Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) on Thursday reported its first-quarter 2026 financial results, which highlighted sales growth driven by continued strength in oncology and animal health.
Merck Q1 Earnings Key Takeaways
Merck reported a first-quarter adjusted loss of $1.28, better than the analyst expectation of a loss of $1.51, down from earnings of $2.22 per share a year ago due to a charge for the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics of $3.62 per share.
Sales rose 5% to $16.29 billion, beating the consensus of $15.82 billion.
Pharmaceutical Segment Growth Led By Oncology
The pharmaceutical segment recorded $14.35 billion in sales, up 5% year over year, driven by growth in oncology as well as cardiometabolic and respiratory, partially offset by declines in vaccines, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
The Animal Health segment’s revenue of $1.79 billion increased 13% year-over-year, attributable to performance in both Livestock and Companion Animal product portfolios.
Keytruda, an immunotherapy for cancer, generated …