Merck (MRK) EVP exercises 1,967 RSUs; 969 shares used for taxes
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
4
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Merck & Co., Inc. EVP Chirfi Guindo reported routine equity compensation activity. On April 29, 2026, he exercised 1,967 restricted stock units, receiving the same number of Merck common shares. Of these, 969 shares were withheld to cover tax obligations.
After these transactions, Guindo held 61,613.127 Merck common shares directly, plus 57.1377 shares indirectly through a 401(k) plan, and 3,935 restricted stock units. The filing notes that restricted stock units vest and are distributed in three equal installments on April 29, 2026, 2027 and 2028, and holdings include shares from dividend reinvestment.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insider Trade Summary
1,967 shares exercised/converted
Mixed
4 txns
Insider
Guindo Chirfi
Role
EVP, Access, Policy & Comms
| Type | Security | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Restricted Stock Unit | 1,967 | $0.00 | -- |
| Exercise | Common Stock | 1,967 | $110.03 | $216K |
| Tax Withholding | Common Stock | 969 | $110.03 | $107K |
| holding | Common Stock-401(k) Plan | -- | -- | -- |
Holdings After Transaction:
Restricted Stock Unit — 3,935 shares (Direct, null);
Common Stock — 62,582.127 shares (Direct, null);
Common Stock-401(k) Plan — 57.138 shares (Indirect, By 401(k))
Footnotes (1)
- Holdings include shares acquired in dividend reinvestment transactions. Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Merck & Co., Inc. common stock. These restricted stock units vest and are distributed as shares of Merck & Co., Inc. common stock in three equal installments on 4/29/2026, 4/29/2027 and 4/29/2028.
Key Figures
RSUs exercised: 1,967 shares
Tax-withheld shares: 969 shares
Transaction reference price: $110.03 per share
+4 more
7 metrics
RSUs exercised
1,967 shares
Restricted stock units converted to Merck common stock on April 29, 2026
Tax-withheld shares
969 shares
Shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations on April 29, 2026
Transaction reference price
$110.03 per share
Price associated with reported common stock entries on April 29, 2026
Direct common shares after transactions
61,613.127 shares
Direct Merck common stock holdings following April 29, 2026 transactions
Indirect 401(k) holdings
57.1377 shares
Merck common stock held indirectly through a 401(k) plan
RSUs remaining
3,935 units
Restricted stock units outstanding after the reported exercise
RSU vesting dates
April 29, 2026, 2027, 2028
Three equal installment vesting and distribution schedule
Key Terms
Restricted Stock Unit, tax-withholding disposition, dividend reinvestment transactions, 401(k) Plan
4 terms
Restricted Stock Unit financial
"Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Merck & Co., Inc. common stock."
A restricted stock unit is a promise from a company to give an employee shares of stock after certain conditions are met, like staying with the company for a set amount of time. It’s like earning a bonus that turns into company stock once you’ve proven your commitment, making it a way to motivate and reward employees.
tax-withholding disposition financial
"Payment of exercise price or tax liability by delivering securities"
A tax-withholding disposition is an event or transaction—such as selling or transferring securities, exercising options, or receiving compensation—that triggers a requirement to hold back part of the payment and remit it to tax authorities. It matters to investors because it reduces the cash they receive immediately and can change the timing and amount of taxable income, like a cashier taking a portion of your sale proceeds to pay taxes before you get the rest.
dividend reinvestment transactions financial
"Holdings include shares acquired in dividend reinvestment transactions."
401(k) Plan financial
"Common Stock-401(k) Plan"
A 401(k) plan is a workplace retirement account that lets employees set aside part of their pay into a tax-advantaged savings pot, often with employers adding matching contributions — like a workplace piggy bank for future income. It matters to investors because the amount people save and how employers fund these plans influence consumer spending, corporate payroll costs and the flow of money into financial markets, which can affect stock prices and company valuations.
FAQ
What insider transaction did Merck (MRK) EVP Chirfi Guindo report on April 29, 2026?
Chirfi Guindo reported exercising 1,967 restricted stock units into the same number of Merck common shares. As part of this equity compensation event, 969 shares were withheld to satisfy tax obligations rather than sold in the open market.
How many restricted stock units does Chirfi Guindo still hold in Merck (MRK)?
After the reported exercise, Chirfi Guindo holds 3,935 restricted stock units in Merck. Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Merck common stock, subject to the stated vesting and distribution schedule.
When do Chirfi Guindo’s remaining Merck (MRK) restricted stock units vest and distribute?
The restricted stock units vest and are distributed as Merck common shares in three equal installments. These installments occur on April 29, 2026, April 29, 2027, and April 29, 2028, following the company’s equity compensation terms.
What does the Merck (MRK) Form 4 say about dividend reinvestment in Chirfi Guindo’s holdings?
The filing states that Chirfi Guindo’s holdings include shares acquired through dividend reinvestment transactions. This means dividends paid on existing Merck shares were automatically used to purchase additional shares rather than being taken in cash.