Baxter International Inc.

One Baxter Parkway

Deerfield, Illinois 60015

 

 

March   , 2011

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

You are invited to attend Baxter’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, at our corporate headquarters located at One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and refreshments will be served.

 

Details of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are included in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please review the information on attendance provided on page 59 of the Proxy Statement.

 

In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, Baxter has elected to deliver its proxy materials over the Internet to most shareholders, which allows shareholders to receive information on a more timely basis, while lowering the company’s printing and mailing costs and reducing the environmental impact of the Annual Meeting.

 

Whether or not you plan to attend in person, your vote is important and you are encouraged to vote promptly. You may vote your shares by Internet or by telephone. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may sign, date and return the proxy card in the enclosed envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Robert L. Parkinson, Jr.

Chairman of the Board

and Chief Executive Officer

Baxter International Inc.

One Baxter Parkway

Deerfield, Illinois 60015

 

 

March   , 2011

 

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

The 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Baxter International Inc. will be held at our corporate headquarters located at One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, for the following purposes:

 

 

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 and THREE YEARS with respect to Item 4. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2011 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Stephanie A. Shinn

Corporate Secretary

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2011

 

This Proxy Statement relating to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 are available at http://materials.proxyvote.com/071813.

 

Proxy Statement

 

The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. On or about March   , 2011, Baxter began mailing to shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials providing instructions on how to access proxy materials via the Internet and how to vote online (www.proxyvote.com). Shareholders who did not receive the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials as a result of a previous election will receive a paper or electronic copy of the proxy materials, which Baxter also began sending on or about March   , 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or set of proxy materials, or if you wish to receive separate copies of future Notices, annual reports and proxy statements, please call 1-800-542-1061 or write to: Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. The company will deliver the requested documents to you promptly upon your request.

 

Any shareholders of record who share the same address and currently receive multiple copies of proxy materials who wish to receive only one copy of these materials per household in the future may contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at the address or telephone number listed above. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, please contact your broker, bank, or other nominee to request information about householding.

 

 

If you elect electronic delivery, the company will discontinue mailing the proxy materials to you beginning next year and will send you an e-mail message notifying you of the Internet address or addresses where you may access next year’s proxy materials and vote your shares. You may discontinue electronic delivery at any time.

 

 

Proposal 1 — Election of Directors

 

Baxter’s Board of Directors currently consists of thirteen members and is divided into three classes. The directors in each class serve three-year terms. The Board has nominated four of the current directors of Baxter whose terms expire at the 2011 Annual Meeting for re-election as directors. Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D., has not been nominated for re-election as he has reached retirement age and is no longer eligible to serve as a director pursuant to the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. If amendments to Baxter’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminating the classified board structure are approved by the requisite vote of shareholders, directors, including those elected at the 2011 Annual Meeting, will be elected for one-year terms.

 

Baxter’s Bylaws require each director to be elected by the majority of the votes cast with respect to such director in uncontested elections; that is, the number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed 50% of the number of votes cast with respect to that director. Abstentions will not be considered votes cast. In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors will be a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. If a nominee who is serving as a director is not elected at an annual meeting, under Delaware law the director would continue to serve on the Board as a “holdover director.” However, under Baxter’s Bylaws, any incumbent director who fails to be elected must offer his or her resignation to the Board. The Corporate Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board would act on the Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who offers his or her resignation would not participate in the Board’s decision.

 

All of the nominees have indicated their willingness to serve if elected, but if any should be unable or unwilling to stand for election, proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors. No nominations for directors were received from shareholders, and no other candidates are eligible for election as directors at the 2011 Annual Meeting. Unless proxy cards are otherwise marked, the individuals named as proxies intend to vote the shares represented by proxy in favor of all of the Board’s nominees.

 

Set forth below is information concerning the nominees for election as well as the current directors in each class continuing after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees.

 

Nominees for Election as Directors (Term Expires 2014)

 

Directors Continuing in Office (Term Expires 2012)

 

Directors Continuing in Office (Term Expires 2013)

 

Board of Directors

 

Baxter’s Board of Directors currently consists of thirteen members. The Board has determined that each of the following twelve current directors satisfies Baxter’s independence standards and the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards for independence: Walter E. Boomer, Blake E. Devitt, John D. Forsyth, Gail D. Fosler, James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D., Peter S. Hellman, Wayne T. Hockmeyer, Ph.D., Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D., Carole J. Shapazian, Thomas T. Stallkamp, K. J. Storm and Albert P.L. Stroucken. Please refer to the section entitled “Corporate Governance — Director Independence” on page 9 of this Proxy Statement for a discussion of Baxter’s independence standards.

 

During 2010, the Board held 9 meetings. All directors attended 93% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and Board committees on which they served. Average attendance was approximately 98%. In accordance with Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which express the company’s expectation that directors attend the annual meeting of shareholders, all of the company’s directors attended the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 4, 2010.

 

Committees of the Board

 

The standing committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance Committee, Finance Committee, Public Policy Committee and Science and Technology Committee. Each committee consists solely of independent directors and is governed by a written charter. All required committee charters are available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under “About Baxter — Corporate Governance — Board of Directors — Committees of the Board.”

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee is currently composed of Blake E. Devitt (Chair), Gail D. Fosler, Thomas T. Stallkamp, K. J. Storm and Albert P.L. Stroucken, each of whom is independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has determined that Messrs. Devitt, Stallkamp, Storm and Stroucken each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee is primarily concerned with the integrity of Baxter’s financial statements, system of internal accounting controls, the internal and external audit process, and the process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. Its duties include: (1) reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting with management and the independent and internal auditors, and reviewing with management Baxter’s disclosure controls and procedures; (2) retaining and evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm; (3) approving audit and permissible non-audit engagements to be undertaken by the independent registered public accounting firm; (4) reviewing the scope of the annual internal and external audits; (5) reviewing and discussing earnings press releases prior to their release; (6) holding separate executive sessions with the independent registered public accounting firm, the internal auditor and management; and (7) discussing guidelines and policies governing the process by which Baxter assesses and manages risk. The Audit Committee met 13 times in 2010. The Audit Committee Report appears on page 41.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee is currently composed of John D. Forsyth (Chair), Walter E. Boomer, Peter S. Hellman, Carole J. Shapazian and Thomas T. Stallkamp, each of whom is independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Compensation Committee exercises the authority of the Board relating to employee benefit plans and is responsible for the oversight of compensation generally. The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to subcommittees when appropriate. While the Committee has delegated its authority with respect to day-to-day plan administration and interpretation issues and certain off-cycle equity grants, no authority for the compensation of executive officers or directors has been delegated by the Committee. The Committee’s duties include: (1) making recommendations for consideration by the Board, in executive session, concerning the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer; (2) determining the compensation of executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) and advising the Board of such determination; (3) making recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and exercising the authority of the Board concerning benefit plans; (4) serving as the administration committee of the company’s equity plans; and (5) making recommendations to the Board concerning director compensation. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees work together to establish a link between Mr. Parkinson’s performance and decisions regarding his compensation. All compensation actions relating to Mr. Parkinson are subject to the approval of the independent directors of the Board. The Compensation Committee met 5 times in 2010. The Compensation Committee Report appears on page 23.

 

The Compensation Committee has directly engaged George B. Paulin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., as its compensation consultant. Additionally, Aon Hewitt assists the Committee with the compilation of market data from time to time. Mr. Paulin reports directly and exclusively to the Committee and his firm provides no other services to Baxter except advising on executive and Board compensation matters. He provides analyses and recommendations that inform the Committee’s decisions, but he does not decide or approve any compensation actions. During 2010, he advised the Committee Chairman on setting agenda items for Committee meetings; reviewed management proposals presented to the Committee; evaluated market data compiled by Aon Hewitt; performed an executive compensation risk assessment and a review of the overall effectiveness of the executive officer compensation program; assisted in Baxter’s risk assessment review of its material compensation policies and practices; and conducted a review of the structure and level of compensation for non-employee directors.

 

Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Corporate Governance Committee is currently composed of James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D. (Chair), Blake E. Devitt, John D. Forsyth and Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D., each of whom is independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Corporate Governance Committee assists and advises the Board on director nominations, corporate governance and general Board organization and planning matters. Its duties include: (1) developing criteria, subject to approval by the Board, for use in evaluating and selecting candidates for election or re-election to the Board and assisting the Board in identifying and attracting qualified director candidates; (2) selecting and recommending that the Board approve the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders and recommending persons to fill any vacancy on the Board; (3) determining Board committee structure and membership; (4) reviewing at least annually the adequacy of Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines; (5) overseeing the succession planning process for management, including the Chief Executive Officer; (6) developing and implementing an annual process for evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer; and (7) developing and implementing an annual process for evaluating Board and committee performance. The Corporate Governance Committee met 4 times in 2010.

 

Finance Committee

 

The Finance Committee is currently composed of K. J. Storm (Chair), Gail D. Fosler, Peter S. Hellman, Wayne T. Hockmeyer, Ph.D. and Albert P.L. Stroucken. The Finance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in connection with the company’s financial affairs. The Finance Committee reviews and, subject to the limits specified in its charter, approves or makes recommendations or reports to the Board regarding: (1) proposed financing transactions, capital expenditures, acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions;

(2) dividends; (3) results of the management of pension assets; and (4) risk management relating to the company’s hedging activities, use of derivative instruments and insurance coverage. The Finance Committee met 6 times in 2010.

 

Public Policy Committee

 

The Public Policy Committee is currently composed of Wayne T. Hockmeyer, Ph.D. (Chair), Walter E. Boomer, James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D., Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D. and Carole J. Shapazian. The Public Policy Committee is primarily concerned with the review of the policies and practices of Baxter to ensure that they are consistent with Baxter’s social responsibility to act with integrity as a global corporate citizen to employees, customers and society. The Committee’s duties include: (1) addressing the company’s responsibilities with respect to the health and safety of employees, consumers and the environment; (2) overseeing, reviewing and making recommendations to the Corporate Responsibility Office as set forth in the company’s Code of Conduct; (3) reviewing and making recommendations regarding Baxter’s Quality and Regulatory programs and performance; and (4) reviewing and making recommendations on the company’s Government Affairs Program, including the company’s political contributions and positions with respect to pending legislative and other initiatives, and political advocacy activities. The Public Policy Committee met 4 times in 2010.

 

Science and Technology Committee

 

The Science and Technology Committee is currently composed of Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D. (Chair), James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D., Wayne T. Hockmeyer, Ph.D. and Carole J. Shapazian. The Science and Technology Committee was formed in May 2009 to review and assist in the oversight of Baxter’s long-term research and development (“R&D”) strategies and objectives, R&D pipeline and technology platforms. The Committee is also responsible for identifying and discussing significant emerging issues and trends in science and technology applicable to the company’s business. The Science and Technology Committee met for 3 extended sessions in 2010.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Director Independence

 

To be considered independent, the Board must affirmatively determine that a director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with Baxter (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Baxter). Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines require that the Board be composed of a majority of directors who meet the criteria for “independence” established by rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

In making its independence determinations, the Board considers transactions, relationships and arrangements between Baxter and entities with which directors are associated as executive officers, directors and trustees. When these transactions, relationships and arrangements exist, they are in the ordinary course of business and are of a type customary for a global diversified company such as Baxter. More specifically, with respect to fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the Board evaluated for Mr. Stroucken the annual amount of purchases by Baxter from Owens-Illinois, Inc. and determined that the amount of purchases in each such fiscal year was below two percent of the consolidated gross revenues of Owen-Illinois during each such fiscal year. With respect each of the three most recent fiscal years, the Board evaluated for Dr. Gavin the annual amount of payments to Emory University and determined that the amount of payments in each such fiscal year was below two percent of the consolidated gross revenues of Emory University.

 

Director Qualifications

 

As discussed below in “— Nomination of Directors,” directors are selected on the basis of the specific criteria set forth in Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The experience, expertise and knowledge represented by the Board of Directors as a collective body allows the Board to lead Baxter in a manner that serves its shareholders’ interests appropriately. Set forth below is a discussion of the key qualifications for each of the directors.

 

General Boomer — Superior leadership skills as a result of his 34 years of service in the United States Marine Corps as well as significant financial and business experience gained as President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Corporation and through his roles at McDermott International, Inc. and Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group

 

Mr. Devitt — Significant accounting expertise and knowledge of the healthcare industry through his 33-year career at Ernst & Young, including his service as Director of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry Practice

 

Mr. Forsyth — Extensive experience in the healthcare industry as well as an understanding of the challenges associated with leading and operating within large, complex organizations as current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and given his 25 years of management experience at the University of Michigan Health System

 

Ms. Fosler — Substantial experience with respect to corporate best practices as well as significant global economic expertise, with an emphasis on emerging markets, especially China, as a result of her more than 20-year leadership career at The Conference Board and her other public-company board service

 

Dr. Gavin — Extensive medical and scientific expertise and knowledge of the healthcare industry as a result of the positions he has held at Emory University, the Morehouse School of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute as well as leadership experience given his service as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Healing Our Village, Inc.

 

Mr. Hellman — Significant financial and operational expertise and experience leading complex, multi-faceted corporations with a considerable global presence as a result of the various senior positions held at Nordson Corporation and TRW Inc. as well as extensive experience serving on public-company boards

 

Dr. Hockmeyer — Substantial experience developing and running a significant healthcare company as founder and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MedImmune and significant scientific and clinical expertise as a result of his roles at Praxis Biologics Inc. and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

 

Mr. Parkinson — Substantial knowledge of the healthcare industry and extensive experience leading and operating within global, multi-faceted corporations as a result of his roles at Baxter and Abbott Laboratories as well as an understanding of the complexities involved in managing large not-for-profit organizations though his service as Dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Business Administration and Graduate School of Business and other directorships

 

Ms. Shapazian — Significant experience with, and insight into, global supply and service operations, manufacturing and distribution practices, research, product development and quality systems and organizational change as a result of her senior management positions with both Maytag Corporation and Polaroid Corporation

 

Mr. Stallkamp — Significant experience leading complex organizations through his senior management roles at DaimlerChrysler Corporation and its predecessor Chrysler Corporation and MSX International, Inc., financial and business development expertise as an Industrial Partner in Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. and supply chain expertise as founder and principal of Collaborative Management LLC, a private supply chain consulting firm

 

Mr. Storm — Extensive international business experience and established leadership skills gained as Chief Executive Officer of AEGON N.V. and through his board service at global organizations such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, PON Holdings B.V., Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. and Unilever N.V. and Plc., as well as significant accounting expertise as a registered accountant

 

Mr. Stroucken — Substantial experience leading and operating large, multi-faceted corporations and financial expertise as a result of serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Owens-Illinois, Inc. and H.B. Fuller Company as well as experience in the healthcare and chemical industries through his roles at Bayer

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

Baxter’s Board of Directors has long adhered to corporate governance principles designed to ensure effective corporate governance. Since 1995, the Board of Directors has had in place a set of corporate governance guidelines

reflecting these principles. Baxter’s current Corporate Governance Guidelines cover topics including, but not limited to, director qualification standards, director responsibilities (including those of the lead director), director access to management and independent advisors, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, succession planning and the annual evaluations of the Board and its committees. Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under “About Baxter — Corporate Governance — Guidelines.”

 

Code of Conduct

 

Baxter has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all members of Baxter’s Board of Directors and all employees of the company, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other senior financial officers. Any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct that applies to Baxter’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller or persons performing similar functions will be disclosed on the company’s website, at www.baxter.com under “About Baxter — Corporate Governance.” The Code of Conduct is available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under “About Baxter — Corporate Governance — Guidelines — Code of Conduct.”

 

Executive Sessions

 

The independent directors of the Board met in executive session without management at every regularly scheduled meeting during 2010 pursuant to Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Audit Committee is required by its charter to hold separate sessions during at least five committee meetings with each of the internal auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm and management. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees also meet in executive session as deemed appropriate.

 

Board Leadership Structure; Lead Director

 

Mr. Parkinson serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. General Boomer serves as the lead director. As Chairman of the Board and pursuant to Baxter’s Bylaws, Mr. Parkinson presides at all Board and shareholder meetings; serves as the primary spokesperson for Baxter; and acts as a liaison between the Board and the directors. As Chief Executive Officer and pursuant to Baxter’s Bylaws, Mr. Parkinson supervises the business of the company, subject to the direction of the Board. As lead director and pursuant to Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, General Boomer presides at all executive sessions of the Board and acts as the liaison between non-management directors and the Chairman of the Board. In addition, General Boomer serves as the contact person to facilitate communications by Baxter employees and shareholders directly with the non-management members of the Board. The full Board annually assesses Mr. Parkinson’s performance as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer. The Corporate Governance Committee recommends a lead director to the full Board for approval on an annual basis.

 

The Board has determined that this structure is appropriate in light of the requirements for these roles as set forth in Baxter’s Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines and the skills and experience that Mr. Parkinson and General Boomer bring to these roles. The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are currently held by the same person because the Board believes that the unification of these positions provides a single vision for the company and results in an effective and efficient organizational structure.

 

Board’s Oversight of Risk

 

Baxter’s risk management activities include the identification and assessment of the key risks facing the company among the universe of business risks (i.e., strategic, operational, financial and regulatory/compliance). These risks are identified across the organization from multiple businesses, regions and functions. The Board reviews these risks on an annual basis after they have been identified and assessed by management and regularly reviews the initiatives put in place to mitigate the effects of these risks. These reviews include updates throughout the year from the businesses, regions and functions from which the key risks arise. Depending on the risk, the update may be presented to the full Board or if appropriate to a committee. For example, the Audit Committee regularly reviews internal audit’s financial risk assessment process and findings while the Public Policy Committee regularly

reviews updates from the ethics and compliance and governmental affairs functions. Some risks are reviewed by the Board as well as a committee. For example, regulatory updates are provided at least annually to the full Board although more frequently provided to the Public Policy Committee. The oversight of risk within the organization is an evolving process requiring the company to continually look for opportunities to further embed systematic enterprise risk management into ongoing business processes across the organization. The Board actively encourages management to continue to drive this evolution.

 

In addition to the Board’s role in enterprise risk management, various committees of the Board are also expressly tasked by their charters to be responsible for the oversight of certain risks. More specifically, the Audit Committee is charged with oversight of the process by which management assesses and manages risk as well as the company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps taken to monitor and control these exposures, while the Finance Committee is charged with oversight of risk management relating to the company’s hedging activities, use of derivative instruments and insurance coverage.

 

Nomination of Directors

 

It is the policy of the Corporate Governance Committee to consider candidates for director recommended by shareholders, members of the Board and management. The Corporate Governance Committee also considers directors recommended by the independent search firm retained by the Board to help identify and evaluate potential director nominees. The Corporate Governance Committee evaluates all candidates for director in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation. Shareholder recommendations for candidates for director should include the information required by Baxter’s Bylaws and be sent to the Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary, Baxter International Inc., One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.

 

Pursuant to Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, nominees for director must:

 

 

The Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that directors are selected on the basis of talent and experience. Diversity of background, including diversity of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, age, and experience (including in business, government and education as well as healthcare, science and technology) is a relevant factor in the selection process. This factor is relevant as a diverse Board of Directors is likely to be a well-balanced Board with varying perspectives and a breadth of experience that will positively contribute to robust discussion at Board meetings. A nominee’s ability to meet the independence criteria established by the New York Stock Exchange is also a factor in the nominee selection process.

 

Once a candidate has been identified, the Corporate Governance Committee may collect and review publicly available information regarding the person to assess whether the person should be considered further. If the Corporate Governance Committee or its Chair determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, the

Corporate Governance Committee and the external search firm retained by the Committee will engage in a process that includes a thorough investigation of the candidate, an examination of his or her business background and education, research on the individual’s accomplishments and qualifications, an in-person interview and reference checking. If this process generates a positive indication, the lead director, the members of the Committee and the Chairman of the Board will meet separately with the candidate and then confer with each other regarding their respective impressions of the candidate. If the individual was positively received, the Committee will then recommend the individual to the full Board for further meetings and evaluation and ultimately election. If the full Board agrees, the Chairman of the Board is then authorized to extend an offer to the individual candidate.

 

Communicating with the Board of Directors

 

Shareholders and other interested parties may contact any of Baxter’s directors, including the lead director or the non-management directors as a group, by writing a letter to Baxter Director c/o Corporate Secretary, Baxter International Inc., One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015 or by sending an e-mail to boardofdirectors@baxter.com. Baxter’s Corporate Secretary will forward communications directly to the lead director, unless a different director is specified.

 

Executive Compensation

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

The Compensation Committee has designed a compensation program that is straightforward and driven by a few key principles and objectives, with pay for performance being the most significant structural element of the program. The compensation package awarded to each named executive officer consists primarily of a base salary, a cash bonus and equity awards.

 

Year in Review

 

Despite facing a number of significant challenges in 2010, including the impact of the global economic environment, healthcare reform in the United States and abroad, and dynamics in the plasma proteins market, Baxter delivered solid financial results and executed on key commercial, operational and organizational strategies designed to enhance the company’s long-term financial profile. Baxter reported net income for 2010 of $1.4 billion, or $2.39 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, excluding special charges in both years, Baxter’s net income in 2010 was $2.4 billion, which represents an increase of 2% over the prior-year period, while earnings per diluted share of $3.98 increased 5% from $3.80 in 2009. Baxter generated record operating cash flows of $3.0 billion in 2010, an improvement of approximately $100 million versus 2009. Due to the strong cash flow generated from the company’s operations in 2010, Baxter was able to return value to shareholders with the repurchase of $1.5 billion of common stock and the payment of $688 million in dividends. The strength of Baxter’s operating cash flows also allowed Baxter to continue to fund all of its key research and development initiatives, investing $915 million in research and development in 2010. This financial performance was a significant factor in the compensation decisions that were made with respect to the company’s 2010 performance.

 

During 2010, the company implemented a number of organizational changes. In May 2010, Ludwig N. Hantson joined Baxter and was elected to serve as Corporate Vice President and President, International. In July 2010, Robert M. Davis was elected to serve as Corporate Vice President and President of Renal, following the retirement of Bruce H. McGillivray. Robert J. Hombach, who served at that time as Corporate Vice President and Treasurer, was elected to succeed Mr. Davis as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. In October 2010, the company announced the combination of its Medication Delivery and Renal businesses into one global business unit, Medical Products. Mr. Davis was appointed President of Medical Products and Mr. Hantson was appointed President of BioScience, filling a role vacated by Joy Amundson who resigned as Corporate Vice President and President of BioScience in October 2010. Peter J. Arduini resigned as Corporate Vice President and President of Medication Delivery in October 2010. As a result of these organizational changes, the company is reporting

compensation for seven named executive officers, three of whom experienced significant changes in responsibility during 2010.

 

A comparison of the performance of Baxter’s common stock against the performance of its peers provides another perspective on Baxter’s overall performance over the last five years and is another factor that the Committee considered when making compensation decisions. The following graph compares the change in Baxter’s cumulative total shareholder return (including reinvested dividends) on Baxter’s common stock with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index and the Standard and Poor’s 500 Health Care Index over the past five years.

 

 

For his service as Baxter’s Chief Executive Officer in 2010, Mr. Parkinson received total compensation of $11,500,268, a decrease of $2,861,037, or 20%, from his 2009 compensation. Mr. Parkinson’s compensation was primarily driven by company and individual performance in 2010 and 2009 (as equity awards were made in early 2010 based, in part, on 2009 performance). Mr. Parkinson’s compensation reflects the role he plays in establishing Baxter’s strategic agenda, long-range plan and organizational structure, meeting the challenges that arise in the day-to-day operations of a company as large and diverse as Baxter and leading the company in an increasingly competitive and regulated environment. Mr. Parkinson’s 2010 compensation also reflects the Board’s annual review of competitive market data. Although his compensation is determined using the same methodology as used for each of the other named executive officers, Mr. Parkinson’s compensation is significantly higher than the compensation paid to any of the other named executive officers as his responsibilities and obligations at Baxter are significantly greater than those of any of the other named executive officers.

 

Each of the other named executive officers received total compensation for his or her 2010 performance as follows: Ms. Amundson, $3,010,468; Mr. Arduini, $2,580,706; Mr. Davis, $3,373,683; Mr. Hantson, $3,746,466; Mr. Hombach, $1,887,145; and Ms. Mason, $2,004,142. The compensation paid to Mr. Davis, Mr. Hombach and Ms. Mason reflects the relative performances of the segments of the business and functions for which these officers were responsible during 2010 and 2009 (as annual equity awards were made in early 2010 based, in part, on 2009 performance). The compensation established for Mr. Hantson for 2010 was primarily driven by the Committee’s review of competitive market data and expectations with respect to Mr. Hantson’s long-term potential at Baxter. The compensation paid to Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini reflects the relative performances of the segments of the business for which these officers were responsible during 2009 and 2010 up to the date of their respective resignations. This compensation also includes certain payments made to Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini in connection with their resignations. For additional discussion of these payments, including the agreement entered into between Baxter and Ms. Amundson in connection with her resignation, please see “Separation Arrangements” below.

 

Consistent with past years, the most significant component of the total compensation paid to the named executive officers in 2010 was in the form of equity. The grant-date fair value of the equity awards granted to Mr. Parkinson in 2010 represented approximately 60% of his overall compensation. The grant-date fair value of the equity awards granted to the other named executive officers in 2010 (except for Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini) represented approximately 50% of their overall compensation. The greater emphasis on equity awards in Mr. Parkinson’s compensation is consistent with the Committee’s view that with his greater responsibilities more of his compensation should be tied to the company’s future performance. These grants are described below.

 

Compensation Philosophy

 

Baxter’s compensation program is designed to:

 

 

The objective of the program is to compensate Baxter’s executive officers in a manner that is consistent with these principles, aligns the interests of management and shareholders and drives sustained and superior performance relative to the company’s peers. The program is also designed to be competitive with companies with which Baxter competes for executive talent in order to attract, retain and motivate high-performing executives.

 

Structure of Compensation Program

 

Pay for Performance

 

Pay for performance is the most significant structural element of Baxter’s compensation program. Annual performance against financial targets (adjusted earnings per share, adjusted sales and return on invested capital) drives the payout of cash bonuses. Baxter’s three-year growth in shareholder value relative to the company’s peer group determines the payout under 50% of the company’s annual equity awards, which are granted in the form of performance share units. The overall performance of Baxter’s common stock determines the value of the remainder, which is granted in the form of stock options. The Committee’s assessment (or the Board’s in the case of Mr. Parkinson) of how each officer performs his or her job impacts earned cash bonuses and equity awards.

 

Financial Targets

 

For the last three years, the Committee selected adjusted earnings per share, adjusted sales and return on invested capital as the financial measures on which to assess the company’s performance for purposes of funding the cash bonus pool. The relative weight assigned to each of these measures was 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively, for each of the last three years. If each financial measure is met in a given year, then the cash bonus pool is funded at two times the base salary for each executive officer covered by the bonus pool (other than Mr. Parkinson, for whom the bonus pool is funded at two times his target cash bonus).

 

The Committee selected adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted sales, as these are of immediate interest to shareholders and are the primary two measures as to which Baxter regularly provides guidance to the market. Adjusted EPS is the most heavily weighted measure, as the Committee believes it is a straightforward measure of the company’s current ability to generate value that is well understood by shareholders. The table below provides adjusted EPS and adjusted sales targets for 2010, 2009 and 2008 as well as actual results in these years.

 

 

 

 

The company calculated adjusted EPS for purposes of funding the cash bonus pool the same way it calculated adjusted EPS when it publicly announced its results — that is, the special items that were excluded from EPS to arrive at adjusted EPS were the same. Adjusted sales is net sales excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations using budgeted exchange rates. Baxter uses adjusted sales (rather than sales) as a target for the same reason that Baxter provides sales guidance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations — that is, the company believes it provides a better perspective on underlying sales growth. The use of budgeted exchange rates allows Baxter to evaluate final performance on the same foreign currency basis that was used for setting the target and establishing the budget.

 

Return on invested capital (ROIC) is the internal cash earnings measure that the company uses to assess how effectively it is allocating and utilizing capital in its operations. ROIC is calculated by dividing cash flows from operations (excluding the impact of interest expense) by average invested capital. Baxter does not provide guidance on ROIC nor does it disclose ROIC in its public filings; however, for years 2010, 2009 and 2008, Baxter achieved 109.0%, 108.5% and 100.0% of its respective ROIC targets. The Committee selected ROIC as the third measure in order to balance the more immediate EPS and sales goals, helping to ensure a focus on efficient and value-maximizing investment and appropriate long-term management of capital. Improving ROIC requires disciplined management of working capital and is inherently challenging because of the measure’s focus on increasing cash flows relative to improved retained earnings. As the company becomes more profitable it becomes more difficult to show significant ROIC improvement due to the impact of increases in retained earnings on the denominator of the measure — that is, as the denominator grows the company is required to generate more cash flows from operations than in the prior year to improve its ROIC.

 

Performance Against Peers

 

As a healthcare company, Baxter operates in a rapidly changing, increasingly competitive and heavily regulated environment. Accordingly, encouraging its officers to focus on the long-term performance of the company is particularly important to Baxter. The performance share units that were awarded to named executive officers in 2010 were designed to reward strong long-term performance by the company relative to the companies in Baxter’s peer group. These healthcare companies are the primary companies with which Baxter competes for talent, investor capital and market position. As discussed below, the performance share units granted in 2009 and 2010 are being valued in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table at threshold as a result of Baxter’s performance against its peers during the applicable performance period.

 

The payout of shares of Baxter common stock resulting from the vesting of the performance share units granted in 2010 will be based on Baxter’s change in total shareholder value versus the change in total shareholder value of the companies included in Baxter’s peer group during the three-year performance period commencing with the year

in which the performance share units are awarded (January 1, 2010 — December 31, 2012). Growth in shareholder value will be measured based on the following formula:

 

 

The performance share units will pay out in shares of Baxter common stock in a range of 0% to 200% of the number of performance share units awarded. The table below shows how the company’s growth in shareholder value against its peers correlates with the 0% to 200% range of payouts.

 

 

The performance share units will pay out linearly between each set of data points above the 25^th percentile and below the 85^th percentile. For example, if Baxter performs at a 40^th percentile rank, each named executive officer will receive the number of shares equal to 57% of his or her award of performance share units. As it is possible that there will be no payout under the performance share units, these awards are completely “at-risk” compensation. Further, in order to pay out at the 100% target level, Baxter must outperform its peers at the 60^th percentile.

 

Performance of Baxter Common Stock

 

The performance of Baxter common stock determines the value of the stock options and restricted stock units that have been granted to the named executive officers in 2010.

 

Individual Performance

 

The Committee (or the full Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) assesses the individual performance of each executive officer in making compensation decisions related to cash bonuses and equity awards. The Committee’s assessment of individual performance is inherently subjective and requires significant input from Mr. Parkinson. Essentially the Committee (or the Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) assesses how well an officer fulfilled his or her obligations in the past year. This assessment focuses on how well the operations or function for which an officer is responsible performed during the year. One factor that the Committee (or the Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) considers in making assessments of individual performance is how well an officer performed against the performance goals set for such officer for the relevant year. Mr. Parkinson’s goals and his self-evaluation are reviewed with the Committee and the full Board. Mr. Parkinson reviews the performance goals and self-evaluations of each of the other executive officers and shares his insights and recommendations with the Committee. The goals set for each named executive officer for 2010 reflected the diversity of the company’s business and the wide range of responsibilities that are attributed to each of these officers. For example, Mr. Parkinson had approximately 50 performance goals for 2010 covering the following areas: financial performance, organizational development/human resources, corporate strategy/business development, innovation/R&D, quality/regulatory, operational excellence, board relations/governance, constituent relations and leadership. In evaluating each officer’s performance against his or her goals, consideration is given not only to whether an objective was met but most significantly how the objective was met including how appropriately the officer prioritized meeting an objective relative to the officer’s other responsibilities. Accordingly, the adjustments that are made to such officer’s compensation based on his or her performance are not directly correlated to the number of goals that an officer achieved. The Committee believes that this type of rigid correlation could motivate an officer to focus on achieving

his or her performance goals rather than on fulfilling his or her job responsibilities in a manner that is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders. The Committee (or the Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) adjusts cash bonuses and equity grants for individual performance on a discretionary basis in light of the Committee’s (or the Board’s in the case of Mr. Parkinson) overall assessment of how well an officer fulfilled his or her obligations to the company in the past year.

 

Baxter’s Peer Group and Use of Peer Group Data

 

Use of peer group data plays a significant role in the structure of the compensation program as it is a primary input in setting target levels for base salaries, cash bonuses and equity awards and helps us to ensure that compensation is market competitive in order to retain and attract talent. Baxter uses data from companies that the Committee has selected as comparable companies (collectively, the “peer group”) to help identify a reasonable starting point for base salaries, cash bonuses and equity awards and then analyzes company and individual performance to determine whether it is appropriate to move away from this baseline. Peer group data also plays a role in what non-cash compensation is paid to the named executive officers as the market data the company obtains regarding companies in its peer group helps determine what types and amounts of non-cash compensation are appropriate for competitive purposes. If data is not available for a particular officer’s position at the company, the Committee utilizes the information that is available to Aon Hewitt as well as internal equity principles to set an officer’s compensation targets at levels that are competitive with other officers at Baxter.

 

Baxter’s use of peer group data is consistent among the named executive officers in that the baseline (i.e., percentile target) that is set for an element of compensation applies to all officers regardless of position. However, differences in the compensation paid to comparable officers at companies in the peer group do result in higher target amounts for officers depending on their position. For example, the compensation targets set for Mr. Parkinson based on peer group data are significantly higher than those set for any of the other named executive officers despite being set using the same percentile targets.

 

Baxter’s peer group includes all of the companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Health Care Index, except for distribution companies, insurance providers, hospitals, nursing homes and consultants. As discussed above, information may not available from each of the companies in Baxter’s peer group for every officer position. As a result, the number of companies in Baxter’s peer group may fluctuate as applied to each officer. As of December 31, 2010, the companies included in this peer group and that will therefore be used to determine the payout under the performance share units granted in 2010 are set forth below.

 

 

Elements of Executive Compensation

 

Base Salaries

 

Base salaries are paid in order to provide a fixed component of compensation for the named executive officers. For each of the last three years, base salary target levels for all named executive officers were set within a range that is competitive with the 50^th percentile of salaries paid to comparable officers at companies in the peer group. The

Committee selected the 50^th percentile as the positioning for base salaries because, as they are the only fixed component of compensation, they are less appropriately used to motivate performance and thus, the Committee determined to set them at a reasonably competitive mid-point.

 

The Committee sets actual individual base salaries higher or lower than targeted base salaries for any reason that the Committee deems relevant. Factors that the Committee considered for 2010 base salaries included how long an officer has been at Baxter and in his or her current role, the impact of his or her position on the company’s results, the quality of the overall experience an officer brings to his or her role and how the officer’s role fits within the structure of the organization. Base salaries for all of the named executive officers were generally below the 50^th percentile of salaries paid to comparable officers in the peer group.

 

Cash Bonuses

 

Cash bonuses are intended to reward company and individual performance by providing officers with an opportunity to receive additional cash compensation based on both the company’s performance relative to the financial targets described above and the Committee’s assessment of how well an officer performed his or her role during the applicable year. In assessing an individual officer’s performance, the Committee considers the individual’s present and potential contribution to Baxter, in addition to various performance criteria which include, but are not limited to, implementation of critical projects (e.g., acquisitions or divestitures), product development, regulatory or quality performance and innovation or research goals. Baxter believes it is important to consider an individual’s performance in assessing compensation and not just the company’s overall performance relative to the financial targets discussed above.

 

Target Setting

 

For each of the last three years, cash bonus targets for all named executive officers were set within a range that is competitive with the 60^th percentile of cash bonuses paid to comparable officers at companies in Baxter’s peer group. As the ultimate payout of a cash bonus is driven primarily by achievement of financial targets, the Committee sets the target amounts at the 60^th percentile to further motivate officers to meet the financial targets. The Committee has the discretion to adjust each officer’s target as it deems appropriate. Typical reasons for adjusting cash bonus targets are how long an officer has been in his or her current role and how the officer’s role fits within the structure of the organization. Cash bonus targets for all of the named executive officers, except for Mr. Hantson and Mr. Hombach, were at or modestly below the 60^th percentile of cash bonuses paid to comparable officers in the peer group. The Committee set cash bonus targets for Mr. Hantson and Mr. Hombach below the 60^th percentile of cash bonuses paid to comparable officers in the peer group given that each such officer was newly appointed to his respective role at the time cash bonus targets were established.

 

Determination of 2010 Payouts

 

Based on the company’s performance against its 2010 financial targets, the bonus pool was funded at 1.14 times the base salary for each executive officer covered by the bonus pool (other than Mr. Parkinson, for whom the bonus pool was funded at 1.14 times his target cash bonus). The Committee then used “negative discretion” to determine the actual cash bonus amount that was paid to each named executive officer. The “negative discretion” that was used took into account the Committee’s view of how well each officer performed his or her responsibilities during 2010. More specifically, in applying its negative discretion, the Committee adjusted each officer’s cash bonus target (other than with respect to Ms. Amundson, Mr. Arduini and Mr. Hantson) for company performance and then individual performance. As a result, the actual cash bonus paid to each named executive officer (other than Ms. Amundson, Mr. Arduini and Mr. Hantson) was calculated using the following formula: (x) the product of such officer’s cash bonus target and the company performance adjustment percentage multiplied by (y) an officer’s individual performance adjustment percentage. For example, Mr. Parkinson’s bonus of $1,039,360 is equal to (x) the product of $1,856,000 and 70% multiplied by (y) 80%. Application of this formula resulted in Mr. Parkinson receiving a cash bonus for 2010 performance equal to 56% of his target. Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini each received a cash bonus payment in an amount equal to approximately 50% of his or her respective cash bonus target in recognition of their 2010 performance and contributions. The Committee set the cash bonus paid to Mr. Hantson based on market practice and the overall compensation package being provided to Mr. Hantson at the time he joined the company in May 2010.

 

Company Performance.  As discussed above, Baxter performed relative to its adjusted EPS, adjusted sales and ROIC financial targets for 2010 at 96.4%, 96.7% and 109% respectively. Given the relative weighting of these targets (50%, 25% and 25%, respectively) and the associated funding schedule for each metric, this performance translated into an adjustment to each officer’s cash bonus of 70% of target. The funding schedule associated with each metric ranges from 0% to 150% with the baseline for each metric being 100% (i.e., the company must achieve a given financial target for the funding for such metric to be 100% and funding can range from 0% to 150%). The band of funding around the baseline varies by metric. This variation reflects the probability of achievement of a given target based on historical performance data as well as the scope of the given metric. Accordingly, the adjustment for 2010 performance of 70% was substantially lower than the adjustment of 120% made in the prior year based on how the company performed against its 2010 financial targets and the relative weighting of, and funding schedule associated with, each metric. This reduced adjustment percentage is consistent with the company’s pay for performance philosophy.

 

Individual Performance.  Based on the Committee’s assessment of the performance of each officer of the company, each officer’s cash bonus target was adjusted further in a range of 80% to 155%. Mr. Parkinson was paid a cash bonus of $1,039,360, which represented a decrease of 58% as compared to his 2009 cash bonus and included an individual assessment adjustment percentage of 80%. This amount primarily reflects the company’s financial performance in 2010 as well as Mr. Parkinson’s other leadership contributions (as discussed above under “Year in Review”). Mr. Hombach was paid a cash bonus of $286,650, which included an upward adjustment of 130%. This adjustment primarily reflects Mr. Hombach’s role in addressing the challenges addressed by the company in 2010 and discussed above under “Year in Review.” Mr. Davis was paid a cash bonus of $518,700, which included an upward adjustment of 130%. This adjustment reflects the leadership Mr. Davis provided as Chief Financial Officer as well as President of the Medical Products business in 2010. Ms. Mason was paid a cash bonus of $371,000, which included an upward adjustment of 155%. This adjustment reflects Ms. Mason’s contributions to the company as Corporate Vice President, Human Resources, a function with a significant role in addressing the challenges arising in the year and positioning the company for future success. As discussed above, no individual performance adjustment was made with respect to Ms. Amundson, Mr. Arduini or Mr. Hantson. For more information on how performance was assessed, see “Pay for Performance — Financial Targets and — Individual Performance” above. The Committee believes that the methodology it uses in paying cash bonuses is consistent with providing compensation that reflects how an officer is valued within the company and the market place.

 

Equity Awards

 

Equity awards are the most significant components of each named executive officer’s compensation package. The company’s compensation program emphasizes equity awards to motivate the named executive officers to drive the long-term performance of the company and to align their interests with those of the company’s shareholders. This emphasis is appropriate as these officers have the greatest role in establishing the company’s direction and should have the greatest proportion of their compensation aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders. This alignment is furthered by requiring officers to satisfy the stock ownership guidelines discussed below under “Baxter’s Stock Ownership Guidelines for Executive Officers.”

 

Structure of Equity Compensation Program

 

Baxter’s equity compensation program for named executive officers provides for annual grants in equal proportion of performance share units and stock options. Performance share units are provided to reflect the Committee’s belief that as the recipients of these awards have the most responsibility for Baxter’s performance, the payout of a portion of their equity awards should be completely “at-risk.” Stock options compose 50% of the annual equity grant to recognize that it is in the best interest of the company to provide a certain amount of equity to officers that will vest as long as the officer continues to serve at Baxter as there are factors beyond the control of the officers that affect the company’s performance as measured against its peers and will only have value as long as Baxter’s stock price continues to increase from the date of grant. The company also periodically grants restricted stock units to named executive officers, primarily for recognition, recruitment and retention purposes.

 

2010 Equity Grants

 

In order to determine the size of equity grants to be awarded to each named executive officer in connection with the annual grant process in March 2010, the Committee reviewed market data on how much equity similarly situated officers were receiving at companies in Baxter’s peer group. This review focused on how much equity should be granted to each officer in order to be competitive with the 60^th percentile of equity awards provided to similarly situated officers at companies in Baxter’s peer group. The Committee (or the Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) set targets that were at or modestly below what was competitive for the 60^th percentile of the peer group for each of the named executive officers, except for Mr. Davis and Mr. Hombach whose targets were in line with those set for such officers in the prior year and reflective of the internal equity principles established within the organization. In determining the actual amounts of the grants, the Committee (or the Board in the case of Mr. Parkinson) then used its discretion to increase certain named executive officer’s 2010 target grant as follows: Ms. Amundson, 20%; Mr. Arduini, 15%; Mr. Davis, 20%; Mr. Hombach, 15%; and Ms. Mason, 20%. These adjustments were made primarily to reflect the Committee’s assessment of such officer’s individual performance during 2009. Mr. Hantson’s annual equity grant, awarded on June 1, 2010, was set below what was competitive for the 60^th percentile of the peer group due to the overall compensation package being provided to Mr. Hantson and in line with internal equity principles established within the organization. As discussed below, Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini forfeited their 2010 equity grants upon their resignations.

 

In addition to their annual equity grants, Messrs. Davis, Hantson and Hombach each received an award of restricted stock units in 2010. Mr. Davis received a grant of 5,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2010 as a result of his appointment to serve as Corporate Vice President and President, Renal in July 2010. Similarly, Mr. Hombach received a grant of 5,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2010 as a result of his appointment to serve as Baxter’s Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2010. Mr. Hantson received a grant of 34,500 restricted stock units on June 1, 2010 as a condition of his employment with Baxter. This award was intended to compensate Mr. Hantson for a portion of the equity that he forfeited upon his resignation from his former employer in order to join the company. These grants are consistent with the company’s philosophy of providing compensation to attract, retain and motivate high-performing executives.

 

Perquisites

 

Baxter provides a very limited range of perquisites to its named executive officers. In 2010, the aggregate incremental cost associated with providing these perquisites was less than $10,000 for each named executive officer. Baxter permits limited personal travel on company aircraft due to the potential efficiencies associated with such use. All personal aircraft usage must be pre-approved by the Chief Executive Officer and any such aircraft usage, including by the Chief Executive Officer, is reviewed annually by the Board. Baxter pays for an annual physical exam for executive officers and believes this practice to be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders as the health of an executive officer is critical to an officer’s performance.

 

Retirement and Other Benefits

 

Each named executive officer (except for Mr. Parkinson and Mr. Hantson) participates in Baxter’s pension and supplemental pension plans to the same extent and on the same terms as any other eligible Baxter employee. Mr. Parkinson’s employment agreement provides for additional pension benefits tied to the number of years he remains employed at Baxter. In 2009, Mr. Parkinson received an additional two years of service under the supplemental pension plan upon his fifth anniversary of employment based on the terms of his employment agreement. These additional years of service are in addition to the two years of service received by Mr. Parkinson upon his third anniversary of employment in 2007. Mr. Parkinson’s employment agreement also provides that he is eligible for unreduced early retirement upon his termination of employment prior to age 65. Mr. Parkinson will not be eligible for an unreduced early retirement benefit, if his employment is terminated for cause (as defined in his employment agreement). Mr. Hantson is not eligible to participate in Baxter’s pension and supplemental pension plans as such plans were closed to new participants effective as of December 31, 2006. Employees hired or rehired after that date, including Mr. Hantson, receive an additional employer contribution equal to 3% of his or her compensation in Baxter’s tax-qualified section 401(k) plan and nonqualified deferred compensation plan if his or her compensation exceeds the compensation that can be taken into account under Baxter’s 401(k) plan). The level of

pension benefits available to Mr. Parkinson compared to the other named executive officers is consistent with his level of responsibility within the company and how his position was valued in the market at the time his agreement was originally negotiated. A more detailed discussion of the pension program is provided under the caption “Pension Benefits” on page 31 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Each of the named executive officers is eligible to participate in Baxter’s deferred compensation plan, which permits the officer to defer the receipt of covered compensation and receive a 3.5% company match. Baxter allows named executive officers to participate in a deferred compensation plan in order to provide compensation that is reflective of such officers’ value in the market as well as to facilitate retirement savings as part of the total compensation program in a cost- and tax-effective way for the company. The terms of Baxter’s deferred contribution plan are more fully described under the caption “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” on page 33 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices

 

With the assistance of the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee reviewed Baxter’s material compensation policies and practices applicable to its employees, including its executive officers, and concluded that these policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company. The key features of the executive compensation program that support this conclusion include:

 

 

Baxter’s Stock Ownership Guidelines for Executive Officers

 

In order to drive the long-term performance of the company, executive officers are required to own a certain amount of Baxter stock. The Chief Executive Officer is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at six times annual base salary. Each of the other executive officers is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at four times annual base salary, in each case within five years of becoming an executive officer. This requirement, like the executive compensation recoupment policy discussed below, helps ensure long-term focus and appropriate levels of risk-taking by executive officers.

 

Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy

 

In February 2009, the Board adopted an executive compensation recoupment policy. This policy applies to all cash bonuses paid by Baxter under its 2007 Incentive Plan (or any successor plan such as the 2011 Incentive Plan) and all grants of equity awarded by the company to any person designated as an officer by the Board. Following any restatement of the company’s financial results that requires an amendment to any previously filed results or if an officer violates a restrictive covenant contained in any agreement between the company and such officer, the Board will review the facts and circumstances that led to the requirement for the restatement or the violation and take any actions it deems appropriate with respect to executive incentive compensation. With respect to a restatement, the Board will consider whether an officer received compensation based on performance reported, but not actually achieved, or was accountable for the events that led to the restatement, including any misconduct. Actions the Board may take include: recovery, reduction, or forfeiture of all or part of any bonus, equity, or other compensation previously provided or to be provided in the future; disciplinary actions; and the pursuit of any other remedies.

 

Post-Termination Compensation

 

Named executive officers may receive certain payments if Baxter undergoes a change in control and the officer ceases to be employed by the company. Mr. Parkinson would receive payments under his employment agreement and the other named executive officers would receive payments under their severance agreements. Providing for payments in a change in control situation is consistent with market practice and helps ensure that if a change in control is in the best interest of the shareholders, officers have appropriate incentives to remain focused on their responsibilities before, during and after the transaction without undue concern for their personal circumstances. In addition to change in control payments, Mr. Parkinson would receive certain payments in the event he is terminated for any reason (other than for cause). The Board believes that compensating Mr. Parkinson in these additional circumstances is appropriate in light of the value of his position in the market place, including as reflected in the negotiations accompanying the company’s hiring of Mr. Parkinson pursuant to his employment agreement. In consideration for these benefits, Mr. Parkinson and the named executive officers have agreed to be bound for two years from the date of his or her termination to non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. The named executive officers’ severance benefits were not a significant factor in determining their other compensation elements because the Committee did not believe that such benefits, as provided, exceeded market practices of peer companies in a way that justified a reduction in any other elements or vice versa. For a more detailed discussion of these agreements, including the estimated amounts that would be payable assuming a termination date of December 31, 2010, please refer to the information under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination Following A Change in Control” on page 34 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

 

At the 2011 Annual Meeting, shareholders are being asked for the first time to consider a resolution to approve the compensation paid to Baxter’s named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. This advisory vote, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” advisory vote, will not be binding on the Board. However, the Board will review and thoughtfully consider the voting results when determining compensation policies and making future decisions concerning the compensation of our named executive officers. Any impact from the 2011 voting results will be disclosed in the proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

Shareholders are also being asked for the first time to consider a resolution to determine how frequently “say-on-pay” advisory votes should be held. Shareholders will be able to cast their votes on whether to hold “say-on-pay” advisory votes every one, two or three years. Shareholders may also abstain from casting a vote. While the Board of Directors is recommending that shareholders vote every THREE YEARS with respect to this non-binding frequency of “say-on-pay” advisory vote, the Board will thoughtfully consider the outcome of the frequency vote when making future decisions concerning the frequency of “say-on-pay” advisory votes. If shareholders follow the Board’s recommendation, the next “say-on-pay” advisory vote will be held at the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee is responsible for the oversight of Baxter’s compensation programs on behalf of the Board of Directors. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Proxy Statement.

 

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Baxter’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, each of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Compensation Committee

John D. Forsyth (Chair)

Walter E. Boomer

Peter S. Hellman

Carole J. Shapazian

Thomas T. Stallkamp

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table shows for the years indicated below the compensation provided by Baxter and its subsidiaries to its named executive officers.

 

 

 

 

 

With respect to Ms. Amundson, this column also includes $178,923 in payments made pursuant to the agreement entered into as of the October 21, 2010 and as discussed below under “Separation Arrangements.”

 

2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

 

 

 

Description of Certain Awards Granted in 2010

 

Performance Share Units.  Each named executive officer received a performance share unit grant in March 2010, except for Mr. Hantson who joined the company in May 2010 and therefore received his grant on June 1, 2010. The threshold, target and maximum payouts that each officer could receive under his or her award is disclosed under the “Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards” column in the “2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table above. The payout amounts under these awards will be earned based on Baxter’s growth

in shareholder value relative to the growth in shareholder value of the healthcare peers included in Baxter’s peer group during the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2010. The payout of shares of Baxter common stock will range from 0% to 200% of the number of performance share units awarded. If an officer ceases to be employed at Baxter during the performance period (other than due to death, disability or retirement), such officer will forfeit any payout under his or her performance share units. If an officer who is “retirement eligible” (meaning he or she is at least 65 years of age, or at least 55 years of age with at least 10 years of service) retires after December 31, 2010, then his or her performance share units will remain eligible for payout at the end of the performance period. If an officer is terminated due to death or disability after December 31, 2010, his or her performance share units will pay out within 60 days at 100% of the target grant. Officers have no rights of a shareholder with respect to the performance share units until the performance period is complete, other than with respect to dividends which accrue to the same extent as if such unit was a share of common stock during the performance period. Such accrued dividends will be paid when and if the related shares of common stock are paid out at the end of the performance period. For more information about these awards see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Structure of Compensation Program — Pay for Performance — Performance Against Peers” on page 16 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Stock Options.  Each named executive officer received a stock option grant in March 2010, except for Mr. Hantson who received his grant on June 1, 2010. All stock options granted in 2010 vest one-third per year over a three-year period. The exercise price of each stock option awarded by Baxter to its executive officers under the company’s incentive compensation programs is the closing price of Baxter’s common stock on the date of grant, which is the date when the Compensation Committee acts to approve equity awards for senior executives. Generally, if an officer ceases to be employed at Baxter before his or her stock options vest, these options will expire on the date such officer’s employment is terminated unless such termination is due to death, disability or retirement. If an officer who is retirement eligible (as defined above) retires after December 31, 2010, then his or her stock options will continue to vest based upon their original vesting schedule. If an officer is terminated due to death or disability after December 31, 2010, his or her options will vest immediately and expire one year later. Each of these options expires on the ten-year anniversary of the grant date. These grants are reflected in the “All Other Option Awards” column in the “2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table above.

 

Restricted Stock Units.  Mr. Davis received a grant of 5,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2010 as a result of his appointment to serve as Corporate Vice President and President, Renal in July 2010. Similarly, Mr. Hombach received a grant of 5,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2010 as a result of his appointment to serve as Baxter’s Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2010. Mr. Hantson received a grant of 34,500 restricted stock units on June 1, 2010 as a condition of his employment with Baxter. The restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Davis and Hombach vest three years from the applicable grant date and the restricted stock units granted to Mr. Hantson vest one-fifth per year starting on the first anniversary of the grant date. The vesting schedule of Mr. Hantson’s award was designed to mirror the vesting schedule of a portion of the equity that Mr. Hantson forfeited upon his resignation from his former employer. Under the terms of these grants, such officers have no rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares underlying the restricted stock units prior to vesting, other than with respect to dividends which accrue to the same extent as if such unit was a share of common stock during the vesting period. Such accrued dividends will be paid when and if the related shares of common stock are paid out at the end of the vesting period. These grants are reflected in the “All Other Stock Awards” column in the “2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table above.

 

Employment Agreement with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Baxter and Robert L. Parkinson, Jr. entered into an employment agreement on April 19, 2004 in connection with Mr. Parkinson’s appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baxter. On December 12, 2008, this agreement was amended to conform the agreement to changes to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the existing company compensation program applicable to employees generally (for example, the annual award of performance share units rather than restricted stock units and the diminution of perquisites), as well as to provide that the rolling two-year term of the agreement shall expire without further action effective January 30, 2016.

Mr. Parkinson’s agreement, as amended, provides an annual base salary of not less than $1,300,000, subject to possible increase by the independent directors of the Board. He is eligible to participate in Baxter’s officer bonus and long-term incentive programs at a level commensurate with his position as Chief Executive Officer as determined by the independent directors of the Board, and to receive benefits to the same extent and on the same terms as those benefits provided by the company to its other senior executives including, but not limited to, health, disability, insurance and retirement benefits. In addition to these benefits, the agreement provides that if Mr. Parkinson remains employed for at least three years (which he achieved in 2007), his pension benefit will be determined as if he had completed five years of service, and if he remains employed for at least five years (which he achieved in April 2009), his pension benefit will be determined as if he had completed nine years of service, in each case provided that Mr. Parkinson is not later terminated for cause. This additional service is credited under the supplemental pension plan. The agreement also provides that if Mr. Parkinson retires after his pension benefit is vested but before he is eligible for an unreduced early retirement benefit, and he is not terminated for cause, he will receive payments under the supplemental pension plan equal to the difference between an unreduced pension benefit (including the additional service credit described above) and his actual benefits received under the pension plan.

 

In consideration for his employment at Baxter, Mr. Parkinson will not compete with the company, directly or indirectly, for a period of two years after the termination of his employment. Mr. Parkinson has also agreed not to solicit or attempt to solicit any customer or supplier of the company nor solicit, persuade or induce any individual who is employed by the company or its subsidiaries to terminate such employment or enter into an employment relationship with another entity.

 

The agreement provides for certain payments in the event of Mr. Parkinson’s death, disability, termination without cause or due to constructive discharge, or termination following a change in control. For more information about these payments, please see “Potential Payments Upon Termination Following A Change in Control — Chairman and Chief Executive Officer” on page 34 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Separation Arrangements

 

On October 12, 2010, Baxter announced the resignation of Joy A. Amundson from her position as Corporate Vice President and President, BioScience and Peter J. Arduini from his position as Corporate Vice President and President, Medication Delivery. In connection with her resignation, Ms. Amundson entered into an agreement with the company pursuant to which she was entitled to: (a) receive a pro-rata portion of her cash bonus target for 2010 performance ($285,000); (b) remain eligible to vest in her 2008 grant of 19,200 performance share units; (c) receive a payment of $50,000 within thirty days of the effective date of the agreement and monthly separation payments in the amount of $97,500 per month from January 31, 2011 through June 30, 2012, for an aggregate payment not to exceed $1,755,000. Ms. Amundson’s agreement also provided for accrued vacation pay ($4,615) and a cash payment to cover her COBRA coverage costs for the first six months of coverage ($6,000). In exchange, Ms. Amundson agreed to assist in the transition of her duties, be bound through June 30, 2012 to certain non-solicitation and non-competition covenants and waive her right to assert any claims against the company. With the exception of her 2008 grant of performance share units discussed above, Ms. Amundson forfeited the remainder of her unvested equity pursuant to the plans under which it was granted upon her resignation. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Arduini received a lump sum cash payment in the amount of $250,000 to reflect transition services and to recognize his performance and contributions in 2010. Mr. Arduini forfeited all of his unvested equity pursuant to the plans under which it was granted upon his resignation.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

 

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baxter’s tax-qualified pension plan is a broad-based retirement income plan. The normal retirement (age 65) benefit equals (i) 1.75 percent of a participant’s “Final Average Pay” multiplied by the participant’s number of years of pension plan participation, minus (ii) 1.75 percent of a participant’s estimated primary social security benefit, multiplied by the participant’s years of pension plan participation. “Final Average Pay” is equal to the average of a participant’s five highest consecutive calendar years of earnings out of his or her last ten calendar years of earnings. In general, the compensation considered in determining the pension payable to the named executive officer includes salary and cash bonuses awarded under the officer bonus program. Although age 65 is the normal retirement age under the pension plan, the pension plan has early retirement provisions based on a point system. Under the point system, each participant is awarded one point for each year of pension plan participation and one point for each year of age. Participants who terminate employment after accumulating at least 65 points, and who wait to begin receiving their pension plan benefits until they have 85 points, receive an unreduced pension plan benefit regardless of their actual age when they begin receiving their pension plan benefits.

 

Baxter’s supplemental pension plan is offered to provide a benefit for the amount of eligible compensation that is disallowed as pensionable earnings under the pension plan pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that limit the benefit available to highly compensated employees under qualified pension plans. Accordingly, this plan is available to all employees eligible to participate in the pension plan whose benefit under the pension plan is limited by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Benefits under the supplemental pension plan will be paid at the same time and in the same form as benefits under the pension plan for participants whose pension commenced by December 31, 2008. As a result of new tax regulations that became effective on January 1, 2009, the company amended the supplemental plan to provide a time and form of payment that is independent of the pension plan. Beginning January 1, 2009, if the present value of a participant’s benefit in the supplemental plan does not exceed $50,000 when the participant terminates employment, such participant will be paid in a lump sum. If the present value of the benefit exceeds $50,000, the participant will be paid in an annuity

commencing when the participant is first eligible for early retirement, regardless of whether the participant elects to commence his or her qualified plan benefit at that time. As permitted by the transitional rules under the new tax regulations, persons who were participants in the plan at the end of 2007 were given a one-time option to elect a different commencement date. Deferred salary and bonus amounts that may not be included under the pension plan are included in the supplemental plan. In addition, individual employment agreements may provide for additional pension benefits to be paid through the supplemental pension plan, such as those paid under Mr. Parkinson’s employment agreement.

 

Participation in the pension and supplemental pension plans was closed as of December 31, 2006. Any employees hired or rehired after that date are not be eligible to participate in the pension plan or supplemental pension plan, but instead receive an additional employer contribution equal to 3% of his or her compensation in Baxter’s tax-qualified section 401(k) plan (and nonqualified deferred compensation plan if his or her compensation exceeds the compensation that can be taken into account under Baxter’s 401(k) plan). Employees who were hired prior to December 31, 2006, but who did not have a vested interest in the pension plan, were eligible to elect to cease accruing benefits in the pension plan (and supplemental plan, if applicable), and instead receive the additional employer contribution.

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

 

 

 

A participant in Baxter’s deferred compensation plan may elect to defer a portion of his or her eligible compensation (up to 50% of base salary and up to 100% of eligible bonus) during the calendar year as long as the participant makes such election prior to the beginning of the calendar year. For named executive officers, eligible compensation under the deferred compensation plan includes a participant’s base salary and any annual cash bonus. Participants in the deferred compensation plan may select a subset of investment elections available to all eligible employees under Baxter’s tax-qualified section 401(k) plan. Amounts in a participant’s account are adjusted on a daily basis upward or downward to reflect the investment return that would have been realized had such amounts been invested in the investments selected by the participant. Participants may elect to change their investment elections once each calendar month. Baxter is also required to match contributions to the deferred compensation plan dollar-for-dollar up to 3.5% of a participant’s eligible compensation. Any participant who either was hired after December 31, 2006, or who elected as of January 1, 2008 not to continue to accrue benefits in the pension plan, receives a company contribution equal to 3.0% of his or her eligible compensation in excess of the compensation that is recognized in the tax-qualified section 401(k) plan, regardless of whether the participant is otherwise eligible to elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation. Deferrals under the plan are not recognized as eligible

compensation for the qualified pension plan (but are recognized in the supplemental pension plan) or in calculating benefit pay under Baxter’s welfare benefit plan and result in lower compensation recognized for company matching under Baxter’s tax-qualified section 401(k) plan.

 

Participants may elect to be paid distributions either in a lump sum payment or in annual installment payments over two to fifteen years. Such election must be made when the participant first becomes eligible to participate in the plan. Distributions will be paid in the first quarter of the plan year following such participant’s termination of employment unless such participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. No distributions will be paid in connection with the termination of a specified employee until at least six months following such termination and any amounts that would have otherwise been paid during such six month period shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum, without interest, at the expiration of such period.

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination Following A Change in Control

 

In consideration for the benefits discussed below, each named executive officer has agreed to be bound for two years from the date of his or her termination to non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. A condition for receiving the payments discussed below is the execution by the named executive officer of a customary release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the company.

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Mr. Parkinson’s employment agreement provides for certain payments in the event of Mr. Parkinson’s death, disability, termination without cause or due to constructive discharge, or termination following a change in control. The following table shows Baxter’s potential payment and benefit obligations to Mr. Parkinson upon his termination under each of these circumstances assuming such termination occurred on December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

In addition to the payments and obligations included in the table above, upon his termination for any reason, Mr. Parkinson would be entitled to any other payments or benefits due from the company in accordance with the terms of any employee benefit plans or arrangements generally available to all salaried employees, and any vested pension benefit earned upon his termination for any reason.

 

Other Named Executive Officers

 

Each of the named executive officers (other than Mr. Parkinson) has entered into a severance agreement with the company that provides for certain payments in the event Baxter undergoes a change in control and the officer is involuntarily terminated by the company or voluntarily terminates his or her employment with the company for good reason — that is, subject to a “double trigger.”

 

These payments include:

 

 

With respect to Mr. Davis and Ms. Mason, the severance agreements also provide that if the total payments or benefits to which a named executive officer is entitled in connection with a change in control (including amounts paid under the severance agreements or any other such plan, arrangement or agreement with the company such as other equity compensation programs) exceed 110% of the largest amount that would result in no portion of the total payments being subject to any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the company will gross-up the severance payments to the officer to cover such excise tax. These amounts are reported in the “Tax Gross-Up” line of the table below. In 2010, the Compensation Committee decided to no longer make these “gross-up” payments available in severance agreements entered into between executive officers and the company. Accordingly, neither of the severance agreements entered into between the company and Mr. Hombach and Mr. Hantson contain such provisions.

 

The table set forth below shows Baxter’s potential payment and benefit obligations to each of the named executive officers (other than Mr. Parkinson, Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini) assuming that a change in control of the company has occurred and as a result the named executive officer either is terminated or terminates his or her employment for good reason on December 31, 2010. Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini are not included as neither served as an officer as of December 31, 2010. For a discussion of amounts paid to Ms. Amundson and Mr. Arduini upon their resignations, please see “Separation Arrangements” above. The accelerated vesting of equity awards that

is included in the table below would occur as a result of the terms of the equity compensation programs governing these awards rather than the terms of the severance agreements.