3-6-12-Merck (NYSE:MRK) announced that it sees Q1 EPS of $0.95 – $0.98, vs. estimates of $1.01.The company reaffirmed its 2012 adjusted EPS range of $3.75 – $3.85.and said it expects currency to hurt sales by 1% – 2% in the first quarter.It also expects annual revenue to be at or near 2011 levels on constant currency basis, down 2% – 3% at current exchange levels.Merck sees an adjusted tax rate of 2% – 25%.SmarTrend is bullish on shares of Merck and our subscribers were alerted to buy on November 30, 2011 at $35.50. The stock has risen 8.3% since the alert was issued.