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Market Update

Earnings on Tap: Merck & Co

Shares of the drugmaker are trading in 4-star territory ahead of its earnings announcement Friday.

Oct 27, 2011

Drugmaker Merck (MRK) is slated to post third-quarter earnings before the stock market opens Friday. Wall Street Analysts, on average, expect the firm to report earnings per share of $0.91, rising from $0.85 in the year-ago quarter.

The firm may focus on its expectations for Juvisync, approved by the FDA Oct. 7, a combination pill that helps patients with diabetes and high cholesterol. Personnel changes may also be in focus as the firm's chairman retires and some new senior-level executives are brought in.

Analysts are also likely to key in on the ongoing integration with Schering-Plough, which was acquired in 2009, and whether the firm has managed further cost efficiencies and synergies with the incorporation.

Merck shares have shed about 4% for the year to date (compared with a slight gain for the S&P 500) and currently trade in 4-star territory based on analyst Damien Conover's $46 fair value estimate.

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