Merck Beats Q1 Earnings Estimates with Revenue Boost and Narrows Outlook

Merck's first-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, driven by strong demand for Keytruda and new products. The company narrowed its 2026 sales guidance and increased its adjusted profit outlook, despite posting a quarterly loss due to a $3.62 per share charge related to the Cidara acquisition. Revenue reached $16.29 billion, beating estimates.

Merck (MRK) reported first-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates as strong demand for its cancer immunotherapy Keytruda and some newer products propelled revenue . Revenue came in at $16.29 billion, surpassing FactSet's estimate of $15.85 billion.

However, the company swung to a loss in the quarter due to a $3.62 per share charge tied to its acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics . The charge, however, was largely expected and did not deter investors, who saw the results as upbeat.

Merck's sales guidance for 2026 was also narrowed, with the company now expecting to come in between $65.8 billion and $67 billion. This marks a slight improvement from the lower end of the previous outlook.

Adjusted profit margins, however, received a boost, with the company anticipating between $5.04 and $5.16 per share . This represents an increase from the earlier forecast of $5 to $5.15 per share, according to the same report.

Merck Beats Q1 Earnings Estimates with Revenue Boost and Narrows Outlook

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