Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) Files An 8-K Material Impairments

On February 17, 2017, Merck determined that it will record an intangible asset impairment charge related to the research program for MK-3682, uprifosbuvir, a nucleotide prodrug in clinical development that is being evaluated for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Uprifosbuvir was obtained in connection with the 2014 acquisition of Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.>

The Company determined that recent changes to the product profile, as well as changes to its expectations for pricing and the market opportunity, taken together constituted a triggering event that required the Company to evaluate the uprifosbuvir intangible asset for impairment. Utilizing market participant assumptions, and considering different scenarios, the Company concluded that its best estimate of the current fair value of the intangible asset related to uprifosbuvir was $240 million, resulting in the recognition of a pre-tax impairment charge of $2.9 billion ($1.9 billion after taxes), which will be reflected in the Company’s 2016 results. Merck’s previously reported fourth-quarter 2016 generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) diluted earnings per share (EPS) were reduced from $0.42 to a loss of $0.22, and full-year 2016 GAAP EPS were reduced from $2.04 to $1.41, reflecting the impact of the impairment charge, partially offset by other adjustments which increased GAAP EPS for both the fourth and full year of 2016 by $0.04. The Company’s previously reported fourth quarter and full year non-GAAP EPS remain unchanged.

The Company continues to evaluate options with respect to the uprifosbuvir clinical development program and will monitor the remaining $240 million intangible asset for further impairment.

About Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company. The Company offers health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, which it markets directly and through its joint ventures. It operates through one segment, Pharmaceutical. The Company’s Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products marketed either directly by the Company or through joint ventures. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed healthcare providers. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets animal health products, including vaccines. The Company’s animal health products are sold to veterinarians, distributors and animal producers. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) Recent Trading Information
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) closed its last trading session up +0.56 at 65.85 with 6,804,792 shares trading hands.