In Truly Immaterial Merck News, CEO Davis Has Reduced His Direct Merck Holdings By 12%, But Still Owns Over $42 Million Worth Of Stock (~340,000 Shares)

Y A W N.

I saw some (likely bot-generated) stories that several Merck executives (including Mr. Davis) have exercised options, and sold some shares -- to pay taxes on the exercise. This is to be expected. Cashless exercises are a smart strategy.

Even so, Mr. Davis did sell more shares, in the open NYSE market, beyond just his looming tax obligation. What he sold, however. . . amounts to only about a 12 per cent decrease in his outright holdings. [OTOH, he still has vast numbers of only partially vested, and unvested options and restricted stock to come.]

His direct holdings are still over 340,000 shares, post the sales -- which represents around $42 million at risk. So, yes -- I think he remains. . . keenly focused on improving Merck's value -- for all shareholders. Now you know.

A non-story.

नमस्ते