Merck reported a 2% decline in Gardasil sales, after reaching a peak of $8.9 billion in 2023. Now with shipments to China paused, the HPV vaccine faces significant headwinds going into 2025.

"Like many other companies ... Merck expects to earn $8.88 to $9.03 per share this year, compared with analysts estimates of $9.03 a share. Quarterly Gardasil sales of $1.55 billion missed ...

Shares fell more than 10% as Merck paused Gardasil shipments to China ... and we think the market would look favorably on deals in cardiovascular disease or oncology. We sell different types ...