Vanguard Capital Management LLC Reports 7.53% Stake in Merck & Co Inc (MRK)

On April 30, 2026, Vanguard Capital Management LLC filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC, reporting a significant new ownership stake in Merck & Co Inc (MRK). As of the event date on March 31, 2026, Vanguard disclosed beneficial ownership of 186,323,766 shares of common stock, representing a 7.53% stake in the pharmaceutical giant. The filing indicates that Vanguard holds sole dispositive power over the entire 186,323,766 shares, while maintaining sole voting power over 25,336,142 shares. This position reflects an increase from a previous 0% holding, establishing Vanguard as a major institutional investor in the company. The shares were acquired in the ordinary course of business, with Vanguard certifying that the acquisition was not intended to influence or change the control of the issuer. The reported holdings include securities managed by various Vanguard affiliates, including Vanguard Asset Management Limited and Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company.