Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) on Tuesday provided a first quarter earnings forecast that would miss analyst expectations.

The Whitehouse Station, NJ-based company said its expects first quarter earnings to range from 95 to 98 cents per share, excluding special items. On average, Wall Street analysts projected $1.01 per share for the period.

Merck also backed its previously-announced full-year 2012 forecast, which calls for earnings of $3.75 to $3.85 per share, excluding items.

Merck shares fell 58 cents, or -1.5%, in premarket trading Tuesday.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Merck (MRK) have a 4.37% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $38.45. The stock has technical support in the $35-$36 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $39-$40 price levels.

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

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