Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Quarterly Data
Profitability ratios measure the company ability to generate profitable sales from its resources (assets).
Profitability Ratios (Summary)
Merck & Co. Inc., profitability ratios (quarterly data)
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
- Gross Profit Margin
- The gross profit margin demonstrates a generally upward trend over the analyzed periods. Starting at approximately 67% in early 2021, it experiences modest fluctuations before steadily increasing from 70% in early 2022 to over 77% by early 2025. This trend indicates improving efficiency in production and cost management relative to sales revenue.
- Operating Profit Margin
- The operating profit margin exhibits notable volatility throughout the periods. It initially ranges between 10% and 33%, with peaks observed in late 2021 and mid-2022. However, a significant decline occurs around mid to late 2023, with margins dropping as low as approximately 3.9%. Thereafter, a recovery phase is evident, with values climbing back to a range above 30% by early 2025. This pattern suggests variable operating expenses or changing operational efficiencies impacting profitability at the operating level.
- Net Profit Margin
- The net profit margin closely mirrors the operating margin’s volatility but generally maintains a lower magnitude. Starting from near 15% in early periods, it peaks close to 29% in mid-2022 before undergoing a substantial dip to nearly 0.6% in late 2023. Following this trough, there is a marked recovery with margins increasing beyond 29% towards early 2025. This behavior indicates fluctuations in factors beyond operating income, such as taxes, interest, or extraordinary items influencing net profitability.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- ROE shows a pattern consistent with the profitability margins, highlighting a strong initial increase from around 16% to over 38% between early 2021 and mid-2022. A pronounced decline follows, reaching a minimal point close to 1% in late 2023. Subsequently, a robust recovery is present, with ROE surging above 36% by early 2025. This variability in ROE points to substantial shifts in net income generation relative to shareholders’ equity.
- Return on Assets (ROA)
- ROA trends align with those of ROE and profitability, albeit at lower absolute levels, reflecting asset utilization effectiveness. From roughly 6% to 15% between early 2021 and mid-2022, ROA declines to near 0.3% by late 2023 before rebounding to nearly 15% in early 2025. This trend indicates intermittent inefficiencies or impairments in asset utilization correlating with reported profitability changes.
- Overall Analysis
- The financial metrics collectively reveal a period of pronounced improvement in profitability and returns through 2022, followed by a sharp downturn in profitability and returns in late 2023. Significant recovery is observed thereafter, with margins and returns exceeding earlier levels by early 2025. The patterns suggest cyclical or event-driven impacts affecting operational and net results, highlighting the importance of analyzing underlying causes such as market conditions, cost structures, or exceptional items during the decline and recovery periods.
Return on Sales
Return on Investment
Gross Profit Margin
Merck & Co. Inc., gross profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2025 | Jun 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 13,421) | 12,249) | 12,110) | 11,796) | 12,577) | 12,367) | 12,235) | 10,719) | 11,698) | 11,011) | 10,561) | 9,949) | 11,025) | 10,377) | 10,521) | 9,648) | 9,704) | 8,298) | 7,428) | ||||||
| Sales | 17,276) | 15,806) | 15,529) | 15,624) | 16,657) | 16,112) | 15,775) | 14,631) | 15,962) | 15,035) | 14,487) | 13,830) | 14,959) | 14,593) | 15,901) | 13,521) | 13,154) | 11,402) | 10,627) | ||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margin1 | 77.18% | 76.60% | 76.42% | 76.32% | 75.82% | 75.25% | 74.37% | 73.17% | 72.86% | 72.96% | 72.43% | 70.63% | 70.49% | 70.41% | 70.72% | 72.02% | 67.95% | 67.48% | 66.99% | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 69.74% | 70.93% | 70.69% | 69.99% | 67.21% | 62.75% | 62.28% | 62.42% | 65.76% | 68.91% | 69.43% | 70.00% | 69.62% | 70.48% | 69.53% | 68.96% | 67.72% | 65.62% | 64.82% | ||||||
| Amgen Inc. | 64.71% | 62.99% | 61.48% | 59.85% | 58.71% | 61.56% | 64.76% | 68.60% | 72.35% | 72.87% | 73.65% | 74.17% | 73.99% | 74.00% | 73.30% | 73.44% | 74.00% | 73.97% | 74.37% | ||||||
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 69.50% | 70.29% | 70.47% | 71.08% | 74.91% | 75.38% | 75.71% | 76.24% | 76.54% | 77.01% | 77.68% | 78.04% | 78.82% | 79.13% | 79.62% | 78.57% | 76.92% | 75.88% | 74.42% | ||||||
| Danaher Corp. | 59.53% | 59.66% | 59.74% | 59.50% | 59.37% | 59.27% | 58.39% | 58.74% | 58.77% | 59.17% | 60.22% | 60.21% | 60.65% | 60.77% | 60.77% | 60.95% | 60.44% | 59.24% | 57.60% | ||||||
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 83.03% | 82.64% | 81.70% | 81.31% | 80.91% | 80.75% | 80.16% | 79.25% | 78.67% | 77.77% | 77.67% | 76.77% | 75.61% | 75.98% | 74.40% | 74.18% | 74.85% | 74.27% | 75.88% | ||||||
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 78.31% | 78.42% | 78.17% | 78.15% | 75.98% | 75.56% | 75.62% | 75.87% | 78.66% | 79.27% | 78.94% | 79.03% | 74.31% | 75.30% | 75.50% | 75.56% | 80.23% | 79.90% | 80.32% | ||||||
| Johnson & Johnson | 68.08% | 67.92% | 68.30% | 69.07% | 69.05% | 69.06% | 69.20% | 68.82% | 68.54% | 68.06% | 67.34% | 67.26% | 67.43% | 67.86% | 67.97% | 68.16% | 67.51% | 67.00% | 66.24% | ||||||
| Pfizer Inc. | 73.39% | 72.12% | 72.28% | 71.94% | 67.73% | 58.18% | 58.09% | 58.10% | 60.97% | 69.61% | 68.61% | 65.77% | 65.53% | 62.18% | 60.35% | 62.08% | 65.28% | 70.96% | 76.46% | ||||||
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 85.39% | 85.57% | 85.79% | 86.13% | 86.12% | 86.16% | 86.32% | 86.16% | 85.96% | 86.42% | 86.96% | 87.18% | 85.39% | 84.97% | 84.65% | 84.83% | 86.65% | 86.85% | 86.84% | ||||||
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | 41.27% | 41.18% | 41.34% | 41.28% | 40.77% | 40.76% | 40.40% | 39.90% | 39.87% | 39.75% | 40.28% | 42.24% | 44.42% | 46.63% | 48.37% | 50.08% | 51.05% | 51.29% | 51.47% | ||||||
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 86.28% | 86.11% | 86.03% | 86.11% | 86.12% | 86.45% | 86.86% | 87.21% | 87.80% | 87.92% | 88.04% | 87.90% | 88.00% | 88.13% | 87.95% | 88.06% | 87.94% | 87.89% | 88.06% | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
1 Q3 2025 Calculation
Gross profit margin = 100
× (Gross profitQ3 2025
+ Gross profitQ2 2025
+ Gross profitQ1 2025
+ Gross profitQ4 2024)
÷ (SalesQ3 2025
+ SalesQ2 2025
+ SalesQ1 2025
+ SalesQ4 2024)
= 100 × (13,421 + 12,249 + 12,110 + 11,796)
÷ (17,276 + 15,806 + 15,529 + 15,624)
= 77.18%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of the quarterly financial data reveals consistent positive trends in sales, gross profit, and gross profit margin over the observed periods. The data spans from the first quarter of 2021 through the third quarter of 2025, showing the company’s performance evolution.
- Sales
- Sales figures exhibit a steady upward trajectory with occasional minor fluctuations. Starting at approximately $10.6 billion in the first quarter of 2021, sales increased significantly, reaching about $17.3 billion by the third quarter of 2025. Notable growth periods include the second half of 2021 and mid-2023 to late 2024, signaling strong revenue generation capabilities.
- Gross Profit
- Gross profit reflects a parallel increase along with sales, which indicates effective cost management relative to revenue growth. Beginning around $7.4 billion in early 2021, gross profit grew to approximately $13.4 billion by the third quarter of 2025. The gross profit trend mirrors the sales pattern, with consistent increments except for slight declines in some quarters like the last quarter of 2022 and 2023.
- Gross Profit Margin
- The gross profit margin shows a clear strengthening trend over the entire duration. Initially at roughly 67%, it improved steadily to surpass 77% by the third quarter of 2025. This increasing margin indicates enhanced operational efficiency, pricing power, or a favorable product mix contributing to higher profitability per sales dollar.
Overall, the company demonstrates robust growth in sales and gross profit, complemented by improving gross profit margins. These trends suggest successful strategic positioning and operational effectiveness, resulting in stronger financial health across the quarters analyzed.
Operating Profit Margin
Merck & Co. Inc., operating profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2025 | Jun 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 6,507) | 4,992) | 5,868) | 4,299) | 3,928) | 6,048) | 5,637) | (1,967) | 5,746) | (5,163) | 3,739) | 3,439) | 4,012) | 4,925) | 5,569) | 3,576) | 4,816) | 1,614) | 2,532) | ||||||
| Sales | 17,276) | 15,806) | 15,529) | 15,624) | 16,657) | 16,112) | 15,775) | 14,631) | 15,962) | 15,035) | 14,487) | 13,830) | 14,959) | 14,593) | 15,901) | 13,521) | 13,154) | 11,402) | 10,627) | ||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin1 | 33.73% | 30.00% | 31.51% | 31.03% | 21.60% | 24.75% | 6.93% | 3.92% | 13.08% | 10.34% | 27.85% | 30.27% | 30.66% | 33.04% | 28.85% | 25.74% | 14.07% | 10.64% | 14.02% | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 15.16% | 18.80% | 17.56% | 16.22% | 24.89% | 22.31% | 23.50% | 23.49% | 27.32% | 31.03% | 28.49% | 31.21% | 30.59% | 30.33% | 32.68% | 31.89% | 30.09% | 28.95% | 23.63% | ||||||
| Amgen Inc. | 25.14% | 24.45% | 22.71% | 22.66% | 19.97% | 20.96% | 24.72% | 29.35% | 34.55% | 37.50% | 36.07% | 38.57% | 39.31% | 38.04% | 32.78% | 31.44% | 30.14% | 30.72% | 37.23% | ||||||
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 18.86% | 16.70% | 15.24% | -15.50% | -14.05% | -14.39% | -14.30% | 16.18% | 16.96% | 17.29% | 18.13% | 17.96% | 19.04% | 18.19% | 16.79% | 15.91% | -15.73% | -17.02% | -19.19% | ||||||
| Danaher Corp. | 19.01% | 18.39% | 20.26% | 20.37% | 20.11% | 21.22% | 21.05% | 21.77% | 23.83% | 25.06% | 27.02% | 27.61% | 27.35% | 25.44% | 25.23% | 25.35% | 24.63% | 25.04% | 22.30% | ||||||
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 38.84% | 32.37% | 28.74% | 28.64% | 24.81% | 23.28% | 20.80% | 18.92% | 18.42% | 24.17% | 22.45% | 24.97% | 24.65% | 25.50% | 25.94% | 22.45% | 23.17% | 21.81% | 22.06% | ||||||
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 36.75% | 28.03% | 28.77% | 5.81% | 2.92% | 9.26% | 5.79% | 28.24% | 30.37% | 31.18% | 33.03% | 27.17% | 22.39% | 25.78% | 26.56% | 36.72% | 42.79% | 37.20% | 18.07% | ||||||
| Johnson & Johnson | 25.44% | 23.67% | 23.59% | 23.42% | 24.42% | 25.31% | 25.04% | 24.90% | 25.55% | 25.61% | 25.21% | 24.63% | 23.89% | 23.47% | 23.76% | 24.95% | 24.69% | 25.23% | 24.10% | ||||||
| Pfizer Inc. | 21.85% | 23.23% | 19.29% | 19.51% | 9.56% | -4.19% | -2.08% | 2.15% | 14.36% | 28.13% | 34.44% | 34.83% | 33.59% | 30.37% | 26.12% | 23.91% | 24.67% | 24.12% | 21.20% | ||||||
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 25.89% | 27.02% | 27.20% | 28.10% | 28.69% | 28.95% | 29.40% | 30.85% | 32.23% | 34.20% | 35.79% | 38.93% | 45.45% | 48.19% | 55.08% | 55.67% | 55.19% | 53.94% | 43.37% | ||||||
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | 17.16% | 17.13% | 17.23% | 17.11% | 16.93% | 17.01% | 16.38% | 16.00% | 15.81% | 15.42% | 16.29% | 18.69% | 20.54% | 22.51% | 23.83% | 25.57% | 27.04% | 28.00% | 27.68% | ||||||
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 34.06% | 34.36% | -6.69% | -2.11% | -2.54% | -3.37% | 41.16% | 38.83% | 40.16% | 41.72% | 43.93% | 48.23% | 47.72% | 48.85% | 36.93% | 36.73% | 37.17% | 33.93% | 47.14% | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
1 Q3 2025 Calculation
Operating profit margin = 100
× (Operating income (loss)Q3 2025
+ Operating income (loss)Q2 2025
+ Operating income (loss)Q1 2025
+ Operating income (loss)Q4 2024)
÷ (SalesQ3 2025
+ SalesQ2 2025
+ SalesQ1 2025
+ SalesQ4 2024)
= 100 × (6,507 + 4,992 + 5,868 + 4,299)
÷ (17,276 + 15,806 + 15,529 + 15,624)
= 33.73%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of the quarterly financial performance reveals several notable trends and fluctuations over the observed periods.
- Operating Income (Loss)
- The operating income exhibited significant variability, with values ranging from substantial gains to notable losses. Throughout 2021, operating income demonstrated a generally positive trend, peaking in the third quarter. In 2022, income remained strong in the first half but showed some decline in subsequent quarters. The 2023 data highlighted considerable volatility, including negative operating income in the second and fourth quarters, indicating intermittent operational challenges. However, from 2024 onwards, operating income appeared to stabilize and generally increase, reaching the highest recorded value in the final quarter analyzed.
- Sales
- Sales figures showed an overall upward trend across the quarters, reflecting growth in revenue generation. Beginning from just over 10.6 billion USD in early 2021, sales increased steadily, peaking above 17 billion USD by the first quarter of 2025. Some fluctuations were present, including slight declines or plateaus in certain quarters, but the prevailing pattern was one of growth, indicating strengthening market demand or successful sales initiatives.
- Operating Profit Margin
- The operating profit margin experienced considerable fluctuation throughout the periods. The margin ranged from a low single-digit percentage to over 33%. During 2021, margins showed some variability but peaked significantly in the fourth quarter. In 2022, margins were relatively high, surpassing 30% except during the last quarter, where a decrease was observed. The year 2023 displayed a sharp decline in margin percentages, corresponding with operating losses and indicating profit pressures. Margins recovered strongly in 2024 and remained robust into 2025, frequently exceeding 30%, reflecting improved operational efficiency or cost management.
In summary, the company experienced strong revenue growth alongside fluctuating profitability levels. Operating income and profit margins were subject to periods of volatility, particularly in 2023, but showed resilience and recovery trends heading into 2024 and 2025. These patterns suggest dynamic operational conditions, with an overall positive outlook evidenced by rising sales and improving profitability in recent quarters.
Net Profit Margin
Merck & Co. Inc., net profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2025 | Jun 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. | 5,785) | 4,427) | 5,079) | 3,743) | 3,157) | 5,455) | 4,762) | (1,226) | 4,745) | (5,975) | 2,821) | 3,017) | 3,248) | 3,944) | 4,310) | 3,758) | 4,567) | 1,545) | 3,179) | ||||||
| Sales | 17,276) | 15,806) | 15,529) | 15,624) | 16,657) | 16,112) | 15,775) | 14,631) | 15,962) | 15,035) | 14,487) | 13,830) | 14,959) | 14,593) | 15,901) | 13,521) | 13,154) | 11,402) | 10,627) | ||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net profit margin1 | 29.63% | 25.79% | 27.27% | 26.68% | 19.23% | 21.98% | 3.76% | 0.61% | 7.77% | 5.34% | 22.52% | 24.49% | 25.88% | 29.00% | 26.27% | 26.79% | 15.09% | 11.83% | 15.09% | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 4.00% | 6.45% | 7.31% | 7.59% | 9.22% | 9.71% | 11.02% | 8.95% | 11.81% | 15.50% | 13.37% | 20.39% | 23.19% | 22.04% | 22.00% | 20.54% | 13.66% | 12.40% | 10.28% | ||||||
| Amgen Inc. | 20.31% | 19.75% | 18.10% | 12.77% | 13.58% | 10.60% | 13.35% | 24.96% | 29.52% | 31.52% | 31.77% | 26.42% | 27.88% | 26.73% | 23.42% | 24.25% | 23.03% | 23.80% | 29.60% | ||||||
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 12.57% | 10.58% | 11.38% | -18.53% | -15.30% | -14.06% | -13.50% | 17.83% | 18.44% | 17.62% | 15.95% | 13.71% | 14.29% | 14.04% | 13.31% | 15.08% | -11.89% | -11.44% | -14.53% | ||||||
| Danaher Corp. | 14.43% | 14.21% | 15.81% | 16.33% | 16.39% | 17.83% | 18.54% | 19.94% | 22.89% | 22.80% | 23.32% | 22.91% | 21.65% | 20.61% | 21.32% | 21.84% | 20.97% | 21.00% | 19.17% | ||||||
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 30.99% | 25.91% | 22.66% | 23.51% | 20.48% | 18.86% | 17.08% | 15.36% | 15.55% | 22.01% | 20.54% | 21.88% | 20.63% | 19.58% | 20.90% | 19.71% | 21.52% | 22.71% | 23.91% | ||||||
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 28.41% | 21.98% | 20.87% | 1.68% | 0.45% | 3.82% | 1.78% | 21.03% | 21.60% | 20.18% | 20.87% | 17.02% | 12.44% | 15.22% | 16.60% | 23.05% | 27.21% | 19.62% | 1.19% | ||||||
| Johnson & Johnson | 27.26% | 25.00% | 24.41% | 15.84% | 16.74% | 43.91% | 44.92% | 41.28% | 39.58% | 14.52% | 13.77% | 18.90% | 19.95% | 19.21% | 20.90% | 22.26% | 19.55% | 19.92% | 17.95% | ||||||
| Pfizer Inc. | 15.65% | 16.84% | 12.62% | 12.62% | 7.04% | -4.62% | -0.55% | 3.56% | 15.13% | 27.38% | 31.19% | 31.27% | 29.81% | 28.94% | 27.01% | 27.04% | 28.77% | 23.86% | 24.03% | ||||||
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 32.13% | 31.37% | 31.94% | 31.07% | 33.61% | 32.04% | 29.45% | 30.14% | 30.47% | 33.93% | 33.81% | 35.64% | 39.17% | 39.97% | 48.06% | 50.25% | 51.65% | 50.11% | 43.53% | ||||||
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | 15.02% | 15.23% | 15.18% | 14.77% | 14.48% | 14.69% | 14.20% | 13.99% | 13.68% | 13.14% | 13.75% | 15.47% | 15.92% | 17.37% | 18.49% | 19.70% | 21.93% | 22.47% | 22.08% | ||||||
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 31.35% | 31.86% | -8.91% | -4.86% | -4.52% | -4.74% | 39.46% | 36.68% | 35.94% | 35.40% | 35.40% | 37.20% | 37.62% | 38.26% | 30.84% | 30.92% | 30.52% | 29.80% | 43.06% | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
1 Q3 2025 Calculation
Net profit margin = 100
× (Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q3 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q2 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q1 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q4 2024)
÷ (SalesQ3 2025
+ SalesQ2 2025
+ SalesQ1 2025
+ SalesQ4 2024)
= 100 × (5,785 + 4,427 + 5,079 + 3,743)
÷ (17,276 + 15,806 + 15,529 + 15,624)
= 29.63%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance exhibits notable fluctuations over the observed periods. Net income attributable to the company demonstrates variability with some pronounced peaks and troughs. Initial quarters reveal moderate income levels, followed by a significant surge in the third quarter of 2021. However, the data also shows considerable declines, including negative net income in certain quarters, indicating episodic losses.
Sales present an overall upward trend with periodic oscillations. Starting from a baseline, sales increased steadily through various quarters, reaching higher levels primarily in 2024 and 2025. Minor declines in certain quarters are observed but do not indicate a sustained downward movement, suggesting the presence of cyclical factors or external influences affecting revenue generation temporarily.
The net profit margin percentage follows a pattern aligned with net income fluctuations, though it displays less volatility relative to net income and sales. Margins generally remain positive with a peak around the end of 2021, indicating high profitability during this period. Some quarters experience sharp declines in profitability, even dipping close to minimal positive territory, correlating with quarters of reduced or negative net income.
- Net Income (loss) Attribution
- Exhibits strong variability, with peaks around September 2021 and fluctuating losses in mid-2023. The final quarters show recovery with positive net income resurgence, reflecting improving profitability or effective cost management.
- Sales
- Increasing trend overall, with a near-consistent rise from 2021 through 2025. Quarterly variations point towards seasonality or market-driven impacts, yet the general trajectory is positive.
- Net Profit Margin
- Correlates with net income trends, reaching high levels above 25% periodically but also experiencing steep dips near mid-2023 and early 2024. Margins rebound towards the end of the period, reflecting restoration of profitability.
In summary, the data reflects a company experiencing cyclical fluctuations in profitability and income, yet maintaining a broadly positive growth trend in sales. Profitability margins, while volatile at points, demonstrate resilience and recovery potential, indicating adaptive operational effectiveness amid varying market conditions.
Return on Equity (ROE)
Merck & Co. Inc., ROE calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2025 | Jun 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. | 5,785) | 4,427) | 5,079) | 3,743) | 3,157) | 5,455) | 4,762) | (1,226) | 4,745) | (5,975) | 2,821) | 3,017) | 3,248) | 3,944) | 4,310) | 3,758) | 4,567) | 1,545) | 3,179) | ||||||
| Total Merck & Co., Inc. stockholders’ equity | 51,850) | 48,993) | 48,335) | 46,313) | 44,502) | 43,582) | 40,364) | 37,581) | 41,246) | 38,693) | 46,834) | 45,991) | 44,458) | 43,243) | 40,883) | 38,184) | 35,794) | 33,294) | 26,945) | ||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROE1 | 36.71% | 33.49% | 36.07% | 36.96% | 27.30% | 31.52% | 5.71% | 0.97% | 11.17% | 8.04% | 27.82% | 31.57% | 34.32% | 38.34% | 34.68% | 34.17% | 20.10% | 16.73% | 26.08% | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROE, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | — | — | 295.42% | 128.66% | 84.91% | 78.77% | 74.85% | 46.94% | 53.86% | 67.50% | 57.14% | 68.60% | 83.83% | 86.24% | 76.64% | 74.91% | 55.60% | 53.01% | 37.63% | ||||||
| Amgen Inc. | 72.82% | 89.11% | 95.59% | 69.59% | 56.20% | 52.83% | 74.93% | 107.78% | 98.82% | 117.67% | 148.04% | 178.97% | 187.11% | 271.85% | 624.78% | 87.96% | 68.26% | 69.67% | 75.91% | ||||||
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 32.55% | 28.96% | 31.16% | -54.78% | -42.34% | -38.44% | -37.28% | 27.27% | 28.57% | 24.91% | 22.97% | 20.37% | 20.44% | 20.30% | 19.79% | 19.46% | -14.52% | -13.80% | -16.54% | ||||||
| Danaher Corp. | 6.86% | 6.52% | 7.40% | 7.87% | 7.59% | 8.42% | 8.24% | 8.91% | 11.29% | 12.30% | 13.47% | 14.39% | 14.40% | 13.63% | 13.93% | 14.24% | 13.54% | 13.12% | 11.76% | ||||||
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 77.38% | 75.52% | 70.45% | 74.62% | 58.78% | 54.14% | 47.91% | 48.65% | 44.46% | 58.73% | 50.82% | 58.64% | 59.91% | 66.61% | 65.69% | 62.16% | 76.99% | 94.20% | 88.31% | ||||||
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 37.65% | 32.08% | 31.13% | 2.48% | 0.69% | 5.77% | 2.77% | 24.81% | 26.33% | 25.92% | 26.59% | 21.62% | 15.82% | 20.44% | 22.66% | 29.55% | 34.44% | 26.20% | 1.59% | ||||||
| Johnson & Johnson | 31.69% | 28.88% | 27.92% | 19.68% | 20.93% | 53.14% | 54.95% | 51.11% | 48.61% | 17.37% | 17.95% | 23.36% | 25.68% | 24.05% | 26.54% | 28.20% | 25.44% | 25.53% | 22.96% | ||||||
| Pfizer Inc. | 10.59% | 12.12% | 8.73% | 9.11% | 4.61% | -2.96% | -0.33% | 2.38% | 10.81% | 21.68% | 28.77% | 32.79% | 32.14% | 33.61% | 30.29% | 28.47% | 26.28% | 18.86% | 16.23% | ||||||
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 14.79% | 14.89% | 15.31% | 15.03% | 15.87% | 15.32% | 14.29% | 15.22% | 16.03% | 17.90% | 17.80% | 19.14% | 25.05% | 27.49% | 39.84% | 43.03% | 40.53% | 41.02% | 33.43% | ||||||
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | 12.88% | 13.03% | 13.19% | 12.78% | 12.52% | 13.12% | 13.26% | 12.83% | 13.11% | 13.08% | 14.26% | 15.80% | 16.15% | 17.59% | 18.56% | 18.94% | 22.13% | 23.32% | 22.60% | ||||||
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 21.22% | 21.18% | -5.99% | -3.26% | -3.07% | -3.32% | 21.67% | 20.59% | 21.01% | 21.75% | 22.59% | 23.88% | 25.12% | 26.77% | 22.47% | 23.19% | 22.83% | 21.66% | 30.76% | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
1 Q3 2025 Calculation
ROE = 100
× (Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q3 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q2 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q1 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q4 2024)
÷ Total Merck & Co., Inc. stockholders’ equity
= 100 × (5,785 + 4,427 + 5,079 + 3,743)
÷ 51,850 = 36.71%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance indicators exhibit notable fluctuations over the analyzed quarters, revealing varying profitability and equity trends.
- Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company
- The net income demonstrated significant volatility throughout the observed periods. Initial quarters reflected generally positive earnings with peaks at the end of the first and third quarters of 2021. However, a sharp loss was recorded in the second quarter of 2023, followed by a rebound and subsequent fluctuations in later quarters. Despite intermittent declines, recent quarters show a recovery trend with net income rising again, indicating resilience in profitability amid some periods of financial strain.
- Total Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders’ equity showed a consistent upward trajectory over time, increasing steadily from around $26.9 billion in early 2021 to over $51.8 billion by early 2025. This positive trend reflects an accumulation of retained earnings and possibly capital injections, suggesting strengthening financial stability and shareholder value despite volatility in net income.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- ROE experienced marked variability, with initial periods in 2021 and early 2022 showing strong performance above 30%, indicating efficient use of equity to generate profits. This was followed by a pronounced dip in 2023 corresponding with the net loss event, with ROE falling to below 1% at one point. Subsequent quarters demonstrate a recovery in ROE, climbing back above 30% by 2024 and maintaining a generally high level thereafter. This pattern signifies the company's ability to regain profitability and improve equity returns following financial difficulties.
Overall, the data reflects a company experiencing episodic financial challenges but maintaining a solid capital base and demonstrating capacity for profitability recovery. The increase in equity alongside fluctuating net income and ROE underscores a dynamic balance between operational performance and financial management over time.
Return on Assets (ROA)
Merck & Co. Inc., ROA calculation (quarterly data)
| Sep 30, 2025 | Jun 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. | 5,785) | 4,427) | 5,079) | 3,743) | 3,157) | 5,455) | 4,762) | (1,226) | 4,745) | (5,975) | 2,821) | 3,017) | 3,248) | 3,944) | 4,310) | 3,758) | 4,567) | 1,545) | 3,179) | ||||||
| Total assets | 129,546) | 117,523) | 115,122) | 117,106) | 117,532) | 112,630) | 105,849) | 106,675) | 106,727) | 104,469) | 107,796) | 109,160) | 107,081) | 107,095) | 106,668) | 105,694) | 93,494) | 90,688) | 90,847) | ||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROA1 | 14.69% | 13.96% | 15.14% | 14.62% | 10.34% | 12.20% | 2.18% | 0.34% | 4.32% | 2.98% | 12.09% | 13.30% | 14.25% | 15.48% | 13.29% | 12.35% | 7.70% | 6.14% | 7.73% | ||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROA, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 1.78% | 2.74% | 3.08% | 3.17% | 3.57% | 3.76% | 4.03% | 3.61% | 4.78% | 6.42% | 5.64% | 8.53% | 9.49% | 8.83% | 8.71% | 7.88% | 5.06% | 4.50% | 3.43% | ||||||
| Amgen Inc. | 7.77% | 7.53% | 6.64% | 4.45% | 4.65% | 3.44% | 4.05% | 6.91% | 8.36% | 8.84% | 8.92% | 10.06% | 10.73% | 11.09% | 9.67% | 9.63% | 8.63% | 9.61% | 11.33% | ||||||
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 6.23% | 5.33% | 5.86% | -9.66% | -7.75% | -6.91% | -6.21% | 8.43% | 9.08% | 8.52% | 7.75% | 6.53% | 6.80% | 6.59% | 6.07% | 6.40% | -4.87% | -4.58% | -5.53% | ||||||
| Danaher Corp. | 4.38% | 4.18% | 4.76% | 5.03% | 4.83% | 5.35% | 5.28% | 5.64% | 6.74% | 7.49% | 8.15% | 8.55% | 8.35% | 7.76% | 7.74% | 7.73% | 7.13% | 7.19% | 6.30% | ||||||
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 16.02% | 13.67% | 12.42% | 13.45% | 11.07% | 10.22% | 9.60% | 8.19% | 8.61% | 11.85% | 10.70% | 12.62% | 12.71% | 12.09% | 13.06% | 11.44% | 12.39% | 12.70% | 13.01% | ||||||
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 13.86% | 11.33% | 10.57% | 0.81% | 0.23% | 1.97% | 0.86% | 9.12% | 9.42% | 8.80% | 9.02% | 7.27% | 5.33% | 6.58% | 7.16% | 9.16% | 11.02% | 7.59% | 0.45% | ||||||
| Johnson & Johnson | 13.03% | 11.72% | 11.26% | 7.81% | 8.24% | 20.99% | 22.37% | 20.98% | 20.85% | 6.81% | 6.49% | 9.57% | 10.94% | 10.33% | 11.12% | 11.47% | 9.98% | 10.07% | 8.76% | ||||||
| Pfizer Inc. | 4.71% | 5.22% | 3.79% | 3.76% | 1.94% | -1.20% | -0.14% | 0.94% | 4.87% | 9.75% | 14.85% | 15.91% | 15.32% | 15.01% | 13.58% | 12.11% | 11.10% | 7.78% | 7.01% | ||||||
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 11.40% | 11.67% | 11.98% | 11.69% | 12.43% | 11.98% | 11.22% | 11.95% | 12.41% | 14.02% | 13.91% | 14.85% | 19.40% | 20.90% | 30.11% | 31.75% | 29.55% | 28.88% | 22.53% | ||||||
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | 6.38% | 6.50% | 6.58% | 6.51% | 6.11% | 6.32% | 6.21% | 6.07% | 6.12% | 6.08% | 6.36% | 7.15% | 7.77% | 8.21% | 8.20% | 8.12% | 11.64% | 12.70% | 12.02% | ||||||
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 14.78% | 15.13% | -4.32% | -2.38% | -2.16% | -2.43% | 16.81% | 15.92% | 15.97% | 16.54% | 17.18% | 18.30% | 19.59% | 20.50% | 17.19% | 17.44% | 17.25% | 16.30% | 22.80% | ||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31).
1 Q3 2025 Calculation
ROA = 100
× (Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q3 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q2 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q1 2025
+ Net income (loss) attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.Q4 2024)
÷ Total assets
= 100 × (5,785 + 4,427 + 5,079 + 3,743)
÷ 129,546 = 14.69%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Income (Loss) Attributable
- The net income figures exhibit significant volatility over the examined periods. Beginning with US$3,179 million in March 2021, the income rose and fell through 2021 with a peak of US$4,567 million in September. In early 2022, net income remained relatively stable around US$4,310 million but saw a gradual decline through the remainder of the year, reaching US$3,017 million by December 2022. A sharp negative value of -US$5,975 million in June 2023 indicates an exceptional loss, followed by a quick rebound with positive income in subsequent quarters. From March 2024 onwards, net income shows recovery and general upward momentum, reaching US$5,785 million by September 2025, reflecting potential stabilization and growth after previous volatility.
- Total Assets
- Total assets demonstrate a steady upward trend throughout the observed timeline. Starting near US$90,847 million in March 2021, assets increased gradually, surpassing US$105,000 million by the end of 2021 and continuing their growth trend into 2024 and 2025. Notably, assets peaked at US$129,546 million by September 2025, indicating expansion or accumulation of resources over time without any significant contractions.
- Return on Assets (ROA)
- Return on Assets percentages reflect substantial fluctuations. Initially, ROA started at 7.73% in March 2021, rising to a high of 15.48% by June 2022. This is followed by a sharp decline in 2023, where ROA dropped to as low as 0.34% in December 2023, signaling lower efficiency in generating earnings from assets during that period. Post-2023, ROA recovered robustly with values consistently above 10%, peaking at 15.14% in September 2025. The ROA trend generally aligns with the income fluctuations, emphasizing the impact of net earnings variability on asset utilization efficiency.