Merck (MRK)

This earnings preview is from Zacks Investment Research, according to IStockAnalyst.com: Merck is scheduled to report its fourth and 2009 results on Feb 16. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter and full year is pegged at a profit of 78 cents and $3.27 per share, respectively. Earnings estimates for the fourth quarter and 2009 have moved down over the past 30 days as 4 out of the 14 analysts lowered their estimates. In contrast, only 2 analysts raised their expectations.
For 2010, the current Zacks Consensus Estimate is $3.46 per share, representing an approximate growth of 5.8%. However, we witness a clear negative trend with respect to estimate revisions for 2010. Seven of the 17 analysts covering the stock have reduced their estimates over the past 30 days while only 1 analyst revised upward. We believe the loss of patent exclusivity of two of Merck's key drugs has prompted the analysts to lower estimates.

Feb 12 · 7:11:00 AM · Source: IStockAnalyst.com
Track · email · face · Twitter · digg · COMMENTS
by Rich Pike