Merck continued to expand its business in the second quarter of 2025 despite unfavorable exchange rates. The Life Science and Healthcare business sectors contributed particularly to organic growth. Currency effects, primarily due to the weak US dollar, had a negative impact.
Merck CEO emphasizes resilience and strategy
“We have delivered solid underlying sales and earnings growth,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. “Yes, currency effects are taking their toll. But by standing on three pillars, Life Science, Healthcare and Electronics, we are, as a Group, better able to withstand the geopolitical, economic and currency swings that are buffeting companies around the world. Meanwhile, our recently completed acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics underlines our conviction that cutting-edge technology, including through strategically savvy acquisitions and partnerships, is key to securing future growth.”
Business figures at a glance
The Darmstadt-based pharmaceutical company's reported sales declined slightly year-on-year. However, organic growth was recorded. The complete key figures show: Sales amounted to €5,255 million compared to €5,352 million in the same quarter of the previous year, representing a decline of 1.8 percent. Organic growth was two percent.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased to €891 million. Compared to €792 million in the same quarter of the previous year, this represents an increase of 12.4 percent. EBITDA pre was €1,462 million, 3.1 percent below the prior-year figure of €1,509 million. Adjusted for currency effects, organic growth was 4.6 percent. Profit after taxes increased by 8.3 percent to €655 million compared with €605 million in the prior-year quarter.
Life Science increases sales in Process Solutions
In the Life Science segment, the Process Solutions business unit was once again the most important growth driver. It achieved organic sales growth of 11.5 percent and reached its highest quarterly figure in two years. The offering includes solutions for all stages of drug production. Order intake also significantly exceeded sales.
The Science & Lab Solutions business unit remained stable in organic terms, mainly due to subdued research investments in the US. Life Science Services, which specializes in contract development, manufacturing and testing services, posted an organic decline of 8.2 percent.
Healthcare: Merck with growth in oncology and neurology
In the Healthcare business sector, organic sales growth was 3.6 percent. Revenues from drugs for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, and its tablet formulation for the treatment of multiple sclerosis performed particularly well. The latter achieved its highest quarterly sales since its launch at €307 million.
The business unit for cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders and endocrinology grew organically by 4.7 percent. In the fertility segment, a hormone preparation for stimulating egg production achieved double-digit growth rates, while another preparation for the treatment of infertility recorded lower sales.
Expansion of the oncology portfolio through acquisition
On July 1, 2025, Merck acquired the US biopharmaceutical company Springworks for around €3 billion. This strengthens the Group's portfolio in the area of rare tumor diseases. A drug developed by Springworks for the treatment of symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas received conditional approval from the European Commission in July.
Outlook: Merck plans further growth in 2025
For the full year, Merck expects organic sales growth of between two and five percent. The forecast for organic EBITDA pre growth has been raised to four to eight percent. The Group expects better results than previously assumed, particularly in the Life Science and Healthcare businesses.
