MRK · 8-K · 20260804PR090045

Headcount / Restructuring

Merck & Co., Inc. · 2026-08-04 · Importance 53 · Surprise 82 · From source text

GAAP restructuring costs were $151 million in the second quarter of 2026, down 73% from $560 million in the second quarter of 2025. First-half 2026 restructuring costs were $346 million, a 45% decrease from $629 million in the prior-year period. The restructuring amounts primarily included employee separation costs, accelerated depreciation, facility asset impairment charges and contractual termination costs. The release did not quantify restructuring-related headcount reductions or identify specific facilities being closed or divested.

Key facts

Impact estimates

metricdirectionstageexpectedbasis
operating_incomepositiverealized+2.5%Second-quarter restructuring costs were $151 million in Q2 2026 compared with $560 million in Q2 2025 (down 73%)