Why did Merck's net profit decline in Q3 2024?

Merck's net profit did not decline in Q3 2024, while the company reported a robust financial performance with a net income of $3.16 billion for the quarter.

|code|Ticker|Name|Date|Net Income YoY|Net Income|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|MRK|MRK.N|Merck|2023 Q4|-140.5897945659377|-1.225E9|169|
|MRK|MRK.N|Merck|2024 Q1|68.7433628318584|4.767E9|169|
|MRK|MRK.N|Merck|2024 Q2|191.443402545211|5.461E9|169|
|MRK|MRK.N|Merck|2024 Q3|-33.45263157894737|3.161E9|169|

However, it is essential to note that Merck's Animal Health segment's sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and the company lowered its full-year EPS view, primarily due to one-time charges from recent acquisitions. Despite these factors, Merck's net income remained stable in Q3 2024.