Just to follow-up the piece I put out here about a month ago on embattled pharmaceutical giant Merck (MRK), here's an update on what the company said this morning. Merck cut its 2005 earnings guidance to $2.47 per share (their range is $2.42-$2.52), citing the withdrawal of Vioxx. Consensus estimates had been for a profit of $2.57 for next year.

Last month, I suggested that 2005 estimates might prove tough to hit (analysts estimated $2.60 per share at that point). During today's conference call, the Company failed to mention anything about setting aside reserves for Vioxx-related litigation. Merck will have to address this at some point in the new year and many believe they will have to allocate $10-$20 billion to settle claims.

The company remains adamant that it will not cut the dividend, which stands at $1.52 per share. This still seems unrealistic given the need for Merck to set aside reserves and also continue its R&D in order to replace, not only Vioxx revenue, but also Zocor when its goes off patent in 2006. Maintaining a payout ratio of 62% ($1.52/$2.47) seems like a poor use of cash flow. Once management realizes this, the dividend will be the first thing they cut.