
Shares of U.S. drugmaker Merck MRK.N fall 5.8% to $94 premarket
Co says it will temporarily pause shipments of Gardasil vaccine to China, starting February through at least mid-year
Gardasil, which prevents cancers caused by human papillomavirus, has faced low demand in China, leading to weaker sales
MRK forecast 2025 sales to be between $64.1 billion and $65.6 billion, below analysts' average estimate of $67.31 bln at midpoint - data compiled by LSEG
Co sees 2025 adj. EPS to be between $8.88 and $9.03, below analysts' estimate of $9.02
Up to last close, stock has lost ~21% in past 12 months