Merck raises 2026 forecast on strong sales and major U.S. acquisition deal

Merck, the German pharmaceutical and technology giant, is projecting a brighter financial year, raising its 2026 revenue forecast to between 21.0 and 21.8 billion euros. This upward revision, announced after a surprisingly strong second quarter, reflects significant momentum in key growth areas.

Company leadership attributes the improved outlook to a confluence of factors. The lab sector, crucial for drug manufacturing, is showing signs of recovery. Simultaneously, demand for semiconductor materials is booming, fueled by the artificial intelligence surge. Merck is also seeing strong performance from its medications for rare diseases. Furthermore, the company anticipates positive currency effects and a more optimistic outlook for its U.S. business with the multiple sclerosis drug Mavenclad.

This strategic optimism is further bolstered by Merck's planned acquisition of U.S. laboratory equipment supplier Bio-Techne Corporation for approximately 10 billion euros. This deal, one of Merck's largest in recent years, aims to expand its presence in high-growth fields such as cell and gene therapies and precision diagnostics. The acquisition is anticipated to be finalized by early 2027, signaling a significant push for future growth.

In the second quarter, Merck exceeded expectations, reporting a 3.4 percent increase in revenue to 5.43 billion euros. While net profit saw a nearly 25 percent decrease to 494 million euros, the adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew by over 9 percent to 1.6 billion euros. The company has also adjusted its operating result forecast upwards to 5.9 to 6.3 billion euros from the previous 5.7 to 6.1 billion euros.

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Our results in the second quarter confirm the ongoing dynamic of our most important growth areas.