CLAIM #43588 · Merck & Company Inc (MRK) · 2025Q3 earnings call · Oct 30, 2025 · due Dec 31, 2026
“as we look to 2026, we expect an acceleration in underlying operating expense growth driven by investments in both R&D and SG&A to fuel our pipeline and new launches, including more than $0.5 billion of investment to maximize the potential of OHTUVAYRE.”
Caroline Litchfield · CFO
How to check this claim
Look at: Year-over-year growth rate of underlying (non-GAAP) operating expenses (R&D plus SG&A), FY2026 vs FY2025
It came true if: FY2026 underlying operating expense growth rate higher than FY2025's reported underlying operating expense growth rate
Where: Company non-GAAP reconciliation tables and management commentary in 10-K/annual earnings release and Q4 2026 earnings call
In context
“n estimated negative impact related to the acquisition of Verona of $0.04. As you consider your models, there are a few items to keep in mind. For KEYTRUDA, as previously communicated, year-over-year growth in the U.S. in the fourth quarter is expected to be negatively impacted by approximately $200 million due to the timing of wholesaler purchases. For ENFLONSIA, we are pleased with the initial purchases in the U.S. Keep in mind that most of this was stocking ahead of expected usage in this RSV season. Lastly, as Rob noted, we have one of the most robust pipelines in our recent history. Importantly, all of our major programs are advancing and we are excited about the additional opportunities in front of us. As we have said before, we intend to fully invest behind these opportunities, and as we look to 2026, we expect an acceleration in underlying operating expense growth driven by investments in both R&D and SG&A to fuel our pipeline and new launches, including more than $0.5 billion of investment to maximize the potential of OHTUVAYRE. This will enable us to continue to bring forward innovative medicines and vaccines to make a difference in the lives of patients and drive growth for our company. Now turning to capital allocation, where our strategy remains unchanged. We will prioritize investments in our business to drive near- and long-term growth. We will continue to invest in our key growth drivers and expansive pipeline of novel candidates, each of which has significant potential to address important unmet medical needs. We remain committed to our dividend with the goal of increasing it over time. Business development remains a high priority, and we are well positioned to pursue additional science-driven value-enhancing transactions. We are maintaining our increased pace of share repurchases and expect approximately”
Verify independently
SEC filings for MRK ↗ · Claim quote is verbatim from the 2025Q3 earnings call.