MERCK & CO INC
10-Q, 1998-11-12
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q




(Mark One)

[X]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

       For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998

                                       OR

[ ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

       For the transition period from _____________ to _____________ 


                           Commission File No. 1-3305


                                MERCK & CO., INC.
                                  P. O. Box 100
                                 One Merck Drive
                       Whitehouse Station, N.J. 08889-0100
                                 (908) 423-1000

Incorporated in New Jersey                   I.R.S. Employer Identification
                                             No. 22-1109110



The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on
October 31, 1998:

   Class                                Number of Shares Outstanding

   Common Stock                                  1,191,062,739

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.


                                          Yes  X                    No 
<PAGE>   2
Part I - Financial Information



                       MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                       THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND 1997
                    ($ in millions except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Three Months                          Nine Months
                                                        Ended September 30                   Ended September 30
                                                      1998              1997               1998                1997
                                                      ----              ----               ----                ----
<S>                                                <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
Sales                                              $  6,838.3        $  5,927.7         $ 19,367.5         $ 17,404.8
                                                   ----------        ----------         ----------         ----------

Costs, Expenses and Other

  Materials and production                            3,544.1           2,991.0           10,163.1            8,721.6

  Marketing and administrative                        1,087.2           1,048.4            3,141.2            3,153.2

  Research and development                              450.4             424.7            1,279.9            1,189.8

  Acquired research                                   1,039.5                --            1,039.5                 --

  Equity income from affiliates                        (210.5)           (262.6)            (707.7)            (536.4)

  Gains on sales of businesses                       (2,147.7)           (213.4)          (2,147.7)            (213.4)

  Other (income) expense, net                           360.0             244.7              422.6              299.4
                                                   ----------        ----------         ----------         ----------
                                                      4,123.0           4,232.8           13,190.9           12,614.2
                                                   ----------        ----------         ----------         ----------

Income Before Taxes                                   2,715.3           1,694.9            6,176.6            4,790.6

Taxes on Income                                       1,348.3             497.7            2,329.1            1,418.7
                                                   ----------        ----------         ----------         ----------
Net Income                                         $  1,367.0        $  1,197.2         $  3,847.5         $  3,371.9
                                                   ==========        ==========         ==========         ==========


Basic Earnings per Common Share                    $     1.15        $      .99         $     3.23         $     2.79

Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution        $     1.12        $      .97         $     3.14         $     2.72

Dividends Declared per Common Share                $      .54        $      .45         $     1.44         $     1.29
</TABLE>

               The accompanying notes are an integral part of this
                       consolidated financial statement.

                                       -1-
<PAGE>   3
                       MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                     SEPTEMBER 30,1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                 ($ in millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                September 30     December 31
                                                                    1998              1997
                                                                    ----              ----
<S>                                                             <C>              <C>
ASSETS
  Current Assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                                   $   2,429.3      $   1,125.1
    Short-term investments                                          1,585.2          1,184.2
    Accounts receivable                                             3,086.2          2,876.7
    Inventories                                                     2,366.5          2,145.1
    Prepaid expenses and taxes                                        865.7            881.9
                                                                -----------      -----------

      Total current assets                                         10,332.9          8,213.0
                                                                -----------      -----------

  Investments                                                       3,276.6          2,533.4

  Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost,
    net of allowance for depreciation of
    $3,883.8 in 1998 and $3,423.2 in 1997                           7,324.0          6,609.4

  Goodwill and Other Intangibles,
    net of accumulated amortization of
    $1,029.4 in 1998 and $815.8 in 1997                             8,377.6          6,780.5

  Other Assets                                                      1,845.9          1,675.6
                                                                -----------      -----------

                                                                $  31,157.0      $  25,811.9
                                                                ===========      ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current Liabilities
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                   $   3,339.4      $   3,268.9
     Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt              868.0            902.5
     Income taxes payable                                             949.3            859.6
     Dividends payable                                                640.1            537.6
                                                                -----------      -----------

       Total current liabilities                                    5,796.8          5,568.6
                                                                -----------      -----------

  Long-Term Debt                                                    2,725.9          1,346.5
                                                                -----------      -----------

  Deferred Income Taxes and Noncurrent Liabilities                  6,432.1          5,098.9
                                                                -----------      -----------

  Minority Interests                                                3,641.4          1,184.4
                                                                -----------      -----------

  Stockholders' Equity
  Common stock
    Authorized - 2,700,000,000 shares
    Issued     - 1,483,925,990 shares                               5,493.6          5,254.0
  Retained earnings                                                19,423.4         17,291.5
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                               30.8             27.9
                                                                -----------      -----------
                                                                   24,947.8         22,573.4
  Less treasury stock, at cost
    302,879,678 shares - 1998
    290,277,526 shares - 1997                                      12,387.0          9,959.9
                                                                -----------      -----------

      Total stockholders' equity                                   12,560.8         12,613.5
                                                                -----------      -----------

                                                                $  31,157.0      $  25,811.9
                                                                ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

               The accompanying notes are an integral part of this
                       consolidated financial statement.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>   4
                       MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND 1997
                                 ($ in millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Nine Months
                                                                                Ended September 30
                                                                               1998             1997
                                                                               ----             ----
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income before taxes                                                         $ 6,176.6         $ 4,790.6
Adjustments to reconcile income before taxes to cash provided from
 operations before taxes:
  Acquired research                                                           1,039.5                --
  Gains on sales of businesses                                               (2,147.7)           (213.4)
  Depreciation and amortization                                                 763.0             629.3
  Other                                                                         316.7             419.3
  Net changes in assets and liabilities                                        (444.7)           (399.0)
                                                                            ---------         ---------
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXES                            5,703.4           5,226.8
INCOME TAXES PAID                                                            (1,639.0)           (866.2)
                                                                            ---------         ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                     4,064.4           4,360.6
                                                                            ---------         ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures                                                         (1,297.5)           (989.5)
Purchase of securities, subsidiaries and other investments                  (21,671.1)        (19,003.7)
Proceeds from sale of securities, subsidiaries and other investments         19,964.6          18,036.8
Proceeds from sales of businesses                                             2,586.2             910.0
Other                                                                           423.3             (46.3)
                                                                            ---------         ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                  5.5          (1,092.7)
                                                                            ---------         ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in short-term borrowings                                            (465.6)            239.6
Proceeds from issuance of debt                                                1,879.3             646.0
Payments on debt                                                                (87.1)           (351.5)
Purchase of treasury stock                                                   (2,770.9)         (1,526.6)
Dividends paid to stockholders                                               (1,613.1)         (1,497.8)
Redemption of preferred stock of subsidiary                                        --          (1,000.0)
Other                                                                           290.0             203.7
                                                                            ---------         ---------
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                        (2,767.4)         (3,286.6)
                                                                            ---------         ---------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                      1.7             (51.9)
                                                                            ---------         ---------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                          1,304.2             (70.6)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                                1,125.1           1,352.4
                                                                            ---------         ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                  $ 2,429.3         $ 1,281.8
                                                                            =========         =========
</TABLE>

               The accompanying notes are an integral part of this
                       consolidated financial statement.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.       The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
         have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting
         on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures required
         by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
         statements are not included herein. The interim statements should be
         read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto
         included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

         Interim statements are subject to possible adjustments in connection
         with the annual audit of the Company's accounts for the full year 1998;
         in the Company's opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair
         presentation of these interim statements have been included and are of
         a normal and recurring nature.

         Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to
         conform with current year presentation.

                                       -3-
<PAGE>   5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.       On July 1, 1998, the Company sold its one-half interest in The DuPont
         Merck Pharmaceutical Company (DMPC), its joint venture with E.I. du
         Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont), to DuPont for $2.6 billion in
         cash, resulting in a pretax gain of $2.15 billion ($1.25 billion after
         tax). The joint venture was not significant to the Company's financial
         position or results of operations. This gain was substantially offset
         on an after-tax basis by a $1.04 billion pretax and after-tax charge
         for acquired research (see Note 3) and $338.6 million of pretax other
         nonrecurring charges ($193.1 million after tax) included in Other
         (income) expense, net. (See Note 8.)

3.       On July 1, 1998, the Company and Astra AB (Astra) completed the
         restructuring of the ownership and operations of their Astra Merck Inc.
         (AMI) joint venture whereby the Company acquired Astra's interest in
         AMI, renamed KBI Inc. (KBI) effective August 26, 1998, for
         consideration totaling $3.1 billion, including approximately $700.0
         million in cash and assumption of a $2.4 billion preferred stock
         obligation to Astra with a dividend rate of 5% per annum, which is
         included in Minority interests in the consolidated financial
         statements. KBI's net operating assets, excluding certain product
         rights, were then combined with the net assets of Astra's wholly owned
         subsidiary, Astra USA, Inc., to form a new U.S. limited partnership
         named Astra Pharmaceuticals, L.P. in which Merck maintains a limited
         partner interest. For a franchise fee payment of $230.0 million, which
         is being amortized into income over 10 years on a straight-line basis,
         the partnership became the exclusive distributor of the products for
         which KBI retained rights. Merck earns certain partnership returns as
         well as ongoing revenue based on sales of current and future KBI
         products. The partnership returns include a priority return, a fixed
         return and certain variable returns which, in part, are based upon
         sales of certain former Astra USA, Inc. products. The fixed return
         represents accretion of the carrying value of Merck's limited
         partnership interest from its initial carrying value up to its
         liquidating net worth, which is being recognized into income over 10
         years on a straight-line basis. For a payment of $443.0 million, which
         is being deferred, Astra purchased an option to buy Merck's interest in
         the KBI products in 2008, 2012 or 2016, excluding Merck's interest in
         the gastrointestinal medicines 'Prilosec' and perprazole.

         The Company's acquisition of Astra's interest in AMI for $3.1 billion
         was accounted for under the purchase method and, accordingly, 100% of
         KBI's results of operations have been included with the Company's since
         July 1, 1998. Pro forma information is not provided as the impact of
         the transaction does not have a material effect on the Company's
         reported results for 1998 and 1997. The purchase price was allocated
         based upon the fair values of the portion of assets and liabilities
         acquired as determined by an independent appraisal. Purchase price
         allocations resulted in the recognition of goodwill and other
         intangibles, principally U.S. patent rights on in-line products,
         totaling $1.8 billion, to be amortized on a straight-line basis over
         periods up to 20 years. The Company also recorded a $1.04 billion
         charge for acquired research associated with products in development
         and U.S. rights to future Astra products which have not yet entered
         development for which, at the acquisition date, commercial viability
         had not been established.

4.       Inventories consisted of:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ($ in millions)
                                         September 30    December 31
                                             1998            1997
                                             ----            ----
<S>                                      <C>             <C>
Finished goods                             $1,496.1        $1,230.6
Raw materials and work in process             801.4           849.7
Supplies                                       69.0            64.8
                                           --------        --------
  Total (approximates current cost)         2,366.5         2,145.1
Reduction to LIFO cost                           --              --
                                           --------        --------
                                           $2,366.5        $2,145.1
                                           ========        ========
</TABLE>

5.       In February 1998, the Company issued $500.0 million of 30-year senior
         notes under the 1997 shelf registration, bearing a coupon of 6.4%
         payable semiannually. The remaining capacity under the shelf is $1.2
         billion. In July 1998, the Company issued a $1.38 billion 6.0% 40-year
         term note to Astra which is subject to repayment at par upon certain
         events in which Astra acquires product rights held by KBI. 
         (See Note 3.)

                                       -4-
<PAGE>   6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6.       The Company, along with numerous other defendants, is a party in
         several antitrust actions brought by retail pharmacies and consumers,
         alleging conspiracies in restraint of trade and challenging pricing
         and/or purchasing practices, one of which has been certified as a
         federal class action and a number of which have been certified as state
         class actions. In 1996, the Company and several other defendants
         finalized an agreement to settle the federal class action alleging
         conspiracy, which represents the single largest group of retail
         pharmacy claims, pursuant to which the Company would pay $51.8 million,
         payable in four equal annual installments, the last of which will be
         paid in January 1999. The Company has not engaged in any conspiracy,
         and no admission of wrongdoing was made nor was included in the final
         agreement, which was entered into in order to avoid the cost of
         litigation and the risk of an inaccurate adverse verdict by a jury
         presented with a case of this size and complexity. While it is not
         feasible to predict or determine the final outcome of these
         proceedings, management does not believe that they should result in a
         materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results
         of operations or liquidity.

7.       Sales consisted of:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ($ in millions)
                                                         Three Months                        Nine Months
                                                       Ended September 30                Ended September 30
                                                      1998             1997            1998              1997
                                                      ----             ----            ----              ----
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>
          Elevated cholesterol                      $ 1,180.1       $ 1,163.6        $ 3,382.6        $ 3,397.1
          Hypertension/heart failure                    935.9           939.8          3,083.3          2,822.6
          Anti-ulcerants                                273.4           297.8            823.4            861.9
          Vaccines/biologicals                          251.0           236.2            654.0            570.3
          Osteoporosis                                  192.0           139.4            539.4            368.6
          Antibiotics                                   167.7           188.6            538.8            578.9
          Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)            156.4           133.1            491.5            397.1
          Ophthalmologicals                             153.0           162.1            451.5            476.1
          Animal health/crop protection                    --            63.5               --            546.2
          Other Merck products                          615.8           214.9          1,000.7            448.3
          Merck-Medco                                 2,913.0         2,388.7          8,402.3          6,937.7
                                                    ---------       ---------        ---------        ---------
                                                    $ 6,838.3       $ 5,927.7        $19,367.5        $17,404.8
                                                    =========       =========        =========        =========
</TABLE>

         In July 1997, the Company sold its crop protection business to
         Novartis. In August 1997, the Company and Rhone-Poulenc combined their
         animal health and poultry genetics businesses to form Merial Limited,
         a fully integrated, stand-alone joint venture, equally owned by each 
         party. Other Merck products include sales of other human 
         pharmaceuticals, continuing sales to divested businesses and
         pharmaceutical and animal health supply sales to the Company's joint
         ventures and, as of July 1, 1998, increased revenues from supply sales
         to Astra Pharmaceuticals, L.P. (See Note 3.)

8.       Other (income) expense, net, consisted of:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 ($ in millions)
                                                                     Three Months                  Nine Months
                                                                  Ended September 30            Ended September 30
                                                                 1998            1997          1998           1997             
                                                                 ----            ----          ----           ----             
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
          Interest income                                      $(100.0)        $(57.5)       $(225.6)       $(162.8)
          Interest expense                                        56.9           33.9          138.8           89.8
          Exchange (gains) losses                                 (9.7)           3.4          (22.4)          (9.7)
          Minority interests                                      19.6           40.6           84.8          113.2
          Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles          84.3           48.5          180.8          144.6
          Other, net                                             308.9          175.8          266.2          124.3
                                                               -------         ------        -------         ------
                                                               $ 360.0         $244.7        $ 422.6         $299.4
                                                               =======         ======        =======         ======
</TABLE>

         Minority interests include third parties' share of exchange gains and
         losses arising from translation of the financial statements into U.S.
         dollars.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

         Increased amortization of goodwill and other intangibles for the three-
         and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 reflects amortization
         of goodwill and other intangibles associated with the restructuring of
         the ownership and operations of AMI. (See Note 3.)

         Other, net, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,
         1998 includes $338.6 million of nonrecurring charges, primarily for
         environmental remediation costs and asset write-offs, principally
         deferred start-up costs.

         Interest paid for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and
         1997 was $97.0 million and $84.5 million, respectively.

9.       Income taxes paid for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998
         and 1997 were $1,639.0 million and $866.2 million, respectively.

10.      The net income effect of dilutive securities was not significant to the
         Company's calculation of Earnings per common share assuming dilution. A
         reconciliation of weighted average common shares outstanding to
         weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ($ in millions)
                                                                         Three Months                    Nine Months
                                                                       Ended September 30            Ended September 30
                                                                       1998          1997           1998            1997
                                                                       ----          ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
          Average common shares outstanding                          1,188.4        1,205.8        1,192.3        1,207.2
          Common shares issuable(1)                                     30.7           30.1           31.1           30.8
                                                                     -------        -------        -------        -------
          Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution        1,219.1        1,235.9        1,223.4        1,238.0
                                                                     =======        =======        =======        =======
         (1) Issuable primarily under stock option plans.
</TABLE>

11.      Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of
         Statement No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which modifies the
         financial statement presentation of comprehensive income and its
         components. Upon adoption of this Statement, the accumulated net
         unrealized gain on the Company's available-for-sale investments of
         $27.9 million at December 31, 1997 was reclassified from Retained
         earnings to a separate component of Stockholders' equity.

         Comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 1998 and
         1997, representing all changes in Stockholders' equity during the
         period other than changes resulting from the Company's stock, was
         $1,371.3 million and $1,187.9 million, respectively. Comprehensive
         income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 was 
         $3,850.4 million and $3,367.0 million, respectively.

12.      Legal proceedings to which the Company is a party are discussed in Part
         1 Item 3, Legal Proceedings, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Current
         developments are discussed in Part II of this filing.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8
             MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS OF INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Earnings per share for the third quarter of 1998 were $1.12, an increase of 15%
over the third quarter of 1997. Third quarter net income increased 14% to
$1,367.0 million. Sales for the quarter were $6.8 billion, up 15% from the same
period last year.

For the first nine months, earnings per share were $3.14, an increase of 15%
from the first nine months of 1997. Net income was $3,847.5 million for the
first nine months of 1998, an increase of 14% from the first nine months of
1997. Sales rose 11% to $19.4 billion.

Sales growth for the quarter and the first nine months of 1998 was affected by
the formation of the Merial joint venture and divestiture of the crop protection
business, both in the third quarter of 1997. Adjusting for these effects, sales
increased 16% for the third quarter and 14% for the first nine months of 1998
(including a 6 point and a 2 point increase attributable to the restructuring of
the ownership and operations of Astra Merck Inc. (AMI) for the third quarter and
nine months, respectively). (See Notes 3 and 7 to the consolidated financial
statements for further information.)

Sales growth for the quarter and the first nine months of 1998 was led by the
established major products and newer products, including those launched this
year, as well as growth from the Merck-Medco Managed Care business and the
effect of the AMI restructuring. Solid volume gains in both domestic and
international operations contributed to the third quarter results.

Foreign exchange reduced the third quarter sales growth by two percentage
points, the same effect as reported in the second quarter of 1998. Excluding
exchange and including the effect of the AMI restructuring, sales of Merck human
health products increased 17% for the third quarter and 12% for the nine months.

Income growth for the first nine months was driven by solid sales volume gains
as well as the effects of ongoing cost controls and productivity improvements in
manufacturing, selling and general and administrative expenses.

In the third quarter of 1998, the Company recorded a pretax gain of $2.15
billion ($1.25 billion after tax) on the sale of its one-half interest in The
DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company (DMPC), its joint venture with E.I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company. (See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for
further information.) This gain was substantially offset on an after-tax basis
by a $1.04 billion pretax and after-tax charge for acquired research in
connection with the restructuring of the ownership and operations of AMI (see
Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information) and
$338.6 million of pretax other nonrecurring charges ($193.1 million after tax).
These other charges, which are included in Other (income) expense, net, were
primarily for environmental remediation costs and asset write-offs, principally
deferred start-up costs which were expensed in accordance with the Company's
third quarter adoption of Statement of Position No. 98-5, "Reporting on the
Costs of Start-up Activities."

The growth in pretax income for the third quarter was affected by the gain on
sale of the Company's one-half interest in DMPC net of the nonrecurring charges.
However, the net increase in pretax growth related to these nonrecurring items
was substantially offset by an increase in the Company's effective tax rate
principally due to the nondeductibility of the charge for acquired research and
the tax impact of the DMPC-related gain.

Results for the first nine months were paced by sales volume gains of
established products, including 'Zocor' and 'Prinivil' and the newer products
'Cozaar'*, 'Hyzaar'*, 'Fosamax', 'Crixivan', and hepatitis and other viral
vaccines. Also contributing to the volume growth were 'Singulair', 'Propecia',
'Maxalt', 'Cosopt' and 'Aggrastat', all launched in 1998. Prescription volume
growth in the Merck-Medco Managed Care business also contributed to the sales
increase for the first nine months.

'Zocor' continues its strong volume growth and continues to be the most widely
used cholesterol-lowering medicine worldwide. In July, the FDA approved a new 80
mg tablet of 'Zocor', which lowered LDL ("bad") cholesterol in clinical studies
by a mean of 47 percent. In addition, the official prescribing information for
'Zocor' in the United States was changed to recommend the 20 mg tablet as the
usual starting dose. This year the FDA also approved 'Zocor' to reduce the risk
of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) in patients with high
cholesterol and heart disease.




*'Cozaar' and 'Hyzaar' are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company, Wilmington, DE, USA.

                                       -7-
<PAGE>   9
MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS OF INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Together, 'Zocor' and 'Mevacor', Merck's other cholesterol-lowering medicine,
hold more than a 40 percent share of the statin market worldwide. The
cholesterol-lowering market continues to grow rapidly, driven primarily by
growth of about 30 percent annually in the statin category. Yet today, even in
the key U.S. market, only about one-third of potential patients are receiving
treatment.

Merck's angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 'Vasotec' and
'Prinivil', continue to be among the world's most widely prescribed branded
anti-hypertensives. Together, they hold about 30 percent of the worldwide market
for ACE inhibitors. In the United States, 'Vasotec' is the leading ACE inhibitor
and the only one indicated for high blood pressure, asymptomatic left
ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. 'Vasotec' is also the only ACE
inhibitor indicated to reduce deaths due to symptomatic heart failure,
regardless of the underlying cause. 'Prinivil', with its convenient once daily
dosing in hypertension, heart failure and acute myocardial infarction, continues
to demonstrate growth well above the overall ACE market.

Merck's oral angiotensin II antagonist, 'Cozaar', the first in this new class of
antihypertensive drugs, is now approved in 78 countries. Recent approvals
include Japan, where the medicine was launched in August as the first
angiotension II antagonist in that important market. Physicians continue to
adopt 'Cozaar' faster than any new antihypertensive launched in this decade
because of its excellent tolerability profile and proven efficacy in treating
high blood pressure. 'Cozaar' along with its companion agent, 'Hyzaar' ('Cozaar'
in combination with a low dose of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide), have been
prescribed for more than 7 million patients worldwide. 'Cozaar' has also been
approved for the treatment of heart failure in 11 countries to date, including
Germany and Spain, and applications for this indication are pending in other
countries outside the United States. 'Cozaar' is the only product in its class
cleared for use in the treatment of heart failure in any market.

'Fosamax', Merck's medicine to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and
reduce the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis, is now the leading nonhormonal
treatment for osteoporosis worldwide. A recent study showed that adding
'Fosamax' to the treatment regimen when a woman is taking hormone therapy was
effective in building bone and was generally well tolerated in treating
postmenopausal osteoporosis.

'Crixivan', Merck's protease inhibitor for the treatment of HIV infection, is
sold in more than 80 countries. Results from Merck's study, published in the
July issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed sustained
anti-HIV effects of 'Crixivan' in triple combination with AZT and 3TC in nearly
80 percent of patients at 100 weeks of treatment. The Merck study is the longest
reported combination study with a protease inhibitor to date.

'Singulair', Merck's new once-a-day tablet to treat chronic asthma in adults and
children aged six and older, has been launched in 29 countries, including the
United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. In
clinical studies, 'Singulair' has improved asthma control in many patients by
significantly decreasing asthma attacks, helping to prevent day- and night-time
asthma symptoms, and reducing reliance on bronchodilators. It also has allowed
many patients to gradually reduce their use of inhaled steroids.

'Propecia', the first and only oral tablet to treat male pattern hair loss, had
its first major launch in January in the United States. It also has been
launched in 11 other countries and launches are pending in 11 more. In clinical
studies, 83 percent of men maintained their current hair count and 66 percent
grew visible new hair.

'Maxalt', Merck's new acute treatment for migraine headache, has been launched
in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the
Netherlands and Mexico. 'Maxalt' provides fast and effective relief of the
debilitating headache pain and other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to
light and noise that often accompany a migraine attack. 'Maxalt' is the first
and only migraine medicine available in both conventional tablets and
convenient, rapidly dissolving oral tablets, which disintegrate within seconds
on the tongue without liquids.

In April, the FDA cleared Merck's combination product 'Cosopt' for the reduction
of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular
hypertension who do not respond adequately to beta-blockers alone. 'Cosopt' is a
combination of 'Timoptic' and 'Trusopt'; both Merck medicines are leading
therapies in their product categories.

                                       -8-
<PAGE>   10
MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS OF INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Merck's "platelet blocker" 'Aggrastat' was launched in the United States in May.
It is the first drug in its class approved for the treatment of acute coronary
syndrome, including patients presenting with unstable angina/non-Q-wave
myocardial infarction who are managed medically and those undergoing angioplasty
or atherectomy. 'Aggrastat' also has been launched in Switzerland, Germany and
Mexico.

Working capital at September 30, 1998 was affected by the proceeds from the sale
of the Company's one-half interest in DMPC and proceeds from the issuance of a
$1.38 billion 40-year note to Astra AB. (See Note 5 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information.) These proceeds were used, in
part, to fund a portion of the Company's stock repurchase program and for other
general corporate purposes. During the first nine months of 1998, the Company
purchased 22.1 million of its shares at a total cost of $2.8 billion, of which
15.7 million shares at a total cost of $2.0 billion were purchased during the
third quarter.

On July 28, 1998, the Board of Directors approved a new $5 billion stock
repurchase program to begin upon the completion of the 1997 program.

The continued efficient operation of the Company's business will be dependent
upon the ability of its systems to process date sensitive information in the
Year 2000. As a result, the Company implemented a program in 1996 to inventory
all critical systems, assess the impact of Year 2000 noncompliance, develop
plans to remediate or replace non-compliant systems and assess the readiness of
key third parties. The inventory and assessment phases are complete for internal
information technology (IT) systems and the Company expects to complete
remediation or replacement of 80% of non-compliant systems by December 31, 1998.
The evaluation and remediation phases for non-IT systems (e.g. building, process
and factory control systems) are currently underway. Although the Company has
designed these programs to properly prepare its systems for the Year 2000, there
can be no assurances that the Company will not experience business disruptions
or incur material costs caused by the failure to detect and remediate all
instances of Year 2000 noncompliance in its systems. Failure to complete these
programs as planned could result in the corruption of data, hardware or
equipment failures or the inability to manufacture products or conduct other
business activities, all of which could have a material impact on the Company's
business, results of operations or financial position. Contingency plans
(including the substitution of systems, use of manual methods and other means to
prevent the failure of critical systems from having a material effect on the
Company) are currently being developed.

In addition to risks associated with internal systems, the Company has
relationships with, and is to varying degrees dependent upon, third parties that
provide us with information, goods and services. These include financial
institutions, suppliers, vendors, research partners and governmental entities,
as well as customers and distributors. If significant numbers of these third
parties experience failures in their systems due to Year 2000 noncompliance, it
could affect the Company's ability to process transactions, manufacture
products, or engage in other business activities. While some of these risks are
outside of our control, the Company has instituted programs, including internal
records review and the use of external questionnaires, to identify key third
parties, assess their level of Year 2000 compliance, update contracts and
address any noncompliance issues.

All aspects of the Company's Year 2000 program are expected to be completed by
the end of the third quarter 1999. Total costs to resolve the Year 2000 issue
are not expected to be material to the Company's financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which requires
adoption by fiscal 2000. The Statement establishes accounting and reporting
standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance
sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value and that changes in
fair value be recognized currently in earnings, unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. The timing of adoption and effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations have not yet been determined.

                                       -9-
<PAGE>   11
CAUTIONARY FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

This report and other written reports and oral statements made from time to time
by the Company may contain so-called "forward-looking statements," all of which
are subject to risks and uncertainties. One can identify these forward-looking
statements by their use of words such as "expects," "plans," "will,"
"estimates," "forecasts," "projects," and other words of similar meaning. One
can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to
historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address the
Company's growth strategy, financial results, product approvals and development
programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand
that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the Company's
forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a
broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known
and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual
future results may vary materially.

The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking
statement. One should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors
described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
especially on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (if any). In Item 1 of the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as filed on
March 25, 1998, the Company discusses in more detail various important factors
that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. The
Company notes these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One should understand that it is not possible to
predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, the reader should not
consider any such list to be a complete statement of all potential risks or
uncertainties.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12
Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In November 1994, the Company, along with other pharmaceutical manufacturers and
pharmaceutical benefits managers ("PBMs"), received a notice from the Federal
Trade Commission ("FTC") that the FTC intended to investigate agreements,
alliances, activities and acquisitions involving pharmaceutical manufacturers
and PBMs. On August 27, 1998, the FTC accepted, subject to final approval, an
Agreement containing Consent Order ("Agreement") with the Company and
Merck-Medco in resolution of the investigation as to the Company and
Merck-Medco.

The Agreement formalizes the policies and practices the Company and Merck-Medco
voluntarily adopted over three years ago governing the operation of their
businesses. The Agreement will not affect how the Company and Merck-Medco
currently compete in the marketplace, serve their customers and conduct business
with third parties. Accordingly, the Company does not believe that the Agreement
will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position,
liquidity or results of operations.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13
Part II - Other Information (continued)

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)          Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Number           Description                                                        Method of Filing
             ------           -----------                                                        ----------------
<S>          <C>              <C>                                                        <C>
             3(a)             Restated Certificate of Incorporation of                   Incorporated by reference to Form
                               Merck & Co., Inc. (May 6, 1992)                           10-K Annual Report for the fiscal
                                                                                         year ended December 31, 1992

             3(b)             By-Laws of Merck & Co., Inc. (as amended                   Incorporated by reference to Form
                               effective February 25, 1997)                              10-Q Quarterly Report for the
                                                                                         period ended March 31, 1997

             12               Computation of Ratios of Earnings to                       Filed with this document
                               Fixed Charges

             27               Financial Data Schedule                                    Filed with this document
</TABLE>

(b)          Reports on Form 8-K

         During the three-month period ending September 30, 1998, no current
         reports on Form 8-K were filed.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   14
                                   Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                  MERCK & CO., INC.



Date:  November 11, 1998          /s/ Mary M. McDonald                      
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                  MARY M. MCDONALD
                                  Senior Vice President and General Counsel


Date:  November 11, 1998          /s/ Peter E. Nugent                      
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                  PETER E. NUGENT
                                  Vice President, Controller

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   15
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



             Exhibits

             Number           Description

             3(a)             Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Merck &
                              Co., Inc. (May 6, 1992) - Incorporated by
                              reference to Form 10-K Annual Report for the
                              fiscal year ended December 31, 1992

             3(b)             By-Laws of Merck & Co., Inc. (as amended effective
                              February 25, 1997) - Incorporated by reference to
                              Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended
                              March 31, 1997

             12               Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

             27               Financial Data Schedule

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 12


                       MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

               Computation Of Ratios Of Earnings To Fixed Charges

                         (In millions except ratio data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Nine Months
                                   Ended                                 Years Ended December 31
                                September 30        --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    1998            1997            1996            1995            1994            1993
                                    ----            ----            ----            ----            ----            ----
<S>                             <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Income Before Taxes               $6,176.6        $6,462.3        $5,540.8        $4,797.2        $4,415.2        $3,102.7

Add:
 One-third of rents                   42.4            47.0            41.0            28.1            36.0            35.0
 Interest expense, net               100.4            98.2           103.2            60.3            96.0            48.0
 Preferred stock dividends            31.3            49.6            70.0             2.1              --              -- 
                                  --------        --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
  Earnings                        $6,350.7        $6,657.1        $5,755.0        $4,887.7        $4,547.2        $3,185.7
                                  ========        ========        ========        ========        ========        ========

One-third of rents                $   42.4        $   47.0        $   41.0        $   28.1        $   36.0        $   35.0
 Interest expense                    138.8           129.5           138.6            98.7           124.4            84.7
 Preferred stock dividends            31.3            49.6            70.0             2.1              --              -- 
                                  --------        --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
  Fixed Charges                   $  212.5        $  226.1        $  249.6        $  128.9        $  160.4        $  119.7
                                  ========        ========        ========        ========        ========        ========

Ratio of Earnings
 to Fixed Charges                       30              29              23              38              28              27
                                  ========        ========        ========        ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


For purposes of computing these ratios, "earnings" consist of income before
taxes, one-third of rents (deemed by the Company to be representative of the
interest factor inherent in rents), interest expense, net of amounts
capitalized, and dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary companies. "Fixed
charges" consist of one-third of rents, interest expense as reported in the
Company's consolidated financial statements and dividends on preferred stock of
subsidiary companies.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
AND THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                           2,429
<SECURITIES>                                     1,585
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,086
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                      2,367
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                10,333
<PP&E>                                          11,208
<DEPRECIATION>                                  (3,884)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  31,157
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            5,797
<BONDS>                                          2,726
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         5,494
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,067
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    31,157
<SALES>                                         19,368
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                19,368
<CGS>                                           10,163
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   10,163
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 1,280
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 139
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,177
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,329
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,848
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,848
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.23
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.14
<FN>
<F1>NOT MATERIAL TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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