DEF 14A 1 cvs3508731-def14a.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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CVS Health Corporation

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Table of Contents

Notice of 2019
Annual Meeting
of Stockholders
and Proxy Statement

May 16, 2019; 8:00 a.m.

CVS Health Corporation
Customer Support Center
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895

 




Table of Contents


Message from Our Chair and Our Chief Executive Officer

DEAR FELLOW STOCKHOLDERS:

2018 was a year marked by tremendous change in the industry, and CVS Health was at the center of it all. In a health care landscape scarred by an overly complex system, which has been delivering inconsistent outcomes to patients for years, CVS Health’s acquisition of Aetna (the Aetna Transaction) brings together two premier health-centric companies that are best positioned to reshape the health care landscape.

Creating the Front Door to Health Care
The combination of the nation’s largest pharmacy retailer with one of the country’s leading diversified health care benefits companies creates nearly limitless possibilities to transform the broken health care system. Aetna’s “go local” approach is a perfect match with CVS Health’s nearly 10,000 stores across the country. This winning combination creates a true front door to health care in local communities as we continue to develop innovative products and services to expand access to quality health care. CVS Health recently launched our first HealthHUBs, with the goal of bringing more health-centric services to CVS customers than ever before. These HealthHUBs will serve as the testing grounds for a variety of new products and services that will continue to grow and expand across the country over time. In addition to our new store concepts, CVS Health is investing in digital capabilities to bring health care to the palm of your hand. CVS already engages with one in three Americans on a daily basis and, through our digital expansion, we expect to grow that reach even more. Ultimately, between our nationwide store presence and through the growth of our electronic platforms, we expect to expand access to quality care across the country.

Corporate Social Responsibility
CVS Health is committed to helping people on their path to better health across the country, and this is evident in our commitment of $100 million to the Building Healthier Communities initiative announced earlier this year. In collaboration with the CVS Health Foundation and the Aetna Foundation, we will invest $20 million annually over five years to partner with local communities and to help support a wide range of initiatives and non-profit organizations. Under this initiative, CVS Health and its affiliates will join forces with organizations that have missions to improve local access to affordable quality care and to impact public health challenges. Through this new initiative, we will strengthen our local and community engagement and further improve the health of our neighborhoods. Some of the highlights of this program as well as other initiatives can be found inside the back cover of this proxy statement.

Corporate Governance
Following the Aetna Transaction, we added four of Aetna’s directors to our Board and, in conjunction with our existing directors, we will leverage their guidance to help drive future

 

success at CVS Health. Over this past year we’ve proactively met with our stockholders to understand your needs and are actively working to position our company for future growth, and within this proxy statement you will find the details of the changes we have made in response to those conversations. We pride ourselves on our strong governance practices, thank you for your continued support and welcome your feedback regarding future improvements.

Overall 2018 Performance
CVS Health showed strong growth in 2018, with revenues increasing nearly $10 billion year-over-year, bolstered by the Aetna Transaction and by continued script growth of 8.6% for the year. We delivered adjusted earnings per share of $7.08,* at the top end of our previous guidance range. However, last year was not without its challenges: CVS Health took $6.1 billion of goodwill impairment charges related to our Long-Term Care business, which was largely responsible for our 2018 GAAP loss per share of $0.57. We are taking comprehensive actions to address the impact of certain headwinds we are facing, and we are confident that our actions will position us well in 2020 and beyond.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., at the CVS Health Customer Support Center located at One CVS Drive in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. We invite you to attend, and ask you to please vote at your earliest convenience. Your vote is important.

Thank you for your interest and investment in CVS Health. We appreciate your continued support as we look to transform our health care system as we know it today.

Sincerely,

     

David W. Dorman
Chair of the Board

Larry J. Merlo
President and Chief Executive Officer



* Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure. See Annex A to the proxy statement.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Message from Our Chair and Our Chief Executive Officer 1
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders 3
Proxy Statement Highlights 4
Corporate Governance and Related Matters 9
 
Item 1: Election of Directors 9
The Board’s Role and Activities in 2018 20
Board Structure and Processes 23
Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting 24
Board Meetings and Attendance 31
Non-Employee Director Compensation 31
Audit Committee Matters 33
 
Item 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2019 33
Executive Compensation and Related Matters 35
 
Item 3: Say on Pay, a Proposal to Approve, on an Advisory Basis, the Company’s Executive Compensation 35
Letter from the Management Planning and Development Committee 37
Compensation Committee Report 37
Compensation Discussion and Analysis 38
Summary 38
Business and Performance Highlights 42
Detailed Program Discussion 44
Compensation of Named Executive Officers 63
Important Information Regarding the Presentation of Executive Compensation 63
Summary Compensation Table 63
Grants of Plan-Based Awards 66
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 67
Option Exercises and Stock Vested 69
Pension Benefits 69
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation 70
Payments/(Forfeitures) Under Termination Scenarios 72
CEO Pay Ratio 75
Stockholder Proposal 76
 
Item 4: Stockholder Proposal Regarding Exclusion of Legal or Compliance Costs from Financial Performance Adjustments for Executive Compensation 76
Executive Officers and Ownership of and Trading in Our Stock 79
Executive Officers of CVS Health 79
Executive Officer and Director Stock Ownership Requirements 80
Share Ownership of Directors and Certain Executive Officers 81
Share Ownership of Principal Stockholders 82
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 82
Other Information 83
Information About the 2019 Annual Meeting and Voting 83
Stockholder Proposals and Other Business for Our Annual Meeting in 2020 85
Other Matters 85
Annex A A-1

2                2019 Proxy Statement


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Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Date and Time
May 16, 2019, 8:00 a.m.

 

Place
CVS Health Corporation
Customer Support Center
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895


Items to be Voted

Elect 16 directors named in this proxy statement;
Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2019;
Say on pay, an advisory vote to approve the Company’s executive compensation;
Act on one stockholder proposal, if properly presented; and
Conduct any other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

Eligibility to Vote
Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2019 may vote at the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 
Colleen M. McIntosh
Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief Governance Officer

Your vote is important.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote your shares. In addition to voting in person or by mail, stockholders of record have the option of voting by telephone or via the Internet. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record (i.e., in “street name”), please read your voting instructions to see which of these options are available to you. Even if you are attending the Annual Meeting in person, we encourage you to vote in advance by mail, phone or Internet.

We began mailing and made available this proxy statement and proxy card on or about April 5, 2019 to all stockholders entitled to vote. Our 2018 Annual Report, which includes our financial statements, is being sent with this proxy statement.

  

HOW TO VOTE

Your vote is important to the future of CVS Health. You are eligible to vote if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on March 21, 2019. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible using one of the following methods. In all cases, you should have your proxy card in hand:


Use the Internet
www.proxyvote.com


Use a Mobile Device
Scan this QR Code


Call Toll-Free
1-800-690-6903


Mail Your Proxy Card
Follow the instructions on your voting form

  
 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to Be Held on May 16, 2019:

The proxy statement and annual report to stockholders are available at www.cvshealthannualmeeting.com and at www.proxyvote.com/cvs.

 


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Proxy Statement Highlights

This summary highlights selected information in this Proxy Statement – please review the entire document before voting.

All of our Annual Meeting materials are available in one place at www.cvshealthannualmeeting.com. There, you can download electronic copies of our Annual Report and Proxy Statement, and use the link to vote.

      Voting Items
     
Board Recommendation Further
information
Item 1
Election of directors
FOR each
director nominee
Our 16 directors are seasoned leaders who bring a mix of skills and qualifications to the Board 9-17
Item 2
Ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2019
FOR Based on its recent evaluation, our Audit Committee believes that the retention of Ernst & Young LLP is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders 33-34
Item 3
Say on pay - an advisory vote on the approval of the Company’s executive compensation
FOR Our executive compensation program reflects our unwavering commitment to paying for performance and reflects feedback received from stockholder outreach 35-36
Item 4
Stockholder proposal regarding exclusion of legal or compliance costs from financial performance adjustments for executive compensation
AGAINST The proposal is overly restrictive and broad, preventing the Board from exercising discretion to consider important additional factors. Further, we believe that our approach to incentive compensation for our senior executives, which considers individual results, company performance and the values set forth in our Code of Conduct, is an appropriate way to align the interests of our senior executives with the long-term interests of our stockholders 76-78

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Proxy Statement Highlights  The CVS Health Board

       The CVS Health Board

You are asked to vote on the election of the following 16 nominees to serve on the Board of Directors of CVS Health. All directors are elected by a majority of votes cast, and all presently serve on the CVS Health Board. The information reflected below is as of our Annual Meeting date, May 16, 2019.

Director
Since
Other Public
Company Boards
CVS Health Committees
Name, Primary Occupation Age Independent A I&F MP&D N&CG MA E
Fernando Aguirre
Former Chairman, President and CEO of Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
61 2018 YES 1
Mark T. Bertolini
Former Chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc.
62 2018 NO 1
Richard M. Bracken
Former Chairman and CEO of HCA Holdings, Inc.
66 2015 YES None
C. David Brown II
Partner & Member of Executive Committee of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
67 2007 YES 1
Alecia A. DeCoudreaux
President Emerita of Mills College and Former Executive at Eli Lilly and Company
64 2015 YES None
Nancy-Ann M. DeParle1
Co-Founding Partner of Consonance Capital Partners, LLC and Former Director of White House Office of Health Reform
62 2013 YES 1
David W. Dorman
Chair of the Board of CVS Health Corporation and Former Chairman and CEO of AT&T Corporation
65 2006 YES 1
Roger N. Farah
Chairman of Tiffany & Co. and Former Executive at Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren
66 2018 YES 3
Anne M. Finucane
Vice Chairman and Member of the Executive Management Team of Bank of America Corporation
66 2011 YES None
Edward J. Ludwig
Former Chairman and CEO of Becton, Dickinson and Company
67 2018 YES 1
Larry J. Merlo
President and CEO of CVS Health Corporation
63 2010 NO None
Jean-Pierre Millon
Former President and CEO of PCS Health Systems, Inc.
68 2007 YES None
Mary L. Schapiro
Vice Chair of Public Policy and Special Advisor to the Chairman of Bloomberg L.P.
63 2017 YES 1
Richard J. Swift2
Former Chairman, President and CEO of Foster Wheeler Ltd.
74 2006 YES 2
William C. Weldon
Former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson
70 2013 YES 2
Tony L. White
Former Chairman, President and CEO of Applied Biosystems, Inc.
72 2011 YES 1
Member            A Audit MP&D Management Planning and Development            MA Medical Affairs
Committee Chair I&F Investment and Finance            N&CG Nominating and Corporate Governance E Executive

1 Ms. DeParle will become Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee at the time of the Annual Meeting.
2 At the time of the Annual Meeting, Mr. Swift will be retired from two of the four other public company boards of directors on which he currently sits.

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Proxy Statement Highlights  The CVS Health Board

SELECTING OUR DIRECTORS

     Director Independence            Director Tenure            Financial Expertise
         
14
Independent
2
Not Independent
7
0-3 years
4
4-7 years
5
>7 years
12
Financial Experts
4
Financially Literate
14 directors, including our Chair, are independent of the Company and management. Mr. Merlo, our President and CEO, and Mr. Bertolini, former Chairman and CEO of Aetna, are our only non-independent directors. Our directors bring a balance of experience and fresh perspective to our boardroom. The average tenure of our directors is 5.7 years. Five members of our Audit Committee are designated Audit Committee Financial Experts. Seven other board members have qualifications to be financial experts, and the remainder are financially literate.

     Born Outside of the U.S.            Director Gender
     
3
Born Outside U.S.
13
U.S. Born
4
Female
12
Male
Our directors come from varied backgrounds, including 10 different states and three foreign countries. 25% of our directors are women.

DIRECTOR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Our directors possess relevant experience, skills and qualifications that contribute to a well-functioning Board to effectively oversee the Company’s strategy and management. Our directors’ principal areas of expertise include:


11/16
           13/16
           8/16
Business Development and Corporate Transactions Health Care and Regulated Industries Public Company Board Service
 
8/16
      8/16
      7/16
Business Operations International Business Operations Public Policy and Government Affairs
 
8/16
      12/16
      10/16
Corporate Governance Leadership (Current or Former CEOs) Risk Management
 
13/16
      4/16
      5/16
Finance Legal and Regulatory Compliance Technology and Innovation

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Proxy Statement Highlights  The CVS Health Board

BOARD AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

The CVS Health Board continues to evaluate the Company’s corporate governance policies and practices to ensure that the right mix of individuals are present in our boardroom and to best serve the stockholders we represent by ensuring effective oversight of our strategy and management. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, and have established a strong and effective framework by which the Company is governed and reviewed.

Further Information
2018-2019 Board and Corporate Governance Developments
In November 2018, Fernando Aguirre, Mark T. Bertolini, Roger N. Farah and Edward J. Ludwig were elected to our Board of Directors, providing our Board with additional depth from their knowledge of Aetna’s business and their complementary expertise, which will be essential to the combined company as we transform the way health care is delivered in America
pages 10, 13 and 14
In connection with the Aetna Transaction, we changed the name of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee to the Medical Affairs Committee, to reflect the expanded work of the Committee regarding medical-related strategies, policies and practices that relate to promoting member health, enhancing access to cost-effective quality health care, and advancing safety and efficacy of care
page 30
We formed the Investment and Finance Committee to assist the Board in reviewing the Company’s policies, strategies, transactions and performance regarding its investment portfolio, and to oversee the Company’s capital and financial resources
page 26
Board Communication and Stockholder Rights
Our Board supports our stockholder outreach program and has responded to stockholder input with changes in our compensation program and other areas
pages 8 and 22
Majority voting in director elections
page 19
Proxy access by-law
page 19
Annual election of all directors
pages 9-17
Annual “say-on-pay” vote
page 35
Right to act by written consent and to call special meetings
Pursuant to a 2018 management proposal that our stockholders approved, we amended our Certificate of Incorporation to lower the threshold required for stockholders to call a special meeting from 25% to 15% of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding capital stock
See our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws at https://investors. cvshealth.com under “Governance Documents”
Director Alignment with Stockholder Interests
At least 75% of our directors’ annual retainer mix is paid in shares of CVS Health common stock
pages 31-32
Directors must own at least 10,000 shares of CVS Health common stock
page 80
Directors had excellent meeting attendance, averaging 99%
page 31
Board Oversight of Risk
Full Board and individual Committees focus on understanding and assessing Company risks
page 21
Our independent Chair and our CEO are focused on the Company’s and the Board’s risk management efforts and ensure that enterprise risks are appropriately brought to the Board and/or its Committees for review
page 21
At least annually, the Audit Committee reviews our policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussing with management our major risks and the steps that have been taken to monitor and mitigate such risks
page 25
The Management Planning and Development Committee is responsible for reviewing and assessing potential risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices
page 28
Beginning in 2019 the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for oversight of our policies, practices and risks related to cybersecurity and data and information security governance, a responsibility shifted from the Audit Committee
page 27

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Proxy Statement Highlights  The CVS Health Board

STOCKHOLDER OUTREACH – GOVERNANCE AND COMPENSATION ACTIONS

Following our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Management Planning and Development Committee reviewed the results of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation. Due to changes we made to our compensation programs in response to stockholder feedback after the 2017 Annual Meeting, approximately 91% of votes were cast in favor of the proposal, an increase from 61% in 2017. In the latter part of 2018 and early 2019, we reached out to holders of approximately 41% of our outstanding common stock and spoke with holders of nearly 19% of our outstanding shares, as well as one of the leading proxy advisory firms. We discussed with them a number of topics, including our strategy in the evolving health care industry, our Board composition and practices, our initiatives around corporate social responsibility, including enhanced initiatives to help fight the national opioid abuse crisis, and our executive compensation programs. In response to these meetings, we have made a number of changes to our governance structure, practices and programs for which we have received positive feedback from our stockholders. Below are some of the actions we took.

What we heard Our response
How has the skill set of the Board been supplemented following the Aetna Transaction?           We added four members of the Aetna board to our Board of Directors, supplementing the depth of our Board’s knowledge of the health care industry, consumer products and brand management, international business operations and medical technology with their deep knowledge of Aetna’s business and complementary expertise and new perspectives. Please see their biographies on pages 10-17.
How have the responsibilities of your Board Committees changed in light of operational and industry changes? We added a new Investment and Finance Committee to oversee our investment portfolio, changed the name of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee to the Medical Affairs Committee to reflect the expanded work of the Committee, and shifted responsibilities among the various Committees, including delegating oversight of our policies, practices and risks related to cybersecurity and data and information security governance to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, whose members possess expertise in those subjects. Please see the Committee descriptions on pages 24-31.
How is CVS Health addressing the opioid abuse crisis that is facing the U.S.?

We believe we are part of the solution to the opioid abuse crisis. CVS Health is dedicated to helping communities address and prevent opioid abuse. The Company has a range of programs aimed at addressing various aspects of the issues regarding opioids, including safe medication disposal units, pharmacist counseling, enhanced utilization management through our PBM, our youth education program, Pharmacists Teach, and making opioid overdose reversal medication widely and more easily available. Please see the new opioid response page on our website at http://www.cvshealth.com/OpioidResponse.

How have you improved your executive compensation program? We made a number of changes to simplify our program and improve transparency, and we received positive feedback from our stockholders. We have denominated the long-term incentive program in performance stock units (PSUs) that are subject to a two-year holding period after settlement, and replaced time-vested restricted stock units with PSUs, increasing the performance-based component of our long-term incentive programs as well as the portion of our equity grants that is subject to a holding period. Please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 38-62.

For more information on changes to our compensation programs, see the letter from the Management Planning and Development Committee on page 37 and the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 38. For more information on corporate governance at CVS Health, please refer to pages 9-32 of this proxy statement and to our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com/corporate-governance.

8                2019 Proxy Statement


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters

   
   

Item 1: Election of Directors

 

 

Our Board of Directors has nominated 16 candidates for election as directors at the Annual Meeting. All 16 nominees currently serve as directors. If elected, each nominee will hold office until the next annual meeting.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that the Board is well-balanced and that it fully and effectively addresses the Company’s needs. All of our nominees are seasoned leaders, the majority of whom are or were chief executive officers or other senior executives, who bring to the Board skills, qualifications and perspectives gained during their tenure at a vast array of public companies, private companies, non-profits, governmental and regulatory agencies and other organizations. We have indicated below for each nominee certain of the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Committee and the Board to conclude that the nominee should continue to serve as a director.

Please note that for each director we have only listed the core attributes that the Board considered to be most relevant to each nominee. Each director nominee possesses qualifications in addition to those listed under his or her name.

 

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

2019 Board of Directors

1 Richard Swift 2 Jean-Pierre Millon 3 Fernando Aguirre 4 Alecia DeCoudreaux 5 Edward Ludwig 6 Tony White
7 Roger Farah 8 Larry Merlo 9 David Dorman 10 Anne Finucane 11 David Brown 12 Mary Schapiro
13 Mark Bertolini 14 Nancy-Ann DeParle 15 William Weldon 16 Richard Bracken

For more information about our directors, please refer to pages 10-17 of this proxy statement.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

BIOGRAPHIES OF OUR INCUMBENT BOARD NOMINEES

Age 61

Director since
November 2018

Fernando Aguirre
Former Chairman, President and CEO of Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit; Nominating and Corporate Governance

Other Public Boards
Barry Callebaut AG


Director Qualification Highlights
Leadership – Former CEO
Business Operations; Consumer Products and Services
International Business Operations
Corporate Governance
Business Development and Corporate Transactions
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry

Education B.S., Southern Illinois University

Biography Mr. Aguirre was formerly a member of the board of directors of Aetna from 2011 until the closing of the Aetna Transaction, when he became a director of CVS Health. Mr. Aguirre is the former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (Chiquita) (a global distributor of consumer products), having served as Chiquita’s President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2004 to October 2012 and its Chairman from May 2004 to October 2012. Prior to joining Chiquita, Mr. Aguirre worked for more than 23 years in brand management, general management and turnarounds at The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (a manufacturer and distributor of consumer products). Mr. Aguirre began his P&G career in 1980, serving in various capacities including President and General Manager of P&G Brazil, President of P&G Mexico, Vice President of P&G’s global snacks and U.S. food products, and President of global feminine care. He served as a director of Coveris (packaging) from 2014 to 2015, Levi Strauss (manufacturer of clothing) from 2010 until August 2014, and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (manufacturer and distributor of consumer products) from 2005 to 2010. Mr. Aguirre also serves as a director on the board of directors of Barry Callebaut AG (a manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products).

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Aguirre brings to the Board extensive consumer products, global business and executive leadership experience. As a former Chairman and CEO of a large public company that produces and distributes consumer products worldwide, he has significant brand management and international experience that is valuable to the Board’s strategic and operational understanding of global markets. Mr. Aguirre’s experience and service on other large public company boards, where he chaired various committees, positions him well as a member of our Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

Age 62

Director since
November 2018

Mark T. Bertolini
Former Chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc.

Non-Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
None

Other Public Boards
Verizon Communications Inc.


Director Qualification Highlights
Leadership – Former CEO
Business Operations
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Public Policy and Government Affairs
International Business Operations

Education B.S., Wayne State University; M.B.A., Cornell University

Biography Mr. Bertolini was formerly a member of the board of directors of Aetna from 2010 until the closing of the Aetna Transaction, when he became a director of CVS Health. Mr. Bertolini was also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aetna until that time. He assumed the roles of Chairman of Aetna’s board of directors on April 8, 2011 and Chief Executive Officer of Aetna on November 29, 2010. From July 2007 to December 2014, he served as President, responsible for all of Aetna’s businesses and operations. Mr. Bertolini joined Aetna in 2003 as head of Aetna’s Specialty Products, and subsequently served as Executive Vice President and head of Aetna’s regional businesses. Before joining Aetna, Mr. Bertolini held executive positions at Cigna, NYLCare Health Plans, and SelectCare, Inc., where he was President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bertolini also serves as a director of Verizon Communications, Inc. (communications, information and entertainment products and services), Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (insurance and investment products and services), Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Thrive Global and the Mind & Life Institute.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Bertolini brings to the Board extensive health care industry expertise, with over 30 years in the health care business. He has particularly strong leadership skills and business experience, as he has demonstrated as the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aetna and in several prior executive-level positions. He is a well-recognized leader in the health care industry and possesses deep insights into health care issues as well as broad knowledge and appreciation of public policy issues affecting the Company.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

Age 66

Director since
January 2015

Richard M. Bracken
Former Chairman and CEO of HCA Holdings, Inc.

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Medical Affairs (Chair); Investment and Finance; Executive

Other Public Boards
None


Director Qualification Highlights
Leadership – Former CEO
Business Operations; Consumer Products and Services
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Risk Management
Corporate Governance

Education B.A., San Diego State University; M.H.A., Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University

Biography Mr. Bracken is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCA Holdings, Inc., one of the nation’s leading providers of health care services. At the time of Mr. Bracken’s retirement, HCA’s facilities included approximately 165 hospitals and 115 freestanding surgery centers in 20 states and the U.K. Mr. Bracken served in a number of executive roles in his 33-year career at HCA, including President of HCA’s Pacific Division in 1995, Western Group President in 1997, Chief Operating Officer of HCA in July 2001, and President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2002. He was elected to the HCA Board of Directors in November 2002, became President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in December, 2009. He retired as CEO in December 2013, and as Chairman in December 2014.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Bracken’s experience in leading a large, publicly traded health care company lends expertise and perspective greatly valued by the Board. In addition, his experience operating in the highly-regulated health care industry with significant experience in enterprise clinical quality is also a complementary skill set for the Board. That experience led the Board to appoint Mr. Bracken as Chair of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee (now known as the Medical Affairs Committee) when it was formed in March 2016.

Age 67

Director since
March 2007

C. David Brown II
Partner and Member of the Executive Committee of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Management Planning and Development (Chair); Nominating and Corporate Governance; Executive

Other Public Boards
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.


Director Qualification Highlights
Business Operations; Real Estate
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Finance
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Risk Management
Public Company Board Service

Education B.S.B.A., University of Florida; J.D., University of Florida College of Law

Biography Mr. Brown has been a partner and a member of the Executive Committee of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP (Nelson Mullins), a national law firm, since the August 2018 merger of Nelson Mullins and the Florida-based Broad and Cassel, of which Mr. Brown was Chairman from March 2000 through the time of the merger. He is also the lead director of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM), a leading specialty cellulose production company. Mr. Brown previously served on the board of directors and as lead director of Rayonier Inc., a real estate development and timberland management company, prior to the spin-off of RYAM in June 2014. He also served as a director of ITT Educational Services, Inc., a national provider of technology-oriented degree programs, from April 2015 until September 2016. Mr. Brown previously served on the board of Caremark Rx, Inc. from March 2001 until the closing of the merger transaction involving CVS Health and Caremark, when he became a director of CVS Health.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Brown’s legal expertise and health care experience are highly valued by the Board, as is his ability to analyze and interpret complex issues and facilitate Board engagement. Mr. Brown has significant health care experience, including through his oversight of UF Health while serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida and as a former member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Orlando Health, a not-for-profit health care network. The Board believes that Mr. Brown’s experience adds knowledge and leadership depth to the Board.


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Age 64

Director since
March 2015

Alecia A. DeCoudreaux
President Emerita of Mills College and Former Executive at Eli Lilly and Company

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit; Medical Affairs

Other Public Boards
None

Director Qualification Highlights

Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Corporate Governance
Risk Management
Public Policy and Government Affairs

Education B.A., Wellesley College; J.D., Indiana University School of Law

Biography Ms. DeCoudreaux is President Emerita of Mills College, a liberal arts college for women with graduate programs for women and men, having served a five-year term as President from July 2011 through June 2016. Previously, Ms. DeCoudreaux served in a number of leadership roles at Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical manufacturer, including as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Specialty Legal Team, from 2010-2011, Vice President and General Counsel, Lilly USA, from 2005-2009, and Secretary and Deputy General Counsel of Eli Lilly from 1999-2005. During her 30-year career with Eli Lilly Ms. DeCoudreaux also previously served as Executive Director of Lilly Research Laboratories, Director of Federal Government Relations, Director of State Government Relations and Director of Community Relations. In addition, Ms. DeCoudreaux has served on a number of charitable, educational, for profit and nonprofit boards, including as both a trustee and board chair at Wellesley College.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Ms. DeCoudreaux has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and her experience as an attorney in that field and in the area of corporate governance makes her a great asset to our Board.

Age 62

Director since
September 2013

Nancy-Ann M. DeParle
Co-Founding Partner of Consonance Capital Partners, LLC and Former Director of the White House Office of Health Reform

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Nominating and Corporate Governance (pending Chair); Medical Affairs; Executive (pending)

Other Public Boards
HCA Holdings, Inc.

Director Qualification Highlights

Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Finance
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Public Company Board Service

Education B.A., University of Tennessee; B.A. and M.A., Balliol College, Oxford University; J.D., Harvard Law School

Biography Ms. DeParle has been a Co-Founding Partner of Consonance Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity firm focused on investing in small and mid-size health care companies, since August 2013. From March 2009 to January 2013, Ms. DeParle served in the White House, first as Counselor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, and later as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. In addition, from 1993 to 2000, Ms. DeParle served as the Associate Director for Health and Personnel for the White House Office of Management and Budget, and later as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (then known as the Health Care Financing Administration). From 2001 to March 2009, Ms. DeParle served as a Senior Advisor with JPMorgan Partners and as a Managing Director of its successor entity, CCMP Capital, L.L.C., focusing on private equity investments in health care companies. Ms. DeParle is also a director of HCA Holdings, Inc., a health care services company that owns, manages or operates hospitals and various other health care facilities.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Ms. DeParle has more than 25 years of experience in the health care arena, and is widely considered to be one of the nation’s leading experts in health care policy, management and financing, which makes her an excellent fit for our Board.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

Age 65

Director since
March 2006

David W. Dorman
Chair of the Board of CVS Health Corporation, Former Chairman and CEO of AT&T Corporation, and Founding Partner of Centerview Capital Technology Fund

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Management Planning and Development; Nominating and Corporate Governance; Executive

Other Public Boards
PayPal Holdings, Inc.

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Finance
International Business Operations; Consumer Products or Services
Technology and Innovation
Risk Management
Corporate Governance
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions

Education B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology

Biography Mr. Dorman has been the Chair of the Board of CVS Health Corporation since May 2011. He has also been a Founding Partner of Centerview Capital Technology Fund, a private investment firm, since July 2013. He also served as Lead Director of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (formerly Motorola, Inc.), a communications products company, until his retirement from that board in May 2015, and was Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Motorola from May 2008 through May 2011. From October 2006 through April 2008, he was a Managing Director and Senior Advisor with Warburg Pincus LLC, a global private equity firm. From November 2005 until January 2006, Mr. Dorman served as President and a director of AT&T Inc., a telecommunications company (formerly known as SBC Communications). From November 2002 until November 2005, Mr. Dorman was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Corporation. Mr. Dorman is also a director of PayPal Holdings, Inc., a leading digital and mobile payments company, as well as Dell Technologies Inc., the world’s largest privately controlled technology company. He was a director of Yum! Brands, Inc., a global quick service restaurant company, from 2005 until his retirement from that board in May 2017.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Dorman’s experience in leading large companies, beginning with Sprint and later Pacific Bell and AT&T, lends a perspective and skill set that is greatly valued by the Board. His business background of growing companies is in line with and useful to our business strategy. The Board believes that Mr. Dorman’s experience leading the boards of AT&T and Motorola make him well-suited to serve as its independent Chair.

Age 66

Director since
November 2018

Roger N. Farah
Chairman of Tiffany & Co. and Former Executive at Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Medical Affairs; Management Planning and Development

Other Public Boards
The Progressive Corporation; Metro Bank PLC; Tiffany & Co.

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Business Operations
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Public Company Board Service
International Business Operations

Education B.S., University of Pennsylvania

Biography Mr. Farah was formerly a member of the board of directors of Aetna from 2007 until the closing of the Aetna Transaction, when he became a director of CVS Health. Mr. Farah is the Chairman of the Board and a director of Tiffany & Co. (jewelry and specialty products), and also serves as a director of The Progressive Corporation (auto insurance), and Metro Bank PLC (financial services). He served as Executive Director of Tory Burch LLC (lifestyle products) from March 2017 to September 2017, having previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and director from September 2014 to February 2017. He is former Executive Vice Chairman of Ralph Lauren Corporation (lifestyle products) having served in that position from November 2013 to May 2014, and previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2000 to October 2013, and Director from April 2000 to August 2014. During his 40-plus year career in retailing, Mr. Farah also held director and/or executive positions with Venator Group, Inc. (now Foot Locker, Inc.), R.H. Macy & Co., Inc., Federated Merchandising Services, the central buying and product development arm of Federated Department Stores, Inc., Rich’s/Goldsmith’s Department Stores, and Saks Fifth Avenue, Inc.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Farah brings extensive business and leadership experience to the Board. He has strong marketing, brand management and consumer insights developed in his over 40 years of experience in the retail industry. His former positions as Executive Vice Chairman, President and COO of Ralph Lauren and Executive Director and Co-CEO of Tory Burch give Mr. Farah important perspectives on the complex financial and operational issues facing the Company.


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Age 66

Director since
January 2011

Anne M. Finucane
Vice Chairman and Member of Executive Management Team of Bank of America Corporation

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Investment and Finance; Management Planning and Development

Other Public Boards
None

Director Qualification Highlights

Business Operations; Consumer Products or Services
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Regulated Industry
Finance
Corporate Governance
Risk Management

Education B.A., University of New Hampshire

Biography Ms. Finucane has been Vice Chairman of Bank of America Corporation, an international financial services company, since July 2015 and is a member of its executive management team. From 2006 through July 2015 Ms. Finucane served as Global Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Bank of America and served as Northeast Market President from 2004 through July 2015. During her 20-plus years as a senior leader at Bank of America and its legacy firms, Ms. Finucane has served as senior advisor to four chief executive officers and the Board of Directors. Ms. Finucane is responsible for the strategic positioning of Bank of America and oversees the public policy, customer research and analytics, global marketing, communications and corporate social responsibility efforts for the company. She is chair of Bank of America’s Environmental, Social and Governance Committee, and is also chair of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Ms. Finucane’s experience in the financial services industry, consumer policy, strategy, marketing, corporate social responsibility and government affairs provides the Board with valuable insight in those key areas.

Age 67

Director since
November 2018

Edward J. Ludwig
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Becton, Dickinson and Company

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit; Investment and Finance (Chair); Executive

Other Public Boards
Boston Scientific Corporation

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Business Operations
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Technology and Innovation
Risk Management
International Business Operations

Education B.A., College of the Holy Cross; M.B.A., Columbia University

Biography Mr. Ludwig was formerly lead director of the board of directors of Aetna from 2003 until the closing of the Aetna Transaction, when he became a director of CVS Health. Mr. Ludwig is the former Chairman of the board of directors of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (a global medical technology company), having served in this position from February 2002 through June 2012. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of BD from January 2000 to September 2011, President of BD from May 1999 to December 2008, and Chief Financial Officer of BD from January 1995 to May 1999. Mr. Ludwig joined BD as a Senior Financial Analyst in 1979. Prior to joining BD, Mr. Ludwig was a senior auditor with Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) where he earned his CPA. Mr. Ludwig also served as director of Xylem, Inc. (a water technology company) from 2011 to 2017, and Chairman of Advanced Medical Technology Association, or AdvaMed (a medical device trade association), from 2006 to 2008. He serves as the lead independent director of Boston Scientific Corporation (medical devices) and as a director of POCARED Diagnostics Ltd. (a diagnostics technology manufacturer based in Israel).

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Ludwig’s more than 30 years of experience in the field of medical technology gives him a unique perspective on the Company’s strategy. As the former Chairman and CEO of BD, Mr. Ludwig brings a thorough appreciation of the strategic and operational issues facing a large public company in the health care industry. As a former CFO and a CPA Mr. Ludwig offers the Board a deep understanding of financial, accounting and audit-related issues. Mr. Ludwig’s experience positions him well to serve as Chair of our new Investment and Finance Committee.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

Age 63

Director since
May 2010

Larry J. Merlo
President and Chief Executive Officer of CVS Health Corporation

Non-Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Executive

Other Public Boards
None

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Current CEO
Business Operations; Consumer Products or Services
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Technology and Innovation
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Pharmacy Benefit Management
Real Estate

Education B.S., Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh

Biography Mr. Merlo has been Chief Executive Officer of CVS Health Corporation since March 2011 and President of CVS Health Corporation since May 2010. Mr. Merlo formerly served as Chief Operating Officer of CVS Health Corporation from May 2010 through March 2011 and was President of CVS Pharmacy from January 2007 through May 2010, and Executive Vice President – Stores from April 2000 to January 2007.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Merlo has been with CVS Health and its subsidiaries for nearly 40 years, and provides the Board with invaluable experience and insight into the retail drugstore and health care industries.

Age 68

Director since
March 2007

Jean-Pierre Millon
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of PCS Health Systems, Inc.

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit; Medical Affairs

Other Public Boards
None

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Finance
Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Transactions
Health Care/Regulated Industry
International Business Operations
Pharmacy Benefit Management
Public Company Board Service

Education B.S., Ecole Centrale de Lyon (France); B.A., Université de Lyon (France); M.B.A., Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University

Biography Mr. Millon is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of PCS Health Systems, Inc. Mr. Millon joined PCS in 1995, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from June 1996 until his retirement in September 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Millon served as an executive and held several global leadership positions with Eli Lilly and Company. Mr. Millon previously served on the board of Caremark from March 2004, upon Caremark’s acquisition of AdvancePCS, and as a director of AdvancePCS (which resulted from the merger of PCS and Advance Paradigm, Inc.) beginning in October 2000. He became a director of CVS Health upon the closing of the merger transaction involving CVS Health and Caremark. Mr. Millon has over ten years of financial management experience and 15 years of general functional management experience, including strategic planning experience specific to pharmacy benefit management companies as the former head of PCS. He also has extensive venture capital and public and private company board experience.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Millon’s extensive background and experience in the pharmacy benefit management, pharmaceutical and life sciences businesses, combined with his financial expertise, provide the Board with additional perspective across the enterprise.


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Age 63

Director since
May 2017

Mary L. Schapiro
Vice Chair for Public Policy and Special Advisor to the Founder and Chairman of Bloomberg L.P. and former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Independent Nominee
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit; Investment and Finance

Other Public Boards
Morgan Stanley

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Finance
Risk Management
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Public Company Board Service

Education B.A., Franklin and Marshall College; J.D., George Washington University

Biography Since October 2018 Ms. Schapiro has been Vice Chair for Public Policy and Special Advisor to the Founder and Chairman of Bloomberg, LP, a privately held financial, software, data and media company. Since January 2014, Ms. Schapiro has also served as Vice Chair of Promontory Advisory Board, part of Promontory Financial Group, a leading strategy, risk management and regulatory compliance firm. From January 2009 through December 2012, Ms. Schapiro was Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, becoming the first woman to serve as that agency’s Chairman. Prior to becoming SEC Chairman, Ms. Schapiro was Chairman and CEO of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) from 2006 through 2008, and held a number of key executive positions at FINRA and its predecessor from 1996 through 2006. She also served as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from 1994 to 1996. Ms. Schapiro is also a director of Morgan Stanley, a financial services company. Ms. Schapiro was a director of General Electric Company and of the London Stock Exchange Group PLC, until her retirement from those boards in April 2018 and October 2018, respectively.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Ms. Schapiro’s experience in leading the SEC, FINRA and the CFTC makes her extremely well qualified to serve on our Board. Ms. Schapiro’s leadership of the SEC during the turbulent period that followed the 2008 financial crisis, one of the busiest rulemaking periods in the agency’s history, demonstrates her ability to navigate through a difficult and complex regulatory and political environment. The Board believes that her skills fill important needs in the areas of legal and regulatory compliance, finance, risk management, and public policy and government affairs.

Age 74

Director since
September 2006

Richard J. Swift
Former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Audit (Chair); Executive

Other Public Boards
Ingersoll-Rand plc; Kaman Corporation (retiring April 2019); Hubbell Incorporated (retiring May 2019); Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Finance
International Business Operations
Technology and Innovation
Risk Management
Corporate Governance
Public Company Board Service

Education B.S., U.S. Military Academy at West Point; M.S., Purdue University; M.B.A., Fairleigh Dickinson University

Biography Mr. Swift is the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foster Wheeler Ltd., an international engineering and construction firm, having served in those positions from April 1994 until his retirement in October 2001. Mr. Swift also served as a member and as Chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC) from 2002 until his retirement from FASAC in December 2006. Mr. Swift is also lead director of Ingersoll-Rand plc, a diversified industrial company, and a director of Kaman Corporation (Kaman), a diversified manufacturer and distributor, Hubbell Incorporated (Hubbell), an electrical and electronic products company, and Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, an energy company. Mr. Swift intends to retire from the boards of Kaman and Hubbell in April and May of 2019, respectively.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health The Board greatly values Mr. Swift’s financial expertise, including his experience at FASAC and with various public company boards and audit committees for over 35 years of combined service. Mr. Swift is an audit committee financial expert and his accounting and financial skills are important to the oversight of our financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

Age 70

Director since
March 2013

William C. Weldon
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Management Planning and Development, Nominating and Corporate Governance

Other Public Boards
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Exxon Mobil Corporation

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
International Business Operations; Consumer Products or Services
Risk Management
Corporate Governance
Public Company Board Service

Education B.S., Quinnipiac University

Biography Mr. Weldon is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson, a global developer and manufacturer of health care products, having served in those positions from 2002 until his retirement as Chief Executive Officer in April 2012 and his retirement from the board in December 2012. Mr. Weldon previously served in a variety of senior executive positions during his 41-year career with Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Weldon is also a director of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global financial services company, and Exxon Mobil Corporation, an international oil and gas company. He was formerly a director of The Chubb Corporation, an international insurance company, until it was acquired by ACE Limited in January 2016.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. Weldon’s experience in managing a complex global health care company and his deep knowledge of the worldwide health care market across multiple sectors makes him extremely well suited to serve on our Board. His background in international business management and operating in the highly-regulated health care industry is also greatly valued by the Board.

Age 72

Director since
March 2011

Tony L. White
Former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Biosystems, Inc.

Independent Director
CVS Health Board Committees
Management Planning and Development; Medical Affairs

Other Public Boards
Ingersoll-Rand plc

Director Qualification Highlights

Leadership – Former CEO
Finance
Health Care/Regulated Industry
Technology and Innovation
Risk Management
Corporate Governance
Public Company Board Service

Education B.A., Western Carolina University

Biography Mr. White is the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Biosystems, Inc. (formerly Applera Corporation), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of life science systems and genomic information products, having served in those positions from September 1995 until his retirement in November 2008. Mr. White is also a director of Ingersoll-Rand plc, a diversified industrial company. He was a director of C.R. Bard, Inc. (Bard), a company that designs, manufactures and sells medical, surgical, diagnostic and patient care devices, from 1996 until Bard was acquired by Becton Dickinson and Company in December 2017.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to CVS Health Mr. White’s wealth of management experience in the life sciences and health care industries, including over 13 years as Chairman and CEO of an advanced-technology life sciences company and 26 years in various management positions at Baxter International, Inc., a provider of medical products and services, makes him well qualified to serve as a director of CVS Health.


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Director Qualification Criteria; Diversity

Recognizing that the selection of qualified directors is complex and crucial to the long-term success of the Company, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has established in its charter guidelines for the identification and evaluation of candidates for membership on the Board. Under its charter, the Committee recommends to the Board criteria for Board membership and recommends individuals for membership on our Board. The criteria used by the Committee in nominating directors are found in the Committee’s charter and provide that candidates should be distinguished individuals who are prominent in their fields or otherwise possess exemplary qualities that will enable them to effectively function as directors. While the Committee does not believe it appropriate to establish any specific minimum qualifications for candidates, it focuses on the following qualities in identifying and evaluating candidates for Board membership:

Background, experience and skills
Character, reputation and personal integrity
Judgment
Independence
Diversity
Viewpoint
Commitment to the Company and service on the Board
Any other factors that the Committee may determine to be relevant and appropriate

The Committee makes these determinations in the context of the existing composition of the Board so as to achieve an appropriate mix of characteristics. Consistent with this philosophy, the Committee is committed to including in each search qualified candidates who reflect diverse backgrounds, including diversity of gender and race. The Committee also takes into account all applicable legal, regulatory and stock exchange requirements concerning the composition of the Board and its committees. The Committee reviews these guidelines from time to time as appropriate (and in any event at least annually) and modifies them as it deems appropriate.

The Committee also reviews the composition of the Board in light of the current challenges and needs of the Board and the Company, and determines whether it may be appropriate to add or remove individuals after considering, among other things, the need for audit committee expertise and issues of independence, diversity, judgment, character, viewpoint, reputation, age, skills, background and experience.

The Committee values diversity, which it broadly views in terms of, among other things, gender, race, background and experience, as a factor in selecting members to serve on the Board. Our nominees reflect that diversity, including in terms of race, gender and ethnic background. In addition, to ensure that it has access to a broad range of qualified, experienced and diverse candidates, the Committee may use the services of an independent search firm to help identify and assist in the evaluation of candidates.

Board Evaluation Process

When considering current directors for re-nomination to the Board, the Committee takes into account the performance of each director, which is part of the Committee’s annual Board evaluation process. That process includes individual interviews of each director by our General Counsel, followed by a report summarizing his findings. The Committee then recommends actions for the Board to consider and adopt as it sees fit.

Board Refreshment; Retirement Age

The Committee and the Board believe that setting a retirement age for CVS Health directors is advisable to facilitate the addition of new directors. Accordingly, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that no director who is or would be over the age of 74 at the expiration of his or her current term may be nominated to a new term, unless the Board waives the retirement age for a specific director in exceptional circumstances. In the event any waiver is provided, the Board will disclose the rationale for its decision.

In March 2019, the Board approved a waiver of the retirement age for Mr. Swift, who is currently 74. The Board believes that Mr. Swift’s continued leadership as Chair of the Audit Committee is critically important during the first full year following the closing of the Aetna Transaction. Oversight of the Company’s financial statements, and its internal audit and risk management functions, during the post-merger period will benefit from Mr. Swift’s extensive experience. In making its decision, the Board also considered Mr. Swift’s impending retirement from two of the other boards on which he currently sits.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Item 1

Majority Voting

As discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting (assuming that the election is uncontested). Under our by-laws, each nominee who is a current director is required to submit an irrevocable resignation, which resignation would become effective upon (1) that person not receiving a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election, and (2) acceptance by the Board of that resignation in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The Board, acting on the recommendation of the Committee, will no later than at its first regularly scheduled meeting following certification of the stockholder vote, determine whether to accept the resignation of the unsuccessful incumbent. Absent a determination by the Board that a compelling reason exists for concluding that it is in the best interests of the Company for an unsuccessful incumbent to remain as a director, the Board will accept that person’s resignation. In the event any resignation is not accepted, the Board will disclose the rationale for its determination.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

As of March 21, 2019, the members of the Management Planning and Development Committee are Mr. Brown (Chair), Mr. Dorman, Mr. Farah, Ms. Finucane, Mr. Weldon and Mr. White. None of the members of the Management Planning and Development Committee has ever been an officer or employee of the Company. There are no interlocking relationships between any of our executive officers and any Management Planning and Development Committee member.

Stockholder Submission of Nominees

The Committee will consider any director candidates proposed by stockholders who submit a written request to our Corporate Secretary (including via our proxy access by-law, described below). All candidates should meet the Director Qualification Criteria, discussed above. The Committee evaluates all director candidates and nominees in the same manner regardless of the source. If a stockholder would like to nominate a person for election or re-election to the Board, he or she must provide notice to the Company as provided in our by-laws and described in this proxy statement. The notice must include a written consent indicating that the candidate is willing to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected and any other information that the SEC would require to be included in a proxy statement when a stockholder submits a proposal. See “Other Information – Stockholder Proposals and Other Business for Our Annual Meeting in 2020” for additional information related to proposals, including any nominations, for our 2020 Annual Meeting.

Proxy Access

CVS Health has had a proxy access by-law since January 2016. The key terms of its proxy access by-law are:

         
A stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning at least 3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock continuously for at least 3 years May nominate and include in the Company’s proxy materials director nominees constituting up to the greater of 2 nominees or 20% of the Board Provided that the stockholders and the nominees satisfy the requirements specified in the Company’s by-laws
 

Independence Determinations for Directors

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, a substantial majority of our Board must be comprised of directors who meet the director independence requirements set forth in the Corporate Governance Rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Listed Company Manual. Under NYSE Rules, no director qualifies as “independent” unless the Board affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the Company.

Our Board has adopted categorical standards to assist in making director independence determinations. Any relationship that falls within the following standards or relationships will not, in itself, preclude a determination of independence. These categorical standards are set forth in Annex A to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com/corporate-governance/documents or upon request to our Corporate Secretary.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  The Board’s Role and Activities in 2018

2019 Determinations
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board undertook its annual review of director and nominee independence in March 2019. The Committee recommended and the Board determined that each of Mmes. DeCoudreaux, DeParle, Finucane and Schapiro, and each of Messrs. Aguirre, Bracken, Brown, Dorman, Farah, Ludwig, Millon, Swift, Weldon and White, is independent. The Committee recommended and the Board determined that Mr. Bertolini is not independent due to his leadership of Aetna until the closing of the merger in November 2018. Mr. Merlo is not an independent director because of his employment as President and CEO of the Company.

     The Board’s Role and Activities in 2018

The Board acts as the ultimate decision-making body of the Company and advises and oversees management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the Company. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board reviews and assesses CVS Health’s long-term strategy and its strategic, competitive and financial performance.

The Board oversaw the transformational Aetna Transaction, which closed on November 28, 2018. The Board believes that the Aetna Transaction is a key aspect of the Company’s strategy to create an innovative health care model that addresses many of the issues facing the nation’s health care system and furthers the Company’s purpose of helping people on their path to better health. CVS Health’s revenues in 2018 increased by 5.3 percent to a record $194.6 billion, and the Company continued to generate significant cash flow in 2018, with cash flow from operations totaling $8.9 billion. The Board returned over $2 billion to stockholders in 2018 based on a cash dividend of $2.00 per share. The Company has a clear line of sight to deliver more than $750 million of synergies in year two following the Aetna Transaction, and the Board is monitoring progress toward that goal.

THE BOARD’S ROLE IN STRATEGY AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

The Board reviews the Company’s financial performance on a regular basis at Board meetings and through periodic updates, with a particular focus on peer and competitive comparisons. The Board also periodically reviews the Company’s long-term strategy, and assesses its strategic, competitive and financial performance, on both an absolute basis and in relation to the performance, practices and policies of its peers and competitors. While the Board receives updates regarding strategic matters throughout the year, at least one Board meeting per year is focused almost entirely on the Company’s short- and long-term strategic direction. The Board receives reports from management and expert speakers are often invited to present to the Board. At this meeting the Board provides input and oversight on short-term strategic goals and sets the long-term strategic direction of the Company.

The Board also reviews the Company’s succession planning, including succession planning in the case of the incapacitation, retirement or removal of the CEO. In that regard, the CEO provides an annual report to the Board recommending and evaluating potential successors, along with a review of any development plans recommended for such individuals. The CEO also provides to the Board, on an ongoing basis, his recommendation as to a successor in the event of an unexpected emergency. The Board also reviews succession planning with respect to the Company’s other key executive officers.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  The Board’s Role and Activities in 2018

THE BOARD’S ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT

The Board’s role in risk oversight involves both the full Board and its Committees, as well as members of management.

      Risk Oversight Framework

Management

Each major business unit is responsible for identifying risks, assessing the likelihood and potential impact of significant risks, and reporting to management’s Executive Risk Steering Committee on actions to monitor, manage and mitigate significant risks.
The CFO, Treasurer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Audit Executive and General Counsel periodically report on the Company’s risk management policies and practices, including risk assessments and evaluation of compliance and legal risks, to relevant Board Committees and to the full Board.
Board Committees

Each of our principal Board Committees is responsible for oversight of risk management practices for categories of risks relevant to their functions.

Audit Committee

Primary committee charged with carrying out risk oversight responsibilities on behalf of the Board, including reviewing financial, operational, compliance, reputational and strategic risks.

 
 
Management Planning and Development Committee Investment and Finance Committee Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Medical Affairs Committee
 

Board of Directors

Focuses on understanding Company-wide risks and ensuring that risk matters are appropriately brought to the Board and/or its Committees for review.
Ensures that the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board’s leadership structure and the Board’s practices facilitate the effective oversight of risk and communication with management.

The CFO, Treasurer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Audit Executive and General Counsel periodically report on the Company’s risk management policies and practices, including risk assessments and evaluation of compliance and legal risks to relevant Board Committees and to the full Board. The Board is regularly updated on specific risks in the course of its review of corporate strategy, business plans and reports to the Board by its respective Committees.
As part of CVS Health’s ongoing Enterprise Risk Management process, each of our major business units is responsible for identifying risks that could affect achievement of business goals and strategies, assessing the likelihood and potential impact of significant risks, prioritizing risks and actions to be taken in mitigation and/or response, and reporting to management’s Executive Risk Steering Committee on actions to monitor, manage and mitigate significant risks.
The Audit Committee is charged with the primary role in carrying out risk oversight responsibilities on behalf of the Board. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee annually reviews our policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussing with management the Company’s major risk exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and mitigate such exposures. The Audit Committee also reviews CVS Health’s major financial risk exposures as well as major operational, compliance, reputational and strategic risks, including developing steps to monitor, manage and mitigate those risks. In 2019 responsibility for oversight of risks related to cybersecurity and data and information security governance was transferred from the Audit Committee to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, whose members possess expertise regarding those subjects.
Each of our other Board Committees is responsible for oversight of risk management practices for categories of risks relevant to their functions. For example, the Management Planning and Development Committee has oversight responsibility for our overall compensation structure, including review of its compensation practices, with a view to assessing associated risk.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  The Board’s Role and Activities in 2018

See “Compensation Risk Assessment” on page 29 for additional information. The Medical Affairs Committee reviews and assesses risks arising from the Company’s provision of health care services across the enterprise, including safety issues related to opioid abuse, and the steps taken to monitor and mitigate those risks. The Investment and Finance Committee reviews risks related to the Company’s investment portfolio and its capital and financial resources.
The Board considers its role in risk oversight when evaluating our Corporate Governance Guidelines and its leadership structure. Both the Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Board’s leadership structure facilitate the Board’s oversight of risk and communication with management. Our independent Chairman and our CEO are focused on CVS Health’s and the Board’s risk management efforts and ensure that risk matters are appropriately brought to the Board and/or its Committees for their review.

THE BOARD’S ROLE IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OVERSIGHT

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, pursuant to its charter, is formally charged with oversight of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and performance. The Company’s Senior Vice President of CSR and Philanthropy regularly updates the Committee on CSR risks and opportunities, and the Committee provides feedback and direction on the Company’s approach to key issues. The Committee also reviews the annual CSR Report, refreshed for 2018 as Better Health, Better Community, Better World, prior to its publication. It is available on the Company’s website at https://cvshealth.com/social-responsibility.

STOCKHOLDER OUTREACH

The Company values each of its stockholders and their opinions, and we regularly interact with our stockholders on a variety of matters. In the latter part of 2018 and early 2019, at the direction of the Board, the Company engaged in a stockholder outreach effort to best understand and address any concerns stockholders might have. Additional details regarding our outreach effort and the actions taken are found on pages 8, 35 and 39 of this proxy statement.

Much of our dialogue with stockholders was focused on corporate governance, financial results, social responsibility issues such as the Company’s response to the opioid abuse crisis, and executive compensation matters. Matters related to the Aetna Transaction were also discussed with our stockholders during the outreach process following the closing of that transaction.

CONTACT WITH THE BOARD, THE CHAIR AND OTHER INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Stockholders and other parties interested in communicating directly with the Board, the independent Chair of the Board or with the independent directors as a group may do so by writing to CVS Health Corporation, One CVS Drive, MC 1160, Woonsocket, RI 02895. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has approved a process for handling letters received by the Company and addressed to the Board, the independent Chair of the Board or to independent members of the Board. Under that process, our Corporate Secretary reviews all such correspondence and regularly forwards to the Board copies of all correspondence that, in her opinion, deals with the functions of the Board or its Committees or that she otherwise determines requires their attention.

CODE OF CONDUCT

CVS Health has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our CEO, CFO and Chief Accounting Officer. Our Code of Conduct is available on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and will be provided to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary. We intend to post amendments to, or waivers of, our Code of Conduct (to the extent applicable to our executive officers or directors) at that location on our website within the timeframe required by SEC rules.

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTION POLICY

In accordance with SEC rules, the Board has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has been designated as the Committee responsible for reviewing, approving or ratifying any related person transactions under the Policy, since it already has responsibility for evaluating the impact of conflicts involving directors on independence. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review the Policy on an annual basis and will amend the Policy as it deems appropriate.

Pursuant to the Policy, all executive officers, directors and director nominees are required to notify our General Counsel or Corporate Secretary of any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship, or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, involving the Company in which an executive officer, director, director nominee, five percent beneficial owner or any immediate family member of such a person has a direct or indirect material interest.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Board Structure and Processes

The General Counsel or the Corporate Secretary presents any reported new related person transactions, and proposed transactions involving related persons that might be deemed to be related person transactions, to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at its next regular meeting, or earlier if appropriate. The General Counsel or Corporate Secretary provides the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with an analysis and recommendation regarding each reported transaction. The Committee reviews these transactions, including the analysis and recommendation. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may conclude, upon review of all relevant information, that the transaction does not constitute a related person transaction, and thus that no further review is required under the Policy. If after its review, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines not to approve or ratify a related person transaction, the transaction will not be entered into or continued, as the Committee shall direct. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may ratify or approve a related person transaction if, upon consideration of all relevant information, the transaction is in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

In March 2019, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviewed certain transactions reported under the Policy and determined that no transactions constituted reportable related person transactions under the Policy.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES

The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our investor relations website at http://investors.cvshealth.com/corporate-governance/documents and are also available to stockholders at no charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary. These Guidelines meet the listing standards adopted by the NYSE, on which our common stock is listed.

     Board Structure and Processes

THE BOARD’S LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

David W. Dorman is our independent Chair of the Board. The independent Chair presides at all meetings of the Board, and works with our CEO to set Board meeting agendas and the schedule of Board meetings. In addition, the independent Chair has the following duties and responsibilities:

the authority to call, and to lead, independent director sessions;
the ability to retain independent legal, accounting or other advisors in connection with these sessions;
the responsibility to facilitate communication and serve as a liaison between the CEO and the other independent directors; and
the duty to advise the CEO of the informational needs of the Board.

The Board believes that Board independence and oversight of management will be maintained effectively through the independent Chair, the Board’s composition and its Committee system.

DIRECTOR EDUCATION

CVS Health’s Corporate Governance Guidelines establishes recommendations for director education.

All new members of the Board are encouraged to participate in the Company’s orientation program for directors. Other directors may also attend the orientation program. As newly elected directors following the Aetna Transaction, each of Messrs. Aguirre, Bertolini, Farah and Ludwig took part in an orientation program to familiarize them with the CVS Health businesses and board processes.

In addition, during the September/October Board meeting, the directors participate in an in-depth review of the strategy of the Company and have the opportunity to meet with senior management and gain detailed insights into the business. At these meetings, external speakers are often invited to share insights, best practices and emerging trends with the Board.

All directors are encouraged to participate in continuing education programs, with any associated expenses to be reimbursed by the Company, in order to stay current and knowledgeable about the business of the Company.

Such orientation and continuing education programs are overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

     Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

CVS Health’s Board oversees and guides the Company’s management and its business. Committees support the role of the Board on issues that are better addressed by smaller, more focused subsets of Directors.

For most of 2018, the Board utilized five standing committees. The Investment and Finance Committee was added in November 2018 upon the closing of the Aetna Transaction, and that Committee held its first meeting in January 2019. The table below presents, as of May 16, 2019, the standing Committees of the Board, the membership of such Committees and the number of times each such Committee met in 2018. For further details regarding Committee membership and activities see pages 25-31.

Name       Audit
Committee
      Investment
and Finance
Committee
      Management
Planning and
Development
Committee
      Nominating
and Corporate
Governance
Committee
      Medical
Affairs
Committee
      Executive
Committee
Fernando Aguirre
Mark T. Bertolini
Richard M. Bracken
C. David Brown II
Alecia A. DeCoudreaux
Nancy-Ann M. DeParle
David W. Dorman
Roger N. Farah
Anne M. Finucane
Edward J. Ludwig
Larry J. Merlo
Jean-Pierre Millon
Mary L. Schapiro
Richard J. Swift
William C. Weldon
Tony L. White
2018 Meetings 10 0 6 4 4 2
Committee Chair
* Audit Committee Financial Expert
Mr. Aguirre joined the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees in November 2018.
Ms. DeParle will become Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee at the time of the 2019 Annual Meeting.
** Mr. Farah joined the Management Planning and Development and Medical Affairs Committees in November 2018.
Mr. Ludwig joined the Audit, Investment and Finance and Executive Committees and assumed the role of Chair of the Investment and Finance Committee in November 2018.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

     Audit Committee
Each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and independent of the Company and management under the standards set forth in applicable SEC rules and the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. The Board designated each of Messrs. Swift, Aguirre, Ludwig and Millon and Ms. Schapiro as an audit committee financial expert, as defined under applicable SEC rules. The Board has approved a charter for the Committee, which can be viewed on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and also is available to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary.


 
  Rotated in
Fernando Aguirre
(Nov. 2018)
Edward Ludwig
(Nov. 2018)
  Rotated out
Nancy-Ann DeParle
(Nov. 2018)
2018 Committee Members (independent)
Alecia DeCoudreaux
Nancy-Ann DeParle
Jean-Pierre Millon*
Mary Schapiro*
Richard Swift (Chair)*

2019 Committee Members (independent)
1Edward Ludwig*
2Jean-Pierre Millon*
3Richard Swift (Chair)*
4Alecia DeCoudreaux
5Fernando Aguirre*
6Mary Schapiro*

*Audit Committee Financial Expert
 

Meetings in 2018: 10

Primary Responsibilities
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee assists the Board in its oversight of:

the integrity of our financial statements;
the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, for whose appointment the Committee bears principal responsibility;
the performance of our internal audit function;
our policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussing with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures;
compliance with, and approval of, our Code of Conduct;
the review of our business continuity and disaster recovery program;
the review of our environmental, health and safety program; and
our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including the review and oversight of matters related to compliance with Federal health care program requirements.

Audit Committee Activities in 2018
The Audit Committee met ten times in 2018 and except for one absence each for two members of the Committee due to unavoidable conflicts, each member of the Committee attended all of its meetings while he or she was a member. Four of the Committee’s meetings were focused primarily on our quarterly financial reports, including our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and our related earnings releases. At each of these meetings the Committee reviewed the documents in depth with our CFO and our Chief Accounting Officer, as well as our Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), Chief Audit Executive, General Counsel and other key members of management. The Committee also received reports from our internal audit department and our independent outside audit firm, Ernst & Young LLP. The Committee regularly meets with Ernst & Young outside the presence of management, and also meets individually with members of management, including the CCO, the Chief Compliance Officer for Omnicare and the Chief Audit Executive. In addition to its responsibilities related to our financial statements, the Committee plays a primary role in risk oversight, including reviews of our enterprise risk management program, cybersecurity efforts, business continuity and disaster recovery program, privacy programs, and environmental, health and safety program. For 2019, in order to balance Committee workloads and take advantage of member expertise, responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity and data and information security governance has been transferred to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee also reviews our legal and regulatory compliance program on a quarterly basis, including oversight of the Company’s compliance with its Corporate Integrity Agreements, or CIAs. During 2018, the Committee provided the required annual certification of compliance with the Company’s 2014 CIA related to PBM operations, and the 2016 CIA related to our institutional pharmacy services (long-term care) operations. The Committee also provided the report found on page 33 of this proxy statement, recommending the inclusion of the Company’s audited financial statements in its Form 10-K.

 
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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

     Investment and Finance Committee

Each member of the Investment and Finance Committee is independent of the Company and management under the standards set forth in applicable SEC rules and the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. The Board has approved a charter for the Committee, which can be viewed on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and also is available to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary.

Current Committee Members (all independent)
1Richard Bracken
2Anne Finucane
3Edward Ludwig (Chair)
4Mary Schapiro

Meetings in 2018: 0 (newly formed and first met in January 2019)

Primary Responsibilities
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee assists the Board in its oversight of:

the investment policies, strategies, and programs of the Company and its subsidiaries;
the approval of investment transactions on behalf of the Company that exceed any delegated authority;
investment transactions made on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries;
the performance of the investment portfolios of the Company and its subsidiaries;
the Company’s processes for managing the finances of its employee pension and defined contribution benefit plans;
the Company’s capital plan, including the review of significant financial policies and matters of corporate finance, such as the Company’s dividend policy and the issuance or retirement of debt and other securities;
significant multi-year strategic capital project expenditures and management;
the review and approval of the Company’s decision to enter into swap transactions that are not cleared and are not traded on a designated contract market or swap execution facility, including establishing policies governing the use of such swaps; and
the Company’s stock repurchase programs, including assessing whether to recommend modification to such programs to the Board.

Investment and Finance Committee Activities in 2018
The Investment and Finance Committee was newly formed in November 2018 upon the closing of the Aetna Transaction, and did not meet during 2018.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

     Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent of the Company and management under the standards set forth in the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. The Board has approved a charter for the Committee, which can be viewed on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and also is available to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary. At its meetings, various members of management provide the Committee with updates on areas of its responsibility, including the General Counsel, the Chief Governance Officer, the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, the Senior Vice President of CSR and Philanthropy and the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

 
  Rotated in
Fernando Aguirre
(Nov. 2018)
Nancy-Ann DeParle
(Nov. 2018)
  Rotated out
Richard Bracken
(Nov. 2018)
Anne Finucane
(Nov. 2018)
2018 Committee Members (independent)
Richard Bracken
David Brown
Anne Finucane
William Weldon
David Dorman (Chair)

2019 Committee Members (independent)
1David Brown
2William Weldon
3Nancy-Ann DeParle (Chair)
4Fernando Aguirre
5David Dorman

 

Meetings in 2018: 4

Primary Responsibilities
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee has responsibility for:

identifying individuals qualified to become Board members consistent with criteria approved by the Board;
recommending to the Board director nominees for election at the next annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected or to fill any vacancies or newly-created directorships that may occur between such meetings;
recommending directors for appointment to Board Committees;
making recommendations to the Board as to determinations of director independence;
evaluating Board and Committee performance;
effective in January 2019, the oversight of our information governance framework, including our privacy and information security programs, as well as the cybersecurity aspects of the information security program and cybersecurity risk exposures;
effective in January 2019, the review and ratification of any related person transactions in accordance with our policy on such matters;
considering matters of corporate governance and reviewing, at least annually, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and overseeing compliance with such Guidelines; and
reviewing and considering our policies and practices on issues relating to corporate social responsibility, charitable contributions, political spending practices and other significant public policy issues.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Activities in 2018
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met four times in 2018 and each member of the Committee attended all of its meetings. Throughout the year the Committee evaluated – and continues to evaluate – potential candidates for future election to the Board. In addition, the Committee reviewed the Company’s political activities and expenditures in depth during two of its meetings, and reviewed the Company’s corporate social responsibility roadmap, refreshed for 2018 as Better Health, Better Community, Better World, as well as the corporate social responsibility report itself. The Committee oversaw a review of all of the Company’s principal governance documents in 2018, including its Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws, Corporate Governance Guidelines and all Committee Charters, and recommended changes to each to simplify and harmonize the documents, as well as to adopt certain leading practices. The Committee also oversaw the evaluation process for the Board and its Committees in 2018, which consisted of an in-depth interview of each director by the Company’s General Counsel. At the completion of the interview process, the General Counsel reviewed the results with the Committee and the Board, which resulted in a number of enhancements to the Board and Committee meeting processes. In addition, the Committee received updates regarding legal and regulatory developments related to corporate governance, as well as updates on the proxy season and stockholder communications.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

     Management Planning and Development Committee

Each member of the Management Planning and Development Committee is independent of the Company and management under the standards set forth in applicable SEC rules and the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. No Committee member participates in any of our employee compensation programs and none is a current or former officer or employee of CVS Health or its subsidiaries. At its meetings, non-members, such as the CEO, the CFO, the Chief Accounting Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Chief Governance Officer, other senior human resources and legal officers, or external consultants, may be invited to provide information, respond to questions and provide general staff support. However, no CVS Health executive officer is permitted to be present during any discussion of his or her compensation or performance, and the Committee regularly exercises its prerogative to meet in executive session without management.

The Committee’s responsibilities are specified in its charter. The charter, as approved by the Board, may be viewed on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and also is available to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary.

 
 
  Rotated in
Roger Farah
(Nov. 2018)
  Rotated out
None
2018 Committee Members (independent)
David Brown (Chair)
Anne Finucane
David Dorman
William Weldon
Tony White

2019 Committee Members (independent)
1David Dorman
2Tony White
3Anne Finucane
4David Brown (Chair)
5William Weldon
6Roger Farah

 

Meetings in 2018: 6

Primary Responsibilities
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee:

oversees our compensation and benefits policies and programs generally;
evaluates the performance of designated senior executives, including the CEO;
in consultation with our other independent directors, oversees and sets compensation for the CEO;
oversees and sets compensation for our designated senior executives;
reviews and recommends to the Board compensation (including cash and equity-based compensation) for our non-employee directors; and
prepares and recommends to the full Board the inclusion of the Compensation Committee Report that is found on page 37 of this proxy statement.

The Committee may delegate its authority relating to employees other than executive officers and directors as it deems appropriate and may also delegate its authority relating to ministerial matters.

Management Planning and Development Committee Activities in 2018
The Management Planning and Development Committee met six times in 2018 and each member of the Committee attended all of its meetings. In addition to reviewing the independence of its advisor as described below, the Committee devoted substantial time to its oversight of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs as part of its annual governance process. This review is aimed at ensuring that the Company is providing its employees with compensation and benefit programs that are appropriate. The Committee received updates on compensation trends and legislative and regulatory developments. The Committee also reviewed the Company’s compensation programs, retirement, health and welfare plans applicable to all full-time employees. In addition, the Committee devoted considerable time to CVS Health’s stockholder outreach efforts and the feedback received from investors. The Committee’s review of executive compensation matters and its decisions, including changes made in response to input from our stockholders, is discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement.

 
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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

Compensation Risk Assessment

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and assessing potential risk arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices. In 2018, the Company performed a comprehensive risk assessment of its compensation policies and practices to ascertain any potential material risks that may be created by the programs. Included in its assessment were all major components of the Company’s compensation programs, including: the mix between annual and long-term compensation; short-term incentive program design; long-term incentive program performance measures; incentive plan performance criteria and corresponding objectives; a comparison of the Company’s programs with those of its peer group; the Company’s severance and change-in-control policies; its recoupment policy; its share retention requirements and ownership guidelines; and the Internal Audit Department’s review of the controls regarding the Company’s long-term incentive program. The Committee considered the findings of the assessment and concluded that the Company’s compensation programs are aligned with the interests of its stockholders, appropriately reward pay for performance, and do not promote excessive risk-taking.

Independent Consultant

Exequity LLP is the Committee’s independent compensation consultant. Exequity provides no other services to the Company. Exequity’s fees for executive compensation consulting to the Committee for 2018 were $252,244. During 2018, Exequity:

Collected, organized and presented quantitative competitive market data for a relevant competitive peer group with respect to executive officers’ target, annual and long-term compensation levels, including providing data for the most senior Aetna executives;
Developed and delivered an annual Committee briefing on legislative and regulatory developments and trends in executive compensation and their implications for CVS Health;
Provided guidance, including relevant competitive market data, in support of discussions related to the design of our 2018 long-term incentive program; and
Analyzed market data and provided recommendations for non-employee director compensation to the Committee for approval by the Board.

The Committee believes that the advice it receives from Exequity is objective and not influenced by any other business relationship. The Committee and Exequity have policies and procedures in place to preserve the objectivity and integrity of the executive compensation consulting advice, including:

The Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate the executive compensation consultant;
The consultant reports to the Committee Chair and has direct access to the Committee without management involvement;
While it is necessary for the consultant to interact with management to gather information, the Committee determines if and how the consultant’s advice can be shared with management; and
The Committee regularly meets with the consultant in executive session, without management present, to discuss recommendations.

The Committee conducts an annual review of the independence of its compensation consultant, taking into account the standards above, the items required to be considered under the NYSE listing standards and applicable rules and regulations. The Committee determined that its compensation consultant is independent and that its consultant’s work does not raise any conflicts.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Committees of the Board as of the Annual Meeting

    Medical Affairs Committee (formerly Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee)

Each member of the Medical Affairs Committee is independent of the Company and management under the standards set forth in applicable SEC rules and the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. The Board has approved a charter for the Committee, which can be viewed on our website at http://investors.cvshealth.com and also is available to stockholders without charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary.

In light of the Company’s expanded offerings throughout the spectrum of health care, the Committee was formed in March 2016 and renamed in November 2018. Its focus is on oversight of the Company’s medical- and pharmacy-related strategies and initiatives, matters relating to the advancement of quality of pharmacy and medical care, patient safety and patient experience, the enhancement of access to cost-effective quality health care, and the promotion of member health.


 
  Rotated in
Roger Farah
(Nov. 2018)
  Rotated out
None
2018 Committee Members (independent)
Richard Bracken (Chair)
Alecia DeCoudreaux
Nancy-Ann DeParle
Jean-Pierre Millon
Tony White

2019 Committee Members (independent)
1Tony White
2Jean-Pierre Millon
3Richard Bracken (Chair)
4Nancy-Ann DeParle
5Alecia DeCoudreaux
6Roger Farah

 

Meetings in 2018: 4

Primary Responsibilities
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee:

reviews significant medical- and pharmacy-related strategies and initiatives of the Company, and matters concerning efforts to (1) advance the quality of pharmacy and medical care, patient safety and experience, (2) enhance access to cost-effective quality health care, and (3) promote member health;
reviews the Company’s medical, pharmacy, and other strategies and initiatives designed to foster health care innovation, lower patient costs and to improve the delivery of clinic, in-home, and other health care solutions;
reviews matters and receives reports concerning the quality performance of the Company’s (1) pharmacy and medical care, such as (a) dispensing, compounding, and infusion services and (b) nursing and medical clinic operations; (2) patient safety and experience; (3) the management of health care claims against the Company; and (4) regulatory activity related to pharmacy and health care; and
takes such other actions and performs such services as may be referred to it from time to time by the Board, including the conduct of special reviews as it may deem necessary or appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities.

Medical Affairs Committee Activities in 2018
The Medical Affairs Committee met four times in 2018 and each member of the Committee attended all of its meetings. The Committee’s meetings focused on a wide variety of matters related to the Company’s provision of health care services across the enterprise, including retail, mail, specialty, specialty mail and long-term care pharmacy, retail clinic services provided by MinuteClinic, and drug compounding and infusion activities conducted by Coram and across the enterprise. The Committee received reports regarding regulatory activity by boards of pharmacy, nursing and health related to the Company. The Committee reviewed various issues related to patient safety, including matters related to the Company’s efforts to address the opioid abuse crisis. The Committee received updates on health care-related claims against the Company, as well as steps being taken to minimize and mitigate those claims. The Committee also provided oversight in the development and enhancement of a number of scorecards in various lines of business, and other efforts to measure and improve patient safety and clinical effectiveness.


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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Board Meetings and Attendance

      Executive Committee

At all times when the Board is not in session, the Executive Committee may exercise many of the powers of the Board, as permitted by applicable law.

The Executive Committee met two times during 2018, to discuss urgent matters.

Mr. Bracken, Chair of the Medical Affairs Committee, was added to the Executive Committee in January 2018, Mr. Ludwig was added to the Executive Committee when he became Chair of the newly-formed Investment and Finance Committee in November 2018 and Nancy-Ann DeParle will be added to the Executive Committee at the time of the Annual Meeting, when she will become Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.


 
  Rotated in
Edward Ludwig
(Nov. 2018)
Nancy-Ann DeParle
(May 2019)
  Rotated out
None
2018 Committee Members
Richard Bracken
David Brown
David Dorman
Larry Merlo
Richard Swift

2019 Committee Members
1Richard Bracken
2Richard Swift
3Larry Merlo
4David Dorman
5Nancy-Ann DeParle
6Edward Ludwig
7David Brown

 

Meetings in 2018: 2


      Board Meetings and Attendance

During 2018, there were eight meetings of the Board. Directors are expected to make every effort to attend the Annual Meeting, all Board meetings and the meetings of the Committees on which they serve. All of our directors at the time of our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders attended that Annual Meeting. In 2018, all directors attended more than 75% of the meetings of the Board and the Committees of which he or she was a member, with attendance averaging over 99%.

One Board meeting was our annual meeting of independent directors. The independent directors also regularly hold executive sessions during regularly scheduled Board meetings in which our management does not participate.

      Non-Employee Director Compensation

CVS Health’s approach to compensating non-employee directors for Board service is to provide directors with an annual retainer comprised of a mandatory 75% paid in shares of our common stock and 25% paid in cash (or up to 100% stock at the director’s election). The payment of a significant portion of the annual retainer, and additional retainers as outlined below, in our common stock is consistent with our policy of using equity compensation to better align directors’ interests with stockholders. This also enhances the directors’ ability to meet and continue to comply with our stock ownership guidelines described below.

For the 2018-2019 Board year, the total annual retainer for non-employee directors remained $280,000, consisting of shares of our stock valued at $210,000 (the mandatory annual stock retainer) and a cash payment of $70,000 (unless the director elected to receive up to 100% of the annual retainer in shares of our common stock).

Additional retainers were paid to the Chairs of the Committees and the Board as follows: Audit, $25,000; Investment and Finance, $15,000 (pro-rated to $7,500 for the 2018-2019 Board year); Management Planning and Development, $20,000; Medical Affairs, $15,000; Nominating and Corporate Governance, $15,000; and Independent Chair of the Board, $275,000.

At least 75% of each additional retainer must be paid in shares of our common stock, with the remaining 25% paid in cash, unless the director elects to be paid an additional percentage in shares. Each retainer was paid in two equal installments, in June and November of 2018. Directors may elect to defer receipt of shares, and deferred shares are credited with dividend reinvestment shares to the extent dividends are paid to stockholders. There are no meeting fees.

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Corporate Governance and Related Matters  Non-Employee Director Compensation

On November 6, 2018, the Management Planning and Development Committee and Exequity LLP reviewed a director compensation study prepared by Exequity, and the Board approved the Director compensation package for non-employee Directors for the 2019-2020 Board year. The Board retainer will be increased to $310,000, with at least 75% paid in stock, and all of the Chair retainers will remain the same as the current Board year.

      Non-Employee Director Retainer Mix

ALL OTHER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Directors are eligible to participate in the employee discount program and are subject to the same terms of the program as our employees. Directors are generally reimbursed for business expenses incurred directly in connection with their roles and duties on the Board, such as services provided by an executive assistant, travel, meals and lodging. We allow all directors to enroll themselves and their eligible dependents in our prescription drug benefit program, paying the same premium rates as employees. If a director retires from the Board with at least five years of service, we will allow continued participation in the prescription drug benefit plan for life, but the director must bear the full cost of the premium after retirement.

The following table shows amounts paid to each of our non-employee directors in 2018.

      Non-Employee Director Compensation – 2018

Name Fees Earned
and Paid
in Cash
1
($)
Cash Fees
Elected to be
Paid in Stock2
($)
Stock
Awards2
($)
All Other
Compensation3
($)
Total
($)
Fernando Aguirre      35,007           104,993           140,000
Mark T. Bertolini 35,007 104,993 140,000
Richard M. Bracken 73,913 221,087 2,043 297,043
C. David Brown II 0 75,000 225,000 2,043 302,043
Alecia A. DeCoudreaux 70,083 209,917 973 280,973
Nancy-Ann M. DeParle 70,083 209,917 280,000
David W. Dorman 100 142,400 427,500 570,000
Roger N. Farah 35,007 104,993 140,000
Anne M. Finucane 70,083 209,917 280,000
Edward J. Ludwig 36,888 110,612 147,500
Jean-Pierre Millon 70,083 209,917 2,043 282,043
Mary L. Schapiro 0 70,000 210,000 280,000
Richard J. Swift 76,250 228,750 2,043 307,043
William C. Weldon 0 70,000 210,000 280,000
Tony L. White 70,083 209,917 2,043 282,043
1 The amounts shown include cash payments made in lieu of fractional shares to Mmes. DeCoudreaux, DeParle and Finucane and Messrs. Aguirre, Bertolini, Bracken, Dorman, Farah, Ludwig, Millon, Swift and White.
2 These awards are fully vested at grant and the amounts shown represent both the fair market value and the full fair value at grant. During 2018, each director receiving a 12-month retainer received 2,970 shares of stock with a total value of $210,000 (the mandatory annual stock retainer) on the date of grant; each director electing to receive the remaining annual retainer in stock also received 990 shares valued at $70,000 on the date of grant. Two directors elected to receive their additional chairperson retainers in stock in lieu of cash. The four directors elected at the time of the Aetna Transaction each received a six-month retainer consisting of 1,308 shares valued at $105,000; Mr. Ludwig also received 70 shares valued at $5,625 as a six-month retainer for his service as Chair of the Investment and Finance Committee; the remainder of each such retainer was paid in cash. As of December 31, 2018, our directors had deferred receipt of shares of Company common stock as follows: Mr. Brown, 59,107 shares; Ms. DeCoudreaux, 10,667 shares; Ms. DeParle, 3,470 shares; Mr. Dorman, 17,047 shares; Ms. Finucane, 5,750; Ms. Schapiro, 7,887; Mr. Swift, 62,371 shares; and Mr. Weldon, 21,525 shares.
3 Represents Company contributions for director health and prescription benefits.

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Audit Committee Matters

   
   

Item 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2019

 

 

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP (Ernst & Young), an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, and recommended to our full Board that it approve that appointment. We are submitting the appointment by the Committee to you for your ratification.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR this proposal.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

During 2018, the Committee was composed of either five or six independent directors, with Messrs. Aguirre and Ludwig joining the Committee after their election to the Board in November 2018 and Ms. DeParle rotating off the Committee at that time. Set forth below is the report of the current Committee on its activities with respect to CVS Health’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 (audited financial statements).

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management;
The Committee has discussed with Ernst & Young, CVS Health’s independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed under applicable auditing standards;
The Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young pursuant to applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young’s communications with the Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young its independence from the Company; and
Based on the review and discussions referred to above and relying thereon, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in CVS Health’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, for filing with the SEC.

                        

Richard J. Swift, Chair

Fernando Aguirre

Alecia A. DeCoudreaux

Edward J. Ludwig

Jean-Pierre Millon

Mary L. Schapiro

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM INDEPENDENCE AND FEE APPROVAL POLICY

The Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee has retained Ernst & Young as CVS Health’s external audit firm since September 2007. In order to assure continuing external auditor independence, the Committee periodically considers whether there should be a rotation of the audit firm. Further, in conjunction with the mandated rotation of the external audit firm’s lead engagement partner, the Committee and its Chair are directly involved in the selection of Ernst & Young’s new lead engagement partner. Based on its most recent evaluation of Ernst & Young, the members of the Committee believe that the continued retention of Ernst & Young to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Among the factors considered by the Committee in reaching this recommendation are the following: the quality of Ernst & Young’s staff, work and quality control; its capability and technical expertise, given the complexity of the Company’s business, including its expertise in the health benefits business acquired by the Company in the Aetna Transaction; its independence from the Company; the quality and candor of its communications with the Company and the Committee; and the benefits of its tenure as auditors, including enhanced audit quality and competitive fees.

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Audit Committee Matters  Item 2

All audit services, audit-related services and tax services were pre-approved by the Committee, and the Committee is ultimately responsible for audit fee negotiations associated with the retention of Ernst & Young. The Committee has considered whether Ernst & Young’s provision of services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young’s independence. The Committee’s audit approval policy provides for pre-approval of audit, audit-related and tax services that are specifically described on an annual basis to the Committee and, in addition, individual engagements anticipated to exceed pre-established thresholds must be separately approved. The policy also requires specific approval by the Committee if total fees for audit-related and tax services would exceed total fees for audit services in any fiscal year. The policy authorizes the Committee to delegate to one or more of its members pre-approval authority with respect to permitted services, so long as such pre-approvals are reported to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Representatives of Ernst & Young will be at the Annual Meeting to answer your questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.

If you do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young, the Committee will reconsider its appointment, although in the event of reconsideration the Committee may determine that Ernst & Young should continue in its role. Even if you do ratify the appointment, the Committee retains its discretion to reconsider its appointment if it believes that reconsideration is necessary in the best interest of the Company and the stockholders.

FEES OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM

The following table summarizes the fees paid to Ernst & Young for services rendered during fiscal 2018 and 2017.

  Fiscal Year
Ended
12/31/18
($)
Fiscal Year
Ended
12/31/17
($)
Audit Fees1      24,210,000      10,530,000
Audit-Related Fees2 2,269,395 1,318,736
Tax Fees3 1,642,816 1,420,837
All Other Fees
1 Represents the aggregate fees and expenses billed for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and the audit of our internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year, the reviews of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, audits of our insurance captives, services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for the fiscal year, and consultations on technical matters. Audit fees increased in 2018 due to additional audit procedures associated with the new lease accounting standard, goodwill impairments, debt offering, and the Aetna Transaction.
2 Represents the aggregate fees billed for audit and other services that are typically performed by auditors, including audits of our employee benefit plans, compliance reporting, non-financial metric reporting and certain agreed upon procedures.
3 Includes $152,500 and $170,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to tax compliance and preparation services.

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Executive Compensation and Related Matters

   
   

Item 3: Say on Pay, a Proposal to Approve, on An Advisory Basis, the Company’s Executive Compensation

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR this proposal.

BACKGROUND

We are asking our stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) and the Executive Compensation section of this proxy statement. Although the advisory vote is not binding upon the Company, the Management Planning and Development Committee (referred to in this Item 3 as the Committee), which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, values our stockholders’ opinions and will continue to consider the outcome of the vote in its ongoing evaluation of our executive compensation program.

At CVS Health, our executive compensation philosophy and practice reflect our unwavering commitment to paying for performance – both short- and long-term. We define performance as the achievement of results against challenging internal financial targets that take into account our results relative to that of our peer companies, as well as industry and market conditions. We believe that our multi-faceted executive compensation plans, with their integrated focus on short- and long-term metrics, provide an effective framework by which progress against our strategic goals may be appropriately measured and rewarded.

OUR 2018 VOTE; STOCKHOLDER OUTREACH

Following our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Committee reviewed the results of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation. Approximately 91% of votes were cast in favor of the proposal, an increase from 61% in 2017.

Management and the Board had conducted extensive outreach with our stockholders following our 2017 Annual Meeting to better understand their perspectives on our compensation program, particularly for those who voted against our say-on-pay proposal. As a result of investor feedback, the Committee approved several changes to our compensation program for 2018 in an effort to simplify and enhance the performance-based nature of the program and to increase overall transparency. The 2018 changes followed a number of enhancements made to our executive compensation programs following stockholder feedback in prior years. In the latter part of 2018 and early 2019, we reached out to stockholders representing approximately 41% of our outstanding shares and held calls or meetings with holders of nearly 19% of our outstanding shares, as well as one of the leading proxy advisory firms. During our outreach, we discussed the changes to our executive compensation programs that were put into place in 2018 and received positive feedback.

The Committee had implemented several changes to our 2018 plan design aimed principally at enhancing the performance-based nature of the program and increasing overall transparency, including:

denominating long-term incentive plan awards in stock, i.e., performance stock units, or PSUs, rather than denominating them in cash and settling them in stock, which simplifies the reporting of the awards and further aligns the program to our stockholders;
enhancing the performance mix of long-term incentives, by replacing time-based restricted stock units with PSUs, and implementing a two-year post-vest holding period for shares delivered under PSUs; and
revising the comparator group for measuring relative total shareholder return (TSR) under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) from the full S&P 500 to an index of approximately 90 companies that more closely reflects our business.

We are also enhancing the disclosure and providing more insight into the Committee’s evaluation of each executive’s individual goals and performance under the annual incentive plan.

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Executive Compensation and Related Matters  Item 3

OUR 2018 PERFORMANCE AND PAY ACTIONS

In 2018, the Company delivered on our financial expectations. As a result, revenues grew 5.3% and adjusted earnings per share were $7.08,1 at the top end of our previous guidance range. Earnings (loss) per share on a GAAP basis was $(0.57), due primarily to goodwill impairment charges taken with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Care business. We returned more than $2 billion to stockholders through cash dividends during 2018, but suspended both dividend increases and our stock buyback program in connection with the Aetna Transaction as we take steps to return to our target debt leverage ratio through disciplined capital allocation.

The value of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation is significantly influenced by the value of our stock. Approximately 70% of target total compensation under our program is provided through stock-based pay (stock options, performance stock units and the performance-based LTIP). As a result of our long vesting periods and the two-year holding requirement for net shares issued under the LTIP, the members of our executive team, like our stockholders, have been affected by the decrease in our stock price and only ultimately achieve the full target grant value of their equity compensation by creating long-term stockholder value.

CONCLUSION; RESOLUTION

We urge stockholders to read the letter from the Committee found on page 37 and the CD&A beginning on page 38 of this proxy statement, which describes in more detail how our executive compensation policies and procedures operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narratives appearing on pages 63-74, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. The Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the CD&A are effective in achieving our goals and that the compensation of our Named Executive Officers reported in this proxy statement has contributed to CVS Health’s long-term success.

Stockholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the CVS Health executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosures).”

1 Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure. For more information, see Annex A of this proxy statement.

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Letter from the Management Planning and Development Committee and Compensation Committee Report

DEAR CVS HEALTH CORPORATION STOCKHOLDER,

As the members of the Board’s Management Planning and Development Committee (for purposes of this letter and the CD&A, the Committee), we are responsible for and highly focused on overseeing the design and implementation of competitive compensation programs that align pay and performance, support our long-term strategic goals, and drive stockholder value.

It was a milestone year for CVS Health. In 2018 we successfully completed our transformational acquisition of Aetna, began effective implementation of our integration strategy, and took important steps toward building the integrated healthcare model that will bring substantial value to our various stakeholders. During this time, we maintained strong financial performance and delivered on our operating expectations. The Committee took into account all of these factors, in addition to the direct feedback we heard from our stockholders, as we implemented the 2018 compensation program and structured the compensation program for 2019.

In 2018, following a thorough review of the compensation program and significant stockholder engagement, the Committee implemented a number of substantive enhancements that both responded to stockholder feedback and continued to support our core compensation principles. These changes were designed to simplify and enhance the performance-based nature of the program, and to increase overall transparency. Stockholder feedback since these changes were implemented, through the 2018 say-on-pay proposal, which received 91% support, and subsequent stockholder engagement in late 2018 and early 2019, has been positive.

We remain firmly committed to incent management to remain focused on drivers of sustainable performance over the long term. As a result of the Aetna Transaction which closed in late 2018 and as our strategy continues to evolve, the Committee has reviewed the performance metrics within our compensation program to ensure appropriate alignment. For 2019, the Committee determined to grant the performance stock units (PSUs) portion of our long-term incentive program following the Company’s Investor Day presentation in June using an EPS growth rate and a leverage ratio as the performance metrics for the awards. We believe these metrics are key to driving long-term, sustained growth and will be critical measures of success for you, our stockholders.

We believe that our compensation programs drive the right behaviors for our executives, which in turn benefits our stockholders by driving our business strategies and goals. We look forward to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with our stockholders as we transform the consumer health care experience.

Compensation Committee Report

We met with management to review and discuss the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the CD&A). Based on that review and discussion, we recommended to the Board that the CD&A be included in this proxy statement. 

David W. Dorman Tony L. White Anne M. Finucane C. David Brown II
(Chair)
William C. Weldon Roger N. Farah

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis  Summary

     Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The CD&A explains how our executive compensation programs are designed and operate with respect to our named executive officers (NEOs or Named Executive Officers), who for 2018 are:

Larry J. Merlo President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Eva C. Boratto Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Jonathan C. Roberts EVP and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Derica W. Rice EVP and President – CVS Caremark
Thomas M. Moriarty EVP, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel
David M. Denton Former EVP and CFO

In connection with the closing of the Aetna Transaction, David M. Denton left the Company and Eva C. Boratto, formerly CVS Health’s Executive Vice President – Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Boratto joined the Company in 2010 and has an extensive financial background that spans more than 20 years and includes senior positions in both the pharmaceutical and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industries.

Derica W. Rice joined the Company on March 30, 2018 and serves as President of CVS Caremark and Executive Vice President of the Company. He previously served as CFO at Eli Lilly and Company.

The CD&A is organized into the following sections:

Summary page 38
Business and Performance Highlights page 42
Detailed Program Discussion page 44

     Summary

OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CORE PRINCIPLES

Five core principles drive our executive compensation philosophy:

I II III IV V
Support, Communicate and Drive Achievement of our business strategies and goals Attract and Retain the highest-caliber executive officers by providing compensation opportunities comparable to those offered by other companies with which we compete for business and talent Motivate High Performance from executive officers in an incentive-driven culture by delivering greater rewards for superior performance and reduced awards for underperformance Align Interests of our executive officers and our stockholders, and foster an equity ownership environment Reward Achievement of short-term results as well as long-term stockholder value creation

Management and the Committee believe these principles motivate our executive officers to take personal responsibility for the performance of the business and deliver long-term stockholder value, consistent with CVS Health’s values of Innovation, Collaboration, Caring, Integrity and Accountability.

Our compensation programs:

Are tailored to our short- and long-term business strategies and drive performance,
Reflect the rapidly changing health care landscape,
Drive sustainable performance in an era where human, social, natural, and intellectual capital are joining financial and operating capital as performance drivers, and
Operate within strong governance parameters.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis  Summary

STOCKHOLDER OUTREACH AND CONSIDERATION OF 2018 “SAY ON PAY” VOTE

Following our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Committee reviewed the results of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation. Approximately 91% of votes were cast in favor of the proposal, an increase from 61% in 2017. Management and the Board had conducted extensive outreach with our stockholders following our 2017 Annual Meeting to better understand their perspectives on our compensation program, particularly for those who voted against our say-on-pay proposal. As a result of investor feedback, the Committee approved several changes to our compensation program for 2018 in an effort to simplify and enhance the performance-based nature of the program and to increase overall transparency. The 2018 changes followed a number of enhancements made to the program following stockholder feedback in prior years.

In the latter part of 2018 and early 2019, we reached out to stockholders representing approximately 41% of our outstanding shares and had conversations with stockholders who requested engagement representing nearly 19% of our outstanding shares, as well as one of the leading proxy advisory firms. During our outreach, we discussed a range of relevant topics with stockholders, including the changes to our executive compensation programs that were put into place in 2018 and received positive feedback.

      2018 Enhancements To Executive Compensation Program

Denominate
Long-Term
Incentive Plan
(LTIP) Grants
in Stock
       
We historically denominated the value of our LTIP grants in cash. Based on feedback from stockholders, beginning in 2016 we provided for the awards to be settled 100% in shares of common stock that are subject to a two-year holding period.

Even after the 2016 change, some stockholders continued to find the disclosure surrounding the LTIP confusing, and many suggested a preferable and more common approach to denominate grants in shares. Thus effective beginning with the 2018-2020 performance cycle, all LTIP grants will be denominated as performance stock units (PSUs) and reported in the Summary Compensation Table in the year of grant.
Enhance
Performance-
Based
Component of
Long-Term
Incentives
Beginning with 2018 grants, we replaced time-vested restricted stock units (RSUs) with PSUs with a three-year performance period based on adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) targets, which we refer to as EBITDA PSUs, resulting in 75% of our target annual long-term incentive grant value being performance-based. The remaining 25% of the target grant value is in the form of a stock option grant, which many stockholders view as performance-based or performance-aligned. Unvested PSUs are not eligible for dividend equivalent payments (unlike the prior unvested RSUs). Shares delivered in settlement of PSUs are subject to a two-year holding period.

Prior to 2018, RSUs accounted for 25% of an executive’s long-term incentive target grant values, and investors indicated a preference for greater emphasis on PSUs.
Increase
Portion of
Long-Term
Incentives
Subject to
Holding Period
Beginning with 2018 grants, LTIP awards are granted as PSUs and settled 100% in shares of common stock that are subject to a two-year holding period. As a result, the portion of long-term incentive awards subject to a holding period by our executives has increased to 75% versus the prior 50%.

Stockholders have provided positive feedback on the two-year holding period, recognizing that it further aligns executive and stockholder interests over a longer term.
Improve Annual
Cash Incentive
Program
Design
For the 2018 performance year, we simplified the design of the annual cash incentive program and eliminated the bonus pool. NEOs are eligible for maximum awards based on competitive targets. For 2018, the program continued to use rigorous goals for MIP Adjusted Operating Profit that align to our external financial guidance along with customer satisfaction and client service goals that the Committee believes are leading indicators of future performance. The program also incorporates individual goals for each NEO.

Stockholders previously had indicated that our annual cash incentive program was too complex.
Adjust
Comparator
Group For
Relative TSR
Performance
Modifier
Beginning with the 2018-2020 LTIP performance cycle, we changed the comparator group for measuring relative TSR (rTSR) under our LTIP from the S&P 500 to an index of companies that more closely reflects our business. Specifically, this group includes over 55 health care and over 30 consumer staples companies.

We received feedback that a comparator group more closely aligned to our business might be more appropriate, and would help to mitigate some of the macro issues that can potentially impact the share price of a particular industry or industries.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis  Summary

The above changes are in addition to enhancements made to our compensation program in prior years as a result of stockholder input that remain in effect, including:

Adding transparency to the individual component of our annual cash incentive program,
Reducing maximum awards under the annual cash incentive program,
Providing that dividend equivalents on unvested RSUs (a portion of our long-term incentive program prior to 2018) are only paid out when and if awards vest, and
Revising the TSR modifier beginning with the 2017-2019 LTIP performance cycle by applying it in pro-rated quartiles that reduce payouts for performance below the 50th percentile.

COMPENSATION PROGRAM DESIGN

Our pay-for-performance philosophy places a majority of an executive officer’s compensation at risk and emphasizes long-term incentives tied to individual and Company performance as well as continued service. As a result, the only fixed compensation paid is base salary, which represents 9% of the CEO’s total target compensation and no more than 16% of the other NEOs’ total target compensation.

      2018 CEO Target Pay Mix

IMPACT OF LTIP PLAN DESIGN CHANGES: TRANSITION IN PSU SETTLEMENT

In 2016, in response to stockholder feedback, the Company moved from an LTIP award that was partially settled in cash to awards denominated in cash and settled 100% in stock. This resulted in a change in our reporting as previously awards were reported half in the year of grant and half in the year of vesting. In accordance with SEC guidance, the LTIP payouts for the 2016 and 2017 grants are reported at the end of the three-year performance period as cash even though they will be settled and paid fully in stock. Although our stockholders generally approved of the design (payment in stock that is subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period), they found the multi-year reporting confusing and that it resulted in an incomplete analysis of our compensation program. To address these concerns, commencing with the 2018 grants, LTIP awards are made in PSUs (LTIP PSUs) that are reported in the year of the grant as stock awards in the Summary Compensation Table (SCT) and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.

During the transition period, which includes the payout of the 2016-2018 performance cycle and will continue through the payout of the 2017-2019 performance cycle, there will be timing issues that occur as awards for multiple years will appear in the SCT as follows:

Last year’s SCT included the cash portion earned for the 2015-2017 LTIP performance cycle (the stock portion was reported in 2015).
The 2018 SCT in this proxy statement includes 100% of the value earned for the 2016-2018 LTIP performance cycle (reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column) and 100% of the grant date fair value at target performance for the awards granted for the 2018-2020 LTIP performance cycle (reported in the “Stock Awards” column).
The 2019 SCT in next year’s proxy statement will include 100% of any value earned for the 2017-2019 LTIP performance cycle (reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column) and 100% of the grant date fair value at target performance for the awards granted for 2019-2021 LTIP performance cycle (reported in the “Stock Awards” column).

We will return to normal, single-cycle reporting in the 2020 Summary Compensation Table.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis  Summary

The table below shows the Committee’s compensation determinations for our CEO for the last three years, and as such is a better and more comparable representation of the CEO’s compensation. This table is different from the SEC-required 2018 SCT that begins on page 63 only in that it removes the double reporting of LTIP awards. For example, the value earned for the 2016-2018 LTIP performance cycle that paid out in 2018, which was granted in 2016, is not included for fiscal 2018 below, but is included in the SCT. As reflected in the table below, the value at target of the compensation to Mr. Merlo in 2018 remained consistent from the prior years.

      CEO Annual Compensation Determinations

      Salary
($)
      Annual Cash
Incentive
Award1
($)
      RSU
($)
      EBITDA PSU
Grant Value
($)
      Stock
Option
Grant Value
($)
      LTIP Grant
Value2
($)
      All Other
Compensation
($)
      Total
Compensation1
($)
2018 1,630,000 2,605,000 0 3,374,955 3,374,995 6,749,992 667,156 18,402,098
2017 1,630,000 2,128,800 3,374,960 0 3,374,998 6,750,000 754,106 18,012,859
2016 1,630,000 2,382,000 3,991,931 0 3,999,990 6,750,000 847,456 19,601,377
1 Excludes payout of LTIP awards granted for the following three-year performance periods: 2014-2016, 2015-2017, and 2016-2018. Such payouts were reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the SCT for each of the respective years.
2 Includes the LTIP award granted in each respective year at target performance. For 2016 and 2017, the awards were cash-denominated with settlement in shares following the three-year performance period. For 2018, the award was granted as LTIP PSUs.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE ALIGNMENT

The vast majority of our NEOs’ pay is tied to challenging performance measures. We saw strong operational and financial performance in 2018, particularly the closing of the Aetna Transaction, one of the largest business combinations in history. Despite these successes, we did not meet the rigorous performance targets underlying both our short-and long-term incentive awards. As a result, our NEOs’ actual realized pay with respect to 2018 is well below the target grant value, demonstrating the strong performance-based and at-risk nature of our pay programs.

The 2018 corporate performance result for our annual cash incentive award was 88.8% of target. Individual performance assessments for many executives, including our CEO, resulted in a further reduction to annual cash incentive payouts.
In addition, based on three-year Return on Net Assets (RoNA) results and our relative TSR performance for the performance period that ended in 2018, the 2016-2018 LTIP award vested at 52.4% of target.

To illustrate the alignment with stockholder value, the following table compares the three-year target compensation to the realizable compensation for our CEO.

      2016 - 2018 CEO Target Compensation vs. Realizable Compensation

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LEADING PRACTICES IN COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

Our pay practices align with our core compensation principles and facilitate our implementation of those principles. They also demonstrate our commitment to sound compensation and governance practices.

             
   Our executive compensation program motivates executive officers to take personal responsibility for the performance of CVS Health             

Core Executive Compensation Principles Designed to Promote Company Growth

Performance Measures Aligned with Stockholder Interests

Majority of the Total Compensation Opportunity is Performance-Based

75% of Long-term Incentives are Performance-Based

LTIP Awards and 2018 EBITDA PSUs Settled in Common Stock that is Subject to Retention Requirement (Holding Period)

TSR Modifier Provides for Reduced Payout for Below Median Performance

Robust Stock Ownership Guidelines

 
  We apply leading executive compensation practices  

No Excise Tax Gross-Ups

No Option Repricing

No Recycling of Shares

Recoupment Policy

Broad Anti-Pledging and Hedging Policies

Executive Severance Policy

Limited Perquisites and Personal Benefits

SERP Closed to New Participants

Double Trigger Vesting of Equity Awards

Dividend Equivalents on RSUs Paid Only When Awards Vest

Board Committee Oversight of Comprehensive Annual Compensation Program Risk Assessment

Cap on Annual Cash Incentive Awards for NEOs

Replaced Cash Denominated LTIP with Performance Stock Units

Replaced Time-Vested RSUs with Performance Stock Units

Simplified and Improved Disclosure for Annual Cash Incentive Program

 
  NEW THIS YEAR  

LTIP Awards Denominated in Shares of Common Stock (see page 49)

Increased the Stock Ownership Guidelines for the CEO and Business Planning Committee (BPC) Members, and Added Ownership Guidelines for All Other Corporate-level EVPs and SVPs (see pages 59 and 80)

Enhanced Recoupment Policy to Include Disclosure of any Recoupments (see page 58)

 
           

     Business and Performance Highlights

We are a health innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Whether in one of our pharmacies or through our health services and plans, CVS Health is pioneering a bold new approach to total health by making quality care more affordable, accessible, simple and seamless. CVS Health is community-based and locally focused, engaging consumers with the care they need when and where they need it. The Company has more than 9,900 retail locations, approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 92 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. CVS Health also serves an estimated 38 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including rapidly expanding Medicare Advantage offerings. The Company believes its innovative health care model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs.

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We had strong financial performance and delivered on our operating expectations in 2018. It was also a milestone year for CVS Health as we successfully completed our transformational acquisition of Aetna, began effective implementation of our integration strategy, and took important steps toward building the integrated healthcare model that will bring substantial value to our various stakeholders. CVS Health believes that Aetna complements its competitive strategy, which is built on a diversified set of core and emerging businesses that enable it to better compete with more cost-effective products, pursue profitable growth across a range of opportunities, and lead the transformation of health care.

   5.3%
revenue growth
  
Completed
$70 billion
acquisition of Aetna
  
Maintained dividend of
$2.00 per share
  
             

The rapidly changing health care landscape continues to include uncertainties concerning health care policy. During 2018, we faced headwinds from reduced generic launches, continued reimbursement pressure and the slowing of brand drug price inflation. Compensation to our executives, including the cash incentive component, the long-term incentive plan performance cycle ending in 2018 and the value of our outstanding stock awards, is – and should be – affected by such factors, regardless of whether or not management can influence those factors.

For more information on our financial performance and strategy, please refer to our 2018 Annual Report available at www.cvshealthannualmeeting.com. Please also refer to page 60 of this proxy statement for additional information about how we calculate: (i) MIP Adjusted Operating Profit, a metric used to determine annual cash awards; (ii) Return on Net Assets, a metric used in connection with our long-term incentive awards; and (iii) Adjusted EBITDA, a metric used in connection with our long-term equity awards.

We are committed to helping people on their path to better health. Our values of innovation, collaboration, caring, integrity and accountability affect how we drive performance. We remain firmly committed to evaluating and incenting management to remain focused on drivers of sustainable performance over the long-term, even though we recognize that this focus is not always reflected in our stock price. We invest in our employees at all levels of the Company by rewarding performance that balances risk and reward, is consistent with our values, and supports short- and long-term goals and, ultimately, value creation for our stockholders. We provide opportunities for professional growth and development and aim to offer affordable benefits and programs that meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. Feedback from stockholders during our annual outreach confirms strong support for this commitment and for the value we place on other forms of capital—including human, natural, social and intellectual:

We include retail customer service and PBM and long-term care (LTC) client/member satisfaction metrics in our pay calculations.
In 2018 we introduced the CVS Beauty Mark and made a commitment not to digitally alter or change a person’s shape, size, proportion, skin or eye color or enhance or alter lines, wrinkles or other individual characteristics. We want our beauty aisle to be a place where our customers can always come to feel good, while representing and celebrating the authenticity and diversity of the communities we serve.
Our decision to remove tobacco from pharmacy stores continues to show positive results by reinforcing the value of our brand in health care. We continue our work to create the first tobacco-free generation and made more than $4 million in grants in 2018 to organizations that provide an array of programming that supports our Be The First focus areas, including youth tobacco and e-cigarette prevention in classrooms and communities across the country; supporting clinicians with trainings and resources on screening youth for tobacco use; helping youth become tobacco-free advocates in their own communities; and creating more smoke-free college campuses across the country.
We have implemented an industry-leading program to increase access to naloxone in 48 states, where patients do not require an individual prescription. Following the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Naloxone and Opioid Overdose in April 2018, we have further expanded our efforts to educate patients about naloxone. Today, all CVS Pharmacy locations have in-store signage and in-store radio messages to educate patients about the availability and accessibility of the life-saving drug. We are dedicated to helping the communities we serve address and prevent opioid abuse. In 2018, we enhanced our commitment to supporting addiction recovery programs, providing grants to 21 community health centers across the U.S. that deliver medication-assisted treatment and other addiction recovery services. These investments work to ensure clear, safe and effective protocols for opioid prescriber practices; to strengthen and systematize partnerships with specialists and community based organizations; and to help create safe, non-judgmental environments for all patients.
We value the recruiting and reputational advantages of placing first in our sector of World’s Most Admired Companies and of being ranked as one of Forbes Most Valuable Brands; Points of Light’s The Civic 50; Military Times Best for Vets; Newsweek’s Green Ranking of America’s Greenest Companies; and Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens.

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We have made significant investments in our colleagues by raising the minimum starting wage enterprise-wide and offering paid family leave for all new parents, both effective April 1, 2018. We also increased pay ranges and rates for many of our retail hourly employees effective July 1, 2018, and we did not increase employee health plan premiums for the 2018-2019 plan year despite a 5% increase in costs, indicative of our commitment to ensuring access to affordable health care.
Our holistic approach to leveraging diversity within our talent pipeline, talent development, leadership accountability and supplier diversity initiatives, earned us a spot on the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2018.
We are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, an organization that recognizes and supports corporations that achieve $1 billion in annual spending on diverse- and women-owned suppliers.
We achieved a 100% score on The Disability Equality Index, a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities and the US Business Leadership Network for our commitment to recruiting and retaining talent from the differently-abled community and our utilization of companies owned by differently-abled suppliers.
We achieved a perfect score for the fourth consecutive year on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

     Detailed Program Discussion

CVS HEALTH VALUES

When determining compensation awards and incentive payments, the Committee validates that our results were achieved in line with the Company’s five core values:

Innovation      Collaboration    Caring        
                                                                          
    Demonstrating openness, curiosity and creativity in the relentless pursuit of delivering excellence.           Sharing and partnering with people to explore and create things that we could not do on our own.           Treating people with respect and compassion so they feel valued and appreciated.

Integrity      Accountability   
                                                   
    Delivering on our promises; doing what we say and what is right.           Taking personal ownership for our actions and their results.

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ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION PROGRAM

The Committee believes each element of our executive compensation program furthers one or more of our five core principles:

I. Support, Communicate and Drive Achievement       IV.  Align Interests
II. Attract and Retain V. Reward Achievement
III.  Motivate High Performance

The table below outlines each element of our executive compensation program for 2018, its connection to our five core principles, and how it supports our long-term strategy and growth. Information about our voluntary deferral program and other benefits can be found beginning on page 56.

      2018 Compensation Program

                    Target Basis       Link to Strategy/Growth       Additional Information

Base Salary

Set based on experience, comparative market data and level of responsibility
Reviewed annually
Adjusted periodically based on market positioning and individual qualifications

Annual Cash Incentive

Financial and non-financial targets approved by the Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year
Payout based on key measures of profitability followed closely by investors and on client satisfaction
Important drivers of recurring revenue and the achievement of long-term strategic and operational goals
Maximum payouts capped as percent of base salary
Payments reflect performance against MIP Adjusted Operating Profit target and customer service/client satisfaction metrics
Payout subject to individual performance modifier (with only 20% upside potential)

LTIP PSUs

Established at start of a three-year performance cycle
Target grant value based on market data, level of responsibility, and desired pay mix
Payout determined formulaically based on achievement of Aetna Transaction-related performance goals and operational synergies
TSR modifier provides link to market-based outcomes
Minimum performance threshold required for any payout
Maximum payouts capped
Denominated and settled in stock
Two-year holding period post-vesting

EBITDA PSUs

Established at start of a three-year performance cycle
Target grant value based on market data, level of responsibility, and desired pay mix
Payout determined formulaically based on 2020 Adjusted EBITDA
Measures profitability and cash flow
Minimum performance threshold required for any payout
Maximum payouts capped
Denominated and settled in stock
Two-year holding period post-vesting

Stock Options

Grant value based on market data, level of responsibility, and desired pay mix
Stock price appreciation aligned to stockholder interests
Seven-year term
Vest 25% per year over 4 years

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Performance Metrics Support Corporate Strategy and Long-Term Growth

The Committee recognizes that external factors that are beyond CVS Health’s control may impact its stock price. Consequently, the Committee believes that other performance indicators, including profitability and cash flow, should also be factored into our executive compensation program. By using a variety of pay vehicles and balancing short- and long-term awards, the Committee believes our program supports retention and long-term growth creation because the metrics are measured independently and no single factor impacts all elements of performance.

The table below describes the performance metrics the Committee set for 2018.

Pay Element       2018 Performance Metric
(weightings)
      Rationale

Annual Cash Incentive

MIP Adjusted Operating Profit (80%)

Key measure of profitability followed closely by investors
         

Financial/ Operational Goal

Retail Customer Service and PBM and LTC Client/Member Satisfaction Adjusted by MIP Adjusted Operating Profit Result (20%)

Important drivers of recurring revenue and the achievement of long-term strategic and operational goals
         

Individual Goal

Individual Performance Goals (modifier 0-120%)

Drives specific, job-related performance that is linked to overall company performance

LTIP PSUs

Aetna Transaction-related Operational Synergies and Product Offering Goals (100%)
Operational Synergies: Measures the value of cost synergies delivered as a result of the Aetna Transaction. The LTIP PSUs will vest at between zero and 200% of the number of units granted based on our achievement in 2020 of Aetna Transaction-related cost synergies. Subject to satisfaction of the Product Offering Goals, the LTIP PSUs will vest at target (100%) if we deliver $750 million of synergies in 2020
Product Offering Goals: Delivery of integrated programs that deliver transformational value to clients and members. To align with the success of the Aetna Transaction and our commitment to investors, in order for any LTIP PSUs to vest, by December 31, 2020, we must, in the reasonable judgment of the Committee, (i) develop a robust pipeline of integrated offerings designed to deliver transformational value to clients and members, and (ii) successfully launch at least one such offering
         

TSR (modifier +/-25%)

TSR modifier adjusts any LTIP PSU payout resulting from the achievement of the operational synergy metric and product offering goals based on our performance relative to the broad market of companies with which we compete for talent and capital

EBITDA PSUs

2020 Adjusted EBITDA (100%)

Measures profitability and cash flow

BASE SALARY

The Committee annually reviews the base salaries of all senior officers, including the NEOs, and adjusts them periodically as needed to maintain market position and consistency with evolving responsibilities. Upon consideration of this competitive market analysis and input from its independent compensation consultant, the Committee increased salaries for Messrs. Roberts, Moriarty and Denton in 2018. Ms. Boratto and Mr. Rice were new to their roles in 2018 and were not NEOs in 2017. Mr. Roberts completed his first year as Chief Operating Officer in 2017, and the Committee adjusted his salary in 2018 to reflect appropriate competitive positioning against peers in that role in comparably-sized companies. Mr. Moriarty assumed significant additional responsibilities in 2018 in the areas of public affairs and external communications, both of critical importance to the Company as we acquired Aetna, and the Committee increased his salary in acknowledgement of that expanded portfolio. Mr. Denton left the Company in connection with the closing of the Aetna Transaction.

NEO and 2018 Title(s)       2017 Salary
($)
       2018 Salary
($)
      Percentage
Increase
Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO 1,630,000 1,630,000 0%
Eva C. Boratto, EVP and CFO n/a 1 850,000 n/a
Jonathan C. Roberts, EVP and COO 1,050,000 1,200,000 14%
Derica W. Rice, EVP and President – CVS Caremark n/a 1 1,050,000 n/a
Thomas M. Moriarty, EVP, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel 750,000 850,000 13%
David M. Denton, Former EVP and CFO 850,000 900,000 6%
1 Neither Ms. Boratto nor Mr. Rice was a NEO in 2017.

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2018 ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVE

Our NEOs participate in our annual cash incentive program under which they are eligible for a cash award based on the achievement of pre-established financial, operating and individual performance objectives. In the first quarter of each year, the Committee approves for each NEO an annual target bonus amount expressed as a percentage of the executive’s base salary — 200% for Mr. Merlo, 175% for Mr. Roberts, and 150% for each of Ms. Boratto and Messrs. Rice, Moriarty and Denton. Awards are paid out, if earned, in the first quarter of the following year based on the following formula:

NEO
Base Salary
Paid in 2018
X Target Annual
Incentive %
X Corporate
Performance %
X Individual
Performance
Modifier %
= Final Award

Corporate Performance

For 2018, the Committee measured company performance using MIP Adjusted Operating Profit (80% weighting) and retail customer service and PBM and LTC client/member satisfaction results adjusted by the MIP Adjusted Operating Profit result (20% weighting). The Committee established challenging targets for MIP Adjusted Operating Profit that are both consistent with the earnings guidance we provided to investors and which require year-over-year growth. Our customer service and client/member satisfaction metrics ensure that we are providing excellent service and position us to retain and win new business. The MIP Adjusted Operating Profit and customer service and client/member satisfaction goals for 2018 were set above 2017 actual performance.

Individual Performance

The Committee also approved individual goals and objectives for business operations, merger and integration, and talent and organizational development. Each NEO’s individual performance was evaluated against his or her goals and assigned a value between 0 and 120. The Committee did not assign specific weightings to any NEO’s goals. The individual performance modifier cannot exceed 120 or 20% of what would have been earned based on corporate performance. An individual performance modifier of less than 100 will reduce payouts below what would have been earned based solely on corporate performance. In all cases, total payouts cannot exceed 200% of target when including both Company and individual performance.

Actual Performance

Company performance was 88.8% for 2018 — a result of 2018 MIP Adjusted Operating Profit (performance of 99% of target, resulting in funding of 90%, weighted 80%) and customer service and client/member satisfaction results (performance 93% of target, resulting in funding of 84%, weighted 20%).

      2018 Objective Goals

* Dollars in millions.

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The Committee evaluates each NEO’s performance and considers Mr. Merlo’s input on the performance of the other NEOs. In determining the annual cash incentive for Mr. Merlo, the Committee consulted with the other independent members of the Board. For 2018, the Committee assigned a numeric performance result for each NEO’s individual performance against his or her pre-established goals. The Committee used its judgment in evaluating each NEO’s performance.

Executive Fiscal 2018 Individual Performance Assessment
Larry J. Merlo
The Committee recognized Mr. Merlo’s leadership in driving and overseeing the consummation of the Company’s acquisition of Aetna, and also noted that results of operations missed its target, due to shortfalls in the LTC and PBM lines of business.
Eva C. Boratto
Ms. Boratto provided comprehensive leadership to the Company and the Finance function in particular as the Company navigated through successful integration planning and commenced integrating with Aetna while concurrently managing its core business lines.
Jonathan C. Roberts
The Committee acknowledged Mr. Roberts’ strong contributions to our successful integration planning for the Aetna Transaction and the superior performance of the Retail business. It noted that operating results of both the LTC and PBM lines of business fell short of their goals.
Derica W. Rice
Mr. Rice joined the Company as President of the PBM business in early 2018. The Committee recognized his early leadership successes and also acknowledged the shortfall in PBM operating results.
Thomas M. Moriarty
Mr. Moriarty played a critical role in guiding the Company through the complex state and federal regulatory processes necessary to secure approval of the Aetna Transaction.
David M. Denton
Under Mr. Denton’s separation agreement with the Company (Separation Agreement), his pro-rated 2018 annual cash incentive is based on the average percentage of funding payout awarded to the CEO and his peers.

The actual payout of each NEO’s 2018 annual cash incentive award, as approved by the Committee, is set forth in the table below:

      2018 Annual Cash Incentive Award

NEO 2018
Eligible
Earnings
($)
Target
Annual
Incentive %
Company
Performance %
Individual
Performance
Modifier %
Final Award
($)
Final
Payout as a
% of Target
Larry J. Merlo 1,630,000 200% 88.8% 90% 2,605,000 79.9%
Eva C. Boratto 630,303 150% 88.8% 120% 1,007,000 106.5%
Jonathan C. Roberts 1,162,500 175% 88.8% 75% 1,355,000 66.6%
Derica W. Rice 791,477 150% 88.8% 90% 949,000 79.9%
Thomas M. Moriarty 825,000 150% 88.8% 100% 1,099,000 88.8%
David M. Denton1 781,818 150% 88.8% n/a 1,073,925 n/a
1 Mr. Denton’s 2018 annual cash incentive award was set in accordance with his Separation Agreement. See page 57.

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LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

Each year the Committee makes long-term incentive compensation grants to employees, including the NEOs. Following the Committee’s comprehensive review of our compensation program, which included input from our stockholders, the Committee approved changes to the long-term incentive compensation program to reduce time-vested awards and increase the performance aligned component. As a result, NEOs no longer receive time-vested RSUs. For 2018, the long-term incentive compensation is comprised of stock options and two forms of PSUs as set forth below. The LTIP PSUs are tied to the future success of and synergies resulting from the Aetna Transaction modified by relative TSR. The PSUs that replaced the RSUs may be earned based on Adjusted EBITDA goals, and we refer to them as EBITDA PSUs. Both EBITDA PSUs and LTIP PSUs are subject to a three-year performance period and a two-year post-vesting holding period.

      Long-Term Incentive Target Mix

2018 Long-Term Incentive Target Mix

2018 EBITDA PSU and Stock Option Grant Decisions

The EBITDA PSU portion of our long-term incentive program features formulaically determined payouts based on performance goals established at the beginning of the three-year performance period. The Committee approved 2020 Adjusted EBITDA as the performance measure for the 2018 EBITDA PSUs. The target, threshold and maximum goals are aligned with the Company’s long-term targets communicated to investors and were set at a level expected to generate strong profitability. The Committee set the Adjusted EBITDA targets to contemplate the closing of the Aetna Transaction during the performance period. These Adjusted EBITDA targets are consistent with the Company’s public disclosures about the transaction, adjusted for the impacts of tax reform and the related investments of savings by both companies. The goals for 2020 Adjusted EBITDA range from a threshold of $19,852 million, to a target of $20,892 million, to a maximum of $21,937 million. Shares resulting from EBITDA PSU awards earned after the three-year performance period are subject to an additional two-year holding period.

The following table sets out the grant date fair value of stock options and EBITDA PSUs granted on April 1, 2018.

Executive Name 2018 Stock Option
Grant Date Fair Value
($)
2018 EBITDA PSU
Grant Date Fair Value
($)
Larry J. Merlo 3,375,000 3,375,000
Eva C. Boratto 300,000 300,000
Jonathan C. Roberts 2,125,000 2,125,000
Derica W. Rice 1,000,000 1,000,000
Thomas M. Moriarty 1,250,000 1,250,000
David M. Denton1 1,000,000 1,000,000
1 Pursuant to Mr. Denton’s Separation Agreement, the portion delivered as EBITDA PSUs was pro-rated for service time during the performance cycle, and the portion delivered as stock options continues to vest and remains exercisable through the third anniversary of his separation.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP) PSUs

The LTIP PSU portion of our long-term incentive program features formulaically determined payouts based on performance against financial goals established at the beginning of the three-year performance period and modified by relative TSR measured over the same period. The TSR modifier adjusts LTIP PSU payouts based on our performance relative to the broad market of companies with which we compete for talent and capital. Shares resulting from LTIP PSU awards earned after the three-year performance period are subject to an additional two-year holding period.

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Beginning with the 2018-2020 LTIP PSU grant, the comparator group for measuring relative TSR changed from the S&P 500 to an index of over 55 health care and over 30 consumer staples companies that more closely reflect our business. The companies included in this peer group are listed at the end of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Awards are adjusted if TSR performance is above or below the 50th percentile as shown in the chart to the right. In addition, the modifier is applied in quartiles on a pro-rata basis to provide for reduced payout for below median performance.

The following summarizes LTIP awards granted in the last three years, each of which are described in more detail below.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
 

2016-2018
50% of long-
term equity

Denominated as cash value and settled 100% in stock
Based on Return on Net Assets, with target set at 42.93%
Subject to rTSR modifier (+/- 25%)

Shares earned are subject to a 2-year holding period

   

2017-2019
50% of long-
term equity

Denominated as cash value and settled 100% in stock
Based on Return on Net Assets, with target set at 43.76%
Subject to rTSR modifier (+/- 25%)

Shares earned are subject to a 2-year holding period

 
 

2018-2020
50% of long-
term equity*

100% PSUs
Based on achievement of Aetna Transaction-related synergies ($750 million at target) in 2020 and development of a pipeline of integrated offerings, and launch of one, by December 31, 2020
Subject to rTSR modifier (+/- 25%)

Shares earned are subject to a 2-year holding period

* Excludes Additional LTIP PSU awards granted in 2018 and described below.

2018-2020 LTIP PSU Awards

In early 2018, the Committee established alternative performance metrics for the 2018-2020 LTIP PSU grant. A RoNA metric would apply if the Aetna Transaction closed after June 2019. Because the Committee recognized that the pending acquisition of Aetna could materially alter RoNA results, the Committee also established alternative metrics designed to align with the success of the Aetna Transaction and our commitment to investors which would apply if the Aetna Transaction closed before June 2019. The Aetna Transaction closed in November 2018, so the performance metrics applicable to the 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs are: achievement of Aetna Transaction-related cost synergies (the Synergy Goal) in 2020 and the development of a robust pipeline of integrated offerings designed to deliver transformational value to clients and members and the launch of at least one such offering by December 31, 2020 (the Product Offering Goals). The 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs will vest at between zero and 200% of the number of units granted based on our achievement of the Synergy Goal ($750 million at target), provided the Product Offering Goals have been met. Both the Synergy Goal and the Product Offering Goals must be met for any vesting to occur. The 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs are also subject to a relative TSR modifier.

The following table sets out the grant date fair value at target and number of 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs granted to each NEO. Except as noted below with respect to Ms. Boratto, LTIP PSUs for this cycle were granted on April 1, 2018. If earned, the awards below will be paid in stock in early 2021, and the stock will be subject to a two-year holding period. The awards are not guaranteed and can range from 0%-250% of target (Company performance of 0%-200% of target subject to a +/- 25% rTSR modifier). Payouts are formulaic, though the Committee has discretion to reduce the payout of the awards.

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Executive Name Grant Date Fair Value of 2018-2020
LTIP PSU Grants at Target
($)
          LTIP PSUs
(#)
Larry J. Merlo 6,750,000 120,128
Eva C. Boratto1 2,000,000 27,051
Jonathan C. Roberts 3,750,000 66,737
Derica W. Rice 2,125,000 37,818
Thomas M. Moriarty 2,000,000 35,593
David M. Denton2 2,000,000 35,593
1 In connection with her promotion to CFO, Ms. Boratto received $1,500,000 in 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs on November 28, 2018. The above reflects the sum of her annual award granted on April 1, 2018 and her additional award granted on November 28, 2018.
2 Pursuant to his Separation Agreement, Mr. Denton’s 2018-2020 LTIP PSU award has been pro-rated for service provided during the performance period to 10,875 LTIP PSUs with a value of $611,111, and is payable at the end of the performance period. See page 57.

Additional 2018-2020 LTIP Awards Related to the Aetna Transaction

In August 2018, the Committee approved one-time LTIP PSU awards to certain individuals, including several of the NEOs, in recognition of the critical role each played in the Aetna Transaction, which we refer to as Additional LTIP PSUs. Our CEO and then-outgoing CFO did not receive Additional LTIP PSUs. The performance metrics for the Additional LTIP PSUs are identical to the metrics for the 2018-2020 LTIP PSUs described above, and the grants were made contingent upon the close of the Aetna Transaction. The purpose of these awards was to recognize the effort needed to ensure the continued success of ongoing operations through the transition period, to recognize the additional effort needed to integrate Aetna and achieve the target synergies announced in connection with the deal, and to incent these key leaders to remain with the Company. In determining the size of the these one-time grants, the Committee considered several factors, including the magnitude of the role the executive would play in driving the success of the Aetna integration while concurrently maintaining the forward growth momentum of the core businesses, retention of key talent, and potential for expanded responsibilities in the Company. As with our regular LTIP PSU grant, the additional grant to NEOs carries a two-year post-vesting holding requirement.
Executive Name Grant Date Fair Value of 2018-2020
Additional LTIP PSU Grants at Target
($)
          Additional
LTIP PSUs
(#)
Larry J. Merlo 0 0
Eva C. Boratto 2,500,000 1  31,950
Jonathan C. Roberts 3,750,000 50,471
Derica W. Rice 3,000,000 40,376
Thomas M. Moriarty 3,500,000 47,106
David M. Denton 0 0
1 Ms. Boratto’s 2018-2020 Additional LTIP PSU award was granted in two installments: she received an award in August 2018 in her former role as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer and an award in November 2018 upon her promotion to CFO.

2016-2018 LTIP Performance Period Results

The Committee set the 2016-2018 LTIP RoNA goal in early 2016 to align with the Company’s long-term targets communicated to investors in 2015 and at a level expected to generate strong operational execution and asset management. The RoNA result for the three year performance cycle was 42.13%, 80 basis points below target, which resulted in a payout of 69.8% prior to the application of the relative TSR modifier.

Our relative TSR performance over this same period reduced the payout level by 25% to a final result of 52.4%. This outcome highlights the strong alignment of pay to performance under our compensation program.

The following tables set forth the target goal, our actual performance, the range of potential payouts as a percent of target and the actual results for the 2016-2018 LTIP grant.

% of RoNA
Target
          Payout Level as a
% of Target
Threshold (minimum level of performance) (41.34%) 96.3% 40%
Actual (42.13%) 98.1% 69.8%
Target (42.93%) 100.0% 100%
Maximum (45.56%) 106.1% 200%
Final payout after application of rTSR modifier of -25% (reflecting 10th percentile) 52.4%

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      2016 – 2018 LTIP Grant Opportunities and Actual Award Payments

Executive Name Minimum
Award
(% of
Target)
Threshold
Award
(% of
Target)
Target
Award
(% of
Target)
Maximum
Award
(% of
Target)1
Target
Grant Value
of Award
($)
Actual
Value of
Total
Award
At 52.4%
($)
Actual
# of Shares
Delivered in
Settlement of
Award Net of
Tax Withholding
Larry J. Merlo               0 %              40 %       100 %            200 %       6,750,000       3,537,000       33,431
Eva C. Boratto2 0 % 40 % 100 % 200 % 300,000 157,200 1,893
Jonathan C. Roberts 0 % 40 % 100 % 200 % 3,000,000 1,572,000 27,183
Derica W. Rice3
Thomas M. Moriarty 0 % 40 % 100 % 200 % 1,875,000 982,500 10,869
David M. Denton4 0 % 40 % 100 % 200 % 2,000,000
1 Assumes 0% rTSR modifier, which can range from -25% to +25%.
2 Ms. Boratto was not a NEO at the time of the 2016-2018 LTIP grant.
3 Mr. Rice joined the Company in 2018 and therefore did not receive an LTIP grant in 2016.
4 Pursuant to his Separation Agreement, Mr. Denton’s 2016-2018 LTIP grant was pro-rated based on service provided during the performance period, and was paid in cash. See page 57.

2017-2019 LTIP Performance Cycle

The performance goal for the 2017-2019 LTIP grant is based on RoNA, and is subject to a modifier based on our relative TSR performance vs. the S&P 500 over the same three-year period (+/- 25% for above or below median performance). The Committee set the RoNA goal in early 2017 at 43.76%, a challenging level designed to drive performance. The goal aligns with the Company’s long-term targets communicated to investors in 2016, and was set higher than the actual results for the 2014-2016 performance cycle of 40.56%.

LINKING PAY TO PERFORMANCE

For 2018, as in previous years, the Committee reviewed a historical assessment of the relationship between CVS Health’s performance and executive pay relative to our 2018 Peer Group (as described below). The following graphs illustrate the results of the Committee’s assessment and illustrate the relationship between:

our CEO’s realized compensation (base salary earned, incentives earned, value of RSUs that vested during the period, the value of stock options exercised during the period, and changes in the value of unvested RSUs and unexercised options held during the period); and 
CVS Health’s performance as measured by TSR – over one-year (2017), three-year (2015 – 2017) and five-year (2013 – 2017) periods (the most recent periods for which financial and compensation data were available at the time).

In the following graphs, data points that are within the shaded area designate ideal pay-performance relationships. Data points below the shaded area identify peer companies where pay was lower than expected given the organization’s performance, and those data points above the shaded area identify companies where pay was higher than anticipated.

      1-Year CEO Compensation Realized Percentile vs. Total Shareholder Return Percentile (2017)



In the graph above, CVS Health rests well within the area that indicates an ideal pay-performance relationship based on the CEO’s 2017 pay and Company performance relative to the 2018 peer group.

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      3-Year CEO Compensation Realized Percentile vs. Total Shareholder Return Percentile (2015-17)



The graph above illustrates the relationship between CEO pay rank and the relative return to stockholders for CVS Health and the 2018 peer group over the 3-year period 2015 to 2017. Our CEO’s realized compensation during this period was within the range that characterizes ideal pay-for-performance alignment.

      5-Year CEO Compensation Realized Percentile vs. Total Shareholder Return Percentile (2013-17)



The graph above illustrates the relationship between CEO pay rank and the relative return to stockholders for CVS Health and the 2018 peer group over the five-year period 2013 to 2017. Five-year compensation realized by CVS Health’s CEO rests outside of the range that characterizes ideal pay-for-performance given the pay-for-performance relationships exhibited elsewhere across the peer group. Strong Company performance over the 2013-17 measurement period resulted in above-target payouts under our LTIP for the 2012-2014, 2013-2015 and 2014-2016 performance cycles. Industry-wide pressures on reimbursement, drug pricing and headwinds created by restricted pharmacy networks adopted by payors beginning in 2016 negatively impacted performance and contributed to below-target results under our LTIP for the 2015-2017 performance cycle. TSR was also impacted by the same factors, further reducing the payout for that cycle. The value of our CEO’s compensation is significantly influenced by the value of our stock, since approximately 75% of target total compensation is provided through stock-based pay. As a result, our CEO, like our stockholders, has been affected by the decrease in our stock price and only ultimately achieves the full target grant value of his equity compensation by creating long-term stockholder value.

The Committee believes this historical view validates that our executive compensation programs work as intended and link pay and performance while demonstrating the Committee’s commitment to maintaining design and administration practices that ensure alignment with stockholder interests. The Committee reviews this analysis annually after current data becomes available.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLANNING AND REVIEW PROCESS

The Committee follows the framework below to review, discuss and approve all aspects of our executive compensation program.

     OCTOBER
The annual cycle of reviewing and developing the Company’s executive compensation program and pay levels is a multi-step process that incorporates input from stockholders, management, peer group information, consideration of say-on-pay results, and both short- and long-term Company results compared to objectives, as well as consultation with the Committee’s independent compensation consultant.

Throughout the annual compensation cycle, Committee decisions incorporate and reflect our deep commitment to the Company’s five core values: Innovation, Collaboration, Caring, Integrity, and Accountability.
 
MP&D Committee Meeting
Annual risk assessment of compensation programs
Peer group reviewed and established for executive compensation benchmarking
Pay-for-performance alignment for prior year reviewed
  NOVEMBER
 
MP&D Committee Meeting
Total compensation market data for our executives reviewed
Review compensation policies
In 2018, we updated our Stock Ownership Guidelines and our Recoupment Policy
  JANUARY
 
MP&D Committee Meeting
Review stockholder comments received on our executive compensation program
Preliminary financial results reviewed
Preliminary incentive award payouts for the completed fiscal year reviewed
CEO Performance Review
The CEO presents a self-assessment of his performance against his Board-approved strategic, operational and financial goals
The Chair of the Board and the Committee Chair meet with the independent directors privately to consider the CEO’s performance
Committee members consult with the independent compensation consultant and consider the independent directors’ assessments in reviewing the CEO’s total compensation and determining his annual incentive compensation award and equity compensation grants
  FEBRUARY-MARCH
 
MP&D Committee Meeting
Other NEOs Final Pay Decisions
For NEOs other than the CEO, final decisions on actual incentive awards for the prior year are made in February after review of the CEO’s assessment of individual executive contribution and performance; as described above, the CEO’s performance is reviewed separately
Target Setting
The Committee establishes financial targets and approves any base salary changes and individual target incentive award levels for the current performance year

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Pay Positioning

CVS Health positions its aggregate target total direct compensation opportunity (base salary plus annual and long-term incentives) for its executive officers at competitive pay levels using the median of our peer group for reference. Positioning varies by job, and the Committee considers a number of factors including market competitiveness, specific duties and responsibilities of the executive versus those of peers, and succession planning. The Committee believes it is appropriate to reward the executive management team with compensation above the competitive median if the ambitious financial targets associated with its variable pay programs are exceeded in a way that is consistent with the Company’s core values.

2018 Compensation Peer Group

The Committee assesses financial performance and compensation competitiveness against a group of peer companies that it selects based on input from its independent compensation consultant. The 2018 peer group consisted of the following companies from across general industries that are similar to CVS Health in terms of industry affiliation, labor market, and operations and character image. The Committee reviews the peer group annually and periodically makes changes. No changes were made to the peer group for 2018.

      CVS Health 2018 Compensation Peer Group

AmerisourceBergen Corporation
The Boeing Company
Comcast Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Express Scripts Holding Company
The Home Depot, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
The Kroger Co.
McKesson Corporation
Merck & Co., Inc.
PepsiCo, Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
The Procter & Gamble Company
Target Corporation
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Walmart Inc.
The Walt Disney Company
      CVS Health vs. 2018 Peer Group

 

* Revenue reported for four most recent quarters as of February 28, 2019
** Market capitalization as of December 31, 2018

2019 Compensation Peer Groups

In consideration of the Aetna Transaction, the Committee has determined that two compensation peer groups are appropriate for 2019 considering our diverse business segments and aggregate revenues. The Committee used the compensation peer groups described below as reference points when reviewing and setting compensation levels in 2019. A list of the companies included in the 2019 peer groups can be found on page 62.

General Industry Group - 30 largest U.S. companies, irrespective of industry, but excluding banks. The companies in this group have revenues from $63 billion to $500 billion, and median revenue of $120 billion.
Health Care and Retail Group - 20 companies with operations comparable to CVS Health’s, 13 of which are health care organizations and 7 of which are retailers. The median revenue for companies in this group is $100 billion.

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OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND BENEFITS

The Company maintains medical and dental benefits, life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance programs for all of its employees. Executive officers are eligible to participate in these programs on the same basis and with the same level of financial subsidy as our other salaried employees.

Executive officers may participate in the CVS Future Fund, which is our qualified defined contribution, or 401(k), plan. An eligible CVS Health employee may defer up to 85% of his or her total eligible compensation, defined as salary plus annual cash incentive, to a maximum defined by the IRS. In 2018, that maximum was $18,500, plus an additional $6,000 for those age 50 and above. After the first full year of employment, CVS Health will match the employee’s deferral dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum equaling 5% of total eligible compensation. CVS Health’s matching cash contributions into the CVS Health Future Fund for the NEOs who participated are included in “All Other Compensation” and described in the notes following the Summary Compensation Table beginning on page 64.

We offer other benefits that are available to eligible employees, including executive officers, as follows.

Deferred Compensation Plan and Deferred Stock Plan

Eligible executive officers may choose to defer earned and vested compensation into the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) and the Deferred Stock Compensation Plan (DSP), which are available to any U.S. employees meeting the Plans’ eligibility criteria. The plans are intended to provide retirement savings in a tax-efficient manner and to enhance stock ownership. The DCP offers a variety of investment crediting choices, none of which represents an above-market return. The individual contributions of each of the NEOs during fiscal 2018 to the DCP and the DSP, including earnings on those contributions, any distributions during 2018 and their respective total account balances as of the end of 2018, are shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table on page 71.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

We provide the following personal benefits to our NEOs:

Financial planning: An allowance of $15,000 to cover the cost of a Company-provided financial planner to assist with personal financial and estate planning. We believe it is important to provide to our executives the professional expertise required to ensure that they maximize the efficiencies of our compensation and benefit programs and are able to devote their full attention to the management of the Company.
Limited personal use of corporate aircraft: We maintain corporate aircraft that may be used by our employees to conduct Company business. Pursuant to an executive security program established by the Board upon the Committee’s recommendation, the CEO is required to use our aircraft for all travel needs, including personal travel, in order to minimize and more efficiently use his travel time, protect the confidentiality of his travel and our business, and enhance his personal security. Certain other NEOs were also permitted to use our corporate aircraft for personal travel on a very limited basis during fiscal 2018. The cost of such personal use is included in “All Other Compensation” and described in the notes following the Summary Compensation Table.
Home security: An allowance to the NEOs to cover the costs of the installation and maintenance of home security monitoring systems. While the Committee believes these security costs are business expenses, disclosure of these costs as personal benefits is required.

The value of all of these items is treated as income taxable to the NEOs. The aggregate incremental cost to the Company of providing these personal benefits to each of the NEOs during fiscal 2018 is shown in the Summary Compensation Table beginning on page 63.

Partnership Equity Program

In addition to the core long-term incentive compensation plans described above (collectively, the ICPs), since 1997 the Company has maintained the Partnership Equity Program (the PEP). The PEP is designed to ensure that those executives with significant impact on the future success of CVS Health have a substantial “at-risk” personal equity investment in CVS Health common stock and is generally provided to selected newly-hired or newly-promoted senior executives in critical positions who can drive the strategic objectives of the Company. The Committee believes that the PEP strongly links the economic interests of

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senior executives with CVS Health stockholders, provides future long-term compensation opportunities that are competitive in the external marketplace and reflect internal responsibility levels, and assures key management stability, retention, motivation and long-term focus on corporate strategy. To invest in the PEP, an executive chooses to purchase a number of “Employee-Purchased RSUs,” which are matched by CVS Health on a one-for-one basis (Company-Matching RSUs) and vest on the fifth anniversary of the purchase date.

In addition, the executive receives an option to purchase shares of CVS Health common stock equal to ten times the number of Company-Matching RSUs. The stock option grant vests ratably on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. The vesting for each of the stock option grant and the Company-Matching RSU award is contingent upon the executive retaining the Employee-Purchased RSUs until all of the stock options and Company-Matching RSUs are vested and upon the continued employment of the executive through the vesting period.

Upon his hire in March 2018, Mr. Rice was provided the opportunity to participate in the PEP and credited with an initial pre-tax amount to be invested in the PEP. The investment value provided to Mr. Rice is reflected as a sign-on bonus in the Summary Compensation Table on page 63 and in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 66.

Agreements with Named Executive Officers
As previously disclosed, we have an employment agreement (Employment Agreement) with Mr. Merlo and change in control agreements (CIC Agreements, and together with the Employment Agreement, the Agreements) with Messrs. Rice, Roberts and Moriarty, and Ms. Boratto. Mr. Denton had a CIC Agreement, but left the Company in November 2018.

In addition, CVS Health entered into a Separation Agreement with Mr. Denton on June 25, 2018 in connection with his termination of employment with the Company. Under the Separation Agreement, during the twenty-four month period immediately following his November 2018 separation date (the Severance Period), Mr. Denton will continue to (i) receive his base salary (as in effect immediately prior to the separation date) and (ii) subject to a valid COBRA election, participate in the Company’s medical and other health benefit plans and programs that he participated in immediately prior to the separation date at Company-subsidized rates, subject to the terms and conditions of each such plan or program. During the Severance Period, Mr. Denton is entitled to: (i) a reimbursement of up to $15,000 per year for tax preparation and financial planning services during 2018 and 2019 (reduced by amounts previously reimbursed for 2018), and (ii) a one-time payment of $15,000 of attorneys’ fees in connection with the negotiation of his Separation Agreement. The last paragraph under “Payments/(Forfeitures) Under Termination Scenarios” reflects the provisions of Mr. Denton’s Separation Agreement with respect to his annual bonus, previously-granted CVS Health stock options, RSUs, PSUs and LTIP awards. The Separation Agreement also contains a release of claims against the Company and customary confidentiality and cooperation covenants and incorporates by reference any other covenants to which Mr. Denton already is subject, including his Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

In accordance with his Offer Letter dated January 17, 2018, Mr. Rice’s base salary is $1,050,000, and his annual cash incentive target is 150% of his annual base salary. In addition, Mr. Rice’s annual equity grant target opportunity for 2018 was established at $2,000,000 and his 2018-2020 LTIP PSU target opportunity was set at $2,125,000. Further, Mr. Rice received a $700,000 sign-on bonus, paid $200,000 in March 2018, $250,000 within the first 60 days of employment, and $250,000 within 60 days of the first anniversary of his hire date. In addition, Mr. Rice received a sign-on RSU grant valued at $1,500,000 and was credited with an initial pre-tax amount of $500,000 to be invested in the PEP (described above), which is reflected as a bonus in the Summary Compensation Table. Mr. Rice also received standard relocation benefits under the Company’s broad-based relocation program that included tax assistance. If Mr. Rice voluntarily terminates his employment and is not receiving severance, or if his employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined in his Offer Letter), prior to the two-year anniversary of his hire date, Mr. Rice must repay $500,000 of the sign-on bonus promptly upon termination of his employment.

The Committee believes that the interests of stockholders are best served by ensuring that the interests of our senior management are aligned with our stockholders. The CIC Agreements with NEOs (other than Mr. Merlo) are intended to eliminate, or at least reduce, the reluctance of senior management to pursue potential change-in-control transactions that may be in stockholders’ best interests. The Agreements serve to eliminate distraction caused by uncertainty about personal financial circumstances during a period in which CVS Health requires focused and thoughtful leadership to ensure a successful outcome. Accordingly, the Agreements provide certain specified “double trigger” severance benefits to the covered executives in the event of their termination under certain circumstances following a change in control. The Committee believes a “double trigger” severance benefit provision is more appropriate, as it provides an incentive for greater continuity in management following a change in control. “Double trigger” benefits require that two events occur in order for severance to be paid, typically a change in control of the Company followed by the executive’s involuntary termination of employment. The 2010 and 2017 Incentive Compensation Plans that govern the terms of outstanding equity awards to all NEOs also require a “double trigger” for vesting of equity change in control benefits.

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The Committee reviews the Company’s severance benefits annually with the assistance of its independent compensation consultant to evaluate both their effectiveness and competitiveness. The review for fiscal 2018 found the current level of benefits to be within competitive norms for design. Details of hypothetical payments that would have been made to the NEOs upon a change in control on December 31, 2018 and under various termination scenarios; provisions for the treatment of equity awards, supplemental executive retirement plan and other benefits; and estimated payments that would be made to the executives whose employment terminates following a change in control may be found in “Payments/(Forfeitures) Under Termination Scenarios” beginning on page 72.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
We maintain an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP), which is designed to supplement the retirement benefits of selected executive officers. The SERP is a legacy plan in which participation has decreased over the years as individuals have retired. We have not provided SERP benefits to new participants since 2010. Mr. Merlo is the only active executive officer in the SERP. Mr. Merlo has reached the maximum amount of service under the SERP based on his more than 30 years with the Company. As a result, any increase to his benefits would be primarily as a result of performance-based bonuses. See the Pension Benefits Table on page 70 for more information.

KEY POLICIES RELATED TO COMPENSATION

Recoupment

Since 2009, we have maintained a recoupment policy that applies to all annual and long-term incentive awards granted to executive officers. The policy applies in cases where financial or operational results used to determine an award amount are meaningfully altered based on fraud or material financial misconduct (collectively, Misconduct), as determined by the Board, and applies to any executive officer determined to have been involved in the Misconduct.

The policy applies to Misconduct committed during the performance period that is discovered during the performance period or the three-year period following the performance period. The policy allows us to recoup the entire award, not only excess amounts generated by the Misconduct, subject to the determination of the Board, and the policy may apply even where there is no financial restatement.

In addition, in March 2019 the Board approved an amendment to the Recoupment Policy to increase transparency of the policy. The amendment requires CVS Health to publicly disclose the circumstances of any recoupment from any “executive officer” under the Recoupment Policy to the extent the underlying event already has been publicly disclosed in CVS Health’s filings with the SEC and the disclosure would not violate applicable law, violate legal privilege, breach contractual obligations or be likely to result in, or exacerbate any existing or threatened, employee, stockholder or other litigation, arbitration, investigation or proceeding against the Company.

Anti-Gross-Up Policy

CVS Health maintains a broad policy against tax gross-ups. The only current exception to our anti-gross-up policy is for tax payments that may be due under our broad-based relocation policy, which is applicable to a large number of employees (i.e., those who must relocate upon hire, transfer or promotion).

Insider Trading Policy, Including Anti-Pledging and Hedging

A significant percentage of executive compensation has been and continues to be payable in CVS Health common stock. The Board and executive management of CVS Health take seriously their responsibilities and obligations to exhibit the highest standards of behavior relative to trading our stock. All transactions in our stock by any director, executive officer or designated employee who has a significant role in, or access to, our financial reporting process (collectively, lnsiders), must be pre-cleared by either the General Counsel, the Corporate Secretary, or their designee. Insiders are generally prohibited from trading in any of our securities except during periods of varying length beginning shortly after the release of our financial results for each quarter,

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and Insiders and other employees may be required to refrain from trading during other designated periods when significant developments or announcements are anticipated. In addition, it is our policy that Insiders and other employees may not engage in any of the following activities with respect to our securities:

Trading in our securities on a short-term basis (stock purchased in the open market must be held for at least six months);
Purchasing stock on margin or pledging our stock or any stock incentive award as collateral for a loan or margin account;
Engaging in short sales of our stock; 
Buying or selling puts, calls, exchange traded options or other derivative securities based on our stock; or 
Engaging in any other hedging transactions with respect to our stock, which includes transactions designed to offset any decrease in the market value of equity securities.

Our most senior executives and Board members are generally required to use a 10b5-1 trading plan to sell our stock, and our other executives are encouraged to use 10b5-1 trading plans. A 10b5-1 trading plan is a contract that allows the individual to sell a pre-determined number of shares at a time in the future when pre-determined conditions in the plan are met. However, there are extensive guidelines that govern the use of 10b5-1 trading plans including the timing of entry or modification of a plan, the price at which shares will be traded, a “cooling off” period after the plan is entered into during which no trades can take place, minimum and maximum terms, restrictions on the number of plans an individual can maintain, a prohibition on trading outside of the plan, and pre-approval of plans (and any modification of plans) by the General Counsel or Corporate Secretary.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Committee oversees the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, which require the Company’s directors and executive officers to maintain ownership of a minimum number of shares, in the case of directors, or stock valued at a multiple of annual salary, in the case of executive officers. In 2018, the Committee increased the multiple of salary for the CEO and BPC members, and expanded the ownership requirement to cover all corporate-level executive vice presidents and senior vice presidents. For additional details, see “Executive Officer and Director Stock Ownership Requirements” on page 80.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 162(m) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

With exceptions only for compensation paid pursuant to certain binding contracts as described in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC 162(m)), the tax deduction for annual compensation of each of our NEOs is limited to $1 million. While the Committee considers the tax deductibility of executive compensation as a factor, the Committee believes it is important to structure the Company’s executive compensation program and practices in a manner that the Committee determines is in the best interests of CVS Health and its stockholders. This includes the establishment of objective performance criteria at the beginning of a performance cycle, before results are known, and the certification of financial results by an independent Committee of the Board. The Committee retains discretion to operate the Company’s executive compensation programs in a manner designed to promote varying Company goals. As a result, the Committee may from time to time conclude that certain compensation arrangements are in the best interests of CVS Health and its stockholders and consistent with its compensation philosophy and strategy, despite the fact that the arrangements might not qualify for tax deductibility.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES USED IN COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Throughout this CD&A, we refer to various financial measures. Many of these financial measures are calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. However, there are some financial measures that management adjusts and uses to assess our year-over-year performance. These adjusted financial measures are commonly referred to as non-GAAP. An explanation of how we calculate these non-GAAP financial measures is included below.

MIP Adjusted Operating Profit

MIP Adjusted Operating Profit is defined as earnings before interest and taxes adjusted for certain financial items. For the purposes of measuring performance against established targets in any period, when applicable those excluded items include activity related to newly acquired or divested businesses, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, the impact of hurricanes, and adjustments to legal reserves in connection with certain legal settlements.

RoNA or Return on Net Assets

RoNA, or Return on Net Assets, is calculated by dividing adjusted net operating profit after tax (Adjusted NOPAT) by the most recent two year’s Adjusted Average Net Assets. Adjusted NOPAT is operating profit adjusted for certain financial items described below. Adjusted Average Net Assets for the purposes of this calculation is defined as current assets plus net fixed assets less accounts payable and accrued expenses adjusted for certain financial items described below. For the purposes of measuring performance against established targets in any period, Adjusted NOPAT and Adjusted Average Net Assets exclude from operating profit and average net assets, respectively, after tax amounts related to newly acquired or divested businesses, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, the impact of hurricanes, and adjustments to legal reserves in connection with certain legal settlements. The impact of tax reform is also reversed. Adjusted Average Net Assets are also adjusted for funding to our captive insurance entity related to a tax planning strategy associated with the tax reform.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA)

We define EBITDA as income before interest expense, income tax provision, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for certain financial items including amounts related to newly acquired or divested businesses, adjustments to legal reserves in connection with certain legal settlements, restructuring and/or impairment charges, the impact of changes in accounting principles, Federal and/or state regulations, and other items of gain, loss or expense determined to be unusual or infrequent in occurrence.

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RELATIVE TSR PEER GROUP FOR 2018-2020 LTIP GRANTS

      S&P 500 Health Care

Abbott Laboratories Danaher Corporation Merck & Co., Inc.
AbbVie Inc. DaVita Inc. Mettler-Toledo International Inc.
Agilent Technologies, Inc. DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. Mylan N.V.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Patterson Companies, Inc.
Align Technology, Inc. Eli Lilly and Company PerkinElmer, Inc.
Allergan plc Envision Healthcare Corporation Perrigo Company plc
AmerisourceBergen Corporation Gilead Sciences, Inc. Pfizer Inc.
Amgen Inc. HCA Healthcare, Inc. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Anthem, Inc. Henry Schein, Inc. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Baxter International Inc. Hologic, Inc. Stryker Corporation
Becton, Dickinson and Company Humana Inc. The Cooper Companies, Inc.
Biogen Inc. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Boston Scientific Corporation Illumina, Inc. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Incyte Corporation Universal Health Services, Inc.
Cardinal Health, Inc. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Celgene Corporation Johnson & Johnson Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Centene Corporation Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Waters Corporation
Cerner Corporation Mallinckrodt plc Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
Cigna Corporation Medtronic Public Limited Company

      S&P 500 Consumer Staples

Altria Group, Inc. Kellogg Company The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Kimberly-Clark Corporation The Hershey Company
Brown-Forman Corporation McCormick & Company, Incorporated The J. M. Smucker Company
Campbell Soup Company Molson Coors Brewing Company The Kraft Heinz Company
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Mondelēz International, Inc. The Kroger Co.
Colgate-Palmolive Company Monster Beverage Corporation The Procter & Gamble Company
Conagra Brands, Inc. PepsiCo, Inc. Tyson Foods, Inc.
Constellation Brands, Inc. Philip Morris International Inc. Walmart Inc.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Reynolds American Inc. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Coty Inc. Sysco Corporation
General Mills, Inc. The Clorox Company
Hormel Foods Corporation The Coca-Cola Company

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2019 COMPENSATION PEER GROUP

      General Industry Comparator Companies

Walmart Inc. Costco Wholesale Corporation Phillips 66
Exxon Mobil Corporation Chevron Corporation Valero Energy Corporation
Apple Inc. Verizon Communications Inc. Comcast Corporation
McKesson Corporation The Kroger Co. International Business Machines Corporation
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated General Electric Company Johnson & Johnson
AT&T Inc. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Target Corporation
Ford Motor Company Microsoft Corporation Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
AmerisourceBergen Corporation The Home Depot, Inc. United Parcel Service, Inc.
General Motors Company The Boeing Company PepsiCo, Inc.
Cardinal Health, Inc. Anthem, Inc.

      Health Care and Retail Comparator Companies

Walmart Inc. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Centene Corporation
McKesson Corporation The Home Depot, Inc. HCA Healthcare, Inc.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Anthem, Inc. Cigna Corporation
AmerisourceBergen Corporation Target Corporation Aflac Incorporated
Cardinal Health, Inc. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Centene Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation MetLife, Inc.
The Kroger Co. Humana Inc.

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Table of Contents

Compensation of Named Executive Officers

     Important Information Regarding the Presentation of Executive Compensation

As discussed in detail on pages 40-41, we changed our approach to the denomination of our LTIP awards, which resulted in an overlap in disclosure of both awards granted and earned during a fiscal year. During the transition period, which will continue through the payment of the 2017-2019 performance cycle, there will be timing issues that occur as awards for multiple years will appear in the SCT. The following table shows the Committee’s compensation determinations for our CEO when removing the double reporting.

CEO Annual Compensation Determinations
Salary
($)
Annual
Cash
Incentive
Award1
($)
RSU
($)
EBITDA
PSU
Grant
Value
($)
Stock
Option
Grant Value
($)
LTIP Grant
Value2
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
Compensation1
($)
2018 1,630,000 2,605,000 0 3,374,955 3,374,995 6,749,992 667,156 18,402,098
2017 1,630,000 2,128,800 3,374,960 0 3,374,998 6,750,000 754,106 18,012,859
2016 1,630,000 2,382,000 3,991,931 0 3,999,990 6,750,000 847,456 19,601,377
1 Excludes payout of LTIP awards granted for the following three-year performance periods: 2014-2016, 2015-2017, and 2016-2018. Such payouts were reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the SCT for each of the respective years.
2 Includes the LTIP award granted in each respective year at target performance. For 2016 and 2017, the awards were cash-denominated with settlement in shares following the three-year performance period. For 2018, the award was granted as LTIP PSUs.

     Summary Compensation Table

The following Summary Compensation Table shows information about the compensation received by our CEO, our CFOs and each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers for services rendered in all capacities during the 2018 fiscal year and the applicable comparable data for the 2017 and 2016 fiscal years.

      Summary Compensation Table

Name & Principal 2018
Positions1
Year Salary
($)
Bonus
($)2
Stock
Awards
($)3
Option
Awards
($)4
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)6
Change In
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)7
All
Other
Compensation
($)8
Total
($)
Larry J. Merlo 2018 1,630,000 10,124,947 3,374,995 6,142,000 667,156 21,939,098
President and Chief 2017 1,630,000 3,374,960 3,374,998 3,118,800 754,106 12,252,864
Executive Officer 2016 1,630,000 3,999,931 3,999,990 7,882,000 847,456 18,359,377
Eva C. Boratto 2018 630,303 4,799,831 299,997 1,164,200 78,090 6,972,421
Executive Vice 2017
President and Chief 2016
Financial Officer
Jonathan C. Roberts 2018 1,162,500 9,624,917 2,124,994 2,927,000 227,557 16,066,968
Executive Vice 2017 1,033,333 1,999,953 1,999,994 1,605,000 244,484 6,882,764
President and Chief 2016 950,000 2,249,961 2,249,999 2,907,000 274,147 8,631,107
Operating Officer
Derica W. Rice 2018 791,477 950,000 8,124,848 1,705,312 5  949,000 285,436 12,806,073
Executive Vice 2017
President and 2016
President –
CVS Caremark

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Compensation of Named Executive Officers  Summary Compensation Table

Name & Principal 2018
Positions1
     Year      Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)2
    

Stock
Awards
($)3

     Option
Awards
($)4
     Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)6
     Change In
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)7
     All
Other
Compensation
($)8
     Total
($)
Thomas M. Moriarty 2018 825,000 6,749,933 1,249,993 2,081,500 77,430 10,983,856
Executive 2017 750,000 1,249,971 1,249,998 1,160,000 102,585 4,512,554
Vice President,
Chief Policy and
External Affairs Officer
and General Counsel
2016 750,000 999,983 999,987 2,026,000 174,770 4,950,740
David M. Denton 2018 781,818 2,999,935 999,993 782,805 5,564,551
Former Executive Vice 2017 850,000 999,977 999,997 1,193,000 334,979 4,377,953
President and Chief
Financial Officer
2016 850,000 999,983 999,987 2,380,000 319,026 5,548,996
1 Ms. Boratto was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2018; she was not a NEO in prior years. Mr. Rice began serving as Executive Vice President and President – CVS Caremark in March 2018 and was formally appointed to those positions in June 2018. Mr. Denton left the Company effective November 19, 2018.
2 In connection with joining the Company Mr. Rice received cash sign-on bonus payments of $450,000 in 2018 and an additional $500,000 bonus which he used to purchase RSUs under the PEP.
3 Included in this column is the full grant date fair value of all RSU and PSU awards made to each NEO in the applicable year. Also includes sign-on RSUs and RSUs granted under the Company’s PEP Program to Mr. Rice on May 31, 2018. Mr. Rice’s PEP RSUs will cliff vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The grant date fair value of each grant is computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding forfeiture estimates. The grant date fair values for PSUs granted in 2018 are based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions associated with these PSUs as of the grant date, and specifically, the values of the LTIP PSUs and Additional LTIP PSUs are calculated using a Monte Carlo Model. For further discussion of the relevant assumptions and methodologies used to value the 2018 stock awards in this column, please see the discussion of stock awards contained in our 2018 Annual Report, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 11, “Stock Incentive Plans”. Additional details regarding the grants of stock awards and option awards can be found in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table. Each PSU represents one share of our common stock and upon vesting will be paid in shares of our common stock, net of applicable withholding taxes, subject to a two-year holding period. As discussed on page 40, in response to stockholder feedback, beginning with the 2018-2020 performance cycle LTIP awards will be denominated 100% in PSUs. As a result, and consistent with SEC reporting rules, LTIP awards will be reported in the Summary Compensation Table in the year of grant. The grant date fair value of the LTIP PSUs and Additional LTIP PSUs granted to the NEOs in 2018, assuming the highest level of performance conditions associated with these PSUs occurs and prior to the application of the rTSR modifier, which can range from -25% to +25%, is as follows:

Name Award Type Date of Grant Grant Date Fair Value Assuming
Highest Level of Performance
Conditions Achieved
($)
Larry J. Merlo      EBITDA PSUs      April 1, 2018      6,749,909
LTIP PSUS April 1, 2018 13,499,985
Eva C. Boratto EBITDA PSUs April 1, 2018 599,953
LTIP PSUs April 1, 2018 999,957
LTIP PSUs November 28, 2018 2,999,965
Additional LTIP PSUs August 31, 2018 2,499,898
Additional LTIP PSUs November 28, 2018 2,499,888
Jonathan C. Roberts EBITDA PSUs April 1, 2018 4,249,938
LTIP PSUs April 1, 2018 7,499,904
Additional LTIP PSUs August 31, 2018 7,499,991
Derica W. Rice EBITDA PSUs April 1, 2018 1,999,927
LTIP PSUs April 1, 2018 4,249,987
Additional LTIP PSUs August 31, 2018 5,999,874
Thomas M. Moriarty EBITDA PSUs April 1, 2018 2,499,971
LTIP PSUs April 1, 2018 3,999,941
Additional LTIP PSUs August 31, 2018 6,999,952
David M. Denton EBITDA PSUs April 1, 2018 1,999,927
LTIP PSUs April 1, 2018 3,999,941
4 Grant date fair value of the options granted to the NEOs on April 1, 2018, except as described in note 5. These options have an exercise price of $62.21 (the closing price of our common stock on April 1, 2018) and will vest in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant and expire seven years from the date of grant. The option values are calculated using a modified Black-Scholes Model for pricing options. Refer to our 2018 Annual Report, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 11, “Stock Incentive Plans,” for all relevant valuation assumptions used to determine the grant date fair value of these options.

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Compensation of Named Executive Officers  Summary Compensation Table

5 Also includes the grant date fair value of the options granted to Mr. Rice on May 31, 2018 under the PEP. These PEP options have an exercise price of $63.39 (the closing price of our common stock on May 31, 2018) and will vest in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant and expire in ten years from the date of grant. The option values are calculated using a modified Black-Scholes Model for pricing options. The assumptions used to determine the grant date fair value of these options were:

Dividend Yield      3.16%
Volatility 19.92%
Risk Free Interest Rate 2.58%
Expected Life 4.75
Fair Value  $8.9428

6 The figures shown include amounts earned in 2018 as annual cash incentive awards (see page 48). For the 2016-2018 performance cycle, LTIP awards were settled in stock and are reported in the final year of the cycle. This cycle is reported in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan column because they are denominated in cash and then paid in common stock that is subject to a two-year holding requirement. Beginning with the 2018-2020 performance cycle, LTIP awards will be granted in PSUs and reported in the “Stock Awards” column in the year of grant.
7 The amounts reported in this column represent only changes in pension value, as the Company does not pay above-market earnings on deferred compensation. The value of Mr. Merlo’s pension benefit decreased by $1,273,824 in 2018 from the prior year’s valuation; however under SEC rules the negative change in the pension value is disclosed as $0. The Company adopted a policy in 2010 stating that it will not offer SERP benefits to new participants. Mr. Merlo is the only active executive officer participating in the SERP. For additional information on the SERP, see “Pension Benefits” beginning on page 69.
8 Set forth below is additional information regarding the amounts disclosed in the “All Other Compensation” column for 2018.

      All Other Compensation – 2018

Name & Principal 2018 Positions Perquisites &
Other Personal
Benefits A
($)
Company
Contributions
to Defined
Contribution
Plans B
($)
Termination
Payments C
($)
Other D
($)
Larry J. Merlo
President and Chief Executive Officer
     112,470      187,940           366,746
Eva C. Boratto
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
15,844 46,215 16,031
Jonathan C. Roberts
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
26,837 118,125 82,595
Derica W. Rice
Executive Vice President and President – CVS Caremark
285,436
Thomas M. Moriarty
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel
22,471 13,750 41,209
David M. Denton
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
21,562 506,442 254,801
A The amounts in this column reflect the following: for Mr. Merlo, $13,500 for financial planning services, costs associated with home security, and $96,017 associated with personal use of Company aircraft; for Ms. Boratto, $15,000 for financial planning services, and costs associated with personal use of Company aircraft; for Mr. Roberts, $15,000 for financial planning services, $3,104 associated with personal use of Company aircraft, $8,278 associated with the CVS Health Charity Classic, and costs associated with home security; for Mr. Rice, $153,513 associated with relocation benefits under the Company’s broad-based relocation program, $116,091 in tax assistance provided in connection with the relocation benefits, $15,000 for financial planning services, and costs associated with personal use of Company aircraft; for Mr. Moriarty $15,000 for financial planning services, $2,150 associated with personal use of Company aircraft, $5,000 associated with the CVS Health Charity Classic, and costs associated with home security; and for Mr. Denton, $15,000 for financial planning services, $6,472 associated with personal use of Company aircraft, and costs associated with home security. The Company determines the amount associated with personal use of Company aircraft by calculating the incremental cost to the Company based on the cost of fuel, trip-related maintenance, deadhead flights, crew travel expenses, landing fees, trip-related hangar costs and smaller variable expenses.
B The amounts in this column include Company matching contributions to the CVS Health Future Fund of $13,750 for each of Messrs. Merlo, Roberts and Moriarty and Ms. Boratto. These amounts also include Company matching contributions credited to notional accounts in the unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan equal to: $174,190 for Mr. Merlo; $32,465 for Ms. Boratto; and $104,375 for Mr. Roberts.
C The amounts in this column reflect the following for Mr. Denton: salary continuation of $105,682 received in the 2018 calendar year, $385,760 representing the realized value of accelerated PSUs and $15,000 in attorneys’ fees all paid pursuant to his Separation Agreement. For a description of the Separation Agreement, see the last paragraph under “Payments/(Forfeitures) Under Termination Scenarios”.
D The amounts in this column include cash dividend equivalents paid by the Company on unvested RSUs as follows: for Mr. Merlo, $197,398; for Ms. Boratto, $16,031; for Mr. Roberts, $70,943; for Mr. Moriarty, $41,209; and for Mr. Denton, $254,801. Also includes cash dividends paid by the Company on deferred RSUs, as noted in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table, for Mr. Merlo, $169,348 and Mr. Roberts, $11,652.

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Executive Compensation Tables  Grants of Plan-Based Awards

     Grants of Plan-Based Awards

This table reflects awards granted under the CVS Health Corporation 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2017 ICP) in the respective amounts listed. The Management Planning and Development Committee approved the grants for 2018, which include stock options, PSU and, for Mr. Rice, stock options and RSUs granted in connection with his participation in the PEP.

      Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2018


Name &
Principal
2018 Positions
Award Type
Date of
Committee
Action

Grant
Date
 
 
 
 
Est. Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
Est. Future Payouts
Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards

All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)

All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($ / Sh)

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)
            Threshold
($)
1
   Target
($)
   Maximum
($)
   Threshold
(#)
1
   Target
(#)
   Maximum
(#)
           
Larry J. Merlo
President and Chief Executive Officer
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 394,091 62.21 3,374,995
EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 27,126 54,251 108,502 3,374,955
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 48,051 120,128 240,256 6,749,992
Annual Cash 1,630,000 3,260,000 6,520,000
Eva C. Boratto
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 35,030 62.21 299,997
EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 2,411 4,822 9,644 299,977
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 3,559 8,898 17,796 499,979
LTIP (18-20) 3,4  8/16/2018 8/31/2018 6,729 16,823 33,646 1,249,949
LTIP (18-20) 3,5  11/6/2018 11/28/2018 7,261 18,153 36,306 1,499,982
LTIP (18-20) 3,4,5  11/6/2018 11/28/2018 6,051 15,127 30,254 1,249,944
Annual Cash 472,727 945,455 1,890,909
Jonathan C. Roberts
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 248,131 62.21 2,124,994
EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 17,079 34,158 68,316 2,124,970
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 26,695 66,737 133,474 3,749,952
LTIP (18-20) 3,4  8/16/2018 8/31/2018 20,188 50,471 100,942 3,749,995
Annual Cash 1,017,188 2,034,375 4,068,750
Derica W. Rice
Executive Vice President and President – CVS Caremark
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 116,767 62.21 999,993
EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 8,037 16,074 32,148 999,963
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 15,127 37,818 75,636 2,124,993
PEP Stock
Options
6  11/8/2017 5/31/2018 78,870 63.39 705,319
RSUs 6  11/8/2017 5/31/2018 23,663 1,499,998
PEP RSUs 6  11/8/2017 5/31/2018 7,887 499,957
LTIP (18-20) 3,4  11/6/2017 8/31/2018 16,150 40,376 80,752 2,999,937
Annual Cash 593,608 1,187,216 2,374,432
Thomas M. Moriarty
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 145,959 62.21 1,249,993
EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 10,047 20,093 40,186 1,249,986
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 14,237 35,593 71,186 1,999,971
LTIP (18-20) 3,4  8/16/2018 8/31/2018 18,842 47,106 94,212 3,499,976
Annual Cash 618,750 1,237,500 2,475,000
David M. Denton
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Stock Options 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 116,767 62.21 999,993
 EBITDA PSUs 2/15/2018 4/1/2018 8,037 16,074 32,148 999,964
LTIP (18-20) 2,3  2/15/2018 4/1/2018 14,237 35,593 71,186 1,999,971
 Annual Cash 586,364 1,172,727 2,345,455
1

Represents the threshold achievement in order to receive a payout under the respective plan; performance below the threshold results in no payout.

2

Beginning with the 2018-2020 LTIP cycle, awards will be denominated 100% in PSUs. These awards are included in the SCT in the “Stock Awards” column. For the 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 LTIP cycles, awards were denominated in cash and have been or will be settled 100% in CVS Health common stock adjusted for performance. At the end of the three-year cycle, final awards are or will be disclosed in the SCT in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column.


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Executive Compensation Tables  Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

3 The award earned, based on the performance of the Company against the applicable performance metrics, will be modified by up to +/- 25% based on CVS Health’s performance as measured by relative TSR. All “Est. Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards” assume a relative TSR modifier of 0%.
4 Aetna Transaction-related Additional LTIP PSU award for the respective NEOs.
5 Awards granted in connection with Ms. Boratto’s promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
6 Represents sign-on options and RSU awards granted under the PEP and the 2017 ICP. Mr. Rice’s PEP options will vest one-third on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Mr. Rice’s PEP RSUs will cliff vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.

The stock option awards shown above vest in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date and expire seven years from the grant date, except for Mr. Rice’s PEP options, which vest one-third on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. As described above, the Company’s policy is to establish the exercise price for stock options as the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Annual RSU grants typically vest in increments of 50% on the third anniversary of the grant date and 50% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Mr. Rice’s PEP RSUs will cliff vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.

     Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

This table reflects stock option, PSU and RSU awards granted to our Named Executive Officers under our ICPs that were outstanding as of December 31, 2018.

      Outstanding Equity Awards at 2018 Year-End

Stock Option Awards1 Stock Awards
Name & Principal
2018 Positions
   Grant
Date
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
     Option
Exercise
Price
($)
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Grant
Date
   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
($)2
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
     Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested
($)2