German drugs and chemicals firm Merck KGaA (MKGAY.PK) reported a narrower second-quarter 2012 loss after tax of 60.5 million euros, compared with 86.8 million euros last year. On a reported basis, quarterly loss per share was 0.29 euros, narrower than a 0.41 euros loss a year before, the company added. Adjusted for one-time costs, earnings per share pre totaled 1.92 euros, up 20% from the prior year's 1.60 euros.
Merck's second-quarter total revenues rose 12% to 2.85 billion euros, from 2.555 billion euros in the 2011 second quarter. Quarterly sales went up 11% to 2.74 billion euros, from 2.47 billion euros in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an organic sales growth of 5.1%, a 5.4% positive benefit from foreign exchange rates and a 0.5% rise from acquisitions and divestments.
Based on the second-quarter results, Merck has upgraded its full-year total revenues and EBITDA pre guidance for 2012. The company now sees annual EBITDA pre one-time items of 2.85 billion euros - 2.95 billion euros, and total revenues of around 10.7 billion euros. Previously, Merck Group estimated EBITDA pre one-time items of 2.8 billion euros - 2.9 billion euros, and total revenues of about 10.5 billion euros for 2012.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com