How Big Pharma Avoids Billions in Taxes

By Brenton Flynn – Mar 11, 2013 at 8:00PM

NYSE: MRK

Merck

Market Cap

$331B

Today's Change

(0.37%) $0.48

Current Price

$131.20

Price as of April 26, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET

Pharmaceutical companies take advantage of tax havens to boost profits for investors. But there is a disadvantage investors might not be aware of.

In the following video, Motley Fool health care bureau chief Brenton Flynn discusses a recent Bloomberg article, which highlights the incredible benefits pharmaceutical companies enjoy through tax management strategies. Brenton tells investors who is profiting and by how much, and why other large-cap health care companies like UnitedHealth Group (UNH 0.30%) and Express Scripts (ESRX) are missing out.

Brenton Flynn has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Express Scripts, Johnson & Johnson, and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool owns shares of Express Scripts and Johnson & Johnson. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.