Merck KgaA Posts Jump In Q4 Net Income

Merck KgaA MKGAY reported a strong rise in its fourth-quarter net income. Merck KgaA's quaretrly earnings jumped to €135.6 million ($179 million), or €0.62 per share, versus €46.5 million, or €0.21 per share, in the year-ago period. Its adjusted profit per share came in at €1.69 versus €1.78. Merck KgaA's revenue surged to €2.63 billion from €2.55 billion. However, analysts were expecting a profit of €170 million on revenue of €2.59 billion. For 2011, Merck KgaA's board proposed a dividend of €1.5 per share, up 20% versus 2010. Merck KgaA shares closed at $35.25 yesterday.