Merck KGaA: Merck Announces 2014 Outlook and Merck Serono Savings Target

Merck KGaA  / Key word(s): Forecast

15.05.2012 10:00

Dissemination of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Darmstadt, May 15, 2012 - The Executive Board of Merck KGaA decided today on
an outlook until 2014 for the Merck Group. Assuming an unchanged economic
environment and currency exchange rates similar to the 2011 average (EUR/USD
= 1.35; EUR/CHF = 1.20), annual sales (without royalty, license and
commission income) should rise from EUR 9,906 million in 2011 to a range of
approximately EUR 10,350 million to EUR 10,700 million (+4% to 8%) in 2014.
EBITDA pre one-time items should rise from EUR 2,729 million in 2011 to a
range of approximately EUR 3,000 million to EUR 3,200 million (+10% to 17%)
in 2014. The EBITDA pre margin should climb from 27.5% in 2011 to a range of
approximately 29% to 30% in 2014 while earnings per share (EPS) pre one-time
items should be in a range of approximately EUR 8.20 to EUR 9.00 per share
(+20% to 32%) in 2014.

As part of the recently started efficiency program, Merck intends to deliver
net cost savings within Merck Serono of EUR 300 million by 2014. One-time
costs related to Merck Serono will amount to approximately EUR 600 million
and will be incurred in 2012 through 2014.


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Information and Explaination of the Issuer to this News:

Contact:
Phyllis Carter
+49 6151 72-7144

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Language:     English
Company:      Merck KGaA
              Frankfurter Str. 250
              64293 Darmstadt
              Germany
Phone:        +49 (0)6151 72 - 3321
Fax:          +49 (0)6151 72 - 913321
E-mail:       investor.relations@merckgroup.com
Internet:     www.merck.de
ISIN:         DE0006599905
WKN:          659990
Indices:      DAX
Listed:       Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
              in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München, Stuttgart;
              Terminbörse EUREX; London, SIX
 
End of Announcement                             DGAP News-Service
 
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