Merck posts better-than-expected second-quarter results on Keytruda strength

Merck exceeded analyst expectations in the second quarter, posting revenue of $16.61 billion, up 5% compared to the prior year period. The result surpassed the consensus estimate of $16.36 billion and prompted the pharmaceutical company to increase its full-year revenue outlook.
The company’s cancer immunotherapy Keytruda, the world’s top-selling prescription medicine, delivered quarterly sales of $8.37 billion, representing 5% growth and exceeding analyst projections of $8.07 billi