Merck's Second Quarter: Highlights Investors Need to Know

Merck , the well-known giant of the pharma industry, has faced a number of headwinds lately. A recent FDA rejection and patent expirations preceded a lukewarm second quarter, where the company reported an 11% year over year drop in total sales.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for the drugmaker last quarter, however. In the following video, taken from the Motley Fool's health care show Market Checkup, analysts David Williamson and Max Macaluso discuss the highlights from the company's second quarter and the competitive landscape Merck is facing in the diabetes space and emerging markets.

One of the best parts of owning big pharma stocks is their attractive dividends, but smart investors know the importance of diversifying -- seeking high-yielding stocks from multiple industries. The Motley Fool's special free report "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" outlines the Fool's favorite dependable dividend-paying stocks across all sectors. Grab your free copy by clicking here.

The article Merck's Second Quarter: Highlights Investors Need to Know originally appeared on Fool.com.

Max Macaluso, Ph.D., has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.