Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) has just posted earnings that may be a relief to many who were worried about recent Vytorin woes affecting 2008 numbers. The company posted EPS of $0.80 for Q4 and consensus estimates out of First Call were $0.74. Merck is also guiding its fiscal 2008 of $3.28 to $3.38 EPS, and estimates are $3.36, yet after items it sees a revised 2008 EPS range of $3.80 to $4.00.
Merck shares closed at $48.00 yesterday, down from recent 52-week highs north of $60 earlier in January before the Vytorin woes came out. Its shares are indicated up 1% pre-market.
As estimates had been coming down in recent days, this guidance for 2008 may be a relief to many that worried the latest issues would sharply bring down earnings projections.
Jon C. Ogg
January 30, 2008
Are You Still Paying With a Debit Card?
The average American spends $17,274 on debit cards a year, and it’s a HUGE mistake. First, debit cards don’t have the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once your money is gone, it’s gone. But more importantly you can actually get something back from this spending every time you swipe.
Issuers are handing out wild bonuses right now. With some you can earn up to 5% back on every purchase. That’s like getting a 5% discount on everything you buy!
Our top pick is kind of hard to imagine. Not only does it pay up to 5% back, it also includes a $200 cash back reward in the first six months, a 0% intro APR, and…. $0 annual fee. It’s quite literally free money for any one that uses a card regularly. Click here to learn more!
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings to provide coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.