Stock Analysis on Net

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Analysis of Short-term (Operating) Activity Ratios 
Quarterly Data

Microsoft Excel

Short-term Activity Ratios (Summary)

Merck & Co. Inc., short-term (operating) activity ratios (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Turnover Ratios
Inventory turnover 2.25 2.43 2.49 2.45 2.39 2.42 2.54 2.63 2.66 2.72 2.95 3.10 3.06 2.74 2.29 2.73 2.79 2.40 2.45
Receivables turnover 5.37 5.92 6.24 5.55 5.37 5.40 5.81 5.71 5.29 5.56 6.27 6.22 5.93 5.49 5.28 5.56 6.00 5.65 6.11
Payables turnover 3.82 3.98 3.72 4.26 4.39 4.48 4.11 4.59 4.58 4.34 4.08 5.16 4.86 4.25 2.96 4.54 3.93 3.81 3.37
Working capital turnover 5.77 6.19 6.19 5.86 5.14 9.68 9.29 6.69 8.86 5.63 5.16 5.58 6.39 6.09 7.62 6.51 6.97 84.97 109.83
Average No. Days
Average inventory processing period 162 150 147 149 153 151 144 139 137 134 124 118 119 133 159 134 131 152 149
Add: Average receivable collection period 68 62 58 66 68 68 63 64 69 66 58 59 62 66 69 66 61 65 60
Operating cycle 230 212 205 215 221 219 207 203 206 200 182 177 181 199 228 200 192 217 209
Less: Average payables payment period 95 92 98 86 83 81 89 80 80 84 89 71 75 86 123 80 93 96 108
Cash conversion cycle 135 120 107 129 138 138 118 123 126 116 93 106 106 113 105 120 99 121 101

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).


The analysis of the quarterly financial ratios and periods reveals various trends relating to operational efficiency and liquidity management over the observed time frame.

Inventory Turnover
The inventory turnover ratio shows moderate fluctuations, peaking around late 2020 and early 2022, with values exceeding 3.0. Subsequently, it demonstrates a gradual decline, stabilizing near a ratio of 2.4 in recent quarters. This indicates a slight deceleration in the rate at which inventory is sold and replaced over time.
Receivables Turnover
The receivables turnover ratio fluctuates between approximately 5.2 and 6.3, with no sustained trend upward or downward. Peaks tend to occur around year-end periods, suggesting some seasonality in collections. Nonetheless, the ratio remains relatively stable, reflecting consistent efficiency in collecting receivables.
Payables Turnover
There is noticeable variability in payables turnover, with values ranging from just under 3.0 to above 5.0. A marked increase is evident during 2021, followed by somewhat lower ratios in 2024 and 2025. The higher turnover values indicate faster repayment to suppliers during peaks, while the more moderate recent values suggest a lengthening of payment periods.
Working Capital Turnover
The working capital turnover ratio is particularly volatile, spanning from approximately 5.1 up to near 110 in earlier data points, with most recent values clustering around 5 to 6. This irregularity could point to significant changes in either sales or working capital levels in specific periods. Overall, recent quarters exhibit lower and more stable turnover, implying a steadier use of working capital in generating sales.
Average Inventory Processing Period
The average inventory processing period varies between about 115 and 160 days. It decreased from a peak in early 2021 toward around 118 days by late 2021, then gradually increased again through 2023 and into 2024, indicating a lengthening of the time inventory remains before sale.
Average Receivable Collection Period
The collection period generally ranges from roughly 58 to 69 days, with a tendency to peak in early quarters of some years. This suggests consistent customer payment behavior with periodic increases in collection duration, but no significant long-term deterioration.
Operating Cycle
The operating cycle, which sums inventory period and receivable collection, fluctuates mostly between 180 and 230 days. It reached lows around late 2021 but then returned to above 210 days more recently, reflecting changes in inventory and receivables management.
Average Payables Payment Period
The payables period shows considerable swings, from near 70 days up to over 120 days. A pronounced increase occurred in early 2021, indicating longer payment delays to suppliers, followed by a contraction during late 2021 and variable periods thereafter. The recent stabilization around 85 to 95 days may suggest improved payment practices compared to peak periods.
Cash Conversion Cycle
The cash conversion cycle, representing the net time to convert resource outflow into cash inflow, oscillates primarily between 90 and 140 days. After elevated values above 120 days in 2021 and early 2023, it decreases somewhat but remains above 100 days in most recent quarters, signaling moderate efficiency in managing the cash flow tied to operations.

In summary, the data indicates that while the company maintains stable collection efficiency and steady payables management, inventory turnover and working capital utilization have seen moderate shifts that could impact operational liquidity. The cash conversion cycle remains extended, suggesting ongoing focus may be needed to shorten the time lag between cash outflows and inflows.


Turnover Ratios


Average No. Days


Inventory Turnover

Merck & Co. Inc., inventory turnover calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Cost of sales 3,557 3,419 3,828 4,080 3,745 3,540 3,912 4,264 4,024 3,926 3,881 3,934 4,216 5,380 3,873 3,450 3,104 3,199 5,533 3,481 3,159 3,312
Inventories, excludes inventories classified in Other assets 6,601 6,196 6,109 6,244 6,469 6,510 6,358 6,131 5,930 5,863 5,911 5,614 5,535 5,774 5,953 5,603 5,499 6,402 6,310 6,128 6,056 5,846
Short-term Activity Ratio
Inventory turnover1 2.25 2.43 2.49 2.45 2.39 2.42 2.54 2.63 2.66 2.72 2.95 3.10 3.06 2.74 2.29 2.73 2.79 2.40 2.45
Benchmarks
Inventory Turnover, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 3.42 3.71 4.04 4.09 4.86 4.83 4.98 4.74 4.30 4.53 4.87 5.54 4.99 4.96 5.58 5.76 5.45 5.40 4.65
Amgen Inc. 1.88 1.88 1.84 1.75 1.42 1.14 0.89 1.41 1.38 1.31 1.30 1.34 1.40 1.48 1.58 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.58
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 5.18 5.28 5.46 3.57 3.72 3.70 4.02 4.33 4.39 3.93 4.33 4.77 4.59 4.55 4.74 4.85 5.01 5.61 5.68
Danaher Corp. 3.60 3.79 4.15 3.60 3.59 3.73 3.80 3.53 3.58 3.50 4.03 3.80 3.71 3.87 4.16 4.06 4.28 4.34 4.28
Eli Lilly & Co. 0.84 0.96 1.11 1.05 1.16 1.17 1.23 1.40 1.37 1.36 1.54 1.86 1.79 1.93 1.88 1.79 1.80 1.68 1.38
Gilead Sciences Inc. 3.40 3.55 3.66 3.62 3.33 3.59 3.64 3.49 3.45 3.57 3.75 4.71 4.50 4.50 4.08 3.21 2.99 2.79 2.72
Johnson & Johnson 2.17 2.24 2.21 2.15 2.20 2.32 2.37 2.46 2.23 2.36 2.49 2.68 2.69 2.77 2.87 2.86 2.91 2.86 3.04
Pfizer Inc. 1.52 1.60 1.65 1.66 2.05 2.15 2.45 2.65 2.31 3.07 3.82 3.62 3.66 3.67 3.40 2.78 1.80 1.28 1.08
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 0.64 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.70 0.72 0.69 0.67 0.65 0.83 0.96 1.27 1.25 0.88 0.82 0.56 0.58
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 4.57 4.82 5.06 4.62 4.83 4.93 5.06 4.83 4.64 4.62 4.60 4.29 4.03 3.87 3.88 3.90 4.03 4.01 4.02
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1.06 1.14 1.27 1.37 1.53 1.65 1.71 1.71 1.90 2.06 2.35 2.69 2.70 2.83 2.56 2.58 2.52 2.56 2.62

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Inventory turnover = (Cost of salesQ2 2025 + Cost of salesQ1 2025 + Cost of salesQ4 2024 + Cost of salesQ3 2024) ÷ Inventories, excludes inventories classified in Other assets
= (3,557 + 3,419 + 3,828 + 4,080) ÷ 6,601 = 2.25

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The analysis of the quarterly financial data reveals several notable trends in key operational metrics over the observed periods. Throughout the timeline, fluctuations in cost of sales and inventories are evident, alongside variations in inventory turnover ratios.

Cost of Sales
The cost of sales shows a pattern of variability with periods of both increase and decrease. Beginning at approximately 3,312 million US dollars in the first quarter of 2020, the cost experienced a peak in December 2020 at 5,533 million US dollars. Following this peak, a general decline occurred in early 2021, with some recovery observed later in the year. In 2022, cost of sales again increased notably in March (5,380 million US dollars) but showed a downward movement towards the end of 2022 and into 2023. The values for 2024 suggest a mild oscillation without a clear trend, fluctuating between approximately 3,540 and 4,080 million US dollars. Overall, this metric does not demonstrate a smooth trend but rather cyclical movements, indicating volatility in production costs or changes in sales volumes during these quarters.
Inventories (Excluding Other Assets)
Inventories exhibit a gradual increase over the entire period. Starting from 5,846 million US dollars in early 2020, inventories rose steadily through 2020 and 2021, with some minor decreases or plateaus in a few quarters (e.g., mid-2021). The upward trend accelerated in recent quarters, reaching over 6,600 million US dollars by the middle of 2025. This suggests a buildup of stock, possibly reflecting strategies for supply chain management, potential anticipation of demand, or slower inventory turnover in some periods.
Inventory Turnover Ratio
The inventory turnover ratio was not consistently reported across all periods but, where available, it shows a general decline over time. Initially, turnover ratios hovered around 2.45 to 2.79 between 2020 and early 2022, indicating a moderate pace of inventory usage. Subsequently, a steady decline is seen, dropping to as low as 2.25 by the end of 2025. This declining ratio points to a slower rotation of inventory, which may imply that inventory is being held for longer periods or that sales velocity has decreased relative to inventory levels. The downward trend in inventory turnover aligns with the observed increase in inventory balances, reinforcing the interpretation that inventories are accumulating at a faster rate than they are sold or replaced.

In summary, cost of sales exhibits cyclical fluctuations with no definitive trend, inventories have generally increased over the reported periods, and inventory turnover ratios have declined steadily where data is available. These dynamics may reflect shifting operational strategies, varying demand conditions, or adjustments in supply chain practices. The combination of increasing inventories and declining turnover suggests a need to monitor inventory management efficiency closely to avoid potential overstocking and associated costs.


Receivables Turnover

Merck & Co. Inc., receivables turnover calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Sales 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 12,514 12,551 10,872 12,057
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 11,846 10,790 10,278 11,381 11,642 11,366 10,349 10,394 11,030 10,415 9,450 9,482 9,643 9,828 9,230 8,571 7,843 8,235 7,851 8,422 7,577 8,182
Short-term Activity Ratio
Receivables turnover1 5.37 5.92 6.24 5.55 5.37 5.40 5.81 5.71 5.29 5.56 6.27 6.22 5.93 5.49 5.28 5.56 6.00 5.65 6.11
Benchmarks
Receivables Turnover, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 4.62 4.60 5.16 4.84 4.69 4.55 4.87 4.83 4.88 4.95 5.16 5.38 5.10 5.29 5.63 5.94 5.42 5.24 5.19
Amgen Inc. 3.85 4.03 4.72 4.26 4.26 4.16 3.70 4.17 4.34 4.34 4.46 4.60 4.62 4.81 4.96 5.11 5.39 5.41 5.36
Danaher Corp. 6.74 6.79 6.75 6.77 7.15 7.02 6.09 6.15 6.64 6.89 6.40 7.09 6.81 6.87 6.36 6.69 6.51 6.28 5.51
Eli Lilly & Co. 3.76 4.07 4.09 3.97 3.53 4.56 3.75 3.93 3.93 3.68 4.14 4.35 4.57 4.64 4.24 4.69 4.58 4.56 4.18
Gilead Sciences Inc. 6.01 6.51 6.47 6.14 5.92 5.84 5.78 5.68 6.43 6.43 5.65 6.16 6.60 7.18 6.01 5.95 6.34 6.43 4.98
Johnson & Johnson 5.08 5.58 5.98 5.42 5.48 5.73 5.73 5.91 5.36 5.65 5.88 6.04 5.92 6.08 6.14 6.13 6.00 5.64 6.08
Pfizer Inc. 5.29 5.27 5.55 4.18 4.93 5.09 5.33 6.25 7.66 7.57 9.16 6.21 6.68 6.99 7.08 5.81 5.23 4.70 5.28
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2.53 2.53 2.29 2.27 2.36 2.51 2.31 2.35 2.47 2.42 2.28 2.47 2.76 3.41 2.66 2.48 1.77 2.20 2.07
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 5.03 5.07 5.23 5.13 5.33 5.36 5.21 5.19 5.43 5.53 5.53 5.76 5.53 5.21 4.92 7.03 6.99 6.46 5.61
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 6.03 6.15 6.85 6.07 6.24 5.68 6.31 6.27 6.11 5.95 6.19 6.28 6.26 6.15 6.66 6.48 7.19 6.56 7.01

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Receivables turnover = (SalesQ2 2025 + SalesQ1 2025 + SalesQ4 2024 + SalesQ3 2024) ÷ Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
= (15,806 + 15,529 + 15,624 + 16,657) ÷ 11,846 = 5.37

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The quarterly financial data presents several notable trends in sales, accounts receivable, and receivables turnover over the observed periods.

Sales (US$ in millions)
Sales demonstrate a fluctuating but generally upward trajectory over the quarters. Starting from US$12,057 million in March 2020, sales experienced a decline in mid-2020, reaching a low around US$10,627 million in March 2021. Subsequently, sales resumed growth with some seasonal variability, peaking at US$16,657 million in September 2024 before a slight decrease towards the end of 2024 and early 2025, ending near US$15,806 million in June 2025. This pattern suggests recovery from a mid-2020 dip, possibly reflecting market or external factors, followed by steady growth with periodic fluctuations likely tied to product cycles or demand.
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (US$ in millions)
The net accounts receivable show a rising trend over the period, starting at US$8,182 million in March 2020 and generally increasing to US$11,846 million by September 2024. There are minor fluctuations within quarters reflective of changes in sales and collection efficiency, with the highest points in mid to late 2024. The growth in receivables corresponds broadly with sales increases, indicating consistent credit policies or terms with customers over time. However, the increasing balance may warrant monitoring to ensure receivables do not accumulate excessively relative to sales.
Receivables Turnover (ratio)
The receivables turnover ratio, available from September 2020 onwards, fluctuates within a range roughly between 5.28 and 6.27. Generally, this ratio shows mild variability quarter to quarter without a clear sustained upward or downward trend. Peaks are observed in December 2020 (6.11), December 2021 (6.22), and the first quarter of 2025 (6.24), suggesting periods of more efficient receivables collection. Conversely, dips to around 5.28 in March 2022 and 5.29 in June 2023 indicate slower collections during these times. Overall, the ratio implies a relatively stable management of receivables, with some seasonal or operational fluctuations affecting collection efficiency.

In summary, the data indicates that sales grew steadily after a mid-2020 downturn, accounts receivable followed a similar upward trend reflective of increased sales volume, and receivables turnover exhibited consistent seasonal variations without drastic shifts in collection performance. These trends together imply a recovering and expanding business with generally stable credit and collection practices over the observed timeframe.


Payables Turnover

Merck & Co. Inc., payables turnover calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Cost of sales 3,557 3,419 3,828 4,080 3,745 3,540 3,912 4,264 4,024 3,926 3,881 3,934 4,216 5,380 3,873 3,450 3,104 3,199 5,533 3,481 3,159 3,312
Trade accounts payable 3,892 3,784 4,079 3,586 3,519 3,514 3,922 3,509 3,442 3,680 4,264 3,371 3,482 3,715 4,609 3,366 3,897 4,034 4,594 3,744 3,448 3,572
Short-term Activity Ratio
Payables turnover1 3.82 3.98 3.72 4.26 4.39 4.48 4.11 4.59 4.58 4.34 4.08 5.16 4.86 4.25 2.96 4.54 3.93 3.81 3.37
Benchmarks
Payables Turnover, Competitors2
Amgen Inc. 4.12 5.25 6.74 5.99 5.01 6.10 5.32 5.22 5.67 4.97 4.08 5.30 5.09 4.65 4.72 5.41 4.92 4.40 4.33
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 2.61 3.52 3.88 3.43 3.05 3.12 3.28 3.75 3.38 3.20 3.33 3.82 3.41 3.25 3.37 3.89 2.97 3.69 4.34
Danaher Corp. 5.62 5.57 5.52 6.04 5.84 5.88 5.58 5.63 5.82 5.68 5.45 5.61 5.00 5.04 4.48 5.20 5.54 5.29 4.79
Eli Lilly & Co. 2.27 2.61 2.61 2.70 2.56 2.88 2.73 2.81 2.65 3.07 3.43 4.24 4.21 5.24 4.38 4.46 4.30 3.75 3.41
Gilead Sciences Inc. 10.65 8.47 7.50 7.49 12.57 10.69 11.81 9.90 9.06 8.99 6.25 11.22 11.89 11.43 9.36 9.18 8.70 8.71 5.42
Johnson & Johnson 3.07 2.97 2.66 3.03 3.03 3.23 2.76 3.29 2.75 3.05 2.66 3.08 3.15 3.26 2.70 3.32 3.38 3.34 2.99
Pfizer Inc. 3.44 3.30 3.17 3.67 4.60 4.19 3.72 5.07 3.92 4.78 5.04 5.49 6.17 6.66 5.53 5.11 3.72 2.68 2.02
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2.83 2.84 2.50 3.87 3.32 2.67 2.99 3.43 3.14 2.69 2.65 3.74 4.00 5.39 4.32 4.23 3.42 2.23 2.36
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 8.53 8.25 8.18 9.63 9.85 9.91 8.97 10.41 10.82 9.35 7.67 9.93 8.84 7.96 6.83 8.31 8.88 8.12 7.45
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 3.59 3.49 3.71 3.73 4.27 3.81 3.46 3.13 3.16 3.41 3.55 8.23 5.01 5.52 4.64 6.73 6.35 5.99 4.75

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Payables turnover = (Cost of salesQ2 2025 + Cost of salesQ1 2025 + Cost of salesQ4 2024 + Cost of salesQ3 2024) ÷ Trade accounts payable
= (3,557 + 3,419 + 3,828 + 4,080) ÷ 3,892 = 3.82

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The cost of sales exhibits a fluctuating trend over the quarters analyzed. In early 2020, it began around the low 3000s (in US$ millions), followed by a peak in December 2020 exceeding 5500 million. Subsequently, the cost declined again in early 2021, stabilizing mostly between 3100 and 3900 million for the remainder of 2021 through 2025, though there are some intermittent increases and decreases. Notably, the cost rose to approximately 5380 million in March 2022 before decreasing again in subsequent periods. The data suggests periodic volatility but a general pattern of moderate stability after the initial spike in late 2020.

Trade accounts payable follow a somewhat similar pattern to the cost of sales but with less pronounced peaks. The values started above 3500 million in early 2020 and increased significantly to levels around or above 4600 million in late 2020 and late 2021. After this peak, trade payables generally ranged between 3400 to 4000 million with occasional rises above 4000 million, such as in early 2025. The payable levels appear to fluctuate in a cyclical manner consistent with the company's payment cycles or operational scale fluctuations.

Regarding the payables turnover ratio, the data is available starting from the third quarter of 2020. The ratio shows an overall upward trend from 3.37 to a peak of 5.16 in the last quarter of 2021, indicating an improvement in how quickly payables were turned over initially. After this peak, there is some variability, with the ratio mostly remaining between 3.7 and 4.6 from 2022 through 2025. This suggests that after a period of increasing efficiency in payables management during 2020-2021, the turnover rate normalized and became relatively stable, reflecting steady operational management practices.

Cost of Sales:
Fluctuations with a significant peak in late 2020; subsequent periods show moderate but variable values generally ranging from about 3100 to 4000 million.
Trade Accounts Payable:
Cyclic fluctuations with peaks in late 2020 and late 2021 above 4600 million; otherwise stable mostly between 3400 and 4000 million with occasional increases.
Payables Turnover Ratio:
An initial improvement trend culminating in a peak near 5.16 at the end of 2021, followed by stabilization with minor fluctuations between approximately 3.7 and 4.6 from 2022 onward.

Overall, the data depicts a scenario of operational volatility in cost and payables levels during the early pandemic period, followed by a phase of stabilization. Efficient payables management improved notably during 2020-2021, then settled into a consistent pattern. The trends suggest the company navigated its supply chain and payment obligations with increasing control after the initial disruptions.


Working Capital Turnover

Merck & Co. Inc., working capital turnover calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Current assets 37,065 35,503 38,782 40,361 38,205 31,445 32,168 31,954 29,977 33,402 35,722 33,561 32,116 31,184 30,266 31,058 28,665 26,909 27,764 26,577 29,343 26,174
Less: Current liabilities 26,037 25,174 28,420 29,586 26,060 25,099 25,694 23,094 23,394 23,131 24,239 22,998 23,168 22,316 23,872 23,728 21,906 26,361 27,327 20,405 22,178 23,483
Working capital 11,028 10,329 10,362 10,775 12,145 6,346 6,474 8,860 6,583 10,271 11,483 10,563 8,948 8,868 6,394 7,330 6,759 548 437 6,172 7,165 2,691
 
Sales 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 12,514 12,551 10,872 12,057
Short-term Activity Ratio
Working capital turnover1 5.77 6.19 6.19 5.86 5.14 9.68 9.29 6.69 8.86 5.63 5.16 5.58 6.39 6.09 7.62 6.51 6.97 84.97 109.83
Benchmarks
Working Capital Turnover, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 130.12
Amgen Inc. 5.35 8.36 5.40 4.83 5.19 3.39 2.25 0.81 0.84 0.82 3.82 2.52 3.67 4.34 3.37 2.55 5.35 2.84 2.55
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 8.09 6.87 7.79 8.49 12.50 15.56 4.60 10.47 5.53 5.55 8.30 5.75 4.92 6.24 3.95 4.43 4.24 4.25 3.72
Danaher Corp. 5.71 8.27 8.85 8.73 8.10 3.60 4.22 2.18 3.08 3.81 4.20 5.00 5.43 5.91 8.40 7.98 3.12 3.45 3.48
Eli Lilly & Co. 4.92 4.38 10.32 6.06 12.62 5.45 31.79 12.21 5.77 31.84 14.71 19.45 8.19 8.33 6.73 12.14 5.21 4.93
Gilead Sciences Inc. 8.14 6.27 3.99 9.22 17.98 26.58 5.61 6.74 84.15 9.14 8.42 8.56 6.87 6.68 8.54 7.25 7.09 7.06 5.30
Johnson & Johnson 284.99 6.10 15.94 58.86 22.29 10.35 11.81 9.37 14.06 23.02 4.88 5.02 5.57 5.95 5.97 5.93 7.26 9.44
Pfizer Inc. 10.68 6.64 8.64 5,036.00 29.17 1.62 2.03 6.89 11.00 3.83 5.05 6.10 4.78 4.29 4.21 3.60 4.58
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1.08 1.01 0.97 0.88 0.87 0.86 0.82 0.87 0.92 0.90 0.96 1.09 1.14 1.46 1.59 1.35 1.29 1.35 1.20
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 3.64 4.20 4.87 4.61 3.96 4.38 4.05 4.86 7.40 10.13 5.46 5.40 6.03 6.13 5.87 2.30 3.10 3.36 2.76
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1.82 1.78 1.83 1.82 1.92 1.07 0.93 0.87 0.90 0.93 0.85 0.90 0.93 0.97 1.02 1.03 1.01 0.97 0.99

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Working capital turnover = (SalesQ2 2025 + SalesQ1 2025 + SalesQ4 2024 + SalesQ3 2024) ÷ Working capital
= (15,806 + 15,529 + 15,624 + 16,657) ÷ 11,028 = 5.77

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Working Capital
The working capital exhibited significant fluctuations over the observed quarters. Starting at 2,691 million USD in March 2020, the figure peaked sharply at 7,165 million USD in June 2020, followed by a decline to 437 million USD by December 2020. In 2021, working capital recovered substantially, reaching levels above 6,000 million USD across quarters and peaking at 7,330 million USD in September 2021. Through 2022, working capital maintained elevated values, ranging from approximately 8,868 to 11,483 million USD, before experiencing volatility in 2023, where it fell to around 6,474 million USD in December 2023. The first half of 2024 saw a renewed increase, with working capital reaching a high of 12,145 million USD in June 2024, followed by a general stabilization near the 10,000 to 11,000 million USD mark in the subsequent quarters until June 2025.
Sales
Sales revenue demonstrated a generally upward trend over the period, beginning at 12,057 million USD in March 2020 and showing some quarterly variability. After a dip in mid-2020, sales increased steadily, peaking at 15,901 million USD in March 2022. Following this peak, the sales figures showed moderate fluctuations but remained within a range of approximately 13,800 to 16,100 million USD from late 2022 through mid-2024. The latest quarters reflected slight declines but the sales level remained generally robust around 15,500 to 15,800 million USD through June 2025.
Working Capital Turnover
The working capital turnover ratio, available primarily from late 2020 onwards, showed a pattern of notable variance. Initial recorded values indicated very high ratios in December 2020 and the early months of 2021 (above 80), which likely resulted from the low working capital levels in those periods. From mid-2021 forward, the ratio settled to a more typical range between approximately 5 and 9. There were peaks such as 8.86 in March 2023 and 9.68 in June 2024, indicative of efficient utilization of working capital relative to sales during these quarters. Conversely, some lows were observed, for example around 5.14 in March 2024, suggesting periods of less efficient capital use.
Insights and Patterns
The data reveals a cyclicality in working capital that does not always mirror sales trends, suggesting shifting operational or inventory dynamics. Periods with low working capital and high turnover point to efficient capital deployment, while elevated working capital levels paired with stable sales may indicate accumulation of assets or changes in current liabilities. Sales growth is present but with seasoning seasonal and quarterly fluctuations, reflecting possibly the nature of the market or product cycles. The working capital turnover's stabilization into a consistent range from 2021 onwards suggests an improvement or normalization in operational processes after the initial volatility in 2020.

Average Inventory Processing Period

Merck & Co. Inc., average inventory processing period calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Inventory turnover 2.25 2.43 2.49 2.45 2.39 2.42 2.54 2.63 2.66 2.72 2.95 3.10 3.06 2.74 2.29 2.73 2.79 2.40 2.45
Short-term Activity Ratio (no. days)
Average inventory processing period1 162 150 147 149 153 151 144 139 137 134 124 118 119 133 159 134 131 152 149
Benchmarks (no. days)
Average Inventory Processing Period, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 107 98 90 89 75 75 73 77 85 81 75 66 73 74 65 63 67 68 79
Amgen Inc. 194 195 199 209 257 321 411 259 265 279 281 272 260 247 231 239 239 239 231
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 70 69 67 102 98 99 91 84 83 93 84 76 79 80 77 75 73 65 64
Danaher Corp. 101 96 88 101 102 98 96 104 102 104 91 96 98 94 88 90 85 84 85
Eli Lilly & Co. 435 379 329 349 316 312 298 261 267 268 237 196 204 189 194 204 203 217 265
Gilead Sciences Inc. 108 103 100 101 110 102 100 105 106 102 97 78 81 81 89 114 122 131 134
Johnson & Johnson 168 163 165 169 166 158 154 149 164 155 147 136 136 132 127 128 125 128 120
Pfizer Inc. 239 229 222 219 178 170 149 138 158 119 95 101 100 99 107 131 203 284 338
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 570 582 572 573 562 553 519 508 532 549 562 440 379 287 292 415 445 653 625
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 80 76 72 79 76 74 72 76 79 79 79 85 91 94 94 94 91 91 91
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 345 320 287 267 238 222 214 213 192 177 156 136 135 129 143 142 145 142 139

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Average inventory processing period = 365 ÷ Inventory turnover
= 365 ÷ 2.25 = 162

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Inventory Turnover Ratio
The inventory turnover ratio demonstrates fluctuations throughout the analyzed periods. Starting at around 2.45 in early 2020, the ratio exhibits a slight decline to 2.4 by mid-2021. Subsequently, there is a marked increase, reaching a peak around 3.1 by the end of 2022. After this peak, the ratio trends downward gradually, falling to near 2.25 by mid-2025. This pattern suggests a period of improving efficiency in inventory management followed by a gradual slowdown in turnover rates.
Average Inventory Processing Period (Number of Days)
The average inventory processing period in days inversely mirrors the inventory turnover ratio, indicating the time inventory remains on hand. Early measurements commence near 149 days and fluctuate downward to approximately 118 days by late 2022, signaling increased efficiency in inventory processing. Following this improvement, there is a gradual increase in processing days, rising to 162 days by mid-2025. This trend implies that the processing of inventory slowed down after an initial period of accelerated turnover.
Overall Trends and Insights
There is a clear inverse relationship between inventory turnover and average processing period, consistent with inventory management principles. The data reflects an improvement phase in inventory efficiency between 2020 and 2022, characterized by higher turnover and shorter processing times. Post-2022, the reversal in these metrics suggests that inventory management became less efficient, potentially due to external factors such as supply chain constraints, demand variability, or changes in operational strategies. The gradual nature of these changes indicates a steady shift rather than abrupt disruption.

Average Receivable Collection Period

Merck & Co. Inc., average receivable collection period calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Receivables turnover 5.37 5.92 6.24 5.55 5.37 5.40 5.81 5.71 5.29 5.56 6.27 6.22 5.93 5.49 5.28 5.56 6.00 5.65 6.11
Short-term Activity Ratio (no. days)
Average receivable collection period1 68 62 58 66 68 68 63 64 69 66 58 59 62 66 69 66 61 65 60
Benchmarks (no. days)
Average Receivable Collection Period, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 79 79 71 75 78 80 75 76 75 74 71 68 72 69 65 61 67 70 70
Amgen Inc. 95 91 77 86 86 88 99 88 84 84 82 79 79 76 74 71 68 67 68
Danaher Corp. 54 54 54 54 51 52 60 59 55 53 57 51 54 53 57 55 56 58 66
Eli Lilly & Co. 97 90 89 92 103 80 97 93 93 99 88 84 80 79 86 78 80 80 87
Gilead Sciences Inc. 61 56 56 59 62 62 63 64 57 57 65 59 55 51 61 61 58 57 73
Johnson & Johnson 72 65 61 67 67 64 64 62 68 65 62 60 62 60 59 60 61 65 60
Pfizer Inc. 69 69 66 87 74 72 69 58 48 48 40 59 55 52 52 63 70 78 69
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 144 144 160 161 155 146 158 156 148 151 160 148 132 107 137 147 206 166 177
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 73 72 70 71 68 68 70 70 67 66 66 63 66 70 74 52 52 56 65
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 61 59 53 60 58 64 58 58 60 61 59 58 58 59 55 56 51 56 52

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Average receivable collection period = 365 ÷ Receivables turnover
= 365 ÷ 5.37 = 68

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Receivables Turnover Ratio
The receivables turnover ratio data begins from March 31, 2020. Initial values indicate a turnover ratio of around 6.11 in the first reported quarter, followed by a decline to 5.28 by the first quarter of 2022. After reaching its lowest point in early 2022, the ratio exhibits fluctuations but shows an overall tendency to recover, peaking at 6.27 in the last quarter of 2022 before decreasing again in subsequent periods. The ratio remains close to 5.4-5.9 in most quarters from 2023 onwards, indicating a relatively stable but somewhat lower turnover efficiency compared to the early periods.
Average Receivable Collection Period
Corresponding inversely to the receivables turnover ratio, the average receivable collection period starts at 60 days and increases to 69 days in the first quarter of 2022, indicating a slowing in collection efficiency. Afterward, this metric fluctuates between approximately 58 and 69 days in subsequent quarters. The longer collection period in some quarters suggests the company may be experiencing delays in cash inflows or extended credit terms, while the shorter periods in other quarters show some recovery in collection velocity.
Overall Analysis
There is a clear inverse correlation between the receivables turnover ratio and the average receivable collection period, as expected. The data reflects a period of deteriorating receivables management efficiency peaking around early 2022, with longer collection times and lower turnover. After this period, the company appears to have made some improvements, but with continuing variability. This suggests that while the company manages to maintain its receivables turnover within an acceptable range, there remain challenges in achieving consistently efficient collection periods across quarters.

Operating Cycle

Merck & Co. Inc., operating cycle calculation (quarterly data)

No. days

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Average inventory processing period 162 150 147 149 153 151 144 139 137 134 124 118 119 133 159 134 131 152 149
Average receivable collection period 68 62 58 66 68 68 63 64 69 66 58 59 62 66 69 66 61 65 60
Short-term Activity Ratio
Operating cycle1 230 212 205 215 221 219 207 203 206 200 182 177 181 199 228 200 192 217 209
Benchmarks
Operating Cycle, Competitors2
AbbVie Inc. 186 177 161 164 153 155 148 153 160 155 146 134 145 143 130 124 134 138 149
Amgen Inc. 289 286 276 295 343 409 510 347 349 363 363 351 339 323 305 310 307 306 299
Danaher Corp. 155 150 142 155 153 150 156 163 157 157 148 147 152 147 145 145 141 142 151
Eli Lilly & Co. 532 469 418 441 419 392 395 354 360 367 325 280 284 268 280 282 283 297 352
Gilead Sciences Inc. 169 159 156 160 172 164 163 169 163 159 162 137 136 132 150 175 180 188 207
Johnson & Johnson 240 228 226 236 233 222 218 211 232 220 209 196 198 192 186 188 186 193 180
Pfizer Inc. 308 298 288 306 252 242 218 196 206 167 135 160 155 151 159 194 273 362 407
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 714 726 732 734 717 699 677 664 680 700 722 588 511 394 429 562 651 819 802
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 153 148 142 150 144 142 142 146 146 145 145 148 157 164 168 146 143 147 156
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 406 379 340 327 296 286 272 271 252 238 215 194 193 188 198 198 196 198 191

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Operating cycle = Average inventory processing period + Average receivable collection period
= 162 + 68 = 230

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Average Inventory Processing Period
The average inventory processing period exhibits fluctuations over the observed quarters. Starting at 149 days in March 2021, it slightly increased to 152 days by June 2021, followed by a noticeable decline to 131 days in September 2021. This downward trend continues into December 2021, reaching 134 days. Subsequently, the period extends again, peaking at 159 days in March 2022, before generally decreasing to a low of 118 days in December 2022. From then on, there is a gradual upward trend, moving from 124 days in March 2023 to 162 days by June 2025, indicating variability with an overall increase towards the end of the period.
Average Receivable Collection Period
The average receivable collection period shows variability with periods of increase and decrease. Beginning at 60 days in March 2021, it rises to 65 days by June 2021. It then fluctuates moderately, declining to 58 days by December 2021 but increasing again to 69 days in March 2022. The period remains somewhat stable with minor oscillations, peaking again at 69 days in June 2023, followed by a moderate decrease and stabilization around 62 to 68 days in later quarters. The data illustrate oscillating liquidity in receivables, with no clear sustained improvement or deterioration.
Operating Cycle
The operating cycle trend mirrors the general pattern of both inventory processing and receivable collection periods. Starting at 209 days in March 2021, it increases to 217 days in June 2021 before sharply decreasing to 192 days in September 2021. This is followed by further fluctuations, hitting a low of 177 days in December 2021, and peaking at 228 days in March 2022. Subsequently, the cycle length decreases to around 182 days and then gradually rises again to 230 days by June 2025. This overall volatility, with peaks and troughs, suggests variability in operational efficiency and working capital management across the observed periods.

Average Payables Payment Period

Merck & Co. Inc., average payables payment period calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Payables turnover 3.82 3.98 3.72 4.26 4.39 4.48 4.11 4.59 4.58 4.34 4.08 5.16 4.86 4.25 2.96 4.54 3.93 3.81 3.37
Short-term Activity Ratio (no. days)
Average payables payment period1 95 92 98 86 83 81 89 80 80 84 89 71 75 86 123 80 93 96 108
Benchmarks (no. days)
Average Payables Payment Period, Competitors2
Amgen Inc. 89 70 54 61 73 60 69 70 64 73 90 69 72 78 77 67 74 83 84
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 140 104 94 106 120 117 111 97 108 114 109 96 107 112 108 94 123 99 84
Danaher Corp. 65 66 66 60 63 62 65 65 63 64 67 65 73 72 82 70 66 69 76
Eli Lilly & Co. 161 140 140 135 142 127 134 130 138 119 106 86 87 70 83 82 85 97 107
Gilead Sciences Inc. 34 43 49 49 29 34 31 37 40 41 58 33 31 32 39 40 42 42 67
Johnson & Johnson 119 123 137 120 121 113 132 111 133 120 137 118 116 112 135 110 108 109 122
Pfizer Inc. 106 110 115 99 79 87 98 72 93 76 72 66 59 55 66 71 98 136 181
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 129 129 146 94 110 137 122 106 116 136 138 98 91 68 84 86 107 164 155
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 43 44 45 38 37 37 41 35 34 39 48 37 41 46 53 44 41 45 49
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 102 105 98 98 85 96 106 117 115 107 103 44 73 66 79 54 57 61 77

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Average payables payment period = 365 ÷ Payables turnover
= 365 ÷ 3.82 = 95

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Payables Turnover
The payables turnover ratio exhibits a general upward trend from early 2021 through late 2022. Initially, the ratio increased from 3.37 in March 2021 to a peak of 5.16 in December 2021, indicating more frequent payments to suppliers during that period. Following this peak, the ratio remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations, fluctuating between 4.08 and 4.59 through 2023. In 2024 and early 2025, the turnover ratio demonstrates a slight declining trend, dropping from 4.11 in March 2024 to 3.82 by June 2025. This decline suggests a modest lengthening in the time taken to settle payables towards the end of the analyzed period.
Average Payables Payment Period
The average payables payment period, measured in days, inversely mirrors the payables turnover ratio. Starting at 108 days in March 2021, this metric decreases steadily to a low of 71 days in December 2021, indicating faster payment cycles. From there, it remains relatively stable but shows some variability between 70 and 90 days through 2023. In 2024 and the early part of 2025, this period extends gradually again, rising to 95 days by June 2025. The overall pattern suggests an initial effort to reduce payment periods in 2021, sustained relatively efficiently over 2022-2023, and then a mild reversal with lengthier payment durations in the latest quarters.
Summary of Trends
There is a clear inverse relationship between the payables turnover ratio and the average payables payment period, as expected. The data reveals a period of efficiency improvement in payables management between early 2021 and the end of 2021, with more frequent payments and shorter payment timings. After this period, the company maintained a relatively consistent pace in managing payables with some fluctuations, before experiencing a moderate extension in payables payment duration beginning in 2024. These changes may reflect shifts in working capital management strategies, supplier negotiations, or operational cash flow considerations over the examined timeframe.

Cash Conversion Cycle

Merck & Co. Inc., cash conversion cycle calculation (quarterly data)

No. days

Microsoft Excel
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 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data
Average inventory processing period 162 150 147 149 153 151 144 139 137 134 124 118 119 133 159 134 131 152 149
Average receivable collection period 68 62 58 66 68 68 63 64 69 66 58 59 62 66 69 66 61 65 60
Average payables payment period 95 92 98 86 83 81 89 80 80 84 89 71 75 86 123 80 93 96 108
Short-term Activity Ratio
Cash conversion cycle1 135 120 107 129 138 138 118 123 126 116 93 106 106 113 105 120 99 121 101
Benchmarks
Cash Conversion Cycle, Competitors2
Amgen Inc. 200 216 222 234 270 349 441 277 285 290 273 282 267 245 228 243 233 223 215
Danaher Corp. 90 84 76 95 90 88 91 98 94 93 81 82 79 75 63 75 75 73 75
Eli Lilly & Co. 371 329 278 306 277 265 261 224 222 248 219 194 197 198 197 200 198 200 245
Gilead Sciences Inc. 135 116 107 111 143 130 132 132 123 118 104 104 105 100 111 135 138 146 140
Johnson & Johnson 121 105 89 116 112 109 86 100 99 100 72 78 82 80 51 78 78 84 58
Pfizer Inc. 202 188 173 207 173 155 120 124 113 91 63 94 96 96 93 123 175 226 226
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 585 597 586 640 607 562 555 558 564 564 584 490 420 326 345 476 544 655 647
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 110 104 97 112 107 105 101 111 112 106 97 111 116 118 115 102 102 102 107
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 304 274 242 229 211 190 166 154 137 131 112 150 120 122 119 144 139 137 114

Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31).

1 Q2 2025 Calculation
Cash conversion cycle = Average inventory processing period + Average receivable collection period – Average payables payment period
= 162 + 6895 = 135

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial data reveals several notable trends and fluctuations in the company's working capital management over the observed periods.

Average Inventory Processing Period
Beginning in March 2021, the inventory processing period exhibits variability, with values ranging from a low of 118 days to a high of 162 days. The period initially declines from 149 days in March 2021 to 118 days by December 2021, indicating improved inventory turnover. However, starting in early 2022, this period generally trends upward, reaching 162 days by June 2025. This suggests a gradual elongation in inventory holding times over the longer term, which could imply slower movement of inventory or changes in inventory management practices.
Average Receivable Collection Period
The receivable collection period fluctuates within a relatively narrow range throughout the timeframe. Starting at 60 days in March 2021, it peaks at 69 days multiple times, including March 2022, June 2023, and several subsequent quarters. A slight downward correction occurs intermittently, with lows near 58 days. This pattern demonstrates some inconsistency in collection efficiency, with periodic increases in days outstanding potentially reflecting changes in credit terms or customer payment behaviors.
Average Payables Payment Period
The payment period for payables declines sharply from 108 days in March 2021 to 71 days in December 2021, signaling quicker payments to suppliers during that period. Subsequently, the payment period increases again, reaching 123 days in March 2022, followed by a decline and stabilizing mostly between 80 and 95 days through mid-2025. This oscillation suggests varying cash management strategies or shifts in supplier negotiations, reflecting both aggressive payment acceleration and extended payment terms at different times.
Cash Conversion Cycle
The cash conversion cycle (CCC) presents a fluctuating pattern as well. From an initial 101 days in March 2021, it rises to peaks above 120 days several times, including a notable high of 138 days in March and June 2024. Lower points around 93 days occur in December 2022. This variability indicates periodic challenges in effectively converting inventory and receivables into cash while managing payables. The extended CCC during certain quarters suggests periods of less efficient working capital management, potentially pressuring liquidity.

Overall, the data illustrates mixed trends in liquidity and operational efficiency. Improvements in inventory turnover and payables payment were observed in some periods, but the general tendencies towards longer inventory processing and cash conversion cycles imply areas where efficiency could be enhanced. The oscillations in receivable collection and payables payment periods reflect adaptive financial strategies, possibly in response to changing external conditions or internal policies.