On April 8, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. filed a definitive proxy statement soliciting proxies and urged the shareholders to vote against the shareholder proposal from Mercy Investment Services, Inc requesting the Board of Directors to oversee an analysis and report to shareholders (at reasonable cost and omitting confidential and proprietary information) on the alignment of the Company?s political contributions, both direct and indirect (through trade associations and social welfare organizations), with its business, and any steps Merck takes to address misalignments. Lobbying activities are not covered by this proposal with the vote scheduled for the annual meeting of shareholders on May 26, 2026.