Merck & Co., Pfizer Lag Behind Market as Earnings Released (MERK, PFE)

[Para 1: The Lead] Merck & Co. (MERK) and Pfizer (PFE) shares declined against the broader market on Tuesday, February 7, 2026. Merck fell 1%, and Pfizer dropped nearly 5% following the release of their financial results. Despite solid earnings, the pharmaceutical giants' performance lagged behind the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, which showed positive futures. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Merck reported a 5% increase in fourth-quarter worldwide sales to $16.4 billion, excluding currency effects, and full-year revenue of $65 billion. Oncology remained a significant driver, with Keytruda sales up 7% to nearly $32 billion. Pfizer, on the other hand, saw a 2% decline in full-year 2025 revenue to approximately $63 billion, but oncology drugs like Padcev and Lorbrena contributed to adjusted EPS growth of 4% to $3.22. Both companies are navigating challenges such as patent expirations and pricing pressures, with Pfizer guiding for 2026 revenue of $59.5 billion to $62.5 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.80 to $3.00.