Equity
Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Under Stock Plans
Merck & Co. Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Under Stock Plans decreased by 12.0% to 66M in Q4 2025 compared to the prior quarter. Year-over-year, this metric declined by 12.0%, from 75M to 66M. Over 5 years (FY 2020 to FY 2025), Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Under Stock Plans shows a downward trend with a -8.0% CAGR. This is a positive signal — lower values indicate better performance for this metric.
Analysis
StatementBalance Sheet Statement
SectionEquity
CategoryCapital Allocation
SignalLower is better
VolatilityModerate
First reportedQ4 2015
Last reportedQ4 2025Feb 24, 2026
How to read this metric
A high number indicates significant potential for future dilution, which may negatively impact earnings per share.
Detailed definition
This represents the number of common shares set aside to satisfy future obligations under employee stock option plans, r...
Peer comparison
Common in companies that rely heavily on equity-based compensation to attract and retain talent.
Metric ID:
shares_reserved_for_stock_plansHistorical Data
5 periods
| Q4 '21 | Q4 '22 | Q4 '23 | Q4 '24 | Q4 '25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 93M | 87M | 81M | 75M | 66M |
| QoQ Change | — | -6.5% | -6.9% | -7.4% | -12.0% |
| YoY Change | — | -6.5% | -6.9% | -7.4% | -12.0% |
Range66M – 93M
CAGR-29.0%
Avg YoY Growth-8.2%
Median YoY Growth-7.2%
Current Streak4+ quarters decline
Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Under Stock Plans at Other Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Merck & Co.'s shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans?
- Merck & Co. (MRK) reported shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans of 66M in Q4 2025.
- How has Merck & Co.'s shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans changed year-over-year?
- Merck & Co.'s shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans decreased by 12.0% year-over-year, from 75M to 66M.
- What is the long-term trend for Merck & Co.'s shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans?
- Over 5 years (2020 to 2025), Merck & Co.'s shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans has grown at a -8.0% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), from 100M to 66M.
- What does shares reserved for future issuance under stock plans mean?
- The number of shares set aside for future employee stock awards.