The capital market makes use of the assessments published by independent rating agencies in order to assist debt providers in estimating the risks attaching to a financial instrument. Merck is currently rated by the agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. Since June 30, 2008, Standard & Poor’s has given Merck a long-term rating of A-, with a stable outlook. The short-term rating by this agency is A-2. Since December 16, 2008, Moody’s has given Merck an improved long-term rating of A3, with a positive outlook. Moody’s short-term rating for Merck is P-2. Moody’s decision to upgrade our long-term rating was founded on the rapid retirement of debt following the Serono acquisition and the solid cash flow that Merck generates. Thus, both agencies confirm a stable investment grade rating for us.
Print this page