Merck’s Solid Quarter Doesn’t Soothe Seagen M&A Watchers

No Deal Was Announced, To The Chagrin Of Investors

Keytruda- and Gardasil-driven revenue growth exceeded forecasts and Merck expects to keep the PD-1 blockbuster cash coming with earlier-stage indications and a potential subcutaneous formulation.

"No Deal" sign
CEO Robert Davis declined to speculate on future transactions • Source: Shutterstock

Expectations were high that Merck & Co., Inc. would confirm recent rumors and announce alongside its second quarter earnings report on 28 July that it is purchasing Seagen Inc. Hopes were dashed, however, when no acquisition was revealed and as a result Merck’s stock price closed slightly lower despite the company’s strong Q2 performance.

Merck reported $14.6bn in second quarter sales, up 28% from the same period in 2021 and beating analyst consensus of...

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