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Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Equity Equity
The Merck certificate of incorporation authorizes 6,500,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

Capital Stock
A summary of common stock and treasury stock transactions (shares in millions) is as follows:
 202120202019
  
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Balance January 13,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 3,577 985 
Purchases of treasury stock 11 — 16 — 66 
Issuances (1)
 (9)— (7)— (13)
Balance December 313,577 1,049 3,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 
(1)     Issuances primarily reflect activity under share-based compensation plans.