On April 8, 2026, Mercy Investment Services, Inc submitted a shareholder proposal to Merck & Co., 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.