MERCK REPORTS HIGHER PROFITSMerck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) of Rahway, N.J., said strengtheningforeign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar contributed toits 6 percent gain in sales.

Fourth quarter ended Dec. 31

(Figures in thousands except per-share data.)

1990 1989 Percent change

Revenues 2,099,300 1,761,100 +19Net income 442,200 367,900 +20Net income per share 1.14 .93 +23Outstanding shares 387,400 395,400 +2

Year ended Dec. 31(Figures in thousands except per-share data.)

1990 1989 Percent change

Revenues 7,671,500 6,550,500 +17Net income 1,781,200 1,495,400 +19Net income per share 4.56 3.78 +21Outstanding shares 390,700 396,100 -1

BECTON DICKINSON POSTS SLIGHT RISE IN PROFITS

Becton Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) of Franklin Lakes, N.J., saida favorable foreign currency translation boosted itsinternational sales by $24 million.

First quarter ended Dec. 31

(Figures in thousands except per-share data.)

1990 1989 Percent change

Revenues 482,295 428,801 +12Net income 29,479 27,743 +6Net income per share .75 .71 +6Outstanding shares 38,562 39,142 -1

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