German science and technology major Merck KgaA reported on Thursday that its fiscal 2023 profit after tax fell 15.1% to €2.83 billion ($3.08 billion) from last year's €3.34 billion.
Earnings per share were €6.49, down 15.2% from last year's €7.65.
On an adjusted basis, earnings per share pre were €8.49, compared to last year's €10.05. EBITDA pre fell 14.2% year-over-year to €5.88 billion, EBITDA margin pre dropped to 28% from 30.8% last year.
Net sales for the year declined 5.6% to €20.99 billion from €22.23 billion a year ago. Group net sales decreased 1.6% organically.
Further, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting on April 26 a dividend of €2.20 per share, same as last year.
Looking ahead for fiscal 2024, Merck expects return to organic growth with slight to moderate organic growth in sales and EBITDA pre, with Healthcare as the main driver.
Belen Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck, said, "Now, we are fully focusing on gradually returning to growth during fiscal 2024, while defining our strategic roadmap to ensure long term profitable and sustainable growth for Merck."
