DEF 14A 1 c90444_def14a.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Pfizer Inc.
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Proxy Statement for
2018 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders

 

2017 Financial Report1

 

1The 2017 Financial Report is not included in this filing. The portions of the 2017 Financial Report that are incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”) were filed, and the other portions of the 2017 Financial Report were furnished, solely for the information of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, on Exhibit 13 to the 2017 Form 10-K. The 2017 Financial Report is contained in Appendix A to the Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement being mailed to our shareholders beginning on or about March 15, 2018. The Letter to Shareholders from our Chairman and CEO and the Corporate and Shareholder Information contained in the materials being mailed to our shareholders beginning on or about March 15, 2018 are not included in this filing.

 

Pfizer at a Glance

 

  ~$52.5 Billion in Revenues in 2017
           
  9 Products with Direct Product and/or Alliance
Revenues of Greater than $1 Billion in 2017

 

2 Distinct
Business
Segments:
 

Pfizer Innovative Health
(~$31.4 Billion 2017 Revenues)

 

6 Primary Therapeutic Areas:
Internal Medicine, Vaccines, Oncology,
Inflammation & Immunology, Rare
Disease and Consumer Healthcare

 

Pfizer Essential Health
(~$21.1 Billion 2017 Revenues)

 

4 Product Categories:
Global Brands (Legacy Established
Products & Peri-LOE Products), Sterile
Injectable Pharmaceuticals, Biosimilars
and Pfizer CentreOne

 

    125+ Countries Where We Sell Our Products
           
    87 Projects in Clinical Research & Development(1)
           
    ~$7.7 Billion 2017 Research & Development Expense
           
    58 Manufacturing Sites Worldwide Operated by Pfizer Global Supply(2)
           
    ~90,200 Employees Globally(2)

 

(1) As of January 31, 2018
(2) As of December 31, 2017
 
A MESSAGE TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS FROM PFIZER’S LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

 

A Message from Pfizer’s Lead Independent Director

 

 

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

It has been my privilege to serve as Pfizer’s Lead Independent Director, working with a group of highly-committed and knowledgeable Board members, and engaging with you, our valued shareholders. Throughout the year, we worked to provide independent oversight of Pfizer’s leaders and engaged in constructive dialogue at Board and Committee meetings concerning corporate strategy, business objectives and potential risks facing the company.

 

I am pleased to announce that following the 2018 Annual Meeting, and contingent upon his election, Shantanu Narayen will assume the role of Lead Independent Director. During Mr. Narayen’s nearly five years of service on Pfizer’s Board, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and risk oversight abilities, and the Board has benefitted from his expertise in technology and innovative product development. We are fully confident in Mr. Narayen’s ability to serve as Lead Independent Director and pleased to have him step into this new role.

 

Board Oversight of Business Strategy and Risk

 

The Board is dedicated to its role as your fiduciaries and we believe that our Directors’ diverse skills and backgrounds reflect the expertise essential for effective oversight of the business. The Board uses its deep knowledge in areas such as business leadership, medicine and science, healthcare and pharma, and risk management to oversee management’s execution of corporate strategy, a topic of discussion at nearly every Board meeting. We also discussed significant business and organizational initiatives, our R&D pipeline, capital allocation, business development opportunities and enterprise risk management, including areas posing reputational risk.

 

Independent Board Leadership; CEO Evaluation Process

 

As Lead Independent Director, I worked closely with our Chairman and CEO, Ian Read, to ensure that we maintained an active dialogue between our independent Directors and management. I served as the representative for our independent Directors and, in this capacity, contributed to the development and approval of Board meeting agendas, materials and schedules. At each Board meeting, I presided over executive sessions of the independent Directors. I also met with investors, when appropriate, to discuss issues of importance, and to ensure that their views were well represented in the boardroom.

 

In addition, I was responsible for leading the independent Directors’ evaluation of the effectiveness of Mr. Read. This assessment included our annual evaluation of his performance in leading Pfizer’s business as our CEO, as well as his ability to provide effective leadership and direction to the full Board. During our review, the independent Directors carefully considered whether to change the current Board leadership structure to separate the Chairman and CEO positions, and concluded that having Mr. Read continue to serve as Chairman and CEO is the right leadership structure for Pfizer at this time. Mr. Read’s extensive industry knowledge and exemplary leadership and vision, coupled with the active and engaged role that defines the Pfizer Lead Independent Director position, supported the Board’s recommendation. The Board continues to value having the flexibility of selecting the leadership structure best suited to meet the needs of our business and shareholders at any given time.


 
A MESSAGE TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS FROM PFIZER’S LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

 

 

Board Refreshment & Committee Composition

 

In early 2018, the Board was pleased to announce the elections of Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s Chief Operating Officer, and Dr. Dan R. Littman to the Board of Directors. Dr. Bourla is a proven and trusted leader with over two decades of leadership experience at Pfizer, and a demonstrated track record for delivering strong business results. Dr. Littman is a renowned immunologist and molecular biologist with achievements and recognition in both medicine and science. The Board believes both candidates are excellent additions. The elections of Drs. Bourla and Littman were informed by the Board’s continued focus on its composition and its annual self-evaluation process, which ensures the appropriate balance of skills, diversity, experience and tenure in light of our business needs.

 

Since 2012, we have added six new Directors to the Board.

 

We also focused on Committee composition and refreshed leadership, and elected new Chairs to lead the Corporate Governance and Regulatory and Compliance Committees.

 

After nine years of service, Dr. Frances D. Fergusson and Mr. Stephen W. Sanger will retire from the Board in 2018. We would like to thank them for their service on the Board, valuable insight and strong commitment to Pfizer and its shareholders.

 

Long-Standing Commitment to Engaging and Responding to Our Shareholders

 

The Board continues to place a high priority on listening and responding to shareholder feedback. One area of focus for the Board was the vote received at the 2017 Annual Meeting on a shareholder resolution requesting the Board lower Pfizer’s ownership threshold to call a special meeting of shareholders from 20% to 10% of shares outstanding. Although the proposal did not pass, in response to shareholder feedback and an assessment of our corporate governance practices, the Board amended Pfizer’s By-laws to reduce the ownership threshold required for shareholders to call a special meeting to 10%. We believe this action illustrates our steadfast commitment to governance excellence and responsiveness to shareholders’ concerns.

 

We are committed to serving your interests in 2018 and beyond. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

Lead Independent Director


 
 

 

Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement

 

Time and Date

9:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT),
on Thursday, April 26, 2018

 

Place

Hilton Short Hills Hotel, 41 John F. Kennedy Parkway,
Short Hills, New Jersey 07078, +1-973-379-0100

 

Record Date

You can vote your shares if you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on February 27, 2018.

 

Audio Webcast

Available at www.pfizer.com, starting at 9:00 a.m., EDT, on Thursday, April 26, 2018. A replay will be available through the first week of May 2018.

 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

•   To elect 12 members of the Board of Directors, each until our next Annual Meeting and/or until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified.

•   To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year.

•   To conduct an advisory vote to approve our executive compensation.

•   To approve the Pfizer Inc. French Sub-Plan under the 2014 Stock Plan.

•   To consider three shareholder proposals, if properly presented at the Meeting.

•   To transact any other business that properly comes before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.

 

VOTING YOUR SHARES IS QUICK AND EASY—YOU CAN EVEN VOTE USING YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET.

 

HOW TO VOTE  

For registered holders and Pfizer Savings Plan participants:

(Shares are registered in your name with Pfizer's transfer agent, Computershare, or held in the Pfizer Savings Plan)

 

For beneficial owners:

(Shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other holder of record)

   Internet*   www.investorvote.com/pfe   www.proxyvote.com
  Telephone*   Within the U.S., U.S. territories & Canada
+1-800-652-VOTE (8683) – toll-free
Outside of the U.S., U.S. territories & Canada
+1-781-575-2300 – standard rates apply
  +1-800-454-VOTE (8683) – toll-free
  Mail   Complete, sign and return the proxy card   Complete, sign and return the voting instruction card
* You will need to provide your control number that appears on the right-hand side of the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card.

 

MATERIALS TO REVIEW

 

This booklet contains our Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. Our 2017 Financial Report is included as Appendix A and is followed by certain Corporate and Shareholder Information. None of Appendix A, the Corporate and Shareholder Information, or the accompanying Letter to Shareholders from our Chairman and CEO, are a part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

If you received a Notice of Internet Availability and would like a printed copy of the materials, please follow the instructions provided in your notice. Alternatively, follow the instructions included on how to vote online.

 

This Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and a proxy or voting instruction card are being mailed or made available to shareholders starting on or about March 15, 2018.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 26, 2018

 

This Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2017 Financial Report and Corporate and Shareholder
Information are available on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/financials/annual-reports/default.aspx. Except as stated
otherwise, information on our website is not considered part of this Proxy Statement.

 

 

Margaret M. Madden

Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Chief Governance Counsel

March 15, 2018

 
 

 

Table of Contents

 

    Proxy Statement Summary 1
      Item 1 — Election of Directors 7
      Criteria for Board Membership 7
      Selection of Candidates 8
      Retirement Policy 8
      Our 2018 Director Nominees 8
      Director Nominees 9
    Governance 16
      Overview 16
      Board Information 16
        Board Leadership Structure 16
        The Board's Role in Risk Oversight 19
        The Board's Oversight of Company Strategy 20
        The Board's Role in Succession Planning 20
        Evaluating Board Effectiveness 21
        Board and Committee Information 22
        Corporate Governance Committee Report 26
        Regulatory and Compliance Committee Report 27
      Shareholder Outreach 28
      Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability 30
      Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation 31
      Pfizer Policies on Business Conduct 32
      Other Governance Practices and Policies 33
    Non-Employee Director Compensation 35
      2017 Director Compensation Table 37
    Securities Ownership 38
      Beneficial Owners 39
      Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 39
    Related Person Transactions and Indemnification 40
      Item 2 — Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 41
      Audit and Non-Audit Fees 42
    Audit Committee Report 43
    Item 3 — 2018 Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation 44
      Results of 2017 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation 44
      2017 Pay for Performance 44
      2018 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation 45
    Item 4 — Approval of the Pfizer Inc. French Sub-Plan under the 2014 Stock Plan 46
    Compensation Committee Report 53
    Executive Compensation 54
      Compensation Discussion and Analysis 55
      Table of Contents 55
      Executive Summary 56
      Compensation Tables 85
      Financial Measures 101
    Shareholder Proposals 102
      Item 5 — Right to Act by Written Consent 102
      Item 6 — Independent Chair Policy 104
      Item 7 — Report on Lobbying Activities 107
    Annual Meeting Information 110
      Annual Meeting 110
      Voting 111
      Proxy Materials 113
      Other Questions 114
      Other Business 115
      Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2019 Annual Meeting 115
    Annex 1 — Corporate Governance Principles i
    Annex 2 — Pfizer Inc. 2014 Stock Plan — French-Qualified Restricted Stock Unit Sub-Plan vi
           


 
 

 

Proxy Statement Summary

 

Here are highlights of important information you will find in this Proxy Statement. As it is only a summary, please review the complete Proxy Statement before you vote.

 

SUMMARY OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING MATTERS

 

  Voting Matters   Board Vote
Recommendation
  See Page  
  Item 1 — Election of Directors   FOR EACH NOMINEE   7  
  Item 2 — Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   FOR   41  
  Item 3 — 2018 Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation   FOR   44  
  Item 4 — Approval of the Pfizer Inc. French Sub-Plan under the 2014 Stock Plan   FOR   46  
  Shareholder Proposals          
  Item 5 — Right to Act by Written Consent   AGAINST   102  
  Item 6 — Independent Chair Policy   AGAINST   104  
  Item 7 — Report on Lobbying Activities   AGAINST   107  
             

 

Our Director Nominees

 

You are being asked to vote on the election of the following 12 Directors. All Directors are elected annually by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast. For detailed information about each Director’s background, skill sets and areas of expertise, please see Director Nomineeslater in this Proxy Statement.

 

                    Committee Memberships    
                                         
Name   Age*   Director
Since
  Occupation and Experience   Independent   Audit   Compensation   Corporate
Governance
  Regulatory &
Compliance
  Science &
Technology
  Other
Public
Boards
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.(1)
Lead Independent Director
  72   2006   Director, Center for Assessment Technology & Continuous Health, Physician-in-Chief, Emeritus, Massachusetts General Hospital & Jackson Distinguished Professor, Harvard Medical School   Yes                   l   2
Ronald E. Blaylock   58   2017   Founder, Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners   Yes           l       l   3
Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D.   56   2018   Chief Operating Officer, Pfizer Inc.   No                      
W. Don Cornwell(2)   70   1997   Retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Granite Broadcasting Corporation   Yes   l   l       l   l   2
Joseph J. Echevarria(3)   61   2015   Retired Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte LLP   Yes   l       l       l   3
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.   65   2011   Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute & Professor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center   Yes           l   l   CHAIR  
James M. Kilts   70   2007   Founding Partner, Centerview Capital   Yes       l           l   3
Dan R. Littman, M.D., Ph.D.   65   2018   Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine of NYU Langone Medical Center & Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute   Yes           l       l  
Shantanu Narayen(1)   54   2013   Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Adobe Systems Incorporated   Yes       l       l   l   1
Suzanne Nora Johnson   60   2007   Retired Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   Yes   CHAIR           l   l   3
Ian C. Read
Chairman
  64   2010   Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer Inc.   No                       1
James C. Smith   58   2014   President & Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Reuters Corporation   Yes   l   CHAIR         l   1

 

* Age as of the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting
(1) The independent Directors have selected Mr. Narayen, contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, to serve as Lead Independent Director following the 2018 Annual Meeting. Contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, Dr. Ausiello will serve as a member of the Audit Committee, the Regulatory and Compliance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee following the 2018 Annual Meeting.
(2) The Directors have selected Mr. Cornwell, contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, to serve as Chair of the Regulatory and Compliance Committee following the 2018 Annual Meeting.
(3) The Directors have selected Mr. Echevarria, contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, to serve as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee following the 2018 Annual Meeting.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   1

 
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Board Composition

 

Our goal is to maintain a diverse Board representing a wide range of experience and perspectives. Below we highlight the composition of our Director nominees.

 

 

2   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Corporate Governance Highlights

 

Pfizer is committed to exercising and maintaining strong corporate governance practices. We believe that good governance promotes the long-term interests of our shareholders, strengthens Board and management accountability and improves our standing as a trusted member of the communities we serve.

 

     
   

Shareholder Rights and Accountability

    Annual election of all Directors
    Majority voting for Directors
    Shareholder ability to call Special Meetings (10% ownership threshold)
    Proxy access rights to holders owning at least 3% of outstanding shares for 3 years
    Robust shareholder engagement program
       

 

     
   

Board and Committee Oversight

    Corporate strategy
    Risk assessment and risk management
    Corporate political expenditures and lobbying activities
    Sustainability
       

 

     
   

Independence

    10 of our 12 Director nominees are independent
    Our Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Operating Officer (COO) are the only non-independent Directors
    All Board Committee members are independent
       

 

     
   

Lead Independent Director

    Presides at regular executive sessions of independent Directors
    Leads annual independent Director evaluation of Chairman & CEO
       
     
   

Board Practices

    Annual Board and Committee self-evaluations
    New Director orientation and continuing Director education on key topics and issues
    Mandatory Retirement Policy at age 73, absent special circumstances
    Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors
       

 

     
   

Pay for Performance

    Executive compensation program strongly links pay and performance
    Compensation Committee reviews the goal-setting processes so that targets are rigorous, yet attainable, thereby incentivizing performance
    Significant percentage of total target compensation is “at-risk” through short-and long-term incentive awards
    Compensation Committee structures our compensation program to align targets and goals with our overall business strategy and objectives
       

 

     
   

Robust Stock Ownership Requirements

    CEO, Named Executive Officers (NEOs) and Directors are subject to robust Pfizer common stock ownership requirements:
      o CEO/Employee Directors: 6x base salary
      o Other NEOs: 4x base salary
      o Non-employee Directors: 5x annual cash retainer
       


 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   3

 
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

2017 Shareholder Outreach

 

We believe that a robust shareholder outreach program is an essential component of maintaining our strong corporate governance practices. In our discussions with investors, we seek their input on a variety of corporate governance topics and other issues that may impact our business or reputation. We strive for a collaborative approach with investors to solicit and understand a variety of perspectives. During 2017, we solicited feedback from investors representing approximately 40% of our outstanding shares and engaged with over 30 global institutional investors representing nearly 30% of our outstanding shares. Such engagement included the participation of our Lead Independent Director when requested. Overall, investors’ sentiment was positive with respect to our Board of Directors, our corporate governance practices (including our robust shareholder engagement program) and our executive compensation program. This information was summarized and shared with the Board of Directors.

 

One area of particular focus during our engagements with investors was the right of our shareholders to call a special meeting. In part due to shareholder feedback we received, the Board took action in December 2017 to amend the company’s By-laws to reduce the percentage of outstanding stock required for shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders from 20% to 10%.

 

For more information about our 2017 shareholder engagement program and the actions we took in response to shareholder feedback, see Governance — Board Information — Corporate Governance Committee Reportand Governance —Shareholder Outreachlater in this Proxy Statement.

 

Executive Compensation Highlights

 

Pfizer’s pay-for-performance compensation philosophy is set by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Our goal is to align each executive’s compensation with Pfizer’s short-term and long-term performance and provide the compensation and incentives needed to attract, motivate and retain key executives crucial to Pfizer’s long-term success.

 

   
  To achieve these objectives:
  We position total direct compensation and each compensation element at approximately the median of our Pharmaceutical Peer and General Industry Comparator companies.
  We align annual short-term incentive awards with annual operating, financial and strategic objectives.
  We align long-term incentive awards with the interests of our shareholders by delivering value based on operating results and absolute and relative shareholder return, encouraging stock ownership and promoting retention of key talent.
  A significant portion of the total compensation opportunity for our executives is “at-risk” through both our short- and long-term incentive awards, the payout of which is directly related to the achievement of pre-established performance metrics directly tied to our business goals and strategies and, for long-term incentive awards, Pfizer’s total shareholder return (TSR).
       

 

4   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

2017 KEY ELEMENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Direct compensation for our executives in 2017 consisted of the following key elements:

 

Element   Type/Description   Objective
         
Salary (Cash)       The fixed amount of compensation for performing day-to-day responsibilities is set based on market data, job scope and responsibilities, and experience   Provides competitive level of fixed compensation that helps to attract and retain high-performing executive talent
         
Annual Short- Term Incentive/ Global Performance Plan (GPP)
(Cash)  
 

Our annual incentive plan pool is funded based on performance against Pfizer’s short-term financial goals (revenue, adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) and cash flow from operations). Individual awards are based on business/operating unit and individual performance measured over the current year

 

2017 Performance Metrics

 

 

  Provides incentives for achieving short-term results that create sustained future growth
         
Annual Long- Term Incentive Compensation
(100% Performance- Based Equity)        
 

•   5-Year Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs)

•   7-Year Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs)

•   Performance Share Awards (PSAs)

 

 

TSRUs provide direct alignment with shareholders as awards are tied to absolute total shareholder return over a five- and seven-year period

 

PSAs align executive compensation to operational goals through performance against a combination of operating income* over three one-year periods and TSR relative to the NYSE ARCA Pharmaceutical Index (DRG Index) over a three-year performance period

 

 

* Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.

 

2017 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER (NEO) PAY MIX

 

The illustration below uses year-end salary and target annual short-term and long-term incentive awards for the NEOs to show the percentage each pay element comprises of our NEOs’ target direct compensation for 2017.

 

CEO — 2017 Target Direct Compensation   Other NEOs — 2017 Target Direct Compensation (Average)
     
 

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   5

 
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

KEY PLANNING CYCLE

 

The below graphic illustrates key elements of the annual compensation planning cycle:

 

APPROVE   REVIEW   ENGAGE

 

 

 

 

JANUARY–MARCH   APRIL–JUNE
     

•   Complete Executive Leadership Team (ELT) year-end performance assessments for prior year

•   Review and approve prior year’s incentive plan performance results and funding level

•   Review and approve annual ELT compensation (salary, bonus and long-term incentive awards)

•   Conduct annual risk assessment on our global compensation programs and policies

•   Review and approve proxy materials

•   Review ELT goals for current performance period

•   Approve various incentive plan metrics for current performance period

 

 

•   Review proxy advisory firms’ analyses of current proxy statement

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Conduct an annual proxy analysis of NEO pay of comparator companies

•   Consider shareholder feedback from outreach discussions

 

   
OCTOBER–DECEMBER   JULY–SEPTEMBER

•   Commence ELT year-end performance assessments

•   Conduct annual executive stock ownership review

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Review potential NEOs for the upcoming proxy statement

•   Consider shareholder feedback from outreach discussions

•   Review and approve Committee Charter

 

 

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Conduct CEO mid-year performance assessment

•   Review and approve composition of the Pharmaceutical and General Industry Peer groups

 


 

OUR COMPENSATION PRACTICES

 

Pfizer continues to implement and maintain leading practices in its compensation program, including these practices:

 

WHAT WE DO   WHAT WE DO NOT DO
ü Risk Mitigation   û Hedging or Pledging
ü Compensation Recovery (“Clawback”)    û Employment Agreements
ü Stock Ownership Requirements   û Change in Control Agreements
ü Minimum Stock Vesting Required   û Repricing
ü Robust Investor Outreach   û “Gross-ups” for Perquisites
ü Independent Compensation Consultation    

 

For additional information about Pfizer, please view our 2017 Financial Report (see “Appendix A”) and our 2017 Annual Review at www.pfizer.com/annual. Please note that neither our 2017 Financial Report, nor our 2017 Annual Review is a part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

6   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
 

 

Item 1 – Election of Directors

 

Twelve members of our Board are standing for re-election, to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. A majority of the votes cast is required for the election of Directors in an uncontested election (which is the case for the election of Directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting). A majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a Director nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that nominee. Our Corporate Governance Principles contain detailed procedures to be followed in the event that one or more Directors do not receive a majority of the votes cast “for” his or her election at the Annual Meeting.

 

Each nominee elected as a Director will continue in office until our next Annual Meeting and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, removal or retirement.

 

We expect each nominee for election as a Director to be able to serve if elected. If any nominee is not able to serve, the persons appointed by the Board of Directors and named as proxies in the proxy materials or, if applicable, their substitutes (the Proxy Committee) may vote their proxies for substitute nominees, unless the Board chooses to reduce the number of Directors serving on the Board.

 

The Board has determined that all Director nominees (other than Mr. Ian C. Read and Dr. Albert Bourla) are independent of the company and management and meet Pfizer’s criteria for independence (see “Director Independence” below).

 

Criteria for Board Membership

 

The Corporate Governance Committee focuses on Board succession planning on a continuous basis. In performing this function, the Committee recruits and recommends the nominees for election as Directors to the full Board of Directors. The goal is to achieve a Board that provides effective oversight of the company through the appropriate balance of diversity of perspectives, experience, expertise, skills, specialized knowledge, and other qualifications and attributes of the individual Directors.

 

Important general criteria and considerations for Board membership include:

 

General Criteria

 

•   Proven integrity and independence, with a record of substantial achievement in an area of relevance to Pfizer.

•   Prior or current leadership experience with major complex organizations, including within the scientific, government service, educational, finance, marketing, technology or not-for-profit sectors, with some members of the Board being widely recognized as leaders in the fields of medicine or biological sciences.

•   Commitment to enhancing Pfizer’s long-term growth.

•   Broad experience, diverse perspectives, and the ability to exercise sound judgment, and a judicious and critical temperament that will enable objective appraisal of management’s plans and programs.

•   Diversity with respect to gender, ethnicity, background, professional experience and perspectives.

 

 

The Committee also considers, on an ongoing basis, the background, experience and skills of the incumbent Directors that are important to Pfizer’s current and future business needs, including, among others, experience and skills in the following areas:

 

  Director Skills Criteria    
             
   

 Business Leadership & Operations  Finance & Accounting  Government & Public Policy
   Medicine & Science  International Business  Academia
   Healthcare & Pharma    Risk Management    Technology
   Talent Management        
               

 

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   7

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board and each Committee conduct rigorous annual self-evaluations to help ensure satisfaction of the criteria for Board membership (see “Evaluating Board Effectiveness” below). Based on these activities and their review of the current composition of the Board, the Corporate Governance Committee and the Board believe that the criteria for Board membership have been satisfied.

 

Selection of Candidates

 

Director Skill Set Considerations; Use of Matrix

 

In recruiting and selecting Board candidates, the Corporate Governance Committee takes into account the size of the Board and considers a “skills matrix.” This skills matrix helps the Committee determine whether a particular Board member or candidate possesses one or more of the “skill sets,” as well as whether those skills and/or other attributes qualify him or her for service on a particular committee. The Committee also considers a wide range of additional factors, including each Director’s and candidate’s projected retirement date, to assist in Board succession planning; other positions the Director or candidate holds, including other boards of directors on which he or she serves; and the independence of each Director and candidate, to ensure that a substantial majority of the Board is independent. While the company does not have a formal policy on Board diversity, we believe the composition of the Board should be diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, background, professional experience and perspectives.

 

Potential Director Candidates

 

On an ongoing basis, the Corporate Governance Committee considers potential Director candidates identified on its own initiative, as well as candidates referred or recommended to it by other Directors, members of management, search firms, shareholders and other sources (including individuals seeking to join the Board).

 

Shareholders who wish to recommend candidates may contact the Corporate Governance Committee as described in “How to Communicate with Our Directors” below. All candidates are required to meet the criteria outlined above, as well as those discussed under Director Independencebelow and in our Corporate Governance Principles and other governing documents, as applicable, as determined by the Corporate Governance Committee. Shareholder nominations must be made according to the procedures required under our By-laws (including via our proxy access by-law) and described in this Proxy Statement under the heading Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2019 Annual Meeting.” Shareholder-recommended candidates and shareholder nominees whose nominations comply with these procedures and who meet the criteria referred to above will be evaluated by the Corporate Governance Committee in the same manner as the Corporate Governance Committee’s nominees.

 

Retirement Policy

 

Under Pfizer’s Corporate Governance Principles, a Director is required to retire when he or she reaches age 73. A Director elected to the Board prior to his or her 73rd birthday may continue to serve until the annual shareholders meeting following his or her 73rd birthday. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board may waive this requirement as to any Director if it deems a waiver to be in the best interests of the company.

 

Our 2018 Director Nominees

 

The Corporate Governance Committee and the Board believe that each nominee for Director brings a strong and unique set of perspectives, experiences and skills to Pfizer. The combination of these nominees creates an effective and well-functioning Board that has an optimal balance of experience, leadership, competencies, qualifications and skills in areas of importance to Pfizer and serves the company and our shareholders well.

 

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THESE NOMINEES AS DIRECTOR.


 

8   /    Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Director Nominees

 

 

Lead Independent Director

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2006

 

AGE: 72

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Medicine & Science
Healthcare & Pharma
Academia
Business Leadership
&  Operations

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
and Seres Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

Director, Center for Assessment Technology and Continuous Health (CATCH). Physician-in-Chief, Emeritus, at Massachusetts General Hospital and Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1996 until 2013. Jackson Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

 

President of the Association of American Physicians in 2006. Member of the National Academy of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Director of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Seres Therapeutics, Inc. and TARIS BioMedical LLC.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Medicine & Science/Healthcare & Pharma/Academia:

Dr. Ausiello’s experience and training as a practicing physician (Board-certified in nephrology), a scientist and a nationally recognized leader in academic medicine enable him to bring valuable insights to the Board, including through his understanding of the scientific nature of our business and the ability to assist us in prioritizing opportunities for drug development.

 

Business Leadership & Operations:

Dr. Ausiello oversaw a large research portfolio and an extensive research and education budget at Massachusetts General Hospital, giving him a critical perspective on drug discovery and development and providing a fundamental understanding of the potential pathways contributing to disease. Through his past experience as the Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Ausiello also brings leadership, oversight and finance experience to the Board.

     

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2017

 

AGE: 58

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Corporate Governance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership &
Operations
Risk Management
Finance & Accounting

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

CarMax, Inc., Urban One, Inc.
and W.R. Berkley, Inc.

Ronald E. Blaylock

Founder, Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in industrial and business services companies in the U.S. middle market, since 2006. Prior to launching GenNx360 Capital Partners, Mr. Blaylock founded and managed Blaylock & Company, an investment banking firm. Also held senior management positions at UBS, PaineWebber Group and Citicorp.

 

Director of CarMax, Inc., Urban One, Inc. (formerly Radio One, Inc.) and W.R. Berkley, Inc., an insurance holding company. Director of Syncreon U.S., a for-profit private company. Member of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall. Member of the Board of Overseers of New York University Stern School of Business. Member of the Board of Trustees of Prep for Prep, a not-for-profit organization.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/Risk Management:

Mr. Blaylock’s extensive experience in private equity and investment banking brings business leadership, financial expertise and risk management skills to the Board. In addition, Mr. Blaylock’s service on the nominating and corporate governance committee of another public company enables him to bring valuable insights to Pfizer’s Board and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Finance & Accounting:

Mr. Blaylock’s significant financial background, including as the founder and managing partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners and the founder of Blaylock & Company, brings substantial financial expertise and a unique perspective on issues of importance relating to finance to the Board.

     

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   9

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2018

 

AGE: 56

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations
Talent Management
International Business

 

Healthcare & Pharma

 

Medicine & Science

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

None

 

Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D.

Chief Operating Officer of Pfizer since January 2018; Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health from June 2016 until December 2017; Group President, Global Innovative Pharma Business of Pfizer (responsible for Vaccines, Oncology and Consumer Healthcare since 2014) from February 2016 until June 2016. President and General Manager of Established Products Business Unit of Pfizer from 2010 until 2013. Area President Europe, Africa, Asia and Pacific of Pfizer Animal Health from 2009 until 2010. Area President Europe, Africa and Middle East of Pfizer Animal Health from 2005 until 2009.

 

Board member of the Pfizer Foundation, which promotes access to quality healthcare. Board member and serves on the Executive Committee of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the world’s largest biotechnology trade association.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/Talent Management/International Business/Healthcare & Pharma:

Dr. Bourla has over 25 years of leadership experience and a demonstrated track record for delivering strong business results. Dr. Bourla has deep knowledge of the healthcare industry as he has held a number of senior global positions across a range of businesses and geographies over the course of his career, which enables him to provide important insights and perspectives to our Board on the company’s commercial, strategic, manufacturing and global product development functions. In addition, his experiences on the Executive Committee of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization provides him with a broader perspective on issues facing our industry.

 

Medicine & Science:

Dr. Bourla brings expertise in medicine and science to the Board through his prior experiences working within Pfizer’s Animal Health business and as a veterinarian.

     

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 1997

 

AGE: 70

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Audit, Compensation, Regulatory and Compliance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations
Talent Management
Risk Management

 

Finance & Accounting

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

American International Group, Inc. and Avon Products, Inc.

W. Don Cornwell

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Granite Broadcasting Corporation (Granite) from 1988 until his retirement in August 2009, and served as Vice Chairman of the Board until December 2009.

 

Director of American International Group, Inc. and Avon Products, Inc. Director of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and Trustee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. Former Director of CVS Caremark (including two years as Chair of its Compensation Committee) for over 10 years.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/Talent Management/Risk Management:

Through Mr. Cornwell’s 38-year career as an entrepreneur driving the growth of a consumer-focused media company, an executive in the investment banking industry and a director of several significant consumer product and healthcare companies, he has valuable business, leadership and management experience and brings important perspectives on the issues facing Pfizer. Mr. Cornwell founded and built Granite, a consumer-focused media company, through acquisitions and operating growth, enabling him to provide insight and guidance on strategic direction and growth.

 

Finance & Accounting:

Mr. Cornwell’s strong financial background, including his work at Goldman Sachs prior to co-founding Granite and his service and leadership on the audit, finance and investment committees of other companies, also provides financial expertise to the Board, including an understanding of financial statements, corporate finance, accounting and capital markets.

     

 

10   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2015

 

AGE: 61

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Audit, Corporate Governance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations

 

International Business
Risk Management

 

Finance & Accounting
Government & Public Policy

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Unum Group and Xerox Corporation

 

Joseph J. Echevarria

Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), a global provider of professional services, from 2011 until his retirement in 2014. During his 36-year tenure with Deloitte, served in various leadership roles, including Deputy Managing Partner, Southeast Region Audit Managing Partner and U.S. Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer.

 

Director of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Unum Group, a provider of financial protection benefits, and Xerox Corporation. Member of the President’s Export Council and former member of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. Former Chair of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Risk Management:

Mr. Echevarria’s 36-year career at Deloitte brings financial expertise and international business, leadership and risk management skills to the Board.

 

Finance & Accounting:

Mr. Echevarria’s financial acumen, including his significant previous audit experience, expertise in accounting issues and service on the audit committee of another public company, is an asset to Pfizer’s Board and Audit Committee.

 

Government & Public Policy:

Pfizer also benefits from Mr. Echevarria’s breadth and diversity of experience, which includes his public service on the President’s Export Council.

     

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2011

 

AGE: 65

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Corporate Governance, Regulatory and Compliance and Science and Technology (Chair)

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Academia

 

Medicine & Science
Healthcare & Pharma

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

None

Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.

Investigator, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 2002, Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Director of the McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

 

Member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2004, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2006, and the National Academy of Sciences in 2007. Received both the Clinical Research Prize (2005) and Distinguished Scientist Award (2007) from the American Heart Association. In 2012, received the inaugural International Society of Atherosclerosis Prize. Received the Pearl Meister Greengard Award and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2015), the Passano Award (2016), the Gill Award (2016) and the Schottenstein Prize (2017).

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Academia/Medicine & Science/Healthcare & Pharma:

Dr. Hobbs’ background reflects significant achievements in academia and medicine. She has served as a faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for more than 20 years and is a leading geneticist in metabolism and heart disease, areas in which Pfizer has significant investments and experience. Pfizer benefits from her experience, expertise, achievements and recognition in both medicine and science.

 

     

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   11

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2007

 

AGE: 70

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Compensation and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations

 

International Business

 

Healthcare & Pharma

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

MetLife, Inc., The Simply Good Foods Company and Unifi, Inc.

 

James M. Kilts

Founding Partner, Centerview Capital, a private equity firm, since 2006. Vice Chairman, The Procter & Gamble Company (Procter & Gamble), from 2005 to 2006. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Gillette Company (Gillette), from 2001 to 2005 and President, Gillette, from 2003 to 2005. President and Chief Executive Officer, Nabisco Group Holdings Corporation (Nabisco), from 1998 until its acquisition in 2000.

 

Director of MetLife, Inc., The Simply Good Foods Company and Unifi, Inc. Executive Chairman of the Board of Conyers Park Acquisition Corporation from 2016 until its merger with The Simply Good Foods Company in 2017. Non-Executive Director of the Board of Nielsen Holdings PLC from 2006 until 2017, Chairman of the Board of Nielsen Holdings from 2011 until 2013 and Chairman of the Nielsen Company B.V. from 2009 until 2014. Chairman of Big Heart Pet Brands until 2015 and Director of Meadwestvaco Corporation until 2014. Life Trustee of Knox College and Trustee of the University of Chicago. Member of the Board of Overseers of Weill Cornell Medicine and Founder and Co-Chair, Steering Committee, of the Kilts Center for Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business:

Mr. Kilts’ tenure as CEO of Gillette and Nabisco and as Vice Chairman of Procter & Gamble provides valuable business, leadership and management experience, including expertise in cost management, value creation and resource allocation. In addition, his knowledge of consumer businesses has given him insights into reaching consumers and the importance of innovation—both important aspects of Pfizer’s business. Through his service on various compensation committees, including ours, Mr. Kilts has a strong understanding of executive compensation and related areas.

 

Healthcare & Pharma:

Through his service on the board of MetLife, Inc., an insurance company, Mr. Kilts offers a view of healthcare from another perspective.

     

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2018

 

AGE: 65

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Corporate Governance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Medicine & Science

 

Healthcare & Pharma
Academia

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

None

 

Dan R. Littman, M.D., Ph.D.

Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine of NYU Langone Medical Center since 1995 and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1987. Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco from 1985 to 1995.

 

Member of the National Academy of the Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Microbiology. Founding Scientific Advisory Board Member of Vedanta Biosciences. Member of Scientific Advisory Boards at ChemoCentryx, Inc., the Cancer Research Institute and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard. Founder and a scientific advisor to Orca Pharmaceuticals. Awarded the New York City Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Science and Technology (2004), the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine (2013) and the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science (2016).

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Medicine & Science/Healthcare & Pharma/Academia:

Dr. Littman’s background reflects significant achievements in medicine, healthcare and academia. He has served as a faculty member at the NYU Langone Medical Center for more than 20 years and is a renowned immunologist and molecular biologist. Pfizer benefits from his experience, expertise, achievements and recognition in both medicine and science. In addition, his experiences as a member of the National Academy of the Sciences and the Institute of Medicine enables him to bring a broad perspective of the scientific and medical community to the Board.

 

     

12   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2013

 

AGE: 54

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Compensation, Regulatory and Compliance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations
International Business
Finance & Accounting
Talent Management
Technology
Risk Management

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

Adobe Systems Incorporated

 

Shantanu Narayen

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Adobe Systems Incorporated (Adobe), a producer of creative and digital marketing software. Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2007, held various leadership roles at Adobe, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Products, and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Development.

 

Director of Dell Inc. from 2009 until 2013. President of the Board of Adobe Foundation, which funds philanthropic initiatives around the world. Vice Chairman of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Finance & Accounting/Talent Management:

Mr. Narayen’s experience as Chairman, President and CEO of Adobe brings strong leadership and management skills to the Board, and his past roles in worldwide product development provide valuable global operations experience. He also serves as a member and Vice Chairman of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. His experiences as a director on other public boards provides a broad perspective on issues facing public companies and governance matters.

 

Technology/Risk Management:

Pfizer benefits from Mr. Narayen’s extensive knowledge in technology, product innovation and leadership in the digital marketing category through his experience in the technology industry. In addition, his deep knowledge and understanding of business risks through his leadership at a global technology company provide further insight and perspective to the Board.

     

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2007

 

AGE: 60

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Audit (Chair), Regulatory and Compliance and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations

 

Risk Management

 

International Business
Finance & Accounting

 

Healthcare & Pharma

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

American International
Group, Inc., Intuit Inc. and
Visa Inc.

Suzanne Nora Johnson

Retired Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs), since 2007. During her 21-year tenure with Goldman Sachs, served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Global Markets Institute, Head of Global Research, and Head of Global Health Care.

 

Director of American International Group, Inc., Intuit Inc. and Visa Inc. Vice Chair, Board of Trustees of The Brookings Institution; Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Institution of Washington; Co-Chair of the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees of the University of Southern California; and member of the Global Agenda Council on the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems for the World Economic Forum.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/Risk Management/International Business:

Ms. Nora Johnson’s careers in law and investment banking, including serving in various leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, provide valuable business experience and critical insights into the roles of the law and finance when evaluating strategic transactions.

 

Finance & Accounting: Ms. Nora Johnson also brings financial expertise to the Board, providing an understanding of financial statements, corporate finance, accounting and capital markets.

 

Healthcare & Pharma: Ms. Nora Johnson’s extensive knowledge of healthcare through her role in healthcare investment banking and her involvement with not-for-profit organizations, such as in scientific research (The Carnegie Institution) and healthcare policy (The Brookings Institution) provide touchstones of public opinion and exposure to diverse, global points of view.

     

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   13

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2010

 

AGE: 64

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations
International Business
Healthcare & Pharma
Finance & Accounting
Government & Public Policy
Talent Management
Risk Management

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

 

Ian C. Read

Chairman of the Board since December 2011 and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer since December 2010. President and Chief Executive Officer from December 2010 until December 2011. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Group President of the Worldwide Biopharmaceutical Businesses, which he led from 2006 through December 2010. In that role, he oversaw five global business units—Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, Established Products and Emerging Markets. Mr. Read began his career with Pfizer in 1978 as an operational auditor. He worked in Latin America through 1995, holding positions including Chief Financial Officer, Pfizer Mexico, and Country Manager, Pfizer Brazil. In 1996, he was appointed President of Pfizer’s International Pharmaceuticals Group, with responsibility for Latin America and Canada. He became Executive Vice President, Europe, in 2000, was named a Corporate Vice President in 2001, and assumed responsibility for Canada, in addition to Europe, in 2002. Mr. Read later became accountable for operations in both the Africa/Middle East region and Latin America as well.

 

Director of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Mr. Read also serves on the Boards of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and the Partnership for New York City.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Healthcare & Pharma/Finance & Accounting/Government & Public Policy/Talent Management/Risk Management: Mr. Read brings over 35 years of business, operating and leadership experience to the Board. His extensive knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry in general, including his service on PhRMA and IFPMA, and Pfizer’s worldwide biopharmaceutical business in particular, provides crucial insight to our Board on the company’s strategic planning and operations. Mr. Read provides an essential link between management and the Board on management’s business perspectives, and the combination of his knowledge of the business and his leadership skills makes his role as Chairman and CEO optimal at this time. In addition, his experience as a member of another public company board provides him with an enhanced perspective on issues applicable to public companies.

 

     

14   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2014

 

AGE: 58

 

BOARD COMMITTEES:
Audit, Compensation (Chair)
and Science and Technology

 

KEY SKILLS:

 

Business Leadership & Operations
Finance & Accounting
Talent Management
International Business

 

OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC BOARDS:

Thomson Reuters Corporation

James C. Smith

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Thomson Reuters Corporation, a provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, since 2012, and its Chief Operating Officer from September 2011 to December 2011 and Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Reuters Professional Division, from 2008 to 2011. Prior to the acquisition of Reuters Group PLC by The Thomson Corporation (Thomson) in 2008, served as Chief Operating Officer of Thomson and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Learning’s Academic and Reference Group.

 

Member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, the International Advisory Boards of British American Business and the Atlantic Council.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 

Business Leadership & Operations/Finance & Accounting/Talent Management/International Business: Mr. Smith’s experience as President and CEO of Thomson Reuters brings valuable leadership, finance, international business, talent and management skills to our Board. Pfizer benefits from Mr. Smith’s organizational expertise and leadership experience, honed in numerous senior management roles and on notable merger and acquisition activity, including the acquisition and subsequent integration of two of the information industry’s preeminent firms, as well as his strong operational and international expertise. Mr. Smith’s previous experience running global Human Resources for the Thomson Corporation informs his strong advocacy for culture and talent development.

     

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   15

 
 

 

Governance

 

Overview

 

Pfizer is committed to exercising strong corporate governance practices. We believe that good governance promotes the long-term interests of our shareholders, strengthens Board and management accountability and improves our standing as a trusted member of the communities we serve. We maintain and enhance our long record of excellence in corporate governance by regularly refining our corporate governance policies and procedures to reflect evolving practices and issues raised by our shareholders and other stakeholders.

 

Our governance structure and processes are guided by key governance documents, including our Corporate Governance Principles and Committee Charters, which govern the operation of the Board of Directors and its Committees in the execution of their responsibilities. The Principles are reviewed at least annually by the Corporate Governance Committee and the full Board and are updated periodically in response to changing regulatory requirements, evolving practices, issues raised by our shareholders and other stakeholders, and otherwise as circumstances warrant. Our Corporate Governance Principles are included as “Annex 1” to this Proxy Statement.

 

Board Information

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Board recognizes that one of its key responsibilities is to evaluate and determine its optimal leadership structure to ensure independent oversight of senior management, as well as a highly engaged and high-functioning Board. Based on its experience, considerable engagement with shareholders, and an assessment of research on this issue, the Board understands that numerous viewpoints concerning a board’s optimal leadership structure exist.

 

Given the dynamic and competitive environment in which we operate, the Board believes that the right leadership structure may vary as circumstances warrant. Under our By-laws and Corporate Governance Principles, the Board can and will change its leadership structure if it determines that doing so is appropriate and in the best interest of Pfizer and its shareholders at any given time. Consistent with this understanding, the independent Directors do not view any particular board leadership structure as preferred and consider the Board’s leadership structure on at least an annual basis. This consideration includes the evaluation of alternative leadership structures in light of the company’s current operating and governance environment, a review of peer company leadership structures, and investor feedback, with the goal of achieving the optimal model for Board leadership and effective oversight of senior leaders by the Board.

 

The Board recognizes that in circumstances where the positions of Chairman and CEO are combined, investors believe it is imperative that the Board elect a strong Lead Independent Director with a clearly defined role and set of responsibilities. Our Corporate Governance Principles align with the Board’s goal of achieving the optimal model for Board leadership and investor preferences. See Our Lead Independent Directorbelow.

 

16   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

    2017 Annual Review of Leadership Structure    
  Following a thorough review by the Corporate Governance Committee, the independent Directors most recently reconsidered the Board’s leadership structure in December 2017 and determined that it would maintain the current leadership structure, with Mr. Read as Chairman. The independent Directors believe that this structure provides Pfizer with strong and consistent leadership.
  These determinations were based on the independent Directors’ continued strong belief that Mr. Read:
  has extensive experience in and knowledge of the research-based biopharmaceutical industry and regulatory environment;
  continues to demonstrate the leadership and vision necessary to lead the Board and the company in our challenging industry and macroeconomic environments;
  possesses a fundamentally investor-driven viewpoint; and
  exercises leadership that has generated strong operational performance and strengthened colleague engagement in our ownership culture.
         
  Given the regulatory and market environment in which we operate, having one person in both the CEO and Chairman roles, with deep industry expertise and company knowledge, provides decisive and effective leadership internally and externally.
         
  OUR BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE IS FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY:
     
         
  the strong, independent oversight function exercised by our Board—which consists entirely of independent Directors other than Mr. Read and Dr. Bourla (see “Director Independence” below);
  the independent leadership provided by Pfizer’s Lead Independent Director;
  the independence of all members of our Board Committees—Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance, Regulatory and Compliance and Science and Technology;
  the company’s corporate governance principles, policies and practices; and
  Board and committee processes and procedures that provide substantial independent oversight of our CEO’s performance, including regular executive sessions of the independent Directors, an annual evaluation of our CEO’s performance against predetermined goals, and a separate evaluation that, among other things, assesses the CEO’s interactions with the Board in his role as Chairman.
         
    EXECUTIVE SESSIONS   DIRECTOR NOMINEE INDEPENDENCE
         
    Executive sessions of the independent Directors generally take place at every regular Board meeting. Led by our Lead Independent Director, the independent Directors review and discuss, among other things, management succession planning, the criteria to evaluate the performance of the CEO and other senior management, the performance of the CEO against those criteria, and the compensation of the CEO and other senior management.    
           
           

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   17

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

OUR LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

 

At Pfizer, the Lead Independent Director position has a clearly defined role and set of responsibilities and entails significant responsibility for independent Board leadership. In February 2018, the independent Directors selected Mr. Shantanu Narayen, contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, to serve as Lead Independent Director following the 2018 Annual Meeting. During Mr. Narayen’s nearly five years of service on Pfizer’s Board, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and risk oversight abilities in addition to deep expertise in technology and innovative product development. The independent Directors are confident in Mr. Narayen’s ability to serve as Lead Independent Director. Upon becoming Lead Independent Director, Mr. Narayen will also serve as an ex-officio member of each of the Board’s Committees.

 

Pfizer’s current Lead Independent Director, Dr. Dennis A. Ausiello, held the position since the 2015 Annual Meeting. Contingent upon his election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, Dr. Ausiello will continue to serve as a Director and as a member of the Audit Committee, the Regulatory and Compliance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

 

The Role of the Lead Independent Director

 

The position of Lead Independent Director at Pfizer has a clear mandate, significant authority and well-defined responsibilities under a Board-approved Charter. These responsibilities and authority include the following:

 

presiding at executive sessions of the independent Directors and at other Board meetings at which the Chairman and CEO is not present;
serving as an ex-officio member of each Committee and attending meetings of the various Committees regularly;
calling meetings of the independent Directors;
leading the evaluation by the independent Directors of the CEO’s effectiveness as the Chairman and CEO, including an annual evaluation of his interactions with the Directors and ability to provide leadership and direction to the full Board;
serving as liaison between the independent Directors and the Chairman and CEO;
approving information sent to the Board, including the quality, quantity and timeliness of such information;
contributing to the development of and approving meeting agendas;
facilitating the Board’s approval of the number and frequency of Board meetings and approving meeting schedules to ensure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;
authorizing the retention of outside advisors and consultants who report directly to the Board;
being regularly apprised of inquiries from shareholders and involved in correspondence responding to these inquiries when appropriate; and
if requested by shareholders or other stakeholders, ensuring that he is available, when appropriate, for consultation and direct communication.


 

The Charter of the Lead Independent Director can be found on our website at
https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/the-pfizer-board-policies/default.aspx.

 

 

18   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

Management is responsible for assessing and managing risk, including through the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, subject to oversight by the Board. The ERM program provides a framework for risk identification and management. Each risk is assigned to a member or members, as appropriate, of our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) — the heads of our principal businesses and corporate functions. The Board believes that its leadership structure and the ERM program support the risk oversight function of the Board.

 

The Board executes its oversight responsibility for risk assessment and risk management directly and through its Committees:

 

     
   

THE BOARD

 

The Board considers specific risk topics, including, among others, risks associated with our strategic plan, our capital structure, and our R&D activities. In addition, the Board receives regular reports from members of our ELT that include discussions of the risks involved in their respective areas of responsibility. The Board is routinely informed of developments that could affect our risk profile or other aspects of our business.

 

The Board is kept informed of its Committees’ risk oversight and other activities through reports of the Committee Chairs to the full Board. These reports are presented at every regular Board meeting.

 

   
     
 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Audit Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing Pfizer’s ERM program. Pfizer’s Chief Internal Auditor, who reports to the Committee, facilitates the ERM program in coordination with the Legal Division and Compliance Division and helps ensure that ERM is integrated into our strategic and operating planning process. The Committee’s meeting agendas throughout the year include discussions of individual risk areas, including areas posing potential reputational risk to Pfizer, as well as an annual summary of the ERM process.

The Audit Committee also reviews and receives regular briefings concerning Pfizer’s information security and technology risks (including cybersecurity), including discussions of the company’s information security and risk management programs. Pfizer’s Chief Information Officer leads our cybersecurity risk management program, which is fully integrated into the overall ERM program and overseen by the Committee.

 

   

REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

 

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee is responsible for reviewing and overseeing Pfizer’s compliance program, including but not limited to evaluating its effectiveness. The Committee receives information about current and emerging risks and regulatory and enforcement trends that may affect our business operations, performance, or strategy. The Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing and reviewing significant risks associated with Pfizer’s healthcare law compliance programs and the status of compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal procedures.

From time to time, the Regulatory and Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee hold joint sessions to discuss risks relevant to both Committees’ areas of risk oversight.

 

   

OTHER BOARD COMMITTEES

 

Compensation

Corporate Governance

Science and Technology

 

The Board’s other Committees oversee risks associated with their respective areas of responsibility. For example, the Compensation Committee considers the risks associated with our compensation policies and practices for both executive compensation and compensation generally.

 

 
             

 

Pfizer   2018 Proxy Statement   /   19

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

The Board’s Oversight of Company Strategy

 

The Board and its Committees are involved in overseeing our corporate strategy, including major business and organizational initiatives, capital allocation priorities and potential business development opportunities. The Board engages in discussions regarding our corporate strategy at nearly every Board meeting and, at least annually, receives a formal update on the company’s short- and long-term objectives, including the company’s operating plan and long-term corporate strategic plan. The Board’s Committees oversee elements of our strategy associated with their respective areas of responsibility.

 

The Board’s Role in Succession Planning

 

MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION PLANNING

 

Succession planning for Pfizer’s senior management positions, which ensures continuity of leadership over the long-term, is critical to the company’s success. The Board is responsible for planning for succession to the position of CEO, as well as certain other senior management positions. The topic is discussed regularly in executive sessions. To assist the Board, the CEO annually provides the Board with an assessment of other senior managers and their potential to succeed him. The CEO also provides the Board with an assessment of persons considered potential successors to certain senior management positions.

 

In addition, the Corporate Governance Committee will review periodically with the CEO the succession plans relating to positions held by elected corporate officers and will make recommendations to the Board with respect to the selection of individuals to hold these positions.

 

In late 2017, Pfizer announced the appointment of Albert Bourla to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1, 2018. The Board determined that the addition of a COO would enable Mr. Read to spend more time focusing on the company’s long-term strategic goals while we continue to expand and develop strong executive leaders essential to Pfizer’s long-term success. In addition, we announced that effective January 1, 2018, John Young, then Group President, Pfizer Essential Health, would become Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health, and Angela Hwang, then Global President and General Manager for Pfizer Inflammation & Immunology, would succeed John Young as Group President, Pfizer Essential Health.

 

BOARD SUCCESSION PLANNING

 

The Corporate Governance Committee focuses on Board succession planning on a continuous basis. In performing this function, the Committee is responsible for recruiting and recommending nominees for election as Directors to the full Board of Directors. The goal is to achieve a Board that provides effective oversight of the company through the appropriate balance of diversity of perspectives, experience, expertise and skills.

 

20   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

Evaluating Board Effectiveness

 

The Board is committed to continuous improvement and annual self-evaluations are an important tool for evaluating effectiveness. The Board and each Committee conduct a rigorous annual self-evaluation of their performance and effectiveness.

 

PROCESS BEGINS
The Corporate Governance Committee initiates and oversees the process, which is conducted in the early part of the calendar year.
EVALUATION

During the evaluation, the Committee assesses several factors, including:

  

•  Director independence and qualifications to serve on various Committees; and

•  Committee Chair assignments and membership rotations.

 

The Committee also reviews the effectiveness of the overall evaluation process and considers whether to:

 

•  incorporate individual Director evaluations into the process; or

•  conduct the evaluation through an external third-party provider.

 

The Committee determined that no modifications to the existing process were warranted and to maintain the evaluation process in its current form.

 

PRESENTATION OF
EVALUATION RESULTS

•  The results of the Board evaluation are presented, in executive session, at a subsequent Board meeting.

•  The results of each Committee evaluation are presented at subsequent Committee meetings for the relevant Committee.

FOLLOW-UP
Any results requiring additional consideration are addressed at future Board and Committee meetings, as appropriate.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   21

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

Board and Committee Information

 

During 2017, the Board of Directors met seven times. Each of our incumbent Directors attended at least 75% of the total meetings of the Board and the Board Committees on which he or she served that were held during the time he or she was a Director in 2017. In accordance with our Corporate Governance Principles, all Directors then in office attended our 2017 Annual Meeting.

 

The table below provides membership and meeting information for each of the standing Board Committees for 2017.(1)

 

      Corporate Regulatory & Science &
Name Audit Compensation Governance Compliance Technology
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.         l
Ronald E. Blaylock     l   l
W. Don Cornwell l  l   l l
Joseph J. Echevarria l   l   l
Frances D. Fergusson, Ph.D.(2)     l CHAIR l
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.     l l CHAIR
James M. Kilts   l     l
Shantanu Narayen   l   l l
Suzanne Nora Johnson CHAIR     l l
Ian C. Read          
Stephen W. Sanger(3) l   CHAIR   l
James C. Smith l CHAIR     l
Meetings in 2017 11 6 5 4 3

 

(1) In February 2018, Dr. Bourla was elected to the Board and in March 2018, Dr. Littman was elected to the Board and as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.
(2) Effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting, Dr. Fergusson will retire from the Board and as a member and Chair of the Regulatory and Compliance Committee and a member of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.
(3) Effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting, Mr. Sanger will retire from the Board and as a member and Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

 

COMMITTEE REFRESHMENT

 

The Board, upon recommendation from the Corporate Governance Committee, reviews and determines the composition of the Committees and Committee Chairs. Through periodic committee refreshment, we aim to balance the benefits derived from continuity and depth of experience with the benefits gained from fresh perspectives and enhancing our Directors’ understanding of different aspects of our business.

 

In February 2018, the Board approved changes to the composition of certain Board Committees and Committee Chairs, effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting and contingent upon such Director’s election as a Director at the 2018 Annual Meeting, including the following elections:

 

Mr. Echevarria as the new Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee;
Mr. Cornwell as the new Chair of the Regulatory and Compliance Committee; and
Dr. Ausiello as a member of the Audit Committee and the Regulatory and Compliance Committee.

 

22   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

BOARD COMMITTEES

 

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
 

Chair:

Suzanne Nora Johnson


 

Additional Committee Members:

W. Don Cornwell

Joseph J. Echevarria

Stephen W. Sanger

James C. Smith

 

 

Meetings Held in 2017: 11

 

• All Members Are Independent, Financially Literate and Qualify as “Audit Committee Financial Experts”

 

• Governed by a Board-Approved Charter

 

The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for:

 

reviewing and discussing, with the independent registered public accounting firm, Internal Audit and management, the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;

reviewing and consulting with management, Internal Audit and the independent registered public accounting firm on matters related to the annual audit, the published financial statements, earnings releases, and the accounting principles applied;

reviewing reports from management relating to the status of compliance with laws, regulations and internal procedures and policies;

reviewing and approving, based on discussion with the Chief Financial Officer, the appointment, replacement or dismissal of the Chief Internal Auditor and reviewing, with the Chief Financial Officer, the performance of the Chief Internal Auditor;

reviewing and discussing the scope and results of the internal audit program; and

reviewing and discussing with management the company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

 

The Audit Committee also is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the pre-approval of all services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of complaints received by Pfizer regarding its accounting, internal controls and auditing matters. Further details of the role of the Audit Committee, as well as the Audit Committee Report, may be found in “Item 2—Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 41.

 

The Audit Committee Charter is available on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/board-committees-and-charters/default.aspx.

     
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 

Chair:

James C. Smith


 

Additional Committee Members:

W. Don Cornwell

James M. Kilts

Shantanu Narayen

 

 

Meetings Held in 2017: 6

 

All Members Are Independent

 

Governed by a Board- Approved Charter

 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the company’s overall compensation philosophy and oversees the administration of Pfizer’s executive compensation and benefit programs, policies and practices. Its responsibilities also include:

 

establishing annual and long-term performance goals and objectives for the CEO and reviewing the goals approved by the CEO for our executive officers, including the NEOs identified in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table;

evaluating the performance and setting compensation for the CEO;

annually reviewing and approving Pfizer’s peer companies and data sources for purposes of evaluating our compensation competitiveness and mix of compensation elements;

reviewing and assessing annually, potential risks to the company from its compensation program and policies;

reviewing and approving annually, all compensation decisions for the company’s executive officers, including the NEOs; and

overseeing the administration of the company’s cash-based and equity-based compensation plans that are shareholder-approved and/or where participants include executive officers or other members of senior management (including reviewing and approving equity grants), including pay equality and non-discrimination by gender or against protected groups.

 

Each Committee member is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and an “outside director” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to another committee, officer and/or subcommittee, as the Committee may deem appropriate in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, rules, regulations and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards.

 

The Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website at
https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/board-committees-and-charters/default.aspx.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During 2017 and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, none of the members of the Compensation Committee was or is an officer or employee of Pfizer, and no executive officer of the company served or serves on the compensation committee or board of any company that employed or employs any member of Pfizer’s Compensation Committee or Board of Directors.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   23

 

GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
 

Chair:

Stephen W. Sanger


 

Additional Committee Members:

Ronald E. Blaylock

Joseph J. Echevarria

Frances D. Fergusson

Helen H. Hobbs

Dan R. Littman*

 

 

Meetings Held in 2017: 5

 

All Members Are Independent

 

Governed by a Board- Approved Charter

 

The Corporate Governance Committee oversees the practices, policies and procedures of the Board and its committees. Responsibilities include:

 

developing criteria for Board membership and Board succession planning;

recommending and recruiting Director candidates and ensuring the appropriate balance of diversity of experience, skills, specialized knowledge and attributes of the Directors;

assessing Director and candidate independence;

considering possible conflicts of interest of Board members and senior executives;

reviewing related person transactions; and

monitoring the functions of the various Committees of the Board.

 

The Committee advises on the structure of Board meetings, recommends matters for consideration by the Board and also reviews, advises on and recommends Director compensation, which is approved by the full Board.

 

The Committee is directly responsible for:

 

overseeing the self-evaluations of the Board and its Committees;

reviewing our Corporate Governance Principles and Director Qualification Standards;

establishing and overseeing compliance with Director retirement policies; and

assisting management by reviewing the functions and outside activities of senior executives.

 

The Committee is also directly responsible for maintaining an informed status on: (i) the company’s lobbying priorities and activities; (ii) company issues related to public policy, including political spending policies and practices; and (iii) company issues related to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and philanthropy.

 

The Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/board-committees-and-charters/default.aspx.

     
THE REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
 

Chair:

Frances D.

Fergusson, Ph.D.


 

Additional Committee Members:

W. Don Cornwell

Helen H. Hobbs

Shantanu Narayen

Suzanne Nora Johnson

 

 

Meetings Held in 2017: 4

 

All Members Are Independent

 

Governed by a Board- Approved Charter

 

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee’s primary responsibilities include:

 

assisting the Board with overseeing and reviewing Pfizer’s significant healthcare-related regulatory and compliance issues, including its compliance programs and the status of compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal procedures;

consulting with management and evaluating information and reports on compliance-related activities and matters;

overseeing the integration and implementation of the company’s compliance programs in acquired entities; and

receiving information about current and emerging risks and regulatory and enforcement trends in healthcare- related areas that may affect the company’s business operations, performance or strategy.

 

The Committee, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, also makes recommendations regarding the extent to which, if any, incentive-based compensation of any executive, senior manager, compliance personnel and/or attorney involved in any significant misconduct resulting in certain government or regulatory action, or other person with direct supervision over such employee, should be reduced, cancelled or recovered.

 

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee Charter is available on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/board-committees-and-charters/default.aspx.

 

*In March 2018, Dr. Dan R. Littman was elected to the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

24   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 

GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
 

Chair:

Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.


 

Additional Committee Members:

Dennis A. Ausiello

Ronald E. Blaylock

W. Don Cornwell

Joseph J. Echevarria

Frances D. Fergusson

James M. Kilts

Dan R. Littman*

Shantanu Narayen

Suzanne Nora Johnson

Stephen W. Sanger

James C. Smith

 

 

Meetings Held in 2017: 3

 

All Members Are Independent

 

Governed by a Board-Approved Charter

 

The Science and Technology Committee is responsible for periodically examining management’s strategic direction of and investment in the company’s biopharmaceutical R&D and technology initiatives. Responsibilities include:

 

monitoring progress of Pfizer’s R&D pipeline;

evaluating the quality, direction and competitiveness of the company’s R&D programs; and

reviewing Pfizer’s approach to acquiring and maintaining key scientific technologies and capabilities.

 

The Committee also identifies emerging issues, assesses the performance of R&D leaders, and evaluates the sufficiency of review by external scientific experts.

 

The Science and Technology Committee Charter is available on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/board-committees-and-charters/default.aspx.

 

*In March 2018, Dr. Dan R. Littman was elected to the Science and Technology Committee.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   25

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

Corporate Governance Committee Report

 

The Corporate Governance Committee seeks to maintain and enhance Pfizer’s record of excellence in corporate governance by regularly reviewing and refining, when appropriate, Pfizer’s corporate governance policies and practices. The following are examples of how we worked to achieve these objectives in 2017.

 

Board and Committee Matters; Director Evaluations: During 2017, we assessed Director qualifications for serving on various committees; assessed Director independence; conducted a comprehensive self-evaluation process for the Board and its Committees and recommended changes to the composition of certain committees and committee chairs; and evaluated whether to use a third-party provider to conduct all or a portion of the evaluation process. In addition, the Committee reviewed and, where appropriate, recommended changes to our governing documents, including certain Committee Charters, and continued to review the functioning of the Board and Committees to help ensure their effectiveness.

 

Amendment to Special Meetings By-law Provision: In 2017, we recommended and the Board approved an amendment to the company’s By-laws to reduce the percentage of outstanding stock required for shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders from 20% to 10%. The Committee recommended this action to demonstrate the Board’s commitment to corporate governance excellence and in response to investor feedback, including a shareholder resolution at the 2017 Annual Meeting requesting a 10% ownership threshold, which did not pass but received significant support.

 

Board Leadership Structure: We conducted a thorough annual review of the Board’s leadership structure and recommended to the independent Directors that they retain the current leadership structure consisting of a combined Chairman and CEO and a Lead Independent Director.

 

Recruitment and Assessment of Potential New Directors: In 2017, we continued an ongoing Board succession planning process to assess Director candidates, based upon a “skills matrix” and other criteria. We considered potential Director candidates based on recommendations provided by our Chairman and CEO, the independent Directors, management, external advisors and other resources. Resulting from this process, in February 2017, the Committee recommended and the Board elected Mr. Ronald E. Blaylock as a Director and a member of the Corporate Governance and Science and Technology Committees. In addition, in February 2018 and March 2018, respectively, the Committee recommended and the Board elected Dr. Albert Bourla as a Director and Dr. Dan R. Littman as a Director and a member of the Corporate Governance and Science and Technology Committees. The Committee considered the election of Mr. Blaylock as a Director upon recommendation by our Chairman and CEO and evaluation by a third-party search firm and Dr. Littman as a Director upon recommendation by certain Board members and evaluation by a third-party search firm. We also considered unsolicited requests to join the Board.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility: At year-end, the Committee received an update concerning the company’s social investment strategy, progress on sustainability initiatives and external non-financial reporting trends. Further, we received an update on Pfizer’s environmental sustainability initiatives and position on climate change.

 

Public Policy and Corporate Political Spending: Under our Charter, the Committee is also responsible for maintaining an informed status on company issues related to public policy, including political spending practices, and we were informed of Pfizer’s public policy and corporate political spending practices through periodic discussions and reviews of the company’s annual Political Action Committee and Corporate Political Contributions Report.

 

Lobbying Activities: The Committee also maintained an informed status on the company’s lobbying priorities and activities, including an overview of the company’s association with certain trade and other organizations, through periodic reports from management, in accordance with our Charter.

 

Legislative and Regulatory Developments: We continued to monitor and evaluate corporate governance and executive compensation developments, including U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and NYSE listing standards.

 

Shareholder Engagement: We engaged in reviews of shareholder and stakeholder communications at each of our meetings and were kept informed of shareholder feedback received during Pfizer’s year-round investor outreach.

 

The Corporate Governance Committee*

 

Stephen W. Sanger, Chair

Ronald E. Blaylock

Joseph J. Echevarria

Frances D. Fergusson

Helen H. Hobbs

 

*In March 2018, Dr. Dan R. Littman was elected to the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

26   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 

GOVERNANCE BOARD INFORMATION

 

Regulatory and Compliance Committee Report

 

The Committee assists the Board of Directors with the oversight of significant healthcare-related regulatory and compliance issues. Under the terms of its Charter, the Committee receives reports regarding Pfizer’s compliance program, for which management has primary responsibility.

 

In 2017, we received reports and discussed with management, including the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, significant healthcare-related regulatory and compliance risks and related compliance program initiatives and functions.

 

Among the matters considered were:

 

potential healthcare-related regulatory or compliance risks in connection with the development, manufacture and marketing of Pfizer products, and efforts to mitigate those risks;
certain compliance-related government investigations and other legal proceedings involving Pfizer;
certain internal investigations of potential healthcare-related compliance or regulatory matters;
results of internal audits conducted in areas within the Committee’s oversight;
updates regarding FDA Warning Letters and other significant regulatory communications;
the integration of acquired companies into Pfizer’s compliance program;
Pfizer’s anti-retaliation policies and procedures and the retaliation claims received by Pfizer;
Pfizer’s incentive compensation practices for sales and marketing personnel; and
results of external review of the effectiveness of Pfizer’s compliance program.

 

In our activities, we considered potential risks and steps Pfizer has taken to mitigate risk in areas within our oversight.

 

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee

 

Frances D. Fergusson, Chair
W. Don Cornwell
Helen H. Hobbs
Shantanu Narayen
Suzanne Nora Johnson

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   27

 
GOVERNANCE SHAREHOLDER OUTREACH

 

Shareholder Outreach

 

CONNECT
We view investor
engagement as
fundamental to
maintaining our strong
corporate governance
  practices.
  COLLABORATE
We aim for a collaborative
approach with our
  shareholders and value the
  variety of investor perspectives
we receive.
  COMMUNICATE
We share investor feedback
directly with our full
Board. Investors can
communicate their concerns
to the Lead Independent
Director or Audit Committee
Chair by e-mail or letter.
 


Connect

 

Engaging with investors is fundamental to our commitment to good governance and essential to maintaining our strong corporate governance practices. Throughout the year, we seek opportunities to connect with our investors to gain and share valuable insights into current and emerging global governance trends.

 

During 2017, we engaged with over 30 global institutional investors representing nearly 30% of shares outstanding to discuss various key corporate governance related matters, including executive compensation, as well as our long-term business strategy and other industry-specific issues. We conduct these meetings in person, via teleconference or one-on-one at conferences throughout the year. Although shareholder outreach is primarily a function of management, members of our Board also participate when appropriate. In addition to speaking with our institutional investors, we respond to inquiries from our individual investors and other stakeholders.

 

Collaborate

 

We strive for a collaborative approach to shareholder outreach and value the variety of investors’ perspectives received, which helps deepen our understanding of their interests and motivations. Items on the meeting agendas cover a range of topics, including, but not limited to, those listed below.

 

Summary of Certain 2017 Shareholder Discussions

 

Board-related: Board composition and refreshment remained a key topic during our investor engagements. Certain investors asked about Board succession planning, including the particular skills the Board is seeking and the process for identifying Director candidates while maintaining a diverse Board. We also received inquiries about the Director evaluation process, the Board’s views on individual Director evaluations and the use of an external advisor to conduct all or a portion of the annual evaluation. In general, most investors viewed the Board’s composition favorably, including the mix of tenure and overall diversity. Feedback was also positive with respect to the level of disclosure regarding the Directors’ skill sets and qualifications.

 

With respect to risk oversight, investors inquired about our overall ERM program. Several investors sought further clarity about the specific roles of the Board and the Audit and Regulatory and Compliance Committees, as well as management, in the risk oversight process.

 

Action taken: This feedback was shared with the Board. See disclosures regarding Board composition, Board Committee refreshment, Director skills and risk oversight throughout this Proxy Statement.

 

 

Executive Compensation: In 2017, we continued to solicit valuable feedback from our investors on our overall executive compensation program, our decision-making processes, our disclosure and recent trends/events related to executive compensation. Overall, investors continued to show support for our program and generally commented that they viewed it as aligned with performance and shareholder interests. Investors were interested in discussing the long-term components of our program and our approach to the new CEO Pay Ratio disclosure rules.

 

Action taken: See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section later in this Proxy Statement.

 

 

28   /   Pfizer   2018 Proxy Statement

 
GOVERNANCE SHAREHOLDER OUTREACH

 

Sustainability/Reporting of Non-Financial Metrics: Investor interest in sustainability and reporting of non-financial metrics continues to gain momentum as investors strive to gain a deeper understanding of a company’s focus on and commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters. Investors asked about Pfizer’s views on various reporting methodologies and any ESG factors that may materially impact our business and/or create reputational risks. Some investors expressed an interest in Pfizer’s position on climate change and the Board’s risk oversight of the issue. Overall, investor sentiment was positive about our current level of disclosure, which illustrates our progress on the following non-financial performance metrics: Access to Medicines, Colleague Safety, Environmental Sustainability Goals and our Supply Chain Environmental Sustainability Goal.

 

Action taken: We will continue to actively engage with investors and thought leaders regarding this evolving area of interest to inform and advance the dialogue and to assess appropriate next steps relating to disclosure of ESG metrics. For additional information about the company’s corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts, please see Pfizer’s 2017 Annual Review at www.pfizer.com/annual. Please note that our 2017 Annual Review is not a part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

Special Shareholder Meetings: A shareholder resolution at the 2017 Annual Meeting requesting a 10% ownership threshold for shareholders to call a special meeting did not pass, but received significant support. Following the 2017 Annual Meeting, the Board determined to review the company’s special meetings By-law provision and, in connection therewith, to consider investor views and corporate governance practices. During discussions with investors, some viewed a 10% ownership threshold favorably, while others held mixed views on appropriate ownership thresholds. The Board took these factors into account and determined to amend the company’s By-laws to reduce the percentage of outstanding stock required for shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders.

 

Action taken: In December 2017, the Board of Directors amended the company’s By-laws to reduce the percentage of outstanding stock required for shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders from 20% to 10%.

 

 

Communicate

 

Our goal is to communicate with our shareholders through various platforms, including via our website, in print and in person at shareholder meetings or investor presentations. In 2017, in addition to meeting with institutional investors, we communicated with our individual investors by responding to more than 700 of their inquiries sent to our Board of Directors or Corporate Secretary about governance or other company matters. We share investor and other stakeholder feedback directly with our Corporate Governance Committee and full Board at least quarterly. We view communication between our shareholders and the Board as a dialogue and, when appropriate, members of our Board engage directly with our shareholders.

 

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH OUR DIRECTORS

 

Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with any of our Directors, including the Lead Independent Director and the Audit Committee Chair, as follows:

 

By mail: Write to the Corporate Secretary, Pfizer Inc., 235 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017-5703; or

 

By e-mail: Go to Pfizer’s website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/contact-our-directors/default.aspx.

 

Shareholder communications are distributed to the Board, or to any individual Director or Directors, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. The Board has requested that certain items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board be redirected or excluded, as appropriate.

 

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GOVERNANCE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

 

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability

 

Corporate responsibility and sustainability are integral to Pfizer’s business strategy and align with our strategic imperative to be a responsible corporate citizen. We have always focused on delivering strong financial results, but we are committed to doing so in a way that respects the communities and environments in which we operate.

 

We are actively engaged in a dialogue with investors around their interest in ESG performance and the impact on financial results. Today, we strive to have these principles permeate Pfizer at every level – including our Board of Directors – which maintains oversight for these issues through the Corporate Governance Committee. The Committee maintains an informed status on our corporate social responsibility, sustainability and philanthropic efforts.

 

We continue to evolve our approach to issues relevant to our business strategy, reputation and key stakeholders. For example, we are committed to helping achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN) in 2016. The UN has called for broad-based support of the SDGs, including active involvement by the private sector. Pfizer supports the SDGs and works to align its scientific focus and corporate objectives to improve global public health impact and sustainable development. Achieving good health and well-being is integral to all 17 of the goals and is specifically addressed in Goal 3, which states that every person deserves access to quality health care.

 

ACCESS TO MEDICINES

 

As a global biopharmaceutical company, we are committed to discovering, developing and bringing to market life-saving medicines and vaccines that help improve people’s lives while helping to ensure that individuals have and maintain uninterrupted access to our products. We believe all individuals deserve access to quality healthcare, and we have an important role to play in positively impacting global health by making our therapies more accessible. We combine creative commercial strategies with philanthropic approaches and strive to create a sustainable and meaningful impact on global health. Pfizer is also focused on addressing most of the top 21 global burdens of disease, as identified by the World Health Organization, through our products and pipeline.

 

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

 

We believe that a sustainable future is essential to ensuring the health and well-being of our colleagues, the people who use our products and the communities we touch. By striving for environmental sustainability across all aspects of our organization, we aim to provide additional value to society and our business by reducing our carbon emissions in line with our public science-based goal, minimizing the environmental impact of our products and managing water resources.

 

Our environmental sustainability goals focus on three areas: reducing carbon emissions, reducing the water used in our operations and looking for innovative ways to minimize waste. While these goals were established for our internal operations, we also recognize the need to drive sustainability performance across our extended environmental footprint. Therefore, we implemented an environmental sustainability goal for a subset of our suppliers meeting certain criteria.

 

We recognize the growing interest from governmental and hospital procurement organizations, retailers and pharmacies, investors, advocacy groups, our colleagues and other stakeholders for Pfizer to provide information on our sustainability programs and the environmental impacts of products. Establishing clear commitments in these areas supports Pfizer’s ability to respond to these interests.

 

In addition, we leverage our OWNIT! culture to help protect employees’ health and safety, the environment and the communities in which we operate.

 

REPORTING ON OUR PROGRESS

 

We understand that our investors and other stakeholders may be interested in evaluating Pfizer’s performance on a broader level to include financial, social and environmental perspectives. We provide information on Pfizer’s progress in the following areas:

 

Access to Medicines
Colleague Safety
Environmental Sustainability Goals
Supply Chain Environmental Sustainability Goal
Culture and Employee Engagement/Retention
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Governance and Ethics

 

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GOVERNANCE PUBLIC POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

 

Additionally, we continue to evaluate our overall approach to non-financial reporting, including reference to several existing, globally recognized external frameworks. These include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

 

Please view Pfizer’s 2017 Annual Review at www.pfizer.com/annual for further information about the company’s corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts. Please note that our 2017 Annual Review is not a part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation

 

ENGAGING IN PUBLIC POLICY

 

We operate in a highly regulated and competitive industry. It is fundamental to our business, our patients and our shareholders that we engage on public policy issues that may affect our ability to meet patients’ needs and enhance shareholder value. These issues include advancing biomedical research; healthcare innovation; advocating for protecting intellectual property rights; and patient access to care. We regularly work with policy makers to help create and maintain an innovative environment where we can cultivate new medicines, bring them to market and ensure that patient health and safety remain a priority.

 

Pfizer is also a member of several industry and trade groups, including the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable. These organizations, along with the others to which we belong, represent both the pharmaceutical industry and the business community at large in an effort to bring about consensus on broad policy issues that can impact our business. Our support of these organizations is evaluated annually by the company’s Government Affairs leaders based on these organizations’ expertise in healthcare policy and advocacy and support of key issues of importance to Pfizer. In addition to their positions on healthcare policy issues, these organizations may engage in a broad range of other issues that extend beyond the scope of issues of primary importance to Pfizer. If concerns arise about a particular issue, we are able to voice our concerns, as appropriate, through our colleagues who serve on the boards and committees of these groups. Pfizer’s participation as a member of these groups comes with the understanding that we may not always agree with the positions of the organization and/or its members.

 

CORPORATE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Pfizer complies fully with all federal, state and local laws and reporting requirements governing corporate political contributions. We also request that trade associations receiving total payments of $100,000 or more from Pfizer annually report the portion of Pfizer dues or payments used for expenditures or contributions that, if made directly by Pfizer, would not be deductible under section 162(e)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. All corporate political contributions are published annually in the Political Action Committee (PAC) and Corporate Political Contributions report in compliance with Pfizer corporate policy. Bond Beebe, a certified public accounting and advisory firm, audits the report every two years, at the end of each federal election cycle.

 

We regularly discuss our political contributions reporting practices with investors and other stakeholders to ensure that our disclosures continue to meet their needs. Shareholder engagement has helped us expand our level of disclosure and create or modify corporate policies related to political expenditures.

 

INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

 

Our company does not make direct independent expenditures. An independent expenditure is the use of corporate treasury funds to pay for a television, print or social media communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate. We have adopted a strict policy precluding Pfizer from making direct independent expenditures in connection with any federal or state election.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR APPROVAL AND OVERSIGHT OF CORPORATE AND PAC POLITICAL EXPENDITURES

 

The PAC is a non-partisan employee-run organization that provides opportunities for employees to participate in the American political process. All corporate and PAC political spending decisions undergo a rigorous review process conducted by the PAC Steering Committee. The PAC Steering Committee is composed of colleagues from various divisions throughout the company to ensure that each contribution we make advances our business objectives and is not based on the political preferences or views of any individual colleague within Pfizer.

 

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GOVERNANCE PFIZER POLICIES ON BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

The PAC Steering Committee evaluates candidates to whom we contribute on the basis of their views on issues that impact not only Pfizer, but our patients as well. The Committee also takes note of whether Pfizer facilities or colleagues reside in a candidate’s district or state. All PAC and corporate contribution requests are shared with the Pfizer Political Contributions Policy Committee (PCPC), which is chaired by the Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, and composed of senior leaders from different divisions in the organization.

 

FEDERAL AND STATE LOBBYING ACTIVITY

 

The company’s U.S. Government Relations leaders are responsible for the company’s lobbying activities, and the Corporate Governance Committee maintains an informed status on the company’s lobbying priorities and activities through periodic reports from management. All colleague communications with government and regulatory officials are governed by Pfizer’s internal policies and procedures, which include guidelines published in “Pfizer Policies on Business Conduct.”

 

We file quarterly reports on our federal lobbying activity in compliance with the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. In addition to Pfizer’s federal lobbying activity, the amount we report also includes the amount spent on federal lobbying activity by trade associations of which Pfizer is a member. These reports are available to the public at https://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=selectfields.

 

With regard to Pfizer’s state lobbying activity, Pfizer complies with state registration and reporting requirements in all states where Pfizer is currently active.

 

BOARD OVERSIGHT

 

The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for maintaining an informed status on public policy and corporate political spending practices through periodic discussions and reviews of the company’s annual PAC and Corporate Political Contributions report. It is also informed of the company’s lobbying priorities and activities through semi-annual reports from management, including a year-end report on lobbying priorities for the coming year.

 

Pfizer Policies on Business Conduct

 

All of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, are required to abide by Pfizer’s policies on business conduct to help ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. Pfizer’s policies form the foundation of a comprehensive process that includes compliance with corporate policies and procedures, an open relationship among colleagues to foster ethical business conduct, and a high level of integrity. Our policies and procedures cover all major areas of professional conduct, including employment practices, conflicts of interest, intellectual property and the protection of confidential information, and require strict adherence to laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of our business. Code of Conduct training is assigned to all new colleagues upon hire and to existing colleagues regularly. In addition, the Pfizer Integrity Pledge is issued annually to all colleagues with computer access to confirm that colleagues are familiar with the Code of Conduct and agree to uphold Pfizer’s core values and follow Pfizer’s policies.

 

Employees are required to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of Pfizer’s policies on business conduct. Retaliation against any employee who in good faith seeks advice, raises a concern, reports misconduct, or provides information in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Our Audit Committee has procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and to allow for confidential and anonymous submissions by employees with concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

The full text of our Code of Conduct, including information regarding how to report allegations of misconduct, is posted on our website at https://www.pfizer.com/purpose/transparency/code-of-conduct. We will disclose any future amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of these ethics policies and standards affecting our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and executive officers on our website as promptly as practicable, as may be required under applicable SEC and NYSE rules.

 

Code of Conduct for Directors

 

Our Directors are required to comply with a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors (the Director Code). The Director Code is intended to focus the Board and the individual Directors on areas of ethical risk, help Directors recognize and deal with ethical issues, provide mechanisms to report unethical conduct, and foster a culture of honesty and accountability. The Director Code covers all areas of professional conduct relating to service on the Pfizer Board, including conflicts of interest, unfair or unethical use of corporate opportunities, strict protection of confidential information, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and oversight of ethics and compliance by employees of the company.

 

The full text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors is posted on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/the-pfizer-board-policies/default.aspx.

 

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GOVERNANCE OTHER GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND POLICIES

 

Other Governance Practices and Policies

 

Director Independence

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted Director Qualification Standards (Standards) to evaluate and determine Director independence. Our Standards meet, and in some respects exceed, the independence requirements of the NYSE.

 

Director Qualification Standards. To qualify as independent under our Standards, a non-employee Director must have no material relationship with Pfizer other than as a Director. The Standards include strict guidelines for Directors and their immediate families regarding employment or affiliation with Pfizer or its independent registered public accounting firm; prohibitions against Audit Committee members having any direct or indirect financial relationship with Pfizer; considerations for evaluation of Compensation Committee member independence; and restrictions on both commercial and not-for-profit relationships between non-employee Directors and Pfizer. Directors may not receive personal loans or extensions of credit from Pfizer, must deal at arm’s length with Pfizer and its subsidiaries, and must disclose any circumstance that might be perceived as a conflict of interest. Our Director Qualification Standards can be found on our website at https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/the-pfizer-board-policies/default.aspx.

 

Under our Standards, certain relationships and transactions are not considered to be material transactions that would impair a Director’s independence, including the following:

 

the Director is an employee, or an immediate family member of the Director is an executive officer, of another company that does business with Pfizer, and our annual sales to or purchases from the other company in each of the last three fiscal years amounted to less than 1% of the annual revenues of the other company; and
the Director or an immediate family member of the Director is an executive officer of another company, and our indebtedness to the other company or its indebtedness to Pfizer amounts to less than 1% of the total consolidated assets of the other company.

 

In 2017, no indebtedness between Pfizer and any entity of which a Director or an immediate family member of a Director was an executive officer existed.

 

Drs. Ausiello, Hobbs and Littman are employed at medical or academic institutions with which Pfizer engages in ordinary-course business transactions. Mr. Narayen is the chief executive officer of Adobe Systems Incorporated and Mr. Smith is the chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters Corporation, companies with which Pfizer engages in ordinary-course business transactions. We reviewed our transactions with each of these entities and found that these transactions were made in the ordinary course of business and were below the levels set forth in our Standards (1% of the annual revenues of these entities in each of the last three years).

 

Under our Standards, contributions to not-for-profit entities in which a Director of the company, or a Director’s spouse, serves as an executive officer, amounting to less than 2% of that organization’s latest publicly available total revenues (or $1 million, whichever is greater), will not serve as a bar to the Director’s independence. None of our Directors or their spouses is an executive officer of a not-for-profit organization to which Pfizer contributed in 2017. Nonetheless, a summary of charitable contributions to not-for-profit organizations with which our Directors or their spouses are affiliated was made available to the Corporate Governance Committee. None of the contributions approached the levels set forth in our Standards.

 

Independence Assessment. Together with Pfizer’s legal counsel, the Corporate Governance Committee has reviewed the applicable legal and NYSE standards for Board and Committee member independence, as well as our Standards. A summary of the answers to annual questionnaires completed by each of the Directors and a report of transactions with Director-affiliated entities are also made available to the Committee. On the basis of this review, the Committee has delivered a report to the full Board of Directors, and the Board has made its independence determinations based upon the Committee’s report and the supporting information.

 

The Board has determined that all of our current Directors (other than Mr. Ian C. Read and Dr. Albert Bourla) are independent of the company and its management and meet Pfizer’s criteria for independence. The independent Directors are Drs. Dennis A. Ausiello, Frances D. Fergusson, Helen H. Hobbs and Dan R. Littman; Ms. Suzanne Nora Johnson; and Messrs. Ronald E. Blaylock, W. Don Cornwell, Joseph J. Echevarria, James M. Kilts, Shantanu Narayen, Stephen W. Sanger and James C. Smith. The Board has determined that Mr. Ian C. Read is not independent because of his employment as Pfizer’s CEO and that Dr. Albert Bourla is not independent because of his employment as Pfizer’s COO.

 

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GOVERNANCE OTHER GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND POLICIES

 

In making these determinations, the Board considered that, in the ordinary course of business, relationships and transactions may occur between Pfizer and its subsidiaries on the one hand and entities with which some of our Directors are or have been affiliated on the other.

 

Governance Materials Available on Our Website

 

Our Corporate Governance Principles and the following Board policies and other corporate governance materials are published on our website at https://www.pfizer.com/people/leadership/board-of-directors, https://investors.pfizer.com/corporate-governance/default.aspx and https://www.pfizer.com/purpose/transparency/code-of-conduct:

 

Meet the Pfizer Board of Directors
Board Committees and Charters
By-laws
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Charter of the Lead Independent Director
Director Qualification Standards
Pfizer Policies on Business Conduct
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors
Board Policy on Pension Benefits for Executives
Related Person Transaction Approval Policy
Policy on Prohibition of Pledging of Pfizer Stock
Policy — Criteria for the Selection of a Compensation Committee Consultant
Contact Our Directors
Corporate Governance FAQs

 

We will provide copies of any of these items without charge upon written request to our Corporate Secretary, Pfizer Inc., 235 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017-5703. The information on our website is not a part of this Proxy Statement.

 

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Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

Our non-employee Directors receive cash compensation, as well as equity compensation in the form of Pfizer stock units, for their Board service. Mr. Read does not receive any compensation for his service as a Director or as Chairman, and Dr. Bourla does not receive any compensation for his service as a Director.

 

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

In 2017, compensation for our non-employee Directors consisted of the following:

 

Position  Cash Retainers   Pfizer Stock Units 
Board Member   $137,500    $187,500 
Chair of Each Board Committee   $30,000     
Lead Independent Director   $50,000     

 

Our Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and advising on the compensation of our non-employee Directors. To assist with this duty, they have engaged an independent compensation consultant, FW Cook & Co., and specifically George Paulin, its Chairman, to perform periodic reviews of our non-employee Director compensation program, which includes an analysis of market trends and best practices and a comparison versus our Pharmaceutical Peer group and General Industry Comparator companies.

 

The compensation program for our non-employee directors remained unchanged from the prior fiscal year and was last revised in April 2016 upon recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee in consultation with FW Cook & Co. Under the Pfizer Inc. Nonfunded Deferred Compensation and Unit Award Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Unit Award Plan), during 2017, each Director received Pfizer stock units with a value of $187,500, as of the date of grant, upon election at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, provided the Director continued to serve as a Director following the meeting. A new Director also receives Pfizer stock units in a like amount when first elected to the Board. Accordingly, Mr. Blaylock also received Pfizer stock units with a value of $187,500, as of the date of grant, upon his election to the Board in 2017; and Dr. Littman received Pfizer stock units with a value of $187,500, as of the date of grant, upon his election to the Board in 2018. In 2018, each non-employee Director will receive Pfizer stock units with a value of $187,500, as of the date of grant, upon election at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, provided the Director continues to serve as a Director following the meeting. Non-employee Directors may not receive grants that have a value of more than $500,000, as of the date of grant, in any 12-month period.

 

DIRECTOR STOCK OWNERSHIP

 

Non-employee Directors are required to own shares of Pfizer common stock having a value of at least five times their annual cash retainer, currently $687,500 worth of Pfizer stock. For purposes of satisfying this requirement, a Director’s holdings include, in addition to shares held outright, units granted to the Director as compensation for Board service and shares or units held under a deferral or similar plan. A Director has five years from (a) the date of his or her first election as a Director, or (b) if later, the date of an increase in the amount of Pfizer stock required to be held, to satisfy this ownership requirement. We maintain policies that prohibit Directors from pledging Pfizer stock or engaging in activities considered to be hedging of our common stock, and none of our Directors has pledged Pfizer stock as collateral for personal loans or other obligations.

 

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NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

2017 Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership

 

Shares held as a multiple of Annual Cash Retainer (dollar value of shares determined using Pfizer’s closing stock price as of December 29, 2017).

 

 

 

(1) Mr. Blaylock became a member of our Board in February 2017 and Dr. Littman became a member of our Board in March 2018. Directors have five years from (a) the date of their first election as a Director or (b), if later, the date of an increase in the amount of Pfizer stock required to be held, to satisfy the stock ownership requirement.

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

Cash Compensation. Non-employee Directors may defer all or a part of their annual cash retainers under the Unit Award Plan until they cease to be members of the Board. At a Director’s election, the cash retainer fees held in the Director’s account can be credited with Pfizer stock units or deemed invested in the same investments available to Pfizer employees under certain deferred compensation plans. The number of Pfizer stock units is calculated by dividing the amount of the deferred fee by the closing price of Pfizer’s common stock on the last business day of the fiscal quarter in which the fee is earned. If fees are deferred as Pfizer stock units, the number of stock units in a Director’s account is increased by crediting additional stock units based on the value of any dividends on the common stock. When a Director ceases to be a member of the Board, the amount attributable to stock units held in his or her account is paid in cash or in shares of Pfizer stock, at the Director’s election. The amount of any cash payment is determined by multiplying the number of Pfizer stock units in the account by the closing price of our common stock on the last business day before the payment date.

 

Equity Compensation. Directors who have met the stock ownership requirements as of December 31 of the prior year are permitted each year to elect to defer units granted the following year or to receive the units in shares. All but one of the eligible non-employee Directors will defer units granted in 2018. The number of deferred stock units in a Director’s account is increased by crediting additional stock units based on the value of any dividends on the common stock. Units deferred are not payable until the Director ceases to be a member of the Board, at or after which time they are paid in cash or in shares of Pfizer stock, at the Director’s election. The amount of any cash payment is determined by multiplying the number of Pfizer stock units in the account by the closing price of our common stock on the last business day before the payment date.

 

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

 

Our non-employee Directors may participate in the Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts program, which is also available to all Pfizer employees. Under this program, the Pfizer Foundation(1) will match contributions to eligible 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, up to a maximum of $15,000 per year, per Director. Contributions to religious organizations, private foundations and organizations that do not accept donations from the Pfizer Foundation, as well as to individuals, are not eligible for a match. In addition, the Pfizer Foundation will match contributions made through the Annual Giving Campaign, up to a maximum of $15,000 per year, per Director. The matching contributions made by the Pfizer Foundation with respect to our non-employee Directors are included in the 2017 Director Compensation Table below.

 

(1) The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions.

 

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NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 2017 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

 

2017 Director Compensation Table

 

The following table shows 2017 compensation for our non-employee Directors who served in 2017.

 

Name  Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)
   Equity/Stock
Awards(1)
($)
  All Other
Compensation(2)
($)
  Total
($)
 
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.   187,500    187,500    12,300(2)   387,300 
Ronald E. Blaylock   117,257    375,000        492,257 
W. Don Cornwell   137,500    187,500    15,000    340,000 
Joseph J. Echevarria   137,500    187,500        325,000 
Frances D. Fergusson, Ph.D.   167,500    187,500    2,600    357,600 
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.   167,500    187,500    11,198(2)   366,198 
James M. Kilts   137,500    187,500    15,000    340,000 
Shantanu Narayen   137,500    187,500    15,000(2)   340,000 
Suzanne Nora Johnson   167,500    187,500    15,000(2)   370,000 
Stephen W. Sanger   167,500    187,500    15,000(2)   370,000 
James C. Smith   167,500    187,500        355,000 

 

(1) The number of units granted upon re-election of each Director was determined by dividing the grant date value of the award, $187,500, by $33.86, the closing price of Pfizer common stock on April 27, 2017. In the case of Mr. Blaylock, also includes 5,505 units granted on February 23, 2017, upon his election as a Director, determined by dividing the grant date value of the award, $187,500, by $34.06, the closing stock price of Pfizer common stock on February 23, 2017. At the end of 2017, the aggregate number of stock units (including dividend equivalents) held by each non-employee Director was as follows: Dr. Ausiello, 42,122; Mr. Blaylock, 11,355; Mr. Cornwell, 122,470; Mr. Echevarria, 27,786; Dr. Fergusson, 57,354; Dr. Hobbs, 51,945; Mr. Kilts, 144,205; Mr. Narayen, 47,704; Ms. Nora Johnson, 58,629; Mr. Sanger, 125,246; and Mr. Smith, 39,641.
(2) The amounts in this column represent charitable contributions made in 2017 under our matching gift program. Drs. Ausiello’s and Hobbs’, Mr. Narayen’s, Ms. Nora Johnson’s and Mr. Sanger’s amounts reflect matching contributions made in 2017 in respect of their 2016 contributions. Certain charitable contributions by our Directors are not eligible for matching contributions under the program and, therefore, the amounts in the above table may not reflect all such contributions made by our Directors.

 

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Securities Ownership

 

The table below shows the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned (as of the close of business on January 31, 2018) by each of our Directors and each NEO listed in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned by all of our current Directors and executive officers as a group. Together, these individuals beneficially own less than one percent (1%) of our common stock outstanding.

 

The table and footnotes also include information about TSRUs, performance total shareholder return units (PTSRUs), stock units, restricted stock units (RSUs) and deferred performance-related share awards credited to the accounts of our Directors and executive officers under various compensation and benefit plans.

 

         Options
   Number of Shares or Units  Exercisable
Beneficial Owners  Common Stock    Stock Units    Within 60 Days
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.   2,362(1)   42,122(2)   
Ronald E. Blaylock       11,355(2)   
Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D.   135,582(3)   33,206(4)   
W. Don Cornwell   1,758(1)   122,470(2)   
Frank A. D’Amelio   342,356(3)   40,916(4)   
Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D.   52,742(3)   148,269(4)   
Joseph J. Echevarria       27,786(2)   
Frances D. Fergusson, Ph.D.       57,354(2)   
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.       51,945(2)   
James M. Kilts   2,259(1)   144,205(2)   
Dan R. Littman, M.D., Ph.D.           
Shantanu Narayen       47,704(2)   
Suzanne Nora Johnson   10,000    58,629(2)   
Ian C. Read   667,418(3)   214,634(4)   
Stephen W. Sanger   85(1)   125,246(2)   
James C. Smith   3,542(1)   39,641(2)   
John D. Young   127,518(3)   106,303(4)   
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (26)   2,098,209    1,462,752    

 

(1) Includes the following shares held in the names of family members or trust: Dr. Ausiello, 2,362 shares; Mr. Cornwell, 300 shares; Mr. Kilts, 2,259 shares; Mr. Sanger, 85 shares; and Mr. Smith, 1,542 shares. Dr. Ausiello and Messrs. Cornwell, Kilts and Smith disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(2) Represents units (each equivalent to a share of Pfizer common stock) under our Director compensation program (see Non-Employee Director Compensationabove).
(3) Includes shares credited under the Pfizer Savings Plan and/or deferred shares relating to previously vested awards under Pfizer’s share award programs. These plans are described later in this Proxy Statement. Also includes 1,423 shares in the Pfizer Share Ownership Plan for Mr. Young.
(4) Includes units (each equivalent to a share of Pfizer common stock) to be settled in cash following the officer’s separation from service, held under the Pfizer Supplemental Savings Plan (PSSP) and/or the Pfizer Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP). The PSSP and the DCP are described later in this Proxy Statement. Also includes the following RSUs (each equivalent to a share of Pfizer common stock) as of January 31, 2018, which are unvested: Mr. Young, 55,218. This column does not include the following stock appreciation rights in the form of TSRUs as of January 31, 2018: Dr. Bourla, 973,643, of which 65,310 settled in February 2018; Mr. D’Amelio, 1,896,567, of which 383,332 settled in February 2018; Dr. Dolsten, 1,834,044, of which 372,319 settled in February 2018; Mr. Read, 8,032,118 (including PTSRUs granted in December 2017), of which 1,553,339 settled in February 2018; and Mr. Young, 1,756,293 (including PTSRUs granted in December 2017), of which 164,665 settled in February 2018. The settlement amounts described in the previous sentence include dividend equivalents in the settlement calculations. See Compensation Tables—2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Tableand —Estimated Benefits upon Termination Tablefor a discussion of the vesting of RSUs, PSAs and TSRUs and the settlement prices for the TSRUs that settled in February 2018. See CEO — Special Performance-Based Incentive Award — Performance Total Shareholder Return Units (PTSRUs)and John D. Young — Special Performance-Based Incentive and Restricted Stock Unit Awardsfor a discussion of the vesting of the PTSRUs. Information regarding PSAs is not included in the above table.

 

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SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

 

Beneficial Owners

 

Based on filings made under Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of December 31, 2017, the only persons or entities known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock were as follows:

 

   Shares of Pfizer   
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  Common Stock  Percent of Class
BlackRock, Inc.(1)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
   452,787,465(1)   7.6%
The Vanguard Group(2)
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355
   433,008,208(2)   7.26%
State Street Corporation(3)
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
   312,944,425(3)   5.25%
   
(1) The information regarding BlackRock, Inc. is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on February 8, 2018 (the BlackRock 13G/A). According to the BlackRock 13G/A, includes sole voting power with respect to 400,319,287 shares, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 452,787,465 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 0 shares.
(2) The information regarding The Vanguard Group is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 9, 2018 (the Vanguard 13G/A). According to the Vanguard 13G/A, includes sole voting power with respect to 8,339,463 shares, shared voting power with respect to 1,314,262 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 423,731,366 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 9,276,842 shares.
(3) The information regarding State Street Corporation is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed by State Street Corporation with the SEC on February 14, 2018 (the State Street 13G). According to the State Street 13G, includes shared voting power with respect to 258,284,053 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 312,944,425 shares. According to the State Street 13G, 258,284,053 shares are held in various capacities and 54,660,372 shares are held as investment manager for the Pfizer Savings Plans, Wyeth Union Savings Plan and the Pfizer Savings Plan for Employees Resident in Puerto Rico.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our Directors and certain of our officers to file reports of holdings and transactions in Pfizer equity with the SEC and the NYSE. Based on our records and other information, we believe that in 2017 our Directors and our officers who were subject to Section 16(a) met all applicable filing requirements, except as follows: In October 2017, Mr. James C. Smith, one of our Directors, learned that his spouse’s financial advisor had engaged in two transactions in Pfizer shares on her behalf without her knowledge or approval. Specifically, on her behalf, the financial advisor executed a purchase of 1,566 shares at $32.84 per share in December 2016 and a sale of 24 shares at $32.38 per share in December 2016. Since Mr. Smith was not aware of the transactions at the time of their execution, he failed to report them on a Form 4 on a timely basis. Upon being informed of the transactions, Mr. Smith reported them on a Form 4. In October 2017, Dr. Alexander R. Mackenzie, Executive Vice President, sold 7,350 shares under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan which, due to an inadvertent administrative error by the company, was reported late.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   39

 
 

 

Related Person Transactions and Indemnification

 

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTION APPROVAL POLICY

 

Pfizer has adopted a Related Person Transaction Approval Policy (the Policy) that is administered by the Corporate Governance Committee. The Policy applies to any transaction or series of transactions in which Pfizer or a subsidiary is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a related person under the Policy has a direct or indirect material interest. Under the Policy, management determines whether a transaction requires review by the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Transactions requiring review are referred to the Corporate Governance Committee for approval, ratification or other action. Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Corporate Governance Committee decides whether or not to approve such transactions and approves only those transactions that are deemed to be in the best interests of the company. If the company becomes aware of an existing transaction with a related person that has not been approved under this Policy, the matter is referred to the Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee evaluates all options available, including ratification, revision or termination of such transaction. The Corporate Governance Committee then provides a summary of such transactions, including their terms, structure and business purpose, as well as the Corporate Governance Committee’s approval decision, to the Audit Committee for their information.

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

 

We have no related person transactions to report.

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

We indemnify our Directors and our elected officers to the fullest extent permitted by law so that they will be free from undue concern about personal liability in connection with their service to Pfizer. Our By-laws require indemnification, and we have also entered into agreements with those individuals that contractually obligate us to provide this indemnification to them.

 

40   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
 

 

Item 2 – Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of Pfizer’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee conducts a comprehensive annual evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence. The Committee considers whether the independent registered public accounting firm should be rotated and considers the advisability and potential impact of selecting a different independent registered public accounting firm. In evaluating and selecting the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee considers, among other things, historical and recent performance of the current independent audit firm, an analysis of known significant legal or regulatory proceedings related to the firm, external data on audit quality and performance, including recent Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) reports, industry experience, audit fee revenues, firm capabilities and audit approach, and the independence and tenure of the audit firm.

 

The Audit Committee selected, and the Board of Directors ratified the selection of, KPMG LLP (KPMG) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2018. Pfizer’s auditors have been KPMG and its predecessor firm, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., since 1987. Prior to that, Pfizer’s auditors were Main Hurdman (until its acquisition by Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in 1987) and its predecessors. We have not been able to determine the specific year that Main Hurdman and its predecessor firms began serving as our auditor, however, we are aware that Main Hurdman and its predecessor firms have served as our auditor since at least 1942.

 

In accordance with SEC rules and KPMG policies, audit partners are subject to rotation requirements to limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may provide audit service to our company. For lead and concurring review audit partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service in that capacity is five years. The process for selection of the lead audit partner under this rotation policy involves a meeting between the Chair of the Audit Committee and the candidate for the role, as well as discussion by the full Committee and with management.

 

The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interest of Pfizer and our shareholders, and we are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2018. Although ratification is not required by our By-laws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on Pfizer’s independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our shareholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered a recommendation to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Pfizer and our shareholders.

 

See Governance—Board Information—Board Committees—The Audit Committeefor additional information on the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Representatives of KPMG will be present at the Annual Meeting to answer questions. They also will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.

 

 

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2018.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   41

 
ITEM 2—RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

 

The following table shows the fees for professional services rendered by KPMG for the audit of the company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG during those periods.

 

   2017   2016 
Audit fees(1)  $34,359,000   $44,452,000 
Audit-related fees(2)   1,130,000    1,176,000 
Tax fees(3)   1,946,000    4,297,000 
All other fees(4)   0    0 
Total   $37,435,000   $49,925,000 
   
(1) Audit fees were principally for audit work performed on the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as well as statutory audits. The decrease in audit fees in 2017 versus 2016 is primarily due to non-recurring projects, including audit procedures in connection with the possible separation of our businesses (which the company decided not to pursue in 2016), the sale of Hospira Infusion Systems net assets and acquisition-related audit work.
(2) Audit-related fees were principally for the audits of employee benefit plans.
(3) Tax fees were principally for services related to tax compliance and reporting and analysis services. The decrease in tax fees in 2017 versus 2016 is primarily due to a reduction in non-recurring projects.
(4) KPMG did not provide any “other services” during the period.

 

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Consistent with requirements of the SEC and the PCAOB regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting the compensation of and overseeing the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Prior to engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for the next year’s audit, management submits for Audit Committee approval a list of services and related fees expected to be rendered during that year within each of four categories of services:

 

1. Audit services include audit work performed on the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as well as work that generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably be expected to provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, and discussions surrounding the proper application of financial accounting and/or reporting standards.
2. Audit-related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements.
3. Tax services include all services, except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements, performed by the independent registered public accounting firm’s tax personnel, including tax analysis; assisting with coordination of execution of tax-related activities, primarily in the area of corporate development; supporting other tax-related regulatory requirements; and tax compliance and reporting.
4. All other services are those services not captured in the audit, audit-related or tax categories. Pfizer generally does not request such services from the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves independent registered public accounting firm services within each category, and the fees for each category are budgeted. The Audit Committee requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval categories. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The delegated member must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

42   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
 

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee reviews Pfizer’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.

 

The Committee met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding the fair and complete presentation of Pfizer’s results and the assessment of Pfizer’s internal control over financial reporting. We discussed significant accounting policies applied in Pfizer’s financial statements, as well as, when applicable, alternative accounting treatments. Management represented to the Committee that the consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Committee reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed under applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards.

 

In addition, the Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditor’s independence from Pfizer and its management. As part of that review, we received the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Committee discussed the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from Pfizer.

 

We also considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of non-audit services to Pfizer is compatible with the auditor’s independence. The Committee concluded that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent from Pfizer and its management.

 

As part of our responsibilities for oversight of Pfizer’s Enterprise Risk Management process, we reviewed and discussed company policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussions of individual risk areas, as well as an annual summary of the overall process.

 

The Committee discussed with Pfizer’s Internal Audit Department and independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope of and plans for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the Chief Internal Auditor, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer and representatives of the independent registered public accounting firm, in regular and executive sessions, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of Pfizer’s internal controls, and the overall quality of Pfizer’s financial reporting and compliance programs.

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee has selected, and the Board of Directors has ratified, the selection of Pfizer’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2018.

 

The Audit Committee

 

Suzanne Nora Johnson, Chair
W. Don Cornwell
Joseph J. Echevarria
Stephen W. Sanger
James C. Smith

 

The Audit Committee Report does not constitute soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates the Audit Committee Report by reference therein.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   43

 
 

 

Item 3 – 2018 Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation

 

The Compensation Committee believes that Pfizer’s executive compensation program is consistent with the goals of our executive compensation philosophy and that it drives performance, encourages an appropriate sensitivity to risk and increases shareholder value. This pay-for-performance philosophy is set by the Compensation Committee and is intended to align each executive’s compensation with Pfizer’s short-term and long-term performance and to provide the compensation and incentives needed to attract, motivate and retain high-caliber executives who are crucial to Pfizer’s long-term success.

 

A significant portion of the total compensation opportunity for each of our executives directly relates to Pfizer’s total shareholder return and to other performance factors that measure our progress against the goals of our strategic and operating plans, as well as our pay levels compared with those of our Pharmaceutical Peer group and General Industry Comparator companies. In making such comparisons, we consider company market capitalization and complexity as indicated by revenues, range of products, international operations and other factors because we use such factors in setting target levels of compensation and determining the value and levels of award opportunities.

 

We implement our pay-for-performance philosophy and achieve our program goals by following three key principles:

 

positioning total direct compensation and each compensation element at approximately the median of our Pharmaceutical peer and General Industry Comparator companies, with consideration of relative company market capitalization and complexity;
aligning annual incentive awards with annual operating, financial and strategic objectives; and
rewarding absolute and relative performance in total shareholder return through long-term equity incentive awards.

 

Results of 2017 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

 

Pfizer’s executive compensation program received substantial shareholder support and was approved, on an advisory basis, by 93.6% of the votes cast at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Our Compensation Committee and the other members of our Board believe that this level of approval of our executive compensation program is indicative of our shareholders’ strong support of our compensation philosophy and goals, and the decisions made by the Compensation Committee in 2016 and early 2017. We also believe that the consistent high level of support from our shareholders for our executive compensation program over the past several years is a result of our Compensation Committee’s commitment to compensating our executives in a manner that provides a strong link between pay and performance. We believe it is also reflective of our philosophy and goals, market best practices and strong shareholder engagement.

 

2017 Pay for Performance

 

The company delivered solid financial performance in 2017, advancing several significant pipeline programs, achieving growth in several of our key products and enhancing shareholder value with prudent capital allocation decisions. The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation of our Named Executive Officers for 2017 is reasonable and appropriate, is aligned with the performance of our company and is working to ensure that our management’s interests align with increasing shareholder value.

 

In deciding how to cast your vote on this proposal, the Board requests that you consider the structure of Pfizer’s executive compensation program in connection with our 2017 performance, which is more fully discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis section also contains more details about how we implement our philosophy and goals, and how we apply these principles to our compensation program. In particular, we discuss how we set compensation targets and other objectives and evaluate performance against those targets and objectives to ensure that performance is appropriately rewarded.

 

44   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 3—2018 ADVISORY APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

2018 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

 

The Board is presenting this proposal, which gives shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program, on an advisory basis, by voting “FOR” or “AGAINST” the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Pfizer Inc. (the Company) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and narrative disclosures.”

 

Although the advisory vote is non-binding, the Board values shareholders’ opinions. The Compensation Committee will review the results of the vote. Consistent with Pfizer’s record of shareholder responsiveness, the Committee will consider shareholders’ concerns and take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future decisions concerning our executive compensation program.

 

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF
THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   45

 
 

 

Item 4 – Approval of the Pfizer Inc. French Sub-Plan under the 2014 Stock Plan

 

Recent changes to the income tax and social tax treatment of French tax-qualified restricted stock units (French-Qualified RSUs) were implemented into French law. Pursuant to the French law, U.S. companies are permitted, but not required, to grant French-Qualified RSUs, which provide for more favorable tax treatment for both French employers and their employees than the current non-qualified restricted stock unit (RSU) awards granted by the company.

 

The Pfizer Inc. 2014 Stock Plan* (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/78003/000093041314001277/c76328_def14a.htm) (2014 Plan, 2014 Stock Plan or the Plan), approved by the Board and by shareholders at the 2014 Annual Meeting, currently provides that the Compensation Committee has the authority, in its sole discretion, to adopt any local country plans as sub-plans to the Plan as may be deemed necessary or advisable to comply with local laws or regulations, and to design any award to satisfy specific requirements of obtaining a tax benefit. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee has approved the French-Qualified Restricted Stock Unit Sub-Plan (French Sub-Plan), a sub-plan under the 2014 Plan, subject to shareholder approval, to permit the grant of French-Qualified RSUs. In addition to the approval of the Board or Compensation Committee, French law requires that shareholders approve the French Sub-Plan.

 

Therefore, we are seeking shareholder approval of the French Sub-Plan, which is intended to realize potential tax benefits to employers and employees in France by permitting the grant of French-Qualified RSUs that qualify for more favorable tax treatment. We are neither seeking approval for an increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan, nor are we proposing any revisions to the 2014 Plan. Instead, we are asking shareholders to approve the French Sub-Plan solely to comply with the shareholder authorization requirement under French tax law to permit the granting of tax-favored French-Qualified RSUs.

 

We believe that it is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders to give the company the discretion to grant awards under the French Sub-Plan that would qualify for the income and social tax treatment authorized under French law. If the French Sub-Plan is approved by our shareholders, the French Sub-Plan will become effective on April 26, 2018 (the Effective Date). Any shares issued with respect to the French-Qualified RSUs will be satisfied under the existing share reserve of the 2014 Plan and will have terms consistent with the existing 2014 Plan.

 

This Proposal does not modify the 2014 Stock Plan and will not increase the number of shares reserved for grant under the 2014 Stock Plan.

 

EQUITY — A KEY COMPONENT OF COMPENSATION

 

Equity compensation is a key component of our total compensation package. As a worldwide biopharmaceutical company, attracting, retaining and motivating specialized talent is critical to achieving our strategic and operating goals, including our goal to increase shareholder value.

 

FRENCH-QUALIFIED SUB-PLAN KEY TERMS

 

In addition to shareholder approval of the French Sub-Plan, other key requirements for French-Qualified RSUs granted under the French law include that: (i) the French-Qualified RSUs must provide for a minimum vesting period of one year from the grant date, (ii) the sale of shares, acquired upon vesting of French-Qualified RSUs must be restricted for a minimum of two years from the grant date, (iii) the French-Qualified RSUs cannot be granted to any employee or managing director who (1) owns more than 10% of the Company’s share capital or (2) will, due to the grant, own more than 10% of the company’s share capital and (iv) shares acquired upon vesting may not be sold during “closed periods” which include ten quotation days preceding and three quotation days following the financial statement disclosures/filings or blackout periods. The full text of the French Sub-Plan is attached as Annex 2 to this Proxy Statement.

 

*Please note that our 2014 Stock Plan is not part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

46   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

FRENCH TAX CONSEQUENCES OF FRENCH-QUALIFIED RSUs

 

Upon shareholder approval of the French Sub-Plan, stock awards that are granted to French-resident employees and that qualify as French-Qualified RSUs under French law will not be subject to tax until shares acquired under the Plan are sold, at which time the taxable amount is divided into the gain at vesting and any additional gain at sale. The vesting gain (i.e., the value of the shares issued upon vesting) not exceeding €300,000 is subject to tax as salary at the employee’s marginal income tax rate after a 50% rebate, which under the law, applies regardless of how long the shares are held before sale. Employee social security also applies at a rate of 17.2% (of which 6.8% is deductible), plus surtax for income over €250,000 or €500,000 for single or married taxpayers, respectively. The portion of the vesting gain exceeding €300,000 is subject to tax as salary at the employee’s marginal income tax rate without any rebate, and to employee social security at a rate of 9.7% (of which 6.8% is deductible), plus employee specific social security of 10% and surtax (as described above). Any additional gain at sale (i.e., sale price less fair market value of shares at vesting) is subject to income and social taxes at a combined flat 30% rate (or at the election of the employee, the employee’s marginal income tax rate) plus surtax (as described above). In addition, the employing company may receive certain tax benefits, including being subject to a 20% social insurance contribution upon vesting of French-Qualified RSUs instead of the 30% social insurance contribution imposed prior to the new French law depending on the applicable French-qualified regime. The tax consequences of participating in the French Sub-Plan may vary by individual situations and circumstances. Income tax laws, regulations and interpretations with respect to the French Sub-Plan may also change frequently. Participants in the French Sub-Plan should rely upon their own tax advisors for advice concerning the specific tax consequences and treatment applicable to them.

 

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE 2014 PLAN

 

The general purpose of the 2014 Plan is to allow Pfizer to continue to utilize equity awards to attract, retain and motivate employees and to further align the interests of our employees with those of Pfizer’s shareholders. Non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, total shareholder return units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock unit awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan.

 

2014 PLAN INCLUDES GOOD COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

 

We believe the 2014 Plan and our other related governance practices and policies contain provisions that are consistent with the interests of our shareholders and with our corporate governance practices.

 

Feature/Practice   Description
No “Evergreen” Provision   The 2014 Plan does not contain an “evergreen” or similar provision. The 2014 Plan fixes the number of shares available for future grants and does not provide for any increase based on increases in the number of outstanding shares of common stock.
No Repricing / Exchange of Stock
Options / Total Shareholder
Return Units (TSRUs) / Stock Appreciation
Rights (SARs)
  The 2014 Plan does not permit the repricing of options/TSRUs/SARs or the exchange of underwater options/TSRUs/SARs for cash, and options/TSRUs/SARs may not be granted at a discount to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date without shareholder approval. The limited circumstance of the assumption or substitution of awards in a transaction which involves the adjustment of awards in order to preserve aggregate value would not be a repricing for this purpose.
Minimum Restriction Period   Equity awards other than options/TSRUs/SARs and awards that are not subject to performance goals have a minimum restriction period of three years, except on certain terminations of employment.
Minimum Performance Period   Equity awards that are subject to performance goals have a minimum performance period of one year, except on certain terminations of employment.
Limit on Awards without Restriction   Equity awards that are not subject to restriction are limited to 5% of the total number of shares that may be issued or delivered under the 2014 Plan.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   47

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

Feature/Practice   Description
Limit on Awards to Any One Individual   The number of stock options, TSRUs, SARs or RSUs that may be granted to any one individual during any consecutive 36-month period, as well as the number of performance-based awards intended to qualify under former Section 162(m), is limited to 20 million shares. A performance cash award is limited to $20 million during any calendar year.
Limit on Awards to Non-Employee Director   The dollar value of equity awards that may be granted to any one non-employee Director is limited to an aggregate value of $500,000 in any consecutive 12-month period.
Limitation on Reuse of Shares   Shares that are delivered to, or withheld by, the company under an award may not be reissued under the 2014 Plan. Shares may be delivered or withheld in connection with the exercise of stock options, the settlement of TSRUs/SARs or the payment of required withholding taxes.
Clawback Feature   The 2014 Plan contains a clawback feature that authorizes cancellation of outstanding awards, or the return of shares or cash paid or gain realized from an award if a participant engages in misconduct that is detrimental to the company.
Dividend or Dividend Equivalents   Dividend or dividend equivalents on awards are subject to the same vesting restrictions as the underlying awards.
No Hedging or Pledging of Equity   We maintain a policy which prohibits executive officers (including our NEOs) and members of the Board from pledging Pfizer common stock or engaging in activities considered hedging of our common stock.

 

Additional Information about the 2014 Plan

 

As previously noted, the Proposal does not change the 2014 Stock Plan and is limited to approving the French Sub-Plan as required by French law for the grant of French-Qualified RSUs to eligible employees in France. The following is a summary of the principal features of the 2014 Plan. This summary is not a complete description of all of the provisions of the 2014 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2014 Plan which can be found in Annex 2 to the 2014 Proxy Statement. Please note that our 2014 Stock Plan is not a part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

Administration and Duration

 

The selection of employee participants in the 2014 Plan and the level of participation of each employee participant will be determined by the Compensation Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee will make such determinations as to any grants to non-employee Directors. The Compensation Committee may delegate any or all of its authority to administer the 2014 Plan as it deems appropriate, except that no delegation may be made to an employee of Pfizer in the case of awards (i) intended to be qualified under Section 162(m) of the Code, as in effect prior to its amendment by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (former Section 162(m)), or (ii) made to individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

The 2014 Plan will terminate on April 24, 2024, unless terminated earlier by the Board or the Compensation Committee.

 

Plan Benefits

 

Future grants will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, or in the case of awards to non-employee Directors, will depend on the market value of our common stock on the date the awards are granted, and accordingly, future benefits under the 2014 Plan, including future grants under the French Sub-Plan, are not currently determinable. As discussed herein under “Non-Employee Director Compensation,” each person who is serving as a non-employee Director of the company following the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be granted an award of Pfizer stock units with a grant date dollar value equal to $187,500, which would result in the grant of stock units with an aggregate grant date dollar value of $1,875,000 if all non-employee Director nominees receive an award following the 2018 Annual Meeting.

 

Shares Subject to the Plan

 

The maximum number of shares as to which stock options and stock awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan is 520,000,000 shares, plus the number of shares that remained available for issuance as of April 24, 2014 under the 2004 Stock Plan, and the number of shares that were subject to awards as of April 24, 2014 that have been or are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged, surrendered or terminated under the 2004 Stock Plan without a distribution of shares to the recipient and consistent with the terms of the 2004 Stock Plan. We are not seeking approval for an increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan nor, are we proposing any revisions to the 2014 Plan.

 

48   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

Eligibility

 

All employees of the company and its affiliates, as well as the company’s non-employee Directors, are eligible to participate in the 2014 Plan. From time to time, the Compensation Committee, will determine who will be granted awards, and the number of shares subject to such grants. As of January 31, 2018, approximately 31,286 persons, including 31,260 employees, 15 executive officers and 11 non-employee directors were eligible to receive awards under the 2014 Plan. Approximately 450 of such employees are eligible to participate in the French Sub-Plan.

 

No Dividends or Dividend Equivalents on Unvested Awards

 

Notwithstanding any provision of the 2014 Plan to the contrary, dividends and dividend equivalents will only be paid if and to the extent the underlying award vests, regardless of whether vesting is contingent upon the achievement of performance goals or time.

 

Prohibition on Repricing

 

The 2014 Plan does not permit the repricing of options or SARs, or the exchange of underwater options or SARs for cash, and options and SARs may not be granted at a discount to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date without shareholder approval. The limited circumstance of the assumption or substitution of awards in a transaction that involves the adjustment of awards in order to preserve aggregate value would not be a repricing for this purpose.

 

Transferability

 

Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, awards granted under the 2014 Plan may not be transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during his or her lifetime, any options or awards may be exercised only by the participant. The 2014 Plan explicitly prohibits the transfer of awards to third parties for consideration.

 

Certain Adjustments

 

In the event of any change in the number or kind of outstanding shares of common stock of the company by reason of a recapitalization, merger, consolidation, reorganization, separation, liquidation, stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, combination of shares or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of stock of the company, an appropriate adjustment will be made consistent with applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury Department rulings and regulations, and as the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion deems equitable or appropriate, including:

 

In the number and kind of shares for which any options or awards may thereafter be granted, both in the aggregate and as to each optionee or award holder;
In the number and kind of shares or other property, including cash, subject to outstanding options and awards;
In the option or exercise price, if applicable; and
Other adjustments as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.

 

Change in Control

 

Unless the Compensation Committee or Board determines otherwise at the time of grant, in the event a participant’s employment is involuntarily terminated without cause during the 24-month period following a change in control:

 

Any unvested options, TSRUs and SARs will vest and remain exercisable for their full term or will be settled in accordance with the terms of the grant, as applicable;
The restrictions on any Restricted Stock and Other Stock Unit Awards will lapse, RSUs will continue to vest and become payable in accordance with the terms of the grant, as applicable; and
In general, performance awards will continue to vest and become payable in accordance with the terms of the grant, as applicable.

 

Additionally, the Compensation Committee or Board may provide for awards to be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment in connection with a change in control.

 

TYPES OF AWARDS

 

Non-Qualified Stock Options

 

Options granted under the 2014 Plan may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Code. The option price may not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. On February 28, 2018, the closing price of our shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, as published in the Wall Street Journal, was $36.31 per share.

 

The option price is payable in cash or, if the grant provides, in common stock. Generally, no option may be exercised during the first year of its term or such longer period as may be specified in the option grant.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   49

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

Generally, all options terminate after a 10-year period from the date of the grant. The 2014 Plan also provides for the automatic exercise of options that are due to expire in the event that the option price is less than the fair market value of the underlying shares.

 

The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each stock option grant at the time of the grant. Shares from the 2014 Plan underlying options that have terminated or lapsed, including options that have been surrendered unexercised, may be made subject to further options or awards at an exercise price of no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the time of the further grant, a term of no longer than 10 years, and a vesting period of one or more years from the grant date (except as described above).

 

Total Shareholder Return Units / Stock Appreciation Rights

 

A TSRU or SAR represents a right to receive the excess of (i) the fair market value of one share on the date of the settlement pursuant to the terms of the grant plus dividends, if applicable, over (ii) the grant price of the right on the grant date, as specified by the Compensation Committee. TSRUs and SARs may, but need not, relate to options. The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each TSRU/SAR at the time of the grant. Any freestanding TSRU/SAR may not be granted at less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the TSRU/SAR is granted and cannot have a term longer than 10 years. Distributions to the recipient may be made in common stock, in cash or in a combination of both as determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

A restricted share is a share issued with such contingencies or restrictions as the Compensation Committee may impose. Until the conditions or contingencies are satisfied or lapse, the stock is subject to forfeiture. Restricted share awards that are restricted only on the passage of time will have a minimum three-year restriction period; provided, that a restriction period of less than this period may be approved for awards with respect to up to 5% of the shares authorized under the 2014 Plan. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, a recipient of a restricted share award has the same voting, dividend and other rights as holders of common stock, except that the 2014 Plan prohibits the granting of dividends on unearned performance awards. If the participant ceases to be an employee before the end of the contingency or restricted period, the award is forfeited, subject to such exceptions as authorized by the Compensation Committee.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

A restricted stock unit is an award of a right to receive, in cash or shares, as the Compensation Committee may determine, the fair market value of one share of Pfizer common stock, on such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine. Restricted stock units that are vested only on the passage of time have a minimum three-year restriction period, provided that a restriction period of less than three years may be approved for restricted stock units up to 5% of the shares authorized under the 2014 Plan.

 

Performance-Based Awards

 

The 2014 Plan has been designed to permit the Compensation Committee to grant incentive awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation under former Section 162(m), and other performance-based awards that are intended to so qualify, including PSAs, PPSs, performance cash awards and other awards/units. Such performance conditions may be established and administered in accordance with the requirements under former Section 162(m) of the Code for awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” thereunder. A performance award may be in any form of award permitted under the 2014 Plan. The Compensation Committee may select periods of at least one year during which performance criteria chosen by the Committee are measured for the purpose of determining the extent to which a performance award has been earned. The Compensation Committee decides whether the performance levels have been achieved, what amount of the award will be paid and the form of payment, which may be cash, stock or other property or any combination. For any award intended to qualify under former Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee’s determinations are required to be made within the time period prescribed by, and otherwise in the manner required by former Section 162(m).

 

The 2014 Plan has also been designed to permit the grant of performance-based awards that are denominated in cash, provided that the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid to any one participant in any calendar year in respect of performance-based awards payable only in cash (exclusive of cash-settled restricted stock unit awards and cash-settled stock appreciation rights, which are subject to the applicable individual share limits on these awards set forth above) is $20,000,000.

 

Performance goals may be based on the achievement of specified levels of company performance (or performance of an applicable unit or division of the company) under one or more of the measures described in Section 12(b) of the 2014 Stock Plan* (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/78003/000093041314001277/c76328_def14a.htm), relative to the

 

* Please note that our 2014 Stock Plan is not part of our proxy solicitation materials.

 

50   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

performance of other corporations or comparable businesses, and may provide for the inclusion or exclusion of specified extraordinary, nonrecurring charges. As noted above, for any award intended to qualify under former Section 162(m), the performance goals are required to be set by the Compensation Committee within the time period prescribed by, and will otherwise comply with the requirements of former Section 162(m).

 

As described in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis under “Tax Policies,” the exception from the Section 162(m) $1.0 million deduction limit for qualified “performance-based” compensation paid to certain covered executive officers has been repealed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Therefore, as from such effective time, any individual award limits or other terms of the 2014 Plan that relate solely to awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under former Section 162(m) are relevant only with respect to outstanding awards and/or to the extent that transition relief may apply. Further, as from such effective time of the changes to Section 162(m), the company is no longer able to grant qualified performance-based compensation under the 2014 Plan, other than where transition relief may apply.

 

U.S. TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND AWARDS

 

The following is a summary of the effect of U.S. federal income taxation on the participants in the 2014 Plan and the company. This summary does not discuss the income tax laws of any other jurisdiction (including the U.S. state or local jurisdiction) in which the recipient of the award may reside.

 

Incentive Stock Options

 

An incentive stock option results in no taxable income to the optionee or a deduction to the company at the time it is granted or exercised. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired over the option price is an item of adjustment in computing the alternative minimum taxable income of the optionee. If the optionee holds the stock received as a result of an exercise of an incentive stock option for at least two years from the date of the grant and one year from the date of exercise, then the gain realized on disposition of the stock is treated as a long-term capital gain. If the shares are disposed of during this period, however, (i.e., a “disqualifying disposition”), then the optionee will include the income, as ordinary compensation for the year of the disposition, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares, upon exercise of the option over the option price (or, if less, the excess of the amount realized upon disposition over the option price). The excess, if any, of the sale price over the fair market value on the date of exercise will be a short-term capital gain. In such case, we will be entitled to a deduction, in the year of such a disposition, for the amount includible in the optionee’s income as compensation, subject to Section 162(m) of the Code. The optionee’s tax basis in the shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option is equal to the option price paid, plus any amount includible in his or her income as a result of a disqualifying disposition.

 

Non-Qualified Stock Options

 

A non-qualified stock option results in no taxable income to the optionee or deduction to the company at the time it is granted. An optionee exercising a non-qualified stock option will, at that time, realize taxable compensation in the amount of the excess of the then market value of the shares over the option price. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), including Section 162(m), a deduction for federal income tax purposes will be allowable to the company in the year of exercise in an amount equal to the taxable compensation realized by the optionee. The optionee’s tax basis in shares received upon exercise is equal to the sum of the option price plus the amount includible in his or her income as compensation upon exercise.

 

Any gain (or loss) upon subsequent disposition of the shares will be a long- or short-term gain (or loss), depending upon the holding period of the shares.

 

If a non-qualified stock option is exercised by tendering previously owned shares of the company’s common stock in payment of the option price, then, instead of the treatment described above, the following will apply: a number of new shares equal to the number of previously owned shares tendered will be considered to have been received in a tax-free exchange; the optionee’s basis and holding period for such number of new shares will be equal to the basis and holding period of the previously owned shares exchanged. The optionee will have compensation income equal to the fair market value on the date of exercise of the number of new shares received in excess of such number of exchanged shares; the optionee’s basis in such excess shares will be equal to the amount of such compensation income, and the holding period in such shares will begin on the date of exercise.

 

Total Shareholder Return Units / Stock Appreciation Rights

 

Generally, the recipient of a stand-alone TSRU/SAR will not recognize taxable income at the time the stand-alone TSRU/SAR is granted.

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   51

 
ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH SUB-PLAN UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN

 

If an employee receives the appreciation inherent in the TSRU/SAR in cash, the cash will be taxed as ordinary income to the employee at the time it is received. If an employee receives the appreciation inherent in the TSRU/SAR in stock plus dividends, if applicable, the value is converted into stock which is taxable as ordinary income at the fair market value of the stock.

 

In general, there will be no federal income tax deduction allowed to the company upon the grant or termination of TSRU/SARs. However, upon the settlement of a TSRU/SAR, the company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income the recipient is required to recognize as a result of the settlement, subject to Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

Stock Awards / Performance Awards

 

No income will be recognized at the time of grant by the recipient of a stock award or performance award if such award is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Generally, at the time the substantial risk of forfeiture terminates with respect to a stock award, the then fair market value of the stock will constitute ordinary income to the employee. Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 162(m), a deduction for federal income tax purposes will be allowable to the company in an amount equal to the compensation realized by the employee.

 

Tax Treatment of Awards to Non-Employee Directors and to Employees Outside the U.S.

 

The grant and exercise of options and awards under the 2014 Plan to non-employee Directors and to employees outside the U.S. may be taxed on a different basis.

 

PRIOR GRANTS UNDER THE 2014 EQUITY PLAN

 

The following table provides information concerning the number of options/TSRUs and stock awards granted to the following persons and groups since the inception of the 2014 Plan on April 24, 2014 through January 31, 2018.

 

Name and Position  Options/TSRUs   Other Awards(1)
Ian C. Read   4,284,707    584,112 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer          
Frank A. D’Amelio   826,978    165,781 
EVP, Business Operations and          
Chief Financial Officer          
Albert Bourla   723,638    145,426 
Chief Operating Officer*          
Mikael Dolsten   826,978    165,781 
President, Worldwide Research and Development          
John D. Young   1,170,031    220,999 
Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health*          
Other Current Executive Officers as a Group(2)   10,566,877    1,857,095 
Non-Executive Directors as a Group   0    174,124 
Nominees for election as a Director   0    0 
Non-Executive Officer Employees as a Group(3)   152,463,374    43,790,795 
   
* Effective January 1, 2018.
(1) Other Awards includes RSUs and performance-based awards. The total number of shares includes shares granted as performance awards and reflects the target number of shares issuable pursuant to such awards. Depending on the company’s annual achievement of its performance goals, the shares granted as performance awards may or may not be issued in full.
(2) Including equity awards granted to the Corporate Controller.
(3) Includes 1,626,221 options/TSRUs and 401,215 of other awards for approximately 450 employees who are eligible to participate in the French Sub-Plan.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE PFIZER INC. FRENCH-QUALIFIED SUB-PLAN
UNDER THE 2014 STOCK PLAN.

 

52   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
 

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of Pfizer’s 2018 Proxy Statement. Based on our review and discussions, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Pfizer’s 2018 Proxy Statement.

 

The Compensation Committee

 

James C. Smith, Chair
W. Don Cornwell
James M. Kilts
Shantanu Narayen

 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   53

 
 

 

Executive Compensation

 

Key Terms

 

The following acronyms are used for certain terms that appear in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section:

 

Adjusted Diluted EPS:   Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
CD&A:   Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement
Committee:   Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
DCP:   Pfizer Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
DRG Pharmaceutical
Index or DRG Index:
  NYSE ARCA Pharmaceutical Index – An index of publicly traded pharmaceutical companies
EH:   Essential Health – Includes legacy brands that have lost or will soon lose market exclusivity in both developed and emerging markets, branded generics, generic sterile injectable products, biosimilars, select branded products including anti-infectives and, through February 2, 2017, infusion systems
ELT:   Executive Leadership Team – The CEO and the other Executive Officers
GAAP:   Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in effect in the U.S.
GPP:   Global Performance Plan – Annual Incentive Award Program (bonus), reported in the SCT as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation”
IBT:   Income Before Taxes
IH:   Innovative Health – Focuses on developing and commercializing novel, value-creating medicines and vaccines that significantly improve patients’ lives, as well as products for consumer healthcare
IRC/Internal
Revenue Code:
  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
LOE:   Loss of Exclusivity – Loss of patent rights
Named Executive
Officers or NEOs:
  CEO and CFO, and the three most highly compensated Executive Officers during fiscal 2017
OI:   Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income
PCPP:   Pfizer Consolidated Pension Plan – A qualified defined benefit pension plan; closed to new entrants January 1, 2011 and frozen as of December 31, 2017
PRAP:   Pfizer Retirement Annuity Plan – A sub-plan of the PCPP
PSA:   Performance Share Award – A long-term incentive award tied to performance based on operating metrics and relative performance
PSP:   Pfizer Savings Plan – A qualified defined contribution plan that includes an IRC 401(k) feature
PSSP:   Pfizer Supplemental Savings Plan – A non-qualified savings plan that provides the same benefits as the PSP for amounts over the qualified plan limits
PTSRU:   Performance Total Shareholder Return Unit – a TSRU with an additional performance feature
RSC:   Retirement Savings Contribution – Annual employer retirement contribution based on age and service to the PSP and PSSP, if applicable, for colleagues not participating in the PRAP prior to 2018, and all PSP and PSSP participants beginning in 2018
RSU:   Restricted Stock Unit – A long-term incentive award
SEC:   U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Section 16:   Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
SCT:   Summary Compensation Table – An SEC-required table showing compensation, as defined by the SEC regulations, of the NEOs for the most recently completed and prior two years
TDC:   Total Direct Compensation
TSR:   Total Shareholder Return
TSRU:   Total Shareholder Return Unit – A long-term incentive award tied to absolute TSR
U.K.:   United Kingdom
U.S.:   United States

 

54   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) describes Pfizer’s executive compensation program for 2017 and certain elements of our 2018 program. We use this program to attract, motivate and retain the executives who lead our business. In particular, this CD&A explains how the Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors (the Board) made 2017 compensation decisions for our executives, including the Named Executive Officers (NEOs) identified in this CD&A.

 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
Ian C. Read
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
 
Frank A. D’Amelio
Executive Vice President (EVP), Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
 
Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
(effective January 1, 2018)

Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health (PIH)
during 2017
 
Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D.
President, Worldwide Research and Development
 
John D. Young
Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health
(effective January 1, 2018)

Group President, Pfizer Essential Health (PEH)
during 2017
         
  Table of Contents  
  56 Executive Summary  
  64 Section 1: Elements of Our Executive Compensation Program  
  64   2017 Salaries  
  65   Annual Incentive Award Program/Global Performance Plan (GPP)  
  67   Annual Long-Term Incentive Award Program (Equity)  
  72 Section 2: How We Determine Executive Compensation  
  72   Roles of the Compensation Committee and the Independent Compensation Consultant  
  72   How We Establish Targets  
  73   Our 2017 Peer Groups – Competitive Pay Positioning  
  75 Section 3: How We Evaluate Performance: 2017 Compensation Decisions  
  76   2017 NEO Performance Summaries  
  79 Section 4: 2018 Compensation Actions  
  80 Section 5: Post-Employment Compensation and Benefits  
  81 Section 6: Other Compensation Programs and Policies  
  85 Compensation Tables  
  85   Summary Compensation Table  
  87   Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table  
  88   Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table  
  91   Option/TSRU Exercises and Stock Vested Table  
  92   Pension Benefits Table  
  94   Pension Plan Assumptions  
  95   Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table  
  97   Estimated Benefits upon Termination Table  
  99   CEO Pay Ratio  
  100   Equity Compensation Plan Information  
  101 Financial Measures  
         


 

Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement   /   55

 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Executive Summary

 

OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS — ADVANCING OUR STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES

 

Our NEOs provide strong management leadership for Pfizer’s global businesses. Together with other members of Pfizer’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), these top leaders focus on our major financial, strategic and operational activities to build shareholder value and advance the goals of our strategic imperatives. The descriptions below provide a summary of each of the NEOs’ 2017 responsibilities.

 

Ian C. Read PFIZER TENURE: 39 years

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: leading our global biopharmaceutical company with more than 90,000 colleagues worldwide and revenues of approximately $52.5 billion in 2017. Mr. Read provides leadership and strategic vision in order to drive toward achieving Pfizer’s Purpose: Innovate to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve their lives and Pfizer’s Mission: To be the premier innovative biopharmaceutical company.

 

Frank D’Amelio PFIZER TENURE: 10 years

 

EVP, Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer

 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: finance, business development and business operations, including information technology, procurement and real estate. Mr. D’Amelio helps ensure that Pfizer makes capital allocation decisions that maximize patient benefit and enhance shareholder value.

 

Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D. PFIZER TENURE: 24 years

 

Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2018

(Formerly: Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health)

 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Pfizer Innovative Health: consists of six therapeutic areas: Consumer Healthcare, Inflammation & Immunology, Internal Medicine (neuroscience and pain, and cardiovascular and metabolic), Oncology, Rare Disease and Vaccines. Pfizer Innovative Health is committed to transforming health with our innovative products from prevention to treatment to wellness – at every stage of life, in communities across the globe. Pfizer Innovative Health also includes Pfizer’s Patient & Health Impact organization, which is focused on demonstrating the value of innovation to support access to all Pfizer medicines and vaccines and exploring bold, new approaches for Pfizer to lead the way.

 

Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D. PFIZER TENURE: 9 years

 

President, Worldwide Research and Development

 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: advancing Pfizer’s leadership in small-molecule science and medicines, as well as its leadership, expertise, and innovation in the areas of biologics and vaccines. Worldwide R&D combines Research Units with deep disease-area expertise, and broad multidisciplinary scientific expertise to discover innovative therapeutic programs in biotherapeutics, vaccines and small molecules. Dr. Dolsten has responsibility for innovative research at Pfizer, including development of all innovative compounds through proof of concept (POC), and provides safety and regulatory support to the R&D pipeline.

 

John D. Young PFIZER TENURE: 30 years

 

Group President, Pfizer Innovative Health, effective January 1, 2018

(Formerly: Group President, Pfizer Essential Health)

 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Pfizer Essential Health: guided by a steadfast commitment to the patients and customers it serves, this business consists of a broad portfolio of more than 600 products with global reach in 125-plus countries. Pfizer Essential Health is focused on growing its core Sterile Injectables, Biosimilars and Global Brands portfolios, including its industry leading anti-infective portfolio, through a dedicated R&D organization, that includes a reliance on “open science” to acquire new molecules developed outside of Pfizer, and an innovative go-to-market model.

 

More detailed biographical information about Mr. Read and Dr. Bourla is included in “Item 1: Election of Directors — Director Nominees.

 

56   /   Pfizer  2018 Proxy Statement

 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Our Performance Overview

 

During 2017, we strengthened our R&D pipeline, as we advanced several significant pipeline programs and received 10 approvals from the FDA, enhanced shareholder value through prudent capital allocation decisions and delivered solid financial results. We achieved growth in several key products and continued to generate growth in emerging markets and our biosimilars business. These successes helped us absorb the negative revenue impact due to product losses of exclusivity and the divestment of Hospira Infusion Systems.

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 

Pfizer Innovative Health recorded 8% year-over-year revenue growth in 2017 driven by the performance of key brands including Ibrance and Eliquis globally, as well as Xeljanz and Lyrica, both primarily in the U.S., and an increase in Xtandi alliance revenues in the U.S. as a result of the September 2016 acquisition of Medivation, Inc.*;
Pfizer Essential Health delivered $21.1 billion in revenue and $11.3 billion in IBT including year-over-year operational revenue growth in Emerging Markets of 7% and operational revenue growth of 16% in China*;
Overall, Emerging Market revenues increased 9% year-over-year (11% operationally);
Launched SpringWorks Therapeutics to enable continued development in areas of unmet patient need;
Completed the sale of Hospira Infusion Systems to ICU Medical, Inc. in February 2017;
Announced the review of strategic alternatives for our Consumer Healthcare business in October 2017.

 

EXPANDING PRODUCT ACCESS

 

Launched the Access Accelerated Initiative with the goal of advancing access to non-communicable disease treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries;
Collaborated with the American Cancer Society and the Clinton Health Access Initiative to expand access to essential cancer treatment medications in six Sub-Saharan African countries;
Responded to 4,600+ requests for Compassionate Access to investigational medicines for patients across 57 countries via Pfizer CARES.

 

ADVANCING OUR PIPELINE

 

As of January 31, 2018, we had a total of 87 programs in clinical development including 39 in late-stage development or registration.

 

  87 programs in development pipeline (as of January 31, 2018)
   
 

PHASE 1

30

 

PHASE 2

18

 

PHASE 3

29

 

IN REGISTRATION

10

  Experimental medicine tested for first time in human clinical trials     Trials focus on medicine's effectiveness; determine ideal dosage and delivery method     Test results of earlier trials on larger populations in randomized trials; analyze risks/benefits     When trial results warrant, file application with the appropriate regulatory authorities

 

OUR SHAREHOLDER RETURN

 

Quarterly Dividends
(8th consecutive year

of increased

dividends)
One-year TSR Three-year TSR Five-year TSR Capital Returned
(dividends and share
repurchases)
to Shareholders
7% 15.9% 29.7% 72.3% $12.7B
Compared to 2016 Year-End 2017 Year-End 2017 Year-End 2017 in 2017

 

* For additional information on the company’s operating segment revenues, see the “Analysis of Operating Segment Information” in our 2017 Financial Report.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Pfizer’s Executive Compensation Program

 

Pfizer’s executive compensation program is designed to strengthen the link between pay and performance. We deliver the majority of our NEOs’ compensation in the form of performance-based awards. A significant percentage of total target compensation is ‘at-risk’ through both our short- and long-term incentive awards. These awards are linked to actual performance and include a substantial percentage in performance-based equity awards.

 

Our executive compensation program:

 

•   aligns interests of key executives with the long-term interests of our shareholders;

•   attracts, retains and motivates key executives to drive our business and financial performance; and

•   links a significant amount of executive compensation to the achievement of pre-established performance metrics directly tied to our business goals and strategies.

 

Pfizer’s Pay-for-Performance Philosophy

 

The Committee believes that Pfizer’s pay-for-performance executive compensation program is consistent with the goals of its executive compensation philosophy to drive performance and increase shareholder value. This philosophy, set by the Committee, is to align each executive’s compensation with Pfizer’s short- and long-term performance and to provide the compensation and incentives needed to attract, motivate and retain key executives who are crucial to Pfizer’s long-term success. A significant portion of the total compensation opportunity for each of our executives (including the NEOs) is directly related to Pfizer’s total shareholder return (TSR) and to other performance factors that measure our progress against the goals of our strategic and operating plans. We also benchmark our performance against that of our Pharmaceutical Peer group and General Industry Comparators with consideration of company market capitalization and complexity as indicated by revenues, range of products, international operations and other factors. We use these factors in setting target levels of compensation and determining the value and level of award opportunities.

 

Our executive compensation pay-for-performance principles include:

 

•   positioning total direct compensation and each compensation element at approximately the median of our Pharmaceutical Peer and General Industry Comparator companies, with consideration of relative company market capitalization and complexity;

•   aligning annual incentive awards with annual operating, financial and strategic objectives; and

•   rewarding absolute and relative performance in TSR through long-term equity incentive awards.

 

2017 NEO Pay Mix

 

Our program consists of three key components: salary, annual short-term and long-term incentive awards.

 

CEO – 2017 Target Direct Compensation   Other NEOs – 2017 Target Direct
Compensation (Average)
     
 

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

2017 NEO Total Direct Compensation (TDC)

 

TDC is the sum of base salary, annual bonus earned for the performance year, and annual long-term incentive grants attributable to the performance year. This “performance-year” approach is used by our Committee to determine TDC competitiveness versus peers, and to evaluate the alignment of annual pay and performance. However, performance-year TDC differs from the amount reported in the Summary Compensation Table (SCT), as the amount for equity grants in the SCT reflects the grant made during the year for which applicable performance goals have been set under GAAP rules and the performance-year TDC calculation includes the value of the annual long-term incentive grant, without regard to when a performance goal is established.

 

CEO 2017 COMPENSATION

 

The graph below illustrates and compares the three main components of Mr. Read’s 2016 and 2017 Performance-Year TDC and the amounts reflected in the SCT. The graph is not intended as a substitute for the SCT.

 

2017 Performance Year. The TDC ($17.6 million) represents an approximate 6.9% decrease year-over-year from the 2016 performance-year TDC ($18.9 million), reflecting a decrease in the annual incentive award.

 

2017 SCT. The $25.7 million includes the total value of the long-term incentive (LTI) awards granted (or deemed granted for accounting purposes) during the year, rather than on a performance-year basis, which consists of Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs), Performance Total Shareholder Return Units (PTSRUs) and one-third of each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 PSA grants. Accounting rules provide that one-third of the PSA is included in each of the three performance years as a result of the use of three, separately established annual goals. Therefore, the SCT equity award of $21.1 million on an accounting basis differs from the 2017 Performance-Year equity award of $13.0 million as the equity award amount only includes the February 2017 annual LTI award and excludes the December 2017 special equity award of $8 million.  If the special equity award was included, the performance-year equity award would be $21.0 million (see below).

 

 

(1) The SCT TDC noted in this chart excludes the change in pension value and All Other Compensation in order to compare like elements taken into account under the performance-year TDC approach.
(2) The performance-year TDC excludes the special incentive award value granted to Mr. Read on December 29, 2017, of $8 million.
(3) Including the special equity award value results in a total of $25.6 million, which is a year-over-year increase of 35% to the performance-year TDC (see “Special Equity Awards” section).
(4) Consistent with the accounting rules, PSAs are accounted for one-third per year due to the use of three one-year goals (set annually); therefore, the 2017 SCT amounts include the TSRUs, PTSRUs and the value of one-third of each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 PSAs, when the annual goal is set, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

 

Note: Amounts subject to rounding.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

2017 NEO PERFORMANCE-YEAR TDC AND SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The compensation decisions for the NEOs reflect their contributions to the company’s overall performance and that of their respective businesses or functions. The table below provides the 2017 performance-year TDC versus the 2017 SCT TDC for the NEOs and is not intended as a substitute for the SCT.

 

            Performance-Year Compensation   Summary Compensation Table(1)
Name   Year   Year-End
Salary
(A) ($)
  Annual
Incentive Award
(paid in 2018)
(B) ($)
  Annual LTI
Award(2)
(granted in
February 2018)
(C) ($)
  Total Direct
Compensation
(D=A+B+C) ($)(3)
  Total Direct
Compensation
(Salary + Non-Equity
Incentive (bonus) + equity
awards valued on
accounting basis)
(E) ($)
  Total
(Total
Direct Compensation
(E) + Change in
Pension Value + All
Other Compensation)
(F) ($)
I. Read   2017   1,970,000   2,600,000   13,000,000   17,570,000   25,692,779   27,913,775
F. D’Amelio   2017   1,365,000   1,120,000   4,000,000   6,485,000   6,160,155   8,298,034
A. Bourla   2017   1,180,000   1,260,000   7,500,000   9,940,000   5,882,308   8,836,301
M. Dolsten   2017   1,280,000   1,150,000   4,000,000   6,430,000   6,104,655   7,670,815
J. Young   2017   1,180,000   1,015,000   4,000,000   6,195,000   9,868,400   11,506,110

 

(1) SCT TDC column E includes salary, non-equity incentive compensation and equity awards made during 2017 valued based on accounting rules (which reflects the RSUs, TSRUs, PTSRUs, and the value of one-third of each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 PSAs). The SCT “Total” (column F) is composed of Total Direct Compensation (column E), plus the change in pension value and the All Other Compensation included in the SCT and, as such, differs from the 2017 performance-year TDC amounts shown in column D.
(2) Annual LTI Award column C amounts represent the 2018 annual long-term incentive grant value, which includes the TSRUs and the full PSA grant value. This does not include the special equity awards granted to Messrs. Read and Young on December 29, 2017, which is included in the SCT (columns E and F).
(3) The performance-year TDC excludes the special equity awards granted to Messrs. Read and Young on December 29, 2017, of $8 million and $4 million, respectively, as the table is intended to consider regular annual compensation and exclude special equity awards. If the table included the special equity awards, the performance-year TDC would be $25.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively.

 

SPECIAL EQUITY AWARDS

 

Over the last several years, the Board has been working to ensure the successful execution of its succession plan for the CEO in anticipation of his potential retirement. Mr. Read has a strong track record of creating value for shareholders during his tenure as CEO. Accordingly, the Committee and Board believe that it is in the best interests of the company and our shareholders to ensure his continued leadership through a critical period in Pfizer’s business transformation, and to effect a smooth and seamless transition as we face both anticipated and unanticipated challenges.

 

Under Mr. Read’s leadership (since December 2010), the company has successfully built a robust product pipeline, returned approximately $110 billion to shareholders (including all distributions made in FY 2010) through share repurchases and dividends, and achieved approximately 178% TSR, outperforming the DRG Index and the S&P 500 by approximately 53% and 25%, respectively. This was achieved while surmounting close to $27 billion in losses of exclusivity.

 

After lengthy evaluations and a series of discussions over numerous meetings during 2016 and 2017, and in light of the fact that Mr. Read is currently eligible to retire and receive a full unreduced pension upon his departure, the Committee, in consultation with its independent compensation consultant, approved, and the independent members of the Board ratified, a special one-time equity award to Mr. Read. The Committee and the independent members of the Board believe this award provides a compelling incentive for Mr. Read to continue his leadership of Pfizer and will reward his continued focus on Pfizer’s long-term strategy to excel to the next growth phase of our transformation, while protecting Pfizer’s interests after his retirement. Both the special performance-based equity incentive award and ongoing compensation enable the delivery of a market-competitive, performance-based total compensation opportunity and are designed to secure Mr. Read’s continued leadership as CEO during this transformation period.

 

A special equity award was also granted to Mr. Young to ensure leadership continuity within the Pfizer commercial business. The Committee similarly believes that Mr. Young’s continued leadership of our commercial business is essential to Pfizer’s success during this transformation period.

 

The Committee believes it is important for the future of the company and to shareholders to look beyond the annual executive compensation program in order to ensure continued leadership through the next several years.

 

CEO – Special Performance-Based Incentive Award – Performance Total Shareholder Return Units (PTSRUs)

 

Mr. Read received a special performance-based incentive award on December 29, 2017 in the form of PTSRUs with a grant value of $8 million. The special incentive award was granted on the last trading day of the month of approval, consistent with Pfizer practice. The award will vest only if both of the following conditions are met:

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

(1) Pfizer’s TSR is at least 25% on average for 30 consecutive trading days anytime within the five-year performance period (which ends on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, December 29, 2022); and
(2) Mr. Read is continuously employed by Pfizer through March 31, 2019 (or such earlier time as determined by the Board) and is either employed by Pfizer or is subject to and complies with a non-compete and non-solicitation agreement until March 31, 2021.

 

If both vesting conditions are met, the award will be settled on the fifth anniversary of grant. As the award was designed to ensure Mr. Read’s continued service as CEO until at least March 31, 2019, the service (but not the non-compete and non-solicitation for termination without cause, disability and involuntary retirement) condition will only be waived in the event of termination without cause, death, disability or involuntary retirement at the request of the Board in connection with the company’s CEO succession-planning process. The performance condition will not be waived for any reason including: death, termination without cause, disability or involuntary retirement. Only upon death will the award be settled immediately following the performance condition being achieved. Upon termination without cause, disability or involuntary retirement, the award will be settled on the fifth anniversary of grant provided the performance condition is met. The PTSRUs will be forfeited if the TSR goal (at least 25% or higher on average for 30 consecutive trading days) is not attained during the performance period, or if Mr. Read violates the non-compete and non-solicitation agreement at any time prior to March 31, 2021.

 

The Committee believes these two vesting conditions effectively address two priorities related to ensuring Mr. Read’s continued employment with the company: retaining Mr. Read as CEO throughout this transformation period and continuing to incentivize him to create superior shareholder value over this period.

 

John D. Young – Special Performance-Based Incentive and Restricted Stock Unit Awards

 

Mr. Young’s grant of PTSRUs (grant value of $2 million) is substantially similar to that of Mr. Read, except that his award requires him to remain continuously employed through December 29, 2020 and does not contain a provision with respect to an involuntary retirement or with respect to a non-compete and non-solicitation provision. Mr. Young also received a grant of RSUs (grant value of $2 million) that vests one third on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of grant.

 

KEY PLANNING CYCLE

 

The below graphic illustrates key elements of the annual compensation planning cycle:

 

APPROVE   REVIEW   ENGAGE

 

JANUARY–MARCH   APRIL–JUNE
     

•  Complete Executive Leadership Team (ELT) year-end performance assessments for prior year

•   Review and approve prior year’s incentive plan performance results and funding level

•   Review and approve annual ELT compensation (salary, bonus and long-term incentive awards)

•   Conduct annual risk assessment on our global compensation programs and policies

•   Review and approve proxy materials

•   Review ELT goals for current performance period

•   Approve various incentive plan metrics for current performance period

 

 

•   Review proxy advisory firms’ analyses of current proxy statement

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Conduct an annual proxy analysis of NEO pay of comparator companies

•   Consider shareholder feedback from outreach discussions

 

   
OCTOBER–DECEMBER   JULY–SEPTEMBER

•   Commence ELT year-end performance assessments

•   Conduct annual executive stock ownership review

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Review potential NEOs for the upcoming proxy statement

•   Consider shareholder feedback from outreach discussions

•   Review and approve Committee Charter

 

 

•   Review year-to-date performance relating to the annual incentive plan and the performance share plan

•   Conduct CEO mid-year performance assessment

•   Review and approve composition of the Pharmaceutical and General Industry Peer groups

 

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Compensation Practices

 

COMPENSATION RISK ASSESSMENT

 

Pfizer continues to implement and maintain leading practices in its compensation program, shareholder outreach and related areas. We conduct an annual comprehensive assessment of potential risks related to our compensation program, policies and practices.

 

Executive Compensation Program. An assessment is conducted annually by FW Cook & Co., the Committee’s independent advisor. The assessment focuses on (1) having an appropriate balance in our program structure to mitigate compensation-related risk with cash versus stock, short-term versus long-term measurement and financial versus non-financial goals; and (2) best-practice policies to mitigate compensation-related risk including clawbacks, stock ownership guidelines, equity administration rules, and insider-trading and hedging prohibitions.

 

Global Compensation Programs. An assessment of our compensation programs globally is designed with outside counsel and conducted annually by management and reviewed by the Committee’s independent advisor. The assessment includes the evaluation of our global incentive plans and commission plans, and takes into consideration the plan metrics, plan participation rates, clawback/recovery provisions and other risk-mitigation factors, as well as the maximum potential payouts.

 

LEADING COMPENSATION PRACTICES

 

WHAT WE DO   WHAT WE DO NOT DO
ü Risk Mitigation   û Hedging or Pledging
ü Compensation Recovery (“Clawback”)   û Employment Agreements
ü Stock Ownership Requirements   û Change in Control Agreements
ü Minimum Stock Vesting Required   û Repricing
ü Robust Investor Outreach   û “Gross-Ups” for Perquisites
ü Independent Compensation Consultation    

 

2017 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Shareholder Outreach Program

 

HISTORICAL ADVISORY VOTES

 

Pfizer’s executive compensation program has received strong shareholder support over the past several years. At the 2017 and 2016 Annual Meetings, Pfizer’s executive compensation program received support of 93.6% and 94.4% of the votes cast, respectively. Our Committee and the other members of our Board believe this consistent high level of support from our shareholders is a result of our commitment to ensure a strong link between pay and performance. The feedback we received during our extensive shareholder outreach, as well as our shareholders’ votes, reflects support for our compensation philosophy and goals, market best practices and focus on shareholders’ interests.

 

 

Robust 2017 Shareholder Outreach Program

 

Pfizer is committed to open and continued communication with our shareholders. In 2017, we continued our longstanding robust investor outreach program to solicit valuable feedback on a variety of topics, as well as to understand their perspectives on Pfizer’s executive compensation program, our decision-making processes, our disclosure and recent trends/events, all of which was shared with the Committee and the Board. This outreach program ensures that the Committee and Board consider the issues that matter most to our shareholders so Pfizer can address them effectively.

 

We solicited feedback from investors representing approximately 40% of our outstanding shares and engaged with over 30 global institutional investors representing nearly 30% of our outstanding shares. Investor feedback was generally positive regarding our executive compensation programs and the link between pay and performance. The Committee and Board value our shareholders’ insight and will continue to seek their input on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM REVIEW

 

The Committee regularly monitors executive compensation trends and best practices, evolving business needs, and any relevant regulatory changes that may impact our short- and long-term executive compensation programs to ensure that our programs continue to align pay with performance and are market competitive. The Committee uses this information and shareholder feedback to form its decisions.

 

2017 Executive Compensation Program Summary

 

Element/Type Performance Measure Terms Objectives
Salary (Cash) Fixed cash compensation; reviewed annually and adjusted, as appropriate

The fixed amount of compensation for performing day-to-day responsibilities is set based on market data, job scope, responsibilities and experience. Generally reviewed annually for potential increase based on a number of factors, including market levels, performance and internal equity

 

Provides competitive level of fixed compensation that helps attract and retain high-performing executive talent
Annual Short-Term Incentive/Global Performance Plan (GPP) (Cash)

Company, Business/Operating Unit and Individual Performance

 

Plan funded based on Pfizer’s performance and weighted as follows:

– 40% Revenue,

– 40% Adjusted Diluted EPS, and

– 20% Cash Flow from Operations

 

Aggregate pool is funded based on performance against Pfizer’s annual financial goals. Individual awards based on business/operating unit and individual performance measured over the performance year Provides incentives to executives for achieving short-term results that create sustained future growth

Annual Long-Term Incentive* Compensation (100% Performance-Based Equity)

 

5- and 7-Year Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs)

 

Each represents 25% of total annual grant value (50% in total)

 

Absolute TSR

5- and 7-Year TSRUs generally vest three years from the grant date and are settled on the fifth or seventh anniversary of the grant date, respectively

 

The value earned for each TSRU is equal to the difference between the settlement price (the 20-day average of the closing prices of Pfizer common stock ending on the settlement date) and the grant price (the closing price of Pfizer common stock on the date of grant), plus the value of dividend equivalents accumulated over the term. This value, if any, is converted into shares by dividing it by the settlement price; no value is received if the TSR is negative

 

Provides direct alignment with shareholders as awards are tied to absolute TSR

Performance Share Awards (PSAs)

 

Representing 50% of total annual grant value

 

Operating Income** and relative TSR

PSAs have a three-year performance period starting on January 1st of the year of grant and generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant based on performance

 

PSAs are paid based on the company’s performance against a combination of an operating income** goal, set annually, over three one-year periods and relative TSR, as compared to the DRG Index, over a three-year period

 

Dividend equivalents are applied to the number of shares actually earned under the award, if any, at the end of the performance period

 

Earned PSAs and dividend equivalents are paid in shares of Pfizer common stock

 

Provides alignment with shareholders by aligning compensation to operational goals and relative TSR over a three-year performance period
* Reflects the annual long-term incentive award. It does not include the special equity awards granted to Messrs. Read and Young on December 29, 2017, which are discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
** Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

2017 Executive Compensation Program Summary (cont’d)

 

Element/Type   Terms Objectives
Retirement Pension Plan Provides retirement income for eligible participants based on years of service and average earnings up to IRC limitations. (Plan ceased accepting new participants effective 1/1/2011 and was frozen on 12/31/2017) Provides retirement income based on tenure and compensation
       
  Supplemental Pension Plan Provides retirement income relating to compensation in excess of the IRC limitations under the same formula as the qualified pension plan noted above. (Plan ceased accepting new participants effective 1/1/2011 and was frozen on 12/31/2017) Provides retirement income based on tenure and compensation without regard to the IRC limitations
       
  Savings Plan A qualified savings plan that provides participants with the opportunity to defer a portion of their eligible compensation, under a 401(k) feature, up to the IRC limitations, and a company matching contribution (defer 6.0% to receive a 4.5% matching contribution). In addition, colleagues not participating in the Pension Plan receive an age- and service-weighted company-provided Retirement Savings Contribution (RSC) (5%-9%) Provides employees with a 401(k) plan savings feature with company matching contributions and an RSC
       
  Supplemental Savings Plan Provides savings opportunity relating to eligible compensation in excess of the IRC limitations under the same formula (matching contributions and RSC) as the qualified savings plan noted above Allows for deferrals, matching contributions and RSC without regard to the IRC limitations
       
Other Perquisites Certain other benefits provided to executives by the company consisting of limited reimbursement for personal financial planning services, home security and certain personal travel benefits for the CEO and other NEOs Provides additional benefits consistent with competitive practices. Increases efficiencies and allows more productive use of NEOs’ time, and therefore, greater focus on Pfizer related activities
       

 

SECTION 1 – Elements of Our Executive Compensation Program

 

2017 Salaries

 

Salary is a fixed amount of compensation for performing day-to-day responsibilities. Salary represented approximately 11% of total direct compensation (year-end salary, target annual incentive and target annual long-term incentive) for the CEO and approximately 20% for the other NEOs. Base salaries for the NEOs are reviewed on an annual basis, and in connection with a promotion and/or other changes in responsibilities.

 

The table below shows the annual salaries for our NEOs set by the Committee, effective April 1, 2017.

 

    April 1, 2017 Salary  
Name   ($)  
I. Read   1,970,000  
F. D’Amelio   1,365,000  
A. Bourla   1,180,000  
M. Dolsten   1,280,000  
J. Young   1,180,000  

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

Annual Incentive Award Program/Global Performance Plan (GPP)

 

The Compensation Committee determines the annual incentive bonus percentage funding based on performance against three pre-set weighted financial goals that are based on Pfizer’s annual operating plan. Achievement versus our pre-set goals is measured using the same key operating assumptions as those in our annual budget.*

 

 

 

Process for Determining Annual Incentive Pool Funding

 

STEP 1: Determine Financial Performance Metrics

 

Each year, the Committee evaluates the previously selected financial measures and determines whether different or additional measures should be used to fund the GPP pool. The financial metrics selected should:

  support the achievement of Pfizer’s annual operating plan;
  be appropriate and balanced to promote decisions and behaviors aligned with maximizing near-term business results while supporting the achievement of the company’s long-term goals — without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk-taking;
  exhibit a strong line of sight (meaning that they are clearly understood and can be affected by the performance of our executives and employees); and
    be consistent with best practices and prevalent within our industry.
       
       
   

STEP 2: Evaluate Financial Performance and Review Other Qualitative Factors

 

Pfizer’s financial performance is the primary factor for determining the GPP pool funding. The pool funding uses a matrix of varying performance levels for financial results against the selected metrics, subject to the Committee’s limited qualitative review. This qualitative review is an evaluation of other factors to consider in determining funding within the applicable range corresponding to financial performance. The Committee may only exercise limited discretion within the range.

 

The Committee may consider the following qualitative factors when potentially using its discretion in setting the final GPP pool funding:

    a qualitative assessment of Pfizer’s performance with respect to the product pipeline;
    business performance as compared to goals in other areas, as well as the management of the impact of LOEs; and
    relative market data/peer performance.
       
       
   

STEP 3: Approve GPP Funding

 

The Committee believes its evaluation process provides the appropriate limited flexibility to determine the final GPP pool funding based upon a holistic view of Pfizer’s performance and not just on financial performance against the three metrics being measured.

 

Upon completion of its review, the Committee approves the GPP pool funding.

     
       
   

STEP 4: Allocate Final GPP Funding

 

Once the GPP funding is approved by the Committee, the CEO, in collaboration with the ELT, uses a “top-down” approach to allocate the annual incentive pool to the various business/operating units based on relative performance, considering:

     the relative financial performance of the business/operating unit measured by revenue and income before adjustments; and
    the achievement of selected strategic and operational goals for the business/operating unit.
       
   

The business/operating unit leaders have the ability to allocate the funding among their units/geographies based on each unit’s relative performance.

 

Annual Incentive Award Payout Range: Award opportunity is limited to a range from 0% for below threshold performance (the pool is not funded unless threshold performance is met) to 200% at maximum.

* Budgeted foreign exchange rates, business development activity (e.g., acquisitions or divestitures), planned capital allocation activities, such as share repurchases and dividend payments (share repurchases in excess of budgeted amounts are removed from the calculation of the financial results for GPP purposes), or other operational factors (e.g., losses of exclusivity), as well as certain other qualitative criteria.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

2017 Annual Incentive Financial Metrics*

 

For annual incentive purposes, the weighted financial goals are:

 

  Total Revenue

Is a leading indicator of performance and value creation; provides a clear focus on growth; is an important measure in a sales industry; and is understandable with a clear line of sight and employee impact.
  Adjusted Diluted EPS

Is a measure of income; provides focus on profitable growth; also focuses managers on expense control; is viewed as a strong indicator of sustained performance over the long term; and is understandable with a clear line of sight and employee impact.
  Cash Flow from Operations

Provides focus on generating cash in the short-term to fund operations and research and to return funds to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases; focuses managers on expense control and on improving working capital; and is a strong link to long-term shareholder value creation.

 

* See Financial Measureson page 101 for a comparison of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP numbers to these objectives for annual incentive purposes and “Financial Results for Annual Incentive Purposes” as noted below.

 

For 2017, target annual incentive opportunities for the NEOs ranged from 100% to 150% of salary grade midpoint.

 

Financial Results for Annual Incentive Purposes

 

The annual incentive program was funded at 95% as we fell slightly below the 2017 target goals for total revenue and cash flow from operations while we exceeded the target goal for Adjusted Diluted EPS. The Committee set the target goals for annual incentive purposes in the first quarter of 2017, utilizing a budgeting approach that considered prior year’s performance, expected growth, the impact of business development activity, losses of exclusivity and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Committee then determined that a sufficient degree of stretch existed in the targets (See “Process for Determining Annual Incentive Pool Funding” on page 65 for additional information).

 

These results are different than our results under GAAP. See “Financial Measures” on page 101 for a comparison of U.S. GAAP numbers to these objectives for annual incentive purposes.

 

2017 Financial Objectives (for Annual Incentive Purposes)

 

The table below provides a comparison of 2016 Results with 2017 Threshold, Target and Results.

 

Weighting  Financial Objectives
(For Annual Incentive Purposes)
  2016 Results(1)
($)
      2017 Threshold
($)
  2017 Target
($)
  2017 Results ($)
40%  Total Revenue(2)  51.9 billion      49.0 billion  52.6 billion  52.2 billion
40%  Adjusted Diluted EPS(3)  2.37      2.35  2.54  2.59
20%  Cash Flow from Operations(4)  16.2 billion      13.6 billion  17.1 billion  16.9 billion

 

(1) The 2016 amounts shown in the table exclude the results from Medivation, Inc., which Pfizer acquired on September 28, 2016.
(2) Total Revenue for annual incentive purposes is based on budgeted foreign exchange rates assumed in each respective year and excludes certain non-recurring items. Therefore, 2017 and 2016 results differ from U.S. GAAP revenues of $52.5 billion and $52.8 billion, respectively.
(3) Adjusted Diluted EPS for annual incentive purposes is based on budgeted foreign exchange rates assumed in each respective year and excludes certain non-recurring items. See “Financial Measures” for a comparison of U.S. GAAP diluted EPS and non-GAAP adjusted Diluted EPS for 2017 and 2016 for annual incentive purposes.
(4) 2016 and 2017 Targets and Results exclude certain tax and other discretionary timing items for compensation purposes (non-GAAP amounts).
   
Note: See “Financial Measures” for a comparison of 2017 and 2016 U.S. GAAP revenues and U.S. GAAP diluted EPS and non-GAAP total revenue and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS for annual incentive purposes, respectively. Adjusted diluted EPS is defined as U.S. GAAP Diluted EPS excluding purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition-related costs, discontinued operations and certain significant items. Non-GAAP total revenue and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS for annual incentive purposes are not, and should not be viewed as substitutes for U.S. GAAP revenues and U.S. GAAP diluted EPS, respectively.

 

2017 TARGET SETTING FOR ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD OPPORTUNITY

 

The target annual incentive award opportunity for our NEOs represents a percentage of a salary grade midpoint, which is set based on market data. The use of midpoints provides uniformity of annual bonus targets as all individuals in the same salary grade have the same target bonus. This reduces the impact of compounding the differences in salary when bonus targets are based on a percentage of actual salary. Target annual incentive award levels are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with our compensation philosophy of targeting each compensation element and total direct compensation to approximately the market median, and with consideration of internal equity among our ELT members to ensure appropriateness.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

2017 ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

In February 2018, the Committee determined the annual incentive awards for the NEOs for 2017 performance:

 

The Committee reviewed Mr. Read’s performance for 2017, with input from the other independent members of the Board and advice from the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, to determine his 2017 annual incentive award.
Mr. Read submitted 2017 annual incentive award recommendations to the Committee for each of the NEOs (as well as the other ELT members) based on his evaluation of their individual performance and the performance of their respective business/operating unit.
  o The Committee, with input from the other independent members of the Board and the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, reviewed these recommendations and considered the evaluation of each executive’s performance and his or her relative contribution to Pfizer’s overall performance, to determine the appropriate amounts awarded.
The independent members of the Board ratified the 2017 annual incentive awards for the CEO and other NEOs (as well as the other ELT members), as approved by the Committee.

 

Based on Pfizer’s financial performance against the pre-established goals for 2017 and the Committee’s assessment and consideration of other factors including progress on the product pipeline and the business environment, the Committee approved funding the GPP Pool at 95% of target for 2017.

 

Annual incentive award targets and payout ranges for 2017, as well as the actual annual incentive award payouts for each of the NEOs, are:

 

Name 2017 Salary
Grade Midpoint
($)(1)
Target Payout
as a % of
Salary Midpoint
Payout Range
as a % of
Salary Midpoint
Target Award
($)
Maximum Award
($)(2)
Actual Award
($)
I. Read 1,830,600 150% 0-300% 2,745,900 5,491,800 2,600,000
F. D’Amelio 1,193,900 100% 0-200% 1,193,900 2,387,800 1,120,000
A. Bourla 1,193,900 100% 0-200% 1,193,900 2,387,800 1,260,000
M. Dolsten 1,193,900 100% 0-200% 1,193,900 2,387,800 1,150,000
J. Young 1,193,900 100% 0-200% 1,193,900 2,387,800 1,015,000
(1) See “2017 Target Setting for Annual Incentive Award Opportunity” for an explanation of how we use salary grade midpoints to determine target annual incentive awards.
(2) Maximum award is 200% of target award.

 

Annual Long-Term Incentive Award Program (Equity)

 

Our annual long-term incentive awards are structured to align our executives’ interests with the interests of our shareholders. The Committee expects our executive officers to focus their efforts on Pfizer’s long-term performance and its shareholder value creation:

 

on an absolute basis through TSRUs, as the value realized from the TSRUs is consistent with the value received by Pfizer’s shareholders over a five- and seven-year period, and
on a relative basis through PSAs, which are earned based on both operating income performance against internal goals and Pfizer’s relative TSR as compared with the DRG Index.

 

Pfizer’s annual long-term incentive compensation for our NEOs (and the other ELT members) is delivered entirely in the form of performance-based equity awards using two vehicles that incentivize long-term value creation:

 

Annual Long-Term Incentive Awards % Allocation of Grant Value Objective/Performance Measure
5- and 7-Year Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs) 50% in total (25% each) Provides absolute long-term alignment with shareholders by linking rewards to absolute TSR over a five- or seven-year period
Performance Share Awards (PSAs) 50% Aligns rewards to both a strategic financial performance metric (operating income*) and relative TSR performance as compared to the DRG Index, over a three-year period
* Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.
   
PSAs are tied to performance against a combination of operating income over three one-year periods and relative TSR over a three-year period as compared to the DRG Index.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

2017 Grant Value of Annual Long-Term Incentive Awards

 

The 2017 grant value of each NEO’s annual long-term incentive award was set by the Committee based on competitive market data (targeted to median), relative duties and responsibilities, the individual’s future advancement potential, his impact on Pfizer’s results and for retention purposes.

 

These grant values, which differ from the accounting values shown in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table, were as follows:

 

Name 5-Year TSRUs
Value ($)(1)
(25%)
7-Year TSRUs
Value ($)(1)
(25%)
PSAs
Value ($)(1)
(50%)
Total Grant
Value of
Annual LTI
Awards(2)(3) ($)
I. Read 3,250,000 3,250,000 6,500,000 13,000,000
F. D’Amelio 900,000 900,000 1,800,000 3,600,000
A. Bourla 900,000 900,000 1,800,000 3,600,000
M. Dolsten 900,000 900,000 1,800,000 3,600,000
J. Young 900,000 900,000 1,800,000 3,600,000
(1) Consistent with historical practice, the grant value is converted into TSRUs and PSAs using the value/closing stock price on the first trading day of the week of grant. The actual value of the grant may differ due to the change in the value of the TSRUs/PSAs between the conversion date and the date of grant. In addition, based on the PSA design, accounting rules provide that the value of one-third of the PSA grant for each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 PSA grants is reported in the “2017 Summary Compensation Table”.
(2) The amounts shown exclude the December 29, 2017 special equity awards granted to Messrs. Read and Young in the amount of $8 million and $4 million, respectively.
(3) The amounts shown represent the full value of the annual grant, which is different from the 2017 amount reported in the “2017 Summary Compensation Table,” which reports the value of TSRUs, PTSRUs, RSUs and of one-third of each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 PSA grants, in accordance with applicable accounting rules. The Committee considers the full value in its determination of annual compensation.

 

Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs)

 

TSRUs, which deliver value based on absolute total shareholder return, vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant and settle on the fifth or seventh anniversary of the grant date, as applicable. The settlement value equals the difference between the settlement price and the grant price (both as described below), plus dividend equivalents accumulated during the term. The grant price is the closing stock price on the date of grant ($34.06 for the TSRUs granted on February 23, 2017), and the settlement price is the 20-day average of the closing prices ending on the fifth or seventh anniversary of the grant. The settlement value is delivered in shares of Pfizer common stock.

 

Performance Share Awards (PSAs)

 

Since the 2015 annual grant, PSA performance is measured against two metrics:

 

1. operating income (OI)* over three one-year periods; and

 

2. relative TSR as compared to the DRG Index over the three-year performance period.

 

 

 

PSA Formula:

 

Average of the three annual Operating Income (OI)* Performance Factors %

+ 1.5 x the first 20 percentage point differential between Pfizer’s TSR % and DRG Index TSR %**

+ 2.0 x the differential over 20 percentage points**

= PSA percentage earned

 

 
       
* Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.
** Positive or negative adjustment.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

The chart below provides the details of the PSA program and the Committee’s rationale for its decisions regarding the features of the PSAs:

 

Performance Share Award Features   Committee’s Rationale
How are PSAs earned?   PSAs deliver value based on both a strategic financial measure, OI, and relative TSR against the DRG Index. See below for a step-by-step table.
Why use operating income(1) as a PSA metric?   The Committee reviewed several metrics, and selected OI as a financial metric because of its expected correlation with long-term company performance and the view that it serves as a key indicator of the company’s financial health.
Why is operating income(1) measured annually for three years?   In determining the measurement period for the OI metric, the Committee decided that, given the nature of our business in which operating metrics can be impacted positively or negatively by events outside of the control of executives, such as shorter or longer than expected periods of exclusivity, new drug approvals (which have unpredictable timing) and purchases or dispositions of business units (all or part) or assets, the design of the PSA program would be based on the use of three one-year metrics, as they determined that a three-year metric may likely need to be adjusted to reflect unplanned positive or negative events that might affect OI. Also, the Committee incorporated the full three-year period in the relative TSR modifier and capped the OI metric at 150% of target with the overall maximum of 200% (after the application of the TSR modifier(2)).
Why use relative TSR as a PSA metric?   The relative TSR metric over the three-year performance period provides balance that is intended to drive performance over the three-year period and beyond and to ensure that pay delivery and long-term growth in the value of Pfizer are closely aligned.
How will the TSR be calculated?   The TSR calculation will be based on the average of 30 trading days immediately prior to the start and end of each three-year performance period.
Why is the 3-year relative TSR compared to the DRG Index?   Use of an objectively determined, publicly traded index consisting of major market-capitalized pharmaceutical companies provides greater transparency and ease of tracking by investors and participants.
(1) Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.
(2) Positive or negative adjustment.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

How We Determine Performance Share Awards (PSAs) Earned

 

For the 2017 PSAs, the number of PSAs earned at the end of the three-year performance period will be determined as follows:

 

2017 PSAs (2017–2019)

                     
    STEP 1     STEP 2       STEP 3  
                     
    2017-2019 Target PSAs    

2017 Actual OI(1):

$19.50B

Target: $19.89B

Threshold: $18.89B

 

2017 Performance Factor:

68.85%

(Approved February 2018)

 

   

Final Payout(2):

(To be approved February 2020)

 

To determine this final payout, the three-year average OI performance factor will be determined and adjusted by the relative TSR including the application of the 1.5x / 2.0x leveraging of the TSR differential (as discussed previously).

 

 
                 
       

2018 Actual OI:

TBD

Target and Threshold:

(Approved February 2018, to
be disclosed in the 2019
Proxy Statement)

 

2018 Performance Factor:

TBD

(To be approved

February 2019)

 

     
                 
       

2019 Actual OI:

TBD

Target and Threshold: TBD
(February 2019)

 

2019 Performance Factor:

TBD

(To be approved
February 2020)

 

     
                     

 

2015 PSAs (2015–2017)

On February 26, 2015, the revised design PSAs were granted for the first time. Prior to the grant and at each of the two subsequent February Committee meetings, the operating income goals were set and approved. The final payout was determined in early 2018, when the three-year average operating income performance factors and relative TSR modifier were calculated to determine the recommended payout percentage. Below is the final payout percentage approved by the Committee:

 

 

2015–2017 PSA Calculation(1)(4)

 

Average
OI Results(2)
+ Relative
TSR Modifier
= Final
2015 PSA Payout %(2)
119.75%
(range: 0–150%)
29.90%
(28.60%–8.67%) = 19.93% x 1.5(5)
149.7%
(range: 0–200%)

 

(1) Operating income, as the PSA performance measure, is based on Pfizer’s Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (as calculated using the “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information – Certain Line Items” table in our 2017 Financial Report), adjusted to reflect budgeted foreign exchange rates for the year and further refined to exclude other unbudgeted or non-recurring items.
(2) The payout range from the operating income factor is 0% to 150% with an overall maximum of 200% after the application of the relative TSR modifier.
(3) For 2015 and 2016, excludes legacy Hospira, Inc. and Medivation, Inc., respectively.
(4) Amounts may not add due to rounding.
(5) See “PSA Formula” in the Performance Share Awards (PSAs) section of this Proxy Statement.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 1 – ELEMENTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

2015–2017 PSA Payout

 

Name   Target Award
At Grant (#)
  Actual Award
Shares(1) (#)
  Actual Award Value At
$37.09 Per Share(2) ($)
I. Read   174,469   286,952   10,643,050
F. D’Amelio   52,341   86,086   3,192,930
A. Bourla(3)   31,986   52,608   1,951,231
M. Dolsten   52,341   86,086   3,192,930
J. Young   52,341   86,086   3,192,930

 

(1) These amounts include accumulated dividends on 149.7% of target award for the three-year period, converted into shares at $37.09 per share.
(2) This column represents the actual award value based on a stock price of $37.09 on February 26, 2018.
(3) Deferred 100% of the PSAs into the Pfizer Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 2 – HOW WE DETERMINE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

SECTION 2 – How We Determine Executive Compensation

 

Role of the Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee, comprised solely of independent directors, is responsible for determining the compensation for each of our executives (including the NEOs) and overseeing the design and administration of Pfizer’s executive compensation program. Each year, the Committee reviews and considers a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the executive compensation program, including the elements of each NEO’s compensation, with input from the Committee’s independent compensation consultant. The independent members of the Board review all decisions by the Committee relating to the compensation of our executives.

 

Role of the Independent Compensation Consultant

 

In 2017, the Committee continued to retain the firm of FW Cook & Co., represented by George Paulin, its Chairman, as the Committee’s independent compensation consultant. They advise the Committee on executive compensation matters in accordance with our policy on criteria and assessment of the firm’s independence. Generally, these services can include: advising the Committee on our executive compensation program, philosophy and evolving industry practices; providing market information and analysis regarding the competitiveness of our program design; reviewing our peer groups; evaluating management proposals and our specific awards; and other compensation amounts for appropriateness and in relationship to company performance.

 

In 2017, as part of his ongoing services to the Committee, Mr. Paulin attended five of the six Committee meetings held during the year. As he was unable to attend one of the scheduled meetings, he provided his feedback prior to the meeting.

 

During 2017, Mr. Paulin, in addition to providing guidance before and during the Committee meetings, advised the Committee on all compensation matters it considered and advised on various executive pay topics including the impact of legislative and regulatory developments related to compensation and performance target setting, benchmarked executive positions, performed a risk analysis of the company’s executive compensation policies and programs, and advised on the special equity awards for Messrs. Read and Young.

 

Fees Paid. The total amount of fees paid to FW Cook & Co. in 2017 for services provided to the Compensation Committee was $184,667. Also, the Committee reimburses FW Cook & Co. for Mr. Paulin’s reasonable travel and business expenses. In addition, FW Cook & Co. serves as the independent advisor to the Corporate Governance Committee regarding non-employee Director compensation matters, as appropriate; during 2017 FW Cook & Co. did not perform any such services for the Corporate Governance Committee.

 

How We Establish Targets

 

We set total target direct compensation at approximately the 50th percentile of the market as defined by our pharmaceutical peers and general industry comparators. A significant portion of the total compensation opportunity for each of our executives (including the NEOs) is directly related to Pfizer’s total shareholder return and to other performance factors that measure our progress against the goals of our strategic and operating plans, as well as our performance against that of our Pharmaceutical Peer group and General Industry Comparators. In making such comparisons, we consider company market capitalization and complexity, as indicated by revenues, range of products, international operations and other factors, because we use such factors in setting target levels of compensation and determining the value and level of award opportunities.

 

On an annual basis, the Committee reviews the total compensation opportunity of each NEO (as well as the other ELT members). This includes cash compensation (salary and target annual incentive) and target annual long-term incentive compensation, as well as perquisites, retirement benefits and health and insurance benefits. The Committee, with the advice of its independent compensation consultant, then sets each NEO’s compensation target for the current year. This generally involves establishing an annual incentive opportunity and a long-term incentive award. Regular salary adjustments, if any, typically become effective on April 1 of each year. The Committee’s decisions are reviewed and ratified by the independent members of the Board.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 2 – HOW WE DETERMINE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

This chart explains the Compensation Committee’s process for determining our executive pay targets.

 

Analysis/Tools How We Use This Information Purpose

Peer and Comparator Group Pay Analysis

 

Data source: Publicly available financial and compensation information as reported by our Pharmaceutical Peer and General Industry Comparator Group companies

 

(Typically from surveys and public filings)

 

•   We target the median compensation values of our peer and comparator groups to help determine an appropriate total level and pay mix for our executives.

 

•   Each compensation target is assigned a numbered salary grade to simplify our compensation administration process.

 

–  Each salary grade has a range of salary levels: including minimum, midpoint and maximum.

 

–  Minimum and maximum salary range levels for each grade are set 25% below and above the salary range midpoint to approximate the bottom and top pay quartiles for positions assigned to that grade.

 

•   We review this framework/salary grade as a guide to determine the preliminary salary recommendation, target annual incentive award opportunity, and target annual long-term incentive value for each executive position.

 

Note: The actual total compensation and/or amount of each compensation element for an individual executive may be more or less than this median.

 

 

 

Establishes a competitive pay framework using comparator groups’ median compensation values, to help determine an optimum pay mix of base pay, annual and long-term incentive targets

Tally Sheets

 

Data source:
Internal compensation and benefits data

 

•   We review a “tally sheet” for each ELT member that includes target and actual total compensation elements, as well as benefits information, accumulated deferred compensation, and outstanding equity awards. The Committee believes that tally sheets are a useful tool in evaluating total compensation and internal pay equity.

Provides additional information that assists the Committee in evaluating total compensation in relation to competitive market practice and performance

 

Our 2017 Peer Groups – Competitive Pay Positioning

 

We recognize that while some information is available on the performance of our non-U.S.-based peer companies, the compensation data can be limited in terms of comparable benchmarks and other information compared to peers with U.S. pay models. Using the companies in both groups provides a good balance and increases the amount of comparable compensation data available to perform our annual benchmarking analysis. Both groups are used as they are also a source of talent for Pfizer, and have complex businesses, as well as the availability of comparative data. We review these groups annually to determine if any changes are necessary.

 

2017 PHARMACEUTICAL PEER AND GENERAL INDUSTRY COMPARATOR GROUPS

 

Our peer group for 2017 consisted of the companies listed in the charts below.

         
2017 Pharmaceutical Peer Group    
AbbVie Bristol-Myers Squibb GlaxoSmithKline Novartis*
Amgen Eli Lilly Johnson & Johnson Roche*
AstraZeneca Gilead Sciences Merck Sanofi*

*   The Committee recognizes that while data are available on the performance of some of our non-U.S.-based peer companies, the compensation data in some cases are limited in terms of comparable benchmarks and may use different pay models as compared to Pfizer’s pay model.

   
         
2017 General Industry Comparator Group  
3M Comcast Lockheed Martin United Technologies
AT&T ConocoPhillips Microsoft UnitedHealth Group
Boeing Express Scripts Mondelez Verizon
Caterpillar General Electric PepsiCo  
Chevron Honeywell Procter & Gamble  
Coca-Cola IBM United Parcel Service  
         

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 2 – HOW WE DETERMINE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

PFIZER COMPARISON TO PEER GROUP MEDIANS

 

The chart below compares Pfizer’s 2017 revenue, net income and market capitalization to the median 2017 revenue, net income and market capitalization for our Pharmaceutical Peer group and General Industry Comparator group.

 

In Billions   Pfizer ($)   Pharmaceutical Peer
Group Median ($)
  General Industry
Comparator Group Median ($)
 
Revenue*   52.5   26.1   65.9  
Reported Net Income*   21.3 (a) 2.0   4.9  
Market Capitalization*   219.6   109.7   145.0  

 

* Revenue and Net Income based on published earnings releases. Market Capitalization as of February 28, 2018.
   
(a) 2017 Reported Net Income was favorably impacted by net tax benefits of $10.7 billion associated with the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities, which includes the repatriation tax on deemed repatriated accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries associated with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
   

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 3 – HOW WE EVALUATE PERFORMANCE: 2017 COMPENSATION DECISIONS

 

SECTION 3 –  How We Evaluate Performance:
2017 Compensation Decisions

 

Linking Pay and Performance

 

This section highlights the Committee’s key compensation decisions for 2017 based on the Committee’s review of each NEO’s performance and annual assessment and advice from its independent compensation consultant, FW Cook & Co.

 

SETTING PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

 

The performance objectives for our NEOs reflect the goals the Committee believes our executives should focus on during the year in order to achieve Pfizer’s business goals, including financial, operating and/or strategic plans. Progress against these objectives is monitored and reviewed during the year. The Committee recognizes that increasing TSR should be emphasized; however, they also acknowledge that performance against this objective may not be reflected in a single 12-month period.

 

Summary of Financial, Operating and Strategic Factors Used in Determining NEO Total Direct Compensation

 

   

Achievement of key financial and non-financial objectives

 

•  Total Revenue

 

•  Adjusted Diluted EPS

 

•  Cash Flow from Operations

 

•  Operating Income

 

•  Total Shareholder Return

 

•  Key business/operating unit financial performance metrics such as Revenues and Income Before Taxes

 

•  Individual performance

 

 

DETERMINING 2017 AWARDS

 

For 2017, the Committee reviewed the annual incentive funding matrix, and found that the funding ranges corresponding to their respective performance levels and their relative relationship were appropriate. The Committee also concluded that the degree of difficulty of the targets (and other points on the matrix) was appropriately challenging while being reasonable, given the business environment and related factors. The Committee also reviewed the target levels for the annual long-term incentive awards and concluded that they were appropriate and do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking.

 

PAYING FOR PERFORMANCE

 

The Committee made decisions about individual compensation elements and total compensation using its judgment, advice from its independent compensation consultant, and input from the CEO (in the case of the other NEOs), focusing primarily on each NEO’s performance against his individual financial and strategic objectives, as well as Pfizer’s overall performance. The Committee also considered a variety of qualitative factors, including the business environment in which the results were achieved. The Committee determined each NEO’s compensation based on multiple factors, including the competitive market, individual performance, internal equity and affordability. The Committee took into consideration the key individual accomplishments described below, which were also important factors in assessing the respective NEO’s performance for 2017.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 3 – HOW WE EVALUATE PERFORMANCE: 2017 COMPENSATION DECISIONS

 

2017 NEO Performance Summaries

 

The tables below provide a summary of each NEO’s individual accomplishments for 2017:

 

    Ian C. Read    
    CHAIRMAN AND CEO    
         
    KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS    
   

Imperative 1: Improving the Performance of Our Innovative Core

 

•   Advanced 43 programs across all therapeutic areas in the pipeline including 10 regulatory approvals.

 

•   Continued momentum in progressing immunooncology portfolio with 8 novel assets and 30 clinical programs with partner Merck KGaA for PD-L1 inhibitor Bavencio.

 

•   Accelerated the development of the next generation of selective immunokinase inhibitors across multiple autoimmune diseases.

 

Imperative 2: Making the Right Capital Allocation Decisions

 

•   Created financial flexibility for the Innovative and Essential Health businesses to enable future investments.

 

•   Returned approximately $12.7 billion directly to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases, bringing the total since 2010 to approximately $110 billion.

 

•   Reduced the number of Pfizer shares outstanding on the market by completing a planned $5.0 billion accelerated share repurchase.

 

•   Delivered Adjusted Diluted EPS growth* of 11% and Total Shareholder Return of 15.9%.

 

 

Imperative 3: Earning Greater Respect from Society

 

•   Provided more than 60 million Prevenar 13 vaccine doses at a reduced price to countries served by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; continued Pfizer’s involvement in the International Trachoma Initiative by donating nearly 80 million doses of Zithromax.

 

•   Activated comprehensive plan in areas affected by the hurricanes and other natural disasters in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.

 

•   Joined 22 of our biopharmaceutical industry partners, the World Bank and Union for International Cancer Control to launch the Access Accelerated Initiative with the goal of advancing access to non-communicable disease treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries.

 

•   Celebrated more than 30 years of helping patients in need get access to their medicines through our patient assistance programs.

 

Imperative 4: Creating a Culture of Ownership

 

•   Continued to advance our ownership culture in the annual colleague survey: since 2012, a notable 16% improvement in engagement scores and a 27% improvement in key elements of our Culture Index.

 

•   Held 5th annual OWNIT! Day, and implemented Head, Heart and Guts leadership framework to emphasize the importance of a strong culture as a competitive advantage in achieving Pfizer’s business objectives.

 

 

* For a reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted EPS to GAAP reported diluted EPS, see “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Information––Certain Line Items” in our 2017 Financial Report.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION 3 – HOW WE EVALUATE PERFORMANCE: 2017 COMPENSATION DECISIONS

 

    Frank A. D’Amelio    
    EVP, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND CFO    
    KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS    
   

•  Achieved 2017 adjusted diluted EPS guidance.

•  Reduced outstanding shares by approximately 150 million through $5.0 billion in share repurchases.

•  Returned $12.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

 

 

•  Generated $667 million of operating cash flow and $229 million in savings incremental to the operating plan through various finance and business operations initiatives.

•  Closed the sale of Hospira Infusion Systems to ICU Medical, Inc.

 

 

    Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D.    
    COO*
(FORMERLY: GROUP PRESIDENT, PFIZER INNOVATIVE HEALTH)
    KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS (as PIH Group President)
   

•   Achieved $31.4 billion in revenue and $18.3 billion in income before taxes (IBT) for Pfizer Innovative Health.

•   Achieved significant