Merck KGaA Posts Rise In Q2 Core Earnings

German company Merck KGaA

reported a rise in its core earnings for its second quarter. The company's quarterly net income dropped 4% to 303.3 million euros (around $405.39 million), versus 316 million euros, in the year-ago quarter. Its earnings per share slipped to 0.70 euros, from 0.73 euros. Excluding one-time items, its earnings per share rose to 1.16 euros, from 1.13 euros. Merck's adjusted EBITDA climbed 2.3% to 846 million euros, while EBITDA margin widened to 30.3% from 30.1%. The company's total revenue rose 0.8% to 2.86 billion euros versus 2.84 billion euros. Its sales gained 1.9% to 2.80 billion euros, while organic sales grew 3.4%. Royalty, license and commission income tumbled 30.4%. Sales in emerging markets jumped 11.1%. For the full year, Merck confirmed its outlook. Merck shares fell 1.56% to close at $27.77 yesterday.