Health care company, Merck & Co., Inc.(MRK) saw a drop in earnings for the Q4, but beat analysts estimates on Wednesday.

The Whitehouse Station, NJ based company reported fourth quarter earnings of $1.4 billion, or 46 cents per share, down from $1.51 billion, or 49 cents per share last year. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings came in at $2.54 billion, or 83 cents per share, beating analysts estimate of 81 cents per share.

Revenue for the quarter came in at $11.74 billion, down -5% from $12.29 billion last year, but beating analysts expectation of $11.48 billion.

Sales were affected by an unfavorable foreign exchange, but were partially offset by strong sales and growth of key products during the quarter.

Looking ahead, MRK expects to see FY2013 earnings in the range of $3.60 and $3.70 per share. Revenue is expected to see a 1-2% downside for the year.

Analysts expect to see EPS of $3.68 and revenue of $45.61 billion.

Merck & Co shares were down -$1.25, or -2.89% during premarket trading Friday. The stock has increased 12% in the past year.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Merck & Co., Inc.(MRK) have a 3.98% yield, based on Thursday’s closing price of $43.25.

Merck & Co., Inc.(MRK) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

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