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RAHWAY, N.J. - Merck (NSE:PROR) & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), a global healthcare leader, declared on Monday a quarterly dividend and a substantial stock repurchase program. The company’s Board of Directors has announced a second-quarter dividend of $0.81 per share on its common stock, scheduled for payment on April 7, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 17, 2025. Additionally, Merck has been authorized by the Board to buy back $10 billion of its treasury stock, with the repurchase plan having no set expiration date.
This financial move comes as part of Merck’s ongoing efforts to deliver value to its shareholders. The company, with a history spanning over 130 years, has been at the forefront of developing medicines and vaccines aimed at improving and saving lives. Merck prides itself on being a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company and maintains a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce while operating responsibly.
The announcement also includes a forward-looking statement, cautioning that the actual results could vary significantly due to various risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, market conditions, industry competition, economic factors such as interest rate and currency exchange fluctuations, regulatory changes, and the potential impact of litigation or regulatory actions. For deeper insights into Merck’s financial health and future prospects, investors can access comprehensive Pro Research Reports available exclusively on InvestingPro, covering detailed analysis of 1,400+ top stocks.
Investors are advised that the company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements as they are based on current management expectations and are subject to change. Further details on potential factors that could affect the company’s financial results are available in Merck’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This financial update is based on a press release statement from Merck & Co., Inc.
In other recent news, Merck & Co. has seen significant developments in its operations and product offerings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review to Merck’s application for expanded use of the oral cancer drug Welireg. If approved, Welireg would become the only available therapy in the U.S. for patients with advanced pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Meanwhile, Merck is facing a jury trial over accusations of wrongfully marketing its Gardasil cancer vaccine.
In collaboration with Eisai, Merck reported mixed results from their Phase 3 LEAP-015 trial evaluating the efficacy of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA combination therapy for patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Guggenheim Securities has adjusted its outlook on Merck shares, reducing the price target while reaffirming a Buy rating. This revision is primarily due to several updates to the firm’s financial model for Merck, including revised revenue forecasts for several of Merck’s products.
These recent developments highlight Merck’s commitment to expanding its research and development pipeline and addressing unmet medical needs. The company continues to advance its clinical research programs, despite facing litigation and receiving mixed results in recent trials.
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