...Merck’s Business Environment MNGT/521 University of Phoenix November 7, 2011 Kevin Wilhelmsen Merck’s Business Environment There are many factors a business, such as Merck, must have in order to be successful, for example strong financial statements, leading technology, and globalization. With the help of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, a financial analysis can be applied in a wide variety of situations to give business managers the information they need to make critical decisions (Financial Analysis, 2010). They also provide information in regards to the financial health of a company. Pharmaceutical companies are using technology to conduct clinical trials, which has proven to be beneficial to research, development, and the introduction of new products. Globalization is also important for Merck when it comes to product distribution. Outsourcing was been adopted by Merck in order to produce equal quality vaccines and medications at a cheaper cost. Review of Finances Analyzing a company’s income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow is a prime way in determining their success. A comparison can be made between the competition in the industry and a leader can be established. An analysis can also show which company is spending more on research and development and in turn, producing better products. After review of the income statements, Merck’s worldwide sales were $12 billion...
Words: 2950 - Pages: 12
...Executive Summary The pharmaceutical company Merck has traditionally sold medicines and products that have been developed through its internal research. So, it is not surprising to see that the company spends quite a large amount of money on research. This is reflected in its financial statement as given in the exhibit 1. The R&D expenditure is about 7% of Merck’s revenues. The life cycle of a drug takes it from the research labs to three phases of testing, each increasingly complex, then through a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process before it can be marketed and sold. The entire cycle of testing from the time the drug has been lab tested to market can take up to seven years. And, there is inherent risk involved in any drug making through this rigorous process of testing. The most popular and most profitable drugs from Merck include Vasotec, Mevacor, Prinivil and Pepcid, generating $5.7 billion in worldwide sales, in the year 2000. The patents for these drugs stand to expire in 2002, making the formula for these drugs available for generic drug makers. This would cut into the anticipated sales of these drugs, since Merck would no longer be the sole manufacturer of these drugs. Any new drug will take longer than the two years to become marketable. In order to offset this, Merck is considering the purchase of the licenses for Davanrik from LAB Pharmaceuticals. Davenrik has just completed pre-clinical development and is ready for the clinical approval...
Words: 3097 - Pages: 13
...company’s financial leverage. It indicates what proportion of equity and debt the company is using to finance its assets. From 2010 to 2012, the total debt/equity ratios of Merck & Co. went from 0.33 to 0.32 and 0.39. Although the ratio didn’t change dramatically from 2010 to 2011, it did increase incredibly during year 2012. It shows that Merck & Co. had been aggressive in financing its growth with debt. The increasing debt/equity ratio means the company is using debt to finance operations, which could potentially gain more earnings than it would have without the debt. If Merck & Co. increased the earning by a greater amount than the debt cost, then the shareholders can be benefited from it. However, higher debt/equity ratio can also be a potential risk since it may lead to bankruptcy if the debt is too much to be handled. Return On Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) are both very important financial measures of a company. ROA is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total assets, while ROE is used to show the amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholders equity. ROA of Merck & Co. from 2010 to 2012 were 0.79, 5.95, and 5.82 and the ROE ratios were 1.52, 11.52, and 11.44. As we can see, both ROA and ROE were very low in 2010 but increased dramatically and rapidly in 2011 by approximately 7 times. However, during 2012, both measures stayed almost the same with the last year. It shows the profitability of Merck & Co...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...During the development of the veterinary drug ivermectin, research scientist William C. Campbell, speculated on the potential the drug would have for human application; ivermectin was being developed to combat parasitic worms in livestock which are very similar to the worms that caused onchocerciasis. Campbell wrote a letter to the head of Merck’s research laboratories, who at the time was P. Roy Vagelos, requesting development of ivermectin for human use. Campbell's request causes a dilemma, the only viable uses for the drug would be for people who living in some of the poorest countries in the world; how could Merck underwrite the development of such a product for which there would most likely be of no economic value? On average it takes 12 years of research and development to bring a drug to market and costs in the neighborhood of $200 million. Merck would likely never recoup this investment cost and it would never be a profitable product. However, there would not be a lack of beneficiaries should the drug were to be developed; the greatest issue Vagelos faced; the people who need the drug the most are the...
Words: 2332 - Pages: 10
...Case Study: Merck Acquisition of Medco Professor Daniel Weiss FI561 January 23, 2011 DeVry University Case Study: Merck Acquisition of Medco Abstract The purpose of this case study is to determine whether it would be beneficial to merge Merck Corporation with Medco Containment Services Incorporated. The merger and acquisition between the world’s largest drug manufacturer and the largest prescription benefits management company (PBM) and marketer of mail order medicines in the United States would result in a successful campaign to take over the drug industry if handled appropriately. As Chairman and CEO of Merck Corporation, I have to consider all sides of the arguments, financially, marketing and cultural wise and come to a conclusion as to whether this merger would be a good idea for the company. Like any other investment and merger, there are risks, and I have to decide what would be best in the interest of this company. The details as to whether the decision to acquire or not acquire Medco will be described in this paper. Along with data that helps make that final decision. There are a few things one must take into account before making a decision. You have to look at the long term run, whether or not the merger and acquisition will be successful. You also have to take synergy into account; it is the most important reason why there are a lot of mergers and acquisitions. Synergy would be when two companies join forces to create additional value and cut costs...
Words: 2468 - Pages: 10
...Executive Summary The pharmaceutical company Merck has traditionally sold medicines and products that have been developed through its internal research. So, it is not surprising to see that the company spends quite a large amount of money on research. This is reflected in its financial statement as given in the exhibit 1. The R&D expenditure is about 7% of Merck's revenues. The life cycle of a drug takes it from the research labs to three phases of testing, each increasingly complex, then through a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process before it can be marketed and sold. The entire cycle of testing from the time the drug has been lab tested to market can take up to seven years. And, there is inherent risk involved in any drug making through this rigorous process of testing. The most popular and most profitable drugs from Merck include Vasotec, Mevacor, Prinivil and Pepcid, generating $5.7 billion in worldwide sales, in the year 2000. The patents for these drugs stand to expire in 2002, making the formula for these drugs available for generic drug makers. This would cut into the anticipated sales of these drugs, since Merck would no longer be the sole manufacturer of these drugs. Any new drug will take longer than the two years to become marketable. In order to offset this, Merck is considering the purchase of the licenses for Davanrik from LAB Pharmaceuticals. Davenrik has just completed pre-clinical development and is ready for the clinical approval...
Words: 1229 - Pages: 5
...objective and valid. This case study is about LAB and its decision to license off Davanrik to Merck. This analysis is about how Merck has been able to generate substantial returns given the costly and lengthy time to develop drugs and the potential outcome for Davanrik should LAB licenses off to Merck, Also, the analysis will determine if Merck should license the drug and for how much, and to determine how much LAB would receive given a 5% royalty fee on any cash flow. Lastly, the paper will analyze the change in launching Davanrik for weight loss if the cost was $225 million instead of $100 million. Merck is a giant pharmaceutical company that concentrates on research and development of new drugs. It performs several research and develops medical products for humans and animals. Merck owns lots of blockbuster medical supplies and drugs. In 1999, it earned $5.9 billion in sales, an increase of about 20% from 1998 (Ruback, 2003). Merck makes huge profits from its patented drugs like Vasotec, Prinivil and Pepcid. Merck is able to achieve substantial returns to capital even with large cost and lengthy time to develop drugs through the sale of patented drugs like Pepcid. Merck has exclusive right to sell the drugs until the patent expires. The sales made during this time are able to cover the large cost. While Merck might not make as much profit from its drugs after its patents expire, Merck also sells drugs with expired patent...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
...Merck & Medco You Decide Assignment Merck’s acquisition of Medco: Merger Analysis and Recommendation by Marzena Porebski . Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2 2.0 THE COMPANY OVERVIEW 3 2.1 Merck & Company 3 2.2 Medco Containment Services Inc. 5 2.3 The Companies Advantages 6 3.0 MERCK & MEDCO MERGER 7 3.1 Acquisition Details 7 3.2 Merger Analysis 7 4.0 CONCLUSION 11 5.0 APPENDIX 12 5.1 Financial Reports 12 5.2 Sales of Drugs and Prices 13 5.3 Merger and Acquisition Activity 14 5.4 Market Share 15 5.5 Additional Documents 15 6.0 References 15 1.0 INTRODUCTION Mergers and acquisitions occur because directors see benefits that could come from combining two or more businesses, which could improve the company’s overall financial performance. Mergers and related acquisitions have occurred in the United States in a series of waves over the last century or more, as can be seen on the chart in Appendix 5.3. Over time, mergers have become popular and in recent times, the growth has been steeper outside of the United States. One of many reasons why mergers occur is due to macroeconomic factors that contribute to a merger wave such as economic conditions, credit availability, industry shocks, government policy changes, competitive business environment, innovation, technological developments, or globalization (Thompson). Mergers and acquisitions can generate cost efficiency through economies of scale, can increase the revenue through gain in...
Words: 3006 - Pages: 13
...9-201-023 REV: MARCH 25, 2003 RICHARD S. RUBACK Merck & Company: Evaluating a Drug Licensing Opportunity Rich Kender, Vice President of Financial Evaluation & Analysis at Merck, was working with his team to decide whether his company should license Davanrik, a new drug with the potential to treat both depression and obesity. The small pharmaceutical concern that developed the drug, LAB Pharmaceuticals, lacked the resources to complete the lengthy approval process, manufacture the compound, and market the drug. LAB had approached Merck with an offer to license the compound. Under this agreement, Merck would be responsible for the approval of Davanrik, its manufacture, and its marketing. The company would pay LAB an initial fee, a royalty on all sales, and make additional payments as Davanrik completed each stage of the approval process. Merck In 2000, Merck & Co., Inc. was a global research-driven pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of human and animal health products, directly and through its joint ventures, and provides pharmaceutical benefit management services (PBM) through Merck-Medco Managed Care. Since 1995, Merck had launched 15 new products including Vioxx™ for the treatment of osteoarthritis, Fosamax™ for the treatment of osteoporosis and Singulair™ for treating asthma. The Company earned $5.9 billion on 1999 sales1 of $32.7 billion, about a 20% increase from 1998. Exhibits 1 and 2 contain Merck’s...
Words: 2603 - Pages: 11
...MERCK AND RIVER BLINDNESS 1. Think about the definition of stakeholders — any parties with a stake in the organization’s actions or performance. Who are the stakeholders in this situation? How many can you list? On what basis would you rank them in importance? People suffering from the disease or those who potentially may be infected – would directly benefit from the cure Merck employees at all levels – profitability and the economic health of the company affects current employees Merck shareholders – inability to profit from the drug might have a negative effect on shareholder’s value, but taking the stand on “doing the right thing” might have a favorable effect on company’s reputation and increase the value of the stock Various healthcare organizations – Merck is one of the leaders in the industry whose actions or inactions may affect the state of the industry as a whole One way to rank stakeholders in importance is by their level of benefit from the drug putting people suffering from the disease in the first place as they would benefit the most from the invent of the cure. Then, employees and shareholders would share the second place, provided that the company would most likely not be able to recover funds invested in the long and expensive process of developing the drug which in turn would affect company’s profitability. Finally, various healthcare organizations would rank third; the effect on them would depend on the level of their involvement in the process...
Words: 2838 - Pages: 12
...Merck & Medco: A Comparative Analysis By: Larry Lloyd Keller Graduate School of Management FIN 561 Mergers & Acquisitions (Online) Professor Gene Smith September 19, 2015 Table of Contents Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...i Executive Summary…………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………1 Overview of Pharmaceutical Industry…………………….…………………………………………………………......2 S.W.O.T Analysis..……………………..................................................................................................3-5 Impact on Marketing and Sales…………………………………………….………………………………………………..5-6 Marketing and Sales Considerations……………………………………………………………………………….........6-7 Operational Considerations………………………………………..…………………………………………….……………7-8 Financial Considerations………………………………………………………………………………………………………...8-9 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9-11 References……………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………….12 i. Executive Summary Merck & Co. is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, is seeking to acquire Medco Containment Services, a leading managed prescription drug benefit company, for $6 billion dollars. After the merger, Merck & Co. will seek to strengthen their position in healthcare industry, by not only selling prescription drugs used by millions of consumers, but also having a larger say in how the medicines are used by consumers...
Words: 2468 - Pages: 10
...Merck – Business Analysis MGMT 521 October 17, 2011 Dr. Patrick E. Murray Merck – Business Analysis A mutual fund manager invests in many securities. Experiences and success open new opportunities to future investments. Merck is one of the largest and well-known pharmaceutical companies in the world. The decision to invest is determent on many factors. This includes a SWOT analysis of Merck and taking information from this analysis to decide whether to invest. Internal and external stakeholders along with their wants and needs are identified. Finally, an explanation of Merck's handling current and future stakeholder needs is determined. This research helps in making the decision to invest or not with Merck. SWOT Analysis |Strengths |Weaknesses | | | | |A diversified product portfolio |Reduction in OTC (over-the-counter) products | | | | |Global efforts to decrease maternity mortality |Possible reduction in workforce | |ration | | | | | ...
Words: 1532 - Pages: 7
...Merck & Company Project Selection Decision Introduction As Merck & Company’s lead project manager I have to decide whether to invest its resources in one of two projects. One project is to pursue a cure for river blindness, a disease that has plagued third world countries for a number of years now and the second project is to re-package a very popular and profitable anti-depression drug for the Western market. In this concise report I plan to look at both options through SWOT analysis. I will be drawing on other relevant project selection strategy and making an informed decision from the analysis conducted. Merck & Company was founded on “medicine for the people”. This statement from George W. Merck, the company founder’s son and former chairman has not always sat comfortably with all senior executives within the business. He had a strong sense of morality within business and that philosophy has seen the company to where it is today. Discussion The case to pursue with the project to cure river blindness raises a number of questions. When comparing the two I am going to look at what decision is best for the company to align its business strategy with the project selection. | River Blindness Project | | Anti-Depression Repackaging Project | Investment | $2,000,000 | | $500,000 | Annual Savings | $50,000 | | $500,000 | | | | | Payback Period | 40 years | | 1 year | Looking at Financial models, in this case it is clear that repackaging...
Words: 1279 - Pages: 6
...Business description In 2000 Merck is a successful pharmaceutical company with a handful of drugs developed internally as well as in joint-ventures. Its success however linked to the exclusivity rights of its patents, which makes its investors concerned about the close expiration (2002) of several patents of its blockbusters, which would dry out future revenues. The long-term viability of the company depends thus on the ability to refresh its portfolio of patent-protected drugs in order to counterbalance the loss of sales resulting from the generics. The large financial capacity of Merck & Co enables the company to buy rights to test, manufacture and market compounds which were generated by smaller companies which lack the capital or want to avoid the risk; in case the FDA is successfully completed Merck & Co. profits by having bought the patent at a cheap price. In this context a young pharma company, LAB Pharmaceuticals has approached Merck offering them to license one of their compounds called Davanrik. The company is in an uncomfortable financial situation and hesitates to launch the testing of this promising Davanrik, a drug whose use could be dual for weight and depression problems. Davanrik has already successfully completed the preclinical testing and has to complete the approval phases 1 to 3 and the final FDA approval. LAB proposed to Merck to be in charge of the approval of Davanrik, its manufacture and its marketing and would in exchange pay to LAB an initial fee,...
Words: 1029 - Pages: 5
...You Decide: MERCK ACQUISITION OF MEDCO “Takeover can be both a problem and a solution”. However the merge between Merck & Company, the world’s largest drug manufacturer, which planned to acquire, for $6.6 billion, Medco Containment Services Incorporated, the largest prescription benefits management company (PBM) and marketer of mail-order medicines in the United States is a solution. As anyone may know, the increasing pace of merge activity during the past two decades is related to the power change forces listed in the textbook (Weston, P. 3). Even though overriding other forces are technological changes, which include computers, computers services, software, servers, and the many advances in information systems, including internet. However, Economies of scale, complementarities seems to be an efficiency gain to be achieved in order to stay competitive in the today’s economy characterized by the globalization. By the way, Lot of changes has taken place in the health care industry. And the most significant change involves the growth of managed care in the health care industry. Managed care plans typically provide members with medical insurance and basic health care services, using volume and long-term contracts to negotiate discounts from health care providers. In addition, managed care programs provide full coverage for prescription drugs more frequently than do traditional medical insurance plans. Industry expert’s estimate that by the turn of the century, 90% of Americans...
Words: 1195 - Pages: 5
