Merck Lifts Sales Forecast Amid Strong Q2 Performance

Pharmaceutical giant Merck has raised its 2026 sales outlook to $66.3 billion, $67.3 billion, following a strong second-quarter performance that exceeded analyst expectations.

The company reported worldwide sales of $16.6 billion for the quarter, up 5 percent year-over-year, and delivered non-GAAP earnings per share of $2.13.

Merck's flagship cancer drug Keytruda was a major growth driver, recording $16.40 billion in first-half 2026 sales, up 4.2 percent year-over-year.

The company's guidance raise reflects broader momentum in the pharmaceutical industry during the second quarter of 2026, with Pfizer and Eli Lilly also raising their revenue forecasts.