Why did Merck report a loss in the first quarter despite beating sales expectations?

Merck reported a loss for the first quarter because it booked a $3.62-per-share charge related to its acquisition of antiviral drug maker Cidara Therapeutics, which offset strong revenue growth driven by Keytruda and other products.

How did Keytruda's performance contribute to Merck's first-quarter results?

Keytruda's sales rose 12% to $8 billion — topping analyst estimates of $7.6 billion — and included $128 million from its newly launched injected version; as the world's biggest-selling prescription medicine, this growth was central to Merck's overall 5% revenue increase to $16.3 billion, ahead of the $15.8 billion consensus estimate.

Merck beats quarterly sales expectations as Keytruda fuels growth

Apr 30, 2026

Merck beat Q1 sales expectations with Keytruda revenue rising 12% to $8 billion, offsetting acquisition charges that caused a net loss. The company raised its full-year profit guidance as investors focus on pipeline developments ahead of key patent expirations.

reuters

2026-04-30

Merck beats quarterly sales expectations as Keytruda fuels growth

Merck beats quarterly sales expectations as Keytruda fuels growth

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