Boston, MA 10/21/2013 (wallstreetpr) – Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has been struggling in the first half of 2013 on account of expiration some of the drug patents. It has embarked on an extensive restructuring program aimed at reducing costs by $2.5 billion. These reductions will be visible in 2014 and 2015. Maximum benefits are expected to come through cuts in Marketing and R&D expenses. The company has already laid off 7,500 people, it is planning to lay- off 8,500 more. It is even planning on shifting its headquarters to save on costs.
The company is also focusing its research on segments which have a high potential for growth. Diabetes has been identified as one such area. Merck is already strong in this segment through its Januvia. One American is diagnosed with diabetes every 17 seconds. With 330 million people suffering from this disease in 2011 and more than 550 million by 2030, diabetes treatment is going to be the next battleground. The company is also focusing its R&D efforts in acute hospital care, vaccines and oncology. It is also scouting the market for licensing agreements and acquisitions. The company has several other products in the pipeline. One cancer drug under clinical trials has reported excellent results, 24% of the patients undergoing treatment responded to the treatment.
Many investors are also attracted by its history of dividends. The company also rewards its shareholders by regular buy-backs. The company has announced that it will buy-back $15 billion worth of shares from the open market. Analysts are also satisfied with the way the company is being run. They feel that the company has much strength in critical areas. They are impressed by financial position, reasonable debt levels, and improving profit margins. Many analysts have rated the company as “buy”.
The shares of the company were trading at $46.61 at the end of trading on October 21, 2013.
