Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.