Merck finishes record year 2015 stronger

Merck has reported record results for 2015, emerging stronger from the transformation process that started in 2007. Net sales and EBITDA pre exceptionals were higher than ever before in Merck’s history of nearly 350 years.

Net sales of the Merck Group rose sharply by 13.0% to €12.8bn in 2015 (2014: €11.4bn). Organically, Merck increased sales by 2.6% yr-on-yr. Favourable exchange rate effects, primarily thanks to the strength of the US$, contributed 6.2% to sales growth.

The operating result (EBIT) rose by 4.6% to €1.8bn. EBITDA pre exceptionals, the key financial indicator used to steer operating business, climbed significantly by 7.1% to €3.6bn (2014: €3.4bn) thanks to the Life Science and Performance Materials business sectors. Net income, ie profit after tax attributable to Merck shareholders, declined in 2015 by -3.7% to €1.1bn (2014: €1.2bn).