Merck Reports Third-Quarter Sales Rise, Lifts Outlook

• Merck's third-quarter sales rose 5% to approximately $18.1 billion.
• About $550 million of the sales gain was due to the timing of customer purchases.
• Merck's Keytruda and Winrevair showed strong growth, offsetting losses from older products.
• The company's shares increased by about 5% in Thursday morning trading.
• Merck has lifted its profit outlook due to the strong performance of Keytruda, including a newer injectable form.