Merck has reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2026, driven by sustained growth across its Life Science and Electronics businesses. The company posted organic net sales growth of 4.1% and organic EBITDA pre growth of 9.3%, prompting an upgrade to its full-year 2026 financial guidance.

Group net sales reached €5.4 billion, up from €5.3 billion in the same quarter last year, while EBITDA pre increased to €1.6 billion. The company attributed its performance to continued demand for Process Solutions, Rare Diseases, and Semiconductor Solutions, supported by disciplined execution and ongoing investments in innovation.

"Our second-quarter performance confirms continued momentum from important growth drivers across all the industries we serve," said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck. "Based on our robust underlying business, we continue to advance our long-term growth agenda, including the proposed acquisition of Bio-Techne, while increasing speed, flexibility and scalability across the company."

Life Science Delivers Broad-Based Growth

Merck's Life Science business generated €2.4 billion in net sales, representing 6.4% reported growth and 8.0% organic growth. Process Solutions remained the primary growth engine, recording 14.7% organic growth, driven by strong demand for downstream processing and single-use technologies. Discovery Solutions and Advanced Solutions also delivered positive growth, reflecting strong commercial execution and increasing contributions from new products.

During the quarter, Merck also announced its planned acquisition of Bio-Techne Corporation, a move expected to strengthen its position in high-growth life science markets and expand its portfolio across research, bioprocessing, and advanced therapeutics.

Healthcare Strengthened by Rare Diseases

The Healthcare business reported €2.2 billion in net sales, supported by its expanding Rare Diseases franchise following the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics. The company also advanced its pipeline with the FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy designation to enpatoran for lupus and the initiation of a Phase III trial evaluating precemtabart tocentecan for metastatic colorectal cancer.

AI Demand Fuels Electronics Growth

Merck's Electronics business continued to benefit from accelerating demand for AI-enabled semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor Solutions delivered 17.3% organic growth, supported by increasing demand for advanced materials used in next-generation chip production. During the quarter, the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of a new metrology and inspection facility in France to support advanced packaging technologies for AI chips.

Outlook

Reflecting its strong first-half performance and easing foreign exchange headwinds, Merck raised its full-year 2026 guidance. The company now expects net sales between €21.0 billion and €21.8 billion and EBITDA pre between €5.9 billion and €6.3 billion, supported by continued momentum in Life Science and Electronics