Merck KGaA reported that the cost of sales grew faster than sales due to underutilisation of capacities, mainly in the chemicals business sector. Therefore, the Group gross margin increased only slightly to EUR5,718m, 0.6% more than in 2008.
Merck KGaA has posted EBIT of EUR84.9m, compared to loss of EUR258m for the comparable period in 2008. Profit after tax was EUR58.5m, compared to loss of EUR277.6 for the comparable period in 2008. Earnings per share was EUR0.26 for the quarter, compared to EUR1.29 for the previous year quarter.
For the fiscal year ended December, 2009, Merck KGaA has posted a total revenue of EUR7.75bn, an increase of 2.1%, compared to EUR7.59bn for the year ago period. Profit after tax was EUR376.7m for the 12 months, compared to EUR379.1m for the year ago period.
EBIT for the fiscal year 2009 was EUR620.9m, a decrease of 15.1%, compared to EUR731.4m for the year ago period. Earnings per share was EUR1.68 for the full year 2009, compared to EUR1.69 for the year ago period.
Merck expects total revenues for the year 2010 to increase in a range of +3 to +7%. The group operating result of EUR649m in 2009 and is expected to increase by between +20 and +30%. Core operating result is expected to increase by +3 to +13% from the 2009 level of E1,296m.
Karl-Ludwig Kley, chairman of the executive board at Merck, said: “We are presenting a financial statement for fiscal year 2009 with which – considering the overall circumstances of last year – we can be satisfied.
“For 2010, it will be crucial whether the economic recovery trend remains stable. Merck is assuming that Group total revenues should increase by three to seven percent and that the operating result could grow by 20 to 30%.”