Merck (NYSE: MRK) HR chief Betty Larson granted stock options and RSUs
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
4
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Merck & Co., Inc. executive Betty D. Larson, EVP and Chief HR Officer, reported equity awards and updated her holdings. She now directly holds 13,774 shares of Merck common stock.
On 5/5/2026, she received a grant of 23,283 stock options with an exercise price of $113.15 per share, expiring on 5/4/2036. These options vest in three equal installments on 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and 5/5/2029.
She was also granted 7,954 restricted stock units, each representing one share of common stock. These RSUs vest and are distributed in three equal installments on 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and 5/5/2029.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insider Trade Summary
3 transactions reported
Mixed
3 txns
Insider
Larson Betty D
Role
EVP, Chief HR Officer
| Type | Security | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant/Award | Restricted Stock Unit | 7,954 | $0.00 | -- |
| Grant/Award | Stock Option (Right to Buy) | 23,283 | $0.00 | -- |
| holding | Common Stock | -- | -- | -- |
Holdings After Transaction:
Restricted Stock Unit — 7,954 shares (Direct, null);
Stock Option (Right to Buy) — 23,283 shares (Direct, null);
Common Stock — 13,774 shares (Direct, null)
Footnotes (1)
- 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 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and, 5/5/2029. The option vests and becomes exercisable in equal installments on 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and, 5/5/2029.
Key Figures
Direct common shares held: 13,774 shares
Stock options granted: 23,283 options
Option exercise price: $113.15 per share
+3 more
6 metrics
Direct common shares held
13,774 shares
Non-derivative common stock position following transactions
Stock options granted
23,283 options
Grant on 5/5/2026, right to buy Merck common stock
Option exercise price
$113.15 per share
Exercise price for 23,283 stock options
Option expiration
5/4/2036
Expiration date of the granted stock options
Restricted stock units granted
7,954 RSUs
Grant on 5/5/2026, each RSU equals one common share
Vesting dates
5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, 5/5/2029
Equal installments for both options and RSUs
Key Terms
Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Option (Right to Buy, exercise price, vests and becomes exercisable, +1 more
5 terms
Restricted Stock Unit financial
"Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share"
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.
Stock Option (Right to Buy financial
"Stock Option (Right to Buy) with an exercise price of 113.1500"
exercise price financial
"conversion_or_exercise_price": "113.1500""
The exercise price is the fixed amount at which you can buy or sell an asset, like a stock, when using an options contract. It matters because it helps determine whether exercising the option will be profitable or not, depending on the current market price. Think of it as the set price you agree on today to buy or sell later.
vests and becomes exercisable financial
"The option vests and becomes exercisable in equal installments on 5/5/2027"
FAQ
What did Merck (MRK) EVP Betty D. Larson report in this Form 4?
Betty D. Larson reported new equity awards and her updated shareholdings. She directly holds 13,774 Merck common shares, plus newly granted stock options and restricted stock units that vest over time, aligning part of her compensation with Merck’s future share performance.
How many stock options did Merck grant to Betty Larson in this filing?
She received 23,283 stock options labeled as a grant or award acquisition. The options have an exercise price of $113.15 per share, vest in three equal installments starting 5/5/2027, and remain exercisable until their 5/4/2036 expiration date if vested conditions are met.
What are the key terms of Betty Larson’s restricted stock units at Merck (MRK)?
She was granted 7,954 restricted stock units, each representing a contingent right to one Merck common share. These RSUs vest and are distributed in three equal installments on 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and 5/5/2029, subject to the award’s vesting requirements being satisfied.
When do Betty Larson’s Merck stock options and RSUs vest?
Both the stock options and restricted stock units vest in three equal installments. The vesting dates are 5/5/2027, 5/5/2028, and 5/5/2029. Once vested, options may be exercisable through 5/4/2036, while vested RSUs are distributed as Merck common shares on those dates.
Are Betty Larson’s new Merck equity awards open‑market purchases or compensation grants?
They are compensation-related grants, not open-market purchases. The Form 4 uses transaction code A for both the stock options and restricted stock units, identifying them as grants, awards, or other acquisitions rather than market trades initiated by the executive.