPS
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                              $1.87                $1.11
     GAAP EPS
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                               0.20                 0.29
     Difference
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                              $2.07                $1.40
     Non-GAAP EPS that excludes items listed below(2)
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                  
      
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                  
     Net Income
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                             $4,762               $2,821
     GAAP net income(1)
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                                517                  743
     Difference
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                             $5,279               $3,564
     Non-GAAP net income that excludes items listed below(1,2)
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                  
      
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                  
     Excluded Items:
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                               $496                 $590
        Acquisition- and divestiture-related costs(3)
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                                246                   97
        Restructuring costs
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                              (116)                (429)
        Income from investments in equity securities
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                                  -                  573
        Charge for Zetia antitrust litigation settlements
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                                626                  831
     Net decrease in income before taxes
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                                                              (109)                 (88)
     Estimated income tax (benefit) expense
    ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
    

    Pipeline and Portfolio Highlights

    Merck continued to achieve key regulatory and clinical milestones across therapeutic areas in the first quarter.

    In cardiometabolic disease, Merck received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for WINREVAIR (sotatercept-csrk) for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1) to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class, and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events. WINREVAIR is a breakthrough biologic and the first FDA-approved activin signaling inhibitor therapy for PAH, a rare, progressive disease. WINREVAIR is currently under review in the European Union and is being evaluated in ongoing Phase 3 trials in additional PAH patient populations.

    In oncology, KEYTRUDA continued to demonstrate its role as a foundational therapy for certain types of cancers, receiving the first approval in Europe for an anti-PD-1/L1 therapy as part of a treatment regimen for adult patients with resectable NSCLC at high risk of recurrence. In addition, the FDA granted Priority Review to a new supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) that would establish KEYTRUDA as the first immunotherapy indicated for the frontline treatment of advanced endometrial cancer regardless of DNA mismatch repair status. Merck also made meaningful progress in its clinical development programs, including initiating a Phase 3 trial for MK-1084, its investigational oral selective KRAS G12C inhibitor, in combination with KEYTRUDA for the first-line treatment of certain patients with metastatic NSCLC. And, in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, the company initiated the REJOICE-OVARIAN01 Phase 2/3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

    In vaccines, Merck shared positive data from multiple Phase 3 studies evaluating V116, the company's investigational, 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed for adults. If approved, V116 would be the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed to address the serotypes responsible for approximately 83% of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults 65 and older. Merck also announced plans to initiate clinical development of a new investigational, multi-valent HPV vaccine designed to provide broader protection against certain cancers and diseases caused by additional HPV types, as well as plans to conduct clinical trials in both females and males (16-26 years old) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-dose regimen of GARDASIL 9.

    In infectious diseases, Merck presented new data from its HIV development programs at the 31st Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in March, demonstrating significant momentum within the HIV pipeline. These data included the Phase 2 study evaluating a once-weekly oral combination regimen of islatravir, the company's investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI), and Gilead Sciences, Inc.'s lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor, for the treatment of adults living with HIV. And, for the first time, Merck presented data for MK-8527, the company's novel NRTTI that is being developed as an oral once-monthly agent for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which recently entered Phase 2 development.

    Merck has the following three Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, dates set by the FDA in the second quarter of 2024: V116 (June 17), KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy as treatment for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (June 21) and, in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) for the treatment of certain patients with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC (June 26).

    Merck continued to expand and complement its pipeline and product portfolio through business development. Merck completed the acquisition of Harpoon, expanding its oncology pipeline with novel T-cell engagers, including MK-6070, an investigational delta-like ligand 3 targeting T-cell engager. The company also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (Elanco), which will broaden its aqua portfolio with new products.

    Notable recent news releases on Merck's pipeline and portfolio are provided in the table that follows.

                                                               Cardiometabolic                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                          FDA Approved Merck's WINREVAIR, a First-in-Class Treatment for Adults With PAH, Based on Results From Phase 3 STELLAR Trial
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
                                                                  Oncology                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                          European Commission Approved Merck's KEYTRUDA Plus Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Treatment, Then Continued as Monotherapy as Adjuvant Treatment, for Resectable NSCLC at High Risk of Recurrence in Adults, Based on Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-671 Trial
                                                                                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Vaccines                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (Read Announcement)
                                                                                                                                          Merck Announced Positive Data on V116, an Investigational, 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Specifically Designed for Adults, Demonstrated Immune Responses in Adults, Based on Results From Multiple Phase 3 Trials
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (Read Announcement)
     Merck Announced Plans to Conduct Clinical Trials of a Novel Investigational Multi-Valent HPV and Single-Dose Regimen for GARDASIL 9
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

    Upcoming Investor Event

    Merck will host an Oncology Investor Event to coincide with the American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024, 6 p.m. CT, at which senior management will provide an update on the company's oncology strategy and program. The event will take place in Chicago, Ill., and will be accessible via live audio webcast at this weblink.

    Full-Year 2024 Financial Outlook

    The following table summarizes the company's full-year financial outlook.

                                                                                                    Full Year 2024
                                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Updated                                                        Prior
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       $63.1 to $64.3 billion                                       $62.7 to $64.2 billion
     Sales*
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                            Approximately 81%                                          Approximately 80.5%
     Non-GAAP Gross margin(2)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       $25.2 to $26.1 billion                                       $25.1 to $26.1 billion
     Non-GAAPOperating expenses(2**)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Approximately $250 million expense                           Approximately $200 million expense
     Non-GAAPOther (income) expense, net(2)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               14.5% to 15.5%                                               14.5% to 15.5%
     Non-GAAPEffective tax rate(2)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               $8.53 to $8.65                                               $8.44 to $8.59
     Non-GAAPEPS(2***)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Approximately 2.55 billion                                   Approximately 2.54 billion
     Share count (assuming dilution)
    ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             *The company does not have any non-GAAP adjustments to sales.
      **Includes a one-time R&D charge of $656 million related to the Harpoon acquisition. Outlook does not assume any additional significant potential business development transactions.
    

    Merck 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 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 gains 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.

    Merck continues to experience strong global demand for key growth products in oncology and vaccines. Consequently, Merck is raising and narrowing its full-year outlook ranges for sales and non-GAAP EPS.

    Merck now expects its full-year 2024 sales to be between $63.1 billion and $64.3 billion, including a negative impact of foreign exchange of approximately 3% at mid-April 2024 exchange rates. Approximately 2% of the negative impact of foreign exchange is due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, which the company expects will largely be offset by inflation-related price increases, consistent with practice in that market.

    Merck continues to expect its full-year non-GAAP effective income tax rate to be between 14.5% and 15.5%.

    Merck now expects its full-year non-GAAP EPS to be between $8.53 and $8.65, including a charge of $0.26 per share for the acquisition of Harpoon that closed in the first quarter of 2024 and a negative impact of foreign exchange of approximately $0.30 per share. The negative impact of foreign exchange is primarily due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, which the company expects will largely be offset by inflation-related price increases, consistent with practice in that market.

    Consistent with past practice, the financial outlook does not assume additional significant potential business development transactions.

    Full-year 2023 non-GAAP EPS of $1.51 was negatively impacted by charges of $6.21 per share related to certain acquisitions and collaboration agreements.

    Non-GAAP EPS excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, costs related to restructuring programs, income and losses from investments in equity securities, and a previously disclosed charge related to settlements with certain plaintiffs in the Zetia antitrust litigation.

    Earnings Conference Call

    Investors, journalists and the general public may access a live audio webcast of the earnings conference call on Thursday, April 25, at 9 a.m. ET 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 at www.merck.com.

    All participants may join the call by dialing (888) 847-9708 (U.S. and Canada Toll-Free) or (630) 395-0358 and using the access code 4164932.

    About Merck

    At Merck, 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. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

    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, 2023 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) 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) LAGEVRIO (molnupiravir) Lenvima (lenvatinib) Lynparza (olaparib) M-M-R II (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) PROQUAD (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Virus Vaccine Live) ROTATEQ (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent) VARIVAX (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live) VAXNEUVANCE (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) WINREVAIR (sotatercept-csrk)

    Animal Health BRAVECTO (fluralaner)

    ________________________________
    (1) Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.
    (2) Merck is providing certain 2024 and 2023 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.
    
     
                                                                                                                         MERCK & CO., INC.
                                                                                                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME - GAAP
                                                                                                          (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES)
                                                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                              Table 1
                                                                                                                        
    ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
                                  GAAP                                        GAAP                                                         GAAP                                                        % Change
    ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
                                                    
                                                                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1Q24        1Q23     
    ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------- ------ --------------------
                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    -------------------
                                                                                                                        
    ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
    Sales                                                             $  $ 15,775    $ 14,487              9      %     
                                                                                                                        
    Costs, Expenses and Other                                                                                                              
    Cost of sales                                                           3,540       3,926            -10      %     
    Selling, general and administrative                                     2,483       2,479              0      %     
    Research and development                                                3,992       4,276             -7      %     
    Restructuring costs                                    123          67             84      %     
    Other (income) expense, net                            (33                    )        89               *           
    Income Before Taxes                                  5,670       3,650             55      %     
    Income Tax Provision                                                      903         825        
    Net Income                                           4,767       2,825             69      %     
    Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests                   5           4        
    Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.                      $  $  4,762    $  2,821             69      %     
                                                                                                                        
    Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution    $  $   1.87    $   1.11             68      %     
                                                                     --------------------- --------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------- ------ --------------------                      ---------- ---------
                                                                                                                  
    ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution         2,544       2,551  
    Tax Rate                                              15.9                    %      22.6                    %
                                                                     --------------------- --------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------- ------ --------------------
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                        
    
     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         MERCK & CO., INC. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FIRST QUARTER 2024 GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Table 2a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
    -------------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
                        GAAP                              GAAP                                GAAP                        Acquisition and Divestiture-Related Costs (1) Acquisition and Divestiture-Related Costs (1)     Restructuring Costs (2)          Restructuring Costs (2)      (Income) Loss from Investments in Equity Securities (Income) Loss from Investments in Equity Securities Adjustment Subtotal        Adjustment Subtotal             Non-GAAP                                Non-GAAP
    -------------------------------------------- ---------------------                                                   ---------------------------------------------                                               ---------------------------------                                 ----------------------------------------------------                                                    ---------------------                                ---------------------
                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                       -----------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                -------------------------------                                                      --------------------------------------------------                       ------------------------------                        -------------------------------------------------------
    First Quarter
    Cost of sales                                 $  $  3,540                                             463                    463                                  116         116                                                   579                                                 579                  579        579    $  $          2,961  
    Selling, general and administrative                 2,483                                              21                     21                                    5           5                                                    26                                                  26                   26         26                  2,457  
    Research and development                            3,992                                              16                     16                                    2           2                                                    18                                                  18                   18         18                  3,974  
    Restructuring costs                                   123                                             123                                           123                              123         123                                                   123                                                 123                  123        123         -  
    Other (income) expense, net                           (33                    )                                            (4                     (4 )                                                  (116                             (116                                                (116                      (116 )                                         (120       (120 )                                      87  
    Income Before Taxes                                 5,670                                            (496                   (496 )                                                  (246        (246 )                                                                    116                       116                        (626       (626 )                                   6,296  
    Income Tax Provision (Benefit)                        903                                             (92                    (92 )                               (3 )                            (42 )                                           (3 )                                                25                (3 )               (109 )                                   1,012  
    Net Income                                          4,767                                            (404                   (404 )                                                  (204        (204 )                                                                     91                        91                      (517                 (517       (517 )                                   5,284  
    Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.        4,762                                            (404                   (404 )                                                  (204        (204 )                                                                     91                        91                        (517       (517 )                                   5,279  
    Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution   $  $   1.87                                           (0.16                  (0.16                      )                            (0.08       (0.08                    )                                                0.04                      0.04                       (0.20      (0.20                    )  $  $           2.07  
                                                 --------------------- --------------------- ------ --------------------                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            --------------------- --------------------- -------------- --------------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
    -------------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
    
    Only the line items that are affected by non-GAAP adjustments are shown.
     
    Merck 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 primarily reflect expenses for the amortization of intangible assets. Amounts included in selling, general and administrative expenses reflect integration, transaction and certain other costs related to acquisitions and divestitures. Amounts included in research and development expenses primarily reflect the amortization of intangible assets. Amounts included in other (income) expense, net, primarily reflect royalty income related to the prior termination of the Sanofi-Pasteur MSD joint venture.  
     
    (2) Amounts primarily include employee separation costs and accelerated depreciation associated with facilities to be closed or divested related to activities under the company's formal restructuring programs.
     
    
     
                                                                                                                                                                                                 MERCK & CO., INC.
                                                                                                                                                                                           FRANCHISE / KEY PRODUCT SALES
                                                                                                                                                                                               (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Table 3
                                                                                                                                                                                            
    --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                            2024                                      2024              2023                                           2023                                          1Q            1Q 
    --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------          ---------------------- ----------------------------------------
                             1Q                                        1Q                                                        1Q                                                         1Q                              2Q                              3Q                              4Q                           Full Year                    Nom %                 Nom %              Ex-Exch %
    --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
    TOTAL SALES (1)                                     $     15,775                                                                                    $                    $     14,487                    $     15,035                    $     15,962                    $     14,630                    $     60,115                      9                    9                   12
                                                        -------------------- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- ---------- -------------------- ---------- -------------------- ---------- -------------------- ---------- -------------------- ---------- ---------------------- -------------------- --------------------
      PHARMACEUTICAL                                          14,006                                                                         12,721       13,457       14,263       13,141       53,583                     10                   10                   13
        Oncology                                                                                                                                                                                               
           Keytruda                                            6,947                                                                          5,795        6,271        6,338        6,608       25,011                     20                   20                   24
           Alliance Revenue - Lynparza (2)          292                                                                            275          310          299          315        1,199                      6                    6                    7
           Alliance Revenue - Lenvima (2)           255                                                                            232          242          260          226          960                     10                   10                   10
           Welireg                                                85                                                                             42           50           54           72          218                    102                  102                  102
           Alliance Revenue - Reblozyl (3)           71                                                                             43           47           52           70          212                     66                   66                   66
        Vaccines (4)                                                                                                                                                                                           
           Gardasil/Gardasil 9                                 2,249                                                                          1,972        2,458        2,585        1,871        8,886                     14                   14                   17
           ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax                              570                                                                            528          582          713          545        2,368                      8                    8                    8
           Vaxneuvance                                           219                                                                            106          168          214          176          665                    106                  106                  106
           RotaTeq                                               216                                                                            297          131          156          185          769                    -27                  -27                  -27
           Pneumovax 23                                           61                                                                             96           92          140           85          412                    -36                  -36                  -33
        Hospital Acute Care                                                                                                                                                                                    
           Bridion                                               440                                                                            487          502          424          429        1,842                    -10                  -10                   -8
           Prevymis                                              174                                                                            129          143          157          175          605                     35                   35                   39
           Dificid                                                73                                                                             65           76           74           87          302                     12                   12                   12
           Zerbaxa                                                56                                                                             50           54           53           61          218                     13                   13                   15
           Noxafil                                                56                                                                             60           55           51           46          213                     -7                   -7                    4
        Cardiovascular                                                                                                                                                                                         
           Alliance Revenue - Adempas/Verquvo (5)                 98                                                                             99           68           92          108          367                     -1                   -1                   -1
           Adempas (6)                                            70                                                                             59           65           65           66          255                     18                   18                   18
        Virology                                                                                                                                                                                               
           Lagevrio                                              350                                                                            392          203          640          193        1,428                    -11                  -11                   -5
           Isentress/Isentress HD                                111                                                                            123          136          119          105          483                    -10                  -10                   -7
           Delstrigo                                              56                                                                             44           50           54           54          201                     28                   28                   30
           Pifeltro                                               42                                                                             34           38           37           33          142                     23                   23                   23
        Neuroscience                                                                                                                                                                                           
           Belsomra                                               46                                                                             56           63           58           54          231                    -17                  -17                  -11
        Immunology                                                                                                                                                                                             
           Simponi                                               184                                                                            180          180          179          171          710                      2                    2                    1
           Remicade                                               39                                                                             51           48           45           43          187                    -24                  -24                  -21
        Diabetes (7)                                                                                                                                                                                           
           Januvia                                               419                                                                            551          511          581          547        2,189                    -24                  -24                  -21
           Janumet                                               251                                                                            329          354          255          240        1,177                    -24                  -24                  -20
        Other Pharmaceutical (8)                                 576                                                                            626          560          568          576        2,333                     -8                   -8                   -6
      ANIMAL HEALTH                                            1,511                                                                          1,491        1,456        1,400        1,278        5,625                      1                    1                    4
        Livestock                                                850                                                                            849          807          874          808        3,337                      -                    -                    4
        Companion Animal                                         661                                                                            642          649          526          470        2,288                      3                    3                    4
    
    *200% or greater
                          
    Sum of quarterly amounts may not equal year-to-date amounts due to rounding.
     
    (1) Only select products are shown.
     
    (2) Alliance Revenue represents Merck'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 $3,424 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $3,133 million in the first quarter 2023.
     
    (5) Alliance Revenue represents Merck'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 Merck's marketing territories.
     
    (7) Total Diabetes sales were $745 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $950 million in the first quarter of 2023.
     
    (8) Includes Pharmaceutical products not individually shown above. 
     
    

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    Media Contacts:
    
    Robert Josephson
    (203) 914-2372
    robert.josephson@merck.com 
    
    Michael Levey
    (215) 872-1462
    michael.levey@merck.com 
    
    Investor Contacts:
    
    Peter Dannenbaum
    (732) 594-1579
    peter.dannenbaum@merck.com 
    
    Steven Graziano
    (732) 594-1583
    steven.graziano@merck.com
    

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