As a global pharmaceutical and chemical company organized around four divisions with a diverse portfolio of products and services, Merck uses a comprehensive framework of indicators to manage performance. Within this framework, the most important KPI (key performance indicator) to measure the performance of the Merck Group and its divisions is EBITDA pre*. Further important financial indicators used to assess the performance of operating business are sales and business free cash flow (BFCF)*.
The Merck Value Creation and Financial KPI Pyramid, which summarizes the important financial performance measures of the Merck Group, reflects the comprehensive framework of financial KPIs to steer our businesses and prioritize the allocation of our cash resources. It consists of three managerial dimensions, which require the use of different indicators: Merck Group, Business Portfolio and Projects. Apart from its strong focus on operational performance, the Merck Value Creation and Financial KPI Pyramid also emphasizes the need for measurable mid- and long-term value creation as well as the efficient allocation of cash to the most promising investment alternatives.
For more information on Merck’s internal management system, see the Merck Annual Report for 2013.
Explanations: EBITDA pre = Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization pre one-time items, EPS = Earnings per share, MEVA = Merck value added, BFCF = Business free cash flow, ROCE = Return on capital employed, NPV = Net present value, eNPV = expected Net present value (probability adjusted), PoS = Probability of success.
*Financial indicators not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards.