MERCK AS NUMBER ONE: VITAL STATISTICS

Executive Summary

A synopsis of the areas in which Merck holds the top position in the drug industry. The information is taken from the Nov. 3 presentation by Merck Chairman Vagelos to the New York Society of Security Analysts. * World pharmaceutical market -- number one with a less than 5% total marketshare * U.S. pharmaceutical market -- sales leader for the ninth consecutive year and expecting to "substantially increase" its lead over runner-up Glaxo in 1988 * U.S. drug companies in Europe -- sales leader; plans to be the leading company in Europe by 1992 * Injectable antibiotics -- worldwide leader, Primaxin has surpassed Mefoxin, "for some years the world leader" * Compound annual return to shareholders (stock appreciation and dividends) -- during 1986-1988, 52%, "by far the best in our industry"