Merck lifts 2026 profit outlook to €6.4 billion

Merck (NYSE:MRK) raised its 2026 financial guidance for the third time this year, increasing its maximum adjusted EBITDA forecast to €6.4 billion following stronger third-quarter results.

The company now expects full-year revenue of €21.5 billion–€21.9 billion, compared with its previous forecast of €21 billion–€21.8 billion, while EBITDA pre guidance increased to €6.2 billion–€6.4 billion from €5.9 billion–€6.3 billion.

Jefferies said third-quarter sales and adjusted EBITDA exceeded analyst expectations by 3% and 5%, respectively, while net profit fell 49.9% to €450 million against a prior-year quarter that included one-off gains.

The revised forecast also reflects stronger underlying performance, favorable foreign-exchange effects and an assumed December contribution from the planned Bio-Techne acquisition.

Following the announcement, Merck's share price was up 2.2% at €154.88.

Meanwhile, life Science recorded €2.411 billion in quarterly sales, up 6.1% organically, while Electronics generated €948 million, with Semiconductor Solutions sales increasing 18.7% organically.

Merck also plans to acquire Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) for approximately US$11.3 billion and has agreed to sell its contract development and manufacturing business to Lonza, with the latter transaction expected to close in mid-2027.