UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                    to                    

 

Commission file number 1-4448

 

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 36-0781620

(State of other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015-4633
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

847-948-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number,

including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yesx    No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yesx    No¨

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share,

outstanding as of JulyOctober 31, 2004 was 614,790,270616,448,448 shares.

 



BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page Number

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (unaudited)

   
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

  2
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

  3
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4
   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  5

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  18

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  2932

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  3033

Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  3235

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  3336

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  34

Item 2(e).

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

39

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

4037

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  4142

Signature

  4243

Exhibits

  4344

 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

Baxter International Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


 Six months ended
June 30,


   Three months ended
September 30,


 Nine months ended
September 30,


 
  

2004

 


 

2003

(restated)


 

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


   2004

  2003

 2004

 2003

 

Net sales

  $2,379  $2,162  $4,588  $4,157   $2,320  $2,216  $6,908  $6,373 

Cost and expenses

         

Cost of goods sold

   1,440   1,191   2,756   2,308   1,357  1,247  4,113  3,555 

Marketing and administrative expenses

   532   466   998   880   462  440  1,460  1,320 

Research and development expenses

   129   139   265   275   124  137  389  412 

Restructuring charges

   543   337   543   337   —    —    543  337 

Net interest expense

   25   27   46   46   20  25  66  71 

Other expense, net

   42   14   63   40   11  6  74  46 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   2,711   2,174   4,671   3,886   1,974  1,855  6,645  5,741 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   (332)  (12)  (83)  271 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changes

  346  361  263  632 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (163)  (58)  (101)  10   87  86  (14) 96 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (169)  46   18   261 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes

  259  275  277  536 

Discontinued operations

   (1)  (11)  (12)  (12)  17  (5) 5  (17)
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Net income (loss)

  ($170) $35  $6  $249 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting changes

  276  270  282  519 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of income tax benefit of $5

  —    (17) —    (17)
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Earnings (loss) per basic common share

   

Net income

  $   276  $   253  $   282  $   502 
  
  

 

 

Earnings per basic common share

      

Continuing operations

  ($0.28) $0.08  $0.03  $0.44   $  0.42  $  0.47  $  0.45  $  0.90 

Discontinued operations

   —     (0.02)  (0.02)  (0.02)  0.03  (0.01) 0.01  (0.02)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

  —    (0.03) —    (0.03)
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Net income (loss)

  ($0.28) $0.06  $0.01  $0.42 

Net income

  $  0.45  $  0.43  $  0.46  $  0.85 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Earnings (loss) per diluted common share

   

Earnings per diluted common share

      

Continuing operations

  ($0.28) $0.08  $0.03  $0.43   $  0.42  $  0.46  $  0.45  $  0.89 

Discontinued operations

   —     (0.02)  (0.02)  (0.02)  0.03  (0.01) 0.01  (0.03)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

  —    (0.03) —    (0.03)
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Net income (loss)

  ($0.28) $0.06  $0.01  $0.41 

Net income

  $  0.45  $  0.42  $  0.46  $  0.83 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

         

Basic

   613   598   613   598   615  589  613  595 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

Diluted

   613   613   617   611   619  592  617  604 
  


 


 


 


  
  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


Baxter International Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in millions, except shares)

 

     

          June 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003

(restated)


 
   
        September 30,
2004


 December 31,
2003


 

Current assets

  Cash and equivalents  $760  $925   

Cash and equivalents

  $     822  $     925 
  Accounts and other current receivables   2,069   1,914   

Accounts and other current receivables

  2,108  1,914 
  Inventories   2,117   2,104   

Inventories

  2,106  2,104 
  Short-term deferred income taxes   464   140   

Short-term deferred income taxes

  405  140 
  Prepaid expenses and other   294   277   

Prepaid expenses and other

  282  277 
     


 


     

 

  Total current assets   5,704   5,360   

Total current assets

  5,723  5,360 
     


 


     

 

Property, plant

  At cost   7,799   7,791   

At cost

  7,840  7,791 

and equipment

  Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (3,469)  (3,199)  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (3,494) (3,199)
     


 


     

 

  Net property, plant and equipment   4,330   4,592   

Net property, plant and equipment

  4,346  4,592 
     


 


     

 

Other assets

  Goodwill   1,633   1,648   

Goodwill

  1,640  1,648 
  Other intangible assets   588   611   

Other intangible assets

  572  611 
  Other   1,405   1,498   

Other

  1,488  1,498 
     


 


     

 

  Total other assets   3,626   3,757   

Total other assets

  3,700  3,757 
     


 


     

 

Total assets

     $13,660  $13,709      $13,769  $13,709 
     


 


     

 

Current liabilities

  Short-term debt  $205  $153   

Short-term debt

  $     178  $     153 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   2,839   3,107   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  2,800  3,107 
  Income taxes payable   586   538   

Income taxes payable

  648  538 
     


 


     

 

  Total current liabilities   3,630   3,798   

Total current liabilities

  3,626  3,798 
     


 


     

 

Long-term debt and lease obligations

Long-term debt and lease obligations

   4,429   4,421 

Long-term debt and lease obligations

  4,411  4,421 
     


 


     

 

Other long-term liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

   2,299   2,216 

Other long-term liabilities

  2,046  2,216 
     


 


     

 

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies

   

Commitments and contingencies

   

Stockholders’ equity

  

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 648,574,109 shares in 2004 and 2003                             

   649   649   

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, 648,417,007 issued in 2004 and 648,574,109 in 2003

  648  649 
  

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 34,202,479 shares in 2004 and 37,273,424 shares in 2003                                                     

   (1,696)  (1,863)  

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 32,539,304 shares in 2004 and 37,273,424 shares in 2003

  (1,613) (1,863)
  Additional contributed capital   3,680   3,773   

Additional contributed capital

  3,630  3,773 
  Retained earnings   2,151   2,145   

Retained earnings

  2,427  2,145 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,482)  (1,430)  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (1,406) (1,430)
     


 


     

 

  Total stockholders’ equity   3,302   3,274   

Total stockholders’ equity

  3,686  3,274 
     


 


     

 

  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $13,660  $13,709   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $13,769  $13,709 
     


 


     

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Baxter International Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in millions)

(brackets denote cash outflows)

 

     Six months ended
June 30,


 
     

        2004

 


  

2003

(restated)


      Nine months ended
September 30,


 
           2004

 2003

 

Cash flows from

  Income from continuing operations  $18  $261   

Income from continuing operations

  $277  $536 

operations

  Adjustments     

Adjustments

   
      Depreciation and amortization   295   259   

Depreciation and amortization

   445   400 
      Deferred income taxes   (203)  (161)  

Deferred income taxes

   (238)  (135)
      Restructuring charges   543   337   

Restructuring charges

   543   337 
      Other   147   6   

Other

   151   34 
  Changes in balance sheet items     

Changes in balance sheet items

   
      Accounts receivable   (162)  (25)  

Accounts receivable

   (155)  16 
      Inventories   (75)  (201)  

Inventories

   (44)  (233)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (175)  (185)  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (175)  (160)
      Restructuring payments   (62)  (9)  

Restructuring payments

   (136)  (38)
      Contributions to pension trusts   (54)  (11)  

Contributions to pension trusts

   (95)  (11)
      Other   (20)  (65)  

Other

   (44)  (76)
     


 


     


 


  Cash flows from continuing operations   252   206   

Cash flows from continuing operations

   529   670 
  Cash flows from discontinued operations   15   (10)  

Cash flows from discontinued operations

   17   5 
     


 


     


 


  Cash flows from operations   267   196   

Cash flows from operations

   546   675 
     


 


     


 


Cash flows from

  Capital expenditures   (229)  (358)  

Capital expenditures

   (363)  (564)

investing activities

  

Acquisitions (net of cash received) and investments in and

advances to affiliates

   (20)  (84)  

Acquisitions (net of cash received) and investments in and advances to affiliates

   (20)  (106)
  Divestitures and other   31   —     

Divestitures and other

   31   —   
     


 


     


 


  Cash flows from investing activities   (218)  (442)  

Cash flows from investing activities

   (352)  (670)
     


 


     


 


Cash flows from

  Issuances of debt   333   649   

Issuances of debt

   519   654 

financing activities

  Redemptions of financing obligations   (337)  (988)  

Redemptions of financing obligations

   (596)  (1,001)
  Increase in debt with maturities of three months or less, net   81   524   

Increase in debt with maturities of three months or less, net

   64   335 
  Common stock cash dividends   (361)  (346)  

Common stock cash dividends

   (361)  (346)
  Proceeds from stock issued under employee benefit plans   75   32   

Proceeds from stock issued under employee benefit plans

   108   60 
  Purchases of treasury stock   (18)  (153)  

Issuance of stock

   —     644 
     


 


  

Purchases of treasury stock

   (18)  (714)
  Cash flows from financing activities   (227)  (282)     


 


     


 


  

Cash flows from financing activities

   (284)  (368)
     


 


Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

   13   (33)

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

   (13)  24 
     


 


     


 


Decrease in cash and equivalents

Decrease in cash and equivalents

   (165)  (561)

Decrease in cash and equivalents

   (103)  (339)

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

   925   1,169 

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

   925   1,169 
     


 


     


 


Cash and equivalents at end of period

Cash and equivalents at end of period

  $760  $608 

Cash and equivalents at end of period

  $822  $830 
     


 


     


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Baxter International IncInc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Baxter International Inc. and its subsidiaries (the company or Baxter) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the restated consolidated financial statements and notes included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2003. Refer to Note 2 regarding the amendments made to the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

In the opinion of management, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods. All such adjustments, unless otherwise noted herein, are of a normal, recurring nature (refer to Note 32 for certain special charges recorded during the second quarter of 2004). The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the 2003 financial statements and notes to the 2004 presentation.

 

Stock compensation plans

 

The company has a number of stock-based employee compensation plans, including stock option, stock purchase and restricted stock plans. The company applies the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for these plans. In accordance with this intrinsic value method, no compensation expense is recognized for the company’s fixed stock options that have an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price on the date of grant, and employee stock purchase subscriptions. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share (EPS) if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123,” to all stock-based employee compensation.

5


  

Three months ended

June 30,


 

Six months ended

June 30,


   

Three months ended
September 30,


     

Nine months ended
September 30,


(in millions, except per share data)


  

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


 

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


   

2004


  

2003


     

2004


  

2003


Net income (loss), as reported

  ($170) $35  $6  $249 

Net income, as reported

  $276   $253      $282   $502 

Add:

                  

Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

  12  —    12  —            13   

Deduct:

                  

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method, net of tax

  (32) (48) (60) (85)  (19)  (35)     (79)  (120)
  

 

 

 

  
  
     
  

Pro forma net income (loss)

  ($190) ($13) ($42) $164 

Pro forma net income

  $258   $219      $216   $383 
  

 

 

 

  
  
     
  

Earnings (loss) per basic share

   

Earnings per basic share

               

As reported

  ($0.28) $0.06  $0.01  $0.42   $0.45   $0.43      $0.46   $0.85 

Pro forma

  ($0.31) ($0.02) ($0.07) $0.27   $0.42   $0.38      $0.35   $0.65 
  

 

 

 

  
  
     
  

Earnings (loss) per diluted share

   

Earnings per diluted share

               

As reported

  ($0.28) $0.06  $0.01  $0.41   $0.45   $0.42      $0.46   $0.83 

Pro forma

  ($0.31) ($0.02) ($0.07) $0.27   $0.42   $0.37      $0.35   $0.64 
  

 

 

 

  
  
     
  

 

Changes in accounting principles

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46), was adopted July 1, 2003. Refer to the company’s 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further information. In December 2003 the FASB revised and reissued FIN 46 (FIN 46-R). The provisions of FIN 46-R were required to be adopted no later than March 31, 2004. Baxter adopted FIN 46-R on March 31, 2004, and adoption of the revised standard did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

2. RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The company has restated its previously issued financial statements for 2001 through 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, primarily the result of the inappropriate application of accounting principles for revenue recognition and inadequate provisions for bad debts in Brazil during this period. Specifically, the company has restated previously issued financial information for 2001 through 2003 contained in its previously filed Form 10-Ks for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 by filing a Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2003. The company’s previously reported quarterly information in its Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended March 31, 2004, September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003 have also been restated by filing this Form 10-Q and Form 10-Q/As for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003. As a result of the restatement, in aggregate, net sales decreased $37 million (0.2% of the originally reported amount) and net income decreased $33 million (1.5% of the originally reported amount) over the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. For the first quarter of 2004, net sales were unchanged as a result of the restatement and net income decreased $2 million (1.1% of the originally reported amount).

6


The following is a summary of the impact of the restatement on the previously issued consolidated income statements and consolidated balance sheet included in this filing.

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three- and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2003

   

Three months ended

June 30, 2003


     

    Six months ended    

June 30, 2003


 

(in millions, except per share data)


  As originally
reported


  As
    restated    


  

MMM

  As originally
reported


  As
    restated    


 

Net sales

  $2,163  $2,162     $4,160  $4,157 

Cost and expenses

                

Cost of goods sold

  1,190  1,191     2,307  2,308 

Marketing and administrative expenses

  464  466     877  880 

Research and development expenses

  139  139     275  275 

Restructuring charges

  337  337     337  337 

Net interest expense

  27  27     46  46 

Other expense, net

  14  14     40  40 
   

 

    

 

Total costs and expenses

  2,171  2,174     3,882  3,886 
   

 

    

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  (8) (12)    278  271 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (57) (58)    12  10 
   

 

    

 

Income from continuing operations

  49  46     266  261 

Discontinued operations

  (11) (11)    (12) (12)
   

 

    

 

Net income

  $     38  $     35     $   254  $   249 
   

 

    

 

Earnings (loss) per basic common share

                

Continuing operations

  $  0.08  $  0.08     $  0.45  $  0.44 

Discontinued operations

  (0.02) (0.02)    (0.02) (0.02)
   

 

    

 

Net income

  $  0.06  $  0.06     $  0.43  $  0.42 
   

 

    

 

Earnings (loss) per diluted common share

                

Continuing operations

  $  0.08  $  0.08     $  0.44  $  0.43 

Discontinued operations

  (0.02) (0.02)    (0.02) (0.02)
   

 

    

 

Net income

  $  0.06  $  0.06     $  0.42  $  0.41 
   

 

    

 

7


Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2003

   December 31, 2003

 

(in millions, except shares)


  As
originally
reported


  As
restated


 

Assets

         

Current assets

         

Cash and equivalents

  $927  $925 

Accounts and other current receivables

   1,979   1,914 

Inventories

   2,101   2,104 

Short-term deferred income taxes

   140   140 

Prepaid expenses and other

   290   277 
   


 


Total current assets

   5,437   5,360 
   


 


Property, plant and equipment

         

At cost

   7,781   7,791 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (3,196)  (3,199)
   


 


Net property, plant and equipment

   4,585   4,592 
   


 


Other assets

         

Goodwill

   1,648   1,648 

Other intangible assets

   611   611 

Other

   1,498   1,498 
   


 


Total other assets

   3,757   3,757 
   


 


Total assets

  $13,779  $13,709 
   


 


Liabilities

         

Current liabilities

         

Short-term debt

  $153  $153 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   3,105   3,107 

Income taxes payable

   561   538 
   


 


Total current liabilities

   3,819   3,798 
   


 


Long-term debt and lease obligations

   4,421   4,421 

Other long-term liabilities

   2,216   2,216 

Commitments and contingencies

         

Stockholders’ equity

         

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 648,574,109 shares

   649   649 

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 37,273,424 shares

   (1,863)  (1,863)

Additional contributed capital

   3,773   3,773 

Retained earnings

   2,194   2,145 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (1,430)  (1,430)
   


 


Total stockholders’ equity

   3,323   3,274 
   


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $13,779  $13,709 
   


 


Senior management became aware of these issues in 2004 through the reporting procedures established under Baxter’s Global Business Practice Standards. Upon becoming aware of the issues in Brazil, senior management, with the assistance of the company’s internal audit team, conducted a preliminary investigation. This preliminary investigation was followed by a more comprehensive investigation by the Audit Committee of Baxter’s Board of Directors with the assistance of independent legal counsel and forensic and other accountants. As a result of the issues in Brazil, the company is implementing changes to its internal control over financial reporting. Refer to “Part I. Item 4. Controls and Procedures” for further information.

3. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Second quarter 2004 special charges

Financial results for the second quarter of 2004 include several special charges in addition to the restructuring charge discussed in Note 5. These special charges, as summarized below, reduced pre-tax income from continuing operations by $115 million, and reduced net income by $20 million or $0.04 per diluted share. By line item, cost of goods sold increased $45 million, marketing and administrative expenses increased $55 million, other expense, net increased $15 million, and income tax expense decreased $95 million.

8


Accounts and other receivable reserves

The company established a reserve due to the uncertain collectibility of a loan from Cerus Corporation (Cerus). This reserve was determined based on Cerus’ current financial position. Also, based on the lengthening age of accounts receivables and more current market data in certain markets, the company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts. In addition, certain Shared Investment Plan participants have defaulted on their loans, which were due and payable in May 2004, requiring the company to make payments to the bank under its guarantee arrangement. Refer to Note 10 for further information regarding the Shared Investment Plan. While the company has not forgiven any of these loans and is pursuing repayment of the defaulted amounts, a reserve was recorded for potential losses, representing the amount that the company paid to the bank under the loan guarantee as a result of the defaulted loans. These adjustments, which were recorded in marketing and administrative expenses, totaled $55 million.

Inventories

Based upon second quarter 2004 restructuring decisions in the Bioscience segment, which will reduce inventory production in an effort to focus on more profitable sales in the plasma market, the company expects that future sales in this market will be less than previously expected. As a result, the company increased inventory reserves (a charge to cost of goods sold) by $28 million.

Hedges

As discussed in the 2003 Annual Report, the company uses forwards to hedge the risk to earnings relating to anticipated intercompany sales denominated in foreign currencies (cash flow hedges). Based on a current analysis, intercompany sales from the United States to Europe (denominated in Euros) are expected to be lower than originally projected. In particular, due to the strong European sales launch of ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Plasma/Albumin-Free Method) rAHF-PFM, the company’s advanced recombinant therapy (which is manufactured in Europe), current forecasts of intercompany sales of Recombinate Antihemophilic Factor (rAHF) from the United States into Europe have been reduced. Because it is probable that these originally forecasted sales will no longer occur, the related deferred hedge loss was recorded as a $17 million charge to cost of goods sold.

Pathogen Inactivation program assets

Based on lower than expected sales from the company’s Pathogen Inactivation (PI) programs, strategic decisions announced by Cerus, Baxter’s strategic partner in PI development, during the second quarter of 2004, along with a current assessment of future market potential for these products, the company performed an impairment review of its fixed assets in this program and recorded a $15 million impairment charge, which was classified as other expense.

Income taxes

The income tax benefit relating to the above-mentioned charges totaled $40 million. In addition, as a result of the completion of tax audits in the second quarter of 2004, $55 million of reserves for matters previously under review were reversed into income in the quarter.

9


Net interest expense

 

Net interest expense consisted of the following.

 

  Three months
ended
June 30,


 Six months
ended
June 30,


   

Three months ended

September 30,


    

Nine months ended

September 30,


(in millions)


    2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

   

2004


    

2003


    

2004


    

2003


Interest expense

  $  30  $  31  $  58  $61   $  29     $33     $  87     $94 

Interest income

  (5) (4) (12) (14)  (9)    (7)    (21)    (21)
  

 

 

 

  
    
    
    

Interest expense, net

  $  25  $  27  $  46  $47 

Net interest expense

  $  20     $26     $  66     $73 
  

 

 

 

  
    
    
    

Continuing operations

  $  25  $  27  $  46  $46   $  20     $25     $  66     $71 

Discontinued operations

  $—    $—    $—    $  1   $—       $  1     $—       $  2 
  

 

 

 

  
    
    
    

 

Other income and expense

 

Other income and expense typically includes amounts relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, minority interests, income and losses relating to equity method investments, divestituresdivestiture gains and asset impairment charges.

The increase in other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2004 principally related to foreign currency fluctuations. The increase in other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 principally related to foreign currency fluctuations and lower equity method income. Equity method income was lower in 2004 because Baxter divested its equity method investment in Acambis, Inc. in late 2003.

 

AssetIn addition, asset impairment charges totaled $18 million inand $13 million for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 (including the $15 million PI charge discussed above), and totaled $13 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.2003, respectively. The charges related to investments whose declines in value were deemed to be other than temporary, with the investments written down to estimated fair value, as determined by reference to quoted market values, where available. Expenseavailable (see below for more information regarding the second quarter and2004 special charge). Other expense for the year-to-date period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 also included $6 milliona charge relating to the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (FIN 45), to the company’s guarantee of the Shared Investment Plan loans, (which were extended during the second quarter of 2004), as further discussed in Note 10.9. Included in other expense in the quarter and year-to-date period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2003 were $11 million in costs associated with the redemption of the company’s convertible bonds. Partially offsetting these expenses in 2003 was income relating to the company’s investment in Acambis, Inc. Baxter divested its equity method investment in Acambis, Inc. in late 2003. In addition, expense relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates increased significantly in both the quarter and year-to-date period ended June 30, 2004.

 

Comprehensive income

 

Total comprehensive lossincome was $237$352 million and $46$306 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, and total comprehensive income was $98$257 million (as restated) and $281$539 million (as restated) for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2003, respectively. The increase in comprehensive income during the quarter was principally related to favorable currency translation adjustments and higher net income. The decrease in comprehensive income during the quarter and year-to-date period was principally related to unfavorable currency translation adjustments and lower net income, partially offset by changes in the value of the company’s net investment and foreign currency cash flow hedges.

 

Earnings per share

 

The numerator for both basic and diluted EPS is net earnings available to common shareholders. The denominator for basic EPS is the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding employee stock options, employee stock purchase subscriptions and the purchase contracts in the company’s equity units is reflected in the denominator for diluted EPS by application of the treasury stock method under SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” on July 1, 2003, the dilutive effect of equity forward agreements was reflected in the denominator for diluted EPS by application of the reverse treasury stock method. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for additional information regarding the company’s equity units (which did not have a

10


dilutive effect in either 2004 or 2003), as well as the equity forward agreements (which were terminated during the third quarter of 2003). The following is a reconciliation of the shares (denominator) of the basic and diluted per-share computations.

   Three months ended
June 30,


  Six months ended
June 30,


(in millions)


  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

Basic shares

  613  598  613  598
   
  
  
  

Effect of dilutive securities

            

Employee stock options

  —    1  3  1

Equity forward agreements

  —    13  —    11

Employee stock purchase plans

  —    1  1  1
   
  
  
  

Diluted shares

  613  613  617  611
   
  
  
  

Diluted shares were the same as basic shares for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as the impact of the common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive.

   Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


(in millions)


  2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

Basic shares

  615    589    613    595

Effect of dilutive securities

                  

Employee stock options

  3    1    3    1

Equity forward agreements

  —      —      —      7

Employee stock purchase plans

  1    2    1    1
   
    
    
    

Diluted shares

  619    592    617    604
   
    
    
    

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following.

 

(in millions)


  

June 30,

2004

 


  

December 31,

2003
(restated)


  September 30,
2004


  December 31,
2003


Raw materials

  $476  $   568  $   460  $   568

Work in process

   776  731  813  731

Finished products

   865  805  833  805
  

  
  
  

Total inventories

  $2,117  $2,104  $2,106  $2,104
  

  
  
  

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill was $864$871 million, $603$602 million and $166$167 million for the Medication Delivery, BioScience and Renal segments, respectively, at JuneSeptember 30, 2004. Goodwill was $872 million, $605 million and $171 million for the Medication Delivery, BioScience and Renal segments, respectively, at December 31, 2003. The change in the goodwill balance for each segment principally related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

11


Other intangible assets

 

The following is a summary of the company’s intangible assets subject to amortization at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not material to the company.

 

(in millions, except amortization period data)


  Developed
technology,
including
patents


  Manufacturing,
distribution
and other
contracts


  Other

  Total

  Developed
technology,
including
patents


  Manufacturing,
distribution
and other
contracts


  Other

  Total

June 30, 2004

            

September 30, 2004

            

Gross intangible assets

  $798  $46  $74  $918  $804  $46  $72  $922

Accumulated amortization

  296  21  20   337  308  28  21  357
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

Net intangible assets

  $502  $25  $54  $581  $496  $18  $51  $565
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

Weighted-average amortization period (in years)

  15  8  20   15  15  8  20  15
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

December 31, 2003

                        

Gross intangible assets

  $802  $39  $74  $915  $802  $39  $74  $915

Accumulated amortization

  279  14  18   311  279  14  18  311
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

Net intangible assets

  $523  $25  $56  $604  $523  $25  $56  $604
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

Weighted-average amortization period (in years)

  15  9  20   15  15  9  20  15
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

 

The amortization expense for these intangible assets was $16 million and $15$11 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $32$48 million and $27$38 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At JuneSeptember 30, 2004, the anticipated annual amortization expense for these intangible assets is $63$67 million, $57$60 million, $54$56 million, $47$45 million, $42$41 million and $41$39 million in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

Product Warrantieswarranties

 

The following is a summary of activity in the product warranty liability.

 

  As of and for the
three months ended
June 30,


 As of and for the
six months ended
June 30,


   

As of and for the
three months ended

September 30,


 As of and for the
nine months ended
September 30,


 

(in millions)


          2004

         2003

         2004

         2003

   2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

 

Beginning of period

  $50  $53  $53  $53   $52  $52  $53  $53 

New warranties and adjustments to existing warranties

  7  5  10  13   6  7  16  20 

Payments in cash or in kind

  (5) (6) (11) (14)  (6) (8) (17) (22)
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

End of period

  $52  $52  $52  $52   $52  $51  $52  $51 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Second quarter 2004 special charges

Financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 include several special charges recorded during the second quarter, in addition to the restructuring charge discussed in Note 4. These special charges, as summarized below, reduced pre-tax income from continuing

operations by $115 million, and reduced net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 by $20 million or $0.03 per diluted share. By line item, cost of goods sold increased $45 million, marketing and administrative expenses increased $55 million, other expense, net increased $15 million, and income tax expense decreased $95 million.

Accounts and other receivable reserves

The company established a reserve due to the uncertain collectibility of a loan from Cerus Corporation (Cerus). This reserve was determined based on Cerus’ current financial position. Also, based on the lengthening age of accounts receivables and more current market data in certain markets, the company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts. In addition, certain Shared Investment Plan participants defaulted on their loans, which were due and payable in May 2004, requiring the company to make payments to the bank under its guarantee arrangement. Refer to Note 9 for further information regarding the Shared Investment Plan. While the company has not forgiven any of these loans and is pursuing repayment of the defaulted amounts, a reserve was recorded for potential losses, representing the amount that the company paid to the bank under the loan guarantee as a result of the defaulted loans. These adjustments, which were recorded in marketing and administrative expenses, totaled $55 million.

Inventories

Based upon second quarter 2004 restructuring decisions in the Bioscience segment, which will reduce inventory production in an effort to focus on more profitable sales in the plasma market, the company expects that future sales in this market will be less than previously expected. As a result, the company increased inventory reserves (a charge to cost of goods sold) by $28 million.

Hedges

As discussed in the 2003 Form 10-K/A, the company uses forwards to hedge the risk to earnings relating to anticipated intercompany sales denominated in foreign currencies (cash flow hedges). Based on a second quarter 2004 analysis, intercompany sales from the United States to Europe (denominated in Euros) are expected to be lower than originally projected. In particular, due to the strong European sales launch of ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Plasma/Albumin-Free Method) rAHF-PFM, the company’s advanced recombinant therapy (which is manufactured in Europe), the second quarter 2004 forecasts of intercompany sales of Recombinate Antihemophilic Factor (rAHF) from the United States into Europe had been reduced. Because it was probable that these originally forecasted sales would no longer occur, the related deferred hedge loss was recorded as a $17 million charge to cost of goods sold.

Pathogen Inactivation program assets

As a result of lower than expected sales from the company’s Pathogen Inactivation programs, strategic decisions announced in the second quarter of 2004 by Cerus, along with an assessment of future market potential for these products, the company performed an impairment review of its fixed assets in this program and recorded a $15 million impairment charge, which was classified as other expense.

Income taxes

The income tax benefit relating to the above-mentioned charges totaled $40 million. In addition, as a result of the completion of tax audits in the second quarter of 2004, $55 million of reserves for matters previously under review were reversed into income in the quarter.

4.3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the fourth quarter of 2002, the company recorded a $294 million pre-tax charge ($229 million on an after-tax basis) principally associated with management’s decision to divest the majority of the services businesses included in the Renal segment. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further information.

 

During 2003, the company sold RMS Lifeline, Inc. and RMS Disease Management, Inc. and the Medication Delivery segment’s offsite pharmacy admixture products and services business, and closed or had under contract the majority of transactions in connection with the divestiture of the Renal Therapy Services centers. Management expects the divestiture plan to be completed during 2004.

 

Net revenues relating to the discontinued businesses were $3$2 million and $51$42 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $20$22 million and $100$142 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The losses from theDuring 2004, discontinued operations were $1generated income of $17 million and $11$5 million for the three monthsthree- and nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively (net of tax benefit of $1 million in 2003), and $12 million for the first six months of both 2004 and 2003 (net of tax benefits of $4$24 million in both year-to-date periods)and $28 million, respectively). The income was principally related to tax and other adjustments, as the company completes divestitures. During 2003, discontinued operations generated losses of $5 million and $17 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, respectively (net of tax benefits of $3 million and $6 million, respectively).

 

12


Included in the pre-tax charge was $269 million pertaining to asset impairments, principally relating to goodwill and property and equipment. Also included in the charge was $25 million for cash costs, principally relating to severance and other employee-related costs associated with the elimination of approximately 75 positions, as well as legal and contractual commitment costs. During the second quarter of 2004,Approximately $2 million of the reserve for cash costs was utilized.utilized during 2004. The remaining reserve is insignificant and is expected to be substantially utilized in 2004.

 

5.4. RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES

 

Second quarter 2004 restructuring charge

 

In January 2004, management announced plans (which were finalized during the second quarter of 2004) to implement restructuring initiatives (in addition to the actions initiated in 2003, as discussed below). Management undertook these actions in order to reduce the company’s overall cost structure and to drive sustainable improvements in financial performance.

 

These actions include the elimination of approximatelyover 4,000 positions, or 8% of the global workforce, as management reorganizes and streamlines the company. Approximately 50% of the positions being eliminated are in the United States. Approximately three quarters of the estimated savings will impact general and administrative expenses, with the remainder primarily impacting cost of sales. The eliminations impact all three of the company’s segments, along with the corporate headquarters and functions. Baxter is also further reducing plasma production and closing additional plasma collection centers. In addition, the company is exiting certain other facilities and activities. As a result, management recorded a restructuring charge in the second quarter of 2004 totaling $543 million ($394 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis), principally for severance and costs associated with the closing of facilities and the exiting of contracts.

Included in the 2004 pre-tax charge was $196 million relating to asset impairments, almost all of which was to write down property, plant and equipment (PP&E), based on market data for the assets. Also included in the 2004 pre-tax charge was $347 million for cash costs, principally pertaining to severance and other employee-related costs. Approximately one third of the targeted positions have been eliminated as of September 30, 2004.

 

Second quarter 2003 restructuring charge

 

During the second quarter of 2003, the company recorded a $337 million restructuring charge ($202 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis) principally associated with management’s decision to close certain facilities and reduce headcount on a global basis. Management decided to take these actions in order to position the company more competitively and to enhance profitability. The company has closed 26 plasma collection centers across the United States, as well as a plasma fractionation facility located in Rochester, Michigan. In addition, the company is consolidatinghas consolidated and integratingintegrated several facilities, including facilities in Maryland; Frankfurt, Germany; Issoire, France; and Mirandola, Italy. Management discontinued Baxter’s recombinant hemoglobin protein program because it did not meet expected clinical milestones. Also included in the charge were costs related to other reductions in the company’s workforce.

 

Included in the 2003 pre-tax charge was $128 million relating to asset impairments, principally to write down PP&E, and goodwill and other intangible assets. The impairment loss relating to the PP&E was based on market data for the assets. The impairment loss relating to goodwill and other intangible assets was based on management’s assessment of the value of the related

13


businesses. Also included in the 2003 pre-tax charge was $209 million for cash costs, principally pertaining to severance and other employee-related costs associated with the elimination of approximately 3,200 positions worldwide. Approximately 94%Virtually all of the targeted positions have been eliminated as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004.2004, and the program is substantially complete, except for remaining severance and other cash payments to be made in the future.

Restructuring reserves

 

The following summarizes activity in the company’s restructuring reserves for cash costs for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004.

 

(in millions)


  Employee-
related
costs


 Contractual
and other
costs


 Total

   Employee-
related
costs


 Contractual
and other
costs


 Total

 

2003 Restructuring Charge

      

Reserve at December 31, 2003

  $  97  $43  $140   $  97  $  43  $140 

Utilization

  (25) (12) (37)  (25) (12) (37)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Reserve at March 31, 2004

  $  72  $31  $103   $  72  $  31  $103 

Utilization

  (19) (1) (20)  (19) (1) (20)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Reserve at June 30, 2004

  $  53  $30  $  83   $  53  $  30  $  83 

Utilization

  (23) (3) (26)
  

 

 

Reserve at September 30, 2004

  $  30  $  27  $  57 
  

 

 

  

 

 

2004 Restructuring Charge

      

Charge

  $212  $135  $347   $212  $135  $347 

Utilization

  (4) —    (4)  (4) —    (4)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Reserve at June 30, 2004

  $208  $135  $343   $208  $135  $343 

Utilization

  (29) (18) (47)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Reserve at September 30, 2004

  $179  $117  $296 
  

 

 

 

With respect to the 2003 restructuring charge, the majority of the severance and other costs are expected to be paid and the remaining positions are expected to be eliminated in 2004. With respect to the 2004 restructuring charge, approximately $100$50 million and $150 million of the costs areis expected to be paid in 2004 and 2005, respectively, withduring the remainder to be paidof 2004, approximately $150 million in 2005, and the remainder in 2006.

 

6.5. SECURITIZATIONS

 

Where economical, the company has entered into agreements with various financial institutions in which undivided interest in certain pools of receivables are sold. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further information regarding these arrangements. There have been no material changes in the company’s accounting policies with respect to its securitization arrangements. The key assumptions used in measuring the fair values of the retained interests are substantially unchanged from thatthose disclosed in the 2003 Annual Report.Form 10-K/A.

 

TheBaxter’s securitization arrangements resulted in net cash outflows of $77$84 million and $120$274 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, and generated net cash inflows of $19$10 million and net cash outflows of $54$44 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2003, respectively.

A summary of the activity for these securitization arrangements is as follows.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


   Six months ended
June 30,


 

(in millions)


  Three months ended
September 30,


 Nine months ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

   2004

 2003

  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

 

Sold receivables at beginning of period

  $704  $640    $742  $721   $ 547  $ 644  $742  $721 

Proceeds from sales of receivables

  388  416    763  876   307  458��  1,000   1,334 

Cash collections (remitted to the owners of the receivables)

  (465) (397)   (883) (930)  (391) (448)  (1,274)  (1,378)

Effect of currency exchange rate changes

  (10) (15)   (5) (23)  (1) 7   (6)  (16)
  

 

   

 

  

 

 


 


Sold receivables at end of period

  $617  $644    $617  $644   $ 462  $ 661  $462  $661 
  

 

   

 

  

 

 


 


 

14


7.6. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

Net pension and other postretirement benefits cost

 

The following is a summary of net expense relating to the company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


     Six months ended
June 30,


(in millions)


  Three months ended
September 30,


 Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2004

   2003

         2004

   2003

  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

 

Pension benefits

                        

Service cost

     $20    $17          $40    $33    $ 19  $ 18  $   59  $   51 

Interest cost

     37    33          76    66    38  38  114  104 

Expected return on assets

     (46)   (43)         (94)   (86)   (47) (48) (141) (134)

Amortization of net loss, prior service cost and transition obligation

     15    6          31    12    16  6  47  18 
     

   

         

   

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension benefit cost

     $26    $13          $53    $25    $ 26  $ 14  $   79  $   39 
     

   

         

   

   

 

 

 

Other benefits

                        

Service cost

     $  2    $  2          $  4    $  4    $   3  $   2  $     7  $     6 

Interest cost

     7    7          15    14    7  7  22  21 

Amortization of net loss and prior service cost

     3    1          5    2    2  2  7  4 
     

   

         

   

   

 

 

 

Net periodic other benefit cost

     $12    $10          $24    $20    $ 12  $ 11  $   36  $   31 
     

   

         

   

   

 

 

 

 

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act

 

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare (Part D). Detailed final regulations necessary to implement the Act have not yet been issued. The effects of the Act are not recognized in the company’s net expense and benefit obligation as management is not yet able to determine whether the company’s benefits are actuarially equivalent to Medicare (Part D). However, based on preliminary analyses, management does not expecthas determined that any impact of the Act to have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.statements will not be material.

8.7. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Refer to “Part II – Item 1. Legal Proceedings” below.

 

15


9.8. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The company operates in three segments, each of which are strategic businesses that are managed separately because each business develops, manufactures and sells distinct products and services. The segments and a description of their businesses are as follows:

 

Medication Delivery, which provides a range of intravenous solutions and specialty products that are used in combination for fluid replenishment, general anesthesia, nutrition therapy, pain management, and antibiotic therapy;BioScience, which develops biopharmaceuticals, biosurgery products, vaccines and blood collection, processing and storage products and technologies for transfusion therapies; andRenal, which develops products and provides services to treat end-stage kidney disease.

 

Certain items are maintained at corporate headquarters (Corporate) and are not allocated to the segments. They primarily include most of the company’s debt and cash and equivalents and related net interest expense, corporate headquarters costs, certain non-strategic investments and related income and expense, certain nonrecurring gains and losses, certain special charges (such as in-process research and development and restructuring), deferred income taxes, certain foreign currency fluctuations, certain employee benefit costs, the majority of foreign currency and interest rate hedging activities, and certain litigation liabilities and related insurance receivables.

 

Financial information for the company’s segments for the quarter and year-to-date period ended JuneSeptember 30 is as follows.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


 Six months ended
June 30,


 

(in millions)


  Three months ended
September 30,


 Nine months ended
September 30,


 
  

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


 

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

 

Net sales

      

Medication Delivery

  $1,006  $   937  $1,932  $1,785   $   986  $   945  $2,918  $2,730 

BioScience

   893  773   1,703  1,513   849  820   2,552   2,333 

Renal

   480  452   953  859   485  451   1,438   1,310 
  


 

 


 

  

 

 


 


Total

  $2,379  $2,162  $4,588  $4,157   $2,320  $2,216  $6,908  $6,373 
  


 

 


 

  

 

 


 


Pre-tax income from continuing operations

      

Medication Delivery

  $182  $   162  $333  $   296   $   191  $   184  $524  $480 

BioScience

   137  176   259  299   181  161   440   460 

Renal

   93  79   172  145   87  81   259   226 

Other

   (744) (429)  (847) (469)  (113) (65)  (960)  (534)
  


 

 


 

  

 

 


 


Total

   ($332) ($12)  ($83) $   271   $   346  $   361  $263  $632 
  


 

 


 

  

 

 


 


The following is a reconciliation of segment pre-tax income to income from continuing operations before income taxes per the consolidated income statements.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


 Six months ended
June 30,


 

(in millions)


  Three months ended
September 30,


 Nine months ended
September 30,


 
  

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


 

2004

 


 2003
(restated)


  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

 

Total pre-tax income from segments

  $ 412  $ 417  $764  $ 740   $459  $426  $1,223  $1,166 

Unallocated amounts

      

Interest expense, net

  (25) (27)  (46) (46)  (20) (25)  (66)  (71)

Restructuring charges

  (543) (337)  (543) (337)

Restructuring charge

  —    —     (543)  (337)

Certain currency exchange rate fluctuations and hedging activities

  (22) (25)  (56) (34)  (21) (16)  (91)  (49)

Other corporate items

  (154) (40)  (202) (52)  (72) (24)  (260)  (77)
  

 

 


 

  

 

 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  ($332) ($12)  ($83) $ 271 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changes

  $346  $361  $263  $632 
  

 

 


 

  

 

 


 


 

16


10.9. SHARED INVESTMENT PLAN

 

As discussed in the 2003 Annual Report,Form 10-K/A, in order to align management and shareholder interests, in 1999 the company sold 6.1 million shares of the company’s stock to 142 of Baxter’s senior managers for $198 million in cash. The participants used five-year full-recourse personal bank loans to purchase the stock at the May 3, 1999 closing price (adjusted for the company’s stock split) of $31.81. Baxter guaranteed repayment to the banks in the event a participant in the plan defaulted on his or her obligations, which were due on May 6, 2004. The plan also included certain risk-sharing provisions, which terminated on May 6, 2004. The company was entitled to 50% of any gain relating to stock sold on or before May 3, 2002. For stock sold after May 3, 2002 and through May 6, 2004, the company shared 50% in any loss incurred by the participants relating to a stock price decline.

 

In May 2003, management announced that, in order to continue to align management and shareholder interests and to balance both the short- and long-term needs of Baxter, the board of directors authorized the company to provide a new three-year guarantee at the May 6, 2004 loan due date for the non-executive officer employees who remain in the plan, should they elect to extend their loans. As noted above, as of May 6, 2004, the 50% risk-sharing provision included in the original plan terminated. The amount under the company’s loan guarantee at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 relating to the 7270 eligible employees who have extended their loans was $100$95 million. In accordance with FIN 45 (which was effective for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002), the company has recorded a $6$5 million liability for the fair value of these guarantees in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004.guarantees. As with the guarantee issued in 1999, the company may take actions relating to participants and their assets to obtain full reimbursement for any amounts the company pays to the banks pursuant to the loan guarantee.

 

With respect to the participants who were either not eligible or did not elect to extend their loans on the May 6, 2004 due date, the majority paid their principal and interest obligations in full. However, seven participants havedid not paidpay their principal and interest obligations. The company is pursuing repayment ofobligations in full on the defaulted loans, in order to obtain reimbursement for amounts the company paid to the bank pursuant to the loan guarantee.due date. While the company has not forgiven any of these loans, a reserve of $10 million, which representsrepresented the amount that the company paid to the banks under the loan guarantee, was recorded during the second quarter of 2004 for potential losses (as discussed in Note 32 above).

17

The company collected monies during the third quarter from certain of the participants, and the reserve balance totaled $8 million at September 30, 2004. The company is pursuing repayment of the remaining defaulted loan balance in order to obtain full reimbursement for amounts the company paid to the bank pursuant to the loan guarantee.


Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the company has restated its previously issued financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the first quarter of 2004. The restatement is primarily the result of the inappropriate application of accounting principles for revenue recognition and inadequate provisions for bad debts in Brazil during this period. As a result of the restatement, in aggregate, net sales decreased $37 million (0.2% of the originally reported amount) and net income decreased $33 million (1.5% of the originally reported amount) over the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. For the first quarter of 2004, net sales were unchanged as a result of the restatement and net income decreased $2 million (1.1% of the originally reported amount). Refer to Note 2 for further information, including the impact of the restatement for each of the periods included in this filing.

Refer to the company’s Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2003 (which reflects the above-mentioned restatement) for management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Baxter International Inc. and its subsidiaries (the company or Baxter) for the year ended December 31, 2003. The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of the company for the quarter and year-to-date period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 (with the prior year information restated, as applicable).2004.

 

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

NET SALES

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


  Percent
increase


     Six months ended
June 30,


     Three months ended
September 30,


  

Percent

increase


  Nine months ended
September 30,


  

Percent

increase


(in millions)


  

2004

 


  2003
(restated)


  

2004

 


  2003
(restated)


  Percent
increase


  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  

International

  $1,285  $1,165  10%     $2,475  $2,204  12%  $1,218  $1,149  6%  $3,693  $3,353  10%

United States

  1,094  997  10%     2,113  1,953  8%  1,102  1,067  3%  3,215  3,020  6%
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total net sales

  $2,379  $2,162  10%     $4,588  $4,157  10%  $2,320  $2,216  5%  $6,908  $6,373  8%
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations benefited sales growth by 43 points and 54 points during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, principally because the United States Dollar weakened since the prior year periodperiods relative to the Euro. These fluctuations impacted sales growth for all three segments. Refer to Note 98 for a summary of net sales by segment.

 

Medication Delivery

 

The Medication Delivery segment generated 7%4% and 8%7% sales growth for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively (including 2 and 43 percentage points duerelating to the favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations for the quarter and year-to-date period, respectively), with the strongest sales growth in international markets..

 

18


Increased sales of certain generic and branded pre-mixed drugs, as well as increased contract services revenues, contributed 1 point and 2 points of sales growth for both the quarter and year-to-date period.period, respectively. Sales of intravenous therapies, which principally include intravenous solutions and nutritional products, were flat for the quarter and contributed 2 points and 3 points to the segment’s growth rate for the quarter and year-to-date period, respectively, and principally related to growth outside the United States.period. Sales of anesthesia and critical care products were relatively flat for the quarter and contributed 1 point to the segment’s growth rate for the six-monthnine-month period, with sales growthpricing stable for the quarterboth periods, and volume impacted by domestic wholesaler inventory reduction actions. Sales of electronic infusion pumps and related tubing sets also contributed 3 points and 2 points and 1 point to the growth rate for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, with device sales the primary contributors. Increased device volume in the United States during the quarter, and in the United States and Canada during the primary contributor. Impactingyear-to-date period, was partially offset by reduced pricing. The growth in volume in the segment’sUnited States in 2004 was partially due to the timing of group purchasing organization (GPO) contract awards, as certain customers delayed capital purchases in the prior year in anticipation of a new contract award. The reduced pricing, which is expected to impact growth for both the quarter and six-month period wasremainder of

2004, is primarily due to the renegotiated long-term contracts with group purchasing organizations,certain GPOs, principally Premier Purchasing Partners L. P. (Premier), the. The most significant of whichrenegotiated Premier contract became effective in February 2004. While sales growth during the remainder of 2004 is expected to continue to be impacted by the reduced pricing included in these contracts, managementManagement believes that over time, the impact of reduced pricing will be substantially offset by increased sales volumes and product mix upgrades.

 

BioScience

 

Sales in the BioScience segment increased 16%4% and 13%9% for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively (including 54 and 75 percentage points due to the favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations for the quarter and year-to-date period, respectively), with sales growth strongest in the United States..

 

The primary driver of the segment’s growth rate for the quarter and year-to-date periodsperiod was increased sales of recombinant Factor VIII products, contributing 96 points and 7 points of growth in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods, respectively. Growth in sales of recombinant products in both the quarter and year-to-date period was principally fueled by higher demand for Recombinate Antihemophilic Factor (rAHF) (Recombinate), as well as the launch of the advanced recombinant therapy, ADVATE (Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Plasma/Albumin-Free Method) rAHF-PFM, which received regulatory approval in the United States in July 2003 and in Europe in March 2004. OfPartially offsetting the contributiongrowth in sales volume relating to recombinants, sales ofthe ADVATE contributed 7 points and 5 pointslaunch in the quarter and six-monthyear-to-date period respectively, withwas the impact of reductions in wholesaler inventory levels of recombinant products in the United States, which management expects will continue for the remainder of the year. Management expects an increased sales contribution expectedfrom ADVATE during the second halfremainder of 2004 as the launch of this new product continues and broadens in the United States and Europe. These factors were partially offset by the impact of the entry or re-entry into this marketplace in 2003 by certain competitors.continues.

 

Sales of plasma-based products (excluding anti-body therapies) increased slightly during the quarter and contributed 5 points and 32 points to the segment’s growth rate in the year-to-date period. The increase in the quarter and six-month period, respectively.was due solely to foreign currency fluctuations. The growth in the year-to-date period was primarily due to increased sales volume of FEIBA, an anti-inhibitor coagulant complex, and Tisseel, a fibrin sealantalong with increased pricing of this product, partially offset by reduced pricing in other product lines. Increased sales of FEIBA were partially offset by the impact of competitive pressures across certain product lines, as well as a continuing shift in the market from plasma-based to recombinant hemophilia products. As discussed further below, as a result of these competitive pressures, the company closed 26 plasma collection centers and a plasma fractionation plant during 2003, and is reducing plasma production and closing additional centers during 2004, to improve the economicsprofitability of the business.

 

Higher sales of anti-body therapies, including IGIV (immune globulin intravenous) for immune deficiencies, contributed 1 point and 2 points to the growth rate for both the quarter and year-to-date period, respectively, principally due to increased volume and improved pricing in the United States. Increased salesStates and, in the year-to-date period, higher product availability due to cycle time reduction initiatives.

 

19


of non-plasma-based biosurgery products (CoSeal and FloSeal) contributed 1 point to the growth rate for both the quarter and year-to-date period. Sales of transfusion therapies products were flat for the quarter and contributed 1 point of growth for the six-month period. Partially offsetting the growth in these product lines was the impact of lower sales of transfusion therapies products and vaccines principally due toin both the quarter and year-to-date period. The lower sales of vaccines principally related to smallpox vaccines and Neis-Vac-C which is for(for the prevention of meningitis C.C) vaccines. Sales of vaccines are impacted by the timing of government tenders, and there were no significant tenders filled during the first halfnine months of 2004. Management expects that the segment’s growth for the remainder of the year will continue to be negatively impacted by expected reductions in wholesaler inventory levels, and lower sales of plasma and transfusion therapies products due to consolidation in the plasma industry.

Renal

 

Sales from continuing operations in the Renal segment increased 6%8% and 11%10% for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively (including 54 and 6 percentage points, respectively, due to the favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations), with sales growth strongest in international markets.. Increased sales of products for peritoneal dialysis contributed 45 points and 7 points to the segment’s growth rate for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, withrespectively. In addition to the favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations, the sales growth in both periods was primarily driven by an increased number of peritoneal dialysis patients, principally in Europe, Japan and Asia. Changes in the pricing of the segment’s peritoneal dialysis products were not a significant factor. Increased penetration of products for peritoneal dialysis continues to be strongest in emerging markets, where many people with end-stage renal disease are currently under-treated. The majority of the remaining 2 points and 43 points of growth duringfor both the quarter and six monthsthe nine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, was primarily related to increased sales of hemodialysis hardware and related products.

 

GROSS MARGIN AND EXPENSE RATIOS

 

The following table shows key ratios of certain income statement items as a percent of sales.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,


     Six months ended
June 30,


     

Three months ended

September 30,


  

Change


  

Nine months ended

September 30,


  

Change


 
  2004

  2003
(restated)


  Change

   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  Change

   2004

  2003

   2004

  2003

  

Gross margin

  39.5%  44.9%  (5.4 pts)   39.9%  44.5%  (4.6 pts)  41.5%  43.7%  (2.2 pts) 40.5%  44.2%  (3.7 pts)

Marketing and administrative expenses

  22.4%  21.6%  0.8 pts    21.8%  21.2%  0.6 pts   19.9%  19.9%  —   pts  21.1%  20.7%  0.4 pts 

 

ForeignThe decline in gross margin in both the quarter and year-to-date period was impacted by changes in product mix. In the BioScience segment, the gross margin declined in the year-to-date period principally because increased margins in certain product lines, such as recombinants, were offset by lower sales of other high-margin products. In the Medication Delivery segment, the above-mentioned pricing pressures associated with the renegotiated contracts with Premier contributed to Baxter’s margin decline in both the quarter and year-to-date period. In the Renal segment, the margin declined in both the quarter and nine-month period due to an unfavorable mix of sales of peritoneal and hemodialysis products. In addition, while 2004 sales benefited from the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, (including the impact of hedging activities), principally relating to the strengthened Euro, accounted for approximately 1 point and 2 points of the gross margin decline forwas unfavorably impacted by the three and six-month periodscompany’s foreign currency hedging activities, especially in the year-to-date period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively. The increased2004. Increased inventory reserves and foreign currency hedge adjustments totaling $45 million (included in the second quarter 2004 special charges, which are discussed in Note 3)2) accounted for approximately 2 points andalmost 1 point of the decline during the quarter and six-month period, respectively. In the BioScience segment, a higher mix of plasma-based product sales, coupled with competition and pricing pressures across certain product lines, unfavorably affected the company’s gross margin during both the second quarter and first half of 2004. In the Medication Delivery segment, the above-mentioned pricing pressures associated with the renegotiated contracts with Premier also contributed to Baxter’s margin decline, particularly during the second quarter.year-to-date period. In addition, costs associated with the company’s employee pension and other postretirement benefit plans have increased since the prior year periods (as further discussed

20


below). These factors, which unfavorably impacted the company’s gross margin, were partially offset by cost savings relating to the company’s 2003 and 2004 restructuring programs (as further discussed below).

 

Marketing and administrative expenses as a percent of sales increased during bothwere flat for the quarter and increased during the year-to-date period. Increased receivable reserves totaling $55 million (discussed in Note 3)2) increased the expense ratio by approximately 3 points and 1 point in the quarter and year-to-date period ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Apart from theseperiod. Expenses also increased receivable reserves, increased expenses relating primarily tobecause of foreign currency fluctuations, employee pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs, and the impact of reduced costs in the prior year

due to a change in the employee vacation policy,policy. Offsetting these increases were more than offset by the benefits of the company’s restructuring programs. See further discussion below regarding the restructuring initiatives.

 

Expenses associated with the company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans increased $15$13 million and $32$45 million during the secondthird quarter and first halfnine months of 2004, respectively, as detailed in Note 7,6, principally due to a reduction in the discount rate and the amortization of unrecognized losses. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further information. Expenses associated with Baxter’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to further increase in 2005, by approximately $40 million, primarily due to changes in pension assumptions. The 2005 assumptions for the domestic plans, which represent over three-quarters of the company’s total pension assets and obligation, will be reduced from 6.00% to 5.75% (discount rate) and from 10% to 8.5% (expected return on assets). The discount rate assumption change is due to reductions in market interest rates used to determine the appropriate pension discount rate. The change in the expected return on assets assumption is a result of anticipated changes in the company’s pension trust asset allocation.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

  Three months ended
June 30


  

Percent

decrease


     Six months ended
June 30


  

Percent

decrease


(in millions)


     2004

  2003

        2004

  2003

       

Three months ended

September 30,


  

Percent

decrease


  

Nine months ended

September 30,


  

Percent

decrease


 

Research and development (R&D) expenses

     $129  $139     (7%)        $265  $275     (4%)

(in millions)


2004

  2003

  

Percent

decrease


  2004

  2003

  

Percent

decrease


 
  td24  td37   $389  $412  

As a percent of sales

      5.4%   6.4%               5.8%   6.6%        5.3%  6.2%   5.6%  6.5%   

 

R&D expenses declined in both the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2004, with increased spending on certain projects across the three segments more than offset by the cost savings generated by the restructuring initiatives and the termination of certain programs (such as the recombinant hemoglobin protein project, which was terminated in the second quarter of 2003). Management does not expect growthexpects a similar decline in full year R&D spending in 2004 as compared to full year 2003.during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES

 

Second quarter 2004 restructuring charge

 

In January 2004, management announced plans (which were finalized during the second quarter of 2004) to implement restructuring initiatives (in addition to the actions initiated in 2003, as discussed below). Management undertook these actions in order to reduce the company’s overall cost structure and to drive sustainable improvements in financial performance.

 

These actions include the elimination of approximatelyover 4,000 positions, or 8% of the global workforce, as management reorganizes and streamlines the company. Approximately 50% of the positions being eliminated are in the United States. Approximately three quarters of the estimated savings will impact general and administrative expenses, with the remainder primarily

21


impacting cost of sales. The eliminations impact all three of the company’s segments, along with the corporate headquarters and functions. Baxter is also further reducing plasma production and closing additional plasma collection centers. In addition, the company is exiting certain other

facilities and activities. As a result, management recorded a restructuring charge in the second quarter of 2004 totaling $543 million ($394 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis), principally for severance and costs associated with the closing of facilities and the exiting of contracts. Refer to Note 54 for additional information.

 

During the three-monththree- and nine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, $4$47 million and $51 million, respectively, of the reserve for cash costs was utilized. Approximately $100$50 million and $150 million of the costs areis expected to be paid in 2004 and 2005, respectively, withduring the remainder to be paidof 2004, approximately $150 million in 2005, and the remainder in 2006. The cash expenditures are being funded with cash generated from operations. Approximately one third of the targeted positions have been eliminated as of September 30, 2004, and management expects that approximately half of the targeted positions will be eliminated by the end of the year. The program is proceeding on plan.

 

Management anticipatesestimates that these additional initiatives will yield savings of approximately $0.05 per diluted share in the second half of 2004, and anticipates that the initiatives will yield savings of approximately $0.20 to $0.25 per diluted share in 2005, andan incremental $0.15 to $0.20 per diluted share as compared to 2004. Once fully implemented in 2006, management anticipates total annual savings will be approximately $0.30 to $0.35 per diluted share when fully implemented in 2006.share.

 

Second quarter 2003 restructuring charge

 

During the second quarter of 2003, the company recorded a $337 million restructuring charge ($202 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis) principally associated with management’s decision to close certain facilities and reduce headcount on a global basis. Management decided to take these actions in order to position the company more competitively and to enhance the company’s profitability. Refer to Note 54 for additional information.

 

During the three- and six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, $20$26 million and $57$83 million, respectively, of the reserve for cash costs was utilized. Approximately 94%Virtually all of the targeted positions have been eliminated as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004.2004, and the program is substantially complete. The majority of the severance and other costs are expected to be paid and the majority of the remaining positions are expected to be eliminated by the end of 2004. The cash expenditures are being funded with cash generated from operations.

 

Management expects that the actions initiated in 2003 will generate incremental annual savings of approximately $0.15 to $0.20 per diluted share when fully implemented. The cost savings principally relate to employee compensation and primarily benefit general and administrative expenses. The restructuring program is proceeding on plan. Management estimates that the cost savings in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 were approximately $0.04 and $0.08$0.12 per diluted share, respectively, and expects that the full year 2004 savings will total approximately $0.15 per diluted share. As mentioned above, these benefits are offset by increased employee benefit costs.

 

NET INTEREST EXPENSE

 

Net interest expense decreased $2$5 million for both the quarter and was flat for the six-monthyear-to-date period ended September 30, 2004, principally due to a lower average net debt level, partially offset by lower capitalized interest, as the company completed certain projects and placed assets into service.

 

OTHER EXPENSE, NET

 

Other income and expense typically includes amounts relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, minority interests, income and losses relating to equity method investments, divestituresdivestiture gains and asset impairment charges.

22


OtherThe increase in other expense net increasedfor the three months ended September 30, 2004 principally related to foreign currency fluctuations. The increase in bothother expense for the quarternine months ended September 30, 2004 principally related to foreign currency fluctuations and year-to-date period principally due to higher asset impairment charges, reduced income fromlower equity method investments, primarily relating toincome. Equity method income was lower in 2004 because Baxter divested its equity method investment in Acambis, Inc. (which was divested in late 2003), an expense relating to the Shared Investment Plan (SIP) guarantee, and increased expense relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These increased expenses were partially offset by an $11 million expense in the quarter and year-to-date period ended June 30, 2003 associated with the redemption of the company’s convertible bonds.2003. Refer to Note 32 for further information.

 

PRE-TAX INCOME

 

Refer to Note 98 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of financial results by segment. Certain items are maintained at the company’s corporate headquarters and are not allocated to the segments. They primarily include certain foreign currency fluctuations, the majority of the foreign currency and interest rate hedging activities, net interest expense, income and expense related to certain non-strategic investments, corporate headquarters costs, certain employee benefit costs, certain nonrecurring gains and losses and certain special charges (such as in-process research and development and restructuring). In addition, the above-mentioned increased costs associated with the pension and other postretirement benefit plans have not been completely allocated to the segments. The following is a summary of significant factors impacting the segments’ financial results.

 

Medication Delivery

 

Pre-tax income increased 12%4% and 13%9% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively. The growth in pre-tax income was primarily the result of solid sales growth (especially in the year-to-date period), the close management of costs, the benefits of the 2003 restructuring initiatives, and changes in currency exchange rates (as noted above, foreign currency hedging activities for all segments are recorded at corporate, and are not included in segment results). As noted above, these factors were partially offset by the impact of reduced pricing in the renegotiated long-term contracts with group purchasing organizations,GPOs, principally Premier, particularly during the second quarter.Premier. Earnings growth is expected to continue to be impacted by the reduced pricing in these contracts during the remainder of 2004.

 

BioScience

 

Pre-tax income increased 12% and decreased 22% and 13%4% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively. The declineincrease in pre-tax income for the quarter was primarily due to increased inventory reserves and an asset impairment charge (recorded in the second quarter of 2004, as discussed in Note 3), changes in currency exchange rates, lower sales of higher-margin vaccines, and a higher mix of plasma-based product sales, partially offset by lower R&D spending as a result of the recent prioritization initiatives (including the termination of the recombinant hemoglobin protein project in 2003), the close management of costs, and the benefits of the recent restructuring initiatives.initiatives, and changes in currency exchange rates. While many of these factors also impacted the year-to-date period, pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 declined primarily due to increased inventory reserves and an asset impairment charge (recorded as special charges in the second quarter of 2004, as discussed in Note 2) and lower sales of certain high-margin products. In addition, theboth prior year periods, particularly the year-to-date period, include income from the company’s investment in Acambis, Inc. As noted above, thethis investment was divested in late 2003.

 

Renal

 

Pre-tax income increased 18%7% and 19%15% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to solid sales growth, particularly in the year-to-date period, changes in currency exchange rates, an improved sales

23


mix, the close management of costs, and the benefits of the recent restructuring initiatives, partially offset by an unfavorable change in mix, particularly during the six-month period, by increased R&D spending.quarter.

INCOME TAXES

 

As discussed in Note 3,2, as a result of the completion of tax audits in the second quarter of 2004, $55 million of reserves for matters previously under review were reversed into income induring the quarter.second quarter of 2004. In addition, the effective tax rates for both the three- and six-monthnine-month periods of both 2004 and 2003 were impacted by the restructuring charges and the special charges discussed in Notes 54 and 3,2, respectively, which were tax-effected at different (generally higher) rates, depending on the particular tax jurisdictions. There were no other significant changes to the company’s effective income tax rate.

 

In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was enacted. The Act includes numerous provisions, including the creation of a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad. The temporary tax deduction is subject to a number of limitations. Management is analyzing the provisions of the Act and has not yet determined the effects on the company’s plans or its consolidated financial statements.

INCOME AND EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes was ($169)$259 million and $46$275 million (as restated) for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $18$277 million and $261$536 million (as restated) for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Income (loss) from continuing operations per diluted share was ($0.28)$0.42 and $0.08$0.46 in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $0.03$0.45 and $0.43 (as restated)$0.89 for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The significant factors and events causing the declines from 2003 to 2004 are discussed above.

 

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

DiscontinuedDuring 2004, discontinued operations generated a net-of-tax lossincome of $1$17 million and $11$5 million for the three monthsthree- and nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004respectively (net of tax benefits of $24 million and 2003, respectively.$28 million, respectively). The net-of-tax loss fromincome was principally related to tax and other adjustments, as the company completes divestitures. During 2003, discontinued operations generated losses of $5 million and $17 million for the six-month periodthree- and nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, was $12respectively (net of tax benefits of $3 million in both 2004 and 2003.$6 million, respectively). Refer to Note 43 for further discussion of the discontinued operations. Management expects the divestiture plan will be completed duringby the end of 2004.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. A summary of the company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, which are included in the 2003 Annual Report.Form 10-K/A. Certain of the company’s accounting policies are considered critical, as these policies are the most important to the depiction of the company’s financial statements and require significant, difficult or complex judgments by management, often employing the use of estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Such policies are summarized in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the 2003 Annual Report.Form 10-K/A. There have been no

significant changes in the application of the critical accounting policies since December 31, 2003.

 

24


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

CASH FLOWS

 

Cash flows from continuing operations

 

The company reported cash flows from continuing operations of $252$529 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, an increasea decrease of $46$141 million from the prior year. The increasedecrease in cash flows was principally due to increased earnings before non-cash items and improved inventory management, partially offset by lower cash flows relating to accounts receivables, increased payments related to the restructuring programs, and higher contributions to the pension trusts.trusts, and reduced accounts receivables securitization cash flows, partially offset by improved inventory management.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The decrease in cash flows relating to accounts receivable was partiallyprimarily due to $66$87 million in reduced cash flows from the company’s securitization and factoring activities, with $230 million in reduced cash flows from securitization arrangements, as detailed in Note 6. Accounts receivable collections have improved, withpartially offset by $143 million of increased cash flows relating to factoring activities. In addition, days sales outstanding decliningincreased from 63.6 (as restated)62.4 days at JuneSeptember 30, 2003 to 60.563.9 days at JuneSeptember 30, 2004. Management continues to increase its focus on working capital efficiency.

 

Inventories

 

The following is a summary of inventories at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, as well as inventory turns for the first sixnine months of 2004 and 2003, by segment.

 

  Inventories

     Inventory Turns

  Inventories

  Inventory Turns

  

June 30,
2004

 


  

December 31,
2003

(restated)


  

Six months ended

June 30,        

  

September 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


  

Nine months ended

September 30,


(in millions, except inventory turn data)


     

2004

 


  

2003

(restated)


  2004

  2003

               

BioScience

  $1,290  $1,378     1.66  1.25  $1,271  $1,378  1.51  1.39

Medication Delivery

   605  528     3.83  3.71  620  528  3.70  3.64

Renal

   222  198     3.71  3.94  215  198  4.13  3.95
  

  
     
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  $2,117  $2,104     2.61  2.24  $2,106  $2,104  2.48  2.31
  

  
     
  
  
  
  
  

 

Inventory balances increased slightlywere relatively flat from December 31, 2003 to JuneSeptember 30, 2004. The reduction in BioScience inventories principally related to the planned reduction in plasma inventories. Inventory turns are impacted by seasonality and the timing of facility shutdowns for planned maintenance in certain of the company’s businesses, and are generally highest in the fourth quarter of the year, and lower earlier in the year, for these businesses. Inventory turns increased in total and for mostall of the businesses as management continues to focus on working capital efficiency.

 

Liabilities, Including Restructuring Payments and Contributions to the Pension Trusts

 

CashAs noted above, the most significant reasons for the decline in cash flows from continuing operations during the nine-month period were increased payments associated with restructuring programs and increased $53contributions to the company’s pension trusts. Restructuring payments

increased $98 million, in the first half of 2004, as the company continued its 2003 restructuring initiatives and began implementing the 2004 initiatives. The company also contributed $54from $38 million to its$136 million. Contributions to Baxter’s pension trusts during the first six months of 2004, versusincreased $84 million, from $11 million in contributions in the prior year period.to $95 million.

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations

 

Cash flows relating to discontinued operations increased $25$12 million during the first sixnine months of 2004, from a $10$5 million outflow in 2003 to a $15$17 million inflow in 2004, with the increased cash flowflows primarily relating to divestiture proceeds. As discussed in Note 43 and above, the company has divested the majority of the discontinued operations and plans to complete the divestiture plan in 2004.

 

25


Cash flows from investing activities

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures decreased for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 by $129$201 million, from $358$564 million in 2003 to $229$363 million in 2004. As discussed in the 2003 Annual Report,Form 10-K/A, management is reducing its level of investments in capital expenditures in 2004 as certain significant long-term projects are completed.completed and as management more aggressively manages capital spending. Management currently anticipates that the company’s capital expenditures will not exceed $650 million in 2004. Construction in progress also decreased over 10%9% from December 31, 2003 to JuneSeptember 30, 2004, as major projects were completed and the company placed assets into service.

 

Acquisitions and Investments In and Advances to Affiliates

 

Net cash outflows relating to acquisitions and investments in and advances to affiliates decreased by $64$86 million during the first sixnine months of 2004, from $84$106 million in 2003 to $20 million in 2004. The current period included outflows relating to the 2003 acquisition of certain assets of Alpha Therapeutic Corporation, which are included in the BioScience segment. The 2003 outflows included the funding of a $50 million loan to Cerus Corporation, a minority investment holding which(which is included in the BioScience segment. Alsosegment), a $24 million additional purchase price payment relating to the December 2002 acquisition of ESI Lederle (which is included in net cash outflows in 2003 wasthe Medication Delivery segment), an $11 million common stock investment in Acambis, Inc., which was divested later in 2003, and an $11 million payment for an icodextrin manufacturing facility in England which(which is included in the Renal segment.segment).

 

Divestitures and Other

 

Net cash flows relating to divestitures and other totaled $31 million in the first halfnine months of 2004, and principally related to the sale of a building and the return of collateral.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Debt Issuances, Net of Redemptions and Other Payments of Financing Obligations

 

Debt issuances, net of redemptions and other payments of financing obligations, decreased $108 million inwere relatively flat for the first sixnine months of 2004 from $185 million in 2003as compared to $77 million in 2004.the prior year period. Included in the second quarter 2004year-to-date outflows was a $40 million payment to exit one of the company’s cross-currency swap agreements.

 

Other Financing Activities

 

Common stock cash dividends increased in 2004 by $15 million due to a higher level of common shares outstanding. Cash received for stock issued under employee benefit plans increased by $43$48 million principally due to a higher level of stock option exercises and purchases under the company’s employee stock purchase plans. There were no common stock

issuances in 2004. In September 2003, the company issued 22 million shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $644 million. The net proceeds were used to settle equity forward agreements, to fund the company’s acquisition of certain assets of Alpha Therapeutic Corporation, and for other general corporate purposes. Stock repurchases decreased from 2003 to 2004. In the first sixnine months of 2004 the company paid $18 million to repurchase stock from SIPShared Investment Plan participants. Refer to Note 10 and Part II, Item 2(e), Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, of this report9 for further information regarding the SIP and these repurchases.Shared Investment Plan. In the first sixnine months of 2003 the company purchased 3.115 million shares of common stock for $153$714 million from counterparty financial institutions in conjunction with the settlement of equity forward agreements. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further information.

 

CREDIT FACILITIES, ACCESS TO CAPITAL, AND COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for further discussion of the company’s credit facilities, access to capital, and commitments and contingencies.

 

26

Credit facilities


The company had $760$822 million of cash and equivalents at JuneSeptember 30, 2004. The company also maintains two revolving credit facilities, which totaled $1.4$1.44 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2004,2004. One of the facilities totals $640 million and which have funding expiration dates through November 2007.matures in October 2007, and the other facility totals $800 million and matures in September 2009. The facilities enable the company to borrow funds on an unsecured basis at variable interest rates. The company has never drawn on these facilities. Management believes these credit facilities are adequate to support ongoing operational requirements. The credit facilities contain certain covenants, including a maximum net-debt-to-capital ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. At JuneSeptember 30, 2004, as in prior periods, the company was in compliance with all financial covenants. The company’s net-debt-to-capital ratio, as defined below, of 41.8%38.8% at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 was well below the credit facilities’ net-debt-to-capital covenant. Similarly, the company’s actual interest coverage ratio of 7.77.8 to 1 in the secondthird quarter of 2004 was well in excess of the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant. The net-debt-to-capital ratio, which is calculated in accordance with the company’s primary credit agreements, and is not a measure defined by GAAP, is calculated as net debt (short-term and long-term debt and lease obligations, less cash and equivalents) divided by capital (the total of net debt and stockholders’ equity). The net-debt-to-capital ratio at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and the corresponding covenant in the company’s credit agreements give 70% equity credit to the company’s equity units. Refer to the 2003 Annual ReportForm 10-K/A for a description of the equity units, which were issued in December 2002. The minimum interest coverage ratio is a four-quarter rolling calculation of the total of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus interest expense (before interest income), divided by interest expense (before interest income). Baxter also maintains certain other short-term credit arrangements. The above-mentioned financial statement restatement had no impact on the company’s compliance with the financial covenants in its debt agreements.

Access to capital

 

The company intends to fund its short-term and long-term obligations as they mature through cash on hand, future cash flows from operations, by issuing additional debt, or by issuing common stock. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, the company can issue up to $399 million of securities, including debt, common stock and other securities, under an effective registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company’s debt ratings at June 30, 2004 were Baa1 by Moody’s, A- by Standard & Poor’s and A- by Fitch on senior debt, and P2 by Moody’s, A2 by Standard & Poor’s and F2 by Fitch on short-term debt. The outlooks were stable by Moody’s, and negative by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. In July 2004 Standard & Poor’s changed its outlook to negative credit watch. The 2004 downgrades and any future downgrades of Baxter’s credit ratings unfavorably impact the financing costs associated with the company’s credit arrangements and future debt issuances. Certain specified downgrades, if they occur in the future, would also require the company to post additional collateral pursuant to certain of its arrangements. However, any future downgrades would not affect the company’s ability to draw on its credit facilities, and would result in an acceleration of the scheduled maturities of any of the company’s outstanding debt.

The company’s ability to generate cash flows from operations, issue debt, enter into other financing arrangements and attract long-term capital on acceptable terms could be adversely affected in the event there is a material decline in the demand for the company’s products, deterioration in the company’s key financial ratios or credit ratings, or other significantly unfavorable changes in conditions. Management believes it has sufficient financial flexibility in the future to issue debt, enter into other financing arrangements, and attract long-term capital on acceptable terms as may be needed to support the company’s growth objectives.

 

Credit ratings

The company’s credit ratings at September 30, 2004 were Baa1 by Moody’s, A- by Standard & Poor’s and BBB+ by Fitch on senior debt, and P2 by Moody’s, A2 by Standard & Poor’s and F2 by Fitch on short-term debt. The outlooks were negative by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s and stable by Fitch. The company’s credit ratings and outlooks have been downgraded during 2004. Refer to the 2003 Form 10-K/A for a summary of the company’s ratings and outlooks at December 31, 2003.

The rating agency downgrades in 2004 and any future downgrades of Baxter’s credit ratings unfavorably impact the financing costs associated with the company’s credit arrangements and future debt issuances. Management believes that the actual and anticipated impact of the recent downgrades and changes in outlook is not material. Management believes that the impact of reasonably possible future changes in credit ratings or outlook would also not be material.

Any future credit rating downgrades or changes in outlook would not affect the company’s ability to draw on its credit facilities, and would not result in an acceleration of the scheduled maturities of any of the company’s outstanding debt.

Certain specified rating agency downgrades, if they occur in the future, would require the company to post additional collateral pursuant to certain of its arrangements. These arrangements principally pertain to the company’s foreign currency and interest rate derivatives, which Baxter uses for hedging purposes. For risk-management purposes, certain of the company’s counterparty financial institutions require that collateral be posted under specified circumstances. The terms of the arrangements vary, but generally, the level of collateral postings is dependent upon the mark-to-market liability (if any) with the financial institution and the company’s credit ratings. It is not possible to know with certainty what each of these variables will be in the future. However, if Baxter’s credit rating on its senior unsecured debt declined to Baa2 or BBB (i.e., a one-rating or two-rating downgrade, depending upon the rating agency), the amount of collateral that would currently be required (holding the mark-to-market liability balance of outstanding derivative instruments constant) would total less than $100 million.

Net investment hedges

As discussed in the company’s 2003 Form 10-K/A, the company has historically used cross-currency swaps to hedge the net assets of certain of its foreign operations. These swaps have served as effective hedges for accounting purposes and have reduced volatility in the company’s stockholders’ equity balance and net-debt-to-capital ratio (as any increase or decrease in the fair value of the swaps relating to changes in spot currency exchange rates is offset by the change in value of the hedged net assets of the foreign operations relating to changes in spot currency exchange rates).

Because the United States Dollar has weakened relative to the hedged currency, the hedged net assets have increased in value over time, while the cross-currency swaps have decreased in value over time. At September 30, 2004, the company had a liability in its consolidated balance sheet of $956 million relating to these cross-currency swap agreements (before consideration of deferred tax benefits).

Management has reevaluated its net investment hedge strategy and has decided to reduce the use of these instruments as a risk-management tool as the current portfolio matures. At this time, management does not intend to extend the current maturity dates of the instruments. Management intends to settle the swaps that mature in 2005 as they mature, from cash flow from operations. Management anticipates that the remaining swaps will be settled as they mature, or possibly sooner, depending on the level of the company’s future cash flows.

In addition, in order to reduce financial risk and uncertainty through the maturity (or cash settlement) dates of the cross-currency swaps, the company is executing offsetting or mirror cross-currency swaps relating to approximately 50% of the existing portfolio. These mirror swaps will effectively fix the net amount that the company will ultimately pay to settle the cross-currency swap agreements subject to this strategy. The mirror swaps will be settled when the offsetting existing swaps are settled. Of the pre-tax liability of $956 million at September 30, 2004 relating to the cross-currency swaps, the company has fixed $296 million by entering into mirror swaps as of October 31, 2004. The maturity by year of the $956 million cross-currency swaps portfolio, as well as the portion that is fixed via October 2004 executions of mirror swaps, is as follows:

Maturity Date


Swaps Liability
As of September 30, 2004


Portion Fixed by Mirror Swaps
As of October 31, 2004


2005

$338 million$296 million

2007

44 million—  

2008

232 million—  

2009

342 million—  


Total

$956 million$296 million


For the mirrored swaps, the company will no longer realize the favorable interest rate differential between the two currencies, and this will result in increased net interest expense in the future. The amount of increased net interest expense will vary based on floating interest rates and the timing of the company’s settlements. Based on interest rates at September 30, 2004, the increase in net interest expense is estimated to be approximately $15 million on an annual basis.

Legal contingencies

See “Part II – Item 1. Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of the company’s legal contingencies. Upon resolution of any of these uncertainties, the company may incur charges in excess of

27


presently established reserves. While such a future charge could have a material adverse impact on the company’s net income or cash flows in the period in which it is recorded or paid, based on the advise of counsel, management believes that any outcome of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated financial position.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

The matters discussed in this report that are not historical facts include forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company’s current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Some of these risks and uncertainties are factors that affect all international businesses, while some are specific to the company and the health-care arenas in which it operates. Many factors could affect the company’s actual results, causing results to differ, and possibly differ materially, from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, interest rates; technological advances in the medical field; economic conditions; demand and market acceptance risks for new and existing products, technologies and health-care services; the impact of competitive products and pricing; to:

the company’s ability to realize in a timely manner the anticipated benefits from anyof restructuring programs that initiatives;

the company undertakes, effect of economic conditions;

the impact of geographic and/or acquisitions, alliances or other transactions; the geographicproduct mix ofon the company’s sales;

actions of regulatory bodies and other government authorities, including the FDA and foreign counterparts;

unexpected product quality and/or patient safety concerns, leading to product recalls, withdrawals, launch delays or declining sales;

product development risks;

interest rates;

technological advances in the medical field;

demand for and market acceptance risks for new and existing products, such as ADVATE, and other technologies;

the impact of competitive products and pricing, including generic competition, drug reimportation and disruptive technologies;

inventory reductions or fluctuations in buying patterns by wholesalers or distributors;

foreign currency exchange rates;

the availability of acceptable raw materials and component supply;

global regulatory, trade and tax policies;

regulatory, legal or other developments relating to the company’s A, AF and AX series dialyzers;

the ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable cost; continued price competition; product development risks, including technological difficulties;

ability to enforce patents;

patents of third parties preventing or restricting the company’s manufacture, sale or use of affected products or technology; actions of regulatory bodies and other government authorities;

reimbursement policies of government agencies and private payers; commercialization factors;

internal and external factors that could impact commercialization;

results of product testing; unexpected quality or safety concerns, whether or not justified, leading to product launch delays, recalls, withdrawals, or declining sales; and

other factors described elsewhere in this report or in the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additionally, as discussed in Part II – Item 1. Legal Proceedings, upon the resolution of certain legal matters, the company may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Any such charge could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which it is recorded.

 

Currency fluctuations are also a significant variable for global companies, especially fluctuations in local currencies where hedging opportunities are not economic or not available. If the United States Dollar strengthens significantly against foreign currencies, the company’s ability to

realize projected growth rates in its sales and net earnings outside the United States could be negatively impacted.

 

Management believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of the company’s business and operations, but there can be no assurance that the actual results or performance of the company will conform to any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, changed assumptions or otherwise, and all forward-looking statements speak only as of the time when made.

28


Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Currency Risk

 

For a more complete discussion, refer to the caption “Financial Instrument Market Risk” in the company’s 2003 Annual Report.Form 10-K/A. As part of its risk-management program, the company performs sensitivity analyses to assess potential changes in the fair value of its foreign exchange financial instruments relating to hypothetical and reasonably possible near-term movements in currency exchange rates.

 

A sensitivity analysis of changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward and option contracts outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2004, while not predictive in nature, indicated that if the United States Dollar uniformly fluctuated unfavorably by 10% against all currencies, the net liability balance (net of tax) of $66$54 million with respect to those contracts would increase by approximately $121$85 million.

 

With respect to the company’s cross-currency swap agreements, used to hedge the net assets of certain consolidated foreign affiliates, if the United States Dollar uniformly weakenedfluctuated unfavorably by 10%, the net liability balance (net of tax) of $608$597 million with respect to those contracts would increase by approximately $255$265 million. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of cross-currency swap agreements relating to changes in spot currency exchange rates is completely offset by the change in the value of the designated hedged net assets. DuringRefer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Form 10-Q for further discussion of the second quarter of 2004, the company exited one of itscompany’s cross-currency swap agreements and made a payment of $40 million. At June 30, 2004 approximately 75% of the net investment hedges have contractual maturity dates beyond one year in the future (with over 80% of these long-term contracts having maturity dates in 2007 and beyond).agreements.

 

The sensitivity analysis model calculates the fair value of the foreign currency forward, option and swap contracts outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 by replacing the actual exchange rates at JuneSeptember 30, 2004 with exchange rates that are 10% unfavorable to the actual exchange rates for each applicable currency. All other factors are held constant. These sensitivity analyses disregard the possibility that currency exchange rates can move in opposite directions and that gains from one currency may or may not be offset by losses from another currency. The analyses also disregard the offsetting change in value of the underlying hedged transactions and balances.

 

Interest rate and other risks

 

For a complete discussion, refer to the caption “Financial Instrument Market Risk” in the company’s 2003 Annual Report.Form 10-K/A. There have been no significant changes from the information discussed therein.

29


Item 4.Controls and Procedures.Procedures

 

The company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s Disclosure Committee and the company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report. The company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that except as noted below, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them in a timely fashion to material information relating to Baxter required to be included in the reports that the company files under the Exchange Act.effective.

 

TheThere has been no change in Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting, except for the aggregate effect of the changes to internal controls discussed below.

As previously reported, the company has restated its previously issued financial results for the years 2001 through 2003, and for the first quarter of 2004. This restatement was primarily the result of the inappropriate application of accounting principles for revenue recognition and inadequate provisions for bad debts in Brazil during this period. Senior management became aware of these issues in 2004 through the reporting procedures established under Baxter’s Global Business Practice Standards. Upon becoming aware of the issues in Brazil, senior management, with the assistance of the company’s internal audit team, conducted a preliminary investigation. This preliminary investigation was followed by a more comprehensive investigation by the Audit Committee of Baxter’s Board of Directors, with the assistance of independent legal counsel and forensic and other accountants. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding this restatement.

 

The investigations described above identifiedManagement previously concluded that the following which collectively constitute a material weaknessweaknesses in the company’s internal control over financial reporting:reporting collectively constituted a material weakness:

 

an ineffective control environment maintained by senior management in Brazil, including intentional overrides by senior management in Brazil of internal controls;

 

inadequate revenue recognition controls in Brazil;

 

inadequate controls in Brazil to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles for loss contingencies, including bad debts; and

 

ineffective financial review by management responsible for the Intercontinental region, which includes Latin America.

 

As a result, twoDuring the third quarter of 2004, the company took several actions that it believes has remediated this material weakness. These actions include:

Terminated four members of senior management in the company’s Brazilian operations have been terminated. In addition,and replaced the Vice President, Finance responsible for the Intercontinental region has been replaced.In July 2004, the company beganregion;

Completed monthly detailed internal audits of the company’s Brazilian operations, including on-site reviews of accounting policies and practicesbeginning in July 2004, with accounting personnel and management in Brazil. In addition,an emphasis on the company is in the process of implementing the following actions to improve its internal control over financial reporting:

a comprehensive review of internal control over financial reporting in Brazil, including additional remediation as necessary;

30


implementation of new controls in Brazil relatingareas that gave rise to the recording of revenues and loss contingencies, including improved documentation requirements;inaccurate financial reporting;

 

Completed additional training for finance, accounting and sales personnel in Brazil on appropriate accounting for revenue recognition;

Completed additional training for finance and accounting personnel in Brazil on accounting and reporting policies, including those relating to accounting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 “Accounting for Contingencies” and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99 “Materiality;”

 

Completed enhanced training for employees in Brazil regarding Baxter’s Global Business Practice Standards, including obligations to maintain accurate books and records and to report wrongdoing promptly;

 

Implemented enhanced financial review procedures at the Intercontinental region level; andlevel, including quarterly financial reviews for each significant country;

 

Initiated a recruiting process for hiring a director of internal control for the Intercontinental region;

Implemented improved procedures and additional training for reporting legal contingencies and establishing appropriate legal reserves.reserves, and commenced training on these procedures;

 

The changes

Engaged a prominent independent public accounting firm (other than PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) to perform a comprehensive review of internal control over financial reporting described above were implementedin Brazil, which began in the third quarter of 2004 or are2004;

Began implementing new controls in Brazil relating to the processrecording of being implemented. There has been no changerevenues and loss contingencies, including new revenue recognition procedures with enhanced documentation requirements, monitoring of inventory levels at distributors and specific tracking of equipment installation; and

Implemented new procedures in Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting.

Brazil for determining bad debt reserve requirements.

 

31The Company intends to continue its remediation efforts throughout the fourth quarter of 2004.


Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Reviews of the interim condensed consolidated financial information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003 have been performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report on the interim condensed consolidated financial information follows. This report is not considered a report within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore, the independent accountants’ liability under Section 11 does not extend to it.

32


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Baxter International Inc.:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Baxter International Inc. and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 and 2003. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 20, 2004, except for Note 1A which is as of August 9, 2004, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

As described in Note 2, the Company has restated its previously issued consolidated financial statements.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

August 9,November 4, 2004

33


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Baxter International Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings.Proceedings

 

Baxter International Inc. (Baxter International) and certain of its subsidiaries are named as defendants in a number of lawsuits, claims and proceedings, including product liability claims involving products now or formerly manufactured or sold by the company or by companies that were acquired by the company.proceedings. The most significant of these are reported in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2003 and below, and material developments for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004 are described below. These cases and claims raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each particular case and claim, the jurisdiction in which each suit is brought, and differences in applicable law. Baxter has established reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for certain of the matters discussed below. For these matters, there is a possibility that resolution of the matters could result in an additional loss in excess of presently established reserves. Also, there is a possibility that resolution of certain of the company’s legal contingencies for which there is no reserve could result in a loss. Management is not able to estimate the amount of such loss or additional loss (or range of loss or additional loss). However, management believes that, while such a future charge could have a material adverse impact on the company’s net income and net cash flows in the period in which it is recorded or paid, no such charge would have a material adverse effect on Baxter’s consolidated financial position.

 

Mammary Implant Litigation

 

As previously reported in the company’s Annual Report on2003 Form 10-K,10-K/A, Baxter International, together with certain of its subsidiaries, is currently a defendant in various courts in a number of lawsuits seeking damages for injuries of various types allegedly caused by silicone mammary implants previously manufactured by the Heyer-Schulte division of American Hospital Supply Corporation (AHSC). AHSC, which was acquired by Baxter in 1985, divested its Heyer-Schulte division in 1984. It is not known how many of these claims and lawsuits involve products manufactured and sold by Heyer-Schulte, as opposed to other manufacturers. In December 1998, a panel of independent medical experts appointed by a federal judge announced its findings that reported medical studies contained no clear evidence of a connection between silicone mammary implants and traditional or atypical systemic diseases. In June 1999, a similar conclusion was announced by a committee of independent medical experts from the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, Baxter International, together with certain of its subsidiaries, was named as a defendant or co-defendant in 7671 lawsuits relating to mammary implants, brought by approximately 159 plaintiffs, of which 129 are implant plaintiffs and the remainder are consortium or second generation plaintiffs. Of those plaintiffs, eleven currently are included in the Lindsey class action Revised Settlement described below, which accounts for approximately ten of the pending lawsuits against the company. Additionally, 61 plaintiffs have opted out of the Revised Settlement (representing approximately 48 pending lawsuits), and the status of the remaining plaintiffs with pending lawsuits is unknown. Some of the opt-out plaintiffs filed their cases naming multiple defendants and without product identification; thus, not all of the opt-out plaintiffs will have viable claims against the company. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, 31 of the opt-out plaintiffs had confirmed Heyer-Schulte mammary implant product identification. Furthermore,

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Furthermore, during the secondthird quarter of 2004, Baxter obtained dismissals, or agreements for dismissals, with respect to 27 plaintiffs.one plaintiff.

 

In addition to the individual suits against the company, a class action on behalf of all women with silicone mammary implants was filed on March 23, 1994 and is pending in the United States District Court (U.S.D.C.) for the Northern District of Alabama involving most manufacturers of such implants, including Baxter as successor to AHSC (Lindsey, et al., v. Dow Corning, et al.,U.S.D.C., N. Dist. Ala., CV 94-P-11558-S). The class action was certified for settlement purposes only by the court on September 1, 1994, and the settlement terms were subsequently revised and approved on December 22, 1995 (the Revised Settlement). All appeals directly challenging the Revised Settlement have been dismissed. In addition to the Lindsey class action, the company also has been named in three other purported class actions in various state and provincial courts, only one of which is certified.

 

On March 31, 2000, the United States Department of Justice filed an action in the federal district court in Birmingham, Alabama against Baxter and other manufacturers of breast implants, as well as the escrow agent for the revised settlement fund, seeking reimbursement under various federal statutes for medical care provided to various women with mammary implants. On September 26, 2001 the district court granted the motion of all defendants, including Baxter, to dismiss the action. The federal government appealed the dismissal and on September 15, 2003 the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the order of dismissal and remanded the case to the district court. The defendants, including Baxter, filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court, which petition was denied in June 2004. In October 2004, the district court approved a settlement between all defendants, including Baxter, and the Department of Justice.

 

Plasma-Based Therapies Litigation

 

As previously reported in the company’s Annual Report on2003 Form 10-K,10-K/A, Baxter currently is a defendant in a number of claims and lawsuits brought by individuals who have hemophilia, all seeking damages for injuries allegedly caused by anti-hemophilic factor concentrates VIII or IX derived from human blood plasma (factor concentrates) processed by the company from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. The typical case or claim alleges that the individual was infected with the HIV virus by factor concentrates, which contained the HIV virus. None of these cases involves factor concentrates currently processed by the company.

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, Baxter was named as a defendant in 2425 lawsuits and 140has received notice of 149 claims in the United States, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan and France.Spain. The U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois has approved a settlement of U.S. federal court factor concentrate cases. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, approximately 6,246 claimant groups had been found eligible to participate in the settlement. Approximately 6,2436,244 of the claimant groups had received payments as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004. In addition, the company and other manufacturers have been named as defendants in two purported class actions pending in the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of claimants, who are primarily non-U.S. residents, seeking unspecified damages for HIV and/or Hepatitis C infections.

 

In addition, Immuno International AG (Immuno), acquired by Baxter in 1996, has unsettled claims for damages for injuries allegedly caused by its plasma-based therapies. The typical claim alleges that the individual with hemophilia was infected with HIV and/or Hepatitis C by factor concentrates. Additionally, Immuno faces multiple claims stemming from its vaccines and other biologically derived therapies. A portion of the liability and defense costs related to these

claims will be covered by insurance, subject to exclusions, conditions, policy limits and other factors. Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement between the company and Immuno, as

35


revised in April 1999, approximately 26 million Swiss Francs, which is the equivalent of approximately $20 million based on the exchange rate as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, of the purchase price is being withheld to cover these contingent liabilities.

 

As previously reported in the company’s Annual Report on2003 Form 10-K,10-K/A, Baxter is currently a defendantnamed in a number of claims and lawsuits brought by individuals who infused the company’s Gammagard IVIG (intravenous immuno-globulin), all of whom are seeking damages for Hepatitis C infections allegedly caused by infusing Gammagard IVIG. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, Baxter was a defendant in nineten lawsuits and has received notice of five claims in the United States, France, Denmark, Italy, Germany and Spain. One class action in the United States has been certified. In September 2000, the U.S.D.C. for the Central District of California approved a settlement of the class action that would provide financial compensation for U.S. individuals who used Gammagard IVIG between January 1993 and February 1994.

 

Other

 

In July 2003, Baxter International received a request from the Midwest Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the voluntary production of documents and information concerning revisions to the company’s growth and earnings forecasts for 2003. The company has also been requested to voluntarily provide information as to the events in connection with the restatement of its financial statements, previously announced on July 22, 2004. The company is cooperating fully with the SEC.

 

In August 2002, six purported class action lawsuits were filed in the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois naming Baxter International and its then Chief Executive Officer and then Chief Financial Officer as defendants. These lawsuits, which were consolidated and sought recovery of unspecified damages, alleged that the defendants violated the federal securities laws by making misleading statements that allegedly caused Baxter International common stock to trade at inflated levels. In December 2002, plaintiffs filed their consolidated amended class action complaint which named nine additional Baxter officers as defendants. In July 2003, the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed in its entirety the consolidated amended class action complaint. In July 2004, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the order of dismissal and remanded the case to the District Court. In September 2004, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals denied motions by Baxter for rehearing, rehearing en banc and to stay the order to remand the case pending a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

In July 2004, a purported class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois, in connection with the previously disclosed restatement, naming Baxter International and its current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and their predecessors as defendants. The lawsuit, which seeks recovery of unspecified damages, alleges that the defendants violated the federal securities laws by making false and misleading statements regarding the company’s financial results, which allegedly caused Baxter International common stock to trade at inflated levels during the period between April 2001 and July 2004. Three similar purported class action lawsuits were filed in the third quarter of 2004 in the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois against the same defendants. These cases are in the process of being consolidated before a single judge.

In October 2004, a sole plaintiff filed a purported class action in the U.S.D.C. for the Northern District of Illinois against Baxter International and its current Chief Executive Officer and Chief

Financial Officer and their predecessors for alleged violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Plaintiff alleges that these defendants, along with the Administrative and Investment Committees of the company’s Incentive Investment Plan and Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan, which are the company’s 401(k) plans, breached their fiduciary duties to the plans’ participants by offering Baxter International common stock as an investment option in each of these plans during the period of January 2001 to October 2004. Plaintiff alleges that Baxter International common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during this period and seeks unspecified damages and declaratory and equitable relief.

In August and September 2004, three plaintiffs filed separate derivative lawsuits in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois against the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and certain other current and former officers and directors of the company. These actions, which plaintiffs purport to bring on the company’s behalf, seek unspecified damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty in connection with the company’s disclosures of its financial results between April 2001 and July 2004.

In October 2004, a solitary plaintiff filed a purported class action against Baxter International in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois alleging a breach of federal securities law through Baxter International’s secondary offering of common stock in September 2003. The plaintiff alleges that the offering price of these shares was artificially inflated by virtue of the financial statements that the company filed prior to and concurrent with the offering, which the company later amended in connection with the restatement, and seeks unspecified damages.

The company believes that it may be subject to additional class action litigation and regulatory proceedings in connection with the events preceding the restatement.restatement announced in the third quarter of 2004.

 

Baxter International and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in one civil lawsuit seeking unspecified damages on behalf of a person who allegedly was injured as a result of exposure to Baxter’s Althane series dialyzers, as well as a separate civil lawsuit seeking unspecified damages brought by the former distributor of Althane series dialyzers in Croatia. The company has reached settlements with a number of the families of patients who died in Spain, Sweden, Croatia and the United States after undergoing hemodialysis on Baxter Althane series dialyzers. The U.S. Government is investigating the matter and Baxter has received a subpoena to provide documents. Other lawsuits and claims may be filed in the United States and elsewhere.

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, Baxter International and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants, along with others, in seventeen lawsuits brought in various state and U.S. federal

36


courts which allege that Baxter and other defendants reported artificially inflated average wholesale prices for Medicare and Medicaid eligible drugs. These cases have been brought by private parties on behalf of various purported classes of purchasers of Medicare and Medicaid eligible drugs, as well as by state attorneys general. As further explained below, all but five of these cases have been consolidated and are currently pending in the U.S.D.C. for the District of Massachusetts for pretrial case management under Multi District Litigation rules. Claimants seek unspecified damages and declaratory and injunctive relief under various state and/or federal statutes. In May 2003, the U.S.D.C. for the District of Massachusetts granted in part defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. Plaintiffs filed an amended master consolidated class action complaint and the defendants, including Baxter, moved to dismiss the complaint. In February 2004, the court granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss. The lawsuits against Baxter include five lawsuits brought by

state attorneys general, which allege that prices for Medicare and Medicaid eligible drugs were artificially inflated and seek unspecified damages, injunctive relief, civil penalties, disgorgement, forfeiture and restitution. Specifically, in January 2002, the Attorney General of Nevada filed a civil suit in the Second Judicial District Court of Washoe County, Nevada. In February 2002, the Attorney General of Montana filed a civil suit in the First Judicial District Court of Lewis and Clark County, Montana. In June 2003, the U.S.D.C. for the District of Massachusetts remanded the Nevada case to Washoe County, Nevada and denied plaintiffs’ motion to remand the Montana case. In January 2004, the District Court remanded another case filed in state court to the Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona. In March 2004, the Attorney General of Pennsylvania filed a civil suit in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. In May 2004, the Attorney General of Texas filed a civil suit in the District Court of Travis County, Texas. In June 2004, the Attorney General of Wisconsin filed a civil suit in the Circuit Court of Dane County, Wisconsin. Various state and federal agencies are conducting civil investigations into the marketing and pricing practices of Baxter and others with respect to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, Baxter International and certain of its subsidiaries have been served as defendants, along with others, in 151142 lawsuits filed in various state and U.S. federal courts, one of which is a purported class action, seeking damages, injunctive relief and medical monitoring for claimants alleged to have contracted autism or other attention deficit disorders as a result of exposure to vaccines for childhood diseases containing Thimerosal. These vaccines were formerly manufactured and sold by North American Vaccine, Inc., which was acquired by Baxter in June 2000, as well as others. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, fourseven suits have been dismissed based on the application of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act.Act, five of which are pending on appeal. Additional Thimerosal cases may be filed in the future against Baxter and companies that marketed Thimerosal-containing products.

 

As of September 30, 1996, the date of the spin-off of Allegiance Corporation (Allegiance) from Baxter, Allegiance assumed the defense of litigation involving claims related to Allegiance’s businesses, including certain claims of alleged personal injuries as a result of exposure to natural rubber latex gloves. Allegiance has not been named in most of this litigation but will be defending and indemnifying Baxter pursuant to certain contractual obligations for all expenses and potential liabilities associated with claims pertaining to latex gloves. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2004, the company was named as a defendant in 3730 lawsuits.

 

37


In addition to the cases discussed above, Baxter is a defendant in a number of other claims, investigations and lawsuits. Based on the advice of counsel, management does not believe that, individually or in the aggregate, these other claims, investigations and lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations, cash flows or consolidated financial position.

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Item 2(e).Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The following table includes information about the company’s common stock repurchases during the second quarter of 2004.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period


  Total
Number Of
Shares
Purchased (1)


  Average
Price
Paid per
Share(1)


  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program


  

Approximate
Dollar

Value of Shares

That May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the
Program(2)


April 1, 2004 through April 30, 2004

  197,400  $31.57  —      

May 1, 2004 through May 31, 2004

  —     —    —      

June 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004

  —     —    —      
   
  

  
  

Total

  197,400  $31.57  —    $243,000,000
   
  

  
  

(1)There were no share repurchases during the quarter pursuant to the company’s publicly announced repurchase program (see Note 2 below). The shares were repurchased from Shared Investment Plan participants in private transactions, and the price paid per share reported above includes settlements of the company’s risk-sharing obligation, totaling $49,000 in the aggregate. Refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Shared Investment Plan.

(2)In October 2002 the board of directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $500 million of its stock on the open market, of which $257 million (5,114,570 shares) has been repurchased to date. This program was announced in the company’s third quarter 2002 Form 10-Q, which was filed on November 12, 2002. As of June 30, 2004, $243 million has not yet been repurchased. The program does not have an expiration date.

39


Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The company’s annual meeting of stockholders was held on May 4, 2004, for the purpose of electing directors, ratifying the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors and voting on the stockholder proposal listed below. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and there was no solicitation in opposition to management’s solicitation. Each of management’s nominees for directors, as listed in the proxy statement, was elected with the number of votes set forth below.

NAME


  IN FAVOR

    ABSTAINED/WITHHELD

John D. Forsyth

  516,750,979      7,662,109

Gail D. Fosler

  467,978,764    56,434,324

Carole J. Uhrich

  516,682,633      7,730,455

The results of the other matters voted upon at the annual meeting are as follows:

PROPOSAL


  IN FAVOR

  AGAINST

  ABSTAINED

  BROKER
NON-VOTES


The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the company in 2004 was approved.

  453,402,622  67,887,366  3,123,100  -0-

The stockholder proposal relating to cumulative voting in the election of directors was not approved.

  146,921,137  240,275,662  58,019,559  79,196,730

40


Item 6.Exhibits and Reports of Form 8-K.

 

    (a)Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index hereto.

Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index hereto.

(b)Reports on Form 8-K

On June 21, 2004, Baxter International furnished a current report on Form 8-K under Item 9, “Regulation FD Disclosure,” attaching a press release announcing the election of John Greisch as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company.

On April 22, 2004, Baxter International furnished a current report on Form 8-K under Item 12, “Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” attaching a press release reporting financial results for the first quarter of 2004 and providing an update on restructuring measures.

On April 19, 2004, Baxter International filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5, “Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure,” attaching a press release announcing the election of Robert L. Parkinson, Jr. as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective April 26, 2004.

41


Signature

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

��

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

    

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Registrant)

Date: August 6,November 4, 2004

   

By:

 /s/    JOHN J. GREISCH        
        John J. Greisch
        

SeniorCorporate Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Chief Accounting Officer)

42


EXHIBITS FILED WITH SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONEXHIBIT INDEX

 

Number

  

Description of Exhibit


10.31AAmendment No. 1 to Baxter International Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan
10.36   10.39  Separation Agreement with Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr.Brian Anderson dated June 30,August 2, 2004
10.40Form of Stock Option Plan Terms and Conditions
15       Letter Re Unaudited Interim Financial Information
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuantpursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 20021934
31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuantpursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 20021934
32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

 

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