Merck & Co., Inc. 10-K

mrk-20251231 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2026 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549 _________________________________ FORM 10-K ☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31 , 2025 OR ☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File No. 1-6571 Merck & Co., Inc. 126 East Lincoln Avenue Rahway New Jersey 07065 ( 908 ) 740-4000 New Jersey 22-1918501 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on which Registered Common Stock ($0.50 par value) MRK New York Stock Exchange 1.875% Notes due 2026 MRK/26 New York Stock Exchange 3.250% Notes due 2032 MRK/32 New York Stock Exchange 2.500% Notes due 2034 MRK/34 New York Stock Exchange 1.375% Notes due 2036 MRK 36A New York Stock Exchange 3.500% Notes due 2037 MRK/37 New York Stock Exchange 3.700% Notes due 2044 MRK/44 New York Stock Exchange 3.750% Notes due 2054 MRK/54 New York Stock Exchange Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files) . Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒ If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒ Number of shares of Common Stock ($0.50 par value) outstanding as of January 31, 2026: 2,472,392,003 . Aggregate market value of Common Stock ($0.50 par value) held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2025 based on the closing price on June 30, 2025, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: approximately $ 198,051,000,000 . Documents Incorporated by Reference: Document Part of Form 10-K Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 26, 2026, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report Part III Table of Contents Table of Contents Page Part I Item 1. Business 1 Item 1A. Risk Factors 26 Cautionary Factors that May Affect Future Results 41 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 42 Item 1C. Cybersecurity 42 Item 2. Properties 42 Item 3. Legal Proceedings 43 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 43 Executive Officers of the Registrant 44 Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 45 Item 6. [Reserved] 46 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 47 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 76 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 77 (a) Financial Statements 77 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 81 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 135 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 137 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 137 Management’s Report 137 Item 9B. Other Information 138 Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 138 Part III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 139 Item 11. Executive Compensation 139 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 140 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 140 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 140 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 141 Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 145 Signatures 146 Table of Contents PART I Item 1. Business. Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck or the Company) is a global health care company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. The Company’s operations are principally managed on a product basis and include two operating segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health, both of which are reportable segments. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. The Company sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major livestock and companion animal species. The Company also offers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. The Company sells its products to veterinarians, distributors, animal producers, farmers and pet owners. All product or service marks appearing in type form different from that of the surrounding text are trademarks or service marks owned, licensed to, promoted or distributed by Merck, its subsidiaries or affiliates, except as noted. All other trademarks or service marks are those of their respective owners. Product Sales Total Company sales, including sales of the Company’s top pharmaceutical products, as well as sales of animal health products, were as follows: ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Total Sales $ 65,011 $ 64,168 $ 60,115 Pharmaceutical 58,142 57,400 53,583 Keytruda/Keytruda Qlex 31,680 29,482 25,011 Gardasil/Gardasil 9 5,233 8,583 8,886 Januvia/Janumet 2,544 2,268 3,366 ProQuad/M-M-R II /Varivax 2,451 2,485 2,368 Bridion 1,841 1,764 1,842 Alliance revenue - Lynparza (1) 1,450 1,311 1,199 Winrevair 1,443 419 — Alliance revenue - Lenvima (1) 1,053 1,010 960 Prevymis 978 785 605 Vaxneuvance 825 808 665 Capvaxive 759 97 — Welireg 716 509 218 Animal Health 6,354 5,877 5,625 Livestock 3,896 3,462 3,337 Companion Animal 2,458 2,415 2,288 Other Revenues (2) 515 891 907 (1) Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs. (2) Other revenues are primarily comprised of miscellaneous corporate revenues, including revenue hedging activities, as well as revenue from third-party manufacturing arrangements. Pharmaceutical The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. Certain of the products within the Company’s franchises are as follows: 1 Table of Contents Oncology Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an anti-PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) therapy available for intravenous administration that has been approved as monotherapy for the treatment of certain patients with cervical cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors (including MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer and endometrial carcinoma), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) solid tumors, and urothelial cancer including non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Keytruda is also approved as monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of certain patients with melanoma, and for certain patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) post-surgery. Keytruda is approved for adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for certain patients with NSCLC. Additionally, in perioperative settings, Keytruda is approved for patients with certain types of resectable NSCLC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery; for certain patients with high-risk early stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery; for certain patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy with or without cisplatin chemotherapy and then as a single agent; and for certain patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment. In addition, Keytruda is approved in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of certain patients with advanced NSCLC, advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma, HNSCC, advanced biliary tract cancer, advanced esophageal cancer, advanced TNBC, and advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma; in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, and in combination with chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of certain patients with advanced cervical cancer; in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for the treatment of certain patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma, and in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of certain patients with advanced HER2-negative gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma; in combination with axitinib for the treatment of certain patients with advanced RCC; in combination with Lenvima (lenvatinib) for the treatment of certain patients with advanced RCC or advanced endometrial carcinoma; in combination with enfortumab vedotin for certain patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer; and in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for certain patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Keytruda Qlex (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph) is a subcutaneously-administered fixed combination of pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 therapy, and berahyaluronidase alfa, which enhances dispersion and permeability to enable subcutaneous administration of pembrolizumab. Keytruda Qlex is approved in the U.S. in solid tumor indications approved for Keytruda . In some markets, it is approved as a new subcutaneous route of administration and new pharmaceutical form of Keytruda and is marketed as Keytruda SC . Welireg (belzutifan) is a medication for the treatment of adult patients with certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors not requiring immediate surgery, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following a PD-1 or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and for treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with certain types of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. In addition, the Company recognizes alliance revenue related to sales of Lynparza (olaparib), an oral poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, for certain types of advanced or recurrent ovarian, early or metastatic breast, metastatic pancreatic, and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers; alliance revenue related to sales of Lenvima, an oral receptor TKI, for certain types of thyroid cancer, RCC, HCC, in combination with everolimus for certain patients with advanced RCC, and in combination with Keytruda for certain patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma or advanced RCC; and alliance revenue related to Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt) for the treatment of certain types of anemia. Vaccines Gardasil (Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent [Types 6, 11, 16 and 18] Vaccine, Recombinant)/ Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant), vaccines to help prevent certain cancers and diseases caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV); ProQuad (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Virus Vaccine Live), a pediatric combination vaccine to help protect against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella; M−M−R II (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live), a vaccine to help prevent measles, mumps and rubella; Varivax 2 Table of Contents (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live), a vaccine to help prevent chickenpox (varicella); Vaxneuvance (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine), a vaccine to help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease in individuals 6 weeks of age and older; RotaTeq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live Oral, Pentavalent), a vaccine to help protect against rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants and children; Capvaxive (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine), a vaccine to help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults; Enflonsia (clesrovimab-cfor), a long acting monoclonal antibody for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season; and Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent), a vaccine to help prevent pneumococcal disease. Hospital Acute Care Bridion (sugammadex), a medication for the reversal of two types of neuromuscular blocking agents used during surgery; Prevymis (letermovir) for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease, or of CMV disease, in certain high risk adult and pediatric recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or of a kidney transplant, respectively; Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) for injection, a combination antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor for the treatment of certain bacterial infections; and Dificid (fidaxomicin) for the treatment of C. difficile -associated diarrhea. Cardiometabolic and Respiratory Winrevair (sotatercept-csrk), an activin signaling inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, Group 1 pulmonary hypertension) to improve exercise capacity and World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC), and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events including hospitalization for PAH, lung transplantation and death; Adempas (riociguat), a cardiovascular drug for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or PAH in certain patients; Verquvo (vericiguat), a medicine to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization following a hospitalization for heart failure or need for outpatient intravenous diuretics in certain adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction; and Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), an inhaled PDE3/4 inhibitor indicated for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Virology Lagevrio (molnupiravir), an investigational oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine available in the U.S. under Emergency Use Authorization; Isentress/Isentress HD (raltegravir), a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase inhibitor for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection; Delstrigo (doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regime in certain patients who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen; and Pifeltro (doravirine), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regime in certain patients who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen. Neuroscience Belsomra (suvorexant), an orexin receptor antagonist, indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Diabetes Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin HCl) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Animal Health The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Principal products in this segment include: Livestock Products Nuflor (Florfenicol) antibiotic range for use in cattle and swine; Bovilis / Vista vaccine lines for infectious diseases in cattle, including Bovilis Cryptium for protection against Cryptosporidium parvum; Banamine (Flunixin meglumine) bovine and swine anti-inflammatory; Estrumate (cloprostenol sodium) for the treatment of fertility disorders in cattle; Matrix (altrenogest) fertility management for swine; Resflor (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) , a combination broad-spectrum antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for bovine respiratory disease; Zuprevo (tildipirosin) for bovine respiratory disease; Revalor (trenbolone acetate and estradiol) to improve production efficiencies in beef cattle; Safe-Guard (fenbendazole) de-wormer for cattle; M+Pac (Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae Bacterin) swine pneumonia vaccine; Porcilis (Lawsonia intracellularis baterin) and Circumvent (Porcine Circovirus Vaccine, Type 2, Killed Baculovirus Vector) vaccine lines for infectious diseases in swine; Nobilis / Innovax (Live 3 Table of Contents Marek’s Disease Vector) , vaccine lines for poultry; Paracox and Coccivac coccidiosis vaccines; Exzolt (fluralaner), a systemic treatment for poultry red mite and northern foul mite infestations; Exzolt 5% (fluralaner), for treatment and prevention of ticks, lice, horn flies and New World Screwworm on cattle; Slice (emamectin benzoate) parasiticide and Imvixa (lufenuron) for sea lice control in salmon; Clynav vaccine for protection against pancreas disease in salmon; Aquavac (Avirulent Live Culture)/ Norvax vaccines against bacterial and viral disease in fish; Aquaflor (florfenicol) antibiotic for farm-raised fish; Flexolt (fluralaner) against lice in sheep; and Allflex Livestock Intelligence solutions for animal identification, monitoring and traceability. Companion Animal Products Bravecto , a line of oral, topical and injectable parasitic control products, including the original Bravecto (fluralaner) products for dogs and cats that last up to 12 weeks; Bravecto (fluralaner) One-Month , a monthly product for dogs, Bravecto (fluralaner) Injectable/Quantum , an injectable product for dogs that lasts up to one-year, Bravecto TriUNO (fluralaner/moxidectin/pyrantel), a one month dog product that covers internal and external parasites, and Bravecto Plus (fluralaner/moxidectin), a two-month product for cats; Sentinel, a line of oral parasitic products for dogs including Sentinel Spectrum (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron, and praziquantel) and Sentinel Flavor Tabs (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron); Numelvi (atinvicitinib), a once daily second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis; Optimmune (cyclosporine), an ophthalmic ointment; Nobivac vaccine lines for flexible dog and cat vaccination, including Nobivac NXT for canine flu and feline leukemia virus; Gilvetmab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibody conditionally licensed for melanoma and mastocytoma tumors; Otomax (gentamicin sulfate, USP; Betamethasone valerate USP; and Clotrimazole USP ointment)/ Mometamax (gentamicin sulfate, USP, Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and Clotrimazole, USP, Otic Suspension)/ Mometamax Ultra (gentamicin sulfate, mometasone furoate monohydrate and posaconazole suspension)/ Posatex (orbifloxacin, mometasone furoate monohydrate and posaconazole, suspension) ear ointments for acute and chronic otitis; Caninsulin / Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) diabetes mellitus treatment for dogs and cats; Panacur (fenbendazole)/ Safeguard (fenbendazole) broad-spectrum anthelmintic (de-wormer) for use in many animals; Regumate (altrenogest) fertility management for horses; Prestige vaccine line for horses; Scalibor (Deltamethrin) /Exspot for protecting against bites from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies; and Sure Petcare products for companion animal identification and well-being, including the microchip and pet recovery system Home Again . For a further discussion of sales of the Company’s products, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below. Product Approvals Set forth below is a summary of significant product approvals received by the Company in 2025 and, to date, in 2026. Product Date Approval Keytruda January 2025 China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval in combination with enfortumab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, based on the KEYNOTE-A39 trial that was conducted in collaboration with Seagen (now Pfizer Inc., Pfizer) and Astellas. April 2025 European Commission (EC) approval in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable non epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma, based on the IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial. May 2025 Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) approval in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable, advanced or recurrent HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma, based on the KEYNOTE-811 trial. May 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for unresectable, advanced or recurrent metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma, based on the IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial. June 2025 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥ 1 as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. 4 Table of Contents Keytruda June 2025 China’s NMPA approval of Keytruda plus Lenvima in combination with transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with unresectable, non-metastatic HCC, based on the LEAP-012 clinical trial. October 2025 EC approval as monotherapy for the treatment of resectable locally advanced HNSCC as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiation therapy with or without concomitant cisplatin and then as monotherapy in adults whose tumors express PD-L1 with a CPS ≥ 1, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. November 2025 FDA approval in combination with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of adult patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, based on the KEYNOTE-905 trial conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas. February 2026 China’s NMPA approval for the first-line treatment of certain patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, based on the KEYNOTE-868 (NRG-GY018) trial. February 2026 FDA approval in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens, based on the KEYNOTE-B96 trial. February 2026 Japan’s MHLW approval for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of locally advanced HNSCC, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. Keytruda Qlex (1) September 2025 FDA approval across most adult solid tumor indications for Keytruda. October 2025 FDA approval for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. November 2025 EC approval of new subcutaneous route of administration and a new pharmaceutical form of Keytruda for all adult indications approved in the European Union (to be marketed as Keytruda SC ). November 2025 FDA approval in combination with Padcev as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of adult patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, based on the KEYNOTE-905 trial conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas. February 2026 FDA approval in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens, based on the KEYNOTE-B96 trial. Capvaxive March 2025 EC approval for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia caused by certain serotypes in individuals 18 years of age and older. August 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia caused by certain serotypes in individuals 18 years of age and older. Enflonsia June 2025 FDA approval for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season Gardasil/Gardasil 9 January 2025 China’s NMPA approval of Gardasil for use in males 9-26 years of age to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. April 2025 China’s NMPA approval of Gardasil 9 for use in males 16-26 years of age to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. 5 Table of Contents Gardasil/Gardasil 9 August 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval of nine-valent HPV vaccine for use in males nine years of age and older (marketed as Silgard 9). Lynparza (2) January 2025 China’s NMPA approval for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA -mutated, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer who have been previously treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, based on the OlympiA trial. Welireg February 2025 EC conditional approval as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with VHL disease who require therapy for associated, localized RCC, central nervous system hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and for whom localized procedures are unsuitable, based on the LITESPARK-004 trial. February 2025 EC conditional approval for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC that progressed following two or more lines of therapy that included a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and at least two vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapies, based on the LITESPARK-005 trial. May 2025 FDA approval for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (12 years and older) with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, based on the LITESPARK-015 trial. June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with VHL disease-associated tumors, based on the LITESPARK-004 trial. June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval for the treatment of adults with radically unresectable or metastatic RCC that has progressed after chemotherapy, based on the LITESPARK-005 trial. Winrevair June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval for the treatment of adults with PAH, based on the STELLAR trial (marketed as Airwin ). October 2025 FDA approval of expanded indication in adults with PAH (WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension) to improve exercise capacity and WHO FC, and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events, including hospitalization for PAH, lung transplantation and death, based on the ZENITH trial. January 2026 EC approval of expanded indication in combination with other PAH therapies for the treatment of PAH in adult patients with WHO FC II, III and IV, based on the ZENITH trial. Bravecto Quantum July 2025 FDA approval for flea and tick treatment and protection in dogs using a once-yearly injectable form of Bravecto . Numelvi July 2025 EC approval of tablets for dogs for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis including atopic dermatitis and treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis. (1) Keytruda Qlex is available in some markets as Keytruda SC . (2) Being jointly developed and commercialized in a worldwide collaboration with AstraZeneca. Competition and the Health Care Environment Competition The markets in which the Company conducts its business and the pharmaceutical industry in general are highly competitive and highly regulated. The Company’s competitors include other worldwide research-based pharmaceutical companies, smaller research companies with more limited therapeutic focus, generic drug manufacturers, and animal health care companies. The Company’s operations may be adversely affected by generic and biosimilar competition as the Company’s products mature, as well as technological advances of competitors, industry consolidation, patents granted to competitors, competitive combination products, new products of competitors, the availability of generic or biosimilar versions of competitors’ branded products, and new information from clinical trials of marketed products or post-marketing surveillance. In addition, patent rights are increasingly being challenged by competitors, and the outcome can be highly uncertain. An adverse result in a patent dispute can preclude commercialization of products or negatively affect sales of existing products and could result in the payment of royalties or in the recognition of an impairment charge with respect to intangible assets associated with certain products. 6 Table of Contents Pharmaceutical competition involves a rigorous search for technological innovations and the ability to market these innovations effectively. With its long-standing emphasis on research and development, the Company is well-positioned to compete in the search for technological innovations. The Company is active in acquiring and marketing products through external alliances, such as licensing arrangements and collaborations, and has been refining its sales and marketing efforts to address changing industry conditions. However, the introduction of new products and processes by competitors may result in price reductions and product displacements, even for products protected by patents. For example, the number of compounds available to treat a particular disease typically increases over time and can result in slowed sales growth or reduced sales of the Company’s products in that therapeutic category. The highly competitive animal health business is affected by several factors including regulatory and legislative issues, scientific and technological advances, product innovation, the quality and price of the Company’s products as well as competitors’ products, effective promotional efforts and the frequent introduction of generic products by competitors. Health Care Environment and Government Regulation Global efforts toward health care cost containment continue to exert pressure on product pricing and market access. Changes to the U.S. health care system as part of health care reform, as well as increased purchasing power of entities that negotiate on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector beneficiaries, have contributed to pricing pressure. In several international markets, government-mandated pricing actions have reduced prices of generic and patented drugs. In addition, the Company’s sales performance in 2025 was negatively affected by other cost-reduction measures taken by governments and other third parties to lower health care costs. In the U.S., the Executive Branch and Congress continue to discuss legislation designed to control health care costs, including the cost of drugs. The Company anticipates all of these actions and additional actions in the future will continue to negatively affect sales and profits. In addressing global cost containment pressures, the Company engages in public policy advocacy with policymakers and continues to work to demonstrate that its medicines and vaccines provide value to patients and to those who pay for health care. The Company advocates with government policymakers to encourage a long-term approach to sustainable health care financing that ensures access to innovative medicines and does not disproportionately target pharmaceuticals as a source of budget savings. In markets with historically low rates of health care spending, the Company encourages those governments to increase their investments and adopt market reforms in order to improve their citizens’ access to appropriate health care, including medicines and vaccines. Operating conditions have become more challenging under the global pressures of competition, industry regulation and cost containment efforts. Although no one can predict the effect of these and other factors on the Company’s business, the Company continually takes measures to evaluate, adapt and improve the organization and its business practices to better meet customer needs and believes that it is well-positioned to respond to the evolving health care environment and market forces. United States The Company faces increasing pricing pressure from managed care organizations, government agencies and programs that could negatively affect the Company’s sales and profit margins, including, through (i) practices of managed care organizations, federal and state exchanges, and institutional and governmental purchasers, and (ii) federal laws and regulations related to Medicare and Medicaid, including the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (American Rescue Plan Act), and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). Additionally, increased utilization of the 340B Federal Drug Discount Program and restrictions on the Company’s ability to identify inappropriate discounts are having a negative impact on Company performance. In the U.S., federal and state governments for many years have pursued methods to reduce the cost of drugs and vaccines for which they pay. For example, federal and state laws require the Company to pay specified rebates for medicines reimbursed by Medicaid and to provide discounts for medicines purchased by certain state and federal entities such as the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Public Health Service entities and hospitals serving a disproportionate share of low income or uninsured patients. In May 2025, the U.S. presidential administration issued an executive order intended to encourage or impose the use of “most-favored-nation” pricing to tie U.S. prescription drug prices to prices in selected comparably developed nations. In July 2025, the Company and other pharmaceutical companies received letters from the U.S. presidential administration with a request to agree to the administration’s “most-favored-nation” drug pricing goals by September 29, 2025. Further to the letter received from the administration, on December 19, 2025, the Company announced that it had entered into a three-year agreement (the MFN Agreement) with the U.S government that 7 Table of Contents addressed the four policy goals of the administration’s July letter. Included within the MFN Agreement is an obligation by the Company to provide key products through a direct-to-patient program at affordable prices for eligible patients in the U.S. This will initially include Januvia , Janumet and Janumet XR , and will be expanded in the future to include enlicitide decanoate pending FDA approval. The Company also agreed to offer its existing medicines at discounted prices to Medicaid, excluding certain products. The Company has also agreed that products launched during the term of the MFN Agreement (with certain exceptions) will be subject to “most-favored-nation” pricing in reference to prices for such products in a specified group of countries (MFN Countries). Finally, the Company agreed to repatriate and share with the Federal government a portion of foreign revenue received by the Company as a result of the government’s successful trade policy efforts. Additionally, the Company reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to delay Section 232 tariffs for three years, enabling the Company to make investments in the U.S. to reshore manufacturing for American patients. In September 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted to recommend that children under the age of four years receive protection from chickenpox (varicella) as a standalone immunization rather than in combination with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination, eliminating a previous shared clinical decision-making recommendation that allowed parents to choose combined MMR and varicella vaccine (MMRV) first-dose administration. The ACIP also voted to align the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program with this change. The acting CDC Director adopted the recommendation in October 2025. MMR and varicella vaccines remain recommended and funded through the VFC program for both the first and second doses. The Company is the only manufacturer in the U.S. of MMRV vaccine ( ProQuad ) and varicella vaccine ( Varivax ). The Company anticipates that any negative effect of these recommendations on sales of ProQuad will not be material. In December 2025, the CDC ended the universal birth-dose recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination, adopting an ACIP recommendation. For infants born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B, vaccination is now based on individual decision-making, with the first dose recommended no earlier than 2 months of age. For infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B–positive or whose status is unknown, the CDC continues to recommend a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. The Company manufactures a hepatitis B vaccine ( Recombivax HB , Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant]) and, subject to a collaboration agreement with Sanofi Pasteur MSD, co-promotes a hexavalent vaccine that includes a hepatitis B component ( Vaxelis, Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine). The Company anticipates that any negative effect of these recommendations on sales of Recombivax HB and Vaxelis will not be material . In January 2026, the acting CDC Director announced changes to the child and adolescent immunization schedule (January announcement), reducing the number of routinely recommended vaccinations and creating three new categories: immunizations recommended for all children; immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations; and immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making. Immunizations recommended for all children include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, HPV, and varicella. Immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations include RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and dengue. Immunizations recommended based on shared clinical decision-making include rotavirus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. The January announcement is the subject of litigation by third parties. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stated that immunizations for all of the diseases covered by the previous immunization schedule will still be available to anyone who wants them through Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the VFC program. Additionally, in September 2025, the trade association representing U.S. health insurers (AHIP) announced that its member health plans would continue to cover all immunizations that had been recommended by the CDC’s ACIP as of September 1, 2025, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026. Among the changes in the January announcement was a reduction of the recommended doses for HPV vaccination of adolescents to a single dose. Gardasil 9 is currently indicated in the U.S. for a two-dose regimen in adolescents aged 9-14 and a three-dose regimen for those aged 15-45. Previous CDC recommendations for adolescents followed FDA-approved dosing. Many countries outside the U.S. have implemented a reduced dosing schedule for HPV vaccination in certain age groups. The Company anticipates that any negative effect of these recommendations or reduced dosing schedules on sales of Gardasil / Gardasil 9 will not be material. Additionally in the U.S., consolidation and integration among health care entities is a major factor in the competitive marketplace for pharmaceutical products. Health plans and pharmacy benefit managers have been consolidating into fewer, larger entities, thus enhancing their purchasing strength and importance. Private third-party insurers, as well as governments, employ formularies to control costs by negotiating discounted prices in exchange for formulary inclusion. Failure to obtain timely or adequate pricing or formulary placement for Merck’s products or obtaining such placement at unfavorable pricing could adversely affect revenue. In addition to formulary tier co-pay 8 Table of Contents differentials, private health insurance companies and self-insured employers have been increasing the cost-sharing required from beneficiaries, particularly for branded pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products. Private health insurance companies, as well as governments, also are increasingly imposing utilization management tools, such as clinical protocols, requiring prior authorization for a branded product or requiring the patient to first fail on one or more generic products before permitting access to a branded medicine. These same management tools are also used in treatment areas in which the payer has taken the position that multiple branded products are therapeutically comparable. As the U.S. payer market concentrates further, the Company may face greater pricing pressure from private third-party payers. Legislative Changes In 2022, Congress passed the IRA, which made significant changes to how drugs are covered and paid for under the Medicare program, including the creation of financial penalties for drugs whose prices rise faster than the rate of inflation, redesign of the Medicare Part D program to require manufacturers to bear more of the liability for certain drug benefits, which has taken effect in 2025, and government price setting for certain Medicare Part D drugs, starting in 2026, and Medicare Part B drugs starting in 2028. Government price setting may also impact pricing in the private market negatively affecting the Company’s performance. HHS, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), selected Januvia in 2023 for the first year of the IRA’s “Drug Price Negotiation Program” (Program), and selected Janumet and Janumet XR in 2025 for the second year of the Program. Pursuant to the IRA’s Program, the government set a price for Januvia , which became effective on January 1, 2026, and set a price for Janumet and Janumet XR , which will become effective on January 1, 2027. In addition, in January 2026, HHS announced that Lenvima has been selected for government price setting, the set price for which will become effective on January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the Company expects that Keytruda will be selected in 2027 for government price setting, which would become effective on January 1, 2029, and the Company expects that, as a result, U.S. sales of Keytruda will decline materially after that time. The Company has sued the U.S. government regarding the IRA’s Program (see Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” below). Furthermore, the Executive Branch and Congress continue to discuss legislation designed to control health care costs, including the cost of drugs. The long-term implications of the IRA remain uncertain and subject to various factors, including the manner in which HHS decides to implement the statute. Many experts and analysts, both within the industry and outside, have predicted that the law will harm innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and result in fewer new treatments being developed and approved over time. Merck is working to mitigate the potentially harmful effects that the law could have, which could include a detrimental impact on innovation. In addition, in 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act, which included a provision that eliminated the statutory c ap on rebates drug manufacturers pay to Medicaid. These rebates act as a discount off the list price and eliminating the cap means that manufacturer discounts paid to Medicaid can increase. Prior to this change, manufacturers have not been required to pay more than 100% of the Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) in rebates to state Medicaid programs for Medicaid-covered drugs. As a result of this provision, manufacturers may have to pay state Medicaid programs more in rebates than they received on sales of particular products. This change presents a risk to Merck for drugs that have high Medicaid utilization and rebate exposure that is more than 100% of the AMP. The Company also faces increasing pricing pressure in the states, which are looking to exert greater influence over the price of prescription drugs. A number of states have passed pharmaceutical price and cost transparency laws. These laws typically require manufacturers to report certain product price information or other financial data to the state. Some laws also require manufacturers to provide advance notification of price increases. The Company expects that states will continue their focus on pharmaceutical pricing and will increasingly shift to more aggressive price control tools such as Prescription Drug Affordability Boards that have the authority to conduct affordability reviews and establish upper payment limits and that Company products may be selected for such reviews. In addition, in 2024, the FDA authorized, for a two-year period, Florida’s application to import prescription drugs from Canada. Regulatory Changes The pharmaceutical industry also could be considered a potential source of savings via other legislative and administrative proposals that have been debated but not enacted. These types of revenue generating or cost saving proposals include additional direct price controls. 9 Table of Contents European Union Efforts toward health care cost containment remain intense in the European Union (EU). The Company faces competitive pricing pressure resulting from generic and biosimilar drugs. In addition, a majority of countries in the EU attempt to contain drug costs by engaging in reference pricing in which authorities examine pre-determined markets for published prices of drugs. Reference pricing may either compare a product’s prices in other markets (external reference pricing), or compare a product’s price with those of other products in a national class or group (internal reference pricing). The authorities then use the price data to set new local prices for brand-name drugs, including the Company’s drugs. Reference pricing mechanisms are usually set at the national level and can be changed pursuant to local regulations or guidance. Some EU Member States have established free-pricing systems, but regulate the pricing for drugs through profit control plans. Others seek to negotiate or set prices based on the cost-effectiveness of a product or an assessment of whether it offers a therapeutic benefit over other products in the relevant class. The downward pressure on health care costs in general, particularly prescription drugs, has become intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products. In some EU Member States, cross-border imports from low-priced markets also exert competitive pressure that may reduce pricing within an EU Member State. Additionally, EU Member States have the power to restrict the range of pharmaceutical products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement. In the EU, pricing and reimbursement plans vary widely from Member State to Member State. Some EU Member States provide that drug products may be marketed only after a reimbursement price has been agreed. Some EU Member States may require the completion of additional studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of a particular product candidate to already available therapies or a so-called health technology assessment (HTA), in order to obtain reimbursement or pricing approval. The HTA of pharmaceutical products is becoming an increasingly common part of the pricing and reimbursement procedures in most EU Member States. The HTA process, which is currently governed by the national laws of these countries, involves the assessment of the cost-effectiveness, public health impact, therapeutic impact and/or the economic and social impact of use of a given pharmaceutical product in the national health care system of the individual country in which it is conducted. Ultimately, an HTA measures the added value of a new health technology compared to existing ones. The EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation 2021/2282 (HTAR) now applies. This provides for the conduct of an EU level comparative Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) of a new product versus relevant comparators identified by the EU Member States. JCAs will be carried out in parallel with the review of a marketing authorization application, so that a JCA report is available shortly after the product is authorized. The HTAR applies to all new active substance oncology products and advanced therapy medicinal products, including cell and gene therapies, beginning January 2025; to new active substance orphan medicinal products beginning January 2028; and to all products approved via the centralized procedure beginning in 2030. EU Member States remain responsible for pricing and reimbursement decisions but must take “due consideration” of JCA reports when making national market access decisions. This means that EU Member State pricing and reimbursement processes are likely to evolve and more EU Member States may use HTAs as part of their decision-making. The outcome of HTAs regarding specific pharmaceutical products will increasingly influence the pricing and reimbursement status granted to these pharmaceutical products by the market access authorities of individual EU Member States. A negative HTA of one of the Company’s products may mean that the product is not reimbursable or may force the Company to reduce its reimbursement price or offer discounts or rebates. A negative HTA by a leading and recognized HTA body could also undermine the Company’s ability to obtain reimbursement for the relevant product outside a jurisdiction. For example, EU Member States that have not yet developed HTA mechanisms may rely to some extent on JCAs under the HTAR or an HTA performed in other countries with a developed HTA framework, to inform their pricing and reimbursement decisions. HTA procedures require additional data, reviews and administrative processes, all of which increase the complexity, timing and costs of obtaining product reimbursement and exert downward pressure on available reimbursement. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some EU Member States, the Company may be required to conduct studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of the Company’s product candidates to other therapies that are considered the local standard of care. There can be no assurance that any EU Member State will allow favorable pricing, reimbursement and market access conditions for any of the Company’s products, or that it will be feasible to conduct additional cost-effectiveness studies, if required. 10 Table of Contents In December 2025, the EU Parliament and the Council reached political agreement on a new directive and a new regulation that will result in a major update to the EU’s pharmaceutical laws. The final text of the legislation has yet to be released but it will include measures designed to increase availability of medicines across the EU. In particular, the new legislation is expected to allow a Member State to request that marketing authorization holders supply their medicines in sufficient quantities to meet patient needs in that Member State. The request must be within one year of marketing authorization. A failure to commence supplies within four years of marketing authorization can result in a two-year reduction in regulatory exclusivity in that Member State. If the final text of the legislation includes such provisions, there is a risk that Member States may seek to exploit the threat of loss of exclusivity to further pressure pharmaceutical prices. Japan In Japan, the pharmaceutical industry is subject to government-mandated annual price reductions of pharmaceutical products and certain vaccines. The next government-mandated price reduction is scheduled to occur in April 2026. Furthermore, the government can order re-pricings for specific products if it determines that use of such product will exceed certain thresholds defined under applicable re-pricing rules. China The Company’s business in China experienced significant contraction in 2025 due to lower sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9. Recovery of the Company’s business in China is dependent upon ongoing development of a favorable environment for innovative pharmaceutical products and vaccines, sustained access for the Company’s currently marketed products, and the absence of trade impediments or adverse pricing controls. In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced and implemented a number of structural reforms to accelerate the shift to innovative products and reduce costs. There have been multiple new policies introduced by the government to improve access to new innovation, reduce the complexity of regulatory filings, and accelerate the review and approval process. This has led to a significant increase in the number of new products being approved each year. While the mechanism for drugs being added to the government’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) evolves, inclusion may require a price negotiation which could impact the outlook in the market for selected brands. A new NRDL was recently completed in which new entries averaged approximately 60% price reductions. While pricing pressure has always existed in China, health care reform has increased this pressure in part due to the acceleration of generic substitution through volume-based procurement (VBP). The government has implemented the VBP program through a tendering process for mature products which have generic substitutes with a Generic Quality Consistency Evaluation approval. Mature products that have entered into the latest rounds of VBP had, on average, a price reduction of more than 50%. The Company expects that the VBP process will have a significant impact on mature products moving forward. Emerging Markets The Company’s focus on emerging markets, in addition to China, has continued. Governments in many emerging markets are also focused on constraining health care costs and have enacted price controls and measures impacting intellectual property, including in exceptional cases, threats of compulsory licenses, that aim to put pressure on the price of innovative pharmaceuticals or result in constrained market access to innovative medicine. The Company anticipates that pricing pressures and market access challenges will continue in the future to varying degrees in the emerging markets. Beyond pricing and market access challenges, other conditions in emerging market countries can affect the Company’s efforts to continue to grow in these markets, including potential political instability, changes in trade sanctions and embargoes, significant currency fluctuation and controls, financial crises, limited or changing availability of funding for health care, credit worthiness of health care partners, such as hospitals, and other developments that may adversely impact the business environment for the Company. Further, the Company may engage third-party agents to assist in operating in emerging market countries, which may affect its ability to realize continued growth and may also increase the Company’s risk exposure. Regulation The pharmaceutical industry is also subject to regulation by regional, country, state and local agencies around the world focused on standards and processes for determining drug safety and effectiveness, as well as conditions for sale or reimbursement. Of particular importance is the FDA in the U.S., which administers requirements covering the testing, approval, safety, effectiveness, manufacturing, labeling, and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals. In some cases, the FDA requirements and practices have increased the amount of time and resources necessary to develop new products and bring them to market in the U.S. At the same time, the FDA has committed to expediting the development and review of products bearing the “breakthrough therapy” designation, which has accelerated the 11 Table of Contents regulatory review process for medicines with this designation. The FDA has also undertaken efforts to bring generic competition to market more efficiently and in a more timely manner. The EU has adopted directives and other legislation concerning the classification, approval for marketing, labeling, advertising, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, integrity of the supply chain, pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring of medicinal products for human use. These provide mandatory standards throughout the EU, which may be supplemented or implemented with additional regulations by the EU Member States. In particular, EU regulators may approve products subject to a number of post-authorization conditions. Examples of typical post-authorization commitments include additional pharmacovigilance, the conduct of clinical trials, the establishment of patient registries, physician or patient education and controlled distribution and prescribing arrangements. Non-compliance with post-authorization conditions, pharmacovigilance and other obligations can lead to regulatory action, including the variation, suspension or withdrawal of the marketing authorizations, or other enforcement or regulatory actions, including the imposition of financial penalties. The Company’s policies and procedures are already consistent with the substance of these directives; consequently, the Company believes that they will not have any material effect on the Company’s business. The Company believes that it will continue to be able to conduct its operations, including launching new drugs, in this regulatory environment. (See “Research and Development” below for a discussion of the regulatory approval process.) Access to Medicines As a global health care company, Merck’s primary role is to discover and develop innovative medicines and vaccines. The Company also recognizes that, in collaboration with key stakeholders, it has a role to play in helping to ensure that its science advances health care, and its products are accessible and affordable globally. The Company is committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe, reliable, supply of its medicines and vaccines, and to implementing innovative solutions that address barriers to care and sustainable access to its products. Merck’s approach is designed to enable it to serve the greatest number of patients today, while meeting the needs of patients in the future. The Company's wide-ranging efforts to expand access to health encompass a set of principles embedded in its business strategies and operations. These principles guide its global approach to addressing significant public health burdens. The Company systematically evaluates its pipeline candidates to assess their potential to address unmet medical needs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The insights from the assessment inform product development and access strategies, with a focus on expanding the availability of the Company’s medicines and vaccines in an economically sustainable manner. Throughout the life cycle of its products, Merck seeks to evaluate their potential and adapt to changes in the external environment. Collaborating with various stakeholders, including private, governmental, multilateral, and non-profit organizations, the Company seeks to design and deliver sustainable access solutions at the payer, provider, and patient levels. Furthermore, the Company incorporates access to health metrics in its scorecard, making it a component of calculating annual incentive pay for the majority of its global employees. In addition, through social investments, including philanthropic programs and impact investing, Merck is helping to strengthen health systems and reduce barriers for communities with limited access to quality care. The Merck Patient Assistance Program provides certain medicines and adult vaccines for free to people in the U.S. and U.S. territories who do not have prescription drug or health insurance coverage and who, without the Company’s assistance, cannot afford their Merck medicines and vaccines. Globally, Merck has made substantial contributions to access to health through key initiatives, including product donations for humanitarian assistance in low-income countries through the Medical Outreach Program. The Mectizan Donation Program, the longest running disease-specific drug donation program of its kind, supports the elimination of two neglected tropical diseases – onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Additionally, through Merck for Mothers, the Company provides funding, and scientific and business acumen to help global health partners strengthen health systems, expand access to critical maternal health services, and end preventable deaths from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Merck also supports the Merck Foundation, an independent grantmaking organization helping to address systemic barriers to access to health care. Privacy and Data Protection The Company is subject to numerous privacy and data protection laws and regulations globally. These laws and regulations, which often vary, may impact how the Company collects, processes and shares data across borders, including in clinical research, manufacturing, and commercial activities, and corporate functions. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve and enforcement and litigation in this space continue to increase. 12 Table of Contents In the U.S., the number of state privacy laws to which the Company is subject is increasing, with a particular focus on the regulation of consumer health data and sensitive personal information, often broadly defined. At the federal level, while there is no single comprehensive federal privacy law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses several mechanisms to support consumer privacy in the U.S., including Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, and other sector-specific laws and rules. The Data Security Program, established by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2025 in response to Executive Order 14117, introduced new restrictions on certain types of data sharing to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing bulk U.S. sensitive personal data and U.S. government-related data. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in significant monetary fines and other administrative penalties, as well as reputational harm and civil liability claims from individuals whose personal data was processed. Outside of the U.S., the Company is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and related implementing laws in individual EU Member States . In China, the privacy and data protection framework is complex and imposes stringent compliance requirements on companies, particularly with respect to transferring certain types of personal data outside of China. The Company also is subject to other privacy and data protection laws and regulations in Europe, Asia, Canada, Central and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Although specific obligations vary by region and country, in general, these laws increase the Company’s responsibility and potential liability in relation to processing personal data, including using data globally and moving data across country borders. Compliance with these laws, which are rapidly evolving in scope and interpretation, introduces significant complexity in Company business operations. Failure to comply with the requirements of the GDPR and other data related protection frameworks also may result in significant monetary fines, administrative penalties, litigation, and reputational harm. Distribution The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers, such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccines are sold primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. The Company’s professional representatives communicate the effectiveness, safety and value of the Company’s pharmaceutical and vaccine products to health care professionals in private practice, group practices, hospitals and managed care organizations. The Company sells its animal health products to veterinarians, distributors, animal producers, farmers and pet owners. Raw Materials The Company obtains raw materials essential to its business from numerous suppliers worldwide. Most of the principal materials the Company uses in its manufacturing operations are available from more than one source. However, the Company obtains certain raw or intermediate materials primarily from only one source. The Company attempts, if possible, to mitigate the potential risk associated with raw materials, components and supplies through inventory and appropriate supplier management. Patents, Trademarks and Licenses Patent protection is considered, in the aggregate, to be of material importance to the Company’s marketing of its products in the U.S. and in most major foreign markets. Patents may not only cover a product per se , but also pharmaceutical formulations of a product, processes for making a product, including intermediates useful in those processes, and methods of treatment or other uses of a product. Patent protection for individual products extends for varying periods in accordance with the legal life of patents in individual countries. The protection afforded, which may also vary from country to country, depends upon the type of patent and its scope of coverage. Patent portfolios developed for products introduced by the Company normally provide varying degrees of market exclusivity. Key patents, which generally cover the product per se , may be subject to a patent term restoration (also known as patent term extension or PTE) of up to five years in the U.S., Japan, and certain other jurisdictions. In Europe, up to five years of extended term may be available in the form of a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC). PTEs and SPCs are awarded to offset a portion of the patent term lost during the clinical testing and regulatory review process of a product prior to approval. The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act includes a Pediatric Exclusivity Provision that may provide an additional six months of market exclusivity (added to the patent term for all Orange Book-listed patents, and to the regulatory data exclusivity term for small molecule and biologic products) in the U.S. for indications of new or currently marketed drugs if certain agreed upon pediatric studies are completed by the applicant. The EU also provides an additional six months of pediatric market exclusivity attached to a product’s SPC term for both small molecule and biologic products. Japan attaches the additional term for pediatric studies to market exclusivity and this extension is unrelated to patent term. In some countries, one or more regulatory exclusivities, including data exclusivity, may provide parallel market protection that is complementary 13 Table of Contents to patent protection and, in some cases, may provide more effective or longer lasting marketing exclusivity than a product’s patent portfolio. In the U.S., the regulatory data/marketing protection term generally runs five years from first marketing approval of a new chemical entity, extended to seven years for an orphan drug indication, and twelve years from first marketing approval of a biological product. The table below provides a list of expiration dates, which include any pending PTE and SPC periods where indicated, for the key patent protection in the U.S., the EU, Japan and China for the following marketed products: Product Year of Expiration (U.S.) Year of Expiration (EU) (1) Year of Expiration (Japan) (2) Year of Expiration (China) Januvia 2026 (3) Expired 2026 Expired Janumet 2026 (3) Expired N/A Expired Janumet XR 2026 (3) N/A N/A N/A Lenvima (4) 2026 (5) 2027 2026 Expired Bridion 2026 Expired Expired Expired Bravecto 2027 2029 2029 Expired Lynparza (6) 2027 (7) 2029 (7) 2028-2029 Expired Winrevair 2027 (8) 2026 (8) 2031 (with pending PTE) (8) 2026 Gardasil 2028 Expired Expired Expired Gardasil 9 2028 2030 (9) 2030 (9) Expired Keytruda 2028 (10) 2031 2032-2033 2028 Adempas (11) N/A (12) 2028 (7) 2027-2028 Expired Prevymis 2029 2029 (13) 2029 Expired Vaxneuvance 2031 (9)(14) No Patent (15) No Patent (15) N/A Welireg 2035 (with pending PTE) 2034 (patent), 2039 (SPCs) 2039 (with pending PTE) 2034 Ohtuvayre 2035 (with pending PTE) (16) N/A N/A N/A (17) Capvaxive 2038 (9) 2038 (patent) (9)(18) 2040 (with pending PTE) (9) N/A Enflonsia 2039 (with pending PTE) N/A N/A N/A Keytruda Qlex 2043 2031 (19) N/A N/A Note: Compound patent unless otherwise noted. Certain of the products listed may be the subject of patent litigation. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” below. N/A: Currently no marketing approval. (1) The EU date represents the expiration date for the following four countries: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain (Major EU Markets). If SPC applications have been filed but have not been granted in all Major EU Markets, both the patent expiry date and the SPC expiry date are listed. (2) The PTE system in Japan allows for a patent to be extended more than once provided the later approval is directed to a different indication from that of the previous approval. This may result in multiple PTE approvals for a given patent, each with its own expiration date. (3) As a result of settlement agreements related to a patent directed to the specific sitagliptin salt form of the products, exclusivity will extend through May 2026 for Januvia and Janumet , and through July 2026 for Janumet XR. (4) Part of a global strategic oncology collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. (5) As a result of settlement agreements related to an additional product-related patent, generic entry is not expected until July 2030; however, litigation is ongoing. (6) Part of a global strategic oncology collaboration with AstraZeneca. (7) Eligible for six months pediatric market exclusivity. (8) Eligible for 12 years of data exclusivity in the U.S. (expires in 2036), 11 years in the EU (expires in 2035), and 10 years in Japan (expires in 2035). Granted patents covering methods of treating PAH with Winrevair, which will expire in 2037 (absent PTE or SPC), may provide additional exclusivity. (9) Composition patent. (10) The compound patent family contains two additional patents that expire in 2029 due to patent term adjustment resulting from patent office delay. These patents are based on the initial discovery of the active ingredient in Keytruda . While these patents may provide additional protection, the Company expects that they will be the subject of litigation in the future. (11) Commercialized under a worldwide collaboration with Bayer AG. (12) The Company has no marketing rights in the U.S. (13) Data exclusivity expires in January 2030. (14) PTE is pending but is not included in the listed patent expiry date. Data exclusivity has been granted in the U.S. and expires in July 2033. (15) Data exclusivity has been granted in the EU and Japan, which expires in December 2031 and September 2030, respectively. (16) Ensifentrine polymorph patent. (17) The Company has no marketing rights in China. (18) SPC applications will be filed in 2026. (19) A patent application is currently pending, which if granted, will expire in 2040. 14 Table of Contents The Company has the following key U.S. patent protection for drug candidates under review in the U.S. by the FDA: Under Review in the U.S. Currently Anticipated Year of Expiration (in the U.S.) MK-8591A (doravirine + islatravir) 2032 The Company also has the following key U.S. patent protection for drug candidates in Phase 3 development: Phase 3 Drug Candidate Currently Anticipated Year of Expiration (in the U.S.) V181 2029 MK-2400 (ifinatamab deruxtecan) (1) 2034 MK-1022 (patritumab deruxtecan) (1) 2035 MK-1308A (quavonlimab + pembrolizumab) 2035 MK-1026 (nemtabrutinib) 2035 MK-8527 2035 V940 (intismeran autogene) (1) 2036 MK-3543 (bomedemstat) 2036 MK-5684 (opevesostat) 2037 MK-8591D (islatravir + lenacapavir) (1)(2) 2037 MK-2140 (zilovertamab vedotin) 2038 MK-4482 Lagevrio (1)(3) 2038 MK-5909 (raludotatug deruxtecan) (1) 2038 MK-1406 (4) 2039 MK-2870 (sacituzumab tirumotecan) (1) 2040 MK-0616 (enlicitide decanoate) 2040 MK-7240 (tulisokibart) 2040 MK-1084 (calderasib) (1) 2041 MK-3000 (5) 2041 (1) Being developed in a collaboration. (2) On partial clinical hold for higher doses of islatravir than those in current clinical trials. (3) Available in the U.S. under Emergency Use Authorization. (4) Formerly CD388. (5) Program is in a Phase 2/3 study. Unless otherwise noted, the patents in the above tables cover the product per se (also known as compound patents). For those drug candidates under review or in development, the key U.S. patents may be subject to a future PTE of up to five years and/or six months of pediatric market exclusivity. In addition, depending on the circumstances surrounding any final regulatory approval of the product, there may be other granted patents or pending patent applications that could have relevance to the product as finally approved. While the expiration of the compound patent generally results in loss of market exclusivity for the covered pharmaceutical product, other patents may provide additional market exclusivity associated with certain aspects of the product that extends beyond the compound patent expiration, including those derived from the initial discovery of the product’s active ingredient(s) or from product-related innovation that occurs after this initial discovery. These include later-expiring patents directed to (i) processes and intermediates related to methods of manufacture of the active ingredient(s), (ii) use(s) of the product, and (iii) novel compositions and formulations of the product. The effect of product patent expiration on pharmaceutical product sales may also depend upon many other factors such as the nature of the market and the position of the product in it, the growth of the market, the complexities and economics of the process for manufacture of the active ingredient(s) of the product and the requirements of new drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or similar laws and regulations in other countries. In addition, in the U.S. and certain other countries, a variety of different regulatory exclusivities that impact market exclusivity may be available under relevant law. For further information with respect to the Company’s patents, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” below. 15 Table of Contents Worldwide, all of the Company’s important products are sold under trademarks that are considered in the aggregate to be of material importance. Trademark protection continues in some countries as long as used; in other countries, as long as registered. Registration is for fixed terms and can be renewed indefinitely. Royalty income in 2025 on patent and know-how licenses and other rights amounted to $1.5 billion. Merck also incurred royalty expenses amounting to $1.9 billion in 2025 under patent and know-how licenses it holds. Research and Development The Company’s business is characterized by the introduction of new products or new uses for existing products through a strong research and development program. At December 31, 2025, approximately 24,700 people were employed in the Company’s research activities. The Company prioritizes its research and development efforts and focuses on candidates that it believes represent breakthrough science for unmet medical needs that will make a difference for patients and payers. The Company maintains a number of long-term exploratory and fundamental research programs in biology and chemistry as well as research programs directed toward product development. The Company’s research and development model is designed to increase productivity and improve the probability of success by prioritizing the Company’s research and development resources on candidates the Company believes are capable of providing unambiguous, promotable advantages to patients and payers and delivering the maximum value of its approved medicines and vaccines through new indications and new formulations. Merck is pursuing emerging product opportunities independent of therapeutic area or modality. The Company is committed to ensuring that externally sourced programs remain an important component of its pipeline strategy, with a focus on supplementing its internal research through acquisitions as well as a licensing and external alliance strategy focused on the entire spectrum of collaborations from early research to late-stage compounds, as well as access to new technologies. The Company’s clinical pipeline includes candidates in multiple disease areas, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, neurosciences, immunology, ophthalmology, respiratory diseases, and vaccines. In the development of human health products, industry practice and government regulations in the U.S. and most foreign countries provide for the determination of effectiveness and safety of new chemical compounds through preclinical tests and controlled clinical evaluation. Before a new drug or vaccine may be marketed in the U.S., recorded data on preclinical and clinical experience are included in the New Drug Application (NDA) for a drug or the Biologics License Application (BLA) for a vaccine or biologic submitted to the FDA for the required approval. Once the Company’s scientists discover a new small molecule compound or biologic that they believe has promise to treat a medical condition, the Company commences preclinical testing with that compound. Preclinical testing includes laboratory testing and animal safety studies to gather data on chemistry, pharmacology, immunogenicity and toxicology. Pending acceptable preclinical data, the Company will initiate clinical testing in accordance with established regulatory requirements. The clinical testing begins with Phase 1 studies, which are designed to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary pharmacodynamic activity of the compound in humans. If favorable, additional, larger Phase 2 studies are initiated to determine the efficacy of the compound in the affected population, define appropriate dosing for the compound, as well as identify any adverse effects that could limit the compound’s usefulness. In some situations, the clinical program incorporates adaptive design methodology to use accumulating data to decide how to modify aspects of the ongoing clinical study as it continues, without undermining the validity and integrity of the trial. One type of adaptive clinical trial is an adaptive Phase 2a/2b trial design, a two-stage trial design consisting of a Phase 2a proof-of-concept stage and a Phase 2b dose-optimization finding stage. If data from the Phase 2 trials are satisfactory, the Company commences large-scale Phase 3 trials to confirm the compound’s efficacy and safety. Another type of adaptive clinical trial is an adaptive Phase 2/3 trial design, a study that includes an interim analysis and an adaptation that changes the trial from having features common in a Phase 2 study (e.g., multiple dose groups) to a design similar to a Phase 3 trial. An adaptive Phase 2/3 trial design reduces timelines by eliminating activities which would be required to start a separate study. Upon completion of Phase 3 trials, if satisfactory, the Company submits regulatory filings with the appropriate regulatory agencies around the world to have the product candidate approved for marketing. There can be no assurance that a compound that is the result of any particular program will obtain the regulatory approvals necessary for it to be marketed. Vaccine development follows the same general pathway as for drugs. Preclinical testing focuses on the vaccine’s safety and ability to elicit a protective immune response (immunogenicity). Pre-marketing vaccine clinical trials are typically done in three phases. Initial Phase 1 clinical studies are conducted in normal subjects to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. Phase 2 studies are dose-ranging studies and provide additional data on safety, immunogenicity and/or effectiveness. Finally, Phase 3 trials are conducted in the 16 Table of Contents intended population for licensure and provide data on immunogenicity and/or effectiveness, as well as safety, to support applications for regulatory approvals. If successful, the Company submits regulatory filings with the appropriate regulatory agencies. United States In the U.S., the FDA review process begins once a complete NDA or BLA is submitted, received and accepted for review by the agency. Within 60 days after receipt, the FDA determines if the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. The FDA also assesses, at that time, whether the application will be granted a priority review or standard review. Pursuant to the Prescription Drug User Fee Act VII (PDUFA), the FDA review period target for original NDAs or BLAs is either six months, for priority review, or ten months, for a standard review, from the time the application is deemed sufficiently complete. For original efficacy supplements to an NDA or BLA, the FDA review period target is six months, for priority review, or ten months, for a standard review, from the time the supplemental application is received. Once the review timelines are determined, the FDA will generally act upon the application within those timeline goals, unless a major amendment has been submitted (either at the Company’s own initiative or the FDA’s request) to the pending application. If this occurs, the FDA may extend the review period to allow for review of the new information, but by no more than three months. Extensions to the review period are communicated to the Company. The FDA can act on an application either by issuing an approval letter or by issuing a Complete Response Letter (CRL) stating that the application will not be approved in its present form and describing all deficiencies that the FDA has identified. Should the Company wish to pursue an application after receiving a CRL, it can resubmit the application with information that addresses the questions or issues identified by the FDA in order to support approval. Resubmissions are subject to review period targets, which vary depending on the underlying submission type and the content of the resubmission. The FDA has four program designations — Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, Accelerated Approval, and Priority Review — to facilitate and expedite development and review of new drugs to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of serious or life-threatening conditions. The Fast Track designation provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with opportunities for frequent interactions with FDA reviewers during the product’s development and the ability for the manufacturer to do a rolling submission of the NDA/BLA. A rolling submission allows completed portions of the application to be submitted and reviewed by the FDA on an ongoing basis. The Breakthrough Therapy designation provides manufacturers with all of the features of the Fast Track designation as well as intensive guidance on implementing an efficient development program for the product and a commitment by the FDA to involve senior managers and experienced staff in the review. The Accelerated Approval designation allows the FDA to approve a product based on an effect on a surrogate or intermediate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict a product’s clinical benefit and generally requires the manufacturer to conduct required post-approval confirmatory trials to verify the clinical benefit. The Priority Review designation means that the FDA’s goal is to take action on the NDA/BLA within six months, compared to ten months under standard review, priority review may be granted by the FDA or obtained using a Priority Review Voucher. More than one of these special designations can be granted for a given application (i.e., a product designated as a Breakthrough Therapy may also be eligible for Priority Review). Additionally, in 2025, the FDA announced a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program, which offers the ability to seek expedited approval for a drug or biologic application or efficacy supplement. Pilot program eligibility requires alignment with one or more critical national health priorities, which include addressing a health crisis in the U.S., bringing innovative therapies to the American people, addressing a large unmet medical need, promoting domestic manufacturing, and increasing affordability. The pilot program is intended to enable enhanced communications with the FDA and action on an application within one to two months. In December 2025, the FDA selected enlicitide decanoate and sacituzumab tirumotecan, investigational candidates that the Company is developing for hypercholesterolemia and certain cancers, respectively, to receive CNPVs; these candidates are currently in Phase 3 development. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, in 2020, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) exercised statutory authority to determine that a public health emergency existed, and declared those circumstances justified the emergency use of drugs and biological products as authorized by the FDA. In 2023, the Secretary issued an amended determination that a public health emergency or a significant potential for a public health emergency existed and declared that circumstances continued to justify authorization of emergency use of these products. While in effect, this declaration (as amended) enables the FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) permitting distribution and use of specific medical products absent NDA/BLA submission or approval, including products to treat or prevent diseases or conditions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, subject to the terms of any such EUAs. The Company is currently marketing Lagevrio in the U.S. pursuant to an EUA. The FDA must make certain findings to grant an EUA, including that it is reasonable to believe based on the totality of evidence that the drug or biologic may be effective, and that known or potential benefits when used under the terms of the EUA outweigh known or potential risks. Additionally, the FDA must find that there is no adequate, approved and available 17 Table of Contents alternative to the emergency use of the authorized drug or biologic. The FDA may revise or revoke an EUA if the circumstances justifying its issuance no longer exist, the criteria for its issuance are no longer met, or other circumstances make a revision or revocation appropriate to protect the public health or safety. European Union The primary method the Company uses to obtain marketing authorization of pharmaceutical products in the EU is through the “centralized procedure.” This procedure is compulsory for certain pharmaceutical products, in particular those using biotechnological processes, and is also available for certain new chemical compounds and products. A company seeking to market an innovative pharmaceutical product through the centralized procedure must file a complete set of safety data and efficacy data as part of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). After the EMA evaluates the MAA, it provides a recommendation to the EC and the EC then approves or denies the MAA. It is also possible for new chemical products to obtain marketing authorization in the EU through a “mutual recognition procedure” in which an application is made to a single member state and, if the member state approves the pharmaceutical product under a national procedure, the applicant may submit that approval to the mutual recognition procedure of some or all other EU Member States. Japan In Japan, the Company submits new drug applications to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) for its pharmaceutical regulatory review. The PMDA is an independent administrative agency which is under the jurisdiction of the MHLW. The PMDA considers multiple factors in its review process, including the drug’s safety, efficacy, quality, and manufacturing process in accordance with the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. In addition, there are various other regulations and guidelines issued by the MHLW or the PMDA that must also be complied with in order to secure approval. The length of the PMDA review process can vary, but it typically takes around one year for a new drug to be approved in Japan. The review period may be shortened if the drug candidate is designated by the MHLW as an innovative drug satisfying certain conditions. China In China, the Company submits marketing applications to the NMPA for an independent review. The NMPA considers multiple factors in its review process, including the drug‘s safety, efficacy, quality, and manufacturing process. Moreover, the NMPA implements strict regulations to ensure that all drugs meet the same standards as those set by the WHO. The NMPA establishes stringent safety and efficacy requirements for drug approval. The length of the NMPA review process can vary, but it typically takes around one to two years for a new drug to be approved in China. Other Markets Outside of the U.S., the EU, Japan and China, the Company submits marketing applications to national regulatory authorities. Examples of such are Health Canada, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanatária in Brazil, Korea Food and Drug Administration in South Korea, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia. Each country has a separate and independent review process and timeline. In many markets, approval times can be longer as the regulatory authority requires approval in a major market, such as the U.S. or the EU, and issuance of a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product from that market before initiating their local review process. Research and Development Update The Company currently has several candidates under regulatory review in the U.S. and internationally or in late-stage clinical development. MK-8591A, doravirine/islatravir, an investigational, once-daily, oral two-drug regimen for adults with HIV-1 infection that is virologically suppressed on antiretroviral therapy, is under review by the FDA. The FDA set a PDUFA, or target action, date of April 28, 2026 for the new drug application, which is based on findings of the Phase 3 MK-8591A-051 and MK-8591A-052 clinical trials. MK-8591A is also under review in Japan. MK-8591A is also being evaluated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in previously untreated adults, and in November 2025, the Company announced positive topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 MK-8591A-053 trial evaluating MK-8591A in this setting. MK-1654, Enflonsia , a prophylactic long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants from RSV disease during their first RSV season, is under review in the EU and Japan. In September 2025, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMA recommended the approval of Enflonsia for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants during their first RSV season. The CHMP recommendation, which is supported by results from the pivotal Phase 2b/3 CLEVER trial and the Phase 3 SMART trial, was sent to the EC for review for marketing authorization in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In October 2025, Merck informed the EMA and other health authorities, including the FDA, that Merck had identified a 18 Table of Contents data entry issue related to solicited complaints (injection site pain, injection site swelling, injection site erythema, drowsiness, irritability, and/or lost appetite). On October 31, 2025, the EC informed Merck that it would return the CHMP opinion to the EMA to allow the CHMP to assess Merck’s update. This step has delayed a final EC decision on the marketing authorization for Enflonsia . Updates to solicited complaint data were submitted to the EMA, and to the FDA, in December 2025. The Company believes that these updates do not meaningfully impact the favorable risk-benefit profile of Enflonsia . Merck remains confident in the robustness of the CLEVER and SMART trials as pivotal studies for Enflonsia and the risk-benefit profile of Enflonsia. MK-7962, Winrevair (sotatercept-csrk), an activin signaling inhibitor for the treatment of adults with PAH (WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension), is under review by the FDA in connection with a proposed update to the U.S. product label based on the results of the Phase 3 HYPERION trial. The FDA set a PDUFA date of September 21, 2026. MK-3475, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), is an anti-PD-1 therapy available for intravenous administration. MK-3475A, Keytruda Qlex , combines pembrolizumab with berahyaluronidase alfa to enhance dispersion and permeability to enable subcutaneous administration. Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex each are approved for the treatment of many cancers and continue to be studied in additional Phase 3 trials. Keytruda is under review in the EU and Japan in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for the treatment of certain patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. The applications are based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B96 trial. Keytruda is also under review in the EU and Japan in combination with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) as neoadjuvant treatment, then continued after radical cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The application is based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-905 trial conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas. Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex are under review by the FDA in combination with Gilead Sciences Inc.’s sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) for the first-line treatment of certain patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD‑L1. The FDA set PDUFA dates in the second half of 2026 for these applications. The supplemental BLAs are based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-D19 trial. MK-6482, Welireg (belzutifan), Merck’s first-in-class oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, in combination with Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex is under priority review by the FDA for the adjuvant treatment of certain patients with clear cell RCC following nephrectomy. The FDA set a PDUFA date of June 19, 2026. The applications for Welireg , Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex are based on data from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-022 trial. Welireg , in combination with MK-7902, Lenvima (lenvatinib), an orally available multiple receptor TKI, is under review by the FDA for the treatment of certain patients with advanced RCC following previous treatment with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor. The FDA set a PDUFA date of October 4, 2026. The application is based on data from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial. Lenvima is being developed as part of a collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. The Company is diversifying its oncology portfolio and executing on its strategy which is broadly based on three strategic pillars: immuno-oncology, precision molecular targeting and tissue targeting. Merck has numerous Phase 3 oncology programs within these pillars. Immuno-oncology • V940 (mRNA-4157), intismeran autogene, is an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy being evaluated in combination with Keytruda for the adjuvant portion of treatment in patients with certain types of melanoma and NSCLC. The FDA and EMA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation and Priority Medicines (PRIME) scheme designation, respectively, for intismeran autogene in combination with Keytruda for the adjuvant treatment of patients with certain stages of high-risk melanoma following complete resection. Intismeran autogene is being developed as part of a collaboration with Moderna, Inc. • MK-1308A is the coformulation of quavonlimab, Merck’s novel investigational anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, in combination with pembrolizumab, being evaluated for the treatment of RCC. 19 Table of Contents Precision molecular targeting • MK-1026, nemtabrutinib, is an investigational oral, reversible, non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, being evaluated for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. • MK-1084, calderasib, is an investigational oral selective KRAS G12C inhibitor being evaluated with or without Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex for the treatment of certain patients with colorectal cancer and NSCLC. Calderasib is being developed as part of a collaboration with Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Astex Pharmaceuticals (UK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. • MK-3543, bomedemstat, is an investigational orally available lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of certain patients with essential thrombocythemia. Bomedemstat has FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designation for the treatment of essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis, Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and PRIME scheme designation by the EMA for the treatment of myelofibrosis. • MK-5684, opevesostat, is an investigational cytochrome P450 11A1 (CYP11A1) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of certain patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. • MK-6482, Welireg , is being developed for expanded indications in RCC in combination with Keytruda and Lenvima, and in other combinations. • MK-7339, Lynparza, is an oral PARP inhibitor being evaluated in combination with Keytruda for expanded indications in the therapeutic areas of NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Lynparza is being developed as part of a collaboration with AstraZeneca PLC. Tissue targeting • MK-1022, patritumab deruxtecan, is an investigational human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) directed ADC being evaluated in certain patients with breast cancer. Patritumab deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. • MK-2140, zilovertamab vedotin, is an investigational ADC targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) being evaluated for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including diffuse large B cell lymphoma. • MK-2400, ifinatamab deruxtecan, is an investigational B7-H3 directed ADC being evaluated in certain patients with esophageal, prostate and small cell lung cancers. In August 2025, ifinatamab deruxtecan was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage SCLC with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Ifinatamab deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. • MK-2870, sacituzumab tirumotecan, is an investigational trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2) directed ADC being evaluated for certain patients with breast, cervical, endometrial, gastric, non-small cell lung, and ovarian cancers. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to sacituzumab tirumotecan for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations whose disease progressed on or after TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. In 2025, the FDA selected sacituzumab tirumotecan for the CNPV pilot program. Sacituzumab tirumotecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Kelun-Biotech. A portion of sacituzumab tirumotecan 2026 development costs will be funded by Blackstone Life Sciences. See Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 3. “Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and Licensing Agreements” below. • MK-5909, raludotatug deruxtecan, is an investigational CDH6 targeting ADC being evaluated in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. In September 2025, raludotatug deruxtecan was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancers expressing CDH6 who have received prior treatment with bevacizumab. Raludotatug deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. Additionally, the Company currently has candidates in Phase 3 clinical development in several other therapeutic areas. • MK-0616, enlicitide decanoate, is an investigational oral proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, including in studies evaluating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction and a cardiovascular outcomes study. In December 2025, the FDA selected enlicitide decanoate for the CNPV pilot program. The Company plans to submit an NDA for enlicitide decanoate to the FDA in early 2026. 20 Table of Contents • V181 is an investigational quadrivalent vaccine for the prevention of dengue disease caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), regardless of prior dengue exposure. • MK-3000 is an investigational, potentially first-in-class tetravalent, tri-specific antibody that acts as an agonist of the Wingless-related integration site signaling pathway, which is in clinical development for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. • MK-8591D is an investigational once-weekly, oral combination of Merck’s islatravir, a nucleoside analog leveraging translocation inhibition, and Gilead Sciences Inc.’s lenacapavir being evaluated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in virologically suppressed adults. In 2021, the FDA placed a clinical hold on the islatravir/lenacapavir once-weekly treatment regimen based on observations of decreases in total lymphocyte and CD4+ T-cell counts in some participants receiving islatravir in clinical studies; the islatravir/lenacapavir combination remains under a partial clinical hold for any studies that would use islatravir doses higher than the doses considered for the revised clinical programs. • MK-8527 is an investigational once-monthly, oral nucleoside analog leveraging translocation inhibition, for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). • MK-1406 (formerly CD388) is an investigational small molecule neuraminidase inhibitor stably conjugated to a proprietary Fc fragment of a human antibody designed to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza. MK-1406, which received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA in 2025, was obtained in connection with the January 2026 acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. • MK-7240, tulisokibart, is an investigational humanized monoclonal antibody directed to tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A, a central amplifier of inflammatory pathways and fibrotic mechanisms in inflammatory bowel disease, being evaluated for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. • MK-4482, Lagevrio , is an investigational oral antiviral medicine for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe disease. Merck is developing Lagevrio in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP. The FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization for Lagevrio in December 2021, which was last reissued in November 2023. Lagevrio is authorized for the treatment of adults with a current diagnosis of mild to moderate COVID-19, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options approved or authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Lagevrio is not approved for any use in the U.S. and is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of its emergency use under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. In 2024, an additional Phase 3 clinical trial (MOVe-NOW) was initiated to evaluate Lagevrio for the treatment of adults with COVID-19 at high risk for disease progression. MOVe-NOW will build on existing Lagevrio data to assess efficacy in the current COVID-19 environment and support applications for licensure. Additionally, the Company announced in November 2025 that the Phase 2, proof-of-concept CADENCE trial of Winrevair met the primary endpoint of reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance from baseline at 24 weeks compared to placebo in adults with combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Based on the pharmacological activity observed in this proof-of-concept study, the Company intends to proceed with Phase 3 development. 21 Table of Contents The chart below reflects the Company’s research pipeline as of February 20, 2026. Candidates shown in Phase 3 include the date such candidate entered into Phase 3 development. Candidates shown in Phase 2 include the most advanced compound with a specific mechanism or, if listed compounds have the same mechanism, they are each currently intended for commercialization in a given therapeutic area. Small molecules and biologics generally are given MK-number designations and vaccine candidates generally are given V-number designations. Except as otherwise noted, candidates in Phase 1, additional indications in the same therapeutic area (other than with respect to cancer, immunology and certain other indications) and additional claims, line extensions or formulations for in-line products are not shown. Phase 2 Alzheimer’s Disease MK-1167 MK-2214 Atherosclerosis MK-7262 Cancer MK-1022 (patritumab deruxtecan) (1) Biliary Bladder Cervical Endometrial Esophageal Gastric Head and Neck Hepatocellular Melanoma Non-Small Cell Lung Ovarian Pancreatic Prostate MK-1084 (calderasib) (1) Solid Tumors MK-2400 (ifinatamab deruxtecan) (1) Biliary Bladder Breast Cervical Endometrial Head and Neck Hepatocellular Melanoma Non-Small Cell Lung Ovarian Pancreatic Cancer MK-2870 (sacituzumab tirumotecan) (1) Biliary Bladder Esophageal Neoplasm Malignant Pancreatic MK-3120 Bladder MK-3475 Keytruda Prostate MK-3475A Keytruda Qlex Hematological Malignancies (U.S.) MK-5684 (opevesostat) Breast Endometrial Ovarian MK-5909 (raludotatug deruxtecan) (1) Bladder Cervical Endometrial Gastric Non-Small Cell Lung Renal Cell Small Cell Lung MK-6070 (gocatamig) (1) Small Cell Lung MK-6482 Welireg Breast Cancer V940 (intismeran autogene) (1) Bladder Renal Cell Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases MK-5884A (ensifentrine+glycopyrrolate) Eye Disorders MK-8748 HIV-1 Infection MK-8591B (islatravir+ulonivirine) Immunology MK-7240 (tulisokibart) Axial Spondyloarthritis Hidradenitis Suppurativa Rheumatoid Arthritis Systemic Sclerosis Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) MK-6024 (efinopegdutide) Pulmonary Hypertension-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease MK-5475 Pulmonary Hypertension Due To Left Heart Disease MK-7962 Winrevair 22 Table of Contents Phase 3 (Phase 3 entry date) Under Review Cancer MK-1022 (patritumab deruxtecan) (1) Breast (July 2025) MK-1026 (nemtabrutinib) Hematological Malignancies (March 2023) MK-1084 (calderasib) (1) Colorectal (July 2025) Non-Small Cell Lung (May 2024) MK-1308A (quavonlimab+pembrolizumab) Renal Cell (April 2021) MK-2140 (zilovertamab vedotin) Hematological Malignancies (September 2024) MK-2400 (ifinatamab deruxtecan) (1) Esophageal (March 2025) Prostate (May 2025) Small Cell Lung (July 2024) MK-2870 (sacituzumab tirumotecan) (1) Breast (April 2024) Cervical (July 2024) Endometrial (December 2023) Gastric (May 2024) Non-Small Cell Lung (November 2023) Ovarian (April 2025) MK-3475 Keytruda Small-Cell Lung (May 2017) MK-3543 (bomedemstat) Myeloproliferative Disorders (December 2023) MK-5909 (raludotatug deruxtecan) (1) Ovarian (December 2025) MK-5684 (opevesostat) Prostate (December 2023) MK-7339 Lynparza (1) Non-Small Cell Lung (June 2019) Small Cell Lung (December 2020) V940 (intismeran autogene) (1) Melanoma (July 2023) Non-Small Cell Lung (December 2023) COVID-19 MK-4482 Lagevrio (U.S.) (May 2021) (1)(2) Dengue Fever Virus Vaccine V181 (June 2025) Diabetic Macular Edema MK-3000 (3) HIV-1 Infection MK-8591A (doravirine+islatravir) (February 2020) ( EU ) MK-8591D (islatravir+lenacapavir) (October 2024) (1)(4) HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis MK-8527 (July 2025) Hypercholesterolemia MK-0616 (enlicitide decanoate) (August 2023) Immunology MK-7240 (tulisokibart) Crohn’s Disease (June 2024) Ulcerative Colitis (October 2023) Influenza MK-1406 (September 2025) New Molecular Entities HIV-1 Infection MK-8591A (doravirine+islatravir) (U.S.) (JPN) Respiratory Syncytial Virus MK-1654 Enflonsia (EU) (JPN) Certain Supplemental Filings Cancer MK-3475 Keytruda • Platinum-Resistant Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (KEYNOTE-B96) (EU) (JPN) • Cisplatin-Ineligible Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (KEYNOTE-905) (EU) (JPN) • First-Line Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (KEYNOTE-D19) (U.S.) MK-3475A Keytruda Qlex • First-Line Unresectable Locally Advanced o r Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (KEYNOTE-D19) (U.S.) MK-6482 Welireg • Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Following Nephrectomy (LITESPARK-022) (U.S.) (5) • Previously Treated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (LITESPARK-011) (U.S.) (1) Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension MK-7962 Winrevair (HYPERION) (U.S.) Footnotes: (1) Being developed in a collaboration. (2) Available in the U.S. under Emergency Use Authorization. (3) Program is in a Phase 2/3 study that commenced in August 2024. (4) On FDA partial clinical hold for higher doses of islatravir than those used in current clinical trials. (5) Under review for combination use with Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex. Human Capital As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 75,000 employees worldwide, including approximately 30,000 people in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and approximately 15,000 third-party contractors globally. Third-party contractors include temporary workers, independent contractors, and freelancers who are considered full-time equivalent employees; outsourced service providers are excluded. Approximately 73,000 employees are full-time employees. Approximately 21% of employees worldwide are covered by collective bargaining agreements. For 2025, the voluntary turnover rate was approximately 4.8%. The Company’s success depends on the integrity, skill, and collaboration of its employees, who are essential to meeting the needs of patients and customers. Talent Acquisition, Management and Development The Company takes a comprehensive approach to recruiting and leadership development to hire and retain qualified leaders with a range of knowledge, skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. The Company’s communications strategy, employer branding, marketing outreach, social media, and strategic partnerships help it reach talent across its critical business areas. In 2025, the Company hired approximately 6,800 people globally through its external career site, direct candidate sourcing, employee referrals, universities, and other channels. As the Company strives to be the world’s premier research-based biopharmaceutical company, it remains focused on 23 Table of Contents continuously developing the leadership and management skills of its people, building workforce capabilities to accelerate talent, improving performance, and mitigating risk through relevant continuous learning experiences and technical and functional trainings for all employees. Employee Engagement and Culture Collaboration is central to the Company’s success and future innovation. The Company strives to create an environment of respect, engagement, and empowerment, and seeks to hire and develop top talent by providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. The Company believes these practices create a competitive edge by focusing on the needs of patients worldwide and leveraging employee insights to improve performance. By building strong relationships with its employees, the Company fosters an engaging employee experience that propels the Company forward. Compensation and Benefits The Company’s compensation and benefits programs are designed to attract, retain, and motivate talent, and to support employees and their families in every stage of life. The Company continually monitors and adjusts its compensation and benefits programs to remain competitive, contemporary, helpful, and engaging and to ensure that they are anchored in fairness, flexibility, quality, security, and affordability. The Company regularly reviews pay practices and policies to help ensure employees are fairly compensated. The Company offers a personal health care concierge service to assist U.S. employees participating in its medical plan with their health care needs. In support of the Company’s cancer care strategy, Merck provides enhanced cancer screening benefits with cash incentives, immediate access to two leading cancer centers of excellence for U.S. employees and high-value cancer support resources, including caregiving and mental health services, for employees and their families. Globally, the Company has a minimum standard of 12 weeks of paid parental leave. In the U.S., the Company’s benefits rank in the top quartile of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For of companies that participated in the Aon 2025 Benefits Index. Employee Well-being The Company is committed to helping its employees and their families improve their health and well-being, including physical, mental, financial, and social. This commitment has earned the Company recognition including the Business Group on Health’s Best Employers Excellence in Health & Well-being. As part of the Company’s culture of well-being, it offers flexible work arrangements and onsite services to help employees thrive. In the U.S., these services include onsite health care professionals at many major sites, onsite cafeterias, childcare, gyms, and convenient banking through an employee credit union. Environmental Matters Environmental Sustainability The Company is committed to enabling a safe, sustainable, and healthy future, consistent with its purpose to save and improve lives. In alignment with the Company’s Corporate Strategic Framework and long-standing environmental stewardship efforts, the Company’s environmental sustainability strategy focuses on: (1) driving operational efficiency, (2) designing new products to minimize environmental impact, and (3) reducing impacts across the Company’s upstream and downstream value chain. The Company ensures its ongoing commitment to these areas through thoughtful governance. Its Environmental, Health and Safety Council (EHS Council) is a cross-functional body with leadership representation from each area of the Company’s business and is responsible for overseeing its environmental sustainability strategy, policy, and risk mitigation controls. The EHS Council monitors performance against the Company’s environmental sustainability goals and increases transparency on environmental issues within the Company, senior management, and the Board of Directors (the Board). The Global Safety and Environment vice president communicates progress on environmental sustainability goals, objectives, and other important issues to the Board, senior management, and the EHS Council. Additionally, the head of the Environmental Sustainability Center of Excellence is a member of the Sustainability Strategy Management Team, a group of functional experts that advises, shapes, and drives the Company’s long-term sustainability strategy with guidance from an internal cross divisional forum of senior leaders. The Company’s cross-functional Environmental Sustainability Implementation Steering Committee was designated by the EHS Council to oversee the progress of initiatives that support the achievement of the Company’s public goals and provide guidance on resourcing of the Company’s environmental sustainability strategy. The Company believes that climate change could present risks to its business, as discussed in further detail in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” below under the headings “Climate change or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change may negatively affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and prospects” and “Environmental, social and governance matters may impact the Company’s business and reputation.” 24 Table of Contents Some of the potential impacts of climate change to the Company’s business include increased operating costs due to additional regulatory requirements, physical risks to the Company’s facilities, water limitations, and disruptions to its supply chain. These potential risks are integrated into the Company’s business planning, including investment in reducing energy usage, water use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Company has adopted a set of climate goals to help position it to succeed in an increasingly resource-constrained world. These goals address the rising expectations of the Company’s customers, investors, external stakeholders, and employees regarding the environmental impact of its operations and supply chain. The Company’s climate goals include reducing Scope 1 and 2 operational GHG emissions 46% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline), continuing to source 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources, and reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions 30% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline). In 2024, the Company committed to a net-zero target for its GHG emissions across its global operations (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2045, aligned with the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a third-party organization. Other environmental sustainability initiatives of the Company include: • Partnering for progress across the Company’s value chain. The Company is working to reduce its Scope 3 emissions through a robust supplier engagement approach to reinforce the Company’s expectations, drive partnerships, and raise awareness of the Company’s climate change objectives to accelerate GHG reduction activities. The Company launched the Sustainability Partner Exchange, an education and partnership series to facilitate dialogue and knowledge-sharing between the Company and its suppliers. This innovative initiative fosters the exchange of best practices in environmental sustainability, open discussions on common challenges, and cross-industry collaboration to drive decarbonization. The Company continues to improve upon the accuracy of its Scope 3 GHG data through close collaboration with suppliers to enhance Scope 3 data calculation, collection, and reporting processes. • Playbooks for a sustainable environment. To help direct and track projects in support of its goals, the Company has developed a suite of playbooks to guide site-level progress. The Low Carbon Transition Playbook provides a common platform and gap assessment to evaluate energy management program maturity, set short- and long-term plans to reduce carbon intensity, and build a pathway to net zero. The Waste Diversion and Water Conservation Playbooks help sites build roadmaps to meet Company-wide goals for waste diversion and water efficiency, including local strategies for material and water use and environmentally responsible procurement. This standardized approach drives consistent project execution across the global network and enables continuous improvement toward the Company’s goals. The playbooks are updated to include the advent of new technology, the evolution of sustainable processes, and lessons learned from best practice sharing among the sites. • Realizing the benefits of green and sustainable science . The Company believes that meeting its environmental sustainability goals is intrinsically linked to the creation of innovative, cost-efficient manufacturing processes with low environmental impact. The Company aims to develop efficient and sustainable processes at product launch, with the goal of minimizing material use and waste from its commercial manufacturing. The Company utilizes an innovative “green-by-design” development strategy with a goal to progress from an initial early clinical supply route to a fully optimized and sustainable commercial manufacturing process. The Company received the Peter J. Dunn Award for Green Chemistry and Engineering Impact for four of the past five years, an award given by the American Chemical Society in recognition of outstanding implementation of novel green chemistry in the pharmaceutical industry. • Waste diversion . The Company continuously evaluates its sites’ waste disposal methods to gain a better understanding of its network and changes therein, as well as to identify risks and opportunities in its value chain. Based on its evaluation, the Company implemented programs to divert non-hazardous landfill waste from its four highest landfill-generating sites. The Company continues its efforts to reduce its global operational waste sent to landfills or incinerators. • Water as a shared resource. As water is a key input to the Company’s manufacturing operations, the Company assesses water risk throughout its network as a standard business practice. The water risk assessment process enables the Company to better prioritize facilities and catchments for water stewardship activities and lays the foundation for potential future water targets in priority locations. The Company’s sites are employing various technologies and techniques aimed at reducing its water footprint and improving operational performance. The Company’s endorsement of the United Nations CEO Water Mandate enables alignment of the Company’s water program with the mandate’s 25 Table of Contents principles. The Company has continued to identify partnerships to help it advance its water stewardship priorities in the areas in which it operates. The Company continues to review and explore other opportunities to further its environmental strategy and will evaluate potential impacts and commitments. Management does not believe that expenditures related to these initiatives should have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources for any year. Environmental Regulation and Remediation The Company believes that there are no compliance issues associated with applicable environmental laws and regulations that would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company is also remediating environmental contamination resulting from past industrial activity at certain of its sites. Expenditures for remediation and environmental liabilities were $8 million in 2025 and are estimated to be $26 million in the aggregate for the years 2026 through 2030. These amounts do not consider potential recoveries from other parties. The Company has taken an active role in identifying and accruing for these costs and, in management’s opinion, the liabilities for all environmental matters that are probable and reasonably estimable have been accrued and totaled $42 million and $41 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, or the ultimate costs of remediation, management does not believe that any reasonably possible expenditures that may be incurred in excess of the liabilities accrued should exceed approximately $58 million in the aggregate. Management also does not believe that these expenditures should result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity for any year. Geographic Area Information The Company’s operations outside the U.S. are conducted primarily through subsidiaries. Sales worldwide by subsidiaries outside the U.S. as a percentage of total Company sales were 44% in 2025, 50% in 2024 and 53% in 2023. The Company’s worldwide business is subject to risks of currency fluctuations, governmental actions and other governmental proceedings abroad. The Company does not regard these risks as a deterrent to further expansion of its operations abroad. However, the Company closely reviews its methods of operations and adopts strategies responsive to changing economic and political conditions. The Company has operations in countries located in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific. Business in these developing areas, while sometimes less stable, offers important opportunities for growth over time. Available Information The Company’s Internet website address is merck.com . The Company will make available, free of charge at the “Investors” portion of its website, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The address of the SEC website is sec.gov . In addition, the Company will provide without charge a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, including financial statements and schedules, upon the written request of any shareholder to the Office of the Secretary, Merck & Co., Inc., 126 East Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065 U.S.A. The Company’s corporate governance guidelines and the charters of the Board of Directors’ four standing committees are available on the Company’s website at www.merck.com/company-overview/leadership/board-of-directors/ and all such information is available in print to any shareholder who requests it from the Company. The Company’s 2024/2025 Impact Report, which provides enhanced sustainability disclosures, is available in the Sustainability section of the Company’s website at www.merck.com. Information in the Company’s Impact Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. Item 1A. Risk Factors. Summary Risk Factors The Company is subject to a number of risks that if realized could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or prospects. The following is a summary of the principal risk factors facing the Company: 26 Table of Contents • The Company is dependent on its patent rights, and if its patent rights are invalidated or circumvented, its business could be materially adversely affected. • As the Company’s products lose market exclusivity, the Company generally experiences a significant and rapid loss of sales from those products. • Key products generate a significant amount of the Company’s profits and cash flows, and any events that adversely affect the markets for its leading products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. • The Company’s research and development efforts may not succeed in developing commercially successful products and the Company may not be able to acquire commercially successful products in other ways; consequently, the Company may not be able to replace sales of successful products that lose patent protection. • The Company’s success is dependent on the successful development and marketing of new products, which are subject to substantial risks. • The Company faces continued pricing pressure with respect to its products in the public and private sectors. • Unfavorable or uncertain economic conditions, together with cost-reduction measures being taken by the U.S. and other countries, could negatively affect the Company’s operating results. • The Company faces intense competition from both lower cost generic and biosimilar products and competitors’ products. • The Company has significant global operations, which expose it to additional risks, and any adverse event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. • Climate change or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change may negatively affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. • Environmental, social and governance matters may impact the Company’s business and reputation. • Failure to attract and retain highly qualified personnel could affect the Company’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize products. • The Company may experience difficulties and delays in manufacturing certain of its products, including vaccines. • The Company’s business in China experienced significantly lower sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in 2025 and the Company expects that sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in China will not materially increase in 2026. As a consequence of the reduced sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9, the Company’s business in China declined significantly. • The Company may not be able to realize the expected benefits of its investments in emerging markets. • The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates. • Pharmaceutical products can develop unexpected safety or efficacy concerns. • Reliance on third-party relationships and outsourcing arrangements could materially adversely affect the Company’s business. • Negative events in the animal health industry could have a material adverse effect on future results of operations and financial condition of the Company or its Animal Health business. • Biologics and vaccines carry unique risks and uncertainties, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. • The health care industry in the U.S. has been, and will continue to be, subject to increasing regulation and political action. • The Company’s products, including products in development, cannot be marketed unless the Company obtains and maintains regulatory approval or authorization. 27 Table of Contents • Developments following regulatory approval or authorization may adversely affect sales of the Company’s products. • The Company is subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations. • The Company is subject to evolving and complex tax laws, which may result in additional liabilities that may affect results of operations and financial condition. • Adverse outcomes in current or future legal matters could negatively affect the Company’s business. • Product liability insurance for products may be limited, cost prohibitive or unavailable. • The Company is increasingly dependent on sophisticated software applications and computing infrastructure, including the use of cloud-based applications and environments. The Company continues to be a target of cyber-attacks that could lead to a disruption of its worldwide operations, including manufacturing, research and sales operations. • The Company is increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to automate processes, analyze data, and support decision-making, which poses inherent risks. • Social media and mobile messaging platforms present risks and challenges. The above list is not exhaustive, and the Company faces additional challenges and risks. Investors should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this Form 10-K, including the following risk factors, before deciding to invest in any of the Company’s securities. Risk Factors The risks below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or that the Company presently deems immaterial may also impair its business operations. The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s results could materially differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks it faces described below and elsewhere. See “Cautionary Factors that May Affect Future Results” below. Risks Related to the Company’s Business The Company is dependent on its patent rights, and if its patent rights are invalidated or circumvented, its business could be materially adversely affected. Patent protection is considered, in the aggregate, to be of material importance to the Company’s marketing of human health and animal health products in the U.S. and in most major foreign markets. Patents covering products that it has introduced normally provide market exclusivity, which is important for the successful marketing and sale of its products. The Company seeks patents covering each of its products in each of the markets where it intends to sell the products and where meaningful patent protection is available. Even if the Company succeeds in obtaining patents covering its products, third parties or government authorities may challenge or seek to invalidate or circumvent its patents and patent applications. It is important for the Company’s business to successfully assert and defend the patent rights that provide market exclusivity for its products. The Company is often involved in patent disputes relating to challenges to its patents or claims by third parties of infringement against the Company. The Company asserts and defends its patents both within and outside the U.S., including by filing claims of infringement against other parties. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” below. In particular, manufacturers of generic or biosimilar pharmaceutical products from time to time file abbreviated NDAs or BLAs with the FDA seeking to market generic/biosimilar forms of the Company’s products prior to the expiration of relevant patents owned or licensed by the Company. The Company normally responds by asserting one or more of its patents with a lawsuit alleging patent infringement. Patent litigation and other challenges to the Company’s patents are costly and unpredictable and may deprive the Company of market exclusivity for a patented product or, in some cases, third-party patents may prevent the Company from marketing and selling a product in a particular geographic area. Additionally, certain foreign governments have indicated that compulsory licenses to patents may be granted in the case of national emergencies or in other circumstances, which could diminish or eliminate sales and profits from those regions and negatively affect the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. Further, court decisions relating to other companies’ patents, potential legislation in both the U.S. and 28 Table of Contents certain foreign markets relating to patents, as well as regulatory initiatives may result in a more general weakening of intellectual property protection. If one or more important products lose patent protection in profitable markets, sales of those products are likely to decline significantly as a result of generic or biosimilar versions of those products becoming available. The Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial position, and prospects may be adversely affected by the lost sales unless and until the Company has launched commercially successful products that replace the lost sales. In addition, if products that were measured at fair value and capitalized in connection with acquisitions experience difficulties in the market that negatively affect product cash flows, the Company may recognize material non-cash impairment charges with respect to the value of those products. A chart listing the key patent protection for certain of the Company’s marketed products, and U.S. patent protection for candidates in Phase 3 clinical development is set forth above in Item 1. “Business — Patents, Trademarks and Licenses.” As the Company’s products lose market exclusivity, the Company generally experiences a significant and rapid loss of sales from those products. The Company depends upon patents to provide it with exclusive marketing rights for its products for some period of time. Loss of patent protection for one of the Company’s products typically leads to a significant and rapid loss of sales for that product as lower priced generic or biosimilar versions become available. In the case of products that contribute significantly to the Company’s sales, the loss of market exclusivity can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Bridion will lose market exclusivity in the U.S. in July 2026 at which time the Company anticipates a significant and rapid decline in U.S. sales of Bridion . The Company expects to discontinue U.S. sales of Bridion by the end of 2026. In addition, Januvia and Janumet will lose market exclusivity in the U.S. in May 2026 and Janumet XR will lose market exclusivity in the U.S. in July 2026. The Company expects a significant decline in sales of Januvia in the first half of 2026 reflecting the impact of government price setting noted above and subsequently, following loss of market exclusivity in May 2026, the Company anticipates it will lose nearly all U.S. sales of Januvia and Janumet . Also, the Company expects that sales of Keytruda will be materially negatively impacted by biosimilar competition between 2028 and 2029. As previously disclosed, while two patents in the Keytruda composition of matter patent family expire in May and November of 2029, respectively, the Company expects these patents to be the subject of litigation and, thus, biosimilar competition could begin in December 2028 when the primary compound patent expires. The Company also expects to lose market exclusivity in Europe for Keytruda in 2031 following compound patent expiration. There may, however, be attempts by one or more companies to challenge the patent or launch a biosimilar product despite the patent in some European jurisdictions following the expiration of data exclusivity in Europe in July 2026. Key products generate a significant amount of the Company’s profits and cash flows, and any events that adversely affect the markets for its leading products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. The Company’s ability to generate profits and operating cash flows depends largely upon the continued profitability of the Company’s key products, such as Keytruda , Gardasil/Gardasil 9, Lynparza, Winrevair, and Bravecto . In particular, in the aggregate, in 2025, sales of Keytruda represented 49% of the Company’s total sales. As a result of the Company’s dependence on key products, any event that adversely affects any of these products or the markets for any of these products, such as the materially lower demand for Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in China which the Company has experienced, could have a significant adverse impact on results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. Other events could include loss of patent protection, selection for IRA price setting, lower than expected utilization of Keytruda Qlex , increased costs associated with manufacturing, generic, biosimilar or over-the-counter availability of the Company’s product or a competitive product, the discovery of previously unknown side effects, results of post-approval trials, increased competition from the introduction of new, more effective treatments and discontinuation or removal from the market of the product for any reason. Such events could have a material adverse effect on the sales of any such products. The Company’s research and development efforts may not succeed in developing commercially successful products and the Company may not be able to acquire commercially successful products in other ways; consequently, the Company may not be able to replace sales of successful products that lose patent protection. In order to remain competitive, the Company, like other major pharmaceutical companies, must continue to launch new products. Expected declines in sales of products after the loss of market exclusivity mean that the Company’s future success is dependent on its pipeline of new products, including new products that it may develop 29 Table of Contents through collaborations and joint ventures and products that it is able to obtain through license or acquisition. To accomplish this, the Company commits substantial effort, funds and other resources to research and development, both through its own dedicated resources and through various collaborations with third parties. There is a high rate of failure inherent in the research and development process for new drugs and vaccines. As a result, there is a high risk that funds invested by the Company in research programs will not generate financial returns. This risk profile is compounded by the fact that this research has a long investment cycle. To bring a pharmaceutical compound from the discovery phase to market may take a decade or more and failure can occur at any point in the process, including later in the process after significant funds have been invested. For a description of the research and development process, see Item 1. “Business — Research and Development” above. Each phase of testing is highly regulated and during each phase there is a substantial risk that the Company will encounter serious obstacles or will not achieve its goals. Therefore, the Company may abandon a product candidate or use in which it has invested substantial amounts of time and resources. Some of the risks encountered in the research and development process include the following: preclinical testing of a new compound may yield disappointing results; competing products from other manufacturers may reach the market first; clinical trials of a new drug may not be successful; a new drug may not be effective or may have harmful side effects; a new drug may not be approved by the regulators for its intended use; it may not be possible to obtain a patent for a new drug; payers may refuse to cover or reimburse the new product; or sales of a new product may be disappointing. The Company cannot state with certainty when or whether any of its products now under development will be approved or launched; whether it will be able to develop, license or otherwise acquire compounds, product candidates or products; or whether any products, once launched, will be commercially successful. The Company must maintain a continuous flow of successful new products and successful new indications for existing products sufficient both to cover its substantial research and development costs and to replace sales that are lost as profitable products lose market exclusivity or are displaced by competing products or therapies. Failure to do so in the short term or long term would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and prospects. The Company’s success is dependent on the successful development and marketing of new products, which are subject to substantial risks. Product candidates or uses that appear promising in development may fail to reach the market or fail to succeed for numerous reasons, including the following: • findings of ineffectiveness, superior safety or efficacy of competing products, or harmful side effects in clinical or preclinical testing; • failure to receive the necessary regulatory approvals, including delays in the approval of new products and new indications, or the anticipated labeling, and uncertainties about the time required to obtain regulatory approvals and the benefit/risk standards applied by regulatory agencies in determining whether to grant approvals; • failure in certain markets to obtain reimbursement commensurate with the level of innovation and clinical benefit presented by the product; • changes in clinical preferences or standards of care, including competitor innovations, that diminish the value of the product; • lack of economic feasibility due to manufacturing costs or other factors; and • preclusion from commercialization by the proprietary rights of others. In the future, if certain pipeline programs are cancelled or if the Company believes that their commercial prospects have been reduced, the Company may recognize material non-cash impairment charges for those programs that were measured at fair value and capitalized in connection with acquisitions or certain collaborations. Failure to successfully develop and market new products in the short term or long term would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and prospects. The Company faces continued pricing pressure with respect to its products in the public and private sectors. The Company faces continued pricing pressure globally and, particularly in mature markets, from managed care organizations, government agencies and programs that could negatively affect the Company’s sales 30 Table of Contents and profit margins. In the U.S., these include (i) U.S. federal laws and regulations related to Medicare and Medicaid, including the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, the ACA, and the IRA, (ii) practices of managed care groups and institutional and governmental purchasers, and (iii) state activities aimed at increasing price transparency, including new laws as noted above in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment.” Changes to the health care system enacted as part of health care reform in the U.S., as well as increased purchasing power of entities that negotiate on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector beneficiaries, could result in further pricing pressures. As noted in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment,” in 2023, HHS selected Januvia for the first year of the IRA’s price setting program, which resulted in a government set price becoming effective on January 1, 2026. In 2025, HHS selected Janumet and Janumet XR for government price setting, which will become effective on January 1, 2027. In addition, in January 2026, HHS announced that Lenvima has been selected for government price setting, the set price for which will become effective on January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the Company expects that in 2027 HHS will include Keytruda in a subsequent selection of products to undergo IRA price setting, with such price to become effective on January 1, 2029 and the Company expects that, as a result, U.S. sales of Keytruda will decline materially after that time. Government price setting may also impact pricing in the private market, negatively affecting the Company’s performance. Also, as noted above, in December 2025, the Company entered into the MFN Agreement with the U.S. government pursuant to which the Company will provide key products through a direct-to-patient program at affordable prices for eligible patients in the U.S. This currently includes Januvia , Janumet , and Janumet XR , and will be expanded in the future to include enlicitide decanoate pending FDA approval. The Company also agreed to offer its existing medicines at discounted prices to Medicaid, excluding certain products. In addition, the Company has agreed that products launched during the term of the MFN Agreement (with certain exceptions) will be subject to “most-favored-nation” pricing in reference to prices for such products in the MFN Countries. In addition, in the U.S., larger customers have received higher rebates on drugs in certain highly competitive categories. The Company must also compete to be placed on formularies of managed care organizations. Exclusion of a product from a formulary can lead to reduced usage in the managed care organization. The Company is also facing pricing pressure from purchasers of certain vaccines in highly competitive categories. Also, the Company expects that U.S. states will continue their focus on pharmaceutical pricing and may shift to more aggressive price control tools. Outside the U.S., numerous major markets, including the EU, Japan and China have pervasive government involvement in funding health care and, in that regard, fix the pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Consequently, in those markets, the Company is subject to government decision making and budgetary actions with respect to its products. In Japan, the pharmaceutical industry is subject to government-mandated annual price reductions of pharmaceutical products and certain vaccines. Furthermore, the Japanese government can order re-pricing for specific products if it determines that use of such product will exceed certain thresholds defined under applicable re-pricing rules. The Company expects pricing pressures to continue in the future. Unfavorable or uncertain economic conditions, together with cost-reduction measures being taken by the U.S. and other countries, could negatively affect the Company’s operating results. The Company’s business may be adversely affected by local and global economic conditions, including with respect to inflation, interest rates, and costs of raw materials and packaging. Uncertainty in global economic and geopolitical conditions may result in a slowdown to the global economy that could affect the Company’s business by reducing the prices that drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers may be able or willing to pay for the Company’s products or by reducing the demand for the Company’s products, which could in turn negatively impact the Company’s sales and result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. As discussed above in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment,” global efforts toward health care cost containment continue to exert pressure on product pricing and market access worldwide. Changes to the U.S. health care system as part of health care reform, as well as increased purchasing power of entities that negotiate on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector beneficiaries, have contributed to pricing pressure. In several international markets, government-mandated pricing actions have reduced prices of generic and patented drugs. In addition, the Company’s sales performance in 2025 was negatively affected by other cost-reduction measures taken by governments and other third parties to lower health care costs, including in the U.S., the expansion of the Federal 340B Drug Discount Program. The Company anticipates all of these actions, and additional actions in the future, will continue to negatively affect sales and profits. 31 Table of Contents In addition, it is possible that as a consequence of the MFN Agreement, certain of the Company’s products may not be launched in the MFN Countries or their launch may be delayed and as a result, the MFN Countries may take actions that adversely impact the Company. If credit and economic conditions worsen, the resulting economic and currency impacts in the affected markets and globally could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results. The Company faces intense competition from both lower cost generic and biosimilar products and competitors’ products. In general, the Company faces increasing competition from lower-cost generic and biosimilar products. The patent rights that protect its products are of varying strengths and durations. In addition, in some countries, patent protection is significantly weaker than in the U.S. or in the EU. In the U.S. and the EU, political pressure to reduce spending on prescription drugs has led to legislation and other measures that encourage the use of generic and biosimilar products. Although it is the Company’s policy to actively protect its patent rights, challenges to the Company’s products can arise at any time, and the Company’s patents may not prevent the emergence of generic or biosimilar competition for its products. Loss of patent protection for a product typically is followed promptly by generic or biosimilar substitutes, reducing the Company’s sales of that product. Availability of generic or biosimilar substitutes for the Company’s drugs may adversely affect its results of operations and cash flows. In addition, proposals emerge from time to time in the U.S. and other countries for legislation to further encourage the early and rapid approval of generic or biosimilar drugs. Any such proposal that is enacted into law could worsen this substantial negative effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Also, the Company’s products face intense competition from competitors’ products. This competition may increase as new products enter the market. In such an event, the competitors’ products may be safer or more effective, more convenient to use, have better insurance coverage or reimbursement levels or be more effectively marketed and sold than the Company’s products. Alternatively, in the case of generic or biosimilar competition, including the generic or biosimilar availability of competitors’ branded products, they may be equally safe and effective products that are sold at a substantially lower price than the Company’s products. As a result, if the Company fails to maintain its competitive position, this could have a material adverse effect on its business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, if products that were measured at fair value and capitalized in connection with acquisitions experience difficulties in the market that negatively impact product cash flows, the Company may recognize material non-cash impairment charges with respect to the value of those products. The Company has significant global operations, which expose it to additional risks, and any adverse event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. The extent of the Company’s operations outside the U.S. is significant. Risks inherent in conducting a global business include: • changes in medical reimbursement policies and programs and pricing restrictions in key markets; • multiple regulatory requirements that could restrict the Company’s ability to manufacture and sell its products in key markets; • trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements, including the imposition of trade sanctions or similar restrictions by the U.S. or other governments; • the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. or other governments; • foreign exchange fluctuations; • diminished protection of intellectual property in some countries; and • possible nationalization and expropriation. In addition, there may be changes to the Company’s business if there is instability, disruption or destruction in a significant geographic region, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection or social unrest; and natural or man-made disasters, including famine, flood, fire, earthquake, storm or disease. Events like these, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East, and/or policy changes with respect to international trade protection measures, could result in material adverse effects on 32 Table of Contents macroeconomic conditions, currency exchange rates and financial markets, and may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. Climate change or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change may negatively affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. The Company believes that climate change has the potential to negatively affect its business, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. The Company is exposed to physical risks (such as extreme weather conditions, inland flooding or rising sea levels), risks in transitioning to a low-carbon economy (such as additional legal or regulatory requirements, changes in technology, market risk and reputational risk) and social and human effects (such as population dislocations and harm to health and well-being) associated with climate change. These risks can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). The adverse impacts of climate change include increased frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires (exacerbated by drought), flooding, and extreme heat. Extreme weather, inland flooding and sea-level rise pose physical risks to the Company’s facilities as well as those of its suppliers. Such risks include losses incurred as a result of physical damage to facilities, loss or spoilage of inventory, and business interruption caused by such natural disasters and extreme weather events. Other potential physical impacts due to climate change include reduced access to high-quality water in certain regions and the loss of biodiversity, which could impact future product development. These risks could disrupt the Company’s operations and its supply chain, which may result in increased costs. New legal and regulatory requirements with respect to climate-related matters, which may differ across jurisdictions, could result in the Company being subject to increased compliance burdens and costs to meet these obligations. The Company’s supply chain would likely be subject to similar risks and would likely pass along any increased costs to the Company, which may affect the Company’s ability to procure raw materials or other supplies required for the operation of the Company’s business at the quantities and levels required. Environmental, social and governance matters may impact the Company’s business and reputation. Governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, customers, investors, external stakeholders and employees are sensitive to environmental, social and governance concerns, such as human capital, climate change, water use, recyclability or recoverability of packaging, and plastic waste. The focus on these concerns may lead to new requirements that could result in increased costs associated with developing, manufacturing and distributing the Company’s products, and related reporting obligations. The Company’s ability to compete could also be affected by changing customer preferences and requirements, such as growing demand for validated net zero GHG emission targets and more environmentally friendly products, packaging or supplier practices, or by failure to meet such customer expectations or demand. The Company risks negative shareholder reaction, including from proxy advisory services, as well as damage to its brand and reputation and inability to attract and retain employee talent, if the Company fails to act responsibly, or if the Company is perceived to not be acting responsibly, in key areas, including equitable access to medicines and vaccines, product quality and safety, environmental stewardship, reduction of GHG emissions, support for local communities, corporate governance and transparency, and addressing human capital factors in the Company’s operations. Responding to these considerations as well as any applicable regulatory requirements and implementation of the Company’s goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, requires investments, and depends in part on third-party performance or data that is outside of the Company’s control. In addition, some governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders may disagree with the Company’s goals and initiatives. If the Company does not meet the rapidly evolving and varied regulatory requirements and expectations of its investors, customers and other stakeholders, the Company could experience negative impacts to the Company’s business and results of operations. In addition, the Company is subject to evolving mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements, including the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and potentially the SEC’s climate-related reporting requirements (which are currently stayed), the legislation in California requiring reporting of GHG emissions (which is currently subject to legal challenge) and climate risk (which is currently stayed pending appeal), and similar regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions outside the U.S. These evolving regulatory requirements may result in increased costs and complexities of compliance in order to collect, measure and report on the relevant information, and could expose the Company to the risk of government enforcement actions and private litigation. 33 Table of Contents Failure to attract and retain highly qualified personnel could affect the Company’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize products. The Company’s success is largely dependent on its continued ability to attract and retain highly qualified scientific, technical and management personnel, as well as personnel with expertise in clinical research and development, governmental regulation and commercialization. Competition for qualified personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, both in the U.S. and internationally, is intense. The Company cannot be certain that it will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel or that the costs of doing so will not materially increase. The Company may experience difficulties and delays in manufacturing certain of its products, including vaccines. Merck from time to time experiences difficulties in manufacturing certain of its products, including vaccines. The Company may, in the future, experience other difficulties and delays in manufacturing its products, such as (i) failure of the Company or any of its vendors or suppliers to comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices and other applicable regulations and quality assurance guidelines that could lead to manufacturing shutdowns, product shortages and delays in product manufacturing; (ii) delays related to the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing facilities, including those intended to support future demand for the Company’s products; and (iii) other manufacturing or distribution problems including supply chain delays, shortages in raw materials, changes in manufacturing production sites and limits to manufacturing capacity due to regulatory requirements, changes in types of products produced, or physical limitations that could impact continuous supply. In addition, the Company could experience difficulties or delays in manufacturing its products caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Manufacturing difficulties can result in product shortages, leading to lost sales and reputational harm to the Company. The Company’s business in China experienced significantly lower sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in 2025 and the Company expects that sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in China will not materially increase in 2026. As a consequence of the reduced sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 , the Company’s business in China declined significantly. The Company’s business in China experienced significantly lower sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in 2025. Due to above normal inventory levels at the Company’s commercialization partner in China, the Company made a decision to pause shipments to China beginning in February 2025 and has not resumed shipments to date. The Company will not resume shipments until inventory levels return to normal levels and it cannot predict when shipments to China will resume nor the levels of sales that the Company will achieve and as a result, the Company expects that sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in China will not materially increase in 2026. In June 2025, a nine-valent HPV vaccine produced by a local manufacturer received regulatory approval in China for use in females 9-45 years of age. Furthermore, the government's anti-corruption campaign, particularly the increased number of inspections and audits, could substantially increase the administrative burden on health care institutions and health care professionals throughout the whole industry in China and potentially have a negative impact on the Company's sales. In addition to its commercial operations, the Company has significant research and manufacturing operations in China, including working with Chinese entities such as Wuxi Apptech Co., Ltd. If geopolitical tensions were to increase and disrupt the Company’s operations in China, such disruption could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s product development, sales, business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Also, growth of the Company’s business in China is dependent upon ongoing development of a favorable environment for innovative pharmaceutical products and vaccines, sustained access for the Company’s currently marketed products, and the absence of trade impediments or adverse pricing controls. As noted above in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment,” pricing pressure in China has increased as the Chinese government has been taking steps to reduce costs, including implementing health care reform that has led to the acceleration of generic substitution, where available. While the mechanism for drugs being added to the NRDL evolves, inclusion may require a price negotiation which could impact the outlook in the market for selected brands. A new NRDL was recently completed in which new entries averaged approximately 60% price reductions. While pricing pressure has always existed in China, health care reform has increased this pressure in part due to the acceleration of generic substitution through the government’s VBP program. The government has implemented the VBP program through a tendering process for mature products which have generic substitutes with a Generic Quality Consistency Evaluation approval. Mature products that have entered into the latest rounds of VBP had, on average, a price reduction of more than 50%. The Company expects that the VBP process will have a significant impact on mature products moving forward. 34 Table of Contents The Company may not be able to realize the expected benefits of its investments in emerging markets. The Company has been taking steps to increase its sales in emerging markets. However, there is no guarantee that the Company’s efforts to expand sales in these markets will succeed. Some countries within emerging markets may be especially vulnerable to periods of global financial instability or may have very limited resources to spend on health care. In order for the Company to operate successfully in emerging markets, it must attract and retain qualified personnel. The Company may also be required to increase its reliance on third-party agents within less developed markets, which may affect its ability to realize continued growth and may also increase the Company’s risk exposure. In addition, many of these countries have currencies that fluctuate substantially and, if such currencies devalue and the Company cannot offset the devaluations, the Company’s financial performance within such countries could be adversely affected. For all these reasons, sales within emerging markets carry significant risks. However, at the same time, macro-economic growth of selected emerging markets is expected to lead to significant increased health care spending in those countries and access to innovative medicines for patients. A failure to maintain the Company’s presence in emerging markets could therefore have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions and virtually all sales are denominated in currencies of the local jurisdiction. Additionally, the Company has entered and will enter into business development transactions, borrowings or other financial transactions that may give rise to currency and interest rate exposure. Since the Company cannot, with certainty, foresee and mitigate against such adverse changes, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and inflation could negatively affect the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. For example, Argentina is currently experiencing hyperinflation, which is affecting the Company’s operations in that market. In order to mitigate against the adverse impact of these market fluctuations, the Company will from time to time enter into hedging agreements. While hedging agreements, such as currency options and forwards, and interest rate swaps, may limit some of the exposure to exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations, such attempts to mitigate these risks may be costly and not always successful. Pharmaceutical products can develop unexpected safety or efficacy concerns. Unexpected safety or efficacy concerns can arise with respect to marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, leading to product recalls, withdrawals, or declining sales, as well as product liability, consumer fraud and/or other claims, including potential civil or criminal governmental actions. Reliance on third-party relationships and outsourcing arrangements could materially adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company depends on third parties, including suppliers, distributors, alliances with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and third-party service providers, for key aspects of its business including development, manufacture and commercialization of its products and support for its information technology (IT) systems. Failure of these third parties to meet their contractual, regulatory and other obligations to the Company or the development of factors that materially disrupt the relationships between the Company and these third parties could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Negative events in the animal health industry could have a material adverse effect on future results of operations and financial condition of the Company or its Animal Health business. Future sales of key animal health products could be adversely affected by a number of risk factors including certain risks that are specific to the animal health business. For example, the outbreak of disease carried by animals, such as Avian Influenza or African Swine Fever, could lead to their widespread death and precautionary destruction as well as the reduced consumption and demand for animals, which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. Also, the outbreak of any highly contagious diseases near the Company’s main production sites could require the Company to immediately halt the manufacture of its animal health products at such sites or force the Company to incur substantial expenses in procuring raw materials or products elsewhere. Other risks specific to animal health include epidemics and pandemics affecting livestock, government procurement and pricing practices, weather and global agribusiness economic events. In addition, in 2025, sales of the Bravecto family of products were 35 Table of Contents $1.1 billion, which represented 18% of the Company’s Animal Health segment sales. Any negative event with respect to the Bravecto family of products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Animal Health sales. If the Animal Health segment of the Company’s business becomes more significant, the impact of any such events on future results of operations could also become more significant. Biologics and vaccines carry unique risks and uncertainties, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects. The successful development, testing, manufacturing and commercialization of biologics and vaccines, particularly human and animal health vaccines, is a long, complex, expensive and uncertain process. There are unique risks and uncertainties related to biologics and vaccines, including: • There may be limited access to, and supply of, normal and diseased tissue samples, cell lines, pathogens, bacteria, viral strains and other biological materials. In addition, government regulations in multiple jurisdictions, such as the U.S. and the EU, could result in restricted access to, or transport or use of, such materials. If the Company loses access to sufficient sources of such materials, or if tighter restrictions are imposed on the use of such materials, the Company may not be able to conduct research activities as planned and may incur additional development costs. • The development, manufacturing and marketing of biologics and vaccines are subject to regulation by the FDA, the EMA and other regulatory bodies. These regulations are often more complex and extensive than the regulations applicable to other pharmaceutical products. For example, in the U.S., a BLA, including both preclinical and clinical trial data and extensive data regarding manufacturing procedures, is required for human vaccine candidates, and FDA approval is generally required for the release of each manufactured commercial human vaccine lot. • Manufacturing biologics and vaccines, especially in large quantities, is complex and may require the use of innovative technologies to handle living micro-organisms. Each lot of an approved biologic and vaccine must undergo thorough testing for identity, strength, quality, purity and potency. Manufacturing biologics requires facilities specifically designed for and validated for this purpose, and sophisticated quality assurance and quality control procedures are necessary. Slight deviations anywhere in the manufacturing process, including filling, labeling, packaging, storage and shipping, and quality control and testing, may result in lot failures, product recalls or spoilage. When changes are made to the manufacturing process, the Company may be required to provide preclinical and clinical data showing the comparable identity, strength, quality, purity or potency of the biologics and vaccines before and after such changes. • Biologics and vaccines are costly to manufacture because production ingredients are derived from living animal or plant material, and most biologics and vaccines cannot be made synthetically. In particular, keeping up with the demand for vaccines may be difficult due to the complexity of producing vaccines. • The use of biologically derived ingredients can lead to variability in the manufacturing process and could lead to allegations of harm, including infections or allergic reactions, which allegations would be reviewed through a standard investigation process that could lead to closure of product facilities due to possible contamination. Any of these events could result in substantial costs. • Biologics and vaccines require long manufacturing lead times, sometimes requiring planning years in advance of demand, which could increase the risk of inventory write-downs if that demand does not materialize. Risks Relating to Government Regulation and Legal Proceedings The health care industry in the U.S. has been, and will continue to be, subject to increasing regulation and political action. As discussed above in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment,” the Company believes that the health care industry will continue to be subject to increasing regulation as well as political and legal action, as future proposals to reform the health care system are considered by the Executive Branch, Congress and state legislatures. In 2022, Congress passed the IRA, which made significant changes to how drugs are covered and paid for under the Medicare program, including the creation of financial penalties for drugs whose prices rise faster than the rate of inflation, redesign of the Medicare Part D program to require manufacturers to bear more of the liability for certain drug benefits, which has taken effect in 2025, and government price setting for certain Medicare Part D drugs, 36 Table of Contents starting in 2026, and Medicare Part B drugs starting in 2028. Furthermore, government price setting may also impact pricing in the private market, negatively affecting the Company’s performance. As noted in Item 1. “Competition and the Health Care Environment,” in 2023, HHS selected Januvia for the first year of the IRA’s price setting program, which resulted in a government set price becoming effective on January 1, 2026. In 2025, HHS selected Janumet and Janumet XR for government price setting, the set price for which will become effective on January 1, 2027. In addition, in January 2026, HHS announced that Lenvima has been selected for government price setting, the set price for which will become effective on January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the Company expects that in 2027 HHS will include Keytruda in a subsequent selection of products to undergo IRA price setting, with such price to become effective on January 1, 2029 and the Company expects that, as a result, U.S. sales of Keytruda will decline materially after that time. In addition, in 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act, which included a provision that eliminated the statutory cap on rebates drug manufacturers pay to Medicaid. These rebates act as a discount off the list price and eliminating the cap means that manufacturer discounts paid to Medicaid can increase. Prior to this change, manufacturers have not been required to pay more than 100% of the Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) in rebates to state Medicaid programs for Medicaid-covered drugs. As a result of this provision, manufacturers may have to pay state Medicaid programs more in rebates than they received on sales of particular products. This change presents a risk to Merck for drugs that have high Medicaid utilization and rebate exposure that is more than 100% of the AMP. Additionally, increased utilization of the 340B Federal Drug Discount Program and restrictions on the Company’s ability to identify inappropriate discounts are having a negative impact on the Company’s performance. Also, t he Company expects that states will continue their focus on pharmaceutical pricing and will increasingly shift to more aggressive price control tools such as Prescription Drug Affordability Boards that have the authority to conduct affordability reviews and establish upper payment limits and that Company products may be selected for such reviews. In the U.S., members of the government have made public statements in favor of, and may take steps to implement, various regulatory or policy changes that could negatively impact the pharmaceutical industry, including the Company. Those potential changes include some related to vaccines and vaccine development, as well as personnel and policy changes at the FDA and other government agencies, committees, and programs. For example, HHS could undergo changes that could make it more difficult for the FDA to grant regulatory approvals for drugs and vaccines. Additionally, if the FDA drug user fee programs were eliminated, that could cause significant delays to facility inspections and approvals of new products. Changes could also impact the CDC, including how recommendations for immunizations are issued and maintained. Changes that have been made to the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule which could impact public and private coverage, as well as reduction in state-controlled school immunization requirements, could cause a decline in vaccine uptake. Alterations to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program also could impact how claims against vaccine manufacturers are adjudicated. The government also has discussed certain policy changes to facilitate market entry of biosimilar products. It is too early for the Company to assess which, if any, of the regulatory or policy changes that have been publicly referenced would be implemented or how they would impact the market, and the Company cannot predict what additional future changes in the health care industry in general, or the pharmaceutical industry in particular, will occur; however, any changes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. The Company’s products, including products in development, cannot be marketed unless the Company obtains and maintains regulatory approval or authorization. The Company’s activities, including research, preclinical testing, clinical trials and the manufacturing and marketing of its products, are subject to extensive regulation by numerous federal, state and local governmental authorities in the U.S., including the FDA, and by foreign regulatory authorities, including in the EU, Japan and China. In the U.S., the FDA administers requirements covering the testing, approval, safety, effectiveness, manufacturing, labeling and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and vaccines. In some cases, the FDA requirements have increased the amount of time and resources necessary to develop new products and bring them to market in the U.S. Regulation outside the U.S. also is primarily focused on drug safety and effectiveness and, in many cases, reduction in the cost of drugs. The FDA and foreign regulatory authorities, including in the EU, Japan and China, have substantial discretion to require additional testing, to delay or withhold registration and marketing approval and to otherwise preclude distribution and sale of a product. Even if the Company is successful in developing new products, it will not be able to market any of those products unless and until it has obtained all required regulatory approvals (which in limited circumstances may include authorizations for emergency use) in each jurisdiction where it proposes to market the new products. Once obtained, the Company must maintain approval as long as it plans to market its new products in each jurisdiction where approval is required. The Company’s failure to obtain approval, significant delays in the approval process, or its 37 Table of Contents failure to maintain approval in any jurisdiction will prevent it from selling the products in that jurisdiction and realizing sales. Developments following regulatory approval or authorization may adversely affect sales of the Company’s products. Even after a product reaches the market, certain developments following regulatory approval may decrease demand for the Company’s products, including the following: • results in post-approval Phase 4 trials or other studies; • the re-review of products or indications that are already marketed; • the recall or loss of marketing approval of products that are already marketed; • changing government standards or public expectations regarding safety, efficacy, quality or labeling changes; • scrutiny of advertising and promotion; and • the withdrawal of indications granted pursuant to accelerated approvals. In the past, clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance of certain marketed drugs of the Company and of competitors within the industry have raised concerns that have led to recalls, withdrawals or adverse labeling of marketed products. Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance of certain marketed drugs also have raised concerns among some prescribers and patients relating to the safety or efficacy of pharmaceutical products in general that have negatively affected the sales of such products. In addition, increased scrutiny of the outcomes of clinical trials has led to increased volatility in market reaction. Further, these matters often attract litigation and, even where the basis for the litigation is groundless, considerable resources may be needed to respond. In addition, following in the wake of product withdrawals and other significant safety issues, health authorities such as the FDA, the EMA, Japan’s PMDA and China’s NMPA have increased their focus on safety when assessing the benefit/risk balance of drugs. Some health authorities appear to have become more cautious when making decisions about approvability of new products or indications. If previously unknown side effects are discovered or if there is an increase in negative publicity regarding known side effects of any of the Company’s products, it could significantly reduce demand for the product or require the Company to take actions that could negatively affect sales, including removing the product from the market, restricting its distribution or applying for labeling changes. Similarly, new information that becomes available about products from other manufacturers may prompt new regulatory reviews of the Company’s products, leading to actions that could negatively affect sales. Further, in the environment in which all pharmaceutical companies operate, the Company is at risk for product liability and consumer protection claims and civil and criminal governmental actions related to its products, research and/or marketing activities. In addition, dissemination of promotional materials through evolving digital channels serves to increase visibility and scrutiny in the marketplace. The Company is subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations. The Company is currently subject to a number of government laws and regulations and, in the future, could become subject to new government laws and regulations. The costs of compliance with such laws and regulations, or the negative results of non-compliance, could adversely affect the business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects of the Company; these laws and regulations include (i) additional health care reform initiatives in the U.S. or in other countries, including additional mandatory discounts or fees; (ii) the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) or other anti-bribery and corruption laws; (iii) new laws, regulations and judicial or other governmental decisions affecting pricing, drug reimbursement, and access or marketing within or across jurisdictions; (iv) changes in intellectual property laws; (v) changes in accounting standards; (vi) new and increasing data privacy regulations and enforcement, particularly in the EU, the U.S., and China; (vii) legislative mandates or preferences for local manufacturing of pharmaceutical or vaccine products; (viii) emerging and new global regulatory requirements for reporting payments and other value transfers to health care professionals; (ix) sustainability regulations, such as the EU’s CSRD; and (x) the potential impact of importation restrictions, embargoes, trade sanctions and legislative and/or other regulatory changes. The Company is subject to evolving and complex tax laws, which may result in additional liabilities that may affect results of operations and financial condition. The Company is subject to evolving and complex tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment is required for determining the Company’s tax liabilities, and the Company’s tax returns are 38 Table of Contents routinely examined by various tax authorities. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently conducting examinations of the Company’s tax returns for the years 2017 and 2018, including the one-time transition tax enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). If the IRS’ challenge to the Company’s transition tax position is ultimately successful, the impact could be material to the Company’s cash flows, results of operations and financial condition. The IRS is also currently conducting examinations of the Company’s tax returns for the years 2021 and 2022. In addition, various state and foreign tax examinations are in progress. In connection with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project, companies are required to disclose more information to tax authorities on operations around the world, which may lead to greater audit scrutiny of profits earned in other countries. The Company believes that its accrual for tax contingencies is adequate for all open years based on past experience, interpretations of tax law, and judgments about potential actions by tax authorities; however, due to the complexity of tax contingencies, the ultimate resolution of any tax matters may result in payments greater or less than amounts accrued. In addition, the Company may be negatively affected by changes in tax laws, or new tax laws, affecting, for example, tax rates, and/or revised tax law interpretations in domestic or foreign jurisdictions, including, among others, any potential changes to the existing U.S. tax law by the Executive Branch and Congress, as well as any changes in tax law resulting from the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar solution to reform the international tax landscape . The Company has taken the position, based on the opinions of tax counsel, that its distribution of Organon & Co. (Organon) common stock in connection with the 2021 spin-off (Spin-Off) qualifies as a transaction that is tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If any facts, assumptions, representations, and undertakings from the Company and Organon regarding the past and future conduct of their respective businesses and other matters are incorrect or not otherwise satisfied, the Spin-Off may not qualify for tax-free treatment, which could result in significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities for the Company and its shareholders. Adverse outcomes in current or future legal matters could negatively affect the Company’s business. Current or future litigation, claims, proceedings and government investigations could preclude or delay the commercialization of the Company’s products or could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and prospects. Such legal matters may include, but are not limited to: (i) intellectual property disputes; (ii) adverse decisions in litigation, including product safety and liability matters, such as the litigation involving Gardasil , consumer protection and commercial cases; (iii) anti-bribery regulations, such as the FCPA, including compliance with ongoing reporting obligations to the government resulting from any settlements; (iv) recalls or withdrawals of pharmaceutical products or forced closings of manufacturing plants; (v) product pricing and promotional matters; (vi) lawsuits, claims and administrative proceedings asserting, or investigations into, violations of securities, antitrust, federal and state pricing, consumer protection, data privacy and other laws and regulations; (vii) environmental, health, safety and sustainability matters, including regulatory actions in response to climate change; and (viii) tax liabilities resulting from assessments from tax authorities. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10, “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” for more information on the Company’s legal matters. Product liability insurance for products may be limited, cost prohibitive or unavailable. As a result of a number of factors, product liability insurance has become less available while the cost of such insurance has increased significantly. The Company is subject to a substantial number of product liability claims. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities” below for more information on the Company’s current product liability litigation. With respect to product liability, the Company self-insures substantially all of its risk, as the availability of commercial insurance has become more restrictive. The Company has evaluated its risks and has determined that the cost of obtaining product liability insurance outweighs the likely benefits of the coverage that is available and, as such, has no insurance for most product liabilities. The Company will continually assess the most efficient means to address its risk; however, there can be no guarantee that insurance coverage will be obtained or, if obtained, will be sufficient to fully cover product liabilities that may arise. 39 Table of Contents Risks Related to Technology The Company is increasingly dependent on sophisticated software applications and computing infrastructure, including the use of cloud-based applications and environments. The Company continues to be a target of cyber-attacks that could lead to a disruption of its worldwide operations, including manufacturing, research and sales operations. The Company is increasingly dependent on sophisticated software applications, complex information technology systems, computing infrastructure, and cloud service providers (collectively, IT systems) to conduct critical operations and financial reporting. Certain of these systems are managed, hosted, provided or used by third parties to assist in conducting the Company’s business. Disruption, degradation, or manipulation of these IT systems through intentional or accidental means by the Company’s employees, third parties with authorized access or unauthorized third parties could adversely affect key business processes. Cyber-attacks against the Company’s IT systems or third-party providers’ IT systems, such as cloud-based systems, could result in exposure of confidential information, the modification of critical data, and/or the failure of critical operations. Misuse of any of these IT systems could result in the disclosure of sensitive personal information or the theft of trade secrets, intellectual property, or other confidential business information. The Company continues to leverage new and innovative technologies across the enterprise to replace outmoded technology and is beginning a multi-year system upgrade of its SAP system and is working to improve the efficacy and efficiency of its business processes, including data acquisition, the use of which can create new risks. In addition, the Company’s Animal Health business sells technology products that, when deployed, could potentially be compromised by a third party and cause disruption both internally and externally. Although the aggregate impact of cyber-attacks and network disruptions on the Company’s operations and financial condition has not been material to date, the Company continues to be a target of events of this nature and expects them to continue. The Company monitors its data, information technology and personnel usage of Company IT systems to identify and attempt to reduce these risks and continues to do so on an ongoing basis for any current or potential threats. There can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts to protect its data and IT systems or the efforts of third-party providers to protect their IT systems will be successful in preventing disruptions to the Company’s operations, including its manufacturing, research, and sales operations. Such disruptions have in the past and could in the future result in loss of revenue, or the loss of critical or sensitive information from the Company’s or the Company’s third-party providers’ databases or IT systems and have in the past and could in the future also result in financial, legal, business or reputational harm to the Company and substantial remediation costs. The Company is increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to automate processes, analyze data, and support decision-making, which poses inherent risks. The Company’s growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to automate processes, analyze data, and support decision-making poses inherent risks. Flaws, biases, or malfunctions in these systems could lead to operational disruptions, data loss, or erroneous decision-making, impacting the Company’s business operations, financial condition, and reputation. Ethical and legal challenges may arise, including biases or discrimination in AI outcomes, non-compliance with data protection regulations and emerging laws specifically governing AI systems and tools, such as the European Union AI Act and NIS2 Directive. Unauthorized use of open-source AI tools or generative AI platforms by employees or third parties could result in inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, intellectual property leakage, or regulatory violations. Furthermore, the deployment of AI systems could expose the Company to increased cybersecurity threats, such as data breaches and unauthorized access leading to financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. The Company also faces competitive risks if it fails to adopt AI or other machine learning technologies in a timely fashion. Social media and mobile messaging platforms present risks and challenges. The inappropriate and/or unauthorized use of certain social media and mobile messaging channels could cause brand damage or information leakage or could lead to legal implications, including from the improper collection and/or dissemination of personally identifiable information. In addition, negative or inaccurate posts or comments about the Company or its products on any social networking platforms could damage the Company’s reputation, brand image and goodwill. Further, the disclosure of non-public Company-sensitive information by the Company’s workforce or others through external media channels could lead to information loss. Although there are internal Company Social Media and Mobile Messaging Policies that guide employees on appropriate personal and professional use of these platforms for communication about the Company, the processes in place may not completely secure and protect information. Identifying potential new points of unauthorized entry as new communication tools expand also presents new challenges. 40 Table of Contents Cautionary Factors that May Affect Future Results (Cautionary Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) This report and other written reports and oral statements made from time to time by the Company may contain so-called “forward-looking statements,” all of which are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. One can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “will,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “projects” and other words of similar meaning, or negative variations of any of the foregoing. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address the Company’s growth strategy, financial results, product approvals, product potential, and development programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, they may include the following: • Competition from generic and/or biosimilar products as the Company’s products lose patent protection. • Increased “brand” competition in therapeutic areas important to the Company’s long-term business performance. • The difficulties and uncertainties inherent in development of new product candidates or uses. The outcome of the lengthy and complex process of development of new product candidates and uses is inherently uncertain. A drug candidate can fail at any stage of the process and one or more late-stage product candidates could fail to receive regulatory approval. New product candidates or uses may appear promising in development but fail to reach the market because of efficacy or safety concerns, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, the difficulty or excessive cost to manufacture and/or the infringement of patents or intellectual property rights of others. Furthermore, the sales of new products may prove to be disappointing and fail to reach anticipated levels. • Pricing pressures in the public and private sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad, including rules and practices of managed care groups, judicial decisions and governmental laws and regulations related to Medicare, Medicaid and health care reform, pharmaceutical reimbursement and pricing in general. • Changes in government laws and regulations, including laws governing intellectual property, and the enforcement thereof affecting the Company’s business. • Efficacy or safety concerns with respect to marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, leading to product recalls, withdrawals or declining sales. • Significant changes in customer relationships or changes in the behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services, including delaying medical procedures, rationing prescription medications, reducing the frequency of physician visits and foregoing health care insurance coverage. • Legal factors, including product liability claims, antitrust litigation and governmental investigations, including tax disputes, environmental concerns and patent disputes with branded and generic competitors, any of which could preclude commercialization of products or negatively affect the profitability of existing products. • Cyber-attacks on the Company’s or third-party providers’ IT systems, which could disrupt the Company’s operations. • Lost market opportunity resulting from delays and uncertainties in the approval process of the FDA and/or foreign regulatory authorities. • Increased focus on privacy issues in countries around the world, including the U.S., the EU, and China. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve, and there has been an increasing amount of focus on privacy and data protection issues with the potential to affect directly the Company’s business, including laws in a majority of states in the U.S. requiring security breach notification. • Changes in tax laws including changes related to the taxation of foreign earnings. • Changes in accounting pronouncements promulgated by standard-setting or regulatory bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC, that are adverse to the Company. 41 Table of Contents • Economic factors over which the Company has no control, including changes in inflation, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. This list should not be considered an exhaustive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. See “Risk Factors” above. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None. Item 1C. Cybersecurity. The Company’s cybersecurity measures are primarily focused on ensuring the security and protection of its IT systems and data. The Company’s information security program is managed by a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) , whose group is responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity risk management, strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The Company’s interim CISO has over 22 years of experience in cybersecurity and national security, including distinguished service in the U.S. Army and the National Security Agency. He holds a Master’s degree in Cyber Intelligence Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Physics, and maintains the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential. Oversight of the information security program remains fully integrated into the Company’s overall enterprise risk management framework . The CISO provides periodic reports to the Audit Committee (Audit Committee) of the Board of Directors (Board), the full Board, as well as to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management, as appropriate. These reports include updates on the Company’s cybersecurity risks and threats, the status of projects intended to strengthen its information security systems, assessments of the information security program (including remediation, mitigation, and management of identified vulnerabilities), and the emerging threat landscape. The information security program is regularly evaluated by internal and external consultants and auditors with the results of those reviews reported to senior management and the Audit Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors and has oversight responsibility for these risks. The Company’s information security group monitors the Company’s information systems to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity incidents. The Company uses tools and techniques to continually assess and monitor, manage and mitigate cybersecurity threats to its IT systems in a manner consistent with industry practice. The Company engages with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of its continuing efforts to obtain current threat intelligence, collaborate on security enhancements, and evaluate and improve the effectiveness of its information security program. As part of this program, the Company conducts periodic tabletop and red-teaming exercises to assess its cybersecurity incident response processes and defenses. The Company also maintains vendor management diligence and oversight processes to identify and monitor potential risks from cybersecurity threats attendant to its use of third-party service providers. Additionally, the Company monitors cybersecurity threat intelligence received from key third-party service providers associated with the Company. In the event of a cybersecurity incident, the Company has a process in place whereby members of the information security group will alert the CISO and the CISO will alert the appropriate levels of management, including an incident assessment team, as well as the legal and finance departments so that the materiality of any such event can be assessed in furtherance of fulfilling any reporting requirements. If warranted, senior management will notify the Audit Committee or the full Board, as appropriate. The Company has been and continues to be the target of cyber-attacks and network disruptions. To date, the risks posed by such cybersecurity threats have not materially affected the Company and its business strategy, results of operations and financial condition, and as of the date of this report, the Company is not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to do so, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not be materially affected by such risks in the future. For further information, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors — The Company is increasingly dependent on sophisticated software applications and computing infrastructure. The Company continues to be a target of cyber-attacks that could lead to a disruption of its worldwide operations, including manufacturing, research and sales operations.” Item 2. Properties. The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in Rahway, New Jersey. The Company also maintains divisional headquarters in Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania. Principal U.S. research facilities are located in Rahway, New Jersey; West Point, Pennsylvania; Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts; South San Francisco, California; and Elkhorn, Nebraska (Animal Health). Principal research facilities outside the U.S. are located in the United Kingdom, 42 Table of Contents Switzerland and China. The Company’s manufacturing operations are currently headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. The Company also has production facilities for human health products at five locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Outside the U.S., through subsidiaries, the Company owns or has an interest in manufacturing plants or other properties in Western Europe, Africa and Asia. The Company and its subsidiaries own their principal facilities and manufacturing plants under titles that they consider to be satisfactory. The Company believes that its properties are in good operating condition and that its machinery and equipment have been well maintained. The Company believes that its plants for the manufacture of products are suitable for their intended purposes and have capacities and projected capacities, including previously disclosed capital expansion projects, that will be adequate for current and projected needs for existing Company products. Some capacity of the plants is being converted, with any needed modification, to the requirements of newly introduced and future products. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 10. “Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities.” Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not Applicable. 43 Table of Contents Executive Officers of the Registrant (ages as of February 1, 2026) All officers listed below serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. None of these officers was elected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between the officer and any other person(s). Name Age Offices and Business Experience Robert M. Davis 59 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (since December 2022); Chief Executive Officer and President (July 2021-December 2022); Executive Vice President, Global Services, and Chief Financial Officer (April 2016-July 2021) Sanat Chattopadhyay 66 Executive Vice President and President, Merck Manufacturing Division (since March 2016) Richard R. DeLuca, Jr. 63 Executive Vice President and President, Merck Animal Health (since September 2011) Chirfi Guindo 60 Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Human Health (since July 2022); Prior to that, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Product Strategy and Commercialization, Biogen Inc. (July 2018-July 2022) Betty D. Larson 50 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (since April 2024); Prior to that, Chief People Officer, GE HealthCare (February 2022-April 2024); Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Becton Dickinson (June 2018-February 2022) Dean Li 63 Executive Vice President, President, Merck Research Laboratories (since January 2021) Caroline Litchfield 57 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since April 2021) Johannes J. Oosthuizen 58 Senior Vice President and President Merck U.S. Human Health (since January 2022); Senior Vice President and Head of Global Oncology Commercial (January 2021-December 2021) Joseph Romanelli 52 Senior Vice President and President MSD International Human Health (since July 2022); Prior to that, Chief Executive Officer JiXing Pharmaceuticals (July 2021-July 2022); President MSD China (December 2016-July 2021) Dalton Smart 59 Senior Vice President Finance – Global Controller (since December 2023); Vice President, Assistant Controller (September 2023-December 2023); Vice President, Internal Audit (March 2015-September 2023) David M. Williams 57 Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer (since August 2020) Jennifer Zachary 48 Executive Vice President and General Counsel (since April 2018) On February 2, 2026, the Company announced that Sanat Chattopadhyay, Executive Vice President and President, Merck Manufacturing Division, will retire from the Company, effective July 1, 2026. The Company announced that Mr. David R. Maraldo will assume the role as Executive Vice President and President, Merck Manufacturing Division, effective May 1, 2026, at which time Mr. Maraldo will become, and Mr. Chattopadhyay will cease to be, an Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Chattopadhyay will remain in a strategic advisory role at the Company until his retirement. David R. Maraldo 49 Senior Vice President, Human Health Operations (since June 2025), Senior Vice President, Global Biologic Operations (February 2022 – June 2025), Vice President, Large Molecule Commercialization (June 2020 – February 2022) On February 12, 2026, the Company announced that Joseph Romanelli has decided to retire from the Company in the second quarter of 2026. On February 23, 2026, the Company announced that Brian Foard will join the Company as Executive Vice President, and President Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, effective March 2, 2026. Mr. Foard most recently served as Executive Vice President and Head of Specialty Care at Sanofi. 44 Table of Contents PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. The principal market for trading of the Company’s Common Stock is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol MRK. As of January 31, 2026, there were approximately 80,500 shareholders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. Issuer purchases of equity securities for the three months ended December 31, 2025 were as follows: Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ($ in millions) Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid Per Share Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) October 1 — October 31 5,409,085 $86.70 5,409,085 $8,103 November 1 — November 30 4,098,025 $91.68 4,098,025 $7,728 December 1 — December 31 4,009,200 $101.51 4,009,200 $7,321 Total 13,516,310 $92.60 13,516,310 (1) All shares purchased during the period were made as part of a plan approved by the Board of Directors in January 2025 to purchase up to $10 billion in Merck shares for its treasury. 45 Table of Contents Performance Graph The following graph assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 2020, and reinvestment of all dividends, in each of the Company’s Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index, and a composite peer group of major U.S. and European-based pharmaceutical companies, which are: AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Roche Holding AG, and Sanofi SA. Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Merck & Co., Inc., Composite Peer Group and S&P 500 Index End of Period Value 2025/2020 CAGR* MERCK $158 10% PEER GROUP** 198 15% S&P 500 196 15% 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 MERCK $ 100.0 $ 101.8 $ 152.1 $ 153.6 $ 144.0 $ 158.1 PEER GROUP 100.0 122.5 130.1 134.1 145.5 198.3 S&P 500 100.0 128.7 105.4 133.0 166.3 196.0 * Compound Annual Growth Rate ** Peer group average was calculated on a market cap weighted basis as of December 31, 2020. This Performance Graph will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference. In addition, the Performance Graph will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, other than as provided in Regulation S-K, or to the liabilities of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that such information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. Item 6. [Reserved] 46 Table of Contents Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2025 and 2024 results and year-to-year comparisons between 2025 and 2024. Discussion of 2023 results and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed on February 25, 2025 . Description of Merck’s Business Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck or the Company) is a global health care company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. The Company’s operations are principally managed on a product basis and include two operating segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health, both of which are reportable segments. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. The Company sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major livestock and companion animal species. The Company also offers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. The Company sells its products to veterinarians, distributors, animal producers, farmers and pet owners. Overview Financial Highlights ($ in millions except per share amounts) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Sales $ 65,011 1 % 2 % $ 64,168 7 % 10 % $ 60,115 Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.: GAAP $ 18,254 7 % 9 % $ 17,117 * * $ 365 Non-GAAP (1) $ 22,513 16 % 18 % $ 19,444 * * $ 3,837 Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders: GAAP $ 7.28 8 % 10 % $ 6.74 * * $ 0.14 Non-GAAP (1) $ 8.98 17 % 19 % $ 7.65 * * $ 1.51 * > 100% (1) Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) exclude acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, restructuring costs, income and losses from investments in equity securities, and certain other items from Merck’s results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP). For further discussion and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income and EPS, see “Non-GAAP Income and Non-GAAP EPS” below . Executive Summary In 2025, Merck successfully advanced its science-led strategy through new product approvals and launches, strong clinical execution, important data readouts, and the addition of novel innovation through business development efforts. The Company also continued to return capital to shareholders, primarily through dividends. 47 Table of Contents Worldwide sales were $65.0 billion in 2025, an increase of 1% compared with 2024, or 2% excluding the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange. The sales increase was primarily due to growth in oncology, cardiometabolic and respiratory, diabetes, and animal health, largely offset by declines in vaccines, immunology (as Merck’s marketing rights to these products ended in 2024), and virology (driven largely by lower sales of COVID-19 medication Lagevrio ). Merck continues to execute science-led business development transactions to augment its robust internal pipeline and portfolio with compelling external science focused on delivering innovation to patients, long-term growth, and value creation to shareholders. Highlights of 2025 activity include the following: • Entered into an agreement to acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (Cidara), a biotechnology company developing drug-Fc conjugate therapeutics, including a long-acting antiviral designed to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza; this transaction closed in January 2026. • Acquired Verona Pharma plc (Verona Pharma), a biopharmaceutical company focused on respiratory diseases, through which Merck obtained Ohtuvayre, a product approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). • Closed an exclusive license agreement for MK-7262 (HRS-5346), an investigational oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a) inhibitor from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma). • Closed an agreement with Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH (Falk) to acquire sole global rights to MK-8690, an investigational anti-CD30 ligand monoclonal antibody. During 2025, Merck continued its efforts to address unmet medical needs by launching Enflonsia in the U.S. for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants born during or entering their first RSV season. Also in 2025, the Company launched Keytruda Qlex , which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for subcutaneous administration across all solid tumor indications for Keytruda in the U.S., and the European Commission (EC) approved a new subcutaneous (SC) route of administration and a new pharmaceutical form (solution for injection) of Keytruda (to be marketed as Keytruda SC ) for use across all Keytruda indications for adult patients in Europe. Additionally, in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the Company launched an expanded indication for Winrevair in the U.S. based on the results of the ZENITH trial. The Company also received numerous other approvals in oncology. Keytruda received approvals for additional indications in certain markets, including in combination with chemotherapy in the therapeutic areas of gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma, in combination with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and for cisplatin-ineligible muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), as well as in combination with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Additionally, in 2025, Welireg was approved in the European Union (EU) and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors and certain adult patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as well as in the U.S. for certain adult and pediatric patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. In addition to the regulatory approvals discussed above, the Company advanced its late-stage pipeline with several regulatory submissions. • MK-8591A, doravirine/islatravir, is an investigational, once-daily, oral two-drug regimen for adults with HIV-1 infection that is virologically suppressed on antiretroviral therapy under review by the FDA. MK-8591A is also under review in Japan. • MK-1654, Enflonsia , a prophylactic long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants from RSV disease during their first RSV season, is under review in the EU and Japan. 48 Table of Contents • MK-7962, Winrevair , an activin signaling inhibitor for the treatment of adults with PAH (World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1 pulmonary hypertension), is under review by the FDA in connection with a proposed update to the U.S. product label based on the results of the HYPERION trial. • MK-3475, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), is an anti-PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) therapy available for intravenous administration. MK-3475A, Keytruda Qlex , combines pembrolizumab with berahyaluronidase alfa to enhance dispersion and permeability to enable subcutaneous administration. Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex each are approved for the treatment of many cancers and continue to be studied in additional Phase 3 trials. ◦ Keytruda is under review in the EU and Japan in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for the treatment of certain patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. ◦ Keytruda is also under review in the EU and Japan in combination with Pfizer, Inc.’s (Pfizer) and Astellas’ Padcev as neoadjuvant treatment, then continued after radical cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. ◦ Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex are under review by the FDA in combination with Gilead Sciences Inc.’s (Gilead) sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) for the first-line treatment of certain patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) whose tumors express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD‑L1). • MK-6482, Welireg, is Merck’s first-in-class oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor. ◦ Welireg , in combination with Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex , is under priority review by the FDA for the adjuvant treatment of certain patients with clear cell RCC following nephrectomy. ◦ Welireg , in combination with MK-7902, Lenvima, an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is under review by the FDA for the treatment of certain patients with advanced RCC following previous treatment with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor. Lenvima is being developed as part of a collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai). In 2025, the Company announced positive late-stage results from 18 Phase 3 trials and initiated 21 new Phase 3 trials spanning cardiometabolic and respiratory, immunology, infectious diseases, oncology and ophthalmology. The Company now has approximately 80 Phase 3 studies underway. The Company is diversifying its oncology portfolio and executing on its strategy which is broadly based on three strategic pillars: immuno-oncology, precision molecular targeting and tissue targeting. Merck has numerous Phase 3 oncology programs within these pillars. Immuno-oncology • V940 (mRNA-4157), intismeran autogene, is an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy being evaluated in combination with Keytruda for the adjuvant portion of treatment in patients with certain types of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Intismeran autogene is being developed as part of a collaboration with Moderna, Inc. (Moderna). • MK-1308A is the coformulation of quavonlimab, Merck’s novel investigational anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, in combination with pembrolizumab, being evaluated for the treatment of RCC. Precision molecular targeting • MK-1026, nemtabrutinib, is an investigational oral, reversible, non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, being evaluated for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. • MK-1084, calderasib, is an investigational oral selective KRAS G12C inhibitor being evaluated with or without Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex for the treatment of certain patients with colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers. Calderasib is being developed as part of a collaboration with Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Astex Pharmaceuticals (UK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. • MK-3543, bomedemstat, is an investigational orally available lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of certain patients with essential thrombocythemia. • MK-5684, opevesostat, is an investigational cytochrome P450 11A1 (CYP11A1) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of certain patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. • MK-6482, Welireg , is being developed for expanded indications in RCC in combination with Keytruda and Lenvima, and in other combinations. 49 Table of Contents • MK-7339, Lynparza, is an oral poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor being evaluated in combination with Keytruda for expanded indications in the therapeutic areas of non-small cell lung and small cell lung cancers. Lynparza is being developed as part of a collaboration with AstraZeneca PLC (AstraZeneca). Tissue targeting • MK-1022, patritumab deruxtecan, is an investigational human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being evaluated in certain patients with breast cancer. Patritumab deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. • MK-2140, zilovertamab vedotin, is an investigational ADC targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) being evaluated for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including diffuse large B cell lymphoma. • MK-2400, ifinatamab deruxtecan, is an investigational B7-H3 directed ADC being evaluated in certain patients with esophageal, prostate, and small cell lung cancers. Ifinatamab deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. • MK-2870, sacituzumab tirumotecan, is an investigational trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2)-directed ADC being evaluated for certain patients with breast, cervical, endometrial, gastric, non-small cell lung, and ovarian cancers. Sacituzumab tirumotecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Kelun-Biotech. • MK-5909, raludotatug deruxtecan, is an investigational CDH6 targeting ADC being evaluated in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Raludotatug deruxtecan is being developed as part of a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. Additionally, the Company currently has candidates in Phase 3 clinical development in several other therapeutic areas. • MK-0616, enlicitide decanoate, is an investigational oral proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, including in studies evaluating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and a cardiovascular outcomes study. • V181 is an investigational quadrivalent vaccine for the prevention of dengue disease caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), regardless of prior dengue exposure. • MK-3000 is an investigational, potentially first-in-class tetravalent, tri-specific antibody that acts as an agonist of the Wingless-related integration site signaling pathway, which is in clinical development for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. • MK-8591D is an investigational once-weekly, oral combination of Merck’s islatravir, a nucleoside analog leveraging translocation inhibition, and Gilead’s lenacapavir being evaluated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in virologically suppressed adults (which remains under a partial clinical hold for any studies that would use islatravir doses higher than the doses considered for the revised clinical programs). • MK-8527 is an investigational once-monthly, oral nucleoside analog leveraging translocation inhibition, for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). • MK-1406 (formerly CD388) is an investigational small molecule neuraminidase inhibitor stably conjugated to a proprietary Fc fragment of a human antibody designed to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza. MK-1406 was obtained in connection with the January 2026 acquisition of Cidara. • MK-7240, tulisokibart, is an investigational humanized monoclonal antibody directed to tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A, a central amplifier of inflammatory pathways and fibrotic mechanisms in inflammatory bowel disease, being evaluated for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. • MK-4482, Lagevrio , is an investigational oral antiviral medicine for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe disease, which is reflected in Phase 3 development in the U.S. as it remains investigational following FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in 2021. Merck is developing Lagevrio as part of a collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP (Ridgeback). Merck’s capital allocation strategy continues to prioritize investments in its business to drive near- and long-term growth, including investing in the Company’s key growth drivers and its broad and diverse pipeline of novel candidates, enabled in part by the benefits of the Company’s multiyear optimization initiative. Research and development expenses in 2025 reflect increased development spending particularly in the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, oncology and immunology. In addition, Merck remains committed to its dividend and will continue to 50 Table of Contents pursue the most compelling external science and technologies through value-enhancing business development transactions. In November 2025, Merck’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the Company’s quarterly dividend, raising it to $0.85 per share from $0.81 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock. During 2025, the Company returned $13.3 billion to shareholders through dividends of $8.2 billion and share repurchases of $5.1 billion. In January 2025, Merck’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $10 billion of Merck’s common stock for its treasury. GAAP and non-GAAP EPS were negatively affected in 2025, 2024 and 2023 by $0.20, $1.28, and $6.21, respectively, of per share charges for certain upfront and pre-approval milestone payments related to collaborations and licensing agreements, as well as charges related to pre-approval assets obtained in transactions accounted for as asset acquisitions. Pricing Global efforts toward health care cost containment continue to exert pressure on product pricing and market access worldwide. Changes to the U.S. health care system as part of health care reform, as well as increased purchasing power of entities that negotiate on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector beneficiaries, have contributed to pricing pressure. In 2021, the U.S. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act, which included a provision that eliminated the statutory cap on rebates drug manufacturers pay to Medicaid beginning in January 2024. As a result of this provision, the Company paid state Medicaid programs more in rebates than it received on Medicaid sales of Januvia , Janumet and Janumet XR in 2024. In 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which made significant changes to how drugs are covered and paid for under the Medicare program, including the creation of financial penalties for drugs whose prices rise faster than the rate of inflation, redesign of the Medicare Part D program to require manufacturers to bear more of the liability for certain drug benefits (which went into effect in 2025), and government price setting for certain Medicare Part D drugs (starting in 2026) and Medicare Part B drugs (starting in 2028). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), selected Januvia in 2023 for the first year of the IRA’s “Drug Price Negotiation Program” (Program), and selected Janumet and Janumet XR in 2025 for the second year of the IRA’s Program. Pursuant to the IRA’s Program, the government set a price for Januvia , which became effective on January 1, 2026, and set a price for Janumet and Janumet XR , which will become effective on January 1, 2027. In addition, in January 2026, HHS announced that Lenvima has been selected for government price setting, the set price for which will become effective on January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the Company expects that Keytruda will be selected in 2027 for government price setting, which would become effective on January 1, 2029. Government price setting may also impact pricing in the private market negatively affecting the Company’s performance. The Company has sued the U.S. government regarding the IRA’s Program (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements). 51 Table of Contents Additionally, increased utilization of the 340B Federal Drug Discount Program and restrictions on the Company’s ability to identify inappropriate discounts are having a negative impact on Company performance. Furthermore, the Executive Branch and Congress continue to discuss legislation designed to control health care costs, including the cost of drugs. In several international markets, government-mandated pricing actions have reduced prices of generic and patented drugs. In addition, the Company’s sales performance in 2025 was negatively affected by other cost-reduction measures taken by governments and other third parties to lower health care costs. The Company anticipates all of these actions and additional actions in the future will continue to negatively affect sales and profits. In May 2025, the U.S. presidential administration issued an executive order intended to encourage or impose the use of “most-favored-nation” pricing to tie U.S. prescription drug prices to prices in selected comparably developed nations. In July 2025, the Company and other pharmaceutical companies received letters from the U.S. presidential administration with a request to agree to the administration’s “most-favored-nation” drug pricing goals by September 29, 2025. Further to the letter received from the administration, in December 2025, the Company announced that it had entered into a three-year agreement (MFN Agreement) with the U.S government that addressed the four policy goals of the administration’s July letter. Included within the MFN Agreement is an obligation by the Company to provide key products through a direct-to-patient program at affordable prices for eligible patients in the U.S. This will initially include Januvia , Janumet and Janumet XR , and will be expanded in the future to include enlicitide decanoate pending FDA approval. The Company also agreed to offer its existing medicines at discounted prices to Medicaid, excluding certain products. The Company has also agreed that products launched during the term of the MFN Agreement (with certain exceptions) will be subject to “most-favored-nation” pricing in reference to prices for such products in a specified group of countries (MFN Countries). Finally, the Company agreed to repatriate and share with the Federal government a portion of foreign revenue received by the Company as a result of the government’s successful trade policy efforts. Additionally, the Company reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to delay Section 232 tariffs for three years, enabling the Company to make investments in the U.S. to reshore manufacturing for American patients. Operating Results Sales ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 United States $ 36,510 13 % 13 % $ 32,277 13 % 13 % $ 28,480 International 28,501 (11) % (10) % 31,891 1 % 6 % 31,635 Total $ 65,011 1 % 2 % $ 64,168 7 % 10 % $ 60,115 Worldwide sales were $65.0 billion in 2025, representing growth of 1% compared with 2024, or 2% excluding the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange. Global sales growth was primarily due to higher sales in the oncology franchise, largely due to the performance of Keytruda and Welireg , as well as increased alliance revenue from Koselugo (resulting from an amendment to the collaboration agreement), Reblozyl, and Lynparza. Also contributing to revenue growth in 2025 were higher sales in the cardiometabolic and respiratory franchise, largely attributable to the ongoing launch of Winrevair , as well as the inclusion of Ohtuvayre sales following the October 2025 acquisition of Verona Pharma. Growth in the diabetes franchise largely attributable to higher net pricing of Januvia , and higher sales of animal health products largely due to the performance of livestock products also drove sales growth. Revenue growth in 2025 was largely offset by lower sales in the vaccines franchise primarily due to Gardasil/Gardasil 9, partially offset by the ongoing launch of Capvaxive and the U.S. launch of Enflonsia . Revenue growth in 2025 was also offset by lower sales in the immunology franchise due to the return of the marketing rights for Remicade and Simponi in former Merck territories to Johnson & Johnson on October 1, 2024, and by lower sales in the virology franchise largely attributable to Lagevrio . Sales in the U.S. grew 13% to $36.5 billion in 2025 primarily driven by higher sales of Keytruda , Winrevair , Capvaxive , Januvia , Bridion , Gardasil 9, Welireg , Janumet , and Prevymis. The inclusion of Ohtuvayre sales, higher alliance revenue from Reblozyl, and higher sales of animal health products also contributed to U.S. revenue growth. U.S. sales growth in 2025 was partially offset by lower sales of Dificid and Lagevrio . International sales declined 11% in 2025, or 10% excluding the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange. The international sales decline was primarily due to lower sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9, Simponi, Lagevrio , Januvia , Bridion , Remicade, and Janumet , partially offset by higher sales of Keytruda , Prevymis , Winrevair , increased alliance revenue from Koselugo and Lynparza, as well as higher sales of animal health products . International sales represented 44% and 50% of total sales in 2025 and 2024, respectively. 52 Table of Contents See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for details on sales of the Company’s products. A discussion of performance for select products in the franchises follows. Pharmaceutical Segment Oncology ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Keytruda/Keytruda Qlex $ 31,680 7 % 7 % $ 29,482 18 % 22 % $ 25,011 Alliance Revenue - Lynparza (1) 1,450 11 % 10 % 1,311 9 % 11 % 1,199 Alliance Revenue - Lenvima (1) 1,053 4 % 4 % 1,010 5 % 6 % 960 Welireg 716 41 % 41 % 509 * * 218 Alliance Revenue - Reblozyl (2) 525 41 % 41 % 371 75 % 75 % 212 Alliance Revenue - Koselugo (3) 436 * * 170 75 % 76 % 97 * > 100% (1) Alliance revenue for Lynparza and Lenvima represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). (2) Alliance revenue for Reblozyl represents royalties (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). (3) Alliance revenue for Koselugo in 2025 primarily includes a $150 million upfront payment received and $175 million of regulatory approval milestones recorded in connection with an amendment to the collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca, which revised the payment structure. Alliance revenue in 2024 and 2023 represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for more information. Keytruda is an anti-PD-1 therapy that has been approved in over 40 indications in the U.S., including 19 tumor types and 2 tumor-agnostic indications, and has similarly been approved in markets worldwide for many of these indications. The Keytruda clinical development program includes studies across a broad range of cancer types. Keytruda Qlex is a subcutaneously-administered fixed combination of pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa, which enhances dispersion and permeability to enable subcutaneous administration of pembrolizumab. Keytruda Qlex , which was initially approved by the FDA in September 2025, is approved in the U.S. in solid tumor indications approved for Keytruda . In November 2025, the EC approved a new subcutaneous (SC) route of administration and a new pharmaceutical form (solution for injection) of Keytruda (to be marketed as Keytruda SC ) for use across Keytruda indications for adults in Europe. Timing for commercial availability of Keytruda SC in individual EU countries will depend on multiple factors, including the completion of national reimbursement procedures and the outcome of litigation with Halozyme, Inc. as discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements. Combined global sales of Keytruda/Keytruda Qlex grew 7% in 2025. Sales growth in the U.S. reflects higher demand and net pricing, partially offset by a negative impact due to the timing of purchases. Increased demand in the U.S. was driven by higher utilization across earlier-stage indications, including in certain types of cervical cancer, TNBC, NSCLC, RCC, and HNSCC, as well as higher demand across multiple approved metastatic indications, in particular for the treatment of certain types of urothelial and endometrial cancers. Sales growth in international markets reflects increased uptake predominately for the TNBC, NSCLC, and RCC earlier-stage indications, as well as higher demand in urothelial, gastric, cervical, and endometrial cancer metastatic indications. The 2025 launch and reimbursement of new indications for Keytruda in the EU had a negative impact on pricing in those markets. In addition, a biosimilar of Keytruda has launched in Argentina. Summarized below are the Keytruda regulatory approvals received in 2025 and, to date, in 2026. Date Approval January 2025 China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval in combination with enfortumab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate, for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, based on the KEYNOTE-A39 trial that was conducted in collaboration with Seagen (now Pfizer) and Astellas. April 2025 EC approval in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable non epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma, based on the IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial. 53 Table of Contents May 2025 Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) approval in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable, advanced or recurrent human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma, based on the KEYNOTE-811 trial. May 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for unresectable, advanced or recurrent metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma, based on the IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial. June 2025 FDA approval for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥ 1 as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. June 2025 China’s NMPA approval of Keytruda plus Lenvima in combination with transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with unresectable, non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on the LEAP-012 trial. October 2025 EC approval as monotherapy for the treatment of resectable locally advanced HNSCC as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiation therapy with or without concomitant cisplatin and then as monotherapy in adults whose tumors express PD-L1 with a CPS ≥ 1, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. November 2025 FDA approval in combination with Padcev as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of adult patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, based on the KEYNOTE-905 trial conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas. February 2026 China’s NMPA approval for the first-line treatment of certain patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, based on the KEYNOTE-868 (NRG-GY018) trial. February 2026 FDA approval in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens, based on the KEYNOTE-B96 trial. February 2026 Japan’s MHLW approval for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of locally advanced HNSCC, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. Summarized below are the Keytruda Qlex regulatory approvals received in 2025 and, to date, in 2026. Date Approval September 2025 FDA approval across most adult solid tumor indications for Keytruda. October 2025 FDA approval for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent, based on the KEYNOTE-689 trial. November 2025 EC approval of new subcutaneous route of administration and a new pharmaceutical form of Keytruda for all adult indications approved in the EU (to be marketed as Keytruda SC ). November 2025 FDA approval in combination with Padcev, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of adult patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, based on the KEYNOTE-905 trial conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas. February 2026 FDA approval in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens, based on the KEYNOTE-B96 trial. The Company is a party to license agreements pursuant to which the Company pays royalties on net sales of Keytruda . Under the terms of the more significant of these agreements, Merck paid a royalty of 6.5% on worldwide net sales of Keytruda through December 2023 to one third party, which declined to 2.5% in 2024. This royalty (which also applies to net sales of Keytruda Qlex ) will continue through 2026, terminating thereafter. The Company pays an additional 2% royalty on worldwide net sales of Keytruda (and on Keytruda Qlex following regulatory approval) to another third party; this royalty expired in the U.S. in September 2024, expired in major European markets in the second half of 2025, but will continue to be paid on net sales of Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex in certain other international markets expiring at various dates through 2035. The royalty expenses are included in 54 Table of Contents Cost of sales . The Company may be subject to additional royalties on net sales of Keytruda Qlex in the future under certain circumstances (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). Lynparza is a PARP inhibitor being developed and commercialized as part of a collaboration with AstraZeneca (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Lynparza is approved for the treatment of certain types of advanced or recurrent ovarian, early or metastatic breast, metastatic pancreatic and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers. Alliance revenue related to Lynparza grew 11% in 2025 largely due to higher demand globally. In January 2025, China’s NMPA approved Lynparza as adjuvant treatment for adult patients with germline BRCA -mutated, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer, based on the OlympiA trial. Lenvima is an oral receptor TKI being developed and commercialized as part of a collaboration with Eisai (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Lenvima is approved for the treatment of certain types of thyroid cancer, RCC, HCC, in combination with everolimus for certain patients with advanced RCC, and in combination with Keytruda for certain patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma or advanced RCC. Alliance revenue related to Lenvima grew 4% in 2025 primarily due to higher sales in the U.S. reflecting increased demand that was partially offset by lower pricing. Sales of Welireg , for the treatment of adult patients with certain VHL disease-associated tumors, certain adult patients with previously treated advanced RCC, and certain patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, rose 41% in 2025 primarily due to higher demand in the U.S. and continued launch uptake in several international markets, partially offset by lower net pricing in the U.S. (largely due to the Medicare Part D redesign that was part of the IRA). Welireg received the following regulatory approvals in 2025. Date Approval February 2025 EC conditional approval as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with VHL disease who require therapy for associated, localized RCC, central nervous system hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and for whom localized procedures are unsuitable, based on the LITESPARK-004 trial. February 2025 EC conditional approval for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC that progressed following two or more lines of therapy that included a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and at least two vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapies, based on the LITESPARK-005 trial. May 2025 FDA approval for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (12 years and older) with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, based on the LITESPARK-015 trial. June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with VHL disease-associated tumors, based on the LITESPARK-004 trial. June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval for the treatment of adults with radically unresectable or metastatic RCC that has progressed after chemotherapy, based on the LITESPARK-005 trial. The EC conditional approvals of Welireg noted above will be valid for one year, subject to yearly renewal, pending certain additional clinical data. Timing for commercial availability of Welireg in individual EU countries will depend on multiple factors, including the completion of national reimbursement procedures. Reblozyl is a first-in-class erythroid maturation recombinant fusion protein that is being commercialized through a global collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMS) (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Reblozyl is approved for the treatment of anemia in certain rare blood disorders. Alliance revenue related to this collaboration (consisting of royalties) increased 41% in 2025 due to strong underlying sales performance. Koselugo is an oral, selective MEK inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who have symptomatic inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. Koselugo is part of a collaboration with AstraZeneca. The increase in alliance revenue in 2025 is due to the recognition of a $150 million upfront payment received and $175 million of regulatory approval milestones recorded in connection with an amendment to the collaboration agreement that (subject to an annual election by AstraZeneca) discontinued the revenue and cost sharing provisions of the collaboration, and changed the payment structure. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. 55 Table of Contents Vaccines ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Gardasil/Gardasil 9 $ 5,233 (39) % (39) % $ 8,583 (3) % (2) % $ 8,886 ProQuad 930 1 % 1 % 920 6 % 6 % 870 M-M-R II 480 3 % 3 % 464 8 % 9 % 430 Varivax 1,041 (6) % (6) % 1,102 3 % 4 % 1,068 Vaxneuvance 825 2 % 1 % 808 22 % 23 % 665 Capvaxive 759 * * 97 — — — Pneumovax 23 166 (37) % (37) % 263 (36) % (34) % 412 Enflonsia 100 — — — — — — * > 100% In January 2026, the acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced changes to the child and adolescent immunization schedule (January announcement), reducing the number of routinely recommended vaccinations and creating three new categories: immunizations recommended for all children; immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations; and immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making. Immunizations recommended for all children include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox). Immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations include RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and dengue. Immunizations recommended based on shared clinical decision-making include rotavirus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. HHS has stated that immunizations for all of the diseases covered by the previous immunization schedule will still be available to anyone who wants them through Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. Additionally, in September 2025, the trade association representing U.S. health insurers (AHIP) announced that its member health plans would continue to cover all immunizations that had been recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as of September 1, 2025, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026. Combined worldwide sales of Gardasil and Gardasil 9, vaccines to help prevent certain cancers and other diseases caused by certain types of HPV, declined 39% in 2025 primarily driven by lower demand in China (discussed below), and in Japan reflecting in part that the last date to initiate the first dose in Japan’s national immunization program catch-up cohort was in March 2025. The declines were partially offset by higher sales in the U.S. due to higher net pricing and favorable CDC purchasing patterns. Higher demand and timing in certain international markets also partially offset the sales decline in 2025. Beginning in mid-2024, the Company observed a significant decline in shipments from its distributor and commercialization partner in China, Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd. (Zhifei), to disease and control prevention institutions and correspondingly into the points of vaccination compared with prior quarters of 2024, resulting in above normal inventory levels at Zhifei. Accordingly, the Company shipped less than its contracted doses to Zhifei in the latter part of 2024. Lower demand in China persisted and, at the end of 2024, overall channel inventory levels in China remained elevated at above normal levels. Therefore, the Company made a decision to temporarily pause shipments to China beginning in February 2025 and, given continued lower demand and elevated inventory levels in China, in mid-2025, the Company determined it would not make any further shipments to China in 2025. The Company will not resume shipments to China until inventory levels return to normal and cannot predict when this will occur. In January 2025, China’s NMPA approved Gardasil for use in males 9-26 years of age to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. In April 2025, China’s NMPA approved Gardasil 9 for use in males 16-26 years of age to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. In May 2025, a nine-valent HPV vaccine produced by a local manufacturer received regulatory approval in China for use in females 9-45 years of age. In August 2025, the Company’s nine-valent HPV vaccine was approved for use in males nine years of age and older in Japan where it will be marketed as Silgard 9. Among the changes in the CDC’s January announcement referenced above was a reduction of the recommended doses for HPV vaccination of adolescents to a single dose. Gardasil 9 is currently indicated in the U.S. for a two-dose regimen in adolescents aged 9-14 and a three-dose regimen for those aged 15-45. Previous CDC recommendations for adolescents followed FDA-approved dosing. Many countries outside the U.S. have implemented a reduced dosing schedule for HPV vaccination in certain age groups. The Company anticipates that any negative effect of these recommendations or reduced dosing schedules on sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 will not be material. 56 Table of Contents The Company is a party to license agreements pursuant to which the Company pays royalties on net sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9. Under the terms of the more significant of these agreements, Merck pays a 7% royalty on net sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in the U.S. to one third party (this royalty expires in December 2028). Merck paid an additional 7% royalty on worldwide net sales of Gardasil/Gardasil 9 to another third party; this royalty expired in December 2023. The royalty expenses are included in Cost of sales . Global sales of ProQuad , a pediatric combination vaccine to help protect against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, grew 1% in 2025 primarily due to higher demand in Europe, partially offset by lower sales in the U.S. reflecting lower demand that was partially offset by higher net pricing. As a result of manufacturing delays, in January 2025, the Company borrowed doses of ProQuad from the CDC Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile (CDC Stockpile), which were used to support routine vaccination in the U.S. The Company replenished the borrowing later in 2025. Worldwide sales of M-M-R II, a vaccine to help protect against measles, mumps and rubella, grew 3% in 2025 primarily due to higher sales in the U.S., largely reflecting higher net pricing and increased demand, partially offset by lower demand in certain international markets. Global sales of Varivax, a vaccine to help prevent chickenpox (varicella), declined 6% in 2025 primarily attributable to lower sales in the U.S., largely driven by lower demand and unfavorable CDC Stockpile activity, partially offset by higher net pricing. The unfavorable impact to Varivax sales from CDC Stockpile activity was offset by CDC Stockpile activity for other products as noted below. The Varivax sales decline was also due in part to lower demand in the Asia Pacific region. Higher demand in Latin America partially offset the Varivax sales decline in 2025. In September 2025, the ACIP voted to recommend that children under the age of four years receive protection from chickenpox (varicella) as a standalone immunization rather than in combination with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination, eliminating a previous shared clinical decision-making recommendation that allowed parents to choose combined MMR and varicella vaccine (MMRV) first-dose administration. The ACIP also voted to align the VFC program with this change. The acting CDC Director adopted the recommendation in October 2025. MMR and varicella vaccines remain recommended and funded through the VFC program for both the first and second doses. The Company is the only manufacturer in the U.S. of MMRV vaccine ( ProQuad ) and varicella vaccine ( Varivax ). The Company anticipates that any negative effect of these recommendations on sales of ProQuad will not be material. Worldwide sales of Vaxneuvance , a vaccine to help protect against invasive pneumococcal disease caused by certain serotypes, rose 2% in 2025 primarily due to higher demand in Europe and certain markets in the Asia Pacific region, partially offset by lower demand in Japan and the Latin America region due to competition. U.S. sales of Vaxneuvance were nearly flat year over year as a benefit from public and private sector purchasing patterns in the U.S. was offset by lower demand due to competition. U.S. Vaxneuvance sales in 2025 benefited from approximately $70 million of favorable CDC Stockpile activity, of which approximately $60 million was offset by a drawdown of CDC Stockpile inventory for Varivax (noted above) and RotaTeq , which resulted in a net neutral transaction. Merck is a party to license agreements pursuant to which the Company pays royalties on sales of Vaxneuvance . Under the most significant of these agreements, Merck pays a royalty of 7.25% on net sales of Vaxneuvance through 2026; this royalty will decline to 2.5% on net sales from 2027 through 2035. The royalty expenses are included in Cost of sales . Sales of Capvaxive , a vaccine for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia caused by certain serotypes in individuals 18 years of age and older, increased to $759 million in 2025 primarily due to continued uptake following launch in the U.S. in 2024. Capvaxive sales growth in 2025 also reflects early launch uptake in certain international markets. Capvaxive was approved in the U.S. in June 2024, in the EU in March 2025, and in Japan in August 2025. The timing of availability of Capvaxive in individual EU countries will depend on multiple factors including the completion of national reimbursement procedures. Merck is a party to license agreements pursuant to which the Company pays royalties on sales of Capvaxive . Under the terms of the most significant of these agreements, Merck pays a royalty of 7.25% on net sales of Capvaxive through 2026; this royalty will decline to 2.5% on net sales from 2027 through 2035. The royalty expenses are included in Cost of sales . Worldwide sales of Pneumovax 23, a vaccine to help prevent pneumococcal disease, declined 37% in 2025 due to lower global demand, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, as the market has shifted toward newer adult pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. In June 2025, the FDA approved Enflonsia , a preventive, long-acting monoclonal antibody, for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season. Also in June 2025, the ACIP voted to recommend Enflonsia as an option for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants younger than eight months of age who are born during or entering their first RSV season. These provisional recommendations were adopted by the CDC Director and are now official. The 57 Table of Contents ACIP also voted to include Enflonsia in the VFC program. Sales of Enflonsia in 2025 were due in part to inventory stocking. Hospital Acute Care ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Bridion $ 1,841 4 % 4 % $ 1,764 (4) % (3) % $ 1,842 Prevymis 978 25 % 23 % 785 30 % 33 % 605 Dificid 247 (27) % (27) % 340 13 % 13 % 302 Global sales of Bridion , for the reversal of two types of neuromuscular blocking agents used during surgery, grew 4% in 2025 as higher demand and net pricing in the U.S. was partially offset by lower demand in most international markets due to generic competition. Bridion will lose market exclusivity in the U.S. in July 2026 at which time the Company anticipates a significant and rapid decline in U.S. sales of Bridion . The Company expects to discontinue U.S. sales of Bridion by the end of 2026. Worldwide sales of Prevymis , a medicine for prophylaxis (prevention) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in certain high risk adult and pediatric recipients of an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and for prophylaxis of CMV disease in certain high risk adult and pediatric recipients of a kidney transplant, grew 25% in 2025 largely due to higher demand in the U.S. and in most international markets reflecting in part the launch of new indications, partially offset by lower demand in China due to generic competition. Worldwide sales of Dificid , a medicine for the treatment of C. difficile -associated diarrhea, declined 27% in 2025 due to generic competition in the U.S. Dificid lost market exclusivity in the U.S. in July 2025; accordingly, the Company is experiencing a significant decline in U.S. sales of Dificid and expects the decline to continue. Cardiometabolic and Respiratory ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Winrevair $ 1,443 * * $ 419 — — $ — Alliance Revenue - Adempas/Verquvo (1) 470 13 % 13 % 415 13 % 13 % 367 Adempas 312 9 % 6 % 287 12 % 14 % 255 Ohtuvayre 178 — — — — — — * > 100% (1) Alliance revenue for Adempas and Verquvo represents Merck’s share of profits from sales in Bayer’s marketing territories, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Winrevair is an activin signaling inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with PAH (WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension) to improve exercise capacity and WHO functional class (FC), and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events including hospitalization for PAH, lung transplantation and death. Sales of Winrevair rose to $1.4 billion in 2025 primarily reflecting higher sales in the U.S. due to continued uptake since launch, partially offset by lower net pricing in the U.S. (largely due to the Medicare Part D redesign that was part of the IRA). Sales growth also reflects early launch uptake in certain international markets, particularly in the EU and Japan. Winrevair was originally approved in the U.S. in March 2024, in the EU in August 2024, and in Japan in June 2025 (where it is being marketed as Airwin ). Winrevair is the subject of a licensing agreement pursuant to which Merck pays a 22% royalty on net sales of Winrevair to BMS. The royalty expenses are included in Cost of sales . Summarized below are the Winrevair regulatory approvals received in 2025 and, to date, in 2026. Date Approval June 2025 Japan’s MHLW approval for the treatment of adults with PAH, based on the STELLAR trial (marketed as Airwin ). October 2025 FDA approval of expanded indication in adults with PAH (WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension) to improve exercise capacity and WHO FC, and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events, including hospitalization for PAH, lung transplantation and death, based on the ZENITH trial. January 2026 EC approval of expanded indication in combination with other PAH therapies for the treatment of PAH in adult patients with WHO FC II, III and IV, based on the ZENITH trial. 58 Table of Contents Adempas and Verquvo are part of a worldwide collaboration with Bayer AG (Bayer) to market and develop soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Adempas is approved for the treatment of certain types of PAH and chronic pulmonary hypertension. Verquvo is approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization following a hospitalization for heart failure or need for outpatient intravenous diuretics in adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Alliance revenue from the collaboration grew 13% in 2025 reflecting higher demand in Bayer’s marketing territories. The Company expects alliance revenue will decline in 2026 reflecting the loss of market exclusivity for Adempas in the U.S. Revenue also includes sales of Adempas and Verquvo in Merck’s marketing territories. Sales of Adempas in Merck’s marketing territories grew 9% in 2025 primarily due to higher demand. Ohtuvayre is an inhaled phosphodiesterases 3 and 4 (PDE3 and PDE4) inhibitor, which was approved in the U.S. in June 2024 for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. Ohtuvayre was obtained in conjunction with Merck’s October 2025 acquisition of Verona Pharma. Sales of Ohtuvayre recorded by Merck following the closing of the transaction were $178 million in 2025. Virology ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Lagevrio $ 380 (61) % (61) % $ 964 (33) % (28) % $ 1,428 Lagevrio is an investigational oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine being developed in a collaboration with Ridgeback (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). Sales of Lagevrio declined 61% in 2025 largely due to lower demand in several markets in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Japan, and in the U.S. driven primarily by declining COVID-19 cases. The Company expects the Lagevrio sales decline to continue in 2026. Immunology ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Simponi $ — (100) % (100) % $ 543 (24) % (23) % $ 710 Remicade — (100) % (100) % 114 (39) % (36) % 187 Simponi and Remicade are treatments for certain inflammatory diseases that the Company marketed in Europe, Russia and Türkiye. The Company’s marketing rights with respect to these products reverted to Johnson & Johnson on October 1, 2024, subsequent to which the Company stopped recognizing sales of these products. Diabetes ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Januvia/Janumet $ 2,544 12 % 13 % $ 2,268 (33) % (29) % $ 3,366 Worldwide combined sales of Januvia and Janumet , medicines that help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, grew 12% in 2025 primarily due to higher net pricing in the U.S., including a favorable true-up to customer discounts, partially offset by lower demand in China, ongoing generic competition in most other international markets, and continuing volume declines in the U.S. due to competitive pressure. The American Rescue Plan Act enacted in the U.S. in 2021 included a provision that eliminated the statutory c ap on rebates drug manufacturers pay to Medicaid beginning in January 2024. As a result of this provision, the Company paid state Medicaid programs more in rebates than it received on Medicaid sales of Januvia , Janumet and Janumet XR in 2024. In early 2025, Merck lowered the list price of the Januvia family of products to more closely align them with net prices. The lower list price has reduced the rebate amount Merck pays to Medicaid, resulting in higher realized net pricing. While the key U.S. patent for Januvia , Janumet and Janumet XR claiming the sitagliptin compound expired in January 2023, as a result of favorable court rulings and settlement agreements related to a later expiring patent directed to the specific sitagliptin salt form of the products, the Company expects that Januvia and Janumet will not lose market exclusivity in the U.S. until May 2026 and Janumet XR will not lose market exclusivity in the U.S. until July 2026, although a non-automatically substitutable form of sitagliptin that differs from the form in the Company’s sitagliptin products has been approved by the FDA. Additionally, HHS, through the CMS, selected Januvia 59 Table of Contents in 2023 for the first year of the IRA’s Program, and selected Janumet and Janumet XR in 2025 for the second year of the IRA’s Program. Pursuant to the IRA’s Program, the government set a price for Januvia , which became effective on January 1, 20 26, and set a price for Janumet and Janumet XR, which will become effective on January 1, 2027. The Company ha s sued the U.S. government regarding the IRA’s Program. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the above-referenced patent and IRA litigation. The Company expects a significant decline in sales of Januvia in the first half of 2026 reflecting the impact of government price setting noted above and subsequently, following loss of market exclusivity in May 2026, the Company anticipates it will lose nearly all U.S. sales of Januvia and Janumet . Animal Health Segment ($ in millions) 2025 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2024 % Change % Change Excluding Foreign Exchange 2023 Livestock $ 3,896 13 % 14 % $ 3,462 4 % 9 % $ 3,337 Companion Animal 2,458 2 % 2 % 2,415 6 % 7 % 2,288 $ 6,354 8 % 9 % $ 5,877 4 % 8 % $ 5,625 Sales of livestock products grew 13% in 2025 primarily due to increased demand across all species, the inclusion of sales from the July 2024 acquisition of the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (Elanco aqua business), improved supply, new product launches, and higher pricing. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the acquisition of the Elanco aqua business. Sales of companion animal products grew 2% in 2025 reflecting higher pricing, new product launches, and improved supply, partially offset by lower demand for other products in the portfolio. Sales of the Bravecto line of products were $1.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 1% compared with 2024. In July 2025, the FDA approved Bravecto Quantum , a once-yearly injectable product to treat and protect dogs from fleas and ticks. Also in July 2025, the EC approved Numelvi tablets for dogs, a once-daily, second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis including atopic dermatitis and treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis. Costs, Expenses and Other ($ in millions) 2025 % Change 2024 % Change 2023 Cost of sales $ 16,382 8 % $ 15,193 (6) % $ 16,126 Selling, general and administrative 10,733 (1) % 10,816 3 % 10,504 Research and development 15,789 (12) % 17,938 (41) % 30,531 Restructuring costs 889 * 309 (48) % 599 Other (income) expense, net 151 * (24) * 466 $ 43,944 (1) % $ 44,232 (24) % $ 58,226 * >100% Cost of Sales Cost of sales was $16.4 billion in 2025 and $15.2 billion in 2024. Cost of sales includes the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions, collaborations, and licensing arrangements, which totaled $2.8 billion in 2025 and $2.4 billion in 2024. Additionally, cost of sales in 2025 includes an $83 million impact for the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories related to the Verona Pharma acquisition. Also included in cost of sales are expenses associated with restructuring activities, which amounted to $1.5 billion in 2025 and $495 million in 2024, primarily reflecting accelerated depreciation and asset impairment charges related to manufacturing facilities to be fully or partially closed or divested, as well as contractual termination costs. Separation costs associated with manufacturing-related headcount reductions have been incurred and are reflected in Restructuring costs as discussed below. Gross margin was 74.8% in 2025 compared with 76.3% in 2024. The gross margin decline was primarily due to the negative impacts of higher restructuring costs (primarily related to the accelerated depreciation of manufacturing lines at two sites under the 2025 Restructuring Program), higher inventory write-downs (primarily vaccines), increased amortization of intangibles, and the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories related to the Verona Pharma acquisition, partially offset by the favorable impact of product mix. 60 Table of Contents Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $10.7 billion in 2025, a decline of 1% compared with 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by lower restructuring and promotional costs, partially offset by increased administrative costs. Research and Development Research and development (R&D) expenses were $15.8 billion in 2025, a decline of 12% compared with 2024. The decline was primarily due to lower charges for business development activity. Significant business development transactions in 2025 include charges of: • $300 million for completion of the technology transfer for MK-2010 (LM-299) from LaNova Medicines Ltd (LaNova, acquired by Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited) • $200 million for a license agreement with Hengrui Pharma • $150 million related to an agreement with Falk to acquire sole global rights to MK-8690 • $100 million for the achievement of a developmental milestone related to the 2024 Eyebiotech Limited (EyeBio) acquisition Significant business development transactions in 2024 include charges of: • $1.35 billion for the acquisition of EyeBio and $100 million for the achievement of a related developmental milestone • $750 million for the acquisition of MK-1045 (formerly CN201) from Curon Biopharmaceutical • $656 million for the acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (Harpoon) • $588 million for a global license agreement with LaNova • $112 million for a global license agreement with Hansoh Pharma (Hansoh) The decline in R&D expenses was partially offset by higher clinical development spending, higher restructuring costs, and increased investment in discovery research and early drug development. R&D expenses consist of the costs directly incurred by Merck Research Laboratories (MRL), the Company’s research and development division that focuses on human health-related activities, which were $10.8 billion in 2025 and $10.1 billion in 2024. Also included in R&D expenses are Animal Health research costs, upfront and milestone payments for collaboration and licensing agreements (including charges related to the transactions with LaNova, Hengrui Pharma, Falk, and Hansoh noted above), charges for transactions accounted for as asset acquisitions (including charges for the acquisitions of EyeBio, MK-1045, and Harpoon noted above), and costs incurred by other divisions in support of R&D activities, including depreciation, production, and general and administrative, which in the aggregate were $4.8 billion in 2025 and $7.7 billion in 2024. R&D expenses also include restructuring costs of $175 million in 2025 associated with contractual termination costs. Restructuring Costs In July 2025, the Company approved a new restructuring program (2025 Restructuring Program) designed to position the Company for its next chapter of growth and to successfully advance its pipeline and launch new products across multiple therapeutic areas. As part of this program, the Company expects to eliminate certain positions in sales and administrative organizations, as well as research and development. The Company will, however, continue to hire employees into new roles across all strategic growth areas of the business. In addition, the Company will reduce its global real estate footprint and continue to optimize its manufacturing network, aligning the geography of its global manufacturing footprint to its customers and reflecting changes in the Company’s business. Most actions contemplated under the 2025 Restructuring Program are expected to be largely completed by the end of 2027, with the exception of certain manufacturing actions, which are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2029. The cumulative pretax costs to be incurred by the Company to implement the program are estimated to be approximately $3.0 billion, of which approximately 60% will be cash, relating primarily to employee separation expense and contractual termination costs. The remainder of the costs will be non-cash, relating primarily to the accelerated depreciation of facilities. The Company expects the actions under the 2025 Restructuring Program to result in annual cost savings of approximately $1.7 billion, which will be substantially realized by the end of 2027. The 2025 Restructuring Program is part of the Company’s multiyear optimization initiative anticipated to achieve $3.0 billion in annual cost savings by the end of 2027, which will be fully reinvested into strategic growth areas of the business. 61 Table of Contents In January 2024, the Company approved a restructuring program (2024 Restructuring Program) intended to continue the optimization of the Company’s Human Health global manufacturing network as the future pipeline shifts to new modalities and also optimize the Animal Health global manufacturing network to improve supply reliability and increase efficiency. The actions contemplated under the 2024 Restructuring Program are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2031, with the cumulative pretax costs to be incurred by the Company to implement the program estimated to be approximately $4.0 billion. Approximately 50% of the cumulative pretax costs will be non-cash, relating primarily to the accelerated depreciation of facilities to be closed or divested. The remainder of the costs will result in cash outlays, relating primarily to facility shut-down costs. The Company anticipates the actions under the 2024 Restructuring Program will result in cumulative annual net cost savings of approximately $750 million by the end of 2031. Restructuring costs of $889 million in 2025 and $309 million in 2024 primarily include separation and other costs associated with these restructuring activities. Separation costs incurred were associated with actual headcount reductions, as well as estimated expenses under existing severance programs for involuntary headcount reductions that were probable and could be reasonably estimated. Other expenses in Restructuring costs include facility shut-down and other related costs, as well as employee-related costs such as curtailment, settlement, and termination charges associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and share-based compensation plan costs. For segment reporting, restructuring costs are unallocated expenses. Additional costs associated with the Company’s restructuring activities are included in Cost of sales , Selling, general and administrative expenses and Research and development costs. The Company recorded aggregate pretax costs related to restructuring program activities of $2.6 billion in 2025 and $888 million in 2024. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Other (Income) Expense, Net Other (income) expense, net, was $151 million of expense in 2025 compared with $24 million of income in 2024. The unfavorable year-over-year change primarily reflects $170 million of income in 2024 related to the expansion of an existing development and commercialization agreement with Daiichi Sankyo, as well as higher net interest expense and higher foreign exchange losses in 2025, partially offset by higher net income from investments in equity securities in 2025. For details on the components of Other (income) expense, net, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. Segment Profits ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Pharmaceutical segment profits $ 45,754 $ 44,533 $ 38,880 Animal Health segment profits 2,131 1,938 1,737 Non-segment activity (26,818) (26,535) (38,728) Income Before Taxes $ 21,067 $ 19,936 $ 1,889 Pharmaceutical segment profits consist of segment sales less standard costs, as well as SG&A expenses directly incurred by the segment. Animal Health segment profits consist of segment sales, less all cost of sales, as well as SG&A and R&D expenses directly incurred by the segment. For internal management reporting presented to the chief operating decision maker, Merck does not allocate the remaining cost of sales not included in segment profits as described above, R&D expenses incurred by MRL, or general and administrative expenses not directly incurred by the segments, nor the cost of financing these activities. Separate divisions maintain responsibility for monitoring and managing these costs, including depreciation related to fixed assets utilized by these divisions and, therefore, they are not included in segment profits. Also excluded from the determination of segment profits are costs related to restructuring activities and acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, including the amortization of intangible assets and the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories, intangible asset impairment charges, and expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration. Additionally, segment profits do not reflect other expenses from corporate and manufacturing cost centers and other miscellaneous income or expense. These unallocated items are reflected in “Non-segment activity” in the above table. Also included in “Non-segment activity” are miscellaneous corporate profits (losses), as well as operating profits (losses) related to third-party manufacturing arrangements. 62 Table of Contents Taxes on Income The effective income tax rate of 13.3% in 2025 reflects the favorable impacts of jurisdictional mix of income and expense, as well as certain discrete items. The effective income tax rate of 14.1% in 2024 reflects a favorable jurisdictional mix of income and expense, as well as a 2.6 percentage point favorable impact due to a $519 million reduction in reserves for unrecognized income tax benefits resulting from the expiration in 2024 of the statute of limitations for assessments related to the 2019 and 2020 federal tax return years. The effective income tax rate in 2024 also reflects a 1.5 percentage point combined unfavorable impact of charges for the acquisition of Harpoon, for which no tax benefit was recognized, and the acquisitions of EyeBio and MK-1045 for which minimal tax benefits were realized. The effective income tax rates for 2025 and 2024 include the global minimum tax provision of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Pillar 2, which for 2024 resulted in a minimal impact to the Company’s effective income tax rate due to the accounting for the tax effects of intercompany transactions. In July 2025, the OBBBA was enacted into law, which had an immaterial impact to the effective income tax rate in 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently conducting examinations of the Company’s tax returns for the years 2017 and 2018, including the one-time transition tax enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). In April 2025, Merck received Notices of Proposed Adjustment (NOPAs) that would increase the amount of the one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries by approximately $1.3 billion. In addition, the NOPAs included penalties of approximately $260 million. These amounts are exclusive of any interest that may be due. The Company disagrees with the proposed adjustments and will vigorously contest the NOPAs through all available administrative and, if necessary, judicial proceedings. It may take a number of years to reach resolution of this matter. If the Company is ultimately unsuccessful in defending its position, the impact could be material to its financial statements. The statute of limitations for assessments with respect to the 2019 and 2020 federal tax return years expired in June 2024 and October 2024, respectively. The IRS is also currently conducting examinations of the Company’s tax returns for the years 2021 and 2022. In addition, various state and foreign tax examinations are in progress. Non-GAAP Income and Non-GAAP EPS Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS are alternative views of the Company’s performance that Merck is providing because management believes this information enhances investors’ understanding of the Company’s results since management uses non-GAAP measures to assess performance. Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS exclude certain items because of the nature of these items and the impact that they have on the analysis of underlying business performance and trends. The excluded items (which should not be considered non-recurring) consist of acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, restructuring costs, income and losses from investments in equity securities, and certain other items. These excluded items are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS are important internal measures for the Company. Senior management receives a monthly analysis of operating results that includes a non-GAAP EPS metric. Management uses non-GAAP measures internally for planning and forecasting purposes and to measure the performance of the Company along with other metrics. In addition, annual employee compensation, including senior management’s compensation, is derived in part using a non-GAAP pretax income metric. Since non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP, they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. The information on non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, net income and EPS prepared in accordance with GAAP. 63 Table of Contents A reconciliation between GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP financial measures is as follows: ($ in millions except per share amounts) 2025 2024 2023 Income before taxes as reported under GAAP $ 21,067 $ 19,936 $ 1,889 Increase (decrease) for excluded items: Acquisition- and divestiture-related costs (1) 3,007 2,519 2,876 Restructuring costs 2,551 888 933 (Income) loss from investments in equity securities, net (306) 45 (279) Other items: Charge for Zetia antitrust litigation settlements — — 573 Non-GAAP income before taxes 26,319 23,388 5,992 Taxes on income as reported under GAAP 2,804 2,803 1,512 Estimated tax benefit on excluded items (2) 933 606 631 Net tax benefit, which reflects a net benefit related to favorable audit reserve adjustments 60 — — Tax benefit resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessments related to the 2019 and 2020 federal tax return years — 519 — Non-GAAP taxes on income 3,797 3,928 2,143 Non-GAAP net income 22,522 19,460 3,849 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests as reported under GAAP 9 16 12 Non-GAAP net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 22,513 $ 19,444 $ 3,837 EPS assuming dilution as reported under GAAP (3) $ 7.28 $ 6.74 $ 0.14 EPS difference 1.70 0.91 1.37 Non-GAAP EPS assuming dilution (3) $ 8.98 $ 7.65 $ 1.51 (1) Amounts in 2025, 2024 and 2023 include $55 million, $39 million and $792 million, respectively, of intangible asset impairment charges. (2) The estimated tax impact on the excluded items is determined by applying the statutory rate of the originating territory of the non-GAAP adjustments. (3) GAAP and non-GAAP EPS were negatively affected in 2025, 2024 and 2023 by $0.20, $1.28, and $6.21, respectively, of per share charges for certain upfront and pre-approval milestone payments related to collaborations and licensing agreements, as well as charges related to pre-approval assets obtained in transactions accounted for as asset acquisitions. Acquisition- and Divestiture-Related Costs Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS exclude the impact of certain amounts recorded in connection with acquisitions and divestitures of businesses. These amounts include the amortization of intangible assets and the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories, as well as intangible asset impairment charges, and expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration. Also excluded are integration, transaction, and certain other costs associated with acquisitions and divestitures. Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS also exclude amortization of intangible assets related to collaborations, asset acquisitions, and licensing arrangements, as well as the recognition of fair value step-up of inventories related to asset acquisitions. Restructuring Costs Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS exclude costs related to restructuring actions (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). These amounts include employee separation costs and accelerated depreciation associated with facilities to be fully or partially closed or divested. Accelerated depreciation costs represent the difference between the depreciation expense to be recognized over the revised useful life of the asset, based upon the anticipated date the site will be closed or divested or the equipment disposed of, and depreciation expense as determined utilizing the useful life prior to the restructuring actions. Restructuring costs also include asset impairment, facility shut-down, contractual termination, and other related costs, as well as employee-related costs such as curtailment, settlement and termination charges associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and share-based compensation costs. Income and Losses from Investments in Equity Securities Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS exclude realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments in equity securities either owned directly or through ownership interests in investment funds. 64 Table of Contents Certain Other Items Non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS exclude certain other items. These items are adjusted for after evaluating them on an individual basis, considering their quantitative and qualitative aspects. Typically, these items are unusual in nature, significant to the results of a particular period or not indicative of future operating results. Excluded from non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS in 2025 is a net tax benefit, which reflects a net benefit from favorable audit reserve adjustments. Excluded from non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS in 2024 is a benefit due to reductions in reserves for unrecognized income tax benefits resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations for assessments related to the 2019 and 2020 federal tax return years (see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements). Excluded from non-GAAP income and non-GAAP EPS in 2023 is a charge related to settlements with certain plaintiffs in the Zetia antitrust litigation (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements). Research and Development Research Pipeline The Company currently has several candidates under regulatory review in the U.S. and internationally, as well as in late-stage clinical development. A chart reflecting the Company’s current research pipeline as of February 20, 2026 and related discussion is set forth in Item 1. “Business — Research and Development” above. Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and Licensing Agreements Merck continues to remain focused on pursuing opportunities that have the potential to drive both near- and long-term growth. Certain recent transactions are summarized below; additional details are included in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Merck actively monitors the landscape for growth opportunities that meet the Company’s strategic criteria. In January 2026, Merck acquired Cidara, a biotechnology company developing drug-Fc conjugate (DFC) therapeutics, for approximately $9.2 billion (including payments to settle share-based equity awards). Cidara’s lead DFC candidate, MK-1406 (formerly CD388), is a long-acting antiviral designed to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza. MK-1406 is currently being evaluated among adult and adolescent participants who are at higher risk of developing complications from influenza. Merck anticipates the transaction will be accounted for as an asset acquisition since MK-1406 is expected to account for substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets to be acquired (excluding cash and deferred income taxes). Merck expects to record a charge of approximately $9.0 billion to Research and development expenses, or approximately $3.65 per share, in the first quarter of 2026 for acquired IPR&D with no alternative future use. There are no future contingent payments associated with the acquisition. In November 2025, Merck reached an agreement with Falk to discontinue an existing contract concerning co-development and co-commercialization rights in certain territories for MK-8690 (formerly PRA-052), and for Merck to assume full responsibility for the development program going forward. MK-8690 is an investigational anti-CD30 ligand monoclonal antibody being evaluated by the Company in an early-stage clinical trial. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck and Falk have discontinued their collaboration based on their existing co-development contract resulting in Merck having secured global rights to MK-8690. In exchange, Merck made a $150 million upfront payment, which the Company recorded as a charge to Research and development expenses in 2025, or approximately $0.05 per share. Falk is also eligible to receive a developmental milestone payment, as well as tiered royalties on sales in certain territories. In October 2025, Merck and Blackstone Life Sciences (Blackstone) entered into a funding arrangement under which Blackstone will pay Merck up to $700 million in the fourth quarter of 2026 (which is non-refundable, subject to the termination provisions of the agreement) to fund a portion of the Company’s development costs for MK-2870, sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), expected to be incurred throughout 2026. In July 2025, the technology transfer for MK-2010 (LM-299), a novel investigational PD-1/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) bispecific antibody that was licensed from LaNova in 2024, was completed. Accordingly, Merck made a $300 million payment to LaNova that was recorded as a charge to Research and development expenses in 2025, or approximately $0.09 per share. In May 2025, Merck and Hengrui Pharma closed an exclusive license agreement for MK-7262 (HRS-5346), an investigational oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a) inhibitor. Under the agreement, Hengrui Pharma granted Merck exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize MK-7262 (HRS-5346) worldwide, excluding the Greater China region. Merck recorded a charge of $200 million to Research and development expenses in 2025, or approximately $0.06 per share, for the upfront payment. Hengrui Pharma is also eligible to receive future contingent payments associated with certain developmental, regulatory and sales-based milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales of MK-7262 (HRS-5346), if approved. 65 Table of Contents Acquired In-Process Research and Development In connection with business combinations, the Company records the fair value of in-process research projects which, at the time of acquisition, had not yet reached technological feasibility. At December 31, 2025, the balance of in-process research and development (IPR&D) was $427 million, primarily consisting of MK-1026 (nemtabrutinib), $418 million, which is in Phase 3 clinical development. The IPR&D projects that remain in development are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties in drug development and it is possible that the Company will not be able to successfully develop and complete the IPR&D programs and profitably commercialize the underlying product candidates. The time periods to receive approvals from the FDA and other regulatory agencies are subject to uncertainty. Significant delays in the approval process, or the Company’s failure to obtain approval at all, would delay or prevent the Company from realizing revenues from these products. Additionally, if the IPR&D programs require additional clinical trial data than was previously anticipated, or if the programs fail or are abandoned during development, then the Company will not recover the fair value of the IPR&D recorded as an asset as of the acquisition date. If such circumstances were to occur, the Company’s future operating results could be adversely affected and the Company may recognize impairment charges, which could be material. In 2023, the Company recorded IPR&D impairment charges within Research and development expenses of $779 million (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements). Additional research and development will be required before any of the remaining programs reach technological feasibility. The costs to complete the research projects will depend on whether the projects are brought to their final stages of development and are ultimately submitted to the FDA or other regulatory agencies for approval. Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures were $4.1 billion in 2025, $3.4 billion in 2024 and $3.9 billion in 2023. Expenditures in the U.S. were $2.5 billion in 2025, $2.4 billion in 2024 and $2.5 billion in 2023. The Company plans to invest approximately $20 billion in capital projects from 2025-2029, more than $12 billion of which relates to investments in the U.S. Depreciation expense was $3.0 billion in 2025, $2.1 billion in 2024 and $1.8 billion in 2023, of which $2.2 billion in 2025, $1.4 billion in 2024 and $1.2 billion in 2023, related to locations in the U.S. Total depreciation expense in 2025, 2024 and 2023 included accelerated depreciation of $1.2 billion, $254 million and $140 million, respectively, associated with restructuring activities (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources Merck’s strong financial profile enables it to fund research and development, finance acquisitions and external alliances, support in-line products and maximize upcoming launches while providing significant cash returns to shareholders. Selected Data ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Working capital $ 15,189 $ 10,362 $ 6,474 Total debt to total liabilities and equity 36.0 % 31.7 % 32.9 % Cash provided by operating activities to total debt 0.3:1 0.6:1 0.4:1 Cash provided by operating activities was $16.5 billion in 2025 compared with $21.5 billion in 2024. The decline in cash provided by operating activities reflects higher income tax payments, which were $6.1 billion in 2025 compared with $3.9 billion in 2024, as well as increased upfront, milestone, option and continuation payments related to certain collaborations, licensing agreements, and acquisitions, which were $3.0 billion in 2025 compared with $1.1 billion in 2024. Cash provided by operating activities continues to be the Company’s primary source of funds to finance operating needs, with excess cash serving as the primary source of funds to finance business development transactions, capital expenditures, dividends paid to shareholders and treasury stock purchases. Cash used in investing activities was $13.7 billion in 2025 compared with $7.7 billion in 2024. The higher use of cash in investing activities was primarily due to higher cash used for acquisitions (including the acquisition of Verona Pharma), higher capital expenditures (including the acquisition of a facility from WuXi Vaccines), and higher purchases of securities and other investments, partially offset higher proceeds from sales of securities and other investments. 66 Table of Contents Cash used in financing activities was $1.9 billion in 2025 compared with $7.0 billion in 2024. The lower use of cash in financing activities was primarily due to higher proceeds from the issuance of debt (see below), partially offset by higher purchases of treasury stock, higher payments on long-term debt (see below), higher dividends paid to shareholders, and lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options. In December 2025, the Company issued $8.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund a portion of the approximately $9.2 billion cash consideration for the January 2026 acquisition of Cidara, including related fees and expenses (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). In September 2025, the Company issued $6.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund a portion of the $10.4 billion cash consideration for the October 2025 acquisition of Verona Pharma, including related fees and expenses (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). In May 2024, MSD Netherlands Capital B.V., a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Merck, completed a registered public offering of €3.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of euro-dominated senior notes. The net cash proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes. In May 2023, the Company issued $6.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the $11.0 billion cash consideration paid for the acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences, Inc., including related fees and expenses, and used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes including to repay commercial paper borrowings and other indebtedness with upcoming maturities. In 2025, the Company’s $2.5 billion, 2.75% notes matured in accordance with their terms and were repaid. In 2024, the Company’s $750 million, 2.90% notes and the Company’s €500 million, 0.50% euro-denominated notes matured in accordance with their terms and were repaid. In 2023, the Company’s $1.75 billion, 2.80% notes matured in accordance with their terms and were repaid. The Company has a $6.0 billion credit facility that matures in May 2030. The facility provides backup liquidity for the Company’s commercial paper borrowing facility and is to be used for general corporate purposes. The Company has not drawn funding from this facility. In March 2024, the Company filed a securities registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the automatic shelf registration process available to “well-known seasoned issuers” which is effective for three years. Effective as of November 3, 2009, the Company executed a full and unconditional guarantee of the then existing debt of its subsidiary Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD, now Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC) and MSD executed a full and unconditional guarantee of the then existing debt of the Company (excluding commercial paper), including for payments of principal and interest. These guarantees do not extend to debt issued subsequent to that date. In November 2025, Merck’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend, declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock for the first quarter of 2026 that was paid in January 2026. In January 2026, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock for the second quarter of 2026 payable in April 2026. In January 2025, Merck’s Board of Directors authorized purchases of up to $10 billion of Merck’s common stock for its treasury. The treasury stock purchase authorization has no time limit and will be made over time in open-market transactions, block transactions on or off an exchange, or in privately negotiated transactions. In 2025, the Company purchased $5.1 billion (approximately 59 million shares) of its common stock for its treasury under this and a previously authorized share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s remaining share repurchase authorization was $7.3 billion. The Company purchased $1.3 billion of its common stock during 2024 under an authorized share repurchase program. The Company believes it maintains a conservative financial profile. The Company places its cash and investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in its investment policy guidelines. These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. The Company does not participate in any off-balance sheet arrangements involving unconsolidated subsidiaries that provide financing or potentially expose the Company to unrecorded financial obligations. The Company expects foreseeable liquidity and capital resource requirements to be met through existing cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flows from operations, as well as commercial paper borrowings and 67 Table of Contents long-term borrowings if needed. Merck believes that its sources of financing will be adequate to meet its future requirements. The Company’s material cash requirements arising in the normal course of business primarily include: Debt Obligations and Interest Payments — See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further detail of the Company’s debt obligations and the timing of expected future principal and interest payments. Operating Leases — See Note 9 to consolidated financial statements for further details of the Company’s lease obligations and the timing of expected future lease payments. License-Related Payments — At December 31, 2025, the Company has accrued liabilities for contingent sales-based milestone payments of $890 million related to a license agreement with Alteogen Inc. where payment is dependent upon the achievement of the corresponding milestone. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to these payments. Purchase Obligations — Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations for purchases of goods and services including minimum inventory contracts, research and development and advertising. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had total purchase obligations of $6.5 billion, of which $2.7 billion is estimated to be payable in 2026. Financial Instruments Market Risk Disclosures The Company manages the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and interest rate movements on its earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities through operational means and through the use of various financial instruments, including derivative instruments. A significant portion of the Company’s revenues and earnings in foreign affiliates is exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates. The objectives of and accounting related to the Company’s foreign currency risk management program, as well as its interest rate risk management activities are discussed below. Foreign Currency Risk Management The Company has established revenue hedging, balance sheet risk management, and net investment hedging programs to protect against volatility of future foreign currency cash flows and changes in fair value caused by changes in foreign exchange rates. The objective of the revenue hedging program is to reduce the variability caused by changes in foreign exchange rates that would affect the U.S. dollar value of future cash flows derived from foreign currency denominated sales, primarily the euro, Japanese yen and Chinese renminbi. To achieve this objective, the Company will hedge a portion of its forecasted foreign currency denominated third-party and intercompany distributor entity sales (forecasted sales) that are expected to occur over its planning cycle, typically no more than two years into the future. The Company will layer in hedges over time, increasing the portion of forecasted sales hedged as it gets closer to the expected date of the forecasted sales. The portion of forecasted sales hedged is based on assessments of cost-benefit profiles that consider natural offsetting exposures, revenue and foreign exchange rate volatilities and correlations, and the cost of hedging instruments. The Company manages its anticipated transaction exposure principally with purchased local currency put options, forward contracts, and purchased collar options. The fair values of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain positions) or liabilities (loss positions) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts are recorded each period in either current earnings or Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ( OCI) , depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction. For derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, the unrealized gains or losses on these contracts are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ( AOCL) and reclassified into Sales when the hedged anticipated revenue is recognized. The amount reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuation of cash flow hedges because it was no longer deemed probable the forecasted hedged transactions would occur was not material for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 or 2023. For those derivatives which are not designated as cash flow hedges, but serve as economic hedges of forecasted sales, unrealized gains or losses are recorded in Sales each period. The cash flows from both designated and non-designated contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Because Merck principally sells foreign currency in its revenue hedging program, a uniform weakening of the U.S. dollar would yield the largest overall potential loss in the market value of these hedge instruments. The market value of Merck’s hedges would have declined by an estimated $671 million and $569 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, from a uniform 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar. The market value was determined using a foreign exchange option pricing model and holding all factors except exchange rates constant. Although not predictive in nature, the Company believes that a 10% threshold reflects reasonably possible near-term changes in Merck’s major foreign currency exposures relative to the U.S. dollar. 68 Table of Contents The Company manages operating activities and net asset positions at each local subsidiary in order to mitigate the effects of foreign exchange on monetary assets and liabilities. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a given subsidiary are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in Other (income) expense, net . The Company also uses a balance sheet risk management program to mitigate the exposure of such assets and liabilities from the effects of volatility in foreign exchange. Merck principally utilizes forward exchange contracts to offset the effects of foreign exchange on exposures when it is deemed economical to do so based on a cost-benefit analysis that considers the magnitude of the exposure, the volatility of the foreign exchange rate and the cost of the hedging instrument (primarily the euro, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, and Chinese renminbi). The forward contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market through Other (income) expense, net . Accordingly, fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, except to the extent of the spot-forward differences. These differences are not significant due to the short-term nature of the contracts, which typically have average maturities at inception of less than six months. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. A sensitivity analysis to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar on foreign currency denominated derivatives, investments, and monetary assets and liabilities indicated that if the U.S. dollar uniformly weakened by 10% against all currency exposures of the Company at December 31, 2025 and 2024, Income Before Taxes would have declined by approximately $131 million and $239 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Because the Company was in a net short (payable) position relative to its major foreign currencies after consideration of forward contracts, a uniform weakening of the U.S. dollar will yield the largest overall potential net loss in earnings due to exchange. This measurement assumes that a change in one foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar would not affect other foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Although not predictive in nature, the Company believes that a 10% threshold reflects reasonably possible near-term changes in Merck’s major foreign currency exposures relative to the U.S. dollar. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company also uses forward exchange contracts to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against movements in foreign exchange rates. The forward contracts are designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation. The unrealized gains or losses on these contracts are recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment within OCI and remain in AOCL until either the sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the subsidiary. The Company excludes certain portions of the change in fair value of its derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (excluded components). Changes in fair value of the excluded components are recognized in OCI . The Company recognizes in earnings the initial value of the excluded components on a straight-line basis over the life of the derivative instrument, rather than using the mark-to-market approach. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Foreign exchange risk is also managed through the use of foreign currency debt. Certain of the Company’s senior unsecured euro-denominated notes have been designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation. Accordingly, foreign currency transaction gains or losses due to spot rate fluctuations on the euro-denominated debt instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustment within OCI . Interest Rate Risk Management The Company may use interest rate swap contracts on certain investing and borrowing transactions to manage its net exposure to interest rate changes and to reduce its overall cost of borrowing. The Company does not use leveraged swaps and, in general, does not leverage any of its investment activities that would put principal at risk. At December 31, 2025, the Company was a party to seven pay-floating, receive-fixed interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges of the fixed-rate notes as detailed in the table below. ($ in millions) 2025 Debt Instrument Par Value of Debt Number of Interest Rate Swaps Held Total Swap Notional Amount 4.50% notes due 2033 $ 1,500 6 $ 1,500 5.00% notes due 2053 1,500 1 250 The interest rate swap contracts are designated hedges of the fair value changes in the notes attributable to changes in the benchmark Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) swap rate. The fair value changes in the notes attributable to changes in the SOFR swap rate are recorded in interest expense along with the offsetting fair 69 Table of Contents value changes in the swap contracts. In February 2026, the Company entered into an additional interest rate swap with a notional amount of $250 million related to its 5.00% notes due 2053. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company’s investment portfolio includes cash equivalents and short-term investments, the market values of which are not significantly affected by changes in interest rates. The market value of the Company’s medium- to long-term fixed-rate investments is modestly affected by changes in U.S. interest rates. Changes in medium- to long-term U.S. interest rates have a more significant impact on the market value of the Company’s fixed-rate borrowings, which generally have longer maturities. A sensitivity analysis to measure potential changes in the market value of Merck’s investments and debt from a change in interest rates indicated that a one percentage point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2025 and 2024 would have positively affected the net aggregate market value of these instruments by $3.4 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. A one percentage point decrease at December 31, 2025 and 2024 would have negatively affected the net aggregate market value by $4.0 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. The fair value of Merck’s debt was determined using pricing models reflecting one percentage point shifts in the appropriate yield curves. The fair values of Merck’s investments were determined using a combination of pricing and duration models. Critical Accounting Estimates The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP and, accordingly, include certain amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Estimates are used when accounting for amounts recorded in connection with acquisitions, including initial fair value determinations of assets and liabilities in a business combination (primarily IPR&D, other intangible assets and contingent consideration), as well as subsequent fair value measurements. Additionally, estimates are used in determining such items as provisions for sales discounts, rebates and returns, depreciable and amortizable lives, recoverability of inventories (including those produced in preparation for product launches), amounts recorded for contingencies, environmental liabilities, contingent sales-based milestone payments and other reserves, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, share-based compensation assumptions, restructuring costs, impairments of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and investments, and taxes on income. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. Application of the following accounting policies result in accounting estimates having the potential for the most significant impact on the financial statements. Acquisitions and Dispositions To determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses, the Company makes certain judgments, which include assessment of the inputs, processes, and outputs associated with the acquired set of activities. If the Company determines that substantially all of the fair value of gross assets included in a transaction is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets would not represent a business. To be considered a business, the assets in a transaction need to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. The fair values of intangible assets are determined utilizing information available near the acquisition date based on expectations and assumptions that are deemed reasonable by management. Given the considerable judgment involved in determining fair values, the Company typically obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists for significant items. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are generally recognized at fair value. If fair value cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect the Company’s intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition. The judgments made in determining estimated fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, as well as asset lives, can materially affect the Company’s results of operations. The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to currently marketed products are primarily determined by using an income approach through which fair value is estimated based on each asset’s discounted projected net cash flows. The Company’s estimates of market participant net cash flows consider historical and 70 Table of Contents projected pricing, margins and expense levels; the performance of competing products where applicable; relevant industry and therapeutic area growth drivers and factors; current and expected trends in technology and product life cycles; the ability to obtain additional marketing and regulatory approvals; the ability to manufacture and commercialize the products; the extent and timing of potential new product introductions by the Company’s competitors; and the life of each asset’s underlying patent and related patent term extension, if any. The net cash flows are then probability-adjusted where appropriate to consider the uncertainties associated with the underlying assumptions, as well as the risk profile of the net cash flows utilized in the valuation. The probability-adjusted future net cash flows of each product are then discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate discount rate. The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D are also determined using an income approach, through which fair value is estimated based on each asset’s probability-adjusted future net cash flows, which reflect the different stages of development of each product and the associated probability of successful completion. The net cash flows are then discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Amounts allocated to acquired IPR&D are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each IPR&D project, Merck will make a determination as to the then-useful life of the intangible asset, generally determined by the period in which the substantial majority of the cash flows are expected to be generated, and begin amortization. Certain of the Company’s business combinations involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones, including product development milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period until the contingency is resolved, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes (either expense or income) recorded in earnings. Changes in any of the inputs may result in a significantly different fair value adjustment. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an asset acquisition rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. In an asset acquisition, acquired IPR&D with no alternative future use is charged to expense, currently marketed products are capitalized as intangible assets, and contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date. Contingent Sales-Based Milestones The terms of certain business development transactions, including collaborative arrangements, licensing agreements and asset acquisitions, require the Company to make payments contingent upon the achievement of sales-based milestones. Sales-based milestones payable by Merck are accrued and capitalized, subject to cumulative amortization catch-up, when determined by the Company to be probable of being achieved based on future sales forecasts. The amortization catch-up is calculated either from the time of the first regulatory approval for products that were unapproved at the time the transaction was completed or, for new indications of products that were approved prior to the transaction, from the time the transaction was completed. The related intangible asset that is recognized is amortized over its remaining useful life, subject to impairment testing. Revenue Recognition Recognition of revenue requires evidence of a contract, probable collection of sales proceeds and completion of substantially all performance obligations. Merck acts as the principal in substantially all of its customer arrangements and therefore records revenue on a gross basis. The majority of the Company’s contracts related to the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments have a single performance obligation - the promise to transfer goods. Shipping is considered immaterial in the context of the overall customer arrangement and damages or loss of goods in transit are rare. Therefore, shipping is not deemed a separately recognized performance obligation. The vast majority of revenues from sales of products are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which the Company has determined is when title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the Company is entitled to payment. For certain services in the Animal Health segment, revenue is recognized over time, generally ratably over the contract term as services are provided. These service revenues are not material. The nature of the Company’s business gives rise to several types of variable consideration including discounts and returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts. 71 Table of Contents In the U.S., sales discounts are issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebates. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions. Revenues are recorded net of provisions for sales discounts and returns, which are established at the time of sale. In addition, if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year, sales are recorded net of time value of money discounts, which have not been material. The U.S. provision for aggregate customer discounts covers chargebacks and rebates. Chargebacks are discounts that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The wholesaler then charges the Company back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price agreed to between Merck and the customer. The provision for chargebacks is based on expected sell-through levels by the Company’s wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. Rebates are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. The Company uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales forecasts, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision. Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. Merck remains committed to the 340B Program and to providing 340B discounts to eligible covered entities. Summarized information about changes in the aggregate customer discount accrual related to U.S. sales is as follows: ($ in millions) 2025 2024 Balance January 1 $ 2,463 $ 2,486 Current provision 10,219 13,450 Adjustments to prior years (249) (139) Payments (10,669) (13,334) Balance December 31 $ 1,764 $ 2,463 Accruals for chargebacks are reflected as a direct reduction to accounts receivable and accruals for rebates as current liabilities. The accrued balances relative to these provisions included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities were $295 million and $1.5 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2025 and were $293 million and $2.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024. Outside of the U.S., variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates are a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. In certain European countries, legislatively mandated rebates are calculated based on an estimate of the government’s total unbudgeted health care spending and the Company’s specific payback obligation. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. The Company applies an estimated factor against its actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale. The Company maintains a returns policy that allows its U.S. pharmaceutical customers to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns. Additionally, the Company considers factors such as levels of inventory in the distribution channel, product dating and expiration period, whether products have been discontinued, entrance in the market of generic or other competition, changes in formularies or launch of over-the-counter products, among others. The product returns provision for U.S. pharmaceutical sales as a percentage of U.S. net pharmaceutical sales was 0.6% in 2025, 0.8% in 2024, and 1.0% in 2023. Outside of the U.S., returns are only allowed in certain countries on a limited basis. Merck’s payment terms for U.S. pharmaceutical products are typically 35 days from receipt of invoice and for U.S. animal health products are typically 30 days from receipt of invoice; however, certain products have longer payment terms, including Keytruda , which has payment terms of 90 days. Payment terms for vaccine products in the U.S. typically range from 30 days to 60 days. Outside of the U.S., payment terms are typically 30 days to 90 days, although certain markets have longer payment terms. Through its distribution programs with U.S. wholesalers, the Company encourages wholesalers to align purchases with underlying demand and maintain inventories within certain ranges. The terms of the programs allow 72 Table of Contents the wholesalers to earn fees upon providing visibility into their inventory levels, as well as by achieving certain performance parameters such as inventory management, customer service levels, reporting of data, and providing central product distribution. Information provided through the wholesaler distribution programs includes items such as sales trends, inventory on-hand, on-order quantity and customer service level metrics. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories consist of currently marketed products, as well as certain inventories produced in preparation for product launches that are considered by the Company to be probable of obtaining regulatory approval. The Company capitalizes inventories produced in preparation for product launches sufficient to support estimated initial market demand. Capitalization of such inventory does not begin until regulatory approval is considered by the Company to be probable. The Company monitors the status of each respective product during the research and regulatory approval process. If the Company is aware of any specific risks or contingencies other than the normal regulatory approval process or if there are any specific issues identified during the research process relating to safety, efficacy, manufacturing, marketing or labeling, the related inventory would generally not be capitalized. The Company makes ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon its assumptions about future demand in relation to inventory levels and expiry dates. Expiry dates of the inventory are affected by the stage of completion. The Company manages the levels of inventory at each stage to optimize the shelf life of the inventory in relation to anticipated market demand in order to avoid product expiry issues. If future demand for the Company’s products are less favorable than forecasted, inventory write-downs may be required. Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings of a nature considered normal to its business, including product liability, intellectual property, commercial litigation and securities litigation, as well as certain additional matters, including governmental and environmental matters. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. The Company records accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessments change or additional information becomes available. Generally, for product liability claims, a portion of the overall accrual is actuarially determined and considers such factors as past experience, number of claims reported and estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported. Individually significant contingent losses are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable. Legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable. Some of the significant factors considered in the review of these legal defense reserves are as follows: the actual costs incurred by the Company; the development of the Company’s legal defense strategy and structure in light of the scope of its litigation; the number of cases being brought against the Company; the costs and outcomes of completed trials and the most current information regarding anticipated timing, progression, and related costs of pre-trial activities and trials in the associated litigation. The amount of legal defense reserves as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 of approximately $245 million and $225 million, respectively, represents the Company’s best estimate of the minimum amount of defense costs to be incurred in connection with its outstanding litigation; however, events such as additional trials and other events that could arise in the course of its litigation could affect the ultimate amount of legal defense costs to be incurred by the Company. The Company will continue to monitor its legal defense costs and review the adequacy of the associated reserves and may determine to increase the reserves at any time in the future if, based upon the factors set forth, it believes it would be appropriate to do so. The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund, and other federal and state equivalents. When a legitimate claim for contribution is asserted, a liability is initially accrued based upon the estimated transaction costs to manage the site. Accruals are adjusted as site investigations, feasibility studies and related cost assessments of remedial techniques are completed, and as the extent to which other potentially responsible parties who may be jointly and severally liable can be expected to contribute is determined. The Company is also remediating environmental contamination resulting from past industrial activity at certain of its sites and takes an active role in identifying and accruing for these costs. In the past, Merck performed a worldwide survey to assess all sites for potential contamination resulting from past industrial activities. Where assessment indicated that physical investigation was warranted, such investigation was performed, providing a better evaluation of the need for remedial action. Where such need was identified, remedial action was then initiated. As definitive information became available during the course of investigations and/or remedial efforts at each site, estimates were refined and accruals were established or adjusted accordingly. These estimates and related accruals continue to be refined annually. 73 Table of Contents The Company believes that there are no compliance issues associated with applicable environmental laws and regulations that would have a material adverse effect on the Company. Expenditures for remediation and environmental liabilities were $8 million in 2025 and are estimated to be $26 million in the aggregate for the years 2026 through 2030. In management’s opinion, the liabilities for all environmental matters that are probable and reasonably estimable have been accrued and totaled $42 million and $41 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These liabilities are undiscounted, do not consider potential recoveries from other parties and will be paid out over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites, which are expected to occur primarily over the next 15 years. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, or the ultimate costs of remediation, management does not believe that any reasonably possible expenditures that may be incurred in excess of the liabilities accrued should exceed approximately $58 million in the aggregate. Management also does not believe that these expenditures should result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity for any year. Restructuring Costs Restructuring costs have been recorded in connection with restructuring program activities. As a result, the Company has made estimates and judgments regarding its future plans, including future employee termination costs to be incurred in conjunction with involuntary separations when such separations are probable and estimable. When accruing termination costs, the Company will recognize the amount within a range of costs that is the best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company recognizes the minimum amount within the range. In connection with these actions, management also assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets employed in the business. In certain instances, asset lives have been shortened based on changes in the expected useful lives of the affected assets. Severance and employee-related costs, as well as other costs, such as facility shut-down costs, are reflected within Restructuring costs . Asset-related charges are reflected within Cost of sales , Selling, general and administrative expenses and Research and development expenses depending upon the nature of the asset. Impairments of Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses changes in economic, regulatory and legal conditions and makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows in evaluating the value of the Company’s property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of its long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the asset’s fair value and its carrying value. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company will estimate fair value using a discounted value of estimated future cash flows approach. Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and evaluated for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Some of the factors considered in the assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, conditions specific to the industry and market, cost factors which could have a significant effect on earnings or cash flows, the overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and whether there have been sustained declines in the Company’s share price. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If the carrying value of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill). Other acquired intangible assets (excluding IPR&D) are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. When events or circumstances warrant a review, the Company will assess recoverability from future operations using pretax undiscounted cash flows derived from the lowest appropriate asset groupings. Impairments are recognized in operating results to the extent that the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. IPR&D that the Company acquires in conjunction with a business combination represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. The amounts are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. The Company evaluates IPR&D for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist (such as unfavorable clinical trial data, changes in the commercial landscape or delays in the clinical development program and related regulatory filing and approval timelines), by performing a 74 Table of Contents quantitative test that compares the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset with its carrying value. For impairment testing purposes, the Company may combine separately recorded IPR&D intangible assets into one unit of account based on the relevant facts and circumstances. Generally, the Company will combine IPR&D intangible assets for testing purposes if they operate as a single asset and are essentially inseparable. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results. The judgments made in evaluating impairment of long-lived intangibles can materially affect the Company’s results of operations. Taxes on Income The Company’s effective tax rate is based on pretax income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. An estimated effective tax rate for a year is applied to the Company’s quarterly operating results. In the event that there is a significant unusual or one-time item recognized, or expected to be recognized, in the Company’s quarterly operating results, the tax attributable to that item would be separately calculated and recorded at the same time as the unusual or one-time item. The Company considers the resolution of prior year tax matters to be such items. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s tax provision and in evaluating its tax positions. The recognition and measurement of a tax position is based on management’s best judgment given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. The Company evaluates tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements. If the more likely than not threshold is not met in the period for which a tax position is taken, the Company may subsequently recognize the benefit of that tax position if the tax matter is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires, or if the more likely than not threshold is met in a subsequent period. Tax regulations require items to be included in the tax return at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. Timing differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in the tax return in future years for which the Company has already recorded the tax benefit in the financial statements. The Company establishes valuation allowances for its deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the financial statements for which payment has been deferred or expense for which the Company has already taken a deduction on the tax return, but has not yet recognized as expense in the financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results This report and other written reports and oral statements made from time to time by the Company may contain so-called “forward-looking statements,” all of which are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. One can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “will,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “projects” and other words of similar meaning, or negative variations of any of the foregoing. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address the Company’s growth strategy, financial results, product approvals, product potential, or development programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. One should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors, including risk factors, described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially on this Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q and 8-K. In Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this annual report on Form 10-K the Company discusses in more detail various important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. The Company notes these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One should understand that it is not possible to 75 Table of Contents predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, the reader should not consider any such list to be a complete statement of all potential risks or uncertainties. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the discussion under “Financial Instruments Market Risk Disclosures” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 76 Table of Contents Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. (a) Financial Statements The consolidated balance sheet of Merck & Co., Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income (loss), of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, the notes to consolidated financial statements, and the report dated February 24, 2026 of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, are as follows: Consolidated Statement of Income Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended December 31 ($ in millions except per share amounts) 2025 2024 2023 Sales $ 65,011 $ 64,168 $ 60,115 Costs, Expenses and Other Cost of sales 16,382 15,193 16,126 Selling, general and administrative 10,733 10,816 10,504 Research and development 15,789 17,938 30,531 Restructuring costs 889 309 599 Other (income) expense, net 151 ( 24 ) 466 43,944 44,232 58,226 Income Before Taxes 21,067 19,936 1,889 Taxes on Income 2,804 2,803 1,512 Net Income 18,263 17,133 377 Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 9 16 12 Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 18,254 $ 17,117 $ 365 Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders $ 7.30 $ 6.76 $ 0.14 Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders $ 7.28 $ 6.74 $ 0.14 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 18,254 $ 17,117 $ 365 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Taxes: Net unrealized (loss) income on derivatives, net of reclassifications ( 347 ) 266 ( 97 ) Benefit plan net gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost), net of amortization 828 466 ( 385 ) Cumulative translation adjustment 177 ( 516 ) 89 658 216 ( 393 ) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 18,912 $ 17,333 $ ( 28 ) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 77 Table of Contents Consolidated Balance Sheet Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries December 31 ($ in millions except per share amounts) 2025 2024 Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,565 $ 13,242 Short-term investments — 447 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 97 in 2025 and $ 89 in 2024) 11,775 10,278 Inventories (excludes inventories of $ 5,681 in 2025 and $ 4,193 in 2024 classified in Other assets - see Note 7) 6,658 6,109 Other current assets 10,518 8,706 Total current assets 43,516 38,782 Investments 956 463 Property, Plant and Equipment (at cost) Land 321 307 Buildings 17,983 16,360 Machinery, equipment and office furnishings 19,760 18,283 Construction in progress 9,166 7,984 47,230 42,934 Less: accumulated depreciation 21,914 19,155 25,316 23,779 Goodwill 21,579 21,668 Other Intangibles, Net 26,681 16,370 Other Assets 18,818 16,044 $ 136,866 $ 117,106 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt $ 2,589 $ 2,649 Trade accounts payable 4,404 4,079 Accrued and other current liabilities 14,468 15,694 Income taxes payable 4,726 3,914 Dividends payable 2,140 2,084 Total current liabilities 28,327 28,420 Long-Term Debt 46,750 34,462 Deferred Income Taxes 1,439 1,387 Other Noncurrent Liabilities 7,688 6,465 Merck & Co., Inc. Stockholders’ Equity Common stock, $ 0.50 par value Authorized - 6,500,000,000 shares Issued - 3,577,103,522 shares in 2025 and 2024 1,788 1,788 Other paid-in capital 45,029 44,704 Retained earnings 73,075 63,069 Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( 4,287 ) ( 4,945 ) 115,605 104,616 Less treasury stock, at cost: 1,102,476,756 shares in 2025 and 1,049,466,187 shares in 2024 62,999 58,303 Total Merck & Co., Inc. stockholders’ equity 52,606 46,313 Noncontrolling Interests 56 59 Total equity 52,662 46,372 $ 136,866 $ 117,106 The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement. 78 Table of Contents Consolidated Statement of Equity Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended December 31 ($ in millions except per share amounts) Common Stock Other Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Treasury Stock Non- controlling Interests Total Balance January 1, 2023 $ 1,788 $ 44,379 $ 61,081 $ ( 4,768 ) $ ( 56,489 ) $ 67 $ 46,058 Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. — — 365 — — — 365 Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes — — — ( 393 ) — — ( 393 ) Cash dividends declared on common stock ($ 2.96 per share) — — ( 7,551 ) — — — ( 7,551 ) Treasury stock shares purchased — — — — ( 1,346 ) — ( 1,346 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 12 12 Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — ( 25 ) ( 25 ) Share-based compensation plans and other — 130 — — 385 — 515 Balance December 31, 2023 1,788 44,509 53,895 ( 5,161 ) ( 57,450 ) 54 37,635 Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. — — 17,117 — — — 17,117 Other comprehensive income, net of taxes — — — 216 — — 216 Cash dividends declared on common stock ($ 3.12 per share) — — ( 7,943 ) — — — ( 7,943 ) Treasury stock shares purchased — — — — ( 1,306 ) — ( 1,306 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 16 16 Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — ( 12 ) ( 12 ) Share-based compensation plans and other — 195 — — 453 1 649 Balance December 31, 2024 1,788 44,704 63,069 ( 4,945 ) ( 58,303 ) 59 46,372 Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. — — 18,254 — — — 18,254 Other comprehensive income, net of taxes — — — 658 — — 658 Cash dividends declared on common stock ($ 3.28 per share) — — ( 8,248 ) — — — ( 8,248 ) Treasury stock shares purchased — — — — ( 5,084 ) — ( 5,084 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 9 9 Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — ( 12 ) ( 12 ) Share-based compensation plans and other — 325 — — 388 — 713 Balance December 31, 2025 $ 1,788 $ 45,029 $ 73,075 $ ( 4,287 ) $ ( 62,999 ) $ 56 $ 52,662 The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement. 79 Table of Contents Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2023 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income $ 18,263 $ 17,133 $ 377 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization 2,793 2,395 2,044 Depreciation 3,045 2,104 1,828 Intangible asset impairment charges 55 39 792 Income from investments in equity securities, net ( 368 ) ( 14 ) ( 340 ) Charges for certain research and development asset acquisitions — 3,456 11,409 Deferred income taxes ( 1,671 ) ( 1,249 ) ( 1,899 ) Share-based compensation 820 761 645 Other 511 510 355 Net changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable ( 1,090 ) ( 244 ) ( 1,148 ) Inventories ( 1,180 ) ( 835 ) ( 816 ) Trade accounts payable 110 182 ( 380 ) Accrued and other current liabilities ( 1,841 ) ( 2,328 ) 1,783 Income taxes payable 137 1,023 214 Noncurrent liabilities 195 ( 49 ) 456 Other ( 3,307 ) ( 1,416 ) ( 2,314 ) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 16,472 21,468 13,006 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Capital expenditures ( 4,112 ) ( 3,372 ) ( 3,863 ) Purchases of securities and other investments ( 1,207 ) ( 519 ) ( 955 ) Proceeds from sales of securities and other investments 1,678 377 1,658 Proceeds from sale of Seagen Inc. common stock — — 1,145 Acquisition of Verona Pharma plc, net of cash acquired ( 10,042 ) — — Acquisition of Eyebiotech Limited, net of cash acquired — ( 1,344 ) — Acquisition of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated aqua business — ( 1,303 ) — Acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc., net of cash acquired — ( 746 ) — Acquisition of MK-1045 from Curon Pharmaceutical — ( 700 ) — Acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences, Inc., net of cash acquired — — ( 10,705 ) Acquisition of Imago BioSciences Inc., net of cash acquired — — ( 1,327 ) Other ( 58 ) ( 127 ) ( 36 ) Net Cash Used in Investing Activities ( 13,741 ) ( 7,734 ) ( 14,083 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Payments on debt ( 2,503 ) ( 1,290 ) ( 1,755 ) Proceeds from issuance of debt 13,880 3,599 5,939 Purchases of treasury stock ( 5,084 ) ( 1,306 ) ( 1,346 ) Dividends paid to stockholders ( 8,176 ) ( 7,840 ) ( 7,445 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 92 177 125 Other ( 131 ) ( 372 ) ( 328 ) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities ( 1,922 ) ( 7,032 ) ( 4,810 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 563 ( 293 ) 23 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 1,372 6,409 ( 5,864 ) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year (includes $ 76 , $ 68 and $ 79 of restricted cash at January 1, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, included in Other current assets ) 13,318 6,909 12,773 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year (includes $ 125 , $ 76 and $ 68 of restricted cash at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, included in Other current assets ) $ 14,690 $ 13,318 $ 6,909 The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement. 80 Table of Contents Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Merck & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries ($ in millions except per share amounts) 1. Nature of Operations Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck or the Company) is a global health care company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. The Company’s operations are principally managed on a product basis and include two operating segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health, both of which are reportable segments. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. The Company sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major livestock and companion animal species. The Company also offers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. The Company sells its products to veterinarians, distributors, animal producers, farmers and pet owners. 2. Summary of Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, by majority exposure to expected losses, residual returns or both. For those consolidated subsidiaries where Merck ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders’ interests are shown as Noncontrolling Interests in equity. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest, such as interests in entities owned equally by the Company and a third party that are under shared control, are carried on the equity method basis. Acquisitions — In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are generally recognized at fair value. If fair value cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect the Company’s intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an asset acquisition rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. In an asset acquisition, acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) with no alternative future use is charged to expense, currently marketed products are capitalized as intangible assets, and contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date. Foreign Currency Translation — The net assets of international subsidiaries where the local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates and results of operations are translated at average exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and remain in Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( AOCL ) until either the sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the subsidiary. For those subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary economies and for those subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar has been determined to be the functional currency, non-monetary foreign currency 81 Table of Contents assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates, while monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates, with the U.S. dollar effects of rate changes included in Other (income) expense, net . Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents consist of certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months. Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of a substantial majority of U.S. human health inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for both financial reporting and tax purposes. The cost of all other inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of currently marketed products, as well as certain inventories produced in preparation for product launches that are considered by the Company to be probable of obtaining regulatory approval. In evaluating the recoverability of inventories produced in preparation for product launches, the Company considers the likelihood that revenue will be obtained from the future sale of the related inventory together with the status of the product during the research and regulatory approval process. Investments — Investments in marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value. Fair values of the Company’s investments in marketable debt securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or quoted prices for similar assets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value that are not impairment related are reported net of taxes in OCI . The Company considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairments of its investments in marketable debt securities, including the extent to which fair value is less than cost, whether an allowance for credit loss is required, as well as adverse factors that could affect the value of the securities. An impairment has occurred if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the marketable debt security. If the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security, and it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the amount of the impairment recognized in earnings, recorded in Other (income) expense, net , is limited to the portion attributed to credit loss. The remaining portion of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in OCI . Realized gains and losses for debt securities are included in Other (income) expense, net . Investments in publicly traded equity securities are reported at fair value as determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or quoted prices for similar assets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Changes in fair value are included in Other (income) expense, net . Unrealized gains and losses from investments that are directly owned are determined at the end of the reporting period. Gains and losses from ownership interests in investment funds, which are accounted for as equity method investments, are reported on a one quarter lag. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost, plus or minus subsequent observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments, minus impairments. Such adjustments are recognized in Other (income) expense, net . Realized gains and losses for equity securities are included in Other (income) expense, net . Revenue Recognition — Recognition of revenue requires evidence of a contract, probable collection of sales proceeds and completion of substantially all performance obligations. Merck acts as the principal in substantially all of its customer arrangements and therefore records revenue on a gross basis. The majority of the Company’s contracts related to the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments have a single performance obligation - the promise to transfer goods. Shipping is considered immaterial in the context of the overall customer arrangement and damages or loss of goods in transit are rare. Therefore, shipping is not deemed a separately recognized performance obligation. The vast majority of revenues from sales of products are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which the Company has determined is when title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the Company is entitled to payment. The Company recognizes revenue from the sales of vaccines to the U.S. federal government for placement into vaccine stockpiles in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Interpretation, Commission Guidance Regarding Accounting for Sales of Vaccines and BioTerror Countermeasures to the Federal Government for Placement into the Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile or the Strategic National Stockpile . This interpretation allows companies to recognize revenue for sales of vaccines into U.S. government stockpiles even though these sales might not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under other accounting guidance. For certain services in the Animal Health segment, revenue is recognized over time, generally ratably over the contract term as services are provided. These service revenues are not material. The nature of the Company’s business gives rise to several types of variable consideration including discounts and returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts. 82 Table of Contents In the U.S., sales discounts are issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebates. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions. Revenues are recorded net of provisions for sales discounts and returns, which are established at the time of sale. In addition, if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year, sales are recorded net of time value of money discounts, which have not been material. The U.S. provision for aggregate customer discounts covering chargebacks and rebates was $ 10.0 billion in 2025, $ 13.3 billion in 2024 and $ 12.5 billion in 2023. Chargebacks are discounts that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The wholesaler then charges the Company back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price agreed to between Merck and the customer. The provision for chargebacks is based on expected sell-through levels by the Company’s wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. Rebates are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. The Company uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales forecasts, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision. Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. The accrued balances relative to the provisions for chargebacks and rebates included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities were $ 295 million and $ 1.5 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2025 and were $ 293 million and $ 2.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024. Outside of the U.S., variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates are a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. In certain European countries, legislatively mandated rebates are calculated based on an estimate of the government’s total unbudgeted health care spending and the Company’s specific payback obligation. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. The Company applies an estimated factor against its actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale. The Company maintains a returns policy that allows its U.S. pharmaceutical customers to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns. Additionally, the Company considers factors such as levels of inventory in the distribution channel, product dating and expiration period, whether products have been discontinued, entrance in the market of generic or other competition, changes in formularies or launch of over-the-counter products, among others. Outside of the U.S., returns are only allowed in certain countries on a limited basis. Merck’s payment terms for U.S. pharmaceutical products are typically 35 days from receipt of invoice and for U.S. animal health products are typically 30 days from receipt of invoice; however, certain products have longer payment terms, including Keytruda ( pembrolizumab ) , which has payment terms of 90 days. Payment terms for vaccine products in the U.S. typically range from 30 days to 60 days. Outside of the U.S., payment terms are typically 30 days to 90 days, although certain markets have longer payment terms. See Note 18 for disaggregated revenue disclosures. Depreciation — Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, principally using the straight-line method. For tax purposes, accelerated tax methods are used. The estimated useful lives primarily range from 25 to 45 years for Buildings , and from 3 to 15 years for Machinery, equipment and office furnishings . Depreciation expense was $ 3.0 billion in 2025, $ 2.1 billion in 2024 and $ 1.8 billion in 2023. Advertising and Promotion Costs — Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recorded advertising and promotion expenses of $ 2.3 billion in 2025, $ 2.4 billion in 2024 and $ 2.3 billion in 2023. Software Capitalization — The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with obtaining or developing internal-use software including external direct costs of material and services, and payroll costs for employees directly involved with the software development. These costs are included in Property, plant and equipment . The Company also capitalizes certain costs incurred to implement cloud computing arrangements, which 83 Table of Contents are considered service agreements. These costs are included in Other Assets . Capitalized software costs are being amortized over periods ranging from 2 to 10 years (which include contract renewal periods for cloud computing arrangements that are reasonably certain to occur), with the longer lives generally associated with enterprise-wide projects implemented over multiple years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage, as well as maintenance and training costs, are expensed as incurred. Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and evaluated for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If the carrying value of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill). Acquired Intangibles — Intangibles acquired in business combinations and asset acquisitions include product rights, trade names and patents, licenses and other, which are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 24 years. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of its acquired intangibles may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the carrying value of the intangible asset and its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. Acquired In-Process Research and Development — IPR&D that the Company acquires in conjunction with a business combination represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. The amounts are capitalized and are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each IPR&D project, Merck will make a determination as to the then-useful life of the intangible asset, generally determined by the period in which the substantial majority of the cash flows are expected to be generated, and begin amortization. The Company evaluates IPR&D for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by performing a quantitative test that compares the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset with its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results. Contingent Consideration for Business Combinations — Certain of the Company’s acquisitions involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones, including product development milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. If the transaction is accounted for as a business combination, the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period until the contingency is resolved, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes (either expense or income) recorded in earnings. Significant events that increase or decrease the probability of achieving development and regulatory milestones or that increase or decrease projected cash flows will result in corresponding increases or decreases in the fair values of the related contingent consideration obligations. Research and Development — Research and development is expensed as incurred. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. Research and development expenses include restructuring costs and IPR&D impairment charges. In addition, research and development expenses include expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration associated with IPR&D assets. Research and development expenses also include upfront and milestone payments related to asset acquisitions and licensing transactions involving clinical development programs that have not yet received regulatory approval. Collaborative Arrangements — Merck has entered into collaborative arrangements that provide the Company with varying rights to develop, produce and market products together with its collaborative partners. When Merck is the principal on sales transactions with third parties, the Company recognizes sales, cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses on a gross basis. Profit sharing amounts it pays to its collaborative partners are recorded within Cost of sales . When the collaborative partner is the principal on sales transactions with 84 Table of Contents third parties, the