Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities


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þDefinitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12§240.14a-12

CARDINAL HEALTH, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Itsin its Charter)

N/A

(NamesName of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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Letter to Cardinal Health Shareholders

1




Table of Contents

coverpicture14a03.jpg

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held November 8, 2017

3


Proxy Summary

4

About Us

4

Fiscal 2020 Highlights

4

Response to COVID-19

5

Governance and Board Highlights

5

Our 2020 Board Nominees

6

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

7

Virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders

8

Roadmap to Voting Matters

8

How to Vote in Advance of the Annual Meeting

8

Corporate Governance

9

9

Board Membership Criteria: What we look for

9

Our Director Nominees

9

Our Board’s Composition and Structure

17

Our Board’s Primary Role and Responsibilities and Processes

21

Shareholder Engagement

25

Director Compensation

26

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2020

27

Related Person Transactions Policy and Process

27

Audit Committee Matters

28

28

Audit Committee Report

28

Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP

29

Policy on Pre-Approval of Services Provided by Ernst & Young LLP

29

Executive Compensation

30

30

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

31

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report

39

Executive Compensation Tables

40

Pay Ratio Disclosure

50

Equity Compensation Plan Information

51

Amendment to Restated Code of Regulations

52

52

Shareholder Proposals

53

53

54

Share Ownership Information

56

Beneficial Ownership

56

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

57

Other Matters

58

General Information About the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

58

Communicating with the Board

60

Shareholder Recommendations for Director Nominees

60

Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting of Shareholders

60

Corporate Governance Documents

61

Transfer Agent

61

62


Back to Contents

Letter to Cardinal Health Shareholders

Gregory B. Kenny

Chairman of the Board

September [     ], 2020


Overthepastyear,itismoreapparentthaneverthatCardinalHealthplaysacriticalroleinthehealthcaresupplychain.I,alongwiththerestoftheCardinalHealthBoardofDirectors,havebeenactivelyengagedaswenavigatetheseunprecedentedtimes,andweremainfocusedonbothstronggovernanceandlong-termvaluecreation.IwillsharetheBoard’sperspectiveontheyearandtheinitiativesunderwaytocreatevaluenowandinthefuture.

Our Fiscal 2020 Performance

In fiscal 2020, the company grew non-GAAP operating earnings and exceeded our non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance range. We also surpassed our enterprise cost savings target and furthered initiatives that will optimize our operations, drive sustained savings, and enable value creation for years to come. At the same time, we increased investments and partnerships in our Specialty pharmaceutical and Cardinal Health at-Home businesses, among other areas.

Additionally, the Board continued to evaluate the company’s portfolio and take a balanced and disciplined capital approach that prioritizes reinvesting in the business, maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning cash to shareholders through dividends. In fiscal 2020, we paid down $1.4 billion of debt, increased the dividend by 1%, and sold the remainder of our equity interest in naviHealth.

Our COVID-19 Response

As the global pandemic continues to unfold, we continue to be fully dedicated to the health and safety of our employees so we can fulfill our mission of delivering critical products and solutions to frontline healthcare workers around the world. We have implemented additional safety and cleaning measures in all locations, and we have maintained operations in all our distribution facilities, nuclear pharmacies, and global manufacturing plants. The Board, as well as the management team, are humbled by the efforts of our employees. We provided additional compensation to our frontline teams to demonstrate our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our customers and to public health.

As the company responded to the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Board also transitioned to a remote work model. We are holding virtual Board meetings and this year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be virtual as well.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Kaufmann, and our management team remain deeply committed to fostering a culture where every employee brings 100% of themselves to work every day and this includes actively facilitating conversations regarding diversity and inclusion. In the fall of 2019, management began these discussions through an all employee meeting focused specifically on this topic, and in the winter, the team organized a group tour of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. Upon their return, Mike shared his reflections on this deeply moving experience in a message to all employees.

Following this experience, and in the aftermath of events in the U.S. throughout this spring and summer, the management team has elevated attention to racial equity and social injustice. In May, they engaged 400 vice presidents and above across the company in a frank discussion on this topic and encouraged these leaders to do the same with their teams. Mike also formed a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Council of senior leaders throughout the company to identify and discuss diversity and inclusion barriers, opportunities, and successes.

Corporate culture has been, and remains, important to the Board. To further reinforce this commitment, we embedded culture and diversity and inclusion metrics in the company’s incentive plan goals for fiscal 2020, and we are following the progress of these initiatives with regular management reports and a scorecard. The scorecard included the most recent employee engagement survey results, which showed significant improvements.

Our Board Membership

In addition, the Board itself cultivates a culture of open, direct, and respectful dialogue among our members, who bring an array of skills, backgrounds, and expertise. Mike supports this culture with his open and direct engagement, including executive sessions at the beginning and end of each Board meeting. Over the years, our Board evaluation process, which includes individual director evaluations, has made important contributions to Board culture and this year, to continuously evolve this process, we used a new facilitator to gain additional insights regarding our strengths and improvement opportunities.

We also continue to evolve this culture as we refresh our Board membership. This year, we added two new directors to further diversify our expertise and perspectives. Our most recent addition was Sheri Edison, who joins with extensive global experience both as a senior legal executive in the medical device and global packaging industries and as a board member for large for-profit and non-profit organizations. Earlier this summer, we also welcomed Dave Evans, who served as Chief Financial Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro for many years and brings decades of financial experience.

In addition, Colleen Arnold is leaving the Board after years of valuable service. On behalf of the full Board, I would like to thank her for her many contributions, including her leadership regarding the company’s strategic use of information and technology, and we wish her well.

These changes will bring the total number of directors to 13, 12 of whom are independent.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    1


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Our Ongoing Response to the Opioid Epidemic

I will briefly address our ongoing work regarding the opioid epidemic. The Board and the company continue to recognize the significant challenges that opioid misuse presents to our society, and the company remains vigilant in our work to detect and deter diversion of controlled substances. The Board and our Ad Hoc Committee on opioids is active in overseeing the company’s anti-diversion work as well as the company’s efforts to defend and resolve opioid litigation.

Last October, the company agreed in principle to a global settlement framework with a group of state attorneys general that aims to resolve all pending and future opioid lawsuits by states and political subdivisions. This settlement framework would deliver important resources to the communities that need them most. The company, with oversight of our Ad Hoc Committee and the Board, continues to be active in settlement discussions.

Looking Forward

In fiscal 2020, we demonstrated our adaptability in the face of unprecedented change. Going forward, our engaged Board, our strong management team, and our dedicated employees are well-positioned to build upon our operational momentum. On behalf of our Board, I thank you for your share ownership and for your continued support of the company. Together, we will enable Cardinal Health to perform our essential role in healthcare now and into the future.

Sincerely,

GregoryB.Kenny
ChairmanoftheBoard

www.cardinalhealth.com

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    2


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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Due to the public health impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and to support the health and well-being of our employees and shareholders, this year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”) will be conducted exclusively online without an option for physical attendance. You will be able to participate in the virtual meeting online, vote your shares electronically, and submit questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020.

Date

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Time

10:00 a.m. Eastern Time

Date and time:

VirtualMeeting

Wednesday, November 8, 2017,

This year’s meeting is a virtual shareholder meeting at 8:00 a.m., local timewww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020.

Location:

RecordDate

Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017

September 8, 2020. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.

Purpose:

ProxyVoting

(1)

To elect

Makeyourvotecount. Please vote your shares promptly to ensure the 11presence of a quorum during the Annual Meeting. Voting your shares now via the Internet, by telephone, or by signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form will save the expense of additional solicitation. If you wish to vote by mail, we have enclosed an addressed envelope with postage prepaid if mailed in the United States. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares during the Annual Meeting, as your proxy is revocable at your option. We are requesting your vote to:

Items of Business

(1)

Elect the 13 director nominees named in the proxy statement;


(2)

Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021;


(3)

Approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers;


(4)

Approve an amendment to our Restated Code of Regulations to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders;


(5)

Vote on two shareholder proposals described in the accompanying proxy statement, if properly presented at the meeting; and


(6)

Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement.

MeetingDetails

See “Proxy Summary” and “Other Matters” for details.

ImportantnoticeregardingtheavailabilityofproxymaterialsfortheAnnualMeetingtobeheldonNovember4,2020: The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the accompanying proxy statement and our 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.proxyvote.com. These proxy materials are first being sent or made available to shareholders commencing on September [     ], 2020.

By Order of the Board of Directors.

John M. Adams, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary
September [     ], 2020

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    3


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Proxy Summary

This summary highlights certain information contained elsewhere in our proxy statement. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider, and you should carefully read the entire proxy statement and our 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders before voting. References to our fiscal years in the proxy statement mean the fiscal year ended or ending on June 30 of such year. For example, “fiscal 2020” refers to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

About Us

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, we are a global integrated healthcare services and products company providing customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices and patients in the home. We distribute pharmaceuticals and medical products and provide cost-effective solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency. We connect patients, providers, payers, pharmacists and manufacturers for integrated care coordination and better patient management. We manage our business and report our financial results in two segments: Pharmaceutical and Medical.

Fiscal 2020 Highlights

During fiscal 2020, we grew non-GAAP operating earnings, exceeded our non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) guidance range, surpassed our enterprise cost savings target, and strengthened our balance sheet, all while continuing to execute on our long-term strategic priorities in a rapidly changing environment.

We achieved fiscal 2020 results as we adapted our operations to address the unique challenges presented by COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, we continued to maintain operations in all our distribution facilities, nuclear pharmacies and global manufacturing plants and successfully transitioned our office employees to a remote work model. Through all of this, our focus remained on delivering critical products and services to our customers, while protecting the health and safety of our employees.

Fiscal 2020 highlights include:

Revenue was $152.9 billion, up 5% from the prior year.

GAAP operating loss was $(4.1) billion due to an opioid litigation charge and non-GAAP operating earnings were $2.4 billion, a 1% increase over the prior year. Non-GAAP operating earnings grew despite an estimated net negative impact of approximately $100 million from COVID-19.

We returned over $900 million to shareholders in dividends ($569 million) and share repurchases ($350 million) and repaid $1.4 billion of long-term debt.

Our Pharmaceutical segment’s performance exceeded our expectations. Revenue grew 6% to $137.5 billion. Segment profit decreased 4% to $1.8 billion, reflecting the expected adverse impact of Pharmaceutical Distribution customer contract renewals.

Our Medical segment’s revenue decreased 1% percent to $15.4 billion due to the adverse impact from COVID-19. Segment profit increased 15% to $663 million largely due to cost savings and the favorable year-over-year impact of a supplier charge taken last year, partially offset by the negative impact of COVID-19.

We surpassed our enterprise cost savings target, with significant savings contributions from the Medical segment’s global manufacturing and supply chain organization.

We completed the divestiture of our successful investment in naviHealth.

We agreed in principle to a global settlement framework designed to resolve all opioid lawsuits and claims by states and political subdivisions and continue to work with state attorneys general and representatives of political subdivisions to achieve a global settlement.

Our generic pharmaceuticals program performed better than expected with a slight favorable impact on Pharmaceutical segment profit after several years of a negative impact.

We launched “Our Path Forward” outlining the plans and initiatives underway to advance our corporate culture objectives. We added new culture goals to our annual cash incentive and performance share unit (“PSU”) programs.

See Annex A for reconciliations to the comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the reasons why we use non-GAAP financial measures.

www.cardinalhealth.com

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    4


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Response to COVID-19

As a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory supplies and a distributor of pharmaceutical products, we are an essential and critical link in the healthcare supply chain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission has been more important than ever as we have worked to quickly get critical medicines and medical supplies into the hands of our healthcare provider customers who need them.

Given the unprecedented surge in demand for certain personal protective equipment (“PPE”), supporting delivery of these critical products has been a priority, and we continue to work to address the increased demand. In furtherance of this goal, we worked with U.S. and foreign trade authorities to speed shipments of product, we acquired additional equipment to expand our own production of PPE, and we evaluated additional suppliers to expand and diversify critical product options.

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and their families throughout this pandemic has been vital. Because we are part of a critical infrastructure industry, our employees have continued their important work in our distribution centers, manufacturing sites, pharmacies and other clinical sites. Their efforts have been essential to the healthcare system.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the safety of our critical frontline employees, all facilities are thoroughly cleaned regularly, and we have implemented worksite hygiene practices in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization guidelines. And to recognize the important contributions made by our frontline employees, we provided them additional compensation.

All employees who have been able to work remotely have been working from home. We expanded our technology infrastructure to help our employees around the globe perform their duties and continue to support customers, patients and our frontline associates. We also put policies in place to allow employees who are sick with or who have been exposed to COVID-19 to take time off without impacting their paid-time-off days.

Our Board of Directors (“Board”) has been highly engaged with management about the impact of COVID-19 and the company’s response and plans. The Board has held regular informational calls with management about COVID-19, covering employees and operations, financial impact, product supply, media engagement, and related legal and regulatory matters.

Governance and Board Highlights

12 of our 13 director nominees are independent Independent, non-executive Chairman of the Board Ongoing Board refreshment: four new experienced directors added in the last 12 months Six of our director nominees are gender or ethnically diverse Director nominees with diverse business experiences, backgrounds and expertise in a wide range of fields, including nine with significant healthcare experience Significant Board engagement on strategy and capital deployment (page 21) Board oversight and engagement relating to the company’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic (page 21) Board monitors corporate culture through annual review of cross-functional culture scorecard (page 23) Directors interact with key talent through Board discussions, informal events and planned one-on-one sessions (page 21) Ad Hoc Committee assists the Board in its oversight of opioid-related issues (page 20) Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the surgical gown recall announced in January 2020 (page 20) Long-standing, proactive shareholder engagement program (page 25) Well-developed Board and individual director evaluation process (page 24) Annual election of directors with majority voting Director service on other public company boards is limited to three or just their own board if a director is an executive of another public company

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    5


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Our 2020 Board Nominees

 (2)
Carrie S. CoxCalvin DardenBruce L. DowneySheri H. Edison
Retired EVP and President,
Global Pharmaceuticals,
Schering-Plough and retired
Chairman and CEO,
Humacyte, Inc.
Age: 62
Director since 2009
Independent
Committees: H, AH
Retired SVP of
U.S. Operations, UPS
Age: 70
Director since 2005
Independent
Committees: H, AH
Retired Chairman and CEO,
Barr Pharmaceuticals and
Partner, NewSpring Health
Capital II, L.P.
Age: 72
Director since 2009
Independent
Committees: N, AH
EVP and General Counsel,
Amcor
Age: 63
Director since 2020
Independent
David C. EvansPatricia A. Hemingway HallAkhil Johri
Retired CFO, Scotts
Miracle-Gro and Battelle
Memorial Institute
Age: 57
Director since 2020
Independent
Retired President and CEO,
Health Care Service Corp.
Age: 67
Director since 2013
Independent
Committees: H, N
Retired EVP and CFO,
United Technologies
Age: 59
Director since 2018
Independent
Committees: A, S
Michael C. KaufmannGregory B. KennyNancy Killefer
CEO, Cardinal Health
Age: 57
Director since 2018
Retired President and CEO,
General Cable
Age: 67
Director since 2007
Independent
Chairman of the Board
Committees: N, AH, S
Retired Senior Partner,
Public Sector Practice, McKinsey
Age: 66
Director since 2015
Independent
Committees: H, S
J. Michael LoshDean A. ScarboroughJohn H. Weiland
Retired EVP and CFO,
General Motors
Age: 74
Director since 2018
Independent
Committees: A
Retired Chairman and CEO,
Avery Dennison
Age: 64
Director since 2019
Independent
Committees: A
Retired President and
Chief Operating Officer,
C. R. Bard
Age: 64
Director since 2019
Independent
Committees: A, S

A: Audit  AH: Ad Hoc  H: Human Resources and Compensation  N: Nominating and Governance  S: Surgical Gown Recall Oversight


www.cardinalhealth.com

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    6


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Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

We care deeply about the opioid epidemic and take seriously our commitment, in cooperation with other participants in the prescription drug supply chain, to find and support solutions to this national challenge.

As a distributor and an intermediary in the supply chain, we provide a secure channel to deliver all kinds of medications from the hundreds of manufacturers that make them to the thousands of our hospital and pharmacy customers licensed to dispense them to their patients, and we work diligently to identify, stop and report to regulators any suspicious orders of controlled substances. As threats evolve, we constantly adapt our system to prevent the diversion and misuse of medications.

Global Settlement Framework

In October 2019, following review and extensive engagement with both the Ad Hoc Committee and the Board, we agreed in principle with a leadership group of state attorneys general to a global settlement framework designed to resolve all pending and future opioid lawsuits and claims by states and political subdivisions.

We remain committed to being part of the solution to this epidemic, and we continue to actively work with the state attorneys general and representatives of political subdivisions to achieve a global settlement.

Board Oversight

The Board remains active in overseeing our response to the opioid epidemic. The Board’s Ad Hoc Committee comprised of independent directors Cox, Darden, Downey and Kenny assists the Board in its oversight of opioid-related issues. The Ad Hoc Committee, which was formed in February 2018, continues to meet twice per quarter and engage with the other directors on opioid-related issues at every Board meeting.

The Ad Hoc Committee is receiving regular updates on progress toward a global settlement as well as updates on the status of litigation and government investigations, our anti-diversion program, legislative and regulatory developments, and shareholder engagement.

Anti-Diversion Program

We are always vigilant in combating the diversion of controlled substances for improper use. We have continually upgraded our program to make sure it is robust and effective in a context of evolving risks. Our team includes investigators, data analysts, former law enforcement officers, pharmacists, and compliance officers.

We carefully evaluate pharmacies before they become customers, including taking steps to understand their business and historical prescription drug ordering patterns. We use this information, along with statistical models and other criteria, to establish pharmaceutical distribution thresholds specific to each customer. When a customer’s order exceeds an established threshold, the order is held, reviewed further, and typically canceled. Canceled orders are reported to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and any required state regulators. We also have a team of experienced investigators who conduct regular site visits to customers across the country to look for any visible signs of diversion.

Our Efforts to Fight Prescription Opioid Misuse

We have invested millions of dollars in fighting prescription opioid misuse. This work began with Generation Rx, an evidence-informed prevention education and awareness program designed for anyone to use to educate people of all ages about safe medication practices and the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications. Generation Rx was founded at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and has partnered with the Cardinal Health Foundation since 2009. To date, its medication safety messages have reached more than two million people across the country.

In the last three years, we have awarded grants to more than 70 organizations to build awareness, expand drug takeback initiatives, and support healthcare systems as they work to reduce the number of opioids their providers prescribe. We have partnered with Kroger to host biannual drug take-back events at more than 200 pharmacy locations across the country. And we launched an online training for all U.S. employees to help them better understand the epidemic, our commitment to fighting it, and how they can support the work.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    7


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Virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Time and Date Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time Place Virtual Meeting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 Record Date September 8, 2020

Due to COVID-19, this year’s Annual Meeting will be conducted exclusively online without an option for physical attendance. You will be able to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically, and submit questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 and entering the 16-digit control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, voting instruction form or proxy card that was sent to you with this proxy statement.

If you do not have a 16-digit control number, you may still attend the meeting as a guest in listen-only mode. To attend as a guest, please visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 and enter the information requested on the screen to register as a guest. Please note that you will not have the ability to vote or ask questions during the meeting if you participate as a guest.

For further information on how to attend and participate in the virtual Annual Meeting, please see “Other Information” on page 58 in this proxy statement.

Roadmap to Voting Matters

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following proposals at the Annual Meeting:

Proposal

Board Recommendation

Page Reference

Proposal1: to elect the 13 director nominees named in this proxy statement

FOR each director nominee

9

Proposal2: to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018;2021

FOR

28

(3)To

Proposal3: to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers;officers

FOR

30

(4)To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency of future advisory votes

Proposal4:to approve executive compensation;an amendment to our Restated Code of Regulations to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders

FOR

52

Proposal5: shareholder proposal to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders

(5)

AGAINST

To vote on two shareholder proposals described in the accompanying proxy statement, if properly presented at the meeting; and

53

Proposal6:shareholder proposal to adopt a policy that the chairman of the board be an independent director

(6)

AGAINST

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement.
Who may vote:Shareholders of record at the close of business on September 11, 2017 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment or postponement.

54

By Order of the Board of Directors.
September 21, 2017
mayersignaturea01.jpg
JESSICA L. MAYER
Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and
    Corporate Secretary
Important notice regarding the availability

How to Vote in Advance of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting

You can return voting instructions in advance of Shareholders to be held on November 8, 2017:

This Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the accompanying proxy statement and our 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders all are available at www.edocumentview.com/cah.




Proxy Summary
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in our proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should carefully read the entire proxy statement and our 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders before voting.
Fiscal 2017 Performance
In fiscal 2017, we took important actions to strengthen our market position, increase our scale, add new, long-term drivers of growth and improve the overall balance of our integrated portfolio.
In July 2017, we acquired the Patient Care, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Nutritional Insufficiency businesses (the "Patient Recovery Business") from Medtronic plc for $6.1 billion. These well-established, industry-leading product lines are complementary to our medical product business, fit naturally into our customer offering and expand our global reach. The new portfolio will help us further expand our scope in the operating room, in long-term care facilities and in home healthcare, reaching customers across the entire continuum of care.
In our Pharmaceutical segment, our Specialty Solutions business had outstanding growth, expanding its therapeutic reach and growing its hospital and physician customer base, and we saw excellent performance from our Red Oak Sourcing generic sourcing venture with CVS Health Corporation.
In our Medical segment, our medical products distribution business had its strongest growth in recent years, and we continued to expand our Cardinal Health branded product portfolio with nearly 12,000 product SKUs in 850 categories, more than double from five years ago. We also saw excellent growth from our naviHealth business.
On the financial side:
Revenue increased 7% to a record $130.0 billion.
GAAP diluted earnings per share ("EPS") decreased 7% to $4.03, while non-GAAP diluted EPS* increased 3% to $5.40, reflecting a challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment.
Our Pharmaceutical segment grew revenue 7%, while segment profit decreased 12% largely driven by the generic pharmaceutical pricing environment, partially offset by the benefits from Red Oak Sourcing.
Our Medical segment grew revenue 9% and segment profit 25%, with profit growth being driven by contributions from the naviHealth business, Cardinal Health branded products and distribution services.
We returned $1.2 billion to shareholders, including $1.80 per share in dividends and $600 million in share repurchases.
CEO Compensation Decisions
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Barrett, declined to be considered for an annual incentive payout due to our performance. While we achieved 89% of the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings goal under our annual incentive plan, we did not meet the threshold for a payout, largely as a result of the challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment. Mr. Barrett's cash compensation (salary plus annual incentive payout) was down 64% compared to the prior fiscal year.
___________
*
We provide the reasons we use non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to their most directly comparable U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") financial measures on pages 18 through 20 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 (the "Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K").


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Proxy Summary


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Proxy Summary


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Additional Information About Our Board of Directors
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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



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2017 Proxy Statement
General Information
These proxy materials are being furnished to solicit proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Cardinal Health, Inc. for use at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, and at any adjournment or postponement (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will take place at our principal executive office located at 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017, at 8:00 a.m., local time.
These proxy materials include our Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and our 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes our Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K. In addition, these proxy materials may include a proxy card for the Annual Meeting. These proxy materials are first being sent or made available to our shareholders commencing on September 21, 2017.
References to our fiscal years in this proxy statement mean the fiscal year ended or ending on June 30 of such year. For example, “fiscal 2017” refers to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.
Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), we are providing proxy materials to some of our shareholders via the Internet. Commencing on September 21, 2017, we mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) explaining how to access our proxy materials online. If you received the Notice, you will not receive a printed copy of our proxy materials by mail unless you request one by following the directions included on the Notice.
Record Date
We have fixed the close of business on September 11, 2017 as the record date for determining our shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, we had 315,215,877 common shares outstanding. Shareholders as of the record date will have one vote per share for the election of each director nominee and on each other voting matter.
Quorum 
We will have a quorum to conduct business at the Annual Meeting if the holders of a majority of our common shares are present, either in person or by proxy.
Board Recommendation
The Board recommends that you vote FOR the electionany of the 11 director nominees, FOR Proposals 2 andmeans set forth below. Internet or telephone voting is available until Wednesday, November 3, ONE YEAR for Proposal 4, and AGAINST Proposals 5 and 6.
How to Vote
Shareholders of record. If you are a “shareholder of record” (meaning your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A.), you may vote either in person2020 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Internet Visit 24/7 www.proxyvote.com Telephone Call the Annual Meeting or by proxy. If you decide to vote by proxy, you may do so in any one of the following three ways:

By telephone.  You may vote your shares 24 hours a day by calling the toll freetoll-free number 1-800-652-VOTE (8683)1-800-690-6903 within the United States, U.S. territories or Canada and followingfollow the instructions provided by the recorded message. You will need to enter identifying information that appears on your proxy card or the Notice. The telephone voting system allows you to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.
By Internet.  You may vote your shares 24 hours a day by logging on to a secure website, www.envisionreports.com/CAH, and following the instructions provided. You will need to enter identifying information that appears on your proxy card or the Notice. As with the telephone voting system, you will be able to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.
By mail.  If you received a proxy card, you may mark,message Mail Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.envelope

www.cardinalhealth.com

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    8

Telephone and Internet voting is available through 2:00 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. If you vote by mail, your proxy card must be received before the Annual Meeting

Back to assure that your vote is counted. We encourage you to vote promptly.Contents

Corporate Governance

Beneficial owners. If, like most shareholders, you are a beneficial owner

Election of shares held in “street name” (meaning a broker, trustee, bank or other nominee holds shares on your behalf), you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the nominee that holds your shares. Alternatively, you mayDirectors



Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
1



General Information

vote by completing, signing and returning the voting instruction form that the nominee provides to you or by following any telephone or Internet voting instructions described on the voting instruction form, the Notice or other materials that the nominee provides to you. We encourage you to vote promptly.
Changing or Revoking Your Proxy
Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy. If you are a shareholder of record, you may change or revoke your proxy at any time before a vote is taken at the meeting by giving notice to us in writing or at the Annual Meeting, by executing and forwarding to us a later-dated proxy or by voting a later proxy over the telephone or the Internet. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you should check with the broker, trustee, bank or other nominee that holds your shares to determine how to change or revoke your vote.
Shares Held Though

Our Employee Plans

If you hold shares through our 401(k) Savings Plans or Deferred Compensation Plan ("DCP"), you will receive voting instructions from Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and can vote through one of the three methods described above under "How to Vote." Please note that employee plan shares have an earlier voting deadline of 2:00 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, November 6, 2017.
Broker Non-Votes  
If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held by a broker, as stated above you must instruct the broker how to vote your shares. If you do not provide voting instructions, your broker is not permitted to vote your shares on the election of directors, the advisory vote to approve the compensationBoard currently has 14 members. Thirteen of our named executive officers, the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation or the shareholder proposals. The inability of the broker to vote your shares on these proposals results in a “broker non-vote.” In the absence of voting instructions, the broker can only register your shares as being present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and may vote your shares on ratification of the appointment of our auditor.
Voting
You may either vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN on each of the proposals with the exception of Proposal 4 where you may vote for ONE YEAR, TWO YEARS, THREE YEARS or ABSTAIN. Votes will be tabulated by or under the direction of inspectors of election, who will certify the results following the Annual Meeting.
To elect directors under Proposal 1, our governing documents require that in an uncontested election, a director nominee be elected by a majority of votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered as votes cast and are not counted in determining the outcome of the voting results. If a director nominee is not re-elected by a majority of votes cast, that individual is required to tender a resignation for the Board’s consideration. See
“Resignation Policy for Incumbent Directors Not Receiving Majority Votes” on page 13. Proxies may not be voted for more than 11 director nominees, and shareholders may not cumulate their voting power.
Each of Proposals 2 through 6 requires approval by a majority of votes cast, with the exception of Proposal 4 which requires the majority of the votes cast for one of the options (i.e., one year, two years or three years). Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered as votes cast and will not be counted in determining the outcome of the voting results.
How Shares Will Be Voted
The shares represented by all valid proxies received by telephone, by Internet or by mail will be voted in the manner specified. For shareholders of record who do not specify a choice for a proposal, proxies that are signed and returned will be voted FOR the election of all 11 director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor, FOR approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, FOR conducting future advisory votes to approve executive compensation every ONE YEAR, and AGAINST the shareholder proposals. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the individuals named in your proxy, or their substitutes, will determine how to vote on those matters in their discretion. The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters that will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting.
Attending the Annual Meeting
To attend the Annual Meeting, you must be a shareholder as of September 11, 2017, the record date, and have an admission ticket or satisfactory proof of share ownership and photo identification. If you are a shareholder of record, you must present an admission ticket (which is attached to your proxy card) or you must present the Notice of Internet Availability. If you are a beneficial owner, in order to be admitted to the meeting, you must present either a valid legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee as to your shares, the Notice of Internet Availability, a voting instruction form or a bank or brokerage account statement. Anyone holding an admission ticket or other documentation not issued in his or her name will not be admitted to the meeting. Our annual meeting rules prohibit cameras, videotaping equipment and other recording devices, large packages, banners or placards in the meeting and prohibit use of a phone or other device.
You can call our Investor Relations department at (614) 757-4757 if you need directions to the Annual Meeting.
Even if you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we urge you to vote your shares in advance.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Proposal 1—Election of Directors
Our Board has nominated 11 directorsstanding for election at thisthe Annual Meeting to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his or hertheir successor is duly elected and qualified. Allqualified or until their earlier resignation, removal from office or death. Colleen F. Arnold, a director since 2007, has decided not to stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting. The size of the nominees are currently directors of Cardinal Health.
The Board seeks memberswill be reduced to 13 at that possess the experience, skills and diverse backgrounds to perform effectively in overseeing the company's current and evolving business and strategic direction and to properly perform its oversight responsibilities. All of our director nominees bring to the Board a wealth of executive leadership experience derived from their diverse professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. As a group, they have
extensive healthcare and global business experience, financial expertise and business acumen , as well as public company board experience. Each of our director nominees has sound judgment and integrity and is able to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the Board. All director nominees other than the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are independent.
time.

Each director nominee agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve if elected. If, due to death or other unexpected occurrence, one or more of the director nominees is not available for election, proxies will be voted for the election of all remaining nominees and any substitute nominee(s)nominee the Board selects.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of the nominees listed on pages 10 through 16.

Board Membership Criteria: What we look for

The Nominating and Governance Committee considers and reviews with the Board the appropriate skills and characteristics for Board members in the context of the Board’s current composition and objectives. Criteria for identifying and evaluating candidates for the Board include:

business experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, such as relevant industry knowledge (including pharmaceutical, medical device and other healthcare industry knowledge), accounting and finance, operations, technology and international markets;

Biographies

leadership experience as a chief executive officer, senior executive or leader of a significant business operation or function;

financial and accounting experience as a chief financial officer;

independence (including independence from the interests of any single group of shareholders);

judgment and integrity;

ability to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the Board;

diversity of age, gender and ethnicity; and

absence of potential conflicts with our interests.

Our Director Nominees

davidandersonkcp2295finallig.jpg
David J. Anderson
Age68
Director since 2014
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Honeywell International Inc. (retired); Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: American Electric Power Company, Inc., a public utility holding company (since 2011); B/E Aerospace, Inc., a manufacturer of aircraft interior products (2014 -2017); Fifth Street Asset Management Inc., an alternative asset manager (2014 - 2015)
ü Financial Literacy / Expertise - Former CFO roles
ü Healthcare
ü International
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning / Acquisitions
ü Technology
ü Operations
ü Regulatory / Public Policy
Mr. Anderson served as Chief Financial Officer

The Board seeks members that possess the experience, skills and diverse backgrounds to perform effectively in overseeing our current and evolving business and strategic direction and to properly perform the Board’s oversight responsibilities. All director nominees bring to the Board a wealth of Honeywell International Inc.,executive leadership experience derived from their diverse professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. As a group, they have business acumen, healthcare and global diversified technologybusiness experience and manufacturing company, from 2003 to 2014 and as Chief Financial Officer of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Alexion"), a biotechnology company, from December 2016 to August 2017. While at Honeywell, Mr. Anderson was responsible for the company’s corporate finance activities including domestic and international tax, accounting, treasury, audit, investments, financial planning, acquisitions and real estate. Prior to his roles at Honeywell and Alexion, Mr. Anderson held a number of other finance-related executive positions with ITT Corporation, Newport News Shipbuilding, RJR Nabisco and Quaker Oats Company.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Through his prior finance leadership positions as Chief Financial Officer at Honeywell and Alexion,expertise, as well as other leading companies, Mr. Anderson bringspublic company board experience. In addition, six of the thirteen director nominees are gender or ethnically diverse. Each director nominee has sound judgment and integrity and is able to commit sufficient time and attention to the Board relevant experience inactivities of the areas of global finance and accounting, healthcare, management, executive leadership, strategic planning, acquisitions, information technology, manufacturing operations and international markets. Given his extensive financial expertise, Mr. Anderson provides valuable insight in the areas of financial reporting, accounting and internal controls, as well as international tax and finance. In addition, his recent experience as Chief Financial Officer of Alexion brings to the Board relevant experience in the areas of healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Mr. Anderson also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the board of directors of American Electric Power, including service on its Audit and Finance Committees, as well as his prior service on B/E Aerospace's board of directors.


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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

colleenarnoldkcp2255best.jpg
Colleen F. Arnold
Age 60
Director since2007
Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution, International Business Machines Corporation (retired)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: None
ü Technology
ü International and Global Leadership
ü Operations
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning

Ms. Arnold was Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM"), a provider of systems, financing, software and services, from 2014 until March 2016. Prior to that, she held a number of senior positions with IBM from 1998 to 2014, including Senior Vice President, Application Management Services, IBM Global Business Services; General Manager of GBS Strategy, Global Consulting Services, Global Industries and Global Application Services; General Manager, Europe; General Manager, Australia and New Zealand Global Services; and CEO, Global Services Australia, an IBM joint venture.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
A former senior executive of IBM for over 17 years, Ms. Arnold's significant experience in the areas of global business operations and information technology contributes to the Board's discussions regarding information technology inBoard. All director nominees other than our business and global strategies. Given her extensive international business experience, including leadership of international commercial operations at IBM, Ms. Arnold provides valuable insight for our growing presence in international markets. She also brings to the Board more than 30 years of relevant experience in the areas of operations, management, executive leadership and strategic planning.
barrettnewphoto.jpg
George S. Barrett
Age 62
Director since 2009
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cardinal Health, Inc.
Other Public Boards: Eaton Corporation plc, a diversified power management company (2011 - 2015)
Director Qualification Highlights
ü Healthcare
ü Operations
ü Strategic Planning
ü Executive Leadership
ü International
ü Regulatory / Public Policy
ü Financial Expertise

Mr. Barrett has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Health, Inc. since 2009. He joined Cardinal Health in 2008 as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company's Healthcare Supply Chain Services segment. From 1997are independent.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    9


Back to 2008, Mr. Barrett held a number of executive positions with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a multinational generic and branded pharmaceutical manufacturer, including President and Chief Executive Officer of Teva North America.



Contents

Age 62

Director since 2009

Board Committees:

Human Resources and Compensation, Ad Hoc

Independent Director

CARRIE S. COX

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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Proposal 1—Election of Directors

carriecoxkcp2268finallight.jpg
Carrie S. Cox
Age60
Director since 2009
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, Inc.;

Executive Vice President and President of Global Pharmaceuticals, Schering-Plough Corporation (retired); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, Inc. (retired)

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Background

Ms. Cox served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, Inc., a privately held, development stage company focused on regenerative medicine, from 2010 to 2018 and as its Executive Chairman from 2018 to 2019. She was Executive Vice President and President of Global Pharmaceuticals at Schering-Plough Corporation, a multinational branded pharmaceutical manufacturer, from 2003 until its merger with Merck & Co. in 2009. She was Executive Vice President and President of the Global Prescription business of Pharmacia Corporation, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, from 1997 to 2003.

Qualifications

Through her roles as an executive of Schering-Plough, President of Pharmacia’s Global Prescription business and Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte and as a licensed pharmacist, Ms. Cox brings to the Board substantial expertise in healthcare, particularly the branded pharmaceutical and international aspects. She draws on this experience in discussions relating to Pharmaceutical segment strategy, healthcare compliance and the opioid epidemic, including in meetings of the Board’s Ad Hoc Committee. Ms. Cox worked in the global branded pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, giving her relevant experience with large, multinational healthcare companies in the areas of regulatory compliance, global markets and manufacturing operations. She also brings to the Board and to her role chairing our Human Resources and Compensation Committee, valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the boards of directors of Selecta Biosciences and Texas Instruments and prior service on the Array BioPharma, Celgene and electroCore boards. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Selecta Biosciences and previously served as Chairman of the Board at Array BioPharma and Lead Director at Texas Instruments. She also currently sits on Selecta Biosciences’ and Texas Instruments’ Compensation Committees and previously sat on Celgene’s Compensation and Development Committee.

Other Public Boards:public company boards

Current

Selecta Biosciences, Inc.

Texas Instruments Incorporated a developer, manufacturer and marketer of semiconductors (since 2004);

Withinlastfiveyears

Array BioPharma Inc.

Celgene Corporation a biopharmaceutical company (since 2009)

ü Healthcare
ü International
ü Operations
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
ü Regulatory / Public Policy
Ms. Cox has served as Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, Inc., a privately held, development stage company focused on regenerative medicine, since 2010 and as Chairman of Humacyte since 2013. She previously served as Executive Vice President and President of Global Pharmaceuticals at Schering-Plough Corporation, a multinational branded pharmaceutical manufacturer, from 2003 until its merger with Merck & Co. in 2009. Ms. Cox previously was Executive Vice President and President of Global Prescription Business of Pharmacia Corporation from 1997 to 2003.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Through her roles as a former executive officer of Schering-Plough, President of Pharmacia's Global Prescription business and a licensed pharmacist, and now with Humacyte, Ms. Cox brings to the Board substantial expertise in healthcare, particularly the pharmaceutical and international aspects of our business. She has worked in the global pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, giving her relevant experience with large, multinational healthcare companies in the areas of manufacturing operations, management, regulatory compliance, executive leadership, strategic planning and global markets. She also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the boards of directors of Celgene and Texas Instruments, including on Texas Instruments' Compensation Committee and her former service as its Lead Director.

electroCore, Inc.

Age 70

Director since 2005

Board Committees:

Human Resources and Compensation, Ad Hoc

Independent Director

CALVIN DARDEN

calvindardenkcp2276finalligh.jpg
Calvin Darden
Age 67
Director since 2005

Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations of United Parcel Service, Inc. (retired)

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Background

Mr. Darden was Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations of United Parcel Service, Inc. (“UPS”), an express carrier and package delivery company, from 2000 until 2005. During his 33-year career with UPS, he served in a number of senior leadership positions, including developing the corporate quality strategy for UPS and leading the business and logistics operations for its Pacific Region, the largest region of UPS at that time.

Qualifications

A former executive of UPS, Mr. Darden has expertise in supply chain networks and logistics that contributes to the Board’s understanding of these important aspects of our business. He has over 30 years of relevant experience in the areas of operations, distribution and supply chain, efficiency and quality control, human resources and labor relations. He also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the boards of directors of Aramark and Target, including their respective Compensation Committees, as well as his prior service on the board of directors of Coca-Cola Enterprises, including service on its Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

Other Public Boards: public company boards

Current

Aramark Corporation

Target Corporation an operator of large-format general merchandise discount stores (since 2003);

Withinlastfiveyears

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., a marketer, manufacturer and distributor of nonalcoholic beverages in selected international markets (2004 - 2016)

ü Operations
ü Distribution / Supply Chain
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
ü Labor Relations
ü International

Mr. Darden was Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations of United Parcel Service, Inc. ("UPS"), an express carrier and package delivery company, from January 2000 until 2005. During his 33-year career with UPS, he served in a number of senior leadership positions, including developing the corporate quality strategy for UPS and leading the business and logistics operations for its Pacific Region, the largest region of UPS at that time.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
A former executive officer of UPS, Mr. Darden has expertise in supply chain networks and logistics that contributes to the Board’s understanding of this important aspect of our business. He has over 30 years of relevant experience in the areas of operations, distribution and supply chain, executive leadership, efficiency and quality control, strategic planning, human resources and labor relations. Drawing upon his past experience as a member of Coca-Cola Enterprises' board of directors, Mr. Darden provides the Board with a valuable understanding of distribution operations in international markets. He also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on Target’s board of directors, including its Compensation Committee, and his prior service on Coca-Cola Enterprises’ Human Resources and Compensation Committee.


 
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Proposal 1—Election of Directors  

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Age 72

Director since 2009

Board Committees:

Nominating and

Governance, Ad Hoc

Independent Director

BRUCE L. DOWNEY

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Bruce L. Downey
Age69
Director since 2009

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (retired); Partner of NewSpring Health Capital II, L.P.

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Background

Other Public Boards: Momenta

Mr. Downey was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnologyglobal generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, from 1994 until 2008 when the company (since 2009)

ü Healthcare
ü Regulatory / Public Policy
ü Operations
ü International
ü Financial Expertise
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
Mr. Downey was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a global generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, from 1994 to 2008. Mr. Downey has served on a part-time basis as a Partner of NewSpring Health Capital II, L.P., a venture capital firm, since 2009.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Having spent 14 years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Downey brings to the Board substantial global healthcare experience in the areas of manufacturing operations, management, regulatory compliance, finance, executive leadership, strategic planning, human resources and corporate governance. He also offers valuable experience in the pharmaceutical and international aspects of our businesses. Mr. Downey brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on Momenta Pharmaceuticals’ board of directors, including its Audit Committee, and from his prior service as Chairman of Barr Pharmaceutical's board of directors. Before his career at Barr Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Downey was a practicing attorney for 20 years, having worked in both private practice and with the U.S. Department of Justice.
was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Mr. Downey has served on a part-time basis as a Partner of NewSpring Health Capital II, L.P., a venture capital firm, since 2009. Before his career at Barr Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Downey was a practicing attorney for 20 years, having worked in both private practice and with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Qualifications

patriciahemingwayhall.jpg

Having spent 14 years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Downey brings to the Board substantial global experience in the areas of healthcare, regulatory compliance, manufacturing operations, finance, human resources and corporate governance. He offers valuable experience in the pharmaceutical and international aspects of our businesses, and he draws on his extensive legal and healthcare experience in chairing the Ad Hoc Committee and leading Board discussions related to opioid litigation and the opioid epidemic. Mr. Downey also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the board of directors of Momenta Pharmaceuticals, including service as its independent chair, and former service on the board of directors of Melinta Therapeutics.

Other public company boards

Current

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

Withinlastfiveyears

Melinta Therapeutics, Inc.

Age64

Age 63

Director since

September 2020

Board Committees:

Not yet determined

Independent Director

SHERI H. EDISON

Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Amcor plc

Background

Ms. Edison has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Amcor plc, a global packaging company, since 2019. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Bemis Company, Inc., also a global packaging company, from 2017 until Bemis was acquired by Amcor in 2019. Ms. Edison had also served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Bemis from 2010 to 2016. She came to Bemis from Hill-Rom Holdings Inc., a global medical device company, where she had served as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer from 2007 to 2010 and Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 2004 to 2007. Ms. Edison began her career in private legal practice.

Qualifications

Having served in general counsel roles at publicly traded manufacturing companies in industries such as medical devices and packaging, Ms. Edison brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of healthcare, legal, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and international markets. She also brings prior private legal practice experience, which further bolsters her understanding of a dynamic legal and regulatory environment. Ms. Edison also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her former service on the board of directors of AK Steel.

Other public company boards

Current

None

Withinlastfiveyears

AK Steel Holding Corporation

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Age 57

Director since

July 2020

Board Committees:

Not yet determined

Independent Director

DAVID C. EVANS

Chief Financial Officer of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Battelle Memorial Institute (retired)

Background

Mr. Evans was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Battelle Memorial Institute, a private research and development organization, from 2013 to 2018. Prior to that, he was Chief Financial Officer of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a consumer lawn and garden products company, from 2006 until 2013 and Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development of Scotts from 2011 until 2013. In all, he spent 20 years in various managerial roles at Scotts. Most recently, Mr. Evans was Cardinal Health’s interim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2019 through May 25, 2020, after a transition role beginning July 29, 2019.

Qualifications

We elected Mr. Evans to the Board based on his deep financial background as Chief Financial Officer at Scotts Miracle-Gro and Battelle. Having spent 25 years in financial leadership positions with these organizations, Mr. Evans brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of finance and accounting, investor relations, capital markets, strategy, tax and information technology. He also provides valuable insights in the areas of financial reporting and internal controls. Through his experience with Scotts Miracle-Gro, he provides a deep understanding of the financial aspects of, and capital deployment for, a publicly traded company. His service in an interim executive role at Cardinal Health brings company and industry knowledge to the Board. Mr. Evans also brings valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the board of directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro, including service on its Audit and Compensation and Organization Committees.

Other public company boards

Current

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Age 67

Director since 2013

Board Committees:

Human Resources and Compensation,

Nominating and

Governance

Independent Director

PATRICIA A. HEMINGWAY HALL

President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Care Service Corporation (retired)

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Background

Other Public Boards: ManpowerGroup, Inc., a workforce solutions company (since 2011)
ü Healthcare
ü Regulatory / Public Policy / Government
ü Operations
ü Financial Expertise
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
ü Technology

Ms. Hemingway Hall served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Care Service Corporation, a mutual health insurer ("HCSC"), from 2008 until 2015. Previously, she held several leadership positions at HCSC, including President and Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2008 and Executive Vice President of Internal Operations from 2006 to 2007.

Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
As retired President and Chief Executive Officer of HCSC, the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States and fourth largest overall operating through Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, New Mexico and Oklahoma, Ms. Hemingway Hall brings to the Board valuable experience regarding evolving healthcare payment models at a time of change and reform in the healthcare industry. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years, first as a registered nurse and most recently in health insurance, and has relevant experience in the areas of healthcare reform, operations, management, regulatory compliance, government relations, finance, executive leadership, strategic planning, technology and human resources. In addition, Ms. Hemingway Hall provides the Board with a deep understanding of operations, management and technology from her experience in previous roles at HCSC. She also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her service on ManpowerGroup's board of directors, including its Audit Committee.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Proposal 1—Election of Directors

claytonjoneskcp2224finalligh.jpg
Clayton M. Jones
Age68
Director since 2012
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (retired)Health Care Service Corporation, a mutual health insurer (“HCSC”), from 2008 until 2016. Previously, she held several executive leadership positions at HCSC, including President and Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2008 and Executive Vice President of Internal Operations from 2006 to 2007.

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Qualifications

As retired President and Chief Executive Officer of HCSC, the largest mutual health insurer in the United States operating through several state Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, Ms. Hemingway Hall brings to the Board valuable experience regarding evolving healthcare payment models and the industry’s regulatory environment. She worked in healthcare for over 30 years, first as a registered nurse and later in health insurance, and has relevant experience in the areas of healthcare reform, regulatory compliance, government relations, finance, information technology and human resources. Ms. Hemingway Hall also brings to the Board and to her roles chairing our Nominating and Governance Committee and being a member of our Human Resources and Compensation Committee, valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the boards of directors of Halliburton and ManpowerGroup and former service on Celgene’s board of directors. She chairs ManpowerGroup’s Nominating and Governance Committee and sits on its Audit Committee and sits on Halliburton’s Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

Other Public Boards:public company boards

Current

Halliburton Company

ManpowerGroup Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

Celgene Corporation

www.cardinalhealth.com

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Age 59

Director since 2018

Board Committees:

Audit, Surgical Gown

Recall Oversight

Independent Director

AKHIL JOHRI

Executive Vice President and construction machinery manufacturer (since 2007); Motorola Solutions, Inc.Chief Financial Officer, United Technologies Corporation (retired)

Background

Mr. Johri served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), a data communicationsprovider of high technology products and telecommunications equipment provider (since 2015); Rockwell Collins, Inc. (2001 - 2014)

üOperations
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
ü Technology
üservices to the building systems and aerospace industries, from 2015 to November 2019 and retired from UTC in April 2020. From 2013 to 2014, he served as Chief Financial Expertise
ü International
ü Regulatory / Public Policy / Government

Mr. Jones served as Chairman of the Board of Rockwell Collins, Inc., a multinational aviation electronics and communications equipment company, from 2002 through 2014, and as Chief Executive Officer from 2001 until his retirement in 2013. He previously served as president of Rockwell Collins and corporate officer and senior vice president of Rockwell International, which he joined in 1979.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
As retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell Collins, Mr. Jones brings to the Board relevant experience in highly regulated industries as well as in the areas of manufacturing operations, management, finance, executive leadership, strategic planning, information technology, human resources, corporate governance, international markets and government contracting. He provides the Board with a valuable understanding of commercial operations in international markets. As a former member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee and a current member of The Business Council, Mr. Jones provides insights in regulatory affairs, government and public policy matters. He also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on Motorola Solutions' board of directors, including its Audit Committee, and Deere & Company's board of directors, as well as from his previous service as Chairman of Rockwell Collins' board of directors.
Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of Pall Corporation, a global supplier of filtration, separations and purifications products, and from 2011 to 2013, he was Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems, which included Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems. Mr. Johri’s prior roles with UTC include leading investor relations, as well as holding senior financial roles with global business units, including 12 years in the Asia Pacific Region.

Qualifications

gregorykennykcp2284finalligh.jpg

Having spent more than 25 years in financial leadership positions with UTC and Pall Corporation, Mr. Johri brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of global finance and accounting, investor relations, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, tax, information technology and international markets. He also provides valuable insights in the areas of financial reporting and internal controls. Through his experience in senior leadership roles with UTC’s businesses, he provides a deep understanding of the financial aspects of, and capital deployment for, a publicly traded multinational company. Mr. Johri also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on Boeing’s board of directors, including service on its Audit Committee.

Other public company boards

Current

The Boeing Company

Gregory B. Kenny

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Age64

Age 57

Director since 20072018

MICHAEL C. KAUFMANN

Chief Executive Officer, Cardinal Health, Inc.

Background

Mr. Kaufmann has served as Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Health since January 2018. From November 2014 to December 2017, he served as our Chief Financial Officer and from August 2009 to November 2014, he served as our Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment. Prior to that, he held a range of other senior leadership roles here spanning operations, sales and finance, including in both our Pharmaceutical and Medical segments.

Qualifications

As our Chief Executive Officer and having spent almost 30 years at Cardinal Health, Mr. Kaufmann draws on his deep knowledge of our daily operations and our industry, customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders to provide the Board with a unique and very important perspective on our business and a conduit for information from management. Prior leadership positions across the company provide him with expertise in the areas of healthcare, distribution operations, finance, international markets, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory compliance. He also provides the Board with an understanding of the strategic and financial implications of business, regulatory and economic factors impacting our company from having played an important role in key strategic initiatives, including the Red Oak Sourcing joint venture with CVS Health. In addition, Mr. Kaufmann brings relevant experience and perspectives to the Board from his service on the board of directors of MSC Industrial Direct, including service on its Audit and Compensation Committees.

Other public company boards

Current

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    13


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Age 67

Director since 2007

Board Committees:

Nominating and

Governance, Ad Hoc,

Surgical Gown Recall

Oversight

Independent Chairman

of the Board

GREGORY B. KENNY

President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable Corporation (retired)

Independent

Background

Mr. Kenny served as President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable Corporation, a global manufacturer of aluminum, copper and fiber-optic wire and cable products, from 2001 until 2015. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of General Cable from 1999 to 2001 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Kenny previously served in executive level positions at Penn Central Corporation, where he was responsible for corporate business strategy, and in diplomatic service as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State.

Qualifications

Mr. Kenny has been our Chairman of the Board since November 2018 and was independent Lead Director

from 2014 to 2018. He brings to the Board significant experience in the areas of board leadership, corporate governance, manufacturing operations, international markets, finance and human resources. He also draws upon his board governance and leadership experience previously chairing our Nominating and Governance and Human Resources and Compensation Committees and chairing Ingredion’s board of directors and its Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Both in his current role as Chairman of the Board and his prior role as independent Lead Director, Qualification HighlightsMr. Kenny has promoted strong independent Board leadership and a robust, deliberative decision-making process among independent directors. Mr. Kenny also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his former service on AK Steel’s board of directors.

Other Public Boards:public company boards

Current

Ingredion Incorporated a corn refining and ingredient company (since 2005);

Withinlastfiveyears

AK Steel Holding Corporation an integrated producer of flat-rolled, carbon and electrical stainless steels and tubular products (since January 2016); General Cable Corporation (1997 - 2015)

ü Executive Leadership
ü Operations
ü Strategic Planning
ü International
ü Financial Expertise

Mr. Kenny served as President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable Corporation, a global manufacturer of aluminum, copper and fiber-optic wire and cable products, from 2001 until 2015. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of General Cable from 1999 to 2001 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Kenny previously also served in executive level positions at Penn Central Corporation, where he was responsible for corporate business strategy, and in diplomatic service as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Department of State.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Mr. Kenny brings to the Board significant experience in the areas of Board and executive leadership, manufacturing operations, strategic planning, management, finance, human resources, corporate governance and international markets. He provides the Board with a deep understanding of strategic and financial implications impacting a global business with manufacturing and distribution operations. He also draws upon his Board governance and leadership experience as previous Chair of our Human Resources and Compensation Committee and current Chair of our Nominating and Governance Committee, and as Ingredion's Lead Director and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chair. As our independent Lead Director, Mr. Kenny has promoted strong independent leadership on our Board and a robust, deliberative decision making process among independent directors. In addition, Mr. Kenny brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on AK Steel's Board of Directors and his prior service on General Cable's and IDEX's board of directors.


 
Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
7



Proposal 1—Election of Directors  

Age 66

Director since 2015

Board Committees:

Human Resources and Compensation,

Surgical Gown Recall

Oversight

Independent Director

NANCY KILLEFER

nancykilleferkcp2244finallig.jpg
Nancy Killefer
Age 63
Director since2015

Senior Partner, Public Sector Practice, McKinsey & Company, Inc. (retired)

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Background

Ms. Killefer served as Senior Partner of McKinsey & Company, Inc., a global management consulting firm, from 1992 until 2013. She joined McKinsey in 1979 and held a number of key leadership roles, including serving as a member of the firm’s governing board. Ms. Killefer founded McKinsey’s Public Sector Practice in 2007 and served as its managing partner until her retirement. She also served as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Department of Treasury from 1997 to 2000.

Qualifications

Having served in key leadership positions in both the public and private sectors and provided strategic counsel to healthcare and consumer-based companies during her 30 years with McKinsey, Ms. Killefer brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of strategic planning, including healthcare strategy, and marketing and brand-building. Her extensive experience as managing partner of McKinsey’s Public Sector Practice and as a chief financial officer of a government agency provides valuable insights in the areas of government relations, public policy and finance. Ms. Killefer also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the board of directors of Facebook (including chairing its Privacy Committee), Natura (including service on its Organization and People Committee), and Taubman Centers, and her prior service on the boards of directors of Avon Products, CSRA, Inc. (including service as its independent chair), Computer Sciences Corporation and The Advisory Board.

Other Public Boards:public company boards

Current

Facebook, Inc.

Natura &Co Holding S.A.

Taubman Centers, Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

Avon Products, Inc.

CSRA, Inc.

Computer Sciences Corporation

The Advisory Board Company a provider

www.cardinalhealth.com

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Age 74

Director since 2018

(previously 1996 –

2009)

Board Committees:

Audit

Independent Director

J. MICHAEL LOSH

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of softwareGeneral Motors Corporation (retired)

Background

Mr. Losh served as Executive Vice President and solutions to the healthcare and education industries (since 2013); Avon Products, Inc., a global manufacturer and marketerChief Financial Officer of beauty products (since 2013); CSRA, Inc., a provider of information technology services to the U.S. federal government (since 2015); Computer SciencesGeneral Motors Corporation, a global providerautomobile manufacturer, from 1994 to 2000. He spent 36 years in various capacities with General Motors. Mr. Losh also previously served as our interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2004 to May 2005 and was a director of information technology services (2013 - 2015)

ü Strategic Planning
ü Healthcare
ü Regulatory / Public Policy / Government
ü Technology
ü Executive Leadership
ü Financial Expertise
Ms. Killefer served as Senior Partner of McKinsey & Company, Inc., a global management consulting firm, from 1992 until 2013. She joined McKinsey in 1979 and held a number of key leadership roles, including serving as a member of the firm's governing board. Ms. Killefer founded McKinsey's Public Sector Practice in 2007 and served as its managing partner until her retirement. She also served as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the United States Department of Treasury from 1997 to 2000.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Having served in key leadership positions in both the public and private sectors and provided strategic counsel to healthcare and consumer-based companies during her 30 years with McKinsey, Ms. Killefer brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of strategic planning, including healthcare strategy, marketing and brand building, executive leadership and information technology. Her extensive experience as a partner of a global consulting firm and as a chief financial officer of a government agency provides valuable insight in these areas as well as in government relations and public policy. Ms. Killefer also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the boards of directors of The Advisory Board, Avon Products (including its Compensation and Management Development Committee), and CSRA, Inc. (including her role as independent Chairman since August 2016).
Cardinal Health from 1996 through our spin-off of CareFusion Corporation in 2009.

Qualifications

davidkingkcp2248finallight.jpg

We elected Mr. Losh to the Board in December 2018 due to his immediate ability to chair our Audit Committee based on his financial expertise and prior service on our Board. He brings a deep financial background, industry knowledge from his prior service on our and CareFusion’s boards, and extensive public company board experience in a variety of industries. He is former Chief Financial Officer of General Motors, chairs Aon’s Audit Committee and previously chaired the Audit Committees at Prologis and other public companies. He also currently chairs Masco’s board of directors.

Other public company boards

Current

Amesite Inc.

Aon plc

Masco Corporation

David P. King

Withinlastfiveyears

H.B. Fuller Corporation

Prologis, Inc.

Age61

Age 64

Director since 20112019

Board Committees:

Audit

Independent Director

DEAN A. SCARBOROUGH

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Avery Dennison Corporation (retired)

Background

Mr. Scarborough served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avery Dennison Corporation, a packaging and labeling solutions company, from 2014 to 2016. Prior to that, he served as Avery Dennison’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2014 and as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 2005 to 2010. After stepping down as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Scarborough remained Chairman of Laboratory Corporationthe Board through April 2019. Having joined Avery Dennison in 1983, Mr. Scarborough served in a series of America Holdingsleadership roles both in the United States and abroad until he was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and later Chief Executive Officer.

Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights

Qualifications

Other Public Boards: Laboratory Corporation

Having served as Avery Dennison’s Chief Executive Officer for 11 years, Mr. Scarborough brings to the Board substantial experience in manufacturing and distribution operations. As a former public company chief executive officer, he has relevant experience in finance, human resources and corporate governance. He also brings a global business and manufacturing perspective, having led Avery Dennison’s Label and Packaging Materials Europe business while he was based in the Netherlands. Mr. Scarborough also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the board of America Holdings (since 2007)

ü Healthcare
ü Regulatory / Public Policy
ü Strategic Planning
ü Operations
ü Executive Leadership
ü Financial Expertise
ü International
Mr. King has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, a global healthcare diagnostics company ("LabCorp"), since 2007, and as Chairman of LabCorp since 2009. Previously he held other senior positions with LabCorp, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Having spent 16 years in senior executive roles with LabCorp, including the past ten years as its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. King brings to the Board substantial experience in the areas of healthcare, operations, management, regulatory compliance, finance, executive leadership, strategic planning, human resources, corporate governance and global healthcare markets. He also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his position as Chairman of LabCorp’s board of directors. Prior to LabCorp, Mr. King was a practicing attorney for 17 years, having worked in both private practice focusing on healthcare and with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of these director nominees.


directors of Graphic Packaging Holding Company, including service on its Audit Committee, and prior service on Mattel, Inc.’s board of directors.

Other public company boards

8

Current

Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Withinlastfiveyears

Avery Dennison Corporation

Mattel, Inc.

Proposal 1—Election of Directors  

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Age 64

Director since 2019

Board Committees:

Audit, Surgical Gown

Recall Oversight

Independent Director

JOHN H. WEILAND

President and Chief Operating Officer, C. R. Bard, Inc. (retired)

Background

Mr. Weiland served as President and Chief Operating Officer of medical device company C. R. Bard, Inc. from 2003 until 2017, when Bard was acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company. He also served on Bard’s board of directors from 2005 to 2017, becoming Vice Chairman of the Board in 2016. Mr. Weiland joined Bard in 1996 and held the position of Group President, with global responsibility for several Bard divisions and its worldwide manufacturing operations prior to becoming President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Bard, he held senior management positions at Dentsply International, American Hospital Supply, Baxter Healthcare and Pharmacia AB.

Qualifications

Mr. Weiland brings over 40 years of healthcare industry experience to the Board, including executive leadership at a medical device company and significant international business experience. He has relevant experience in regulatory compliance, global markets and manufacturing operations. Mr. Weiland also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service on the board of directors of Celgene Corporation, including service on its Audit Committee, and prior service on West Pharmaceutical Services’ board of directors, including chairing its Compensation and Finance Committees.

Other public company boards

Current

None

Withinlastfiveyears

Celgene Corporation

C. R. Bard, Inc.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Director Skills Matrix

Our director nominees possess relevant experience, skills and qualificationsexperience that contribute to a well-functioning Board that effectively oversees the company'sour strategy and management. A chart of director skills and expertise is provided below:

directorqualificationsa01.jpg
genderethnicdiversity.jpg     yearsofsvcnew.jpg


Director Nominee Skills and

Experience

Cox

Darden

Downey

Edison

Evans

Hemingway

Hall

Johri

Kaufmann

Kenny

Killefer

Losh

Scarborough

Weiland

Boardleadership as a board chair, lead director or committee chair equips directors to lead our Board and its Committees

Financialexpertise as a finance executive or CEO brings valuable experience to the Board and our management team

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement

9Healthcareexpertise as a leader of a healthcare company or a consulting firm with a healthcare practice provides industry experience

Operationsexperience increases the Board’s understanding of our distribution and manufacturing operations

Regulatory/legal/publicpolicyexperience helps the Board assess and respond to an evolving business and healthcare regulatory environment

Internationalexperience brings critical insights into the opportunities and risks of our international businesses

Informationtechnologyexperience contributes to the Board’s understanding of the information technology aspects of our business


www.cardinalhealth.com

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    16



Corporate Governance
Board of Directors

Our Board’s Composition and Structure

Our Board Leadership Structure

Mr. Kenny has served as the independent, non-executive Chairman of Directors currently consists of 11 members, 10 of whom are independent. Ourthe Board is led bysince November 2018, when we separated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George S. Barrett,roles. Prior to that, he served as independent Lead Director Gregory B. Kenny (who also chairs(elected annually by the independent directors) since November 2014.

In addition to serving as a liaison between the Board and management, key responsibilities of the Chairman include:

calling meetings of the Board and independent directors;

setting the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the other directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and the corporate secretary;

reviewing Board meeting schedules to ensure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

reviewing and approving Board meeting materials before circulation and providing guidance to management on meeting presentations;

chairing Board meetings, including the executive sessions of the independent directors;

participating in the annual Chief Executive Officer performance evaluation;

conferring with the Chief Executive Officer on matters of importance that may require Board action or oversight;

as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee), Audit Committee, Chair Clayton M. Jones,evaluating potential director candidates, assisting with director recruitment, recommending committee chairs and Human Resourcesmembership, and Compensation Committee Chair David P. King.

recommending updates to the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines; and

holding governance discussions with large investors.

The Board considered a wide range of factors in determining that its current leadership structure is the most appropriate arrangement at the present time, including current market practice and the views of shareholders. The Nominating and Governance Committee periodically reviews, assesses and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the Board’s leadership structure.

Board Diversity

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Board should be diverse, engaged and independent. In identifying and evaluating candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers the diversity of the Board, including diversity of skills, experience and backgrounds, as well as ethnic and gender diversity. We believe that our Board nominees reflect an appropriate mix of skills, experience and backgrounds and strike the right balance of longer serving and newer directors.

*

Does not include Mr. Losh’s prior service on our Board from 1996 to 2009.

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How We Identify, Add and On-Board New Directors

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying, reviewing and recommending director candidates, and our Board is responsible for selecting candidates for election as directors based on the Nominating and Governance Committee’s recommendations.

Ms. Hemingway Hall and Mr. Kenny recommended Mr. Evans, and Mr. Kenny recommended Ms. Edison, as potential candidates for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Evans has previous public company chief financial officer experience and served as our interim Chief Financial Officer for nine months through May 2020. Ms. Edison has extensive experience as a senior legal executive at public companies in the medical device and packaging industries. Both have previous public company board experience and are independent directors.

New directors typically participate in a comprehensive, full-day director orientation program, which includes meetings with senior management. This orientation program helps new directors become familiar with our business and strategy, significant financial matters, ethics and compliance program, corporate governance practices and risk management and human resources functions.

Director Attendance

The Board held eightnine meetings during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, each2020. Each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and Board committees on which he or she served. served during the fiscal year. Average director attendance at all Board and Board committee meetings was 96%.

All of our directors at the time attended the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Absent unusual circumstances, each director is expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Total shareholder return over the period from August 31, 2009, when Mr. Barrett became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, through June 30, 2017 expressed as a percentage, calculated based on changes in stock price assuming reinvestment of dividends.


10

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Corporate Governance

Mr. Kenny, who has served as Lead Director since November 2014, has been actively engaged in Board leadership and shareholder engagement. Over the past year, Mr. Kenny has met regularly with Mr. Barrett and worked closely with him in developing Board agendas, schedules and topics, including discussions regarding long-term strategies and capital deployment. He has chaired regular executive sessions of the independent directors and met with Mr. Barrett regarding matters arising from these meetings. He has frequently gathered feedback and input from independent directors and provided it to Mr. Barrett and other members of management. Mr. Kenny has devoted significant time
to understanding our businesses and strategy, and has access to members of senior management. Mr. Kenny also leads the annual evaluation of the Board and the individual evaluation of each director. In addition, Mr. Kenny participated in the Human Resources and Compensation Committee's meeting to review Mr. Barrett's annual performance and compensation. Finally, during the year, Mr. Kenny held governance discussions with several large investors and attended a major healthcare investor conference with management, where he also met with many of our investors.
Committees of the Board of Directors

The Board has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee"“Compensation Committee”). Each member of these Committeescommittees is independent under our Corporate Governance Guidelines and under applicable Committeecommittee independence rules.

The charter for each committeeof these committees is available on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Corporate—Us — Corporate — Investor Relations—Relations — Corporate Governance—Governance — Board Committees and Charters.” This information also is available in print (free of charge) to any shareholder who requests it from our Investor Relations department.

The Board also has an Ad Hoc Committee of independent directors formed in 2018 to assist the Board in its oversight of opioid-related issues and a Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee of independent directors formed in 2020 to assist the Board in oversight of a surgical gown recall.

Audit Committee

Members:

J. Michael Losh (Chair)

Colleen F. Arnold(1)

Akhil Johri

Dean A. Scarborough(2)

John H. Weiland(2)

Meetings in fiscal 2020:6

Audit Committee
Members:

The Audit Committee’s primary duties are to:

Clayton M. Jones (Chair)

oversee the integrity of our financial statements, including reviewing annual and quarterly financial statements and earnings releases and the effectiveness of our internal and disclosure controls;

appoint the independent auditor and oversee its qualifications, independence and performance, including pre-approving all services by the independent auditor;

review our internal audit plan and oversee our internal audit department;

approve the appointment of our Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and oversee our ethics and compliance program and our compliance with applicable legal and quality and regulatory requirements; and

oversee our major financial and information technology risk exposures and our process for assessing and managing risk through our enterprise risk management program.


The Board has determined that each member of the Audit CommitteeMessrs. Johri, Losh and Scarborough is an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the SECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules.

(1)

Ms. Arnold has decided not to stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting and her term will expire at that time.

(2)

Messrs. Scarborough and Weiland became members of the Audit Committee in September 2019.

David J. Anderson*

www.cardinalhealth.com

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Nominating and Governance Committee

Bruce L. Downey

Members:

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall (Chair)

Bruce L. Downey

Gregory B. Kenny

Meetingsinfiscal2020:4


Meetings in fiscal 2017: 8

*Mr. Anderson served on the Audit Committee until December 2016 and was re-appointed to the Committee on September 14, 2017 after his employment with Alexion ended.
Nominating and Governance Committee
Members:

The Nominating and Governance Committee’s primary duties are to:

Gregory B. Kenny (Chair)

identify, review and recommend candidates for the Board, including recommending criteria to the Board for potential Board candidates and assessing the qualifications, attributes, skills, contributions and independence of individual directors and director candidates;

oversee the Board’s succession planning;

make recommendations to the Board concerning the structure, composition and functions of the Board and its committees;

advise the Board onCommittees, including Board leadership and leadership structure;

review our corporateCorporate Governance Guidelines and governance guidelines and practices and recommend changes;

oversee our environmental sustainability and other corporate citizenship activities, including our policies and practices regarding political and lobbying activities and expenditures; and

conduct the annual Board evaluation and oversee the process for the evaluation of each director; and

oversee our policies and practices regarding political expenditures.director.

Human Resources and Compensation Committee

Colleen F. Arnold

Members:

Carrie S. Cox (Chair)

Calvin Darden

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

Nancy Killefer

Meetingsinfiscal2020:7


Meetings in fiscal 2017: 4


Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
11



Corporate Governance

Human Resources and Compensation Committee
Members:

The Compensation Committee’s primary duties are to:

approve compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, establish relevant performance goals and evaluate his performance;

approve compensation for our other executive officers and oversee their evaluations;

make recommendations to the Board with respect to the adoption of and administer, equity and incentive compensation plans;plans and policies, administer such plans and policies and determine whether to recoup compensation;

review our non-management directors’ compensation program and recommend changes to the Board;

oversee the management succession process for the Chief Executive Officer and senior executives;

oversee and advise the Board about human capital management strategies and policies, including with respect to attracting, developing, retaining and motivating management and employees, workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives and progress;progress, employee relations and workplace safety and culture;

oversee and assess material risks related to compensation arrangements; and

assess the independence of Compensation Committee’s consultant and evaluate its performance.


The Compensation Discussion and Analysis, which begins on page 22,31, discusses how the Compensation Committee makes compensation-related decisions regarding our named executive officers.

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Ad Hoc Committee

Members:

Bruce L. Downey (Chair)

Carrie S. Cox

Calvin Darden

Gregory B. Kenny

Meetingsinfiscal2020:9

The CompensationAd Hoc Committee acts asassists the administrator of our incentive plans and delegates to our officers authority to administer the plans with respect to participants who are not officers subject to Section 16Board in its oversight of the Securities Exchange Actcompany’s response to the nationwide problem of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").prescription opioid abuse. It receives and discusses regular reports from management and the company’s external advisors on our initiatives and other developments and provides management input and direction. It also provides advice, regular reports and recommendations to the Board. The Ad Hoc Committee receives updates regarding, among other things:

progress of the global settlement framework designed to resolve all pending and future opioid lawsuits by states and political subdivisions;

investigations and litigation;

anti-diversion and controlled substance reporting programs;

risks posed to the company by the opioid epidemic and related litigation from a legal, financial and reputational perspective;

changes in the regulatory and legislative environment;

the company’s support of solutions to help address the opioid epidemic; and

engagement with shareholders, employees and other key stakeholders.

Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee

David P. King

Members:

John H. Weiland (Chair)

Carrie S. Cox
Calvin Darden

Akhil Johri

Gregory B. Kenny

Nancy Killefer

Meetingsinfiscal2020:7

The Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee assists the Board in overseeing and engaging with management regarding the company’s surgical gown recall announced in January 2020.(1) It receives and discusses reports from management and the company’s external advisors and provides management input and direction. It also provides advice, reports and recommendations to the Board. Since its formation, the Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee has discussed, among other things:


the status of the recall and field actions;

Meetings in fiscal 2017: 6

regulatory aspects of the recall and field actions;

the impact on customers and the business;

our quality assurance processes and business practices; and

media and reputational impacts.

Director Independence

(1)
The Board has established director independence standards based on the NYSE Rules.

As disclosed in our fiscal 2020 Form 10-K, in January 2020, we issued a voluntary recall for 9.1 million AAMI Level 3 surgical gowns and two voluntary field actions (a recall of some packs and a corrective action allowing overlabeling of other packs) for 2.9 million Presource Procedure Packs containing affected gowns. These standards can be found withinrecalls were necessary because we discovered in December 2019 that one of our Corporate Governance Guidelines on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Corporate—Investor Relations—Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Documents." These standards address, among other things, employment and compensation relationships, relationshipsFDA registered suppliers in China had shifted production of some gowns to unapproved sites with our auditor and customer and business relationships.

The Board assesses director independence annually, and as needed, based on the recommendationsuncontrolled manufacturing environments. Because of this, we could not assure sterility of the Nominatinggowns. In connection with these recalls, we recorded total charges of $85 million during fiscal 2020.

www.cardinalhealth.com

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Our Board’s Primary Role and Governance Committee.



12

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Corporate Governance

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying, reviewing and recommending candidates for the Board and is working with a firm that was retained to assist in identifying and selecting independent director candidates.The Board is
responsible for selecting candidates for election as directors based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Board Diversity

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that our Board serves as the Board should be diverse, engagedrepresentative of, and independent.acts on behalf of, all the shareholders of Cardinal Health. In developing and recommending criteria for identifying and evaluating candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers the diversitythat regard, some primary functions of the Board including ethnicinclude:

reviewing, evaluating and, gender

where appropriate, approving our major business strategies, capital deployment and long-term plans and reviewing our performance;

diversity. We believe the composition of

planning for and approving management succession; and

overseeing our Board appropriately reflects a diversity of skills, professionalpolicies and personal backgroundsprocedures for assessing and experiencesmanaging compliance and 45% of our Board members are ethnically or gender diverse.risk.

Board Performance Assessment


Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
13



Corporate Governance

engagement.jpg
After considering feedback from shareholders in recent years, we have:
adopted a proxy access right for shareholders;
enhanced our disclosures regarding the Board's role in strategy and risk oversight;
formalized additional responsibilities for the independent Lead Director and enhanced our disclosure about the Lead Director’s role and activities;
formalized our annual individual director evaluation process and expanded our disclosure about the annual Board evaluation process;
enhanced our executive compensation clawback provision;
provided more detailed disclosure in the Proxy Summary and the Compensation Discussion and Analysis Executive Summary; and
added a chart of director qualifications and experience in the proxy statement.
Strategy and Risk Oversight
Board’s Oversight of Strategy and Capital Deployment

The Board receives updates on company performance and regularly discusses our strategy in light of company performance,considering the competitive environment, developments in the rapidly changing healthcare industry, and the generalglobal business and global economic environment, andenvironment. The Board reviews and approves our capital deployment, including dividends, financing and share repurchase plans, and significant acquisitions. acquisitions and divestitures.

At two of its in-person meetings each year,least annually, the Board conducts a dedicated strategy sessionssession with in-depth discussions with senior management on the healthcareof our industry, and environmental factors and reviews specific businesses and new business opportunities. These strategyAt these sessions, have included external speakers such as business partners and advisors, as well as off-site visits to company facilities and customer locations. Thethe Board also discusses risks related to our strategies, including thoserisks resulting from possible competitor, customeractions by competitors, disrupters, customers and supplier actions, the changing healthcare environment and new technologies.suppliers. The Board also considers various elements of strategy at each regular quarterly meeting. The collective backgrounds, skills and experiences of our directors, including broad healthcareindustry experience, contribute

to robust discussions regarding strategic planningof strategy and risk oversight.
As an example,the related risks.

The Board has supported our Board discussed the possible acquisition of the Patient Recovery Business from Medtronic plc overgoal to deploy capital in a number of meetings beginningbalanced and disciplined manner that prioritizes reinvesting in the fallbusiness, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and returning cash to shareholders through dividends. Reinvestment in the business through capital expenditures remains a critical priority. Another priority is maintaining a strong balance sheet through our focus on our credit rating and the corresponding metrics. We paid down $1.4 billion in debt during fiscal 2020. Our board also approved a 1% increase in our dividend during fiscal 2020.

Engagement on COVID-19

During fiscal 2020, the Board was highly engaged with the Chief Executive Officer and other management about the impact of 2016, whenCOVID-19 and the company’s response and plans. Management held regular informational calls with Board members throughout the spring and summer covering employees and operations, financial impact, product supply, media engagement, and related legal and regulatory matters. Management also is engaged with the Board on identifying and addressing strategic risks and opportunities arising out of COVID-19. During the pandemic, we learned that these assets might be for sale. We devoted significant portions of twoadjusted our planned in-person Board meetings to a detailed review and discussionhold them virtually to ensure continued effective functioning of the possible acquisitionBoard.

How Our Board Engages in Management Succession

The Compensation Committee and related capital deployment,the Board are actively engaged in our talent management program. The Compensation Committee oversees the process for succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer and had severalother senior executives, and management provides an organizational update at each quarterly Compensation Committee meeting.

The full Board updates between these meetings. holds a formal succession planning and talent review session annually, which includes succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives. These sessions include identification of internal candidates and desired leadership skills and key capabilities and experience considering our current and evolving business and strategic direction.

Directors interact with our leaders through Board presentations and discussions, as well as through informal events and planned one-on-one sessions.

The Board approvedmaintains an emergency succession plan, as well as a long-term succession plan for the acquisitionposition of Chief Executive Officer.

During fiscal 2020, our succession planning process helped Mr. Kaufmann complete his executive leadership team with Jason Hollar, an experienced new hire for the Chief Financial Officer role. Mr. Hollar joined us from automotive products company Tenneco Inc. and his experience spans multiple industries and geographies. In addition to serving as Chief Financial Officer of Tenneco and Sears Holding Corporation before that, Mr. Hollar has held senior finance roles at a special meeting in April 2017.other large multinational companies.

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How Our Board Oversees Risk

A summary of the allocation of general risk oversight functions among management, the Board and its Committees is as follows:

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Management has day-to-day responsibility for assessing and managing risks, and the Board is responsible for risk oversight. We haveManagement has developed and administers an enterprise risk management process,program, which ourthe Audit Committee oversees and our Chief Legal and Compliance Officer administers. Underoversees. Through this process, management identifies and prioritizes enterprise risks and develops systems to assess, monitor and mitigate those risks. Management reviews and discusses with the Board significant risks identified through the process. this program.

The Audit Committee also is responsible for



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Corporate Governance

discussing with management our major financial risk exposures, our ethics and compliance programs,program and compliance with legal and quality and regulatory requirements. The Board and Audit Committee receive regular updates on the effectiveness of our ethics and compliance programs, including our healthcare regulatory compliance, anti-corruption and controlled substance anti-diversion program, as well as updates on potential information system and cyber security
exposures and mitigation strategies. cybersecurity programs.

In connection with its risk oversight role, the Audit Committee meets regularly with representatives from our independent registered public accounting firmauditor and with our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and the head of our internal audit function.

The Opioid Epidemic and Risk Management
As a pharmaceutical distributor, we provide a safe and secure channel for transporting prescription medications of all types, including opioid pain medications, from manufacturers approved by the Food and Drug Administration to licensed pharmacies.

The Ad Hoc Committee assists the Board in its oversight of our response to the opioid epidemic. The Ad Hoc Committee receives updates and assesses the implications for Cardinal Health of, among other things, the risks posed by the opioid epidemic and related litigation from a legal, financial and reputational perspective.

The Surgical Gown Recall Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the company’s surgical gown recall announced in January 2020 and related activities and risks.

COVID-19 Risks

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, management has kept the Board apprised of its efforts to assess strategic risks and opportunities arising from structural shifts in the industry resulting from COVID-19. Management has developed and is implementing plans in connection with this assessment and regularly updates the Board on their progress.

Our role is to ensure medications of all kinds—oncology, blood pressure, antibiotic, pain and other medications—are available to pharmacies that are licensed by their state and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispense these medications to patients with valid medical prescriptions. As a pharmaceutical distributor, we do not manufacture, market, promote or dispense these medications, and we do not interact with patients, diagnose medical conditions, write prescriptions or otherwise practice medicine. As part of our safe and secure distribution channel, we maintain a rigorous anti-diversion program to prevent opioid pain medications from being diverted for improper uses.

Ethics and Compliance Program
The

Our Board has adopted written StandardsofBusinessConduct that outline our corporate values and standards of integrity and behavior. The StandardsofBusinessConduct are designed to foster a culture of integrity, drive compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and protect and promote the reputation of our company. The full text of the StandardsofBusiness Conduct Conduct is posted on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Our Business—Us — Who we are — Ethics and Compliance.” This information also is available in print (free of charge) to any shareholder who requests it from our Investor Relations department.

Our Chief Legal and Compliance Officer has the responsibility to implement and maintain an effective ethics and compliance program. He alsoShe provides quarterly updates on our ethics and compliance program to the Audit Committee and an update to the full Board at least once a year. Heyear, or more frequently as needed. She reports to the ChairChairman of the Audit Committee and to the Chief Executive Officer and meets in separate executive sessionssession quarterly with the Audit Committee.

Management Succession Planning

The Board’s Role in Oversight of Corporate Citizenship

The Nominating and Governance Committee is charged with overseeing our environmental sustainability and other corporate citizenship activities, including our policies and practices regarding political and lobbying activities and expenditures. Our corporate citizenship reports are available on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate Citizenship.”

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Corporate Citizenship during Fiscal 2020

In the past year, management formally chartered a cross-functional ESG Steering Committee to meet regularly to consider environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues. We also worked with an external partner to help us identify ESG priorities that are most relevant to our company and our stakeholders and identified the following seven ESG priorities: response to the opioid crisis; ethics and compliance; product quality and safety; human capital management; data privacy and security; environmental emissions and impact; and supply chain management. Each is discussed in our 2019 Corporate Citizenship Report.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

As we emphasized in the 2019 Corporate Citizenship Report, diversity and inclusion — in our workplaces and in our communities — is an important priority to us. By respecting and appreciating diversity of thought, experience and background, we are becoming more innovative, increasing employee engagement and improving customer and shareholder value. Managers are required to seek out a slate of candidates that includes women and minorities for any job or promotion. Four of eight leaders reporting to our Chief Executive Officer are women and one is an African American male. Women comprise 41% of our executive management and ethnically diverse persons comprise 18%.

We required unconscious bias training of every incentive eligible leader during fiscal 2020 and, as discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis on page 34, we introduced a corporate culture goal for our fiscal 2020 annual cash incentive program for completion of unconscious bias training.

We have an internal D&I Steering Council of senior business leaders charged with helping to lead internal conversations about diversity and inclusion. And last year, our Chief Executive Officer held our first ever D&I Town Hall with a panel of senior leaders.

More recently, our Chief Executive Officer formed a cabinet of African American and Black leaders within the company to help educate our senior leaders on racial equity issues and advise on actions we can take.

The Board’s Role in Oversight of Corporate Culture

The Board continues to assess and monitor corporate culture at Cardinal Health and how it fosters our business strategies. To inform the Board about human capital and cultural health, we have developed and annually share with the Board a cross-functional culture scorecard that includes employee engagement survey data, employee retention and turnover data, diverse employee and management representation, audit and accounting findings, employee cybersecurity awareness results and employee health and safety data.

Our Path Forward

As part of our broader strategic and financial plans, we began fiscal 2020 by launching “Our Path Forward” (see graphic below), which outlines both the plans and initiatives we have underway to advance our objectives and the key competitive advantages and values that will be vital to our success.

As discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 34, the Compensation Committee added new culture goals to our annual cash incentive and PSU grants during fiscal 2020 to align with these important strategic initiatives. The culture goals for the annual incentive program focused on performance management, change management and diversity and inclusion, while the culture goal for the PSUs focused on leadership score improvement from our employee engagement survey. We plan to continue to develop these culture goals.

Management Behaviors

For the fiscal 2020 performance management process, we introduced new management “behaviors” in line with Our Path Forward. They are:

invites curiosity (explores possibilities for the future);

inspires commitment (pursues results with passion);

builds partnerships (seeks connections for the greater good); and

develops self and others (inspires others to grow to our full potential).

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Our Board Evaluation Process

Each year, our Board conducts a rigorous self-evaluation process, which includes individual director evaluations. This process is actively engagedoverseen by the Nominating and Governance Committee, led by our Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, and conducted by an outside facilitator with corporate governance experience. The outside facilitator interviews each director to obtain anonymous feedback regarding Board performance and effectiveness and reviews the feedback during an executive session of the Board. This feedback helps the Board identify follow-up items and provide feedback to management.

The Board evaluation process includes an assessment of both Board process and substance, including:

the Board’s effectiveness, structure, composition, succession and culture;

the quality of Board discussions;

the Board’s performance in oversight of business performance, strategy, succession planning, risk management, ethics and compliance and other key areas; and

agenda topics for future meetings.

The outside facilitator also obtains feedback regarding each individual director, which is provided to the director in an individual discussion. The Board believes that this annual evaluation process supports its effectiveness and continuous improvement.

In addition to the full Board’s evaluation process, each of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees annually review their charters and conduct their own Committee self-evaluation.

Director Independence

The Board has established director independence standards based on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules. These standards can be found in our talentCorporate Governance Guidelines on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate — Investor Relations — Corporate Governance — Corporate Governance Documents.” These standards address, among other things, employment and compensation relationships, relationships with our auditor and customer and business relationships.

The Board assesses director independence at least annually, based on the recommendations of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Darden, Downey, Evans, Johri,

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Kenny, Losh, Scarborough and Weiland, and each of Mses. Arnold, Cox, Edison, Hemingway Hall and Killefer, is independent.

In reaching the determination that Mr. Evans is independent, the Board considered that, following the unexpected departure of our Chief Financial Officer early in fiscal 2020, Mr. Evans was hired to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer for less than a year while we conducted a search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer, and he received fixed cash compensation in that interim role.

Shareholder Engagement

It has been our long-standing practice to actively engage with our shareholders throughout the year so that management program.and the Board can better understand shareholder perspectives on governance, executive compensation and other topics. We strive for a collaborative approach to engagement and value shareholders’ perspectives.

During the summer of 2020, we again engaged with governance professionals from our largest shareholders. Our engagement discussions covered, among other topics, our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Board oversight of our response to the opioid epidemic, including the global settlement framework and related litigation, the surgical gown recall, Board composition and refreshment, and our Chief Financial Officer transition. We also have continued to hold constructive discussions with members of the Investors for Opioid and Pharmaceutical Accountability coalition.

A general overview of our annual engagement process is below.

After considering feedback from shareholders in recent years, we have taken the following actions:

limited director service on other public company boards to three or just their own board if the director is an executive of another public company;

expanded the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities to oversee and advise the Board about human capital management strategies and policies;

adopted a policy to explain the exclusion of certain legal and compliance costs from our incentive performance metrics;

expanded the Nominating and Governance Committee’s oversight to include environmental sustainability and other corporate citizenship activities as well as lobbying activities and expenditures;

changed the long-term incentive compensation mix for executives, increasing the proportion of PSUs to 60% and eliminating stock options;

enhanced our executive compensation clawback provision;

added a chairman’s letter to our proxy statement;

increased our communications about the Ad Hoc Committee and the Board’s oversight of opioid-related issues; and

separated the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer roles.

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Director Compensation

Overview

Our non-management director compensation program is approved by our Board based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee overseesreceives comparative market data and recommendations from its compensation consultant with regard to the process for succession planningstructure and amounts of our director compensation. Total director compensation is targeted at the median amount among our Comparator Group, which is discussed on page 37.

Following the Compensation Committee’s review of director compensation in May 2019, and based on the recommendation of its compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, increases to the annual retainers and restricted share unit (“RSU”) grants effective in November 2019. The compensation changes aligned with our target of the median director compensation for the Chief Executive OfficerComparator Group. There were no changes made to director compensation for fiscal 2021.

Compensation Arrangements

The table below shows the elements and senior executives, and management provides an organizational update at each quarterly Compensation Committee meeting. The Boardamount of compensation that we paid to our non-management directors during fiscal 2020.

Compensation Element

Amount until November 5, 2019

($)

Amount on and after November 6, 2019

($)

Annual retainer(1)

105,000

115,000

RSUs(2)

175,000

185,000

Committee chair annual retainer(1)

 

 

Audit Committee

25,000

25,000

Compensation Committee

20,000

20,000

Nominating and Governance Committee

15,000

15,000

Non-executive Chairman of the Board compensation

 

 

Annual retainer(1)

125,000

125,000

Annual RSUs

125,000

125,000

(1)

Retainer amounts are paid in cash in quarterly installments.

(2)

Each new non-management director receives an initial RSU grant and an annual RSU grant on the date of our Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The initial grant is prorated to reflect service between the election date and the one-year anniversary of the prior year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. We value the RSUs based on the closing share price on the grant date. RSUs vest one year from the grant date (or, for annual grants, on the date of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, if earlier) and settle in common shares. We accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable upon vesting of the RSUs. All unvested RSUs become fully vested upon a “change of control” (as defined under “Potential Payments on Termination of Employment and Change of Control” on page 50) unless the director is asked to continue to serve on the board of directors of the surviving entity or its affiliates and receives a qualifying replacement award.

maintains an emergency succession plan as well as a long-term succession plan

Directors may receive additional compensation for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

The Board holds a formal succession planning and talent review session annually, which includes succession planning for other senior management positions. These talent review and


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Corporate Governance

succession planning discussions take into account desired leadership skills, key capabilities and experience in light of our current and evolving business and strategic direction, and include identification and development of internal candidates. Directors also have exposure to leaders through Board presentations and
discussions, as well as through informal events and interactions with key talent throughout the year, both in small group and one-on-one settings. In addition,performing duties assigned by the Board regularly discusses management talentor its committees that are considered beyond the scope of the ordinary responsibilities of directors or committee members. Messrs. Darden and successionKenny and Ms. Cox receive $10,000 per year for service on the Ad Hoc Committee and Mr. Downey receives $25,000 per year for chairing the Ad Hoc Committee.

Directors may elect to defer payment of their cash retainers into the Cardinal Health Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”). For directors, deferred balances under the DCP are paid in its executive sessions.

Certain Relationshipscash upon termination from Board service, death or disability in a single lump sum or annual installment payments over a period of five or ten years. A director also may defer receipt of common shares that otherwise would be issued on the date that RSUs vest until termination from Board service.

Our directors may participate in our matching gift program. Under this program and Related Transactions

subject to certain restrictions, the Cardinal Health Foundation (our philanthropic affiliate) will match contributions for eligible non-profit organizations.

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Director Compensation for Fiscal 2020

The non-management directors received the following compensation during fiscal 2020:

Name

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash

($)

 

Stock Awards

($)

(1) 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

($)

Colleen F. Arnold

111,522

 

184,999

 

 

296,521

Carrie S. Cox

141,522

 

184,999

 

2,000

(2)

328,521

Calvin Darden

121,522

 

184,999

 

2,000

(2)

308,521

Bruce L. Downey

136,522

 

184,999

 

 

321,521

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

126,522

 

184,999

 

 

311,521

Akhil Johri

111,522

 

184,999

 

 

296,521

Gregory B. Kenny

246,522

 

310,024

 

2,000

(2)

558,546

Nancy Killefer

111,522

 

184,999

 

 

296,521

J. Michael Losh

136,522

 

184,999

 

2,000

(2)

323,521

Dean A. Scarborough

93,832

 

217,113

(3)

2,000

(2)

312,945

John H. Weiland

93,832

 

217,113

(3)

 

310,945

(1)

These awards are RSUs granted under the Amended Cardinal Health, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 LTIP”). We valued the RSUs by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date by the number of RSUs awarded. As of June 30, 2020, the aggregate number of shares underlying unvested RSUs held by each director serving on that date was as follows: Ms. Arnold — 3,424 shares; Ms. Cox — 3,424 shares; Mr. Darden — 3,424 shares; Mr. Downey — 3,424 shares; Ms. Hemingway Hall — 3,424 shares; Mr. Johri — 3,424 shares; Mr. Kenny — 5,738 shares; Ms. Killefer — 3,424 shares; Mr. Losh — 3,424 shares; Mr. Scarborough — 4,090; and Mr. Weiland — 4,090.

(2)

Represents a company match attributable to a charitable contribution under our matching gift program.

(3)

Includes initial RSU grants made in September 2019.

The Board follows and Process

Related Person Transactions Policy

We have a written policy that the Audit Committee must approve or ratify any "related“related person transactions"transactions” (transactions exceeding $120,000 in which we are a participant and any related person has a direct or indirect material interest). "Related persons"“Related persons” include our directors, nominees for election as a director, persons controlling over 5% of our common shares, executive officers and the immediate family members of each of these individuals.

Once a related person transaction is identified, the Audit Committee will review all of the relevant facts and circumstances and determine whether to approve the transaction. The Audit Committee will take into account such factors as it considers appropriate, including the material terms of the transaction, the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction, the significance of the transaction to the related person and us, the nature of the related person’s relationship with us and whether the transaction would be likely to impair the judgment of a director or executive officer to act in our best interest.

If advance approval of a transaction is not feasible, the Audit Committee will consider the transaction for ratification at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee Chairman may

pre-approve or ratify any related person transactions in which the aggregate amount is expected to be less than $1 million.

Since July 1, 2016,2019, there have been no transactions, and there are no currently proposed transactions, involving an amount exceeding $120,000 in which we were or are to be a participant and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, except as described below.

Mr. Anderson served as Chief Financial Officer of Alexion, a biotechnology company, from December 11, 2016 until July 31, 2017, and as an employee of Alexion until August 31, 2017. When Mr. Anderson joined Alexion, we had a pre-existing commercial relationship with Alexion which was negotiated at arm's length and in the ordinary course of business, and has continued since Mr. Anderson ended his employment with Alexion. From July 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017, we purchased for distributioninterest.

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Back to our customers approximately $394 million of Alexion product. Mr. Anderson has not been involved in any decisions or activities directly associated with the transactions between Alexion and us. These transactions were approved by our Contents

Audit Committee in accordance with the Related Person Transactions Policy.



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Ratification of Contents


Proposal 2—RatificationAppointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Independent Auditor

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent auditor and approves the audit engagement letter with Ernst & Young LLP and its audit fees. The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 20182021 and believes that the continued retention of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor is in the best interest of Cardinal Health and its shareholders. Ernst & Young LLP has served as our independent auditor since 2002. In accordance with SEC rules, lead audit partners are subject to rotation requirements, which limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may serve us. The Audit Committee oversees the rotation of the audit partners. The Audit Committee Chairman interviews candidates for audit partner and the Audit Committee discusses them.

While not required by law, we are asking our shareholders to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 20182021 at the Annual Meeting as a matter of good corporate

governance. If shareholders do not ratify this appointment, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate to appoint another audit firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may appoint a different audit firm at any time during the fiscal year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the companyCardinal Health and its shareholders. Our Audit Committee approved, and our shareholders ratified with 99% support, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2017.
2020.

We expect representatives of Ernst & Young LLP to be present atattend the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2021.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2018.

Audit Committee Report and Audit Matters
Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoringoverseeing: the integrity of Cardinal Health’s financialstatements; the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance; Cardinal Health’s internal audit function; Cardinal Health’s ethics and compliance program and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and Cardinal Health’s processes for assessing and managing risk. As of the date of thethis report, the Audit Committee consistedconsists of threefive members of the Board of Directors. Mr. Anderson was subsequently re-appointed to the Audit Committee on September 14, 2017. The Board of Directors has determined that each current Committee memberof Messrs. Johri, Losh and Scarborough is an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the SEC rules and that each Committee member is independent. The Audit Committee’s activities are governed by a written charter, most recently revised by the Board of Directors in November 2016. The charterwhich is available on Cardinal Health’s website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Corporate—Us — Corporate — Investor Relations—Relations — Corporate Governance—Governance — Board Committees and Charters."

Management has primary responsibility for the financial statements and for establishing and maintaining the system of internal control over financial reporting. Management also is responsible for reporting on the effectiveness of Cardinal Health’s internal control over financial reporting. Cardinal Health’s independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, is responsible for performing an independent audit of Cardinal Health’s consolidated financial statements and for issuing a report on the financial statements and a report on the effectiveness of Cardinal Health’s internal control over financial reporting based on its audit.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 20172020 with management and with Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed with management and Ernst & Young LLP the effectiveness of Cardinal Health’s internal control over financial reporting as well as management'smanagement’s report and Ernst & Young LLP'sLLP’s report on the subject. The Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the matters related to the conduct of its audit that are required to be communicated by auditors to audit committees under applicable requirements of the Public Company



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Audit Committee Report and Audit Matters

Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB"“PCAOB”) and the SEC and matters related to Cardinal Health’s financial statements, including critical accounting estimates and judgments. The Audit Committee received from Ernst & Young LLP the written disclosures and letter required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence from Cardinal Health required by applicable PCAOB requirements and discussed with Ernst & Young LLP’sLLP its independence.

The Audit Committee meets regularly with Ernst & Young LLP, with and without management present, to review the overall scope and plans for Ernst & Young LLP’s audit work and to discuss the results of its examinations, the evaluation of Cardinal Health’s internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of Cardinal Health’s accounting and financial reporting. In addition, the Audit Committee annually considers the performance of Ernst & Young LLP.

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In reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 20172020 be included in Cardinal Health’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on August 8, 2017.

Clayton M. Jones,12, 2020.

J. Michael Losh, Chairman

Bruce L. Downey
Patricia
Colleen F. Arnold
Akhil Johri
Dean A. Hemingway Hall
Scarborough
John H. Weiland

Fees Paid to Independent Accountants

Ernst & Young LLP

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP for services in fiscal 20172020 and 2016.2019.

 

Fiscal 2020

($)

Fiscal 2019

($)

Audit fees(1)

13,538,845

13,380,007

Audit-related fees(2)

3,488,545

2,168,768

Tax fees(3)

684,174

730,995

All other fees

TOTAL FEES

17,711,564

16,279,770

(1)

Audit fees include fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP related to the annual audit of consolidated financial statements, the annual audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, the review of financial statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and statutory audits of various international subsidiaries. Audit fees also include fees for services performed by Ernst & Young LLP that are closely related to the audit and in many cases could only be provided by the independent auditor, such as comfort letters and consents related to SEC registration statements.

(2)

Audit-related fees include fees for services related to acquisitions and divestitures, audit-related research and assistance, service auditor’s examination reports and employee benefit plan audits.

(3)

Tax fees include fees for tax compliance and other tax-related services. The aggregate fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP for tax compliance for fiscal 2020 and 2019 were $267,468 and $724,560, respectively.

 
Fiscal Year 
Ended
June 30, 2017
($)
Fiscal Year 
Ended
June 30, 2016
($)
Audit fees (1)9,546,537
 9,722,883
 
Audit-related fees (2)2,722,451
 3,780,485
 
Tax fees (3)841,082
 980,523
 
All other fees
 
 
Total fees13,110,070
 14,483,891
 
(1)Audit fees include fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP related to the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements, the annual audit of the effectiveness
(2)Audit-related fees include fees for services related to acquisitions and divestitures, audit-related research and assistance, internal control reviews, service auditor’s examination reports and employee benefit plan audits.
(3)Tax fees include fees for tax compliance and other tax-related services. The aggregate fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP for tax compliance and other tax-related services for fiscal 2017 were $797,514 and $43,568, respectively, and for fiscal 2016 were $546,722 and $433,801, respectively.

The Audit Committee must pre-approve the audit and permissible non-audit services performed by our independent accountants in order to help ensure that the accountants remain independent fromof Cardinal Health. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy governing this pre-approval process.

Under the policy, the Audit Committee annually pre-approves certain services and assigns specific dollar thresholds for these types of services. If a proposed service is not included in the annual pre-approval, the Audit Committee must separately pre-approve the service before the engagement begins.

The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee Chairman for proposed services up to $500,000. Proposed services exceeding $500,000 require full Audit Committee approval.

All audit and non-audit services provided for us by Ernst & Young LLP for fiscal 20172020 and 20162019 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.



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Executive Compensation


Proposal 3—

Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers

In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we are asking our shareholders to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative in this proxy statement.

We urge shareholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on the next page 22 of this proxy statement, which describes in more detail how our executive compensation program operates and is designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and related compensation tables, notes and narrative appearing on pages 3040 through 41,50, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.

The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that the executive compensation program described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis is designed to support our long-term growth, with accountability for key annual results. We tie most of executive pay to performance based on financial, operational and individual performance, and we believe that our compensation programs are competitive in the marketplace.
While we took important actions to strengthen our market position, increase our scale, add new, long-term drivers of growth and improve the overall balance of our integrated portfolio in fiscal 2017, we did not achieve the earnings goal under our annual
incentive plan, largely as a result of a challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment. Our named executives other than Mr. Barrett received payouts at 25% of their respective targets. Mr. Barrett declined to be considered for an annual incentive payout, and the Compensation Committee did not award him a payout. The payouts demonstrate strong alignment between our pay and our performance.

Although this advisory vote is not binding on the Board, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review and consider the voting results when evaluating our executive compensation program.

The Board has adopted a policy providing for annual say-on-pay advisory votes. Accordingly, subject to the outcome of Proposal 4 and the decision of the Board, the next say-on-pay advisory vote will be held at our 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative in this proxy statement.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative in this proxy statement.

Proposal 4—Advisory Vote on Frequency of Future Advisory Votes to Approve Executive Compensation
In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking shareholders to vote on whether future advisory votes on executive compensation (like Proposal 3 above) should occur once every one, two or three years. This vote is not binding on the Board. Based on input from shareholders, the Board has determined that holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every year is most appropriate for us at this time, and recommends that shareholders vote to hold such votes every year. Holding an annual advisory vote provides us with more direct and immediate insight into our shareholders’ views on our executive compensation program.
Although this advisory vote is not binding on the Board, we will carefully review the voting results on this proposal. Notwithstanding the Board’s recommendation and the outcome of
the shareholder vote, the Board may in the future decide to vary its practice on the frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation based on factors such as discussions with shareholders.
You may specify one of four choices for this proposal on the proxy card: one year, two years, three years or abstain. You are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board’s recommendation.
The Board recommends that you vote to conduct future advisory votes to approve executive compensation every ONE YEAR.



Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
19



Share Ownership Information
Beneficial Ownership
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares by and the percentage of our outstanding common shares represented by such ownership for:
each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common shares;
our directors;
our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 30; and
all executive officers and directors as a group.
A person has beneficial ownership of shares if the person has voting or investment power over the shares or the right to acquire such power in 60 days. Investment power means the power to direct the sale or other disposition of the shares. Except as otherwise described in the notes below, information on the number of shares beneficially owned is as of September 11, 2017, and the listed beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power.
Name of Beneficial OwnerCommon Shares
Additional Restricted and
Performance Share
Units (11)
Number
Beneficially
Owned
Percent
of
Class
Wellington Management Group LLP (1)40,120,566
 12.7
 
 
BlackRock, Inc. (2)23,919,543
 7.6
 
 
The Vanguard Group (3)22,358,098
 7.1
 
 
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (4)21,364,753
 6.8
 
 
State Street Corporation (5)16,617,021
 5.3
 
 
David J. Anderson (6)(7)7,785
 *
 
 
Colleen F. Arnold (7)7,511
 *
 19,569
 
George S. Barrett (8)1,752,605
 *
 86,199
 
Donald M. Casey Jr. (8)313,002
 *
 99,090
 
Carrie S. Cox (7)6,758
 *
 16,306
 
Calvin Darden (7)12,972
 *
 19,608
 
Bruce L. Downey (7)16,975
 *
 18,387
 
Jon L. Giacomin (8)148,271
 *
 24,684
 
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall (7)6,323
 *
 2,612
 
Clayton M. Jones (7)6,323
 *
 6,018
 
Michael C. Kaufmann (8)(9)486,626
 *
 47,990
 
Gregory B. Kenny (7)12,492
 *
 19,584
 
Nancy Killefer (7)4,295
 *
 
 
David P. King (7)8,975
 *
 9,446
 
Craig S. Morford (8)142,510
 *
 108,768
 
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (18 Persons)(10)3,071,048
 *
 521,343
 
*Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding shares.
(1)Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2017 by Wellington Management Group LLP, Wellington Group Holdings LLP, Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP and Wellington Management Company LLP. The address of these entities is 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. These entities reported that, as of December 30, 2016, Wellington Management Group LLP had shared voting power with respect to 9,616,602 shares and shared


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Share Ownership Information


dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table, Wellington Group Holdings LLP had shared voting power with respect to 9,616,602 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table, Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP had shared voting power with respect to 9,616,602 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table and Wellington Management Company LLP had shared voting power with respect to 9,301,550 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 39,350,365 shares. The number and percentage of shares held by these entities may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G/A.
(2)Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 23, 2017 by BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock"). The address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. BlackRock reported that, as of December 31, 2016, it had sole voting power with respect to 19,458,612 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table. The number and percentage of shares held by BlackRock may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G/A.
(3)Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2017 by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard"). The address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. Vanguard reported that, as of December 31, 2016, it had sole voting power with respect to 500,349 shares, shared voting power with respect to 62,268 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 21,797,227 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 560,871 shares. The number and percentage of shares held by Vanguard may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G/A.
(4)Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2017 by Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC ("Barrow Hanley"). The address of Barrow Hanley is 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-2761. Barrow Hanley reported that, as of December 31, 2016, it had sole voting power with respect to 5,459,797 shares, shared voting power with respect to 15,904,956 shares, and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table. The number and percentage of shares held by Barrow Hanley may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G.
(5)Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2017 by State Street Corporation ("State Street"). The address of State Street is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111. State Street reported that, as of December 31, 2016, it had sole voting power with respect to 90,515 shares, shared voting power with respect to 16,526,506 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table. The number and percentage of shares held by State Street may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G.
(6)Includes 400 common shares held by Mr. Anderson's spouse.
(7)Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by our non-management directors include (a) outstanding restricted share units ("RSUs") that may be settled within 60 days, as follows: Mr. Anderson—6,323 shares; Ms. Arnold—6,323 shares; Ms. Cox—6,323 shares; Mr. Darden—6,323 shares; Mr. Downey—6,323 shares; Ms. Hemingway Hall—4,475 shares; Mr. Jones—6,323 shares; Mr. Kenny—7,113 shares; Ms. Killefer—4,295 shares; and Mr. King—6,323 shares; and (b) phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP, as follows: Mr. Anderson—62 shares; Ms. Arnold—1,188 shares; Mr. Darden—5,514 shares; and Mr. Kenny—5,379 shares.
(8)Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by our named executives include (a) outstanding stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days, as follows: Mr. Barrett—1,320,419 shares; Mr. Casey—260,841 shares; Mr. Giacomin—123,751 shares; Mr. Kaufmann—346,477 shares; and Mr. Morford—141,120 shares; and (b) outstanding RSUs that will be settled within 60 days, as follows: Mr. Casey—10,006 shares; Mr. Giacomin—1,779 shares; and Mr. Kaufmann —13,341 shares.
(9)Includes 10 common shares held by Mr. Kaufmann's spouse.
(10)Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors as a group include (a) outstanding stock options for an aggregate of 2,281,968 shares that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days; (b) an aggregate of 85,270 RSUs that may or will be settled in common shares within 60 days; and (c) an aggregate of 12,143 shares of phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP.
(11)"Additional Restricted and Performance Share Units" include vested and unvested RSUs and vested performance share units ("PSUs") that will not be settled in common shares within 60 days. RSUs and PSUs do not confer voting rights and generally are not considered "beneficially owned" shares under the SEC rules.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to us and written representations from our officers and directors, we believe that all of our officers and directors and all beneficial owners of 10% or more of any class of our registered equity securities timely filed all reports required under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal 2017.


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21



Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Summary

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis focuses on the fiscal 2020 compensation of the following current and former executive officers (the "named executives"“named executive officers” or “named executives”) for fiscal 2017 and describes the executive compensation program and the Compensation Committee’s decisions of the Compensation Committee under the program.

it.

MichaelC.Kaufmann

ChiefExecutiveOfficer

JasonM.Hollar

ChiefFinancialOfficer

Name

Title

VictorL.Crawford

ChiefExecutiveOfficerPharmaceuticalSegment

George S. Barrett

Chairman and 

StephenM.Mason

ChiefExecutiveOfficerMedicalSegment

Michael C. Kaufmann

JessicaL.Mayer

Chief Financial LegalandComplianceOfficer

Donald M. Casey Jr.

DavidC.Evans

FormerInterimChief Executive Officer—Medical SegmentFinancialOfficer

Jon L. Giacomin

Chief Executive Officer—Pharmaceutical Segment
Craig S. Morford

JorgeM.Gomez

FormerChief Legal and Compliance FinancialOfficer

2020 Highlights

During fiscal 2020, we grew non-GAAP operating earnings, exceeded our non-GAAP EPS guidance range, surpassed our enterprise cost savings target, and strengthened our balance sheet, all while continuing to execute on our long-term strategic priorities in a rapidly-changing environment.

We achieved fiscal 2020 results as we adapted our operations to address the unique challenges presented by COVID-19. In fiscal 2017, we took important actionsresponse to strengthen our market position, increase our scale, add new, long-term drivers of growth and improve the overall balance of our integrated portfolio.

In July 2017, we acquired the Patient Recovery Business from Medtronic plc for $6.1 billion. These well-established, industry-leading product lines are complementary to our medical product business, fit naturally into our customer offering and expand our global reach. The new portfolio will help us further expand our scope in the operating room, in long-term care facilities and in home healthcare, reaching customers across the entire continuum of care.
In our Pharmaceutical segment, our Specialty Solutions business had outstanding growth, expanding its therapeutic reach and growing its hospital and physician customer base, and we saw excellent performance from our Red Oak Sourcing generic sourcing venture with CVS Health Corporation.
In our Medical segment, our medical products distribution business had its strongest growth in recent years, andpandemic, we continued to expandmaintain operations in all our Cardinal Health branded product portfolio with nearly 12,000 product SKUs in 850 categories, more than double from five years ago. We also saw excellent growth fromdistribution facilities, nuclear pharmacies and global manufacturing plants and successfully transitioned our naviHealth business.
On the financial side:
Revenue increased 7%office employees to a record $130.0 billion.remote work model. Through all of this, our focus remained on delivering critical products and services to our customers, while protecting the health and safety of our employees.

Fiscal 2020 highlights include:

Revenue was $152.9 billion, up 5% from the prior year.

GAAP operating loss was $(4.1) billion due to an opioid litigation charge and non-GAAP operating earnings were $2.4 billion, a 1% increase over the prior year. Non-GAAP operating earnings grew despite an estimated net negative impact of approximately $100 million from COVID-19.

GAAP diluted EPS decreased 7% to $4.03, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 3% to $5.40, reflecting a challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment.

GAAP diluted loss per share was $(12.61) due to the opioid litigation charge and non-GAAP EPS was $5.45, a 3% increase over the prior year.

We returned over $900 million to shareholders in dividends ($569 million) and share repurchases ($350 million) and repaid $1.4 billion of long-term debt.

Our Pharmaceutical segment performance exceeded our expectations. Revenue grew revenue 7%, while segment6% to $137.5 billion. Segment profit decreased 12%4% to $1.8 billion, reflecting the expected adverse impact of Pharmaceutical Distribution customer contract renewals.

Our Medical segment revenue decreased 1% percent to $15.4 billion due to the adverse impact from COVID-19. Segment profit increased 15% to $663 million largely driven bydue to cost savings and the generic pharmaceutical pricing environment,favorable year-over-year impact of a supplier charge taken last year, partially offset by the benefitsnegative impact of COVID-19.

We surpassed our enterprise cost savings target, with significant savings contributions from Red Oak Sourcing.Medical global manufacturing and supply chain.

We completed the divestiture of our successful investment in naviHealth.

We agreed in principle to a global settlement framework designed to resolve all opioid lawsuits and claims by states and political subdivisions and continue to work with state attorneys general and representatives of political subdivisions to achieve a global settlement.

Our generic pharmaceuticals program performed better than expected with a slight favorable impact on Pharmaceutical segment profit after several years of a negative impact.

Our Medical segment grew revenue 9%managed a voluntary recall for surgical gowns and segment profit 25%,three voluntary field actions for Presource surgical procedure packs containing affected surgical gowns.

We launched “Our Path Forward” outlining the plans and initiatives underway to advance our corporate culture objectives. We added new culture goals (including a diversity and inclusion goal) to our annual cash incentive and PSU programs.

Non-GAAP operating earnings growth and strong performance against new strategic measures for cost savings and culture drove a fiscal 2020 annual cash incentive funding of 120% at the enterprise level.

Our non-GAAP EPS performance over the past three years has negatively impacted our named executives’ long-term incentive pay. We had a 19% payout for the PSUs that vested in fiscal 2020 and no PSU payouts in fiscal 2018 and 2019.

See Annex A for reconciliations to the comparable GAAP financial measures and the reasons why we use non-GAAP financial measures.

Compensation and Benefit Actions in Response to COVID-19

During the pandemic, we took actions to help our employees, including allowing those who are sick with profit growth being driven by contributions fromor who have been exposed to COVID-19 to take time off without impacting their paid-time-off days, expanding availability of child and elder back-up care, and increasing communications

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to employees of the naviHealth business, Cardinal Health branded productsvariety of well-being resources available to them, with an emphasis on mental health. We also provided additional compensation to frontline employees who continued to work during the pandemic, keeping our distribution centers, manufacturing plants and distribution services.

We returned $1.2 billion to shareholders, including $1.80 per share in dividendsother sites running and $600 million in share repurchases.
Fiscal 2017 Key Compensation Decisions
supporting our healthcare provider customers.

For fiscal 2017,2021, considering the Compensation Committee setperformance uncertainties related to COVID-19, we decided that employees at the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings goal for a 100% payout underVice President level and above (including our named executives) will not receive base salary increases, while non-supervisory (including frontline) employees will receive standard merit base salary increases.

Even with the unexpected negative impact of COVID-19 (approximately $100 million), we did not adjust either our annual incentive plan higher than the prior fiscal year goal,or PSU performance goals or results to remove this impact.

CFO Transitions

Jason Hollar became Chief Financial Officer on May 26, 2020. He was formerly Chief Financial Officer of Tenneco Inc. To address compensation forfeited at his former employer, we provided Mr. Hollar with initial long-term incentive grants of $1.0 million in PSUs and set the threshold$1.0 million in RSUs and a $1.55 million cash sign-on bonus. He also received a $200,000 lump sum payment for a 40% payout at 92%relocation.

Mr. Hollar replaced David Evans who had served as our interim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2019 to May 25, 2020. In his interim role, Mr. Evans received cash compensation of that goal. While we achieved 89% of the goal, we$220,000 per month during his employment and did not achieve the threshold, largely as a result of the challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment. In recognition of our strategic and operational accomplishments during fiscal 2017, however, the Compensation Committee awarded payouts to our named executives other than Mr. Barrett at 25% of their respective targets underparticipate in our annual or long-term incentive plan. Mr. Barrett declinedplans or our Senior Executive Severance Plan.

Former Chief Financial Officer Jorge Gomez left the company in August 2019 to be considered for anpursue another opportunity. He did not receive severance and forfeited his annual incentive payout, and unvested long-term incentive awards.

Other Executive Transitions

Stephen Mason was promoted to Chief Executive Officer — Medical Segment in August 2019. Mr. Mason, a 21-year veteran of Cardinal Health, previously led the Compensation Committee did not award him a payout. Cash compensation (salary plus annual incentive payout) for each of our named executives was down between 38% to 64% compared toCardinal Health at-Home business within the prior fiscal year.


___________
We provide the reasons we use non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on pages 18 through 20 of the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement


Medical segment.

Table of Contents


Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Results of 2016 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation and Shareholder Engagement
and Consideration of 2019 “Say-on-Pay” Vote

At the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our say-on-pay“say-on-pay” advisory vote received 93% support, our eighth straight year of over 90% shareholder support. The Compensation Committee considered this vote—vote as well as shareholder feedback from our shareholder engagement efforts discussed below—as demonstrating strong support for our executive compensation program and determinedprogram.

It has been our long-standing practice to maintain the current structure of our executive

compensation program when making compensation decisions for fiscal 2017.
We hold regular discussionsengage with our largest shareholders throughout the year so that management and solicit feedback from our top 50 investorsthe Board can better understand shareholder perspectives on corporate governance topics includinglike executive compensation. During fiscal 2017,2020, we contactedagain engaged with governance professionals from our shareholders representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares.largest shareholders. (See pages 13 and 14page 25 for further detail about shareholder engagement.)

Our compensation program is designed to support our long-term growth, with accountability for key annual results. It has the following key objectives:

Rewardperformance. We tie most ofour executive pay to performance based on financial, operational and individual performance.

Drive stock ownership. Long-term

Emphasizelong-term,stock-basedincentive grants combined with stock ownership guidelines provide executives with meaningful ownership stakes and align their interests with shareholders.

Emphasize long-term incentive compensation. We emphasize performance and retention through the use ofusing long-term, stock-based incentive compensation, which supports sustainable long-term shareholder return.
Combined with stock ownership guidelines, it provides executives with meaningful ownership stakes and aligns their interests with shareholders.

Attract,

Maintainacompetitiveprogramthatwillattractandretain and reward the best talent to achieve superior results for shareholders. We need to attract and retain top talent to drive superior results for our shareholders. criticaltalent.We have structureddesigned our compensation programsprogram to be competitive in the marketplace with a focus on pay and performance alignment.to invest in and reward talent, driving our long-term growth while holding employees accountable to our strategy and our values.

What We Have

What We Do Not Have

WHAT WE HAVEWHAT WE DON'T HAVE
ü

Significant portion of executive pay "at risk"consists of performance-based “at risk” elements

û

No employment agreements with executive team

Performance goals for cost savings and corporate culture (including diversity and inclusion)

No dividend equivalents on unvested PSUs or RSUs

üDifferent metrics

Caps on annual cash incentive and PSU payouts

No executive pensions or supplemental retirement plans

Minimum vesting period for annual incentives and PSUslong-term incentive awards

û

No repricing of underwater options without shareholder approval

üCaps on annual cash incentive and PSU payoutsûNo hedging or pledging of company stock
üMinimum vesting period for long-term incentive awardsûNo executive pensions or supplemental retirement plans
ü

Stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers

û

No "single trigger"hedging or pledging of company stock

Compensation recoupment (“clawback”) provision

No “single trigger” change of control arrangementsarrangement

üCompensation recoupment ("clawback") provisions

Long-standing, proactive shareholder engagement program

û

No excise tax gross-ups upon change of control

üLong-standing, proactive shareholder engagement program



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Cardinal Health20172020 Proxy Statement

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    32




Compensation Discussion and Analysis


We have three elements of

Our executive officers’ total direct compensation:compensation has three elements: base salary,salary; annual incentivesincentive; and long-term incentives. Long-term incentives consist of an equally-weighted mix ofincentive. In fiscal 2020, long-term incentive awards were granted 60% in PSUs stock options and 40% in RSUs. A significant portion of executive compensation is performance-basedbased on company performance and is at-risk (annual incentives, PSUsincentive and stock options)PSUs). At the beginning of the fiscal year,each performance period, the Compensation Committee reviews targets for the named executives’ incentives and sets the performance goals under our annual incentive planprogram and PSUs. Following the end ofAfter the performance period ends, the Compensation Committee evaluates actual performance against the performance goals and determines payouts. The charts below show the fiscal 2020 target total direct compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other current named executives.

ceopaymixa03.jpgotherexecpaymixa01.jpg

Pay Element

Description and Purpose

Links to Business and Talent Strategies

Basesalary

Fixed cash compensation;compensation, which is reviewed annually and adjusted when appropriate

Set based

Based on historic salary levels,qualifications, experience, role, performance, career progression, market data individual performance, experience and skills, and internal pay equity

Competitive base salaries support our ability to attract and retain executive talent

Annual incentivesincentive

Variable cash compensation based on achieving goals for annual financial goals and operationaladjusted non-GAAP operating earnings, tangible capital, cost savings, culture objectives and individual performance

Target as a percentage of base salary based onreflects market data and internal pay equity

Primary financial measure reflects our focus on operating earnings, with tangible capital modifier promoting efficient use of capital

Cost savings goal and culture goals focused on performance and change management and diversity and inclusion were added for fiscal 2020 to align with key strategic initiatives

Executives are assessed on their individual performance, including their alignment with our StandardsofBusinessConduct, values and management behaviors

Long-term incentivesincentive

Equally weighted between

Weighted 60% in PSUs stock options and 40% in RSUs

PSUs vest based on achieving the performance goalgoals for adjusted non-GAAP EPS, cost savings and culture objectives over three years, with a three-year period; stock options andtotal shareholder return (“TSR”) modifier; RSUs vest ratably over three years

Target annual grant value based onreflects market data and internal pay equity

Supports sustainable long-term shareholder return and closely aligns management'smanagement’s interests with shareholders'shareholders’ interests

PSU measures (non-GAAP diluted

Non-GAAP EPS growthis a primary measure for evaluating our performance and dividend yield) influence shareholder returns overis closely followed by the long terminvestment community

Stock options

Cost savings goal and RSUsculture goal focused on our employee engagement survey results were added to PSUs in fiscal 2020 to align with key strategic initiatives

Long-term incentives help to retain executive talent and promote focus on stock price appreciation

The Compensation Committee did not change Mr. Barrett's base salary during fiscal 2017.

At the beginning of fiscal 2017,2020, the Compensation Committee increased the base salaries for Messrs.of Mr. Kaufmann Casey, Giacominby 8%, Mr. Crawford by 4% and Morford between 3%Ms. Mayer by 5%.

The Compensation Committee set Mr. Hollar’s base salary at $700,000 when he joined us as Chief Financial Officer and set Mr. Mason’s base salary at $525,000 when he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer — Medical Segment early in the fiscal year.

Later in the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Mason’s base salary by an additional 19% and Ms. Mayer’s base salary by an additional 5% based on individual performance, an assessment of market data for their rolesrespective roles. As internal hires, the Compensation Committee initially had set Mr. Mason’s and internal pay equity.



Ms. Mayer’s target total direct compensation lower in the market range with the expectation of adjusting it based on strong performance.

24

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    33



While we achieved 89%

Fiscal 2020 Goal Setting and Results

The Compensation Committee made changes to the fiscal 2020 annual incentive performance program, adding new strategic measures for cost savings and culture objectives to determine 30% of our earnings goal,the payout. As noted earlier, even with the unexpected negative impact of COVID-19 (approximately $100 million), we did not achieve the threshold for a 40% payout underadjust either our annual incentive plan, largely as a result of the challenging generic pharmaceutical pricing environment. In recognition of our strategic and operational accomplishments during fiscal 2017, however, the Compensation Committee awarded payoutsperformance goals or results to our named executives other than Mr. Barrett at 25% of their respective targets under our annual incentive plan, and approved a 33% enterprise funding percentage for the remainder of the organization. Mr. Barrett declined to be considered for an annual incentive payout, and the Compensation Committee did not award him a payout. Cash compensation (salary plus annual incentive payout) for each of our named executives was down between 38% to 64% compared to the prior fiscal year.

At the beginning of fiscal 2017, theremove this impact.

Operatingearningsgoal. The Compensation Committee set the goal of $3,089 million of adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings which, if achieved, would fund a 100% payout. This goal represented 5% growth compared to the prior fiscal year. In order to fund a 40% payout, we had to achieve a threshold of $2,853 million (or 92% of the goal). Our actual performance of $2,734 million (or 89% of the goal) fell short of that threshold. (We describe how we calculate adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings under “Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations” on page 34.)

(in millions)ActualThresholdGoalMaximumComments
Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings$2,734$2,853$3,089$3,749Achieved 89% of the goal
Enterprise funding percentage (1)33%40%100%200% 
(1)Had we achieved threshold performance, the enterprise funding percentage would have been subject to adjustment up or down by up to 10 percentage points based on tangible capital performance.
In exercising its discretion to award annual incentive payouts, the Compensation Committee considered the following strategic and operational accomplishments during fiscal 2017:
strategy, deal execution and financing efforts for the Patient Recovery Business acquisition;
outstanding growth in our Specialty Solutions and Nuclear Pharmacy Services businesses and excellent performance from Red Oak Sourcing;
significant and timely progress on the Pharmaceutical segment's project to replace certain finance and operating information systems and the pharmaceutical distribution business's SG&A expense control; and
strong performance of the naviHealth business and the Medical segment's distribution services.
Name
Target
(Percent of Base Salary)
Target
Amount
($)
Actual Amount
($)
Actual
(Percent of Target)
Barrett150 1,980,000
 0
 0 
Kaufmann100 746,438
 186,609
 25 
Casey100 705,014
 176,253
 25 
Giacomin100 567,151
 141,788
 25 
Morford85 469,328
 117,332
 25 
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
At the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Barrett long-term incentive compensation with a total value of $9.5 million, consistent with the target value in his employment agreement. The Compensation Committee increased Mr. Kaufmann's, Casey's and Giacomin's targets to
$2.85 million, in each case based on market data and internal pay equity considerations. The Committee increased Mr. Morford's target to $1.55 million based on the additional responsibilities he assumed following the Cordis acquisition, leadership transitions within the Legal and Compliance organization and market data.


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25



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


We equally weight our long-term incentive grants between PSUs, stock options and RSUs and may adjust annual grants from target to reflect individual performance, retention or succession planning.
Fiscal 2017 Long-Term Incentive Grants
Name
Annual Grant Target
($)
Actual Grants
Stock
Options
($)
RSUs
($)
Target
PSUs
($)
Total
($)
Barrett9,500,0003,166,667
 3,166,667
 3,166,667
 9,500,001
Kaufmann2,850,000997,500
 997,500
 950,000
 2,945,000
Casey2,850,000997,500
 997,500
 950,000
 2,945,000
Giacomin2,850,000950,000
 950,000
 950,000
 2,850,000
Morford1,550,000516,667
 516,667
 516,667
 1,550,001
Fiscal 2017-2019 PSU Grants
For the PSUs granted at the beginning of fiscal 2017 (the "Fiscal 17-19 PSUs"),2020 to align with the Board-approved budget for non-GAAP operating earnings. While the target was set below fiscal 2019 results, the Committee determined that it was appropriate and consistent with the budget and our public guidance, which reflected headwinds due to customer contract renewals and then-expected generic program performance. In light of these factors, the Compensation Committee established a payout curve that would not exceed 100% until year-over-year growth was achieved.

The earnings goal is based on non-GAAP operating earnings because it is one of our primary measures of operating performance. If we achieve the threshold earnings goal, tangible capital management operates as a modifier of the payout. Tangible capital management focuses on the efficient use of capital.

Strategicgoals. The Compensation Committee set the three-yeartarget for cost savings to align with our publicly announced fiscal 2020 cost savings goal. The Committee set targets for corporate culture goals to advance the “Our Path Forward” initiatives discussed beginning on page 23. The culture goals, which were measured quantitatively on an enterprise-wide basis, focused on performance goal based on the sum of non-GAAP diluted EPS compound annual growth rate ("CAGR")management (employees entering goals and average annual dividend yield, which are the same performance measures we used for PSU grants made in prior years. These measures influence total shareholder return over the long termconversation acknowledgments into our internal tracking system), change management (designated leaders completing change management playbooks), and align management's interests with shareholders'. These measures reflect operating performance as well as capital deployment through acquisitions, dividendsdiversity and share repurchases. inclusion (employees completing unconscious bias training).

We describe how we calculate these measures under “Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance“Performance Measure Calculations” beginning on page 34.43.

The Compensation Committee decided that the annual incentive performance funding results in the table below were appropriate with no adjustment for the positives and negatives for fiscal 2020. These included strong management performance through the COVID-19 pandemic and organizational accountability for the surgical gown recall.

(dollars in millions)

Weighting

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

Actual

 

Percent of

Target

Impact on

Enterprise

Funding

Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings(1)

70%

$1,966

 

$2,269

 

$2,722

 

$2,404

 

106

       80

pp

Tangible capital modifier(2)

 

$897

 

$748

 

$598

 

$775

 

NA

-1

pp

Cost savings(3)

20%

$50

 

$130

 

$250

 

$200

 

154

30

pp

Our Path Forward Culture(3)

10%

1 rating

 

3 rating

 

5 rating

 

4 rating

 

145

15

pp

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123

%

Final enterprise funding percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120

%

The sum of the components and certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments.

(1)

A payout level between 40% and 200% is earned for achieving the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings goals (adjusted for tangible capital). The payout curve would not exceed 100% until we achieved growth over fiscal 2019 adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings of $2,382 million.

(2)

Tangible capital modifies adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings performance by up to or minus 10 percentage points.

(3)

A payout level between 50% and 200% is earned for achieving the cost savings and Our Path Forward — Culture goals.

Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Targets and Payouts

The Compensation Committee annually reviews our named executives’ annual incentive targets as a percentage of base salary. After the review at the beginning of fiscal 2020, the Committee determined not to change the targets of Messrs. Kaufmann and Crawford and Ms. Mayer. The Compensation Committee set the targets for Messrs. Hollar and Mason at 100% of their respective base salaries (the same percentages as their predecessors) in connection with the appointment to their new roles.

The Compensation Committee awarded each eligible named executive his or her fiscal 2020 annual incentive award based on the 120% enterprise funding percentage and an individual performance factor.

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Name

Target

(% of Base Salary)

 

Target

Amount

($)

 

Actual

Amount

($)

 

Actual

(% of Target)

 

Kaufmann

150

 

1,929,918

 

2,547,492

 

132

 

Hollar

100

 

124,317

(1)

149,180

(1)

120

 

Crawford

100

 

721,653

 

909,283

 

126

 

Mason

96

(2)

491,639

(2)

586,348

(2)

119

(2)

Mayer

85

(3)

465,885

(3)

559,061

(3)

120

(3)

While we stated
(1)

Mr. Hollar’s target and actual amounts reflect the prorated portion of his fiscal 2020 annual incentive from when he joined us in April 2020.

(2)

Mr. Mason’s target and actual amounts reflect the different base salaries, annual incentive targets and funding percentages attributable to the different roles he held during the fiscal year.

(3)

Ms. Mayer’s target was increased to 90% effective June 22, 2020 just prior to the fiscal year-end and her fiscal 2020 award was prorated to reflect this change.

Mr. Kaufmann’s annual incentive was based on strong enterprise performance, including growing non-GAAP operating earnings despite the negative impact of COVID-19, and his excellent individual performance. Among the factors the Compensation Committee considered in evaluating his individual performance goal in absolute terms, as in years past, we established the goal factoring in relative market data. We considered historical data for diluted EPS growth rate and dividend yieldwere his strong leadership of the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 Index,company’s response to the S&P 500 Healthcare IndexCOVID-19 pandemic, progress made in Our Path Forward culture initiatives, continued integration of his leadership team, his continued excellent working relationship with the Board, and his prioritization of diversity and inclusion.

Mr. Hollar’s prorated annual incentive was based on enterprise performance and his swift and successful onboarding since joining us in April 2020.

Mr. Crawford’s annual incentive was based on enterprise performance and his leadership of the Pharmaceutical segment, whose segment profit exceeded expectations, with above-expectations generic pharmaceutical program performance. Mr. Crawford also showed strong leadership of his segment in the face of COVID-19 and made strong contributions to the company’s progress on diversity and inclusion. He also was instrumental in the progress the Pharmaceutical segment made in Our Path Forward culture initiatives.

Mr. Mason’s annual incentive was based on enterprise performance and his leadership of the Medical segment, stepping in early in the fiscal year to lead initiatives underway to drive longer-term growth. Under his leadership, the segment significantly overachieved its cost savings target. He also managed the segment through the challenges of COVID-19 and the surgical gown recall and made strong contributions to the company’s progress on diversity and inclusion. He also was instrumental in the progress the Medical segment made in Our Path Forward culture initiatives.

Ms. Mayer’s annual incentive was based on enterprise performance, her performance leading our Comparator Group, which is discussedlegal and compliance functions, and her assuming responsibility mid-year for our quality function. Ms. Mayer also managed her functions through the challenges of COVID-19 and the surgical gown recall and was instrumental in the progress her functions made in Our Path Forward culture initiatives.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

For fiscal 2020, long-term incentive awards were delivered 60% in PSUs and 40% in RSUs. As noted earlier, even with the unexpected negative impact of COVID-19 (approximately $100 million), we did not adjust either our PSU performance goals or results to remove this impact.

Fiscal 2020 Long-Term Incentive Grants

The Compensation Committee annually reviews our named executives’ long-term incentive targets. At the beginning of fiscal 2020, based primarily on page 28. We also took into account our company-specific long-term outlook, as well as analysts' estimates of future performance of Comparator Group companies.

market data, the Committee increased Mr. Kaufmann’s target to $10.0 million (from $9.0 million) and Ms. Mayer’s target to $1.75 million. The Compensation Committee set Mr. Hollar’s target at $2.5 million when he joined us and Mr. Mason’s target at $2.25 million when he was promoted.

The following table below shows the funding percentages set forlong-term incentive awards made in the three-year period for varying levelsfiscal 2020 annual grant to the named executives at the time.

Name

Fiscal 2020

Long-Term Incentive

Target

($)

 

Fiscal 2020 Annual Grant Awards

 

 

RSUs

($)

 

Target

PSUs

($)

 

 

Total

($)

Kaufmann

10,000,000

 

 

4,000,000

 

6,000,000

 

10,000,000

Crawford

2,750,000

 

 

1,100,000

 

1,650,000

 

2,750,000

Mason

2,250,000

 

 

900,000

 

1,350,000

 

2,250,000

Mayer

1,750,000

 

 

700,000

 

1,050,000

 

1,750,000

In May 2020, when he joined us as Chief Financial Officer, we provided Mr. Hollar with initial long-term incentive grants of performance.

 
Performance
(%)
Funding Percentage
Threshold7.0 50 
Goal12.0 100 
Maximum17.0 200 
$1.0 million in PSUs and $1.0 million in RSUs. These grants and his cash sign-on bonus were intended to address compensation he forfeited when he left his prior employer.

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Fiscal 2015-20172018-2020 PSU Payouts

In August 2017,2020, the Compensation Committee certified the payout level of the PSUs granted atfor the beginning of fiscal 20152018 through fiscal 2020 performance cycle (the "Fiscal 15-17 PSUs"“Fiscal 18-20 PSUs”). The Fiscal 18-20 PSUs were earned based on the average of the adjusted non-GAAP EPS payout level for each of the three fiscal years in the performance against the non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR and average annual dividend yield goal. The table below shows the funding percentages at varying levels of performance over the three-year period, and the actual funding percentage.as adjusted by a relative TSR modifier.

Goal

Fiscal

Year

Threshold

($)

Target

($)

Maximum

($)

Actual

($)

Payout

Level

(%)

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS(1)

2018

4.70

5.00

5.30

4.57

0

2019

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.28

70

2020

5.49

5.70

5.91

5.45

0

3-year average payout level

23

TSR modifier(2)

 

Below 20th percentile

Final payout level

 

 

 

 

19

(1)

The Compensation Committee set absolute goals for the first year of the performance period and the following annual growth goals for the second and third years: 4% at threshold, 8% at target and 12% at maximum. Achieving threshold performance results in a 50% payout level, achieving target performance results in a 100% payout level, and achieving maximum performance results in a 200% payout level.

(2)

The TSR modifier decreases the payout by 20% if TSR is below the 20th percentile of the S&P 500 Health Care Index and increases it by 20% if TSR is above the 80th percentile of the index.

 
Performance
(%)
Funding Percentage
Threshold7.0
 50
 
Goal12.0
 100
 
Maximum17.0
 200
 
Actual14.1
(1)133
 
(1)Non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR was 11.9% and average annual dividend yield was 2.2% over the performance period. As permitted by the terms of the PSU agreements, the Compensation Committee excluded the respective $0.02 and $0.04 per share net positive effect of certain discrete tax items from fiscal 2014 and 2017 non-GAAP diluted EPS.

The following table shows the target and earned Fiscal 15-1718-20 PSUs for those named executives who had received this grant.

Name

Target

Number of Shares

(#)

Number of Shares

Earned

(#)

Kaufmann

14,301

2,717

Mason

2,258

429

Mayer

2,258

429

Fiscal 2020-2022 PSU Grants

When granting PSUs for the fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2022 performance cycle (the “Fiscal 20-22 PSUs”), the Compensation Committee changed its approach to setting adjusted non-GAAP EPS goals and added new strategic measures for cost savings and culture.

(dollars in millions)

Weighting

Threshold

(50%)

Target

(100%)

Maximum

(200%)

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS

70%

95% of cumulative EPS goal

100% of cumulative EPS goal

110% of cumulative EPS goal

Cost savings

20%

$150

$300

$500

Our Path Forward — Culture

10%

No change in leadership score

2 pp increase in leadership score

10 pp increase in leadership score

TSR modifier(1)

 

 

 

 

(1)

The TSR modifier decreases the payout by 20% if TSR is below the 20th percentile of the S&P 500 Health Care Index and increases it by 20% if TSR is above the 80th percentile of the index.

EPSgoal.Adjusted non-GAAP EPS remains the primary PSU performance measure because non-GAAP EPS is one of our named executives.

 Name
Target
Number of Shares
(#)
Number of Shares
Earned
(#)
 
 Barrett37,333
 49,653
 
 Kaufmann9,800
 13,034
 
 Casey9,800
 13,034
 
 Giacomin8,253
 10,976
 
 Morford5,600
 7,448
 


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


operating performance and is an important measure used by the investment community to evaluate our performance. The EPS goal is a three-year cumulative goal, which is the sum of annual targets set by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee set the adjusted non-GAAP EPS target for fiscal 2020 at $5.00 to align with the Board-approved budget. The target was consistent with our public EPS guidance range issued at the beginning of fiscal 2020.

The Compensation Committee changed its EPS goal-setting approach to address significant healthcare industry uncertainties that the company has been facing. These uncertainties have made setting appropriate three-year goals very challenging. The Compensation Committee will continue to evaluate its goal-setting approach, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; when it made the change, the Committee viewed it as temporary.

Strategicgoals. The Compensation Committee added a three-year cost savings measure based on an annual run rate in cost savings projects implemented before the end of fiscal 2022. The Compensation Committee set the three-year cost savings target to align with our internal and publicly announced five-year goal of more than $500 million. The Committee also added an Our Path Forward — Culture measure (see pages 23 and 24 for a discussion of Our Path Forward) focused on a leadership score improvement from our employee engagement surveys.

TSRmodifier.A relative TSR modifier measured over a three-year period continues to link this long-term incentive compensation directly to our relative shareholder returns. We use the S&P 500 Health Care Index as the peer group because it is an objective, widely available index with broad representation in the healthcare sector.

Operatingcashflowthreshold. Operating cash flow must exceed net earnings for the first two years of the performance period for any of the Fiscal 20-22 PSUs to vest, regardless of whether the other goals are achieved.

We describe how we calculate these measures under “Performance Measure Calculations” beginning on page 43.

Other Elements of Compensation

We maintain a DCP and

Our 401(k) Savings Plan toand DCP allow the vast majoritymost of our U.S.-based employees based in the United States and Puerto Rico to accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis and allow us to be competitive in recruiting and retaining talent. Our DCP permits certain management employees, including the named executives, to defer payment and taxation of a portion of their salary and annual incentive compensation into a variety of different investment alternatives. We may make matching contributions to the deferred balances of participants, subject to limits discussed under “Deferred Compensation” on page 36.46. We also may make non-matchingadditional contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan and DCP based on pre-established performance goals on the same basis for all employees. We did not exceed the pre-established performance goal for fiscal 2017 and accordingly did not make any non-matching contributions for fiscal 2017. Named executives also may elect to defer payment and taxation of PSUs and RSUs.

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Other Benefits and Perquisites

Mr. Barrett's employment agreement provides that he may

The Compensation Committee encourages use of our corporate aircraft for the personal travel.travel of our Chief Executive Officer because it increases his time available for business purposes and enhances his safety and security, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Kaufmann’s fiscal 2020 personal travel allowance was $150,000. He does not receive tax reimbursement for any imputed income associated with personal travel. The Compensation Committee encourages Mr. Barrett to use corporate aircraft for personal travel as it increases his time available for business purposes and enhances his safety and security. During fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Barrett's personal travel allowance at $150,000. Consistent with Mr. Barrett's employment agreement, any personal travel that

would cause the amount reported in our annual proxy statement to exceed $150,000 requires advance approval from the Compensation Committee. UnderKaufmann has an aircraft time sharingtime-sharing agreement, with Mr. Barrett,under which he may reimburse us for incremental costs when he uses the aircraft for personal travel; reimbursedtravel. Reimbursed travel does not count against his allowance.

Relocation assistance is an important tool for us to recruit talent. We provided Mr. Hollar a $200,000 lump sum payment for relocation. Our offer letter agreement with Mr. Hollar allows us to recover the $150,000 allowance.

full relocation payment if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of it if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

Under our Board-adopted Senior Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), our named executives are eligible for severance benefits under certain circumstances. Specifically, if

prior to a change of control or following the second anniversary of a change of control, we terminate a named executive without cause, or

Mr. Barrett's employment agreement provides

during the two-year period commencing upon a change of control (the “change of control period”), we terminate a named executive without cause, or a named executive resigns for benefits payable upon specified employment termination events. Mr. Barrettgood reason,

then, the named executive will receivereceive:

in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, cash severance equal to two2.0 times (or 2.5 times, if the termination occurs during the change of control period) the sum of his annual base salary and his target bonus payable bonus;

in 24the case of other named executives, cash severance equal monthly installmentsto 1.5 times (or 2.0 times, if we terminate his employment without "cause,” or if he terminates employment for “good reason.” He also will receive the termination occurs during the change of control period) the sum of annual base salary and target bonus; and

a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination based on actual achievementperformance (or the greater of target performance goals and his vested stock options will remain exercisableactual performance if the termination occurs during the change of control period) and up to 18 months of health insurance premiums.

Receipt of these amounts is conditioned upon execution of a general release and compliance with certain restrictive covenants.

During fiscal 2020, the Compensation Committee amended the definition of “Termination for two years. Mr. Barrett's employment agreement doesCause” under the Severance Plan to include committing fraud or theft or violating theStandardsofBusinessConduct or any other written company policy.

We believe that the Severance Plan is competitive with market practices and provides appropriate levels of compensation under standard terms and conditions related to executive separations. These benefits are an important component of our compensation packages designed to attract and retain top caliber talent in senior leadership roles and define terms and conditions of separation events.

We do not have any agreements to provide for special treatment of any unvested equity awards.

change-of-control excise tax gross-ups. We discuss our limited severance payments and benefits in detail under “Potential Payments on Termination of Employment or Change of Control” beginning on page 38. We do not have any agreements to provide change-of-control excise tax gross-ups.
Our Board has a policy requiring us to obtain shareholder approval of severance agreements with our executives that provide cash severance benefits that exceed 2.99 times the sum of base salary and bonus.

The Compensation Committee has retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. ("Cook")utilized Korn Ferry as its independent executive compensation consultant since 2011.

2018. The nature and scope of Cook'sthe consultant’s engagement consistconsists primarily of:

participating in meetings of the Compensation Committee;

providing compensation data on the Comparator Group; and

providing support, advice and recommendations related to compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, the design of our executive compensation program, (including the plan design for annual and long-term incentives), the composition of our Comparator Group and director compensation.

The Compensation Committee has made an assessment under the factors set forth in the NYSE rules and concluded that CookKorn Ferry is independent and that the firm'sfirm’s work for the Compensation Committee diddoes not raise any conflicts of interest.

In making this assessment, the Committee considered other services that Korn Ferry provides to management.

Role of Executive Officers

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer participate in Compensation Committee meetings to make recommendations as toregarding program design and compensation amounts, to present performance assessments of the named executives (other than our Chief Executive Officer) and together withdiscuss company performance. The Compensation Committee delegates authority to our Chief Financial Officer,executive officers to discuss our financial and operational performance.

administer compensation plans for participants who are not officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Our Chief Executive Officer reviewed fiscal 2017reviews performance objectives with the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, including financial objectives and non-financial objectives for customer, strategic and talent priorities. The



Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis


the Compensation Committee reviews and discusses the performance and compensation of ourthe Chief Executive Officer in executive session and with the Lead Director.Chairman of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer does not participate in decisions regarding his own compensation.

The Compensation Committee establishes target compensation levels based on a variety of factors, including data from a "Comparator Group"“Comparator Group” of similarly situated public companies, which helps the Compensation Committee to assess whether our executive pay remains reasonable and competitive in the marketplace. Developed with the assistance of Cook,the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant, our Comparator Group reflects the industry in which we primarily compete for executive talent and includes direct competitors and other companies in the healthcare field. Our Comparator Group also includes air/freight and logistics companies and retailers and because of those companies'their similar size and business models.

The following companies comprised the Comparator Group for fiscal 20172020 executive pay decisions:

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Abbott Laboratories

Danaher

Owens & Minor

AmerisourceBergen

FedEx

Stryker

Aetna

Anthem

Express Scripts

Henry Schein

Quest Diagnostics

Sysco

AmerisourceBergen

Baxter International

FedEx

Johnson & Johnson

Sysco

Target

Anthem

Becton Dickinson

Henry Schein

Kroger

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Baxter International

Boston Scientific

Humana

LabCorp

United Parcel Service

Becton, Dickinson

CIGNA

Kimberly-Clark*

McKesson

UnitedHealth Group

Boston Scientific

CVS Health

LabCorp

Medtronic

Walgreens Boots Alliance

CIGNAMcKesson
CVS HealthOwens & Minor

* Removed for fiscal 2018 executive pay decisions.

The Compensation Committee, working with its compensation consultant, periodically reviews the group'sgroup’s composition to ensure that the companies remain relevant for comparison purposes. The Compensation Committee useduses the following screening criteriakey guidelines when it last reviewedreviews the Comparator Group's composition:Group’s composition with the assistance of Korn Ferry:

revenue ranging from

firm size (firms generally falling in the range of 0.2 to 22.0 times our annual revenue;

market capitalization ranging fromrevenue and 0.2 to 55.0 times our market capitalization;capitalization);

inclusion in the peer group of 5 or more of the

industry;

business model; and

other companies in our Comparator Group;secondary considerations, such as talent market, customer base and market presence.

inclusion in our Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sub-industry group, Health Care Equipment and Services.

Our revenue has beenis in the top quintile of the Comparator Group whileand our market capitalization has beenis in the thirdbottom quintile.

Our Compensation Committee compares total direct compensation (base salary plus annual and long-term incentives)incentive) against the 50th percentilemedian of the Comparator Group as a reference point in setting target compensation levels. In addition to

competitive market data, the Compensation Committee also considers internal pay equity and an executive’s experience, and scope of responsibility, individual performance, potential, and unique or hard-to-replace skills, as well as retention concerns.

Management has assessed our compensation programs and concluded that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Cardinal Health. This risk assessment included reviewing the design and operation of our compensation programs, identifying and evaluating situations or compensation elements that could raise more significant risks and evaluating other controls and processes designed to identify and manage risk. The Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the risk assessment and Cookalong with Korn Ferry reviewed the risk assessment and concurred with management'smanagement’s conclusion.

CFO Offer Letters

Jason Hollar joined us as in April 2020 and became Chief Financial Officer on May 26, 2020. Mr. Hollar’s offer letter set his initial base salary and annual and long-term incentive targets. To address compensation forfeited at his former employer, the offer letter provided for Mr. Hollar to receive initial long-term incentive grants of $1.0 million in PSUs and $1.0 million in RSUs and a $1.55 million cash sign-on bonus. The offer letter also provided for a $200,000 lump sum payment for relocation. Under the terms of the offer letter, Mr. Hollar must repay 100% of the sign-on bonus and the relocation payment if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of it if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

David Evans served as our interim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2019 until May 25, 2020. Mr. Evans’ offer letter provided him with monthly cash compensation during his time of employment with a minimum duration of five months. In his interim role, he did not participate in our annual or long-term incentive award programs or our Severance Plan.

We discuss the terms of Messrs. Hollar’s and Evans’ offer letters in more detail under “CFO Offer Letters” on page 41.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We have stock ownership guidelines to align the interests of executive officers and directors with the interests of our shareholders. The guidelines specify a dollar value (expressed as a multiple of salary or cash retainer) of shares that executive officers and directors must accumulate and hold while serving in these positions. All named executives exceed the required ownership level.

Multiple of Base

Salary/

Annual

Cash Retainer

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

6x

Chief Financial Officer and Segment CEOsChief Executive Officers

4x

Other executive officers

3x

Non-management directors

5x

We count common shares, RSUs and phantom shares held through the DCP under the stock ownership guidelines. Executive officers and directors must retain 100% of the net after-tax shares received under any equity awards until they satisfy the required ownership levels.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our primary annual incentive and PSU performance measures are based on the same non-GAAP financial measures that we use internally for planning and evaluating our performance and present externally in our earnings materials and SEC reports. We adjust these non-GAAP financial measures to exclude some items that are included in our GAAP measures, such as restructuring and employee severance costs, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and gain or loss on disposal of assets and net litigation recoveries or charges. We make these adjustments primarily because they are not part of our ongoing operations or included in our financial planning, or they relate to events that may have occurred in prior or multiple periods or their timing or amount is inherently unpredictable.

We excluded the following charges and gains, among others, from our non-GAAP financial measures during relevant periods:

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pre-tax charge of $5.63 billion ($5.14 billion after tax or $17.54 per share) during fiscal 2020 related to opioid litigation(1); our long-standing practice has been to exclude litigation charges like this from our non-GAAP financial measures;

pre-tax gain of $579 million ($493 million after tax or $1.68 per share) during fiscal 2020 related to completion of the divestiture of our remaining equity interest in naviHealth; and

transitional tax benefits of U.S. tax reform during fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020, including a $936 million ($2.97 per share) benefit in fiscal 2018.

We explain the adjustments to our non-GAAP financial measures and provide a reconciliation to GAAP measures in Annex A.

When determining the payout level for the Fiscal 18-20 PSUs, we removed the positive impact of a benefit from a change in U.S. federal rate of $135 million ($0.43 per share) that was reflected in our fiscal 2018 non-GAAP financial measures.

In addition, the negative impact of COVID-19, which we estimate had a net negative impact on operating earnings of approximately $100 million, was reflected in our fiscal 2020 non-GAAP financial measures and, as noted earlier, we did not adjust either our annual incentive or PSU performance goals or results to remove this impact.

Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks"(“Clawbacks”)

Our incentive plans2011 LTIP and equity award agreements provide that we may require repayment of cash incentives and gains realized under equity awards and cancel outstanding equity awards in specified instances of executive misconduct. In addition, in August 2017, we amended our incentive plan to provide that any cash award paid to an executive officer will be subject to repayment if the executive officer commitsmisconduct, including misconduct causing a financial statement restatement or a material violation of law or of our StandardsofBusinessConduct that causes material financial harm to us.



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Compensation Discussion and Analysis


us.

We will disclose publicly the incentive compensation forfeitures or repayments from our executive officers if required by law or if we have already disclosed publicly the underlying event triggering the forfeiture or repayment and the disclosure would not violate any individual’s privacy rights, is not likely to result in or exacerbate any existing or threatened employee, shareholder or other litigation, arbitration, investigation or proceeding against us, and is not otherwise prohibited.

These clawback provisions support our compliance and risk management programs. We discuss thesethe provisions in more detail under “Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks"(“Clawbacks”)” on page 34.

Our Board has adopted a policy prohibiting all employees and directors from engaging inentering into short sales, publicly traded options, puts and calls, forward sale contracts and other swap, hedging andor derivative transactions relating to our securities. The Board also has adopted a policy prohibiting our executive officers and directors from holding our securities in margin accounts or pledging our securities as collateral for a loan.

The Compensation Committee typically approves the annual equity grant in August of each year and sets August 15 as the grant date. The Compensation Committee expects the annual grant date to follow the release of earnings for the prior fiscal year in early August, without regard to whether we are aware of material nonpublic information.

Our fiscal 20172020 annual equity run rate was 0.8%0.92%. We calculate our equity run rate as the total number of shares subject to equity awards granted in the fiscal year divided by the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding during the fiscal year.

Minimum Vesting of Equity Grants
We recently added one-year minimum vesting provisions to our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2011 LTIP"). We discuss these provisions in more detail under “2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan” on page 33.
Tax Matters
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") precludes us from taking a tax deduction for non-performance-based compensation in excess of $1 million paid in any fiscal year to our Chief Executive Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer). While we intend annual cash incentive, PSU and stock option awards to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) and, as such, to be fully deductible, due to the complexity of Section 162(m), amounts intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" may not satisfy applicable requirements. In addition, we maintain flexibility to operate our compensation programs in a manner designed to promote varying company goals. For purposes of qualifying payments as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee established the performance criteria of $900 million in non-GAAP operating earnings for fiscal 2017 annual cash incentive awards and $1.00 of non-GAAP diluted EPS in fiscal 2017 for the Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, both of which we exceeded.

Executive Compensation
Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on that review and discussion, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and in Cardinal Health’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.

2020.

Submitted by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board.

David P. King, Chairman

Carrie S. Cox,

Chairman
Calvin Darden

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall
Nancy Killefer




(1)

As disclosed in our fiscal 2020 Form 10-K, pharmaceutical wholesale distributors, including us, have been named as defendants in over 3,000 lawsuits relating to the distribution of prescription opioid pain medications. These lawsuits also name pharmaceutical manufacturers, retail pharmacy chains and other entities as defendants. Approximately 2,800 of these lawsuits have been filed by counties, municipalities, cities and political subdivisions in various federal, state, and other courts. In October 2019, we agreed in principle to a global settlement framework with a leadership group of state attorneys general that is designed to resolve all pending and future opioid lawsuits and claims by states and political subdivisions and includes, among other things, a cash component, under which we would pay up to $5.56 billion over 18 years. In connection with this and with an October 2019 settlement with two Ohio counties, we recorded a total pre-tax charge of $5.63 billion ($5.14 billion after tax or $17.54 per share) during fiscal 2020. Because loss contingencies are inherently unpredictable and unfavorable developments or resolutions can occur, the assessment is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. We regularly review these opioid litigation matters to determine whether our accrual is adequate. The amount of ultimate loss may differ materially from this accrual. We continue to strongly dispute the allegations made in these lawsuits and reaching an agreement in principle on a global settlement framework is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

 

Cardinal Health20172020 Proxy Statement

29
    39




Executive Compensation


The table below summarizes fiscal 20172020 compensation for for:

our Chief Executive Officer, Officer;

our current and former Chief Financial OfficerOfficers; and each of

our three other most highly compensated executive officers atas of June 30, 2017,2020, the end of our fiscal 2017.2020.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and

Principal Position

Year

Salary

($)

Bonus

($)

 

Stock

Awards

($)

(1) 

Option

Awards

($)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

($)

Michael C. Kaufmann(2)

Chief Executive Officer

2020

1,286,612

0

 

10,239,990

 

0

 

2,547,492

 

143,033

 

14,217,127

2019

1,193,288

0

 

12,110,701

 

0

 

2,126,439

 

140,576

 

15,571,004

2018

955,699

0

 

4,900,007

 

948,690

 

1,518,780

 

100,404

 

8,423,580

Jason M. Hollar(3)

Chief Financial Officer

2020

124,317

1,550,000

(3)

2,067,619

(3)

0

 

149,180

 

213,137

(3)

4,104,253

Victor L. Crawford

Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment

2020

721,653

0

 

2,815,992

 

0

 

909,283

 

14,250

 

4,461,178

2019

443,014

2,500,000

 

3,095,770

 

0

 

502,378

 

184,660

 

6,725,822

Stephen M. Mason(4)

Chief Executive Officer — Medical Segment

2020

511,749

0

 

2,304,024

 

0

 

586,348

 

21,350

 

3,423,471

Jessica L. Mayer

Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

2020

547,268

0

 

1,792,014

 

0

 

559,061

 

15,859

 

2,914,202

2019

429,856

0

 

2,152,539

 

0

 

364,933

 

19,707

 

2,967,035

David C. Evans(5)

Former interim Chief Financial Officer

2020

2,178,361

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

26,850

 

2,205,211

Jorge M. Gomez(6)

Former Chief Financial Officer

2020

65,574

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

2,951

 

68,525

2019

593,288

0

 

2,530,734

 

0

 

0

 

26,757

 

3,150,779

2018

478,149

0

 

1,294,742

 

163,519

 

387,356

 

37,527

 

2,361,293

(1)

The amounts reported represent the aggregate accounting value of PSUs (at target) and RSUs granted during each fiscal year. The amounts reported in each fiscal year do not represent amounts paid to or realized by the named executives. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2020 table on page 42 and the accompanying footnotes for information on the accounting value of each award granted in fiscal 2020. The accounting values of the PSUs granted during fiscal 2020 at target are: Mr. Kaufmann — $6,239,994; Mr. Hollar — $1,067,620; Mr. Crawford — $1,716,012; Mr. Mason — $1,404,006; and Ms. Mayer — $1,092,000. The accounting values of the PSUs granted during fiscal 2020 assuming that the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved are: Mr. Kaufmann — $14,975,994; Mr. Hollar — $2,562,308; Mr. Crawford — $4,118,412; Mr. Mason — $3,369,606; and Ms. Mayer — $2,620,800.

(2)

Mr. Kaufmann also served as interim Chief Financial Officer from August 9, 2019 until August 31, 2019.

(3)

Mr. Hollar joined us on April 27, 2020 and became Chief Financial Officer on May 26, 2020. To address compensation forfeited at his former employer, Mr. Hollar received a sign-on bonus of $1,550,000, PSUs with an accounting value of $1,067,620 and RSUs with an accounting value of $1,000,000. He also received a $200,000 lump sum payment for relocation. He must repay the full sign-on bonus and relocation payment if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of it if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

(4)

Mr. Mason was not previously a named executive.

(5)

Mr. Evans served as interim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2019 until May 25, 2020. In his interim role, he received monthly cash compensation of $220,000 during his employment and did not participate in our annual or long-term incentive plans or our Severance Plan.

(6)

Mr. Gomez served as Chief Financial Officer from the beginning of the fiscal year through August 8, 2019, when he left the company.

Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)(1)
Stock
Awards
($)(2)
Option
Awards
($)(3)
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
Total
($)
George S. Barrett
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
20171,320,000
 
 6,333,255
 3,166,434
 
 165,488
 10,985,177
20161,320,000
 
 6,491,739
 3,330,665
 2,386,755
 131,928
 13,661,087
20151,320,000
 
 5,983,334
 3,320,657
 2,510,508
 135,232
 13,269,731
Michael C. Kaufmann
Chief Financial Officer
2017746,438
 186,609
 1,947,561
 997,432
 
 14,979
 3,893,019
2016721,311
 
 1,575,006
 826,402
 880,723
 27,251
 4,030,693
2015688,630
 
 4,540,005
 841,018
 1,053,260
 36,338
 7,159,251
Donald M. Casey Jr.
Chief Executive Officer—Medical Segment
2017705,014
 176,253
 1,947,561
 997,432
 
 10,800
 3,837,060
2016671,311
 
 1,505,062
 806,369
 894,188
 22,830
 3,899,760
2015650,000
 
 3,005,055
 805,967
 618,118
 31,653
 5,110,793
Jon L. Giacomin
Chief Executive Officer—Pharmaceutical Segment
2017567,151
 141,788
 1,900,060
 949,930
 
 14,966
 3,573,895
2016542,623
 
 1,400,062
 701,196
 602,314
 27,770
 3,273,965
2015480,685
 
 1,237,482
 629,304
 679,692
 37,170
 3,064,333
Craig S. Morford
Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
2017552,151
 117,332
 1,033,386
 516,631
 
 14,967
 2,234,467
2016531,311
 
 1,620,055
 420,707
 576,487
 37,579
 3,186,139
2015510,000
 
 800,016
 400,477
 559,598
 35,453
 2,305,544

www.cardinalhealth.com

(1)As discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis above, while we did not achieve the performance threshold for a 40% payout under our annual incentive plan, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, awarded payouts to our named executives other than Mr. Barrett at 25% of their respective targets under under the Management Incentive Plan (the "MIP"). Mr. Barrett declined to be considered for an annual incentive payout, and the Compensation Committee did not award him a payout.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    40

(2)The amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of PSUs (at target) and RSUs granted during each fiscal year. The amounts reported in each fiscal year do not represent amounts paid

Back to or realized by the named executives. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017 table on page 32 and the accompanying footnotes for information on the grant date fair value of each award granted in fiscal 2017. The value of the Fiscal 17-19 PSUs granted during fiscal 2017 assuming achievement of the maximum 200% funding would be: Mr. Barrett—$6,333,255; Mr. Kaufmann—$1,900,060; Mr. Casey—$1,900,060; Mr. Giacomin—$1,900,060; and Mr. Morford—$1,033,386. The named executives may never realize any value from the PSUs.

(3)The amounts reported represent the grant date fair value of nonqualified stock options granted during each fiscal year and do not represent amounts paid to or realized by the named executives. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017 table on page 32 and the accompanying footnotes for information on the grant date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2017 and the assumptions used in determining the grant date fair value. The named executives may never realize any value from these stock options, and to the extent they do, the amounts realized may be more or less than the amounts reported above.
(4)The elements of compensation included in the “All Other Compensation” column for fiscal 2017 are set forth in the table below.


30

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


All Other Compensation

The amounts shown for “All Other Compensation” for fiscal 2017 include (a)2020 include: company matching contributions to the named executive’s account under our 401(k) plan; (b) company matching contributions to the named executive’s account under our DCP; and (c) perquisites, in the following amounts:

Name

Company 401(k) Savings

Plan Contributions

($)

Company Deferred

Compensation Plan

Contributions

($)

Perquisites

($)

(1) 

 

Total

($)

Kaufmann

14,250

5,000

123,783

(2)

 

143,033

Hollar

12,825

0

200,312

(3)

 

213,137

Crawford

14,250

0

 

 

14,250

Mason

16,850

4,500

 

 

21,350

Mayer

15,859

0

 

 

15,859

Evans

26,850

0

 

 

26,850

Gomez

0

2,951

 

 

2,951

(1)

The amounts shown include the value of perquisites and other personal benefits if the aggregate value exceeded $10,000. We quantify each reported perquisite or personal benefit if it exceeds $25,000.

(2)

The amount reported for Mr. Kaufmann includes the incremental cost to us of his personal use of corporate aircraft ($121,718), home security system monitoring fees and personal liability insurance coverage. We calculate the incremental cost of personal use of corporate aircraft based on the average cost of fuel, average trip-related maintenance costs, crew travel expenses, per flight landing fees, hangar and parking costs and smaller variable costs. Since we use our aircraft primarily for business travel, we do not include fixed costs, such as depreciation, pilot salaries and certain maintenance costs. For fiscal 2020, Mr. Kaufmann received up to $150,000 in personal use of corporate aircraft. He does not receive tax reimbursement for any imputed income associated with personal travel. He has an aircraft time-sharing agreement, under which he may reimburse us for incremental costs when he uses the aircraft for additional personal travel consistent with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Reimbursed travel does not count against his personal use allowance.

(3)

The amount reported for Mr. Hollar includes the incremental cost to us of a lump sum payment for relocation ($200,000) and home security system monitoring fees. He must repay 100% of this relocation assistance if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of it if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

Name
Company
401(k) Savings
Plan
Contributions
($)
Company
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
Contributions
($)
Perquisites
($)(a)
Total
($)
Barrett10,8004,000
 150,688
 165,488
 
Kaufmann10,8004,179
 
 14,979
 
Casey10,8000
 
 10,800
 
Giacomin10,8004,166
 
 14,966
 
Morford10,8004,167
 
 14,967
 
(a)The amounts shown include the value of perquisites and other personal benefits if the aggregate value exceeded $10,000. Where we report perquisites and other personal benefits, we quantify each perquisite or personal benefit if it exceeds $25,000. The amount reported for Mr. Barrett for fiscal 2017 included the incremental cost to us of his personal use of corporate aircraft ($149,731) and home security system monitoring fees.
We own corporate aircraft and lease other aircraft. We calculate the incremental cost of personal use of corporate aircraft based

CFO Offer Letters

Mr. Hollar became our Chief Financial Officer on the average cost of fuel, average trip-related maintenance costs, crew travel expenses, per flight landing fees, hangar and parking costs and smaller variable costs, offset by any timeshare payments by the executive. Since we use our aircraft primarily for business travel, we do not include fixed costs, such as depreciation, pilot salaries and certain maintenance costs. Mr. Barrett receives up to $150,000 in personal use of corporate aircraft without advance approval of the Compensation Committee. He does not receive tax reimbursement for any imputed income associated with personal travel.May 26, 2020. We have an aircraft time sharing agreement with Mr. Barrett under which he is permitted to reimburse us for the incremental costs of his personal use of corporate aircraft consistent with Federal Aviation Administration regulations; reimbursed travel does not count against the $150,000 authorization.

CEO Employment Agreement
Mr. Barrett is the only executive officer with an employment agreement. In August 2015, we entered into an amendmentoffer letter with Mr. Barrett to his employment agreement to provide that he will continue to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until the earlier of the date of our Annual Meeting of Shareholders following June 30, 2018 or December 31, 2018, subject to earlier terminationhim in accordance with its terms.March 2020 providing for:

As amended, the employment agreement provides, among other things, for Mr. Barrett:
to receive

an annual base salary of at least $1,320,000;$700,000;

to participate in our annual cash incentive award program with

a target annual awardbonus of at least 150%100% of his annual base salary payable based on performance objectivesprorated from his start date to the end of the fiscal year; and

target long-term incentive awards of $2,500,000 for the fiscal 2021 annual grant.

To address compensation forfeited at his former employer, the offer letter provided that Mr. Hollar receive initial long-term incentive grants of $1.0 million in PSUs and $1.0 million in RSUs and a $1.55 million cash sign-on bonus. The offer letter also provided for a $200,000 lump sum payment for relocation. Under the terms of the offer letter, Mr. Hollar must repay the full sign-on bonus and the relocation payment if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of it if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

Mr. Evans served as our Compensation Committee determinesinterim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2019 until May 25, 2020. Mr. Evans’ offer letter provided him with monthly cash compensation of $220,000 during his time of employment with a minimum duration of five months. He did not participate in consultation with him; and

to receive anour annual or long-term incentive award grant comprised of PSUs, stock options, RSUs and other incentives as determined by the Committee with a target value of $9,500,000, with each annual award subjectprograms or our Severance Plan.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    41


Back to the Board's discretion based on both company and individual performance.



Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
31



Executive Compensation


2020

The table below supplements our Summary Compensation Table by providing additional information about our plan-based compensation for fiscal 2017.2020.

Name/

Award Type

Grant

Date

 

Approval

Date

Estimated Potential Payouts Under

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)

Estimated Potential Payouts Under

Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)

All Other

Stock

Awards:

Number

of Shares

of Stock

or Units

(#)(3)

Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock

Awards

($)(4)

 

Threshold

($)

Target

($)

Maximum

($)

Threshold

(#)

Target

(#)

Maximum

(#)

Kaufmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

 

 

 

771,967

1,929,918

3,859,836

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

71,429

142,857

342,857

 

6,239,994

RSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,238

3,999,996

Hollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive(5)

 

 

 

 

49,727

124,317

248,634

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(6)

5/15/2020

 

3/12/2020

 

 

 

 

10,215

20,429

49,030

 

1,067,620

RSUs(6)

5/15/2020

 

3/12/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,429

1,000,000

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

 

 

 

288,661

721,653

1,443,306

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

19,643

39,286

94,286

 

1,716,012

RSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,190

1,099,980

Mason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

 

 

 

196,656

491,639

983,279

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

16,072

32,143

77,143

 

1,404,006

RSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,429

900,018

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

 

 

 

186,354

465,885

931,769

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

12,500

25,000

60,000

 

1,092,000

RSUs

8/15/2019

 

8/6/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,667

700,014

Evans

 

 

 

 

Gomez

 

 

 

 

(1)

This information relates to annual cash incentive award opportunities with respect to fiscal 2020 performance. Amounts actually earned under the annual cash incentive awards are reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column.

(2)

“Equity Incentive Plan Awards” are PSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP. PSUs are eligible to vest based on achieving goals for cumulative adjusted non-GAAP EPS over three annual periods, three-year cost savings and a culture measure over the performance period, with a modifier based on TSR relative to the S&P 500 Health Care Index. A cashflow threshold must be achieved to receive any payout under the PSUs.

(3)

“All Other Stock Awards” are RSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that vest ratably over three years and accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable when, and only to the extent that, the RSUs vest.

(4)

We valued PSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model, which applies a risk-free interest rate and expected volatility assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is assumed to equal the yield on U.S. Treasury bonds on the grant date with remaining terms consistent with the remaining performance measurement period. Expected volatility is based on the average of historical volatility over a look-back period commensurate with the remaining performance measurement period ending on the grant date and the implied volatility from exchange-traded options as of the grant date. The assumed per-share value was $43.68 for the PSUs granted on August 15, 2019, using a risk-free rate of 1.44% and expected volatility of 31.59%, and $52.26 for the PSUs granted on May 15, 2020, using a risk-free rate of 0.16% and expected volatility of 38.75%. These accounting values differ from the compensation values of PSU awards discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis and under “CFO Offer Letters” above.

(5)

Mr. Hollar’s award opportunity was prorated from his start date to the end of the fiscal year.

(6)

Mr. Hollar received these PSUs and RSUs when he joined us as Chief Financial Officer. His sign-on bonus and initial long-term incentive awards were intended to address compensation forfeited at his former employer.

Name/
Award Type
Grant
Date
Approval
Date
Estimated Potential Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)
Estimated Potential Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (2)
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)(3)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(4)
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)(5)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(6)
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
Barrett            
Annual Incentive 8/4/2016792,000
1,980,000
3,960,000
       
PSUs8/15/20168/4/2016   19,033
38,065
76,130
   3,166,627
Option8/15/20168/4/2016       189,380
83.19
3,166,434
RSUs8/15/20168/4/2016      38,065
  3,166,627
Kaufmann            
Annual Incentive 8/4/2016298,575
746,438
1,492,876
       
PSUs8/15/20168/4/2016   5,710
11,420
22,840
   950,030
Option8/15/20168/4/2016       59,655
83.19
997,432
RSUs8/15/20168/4/2016      11,991
  997,531
Casey            
Annual Incentive 8/4/2016282,005
705,014
1,410,028
       
PSUs8/15/20168/4/2016   5,710
11,420
22,840
   950,030
Option8/15/20168/4/2016       59,655
83.19
997,432
RSUs8/15/20168/4/2016      11,991
  997,531
Giacomin            
Annual Incentive 8/4/2016226,860
567,151
1,134,302
       
PSUs8/15/20168/4/2016   5,710
11,420
22,840
   950,030
Option8/15/20168/4/2016       56,814
83.19
949,930
RSUs8/15/20168/4/2016      11,420
  950,030
Morford            
Annual Incentive 8/4/2016187,731
469,328
938,656
       
PSUs8/15/20168/4/2016   3,106
6,211
12,422
   516,693
Option8/15/20168/4/2016       30,899
83.19
516,631
RSUs8/15/20168/4/2016      6,211
  516,693

www.cardinalhealth.com

(1)This information relates to annual cash incentive award opportunities with respect to fiscal 2017 performance.

Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    42

(2)"Equity Incentive Plan Awards" are PSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that are eligible

Back to vest after a three-year performance period based on the sum of (i) non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR and (ii) average annual dividend yield. We accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable when, and only to the extent that, the PSUs vest.

(3)"All Other Stock Awards" are RSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that vest ratably over three years and accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable when, and only to the extent that, the RSUs vest.
(4)"All Other Option Awards" are nonqualified stock options granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that vest ratably over three years and have a term of 10 years.
(5)The stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date.
(6)We valued the PSUs and RSUs by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date ($83.19) by the number of PSUs (at target) and RSUs awarded. We valued the stock options granted utilizing a lattice model with the following assumptions: expected stock option life: 7.05 years; dividend yield: 2.16%; risk-free interest rate: 1.42%; and expected volatility: 23.86%. The amounts reported represent the grant date fair value and do not represent amounts paid to or realized by the named executives. The named executives may never realize any value from the PSUs or stock options. To the extent they realize value from stock options, the amounts realized may be more or less than the amounts reported above.


32

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


Our key executive employees, including our named executives, wereare eligible to receive fiscal 2017 annual cash incentive awards under our MIP. The Compensation Committee establishes "performance criteria" during the first three months of each fiscal year and may establish "performance goals" (which criteria and goals may vary from year to year). For fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee established the performance criterion of $900 million in non-GAAP operating earnings. This performance criterion was intended to allow payments under the MIP to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and to be fully tax deductible by us. The named executives would not receive any payout under the MIP unless we achieved this threshold.

2011 LTIP. As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for 70% of the fiscal 2020 annual incentive award payout, the Compensation Committee also set a performance goal of adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings and established a matrix of potential funding percentages based upon achievement of varying levels of earnings, subject to adjustment based on tangible capital performance. The Compensation Committee set additional strategic goals for cost savings and Our Path Forward — Culture for the remaining 30%. Based on performance against these goals, an aggregate funding percentage determines the total pool fornamed executives’ annual incentive awards under the MIP.
Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings is based on the non-GAAP operating earnings measure that we use in our presentations with shareholders, which is one of our primary measures of operatingbefore applying an individual performance but is adjusted to exclude certain variable, performance-based compensation expenses. Tangible capital focuses on the efficient use of capital. We describe how we calculate these measures under "Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations” on page 34.
factor. The MIP allowsperformance goals established by the Compensation Committee inmay vary from year to year.

The 2011 LTIP provides that the timing of payment of any cash award will occur on or before the 15th day of the third month after the end of the applicable performance period, unless the Compensation Committee exercises its discretion to specify another payment date or to defer payments. The 2011 LTIP also grants the Compensation Committee broad discretion to assess and determine the amounts payable, including how performance was achieved and whether there were inappropriate risks undertaken or conduct by individual participants. In practice, the Compensation Committee has deferred decisions on payment of awards under the annual cash incentive program until fiscal year-end audited financial statements are substantially complete to support its assessment of the company’s and named executives’ performance. The Compensation Committee retains discretion to adjust upward or downward the amount payable under a cash award, including, if appropriate, to support the company’s clawback policy. It also may make annual incentive awards to named executives even if we do not achieve the threshold level for the performance goal, but we achieve the performance criterion. As discussed in the Compensation Disclosure and Analysis, our actual fiscal 2017 adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings fell below the threshold level for the performance goal, but we exceeded the performance criterion of $900 million in non-GAAP operating earnings. For our named executives other than Mr. Barrett, the Committee recognized our fiscal 2017 strategic and operational accomplishments and, in its discretion, awarded payouts at 25% of their respective targets. Mr. Barrett declined to be considered for an annual incentive payout, and the Compensation Committee did not award him a payout.

As we previously disclosed, beginning in fiscal 2018, we administer our annual cash incentive program under our 2011 LTIP in order to have a single plan for all of our executive incentive compensation.
2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan
goals.

Under our 2011 LTIP, we also may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and other stock-based awards and cash awards to employees. During fiscal 2017,2020, we granted PSUs nonqualified stock options and RSUs under the 2011 LTIP to our named executives, as shown in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 20172020 table on page 32, under the42 and discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The 2011 LTIP. The planLTIP provides for “double-trigger” accelerated vesting in connection with a change of control, under which the vesting of awards will accelerate only if there is a qualifying termination within two years after the change of control or if the surviving entity does not provide qualifying replacement awards.

We recently addedhave one-year minimum vesting provisions toin our 2011 LTIP. Under these provisions, stock options and stock awards are subject to a one-year vesting condition, except upon a change of control uponor the death or disability of the grantee or for up to an aggregate not to exceed 5% of the total number of shares provided for in the 2011 LTIP.

PSUs granted under the 2011 LTIP settle following the end ofafter a performance period by the issuance of a number of our common shares, which may be a fraction or multiple of the target number of PSUs subject to an award. Issuance of the shares is subject to both continued employment and the achievement of performance criteria and goals established by the Compensation Committee (which may vary from award to award).

The Compensation Committee establishes PSU performance criteria and goals during the first three months of each performance period. For the PSUs granted during fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee established the performance criterion of non-GAAP diluted EPS for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 equal to or greater than $1.00 per share. This performance criterion is intended to allow the PSUs to be performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and to be fully tax deductible by us.

As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee also established a three-year performance goal undergoals for the Fiscal 20-22 PSUs granted during fiscal 2017 based upon the achievementon cumulative adjusted non-GAAP EPS over three annual periods for 70% of the sum of non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGRpayout and average annual dividend yield overcost savings and Our Path Forward — Culture strategic goals for the performance period.remaining 30%. A participant canmodifier based on TSR relative to the S&P 500 Health Care Index is then applied to determine the final payout. A cashflow threshold must be achieved to receive 50% of target PSUs if we attain threshold performance and can receive up to 200% of target PSUs for above-target performance. A participant will receive no shares under the PSUs if we do not attain threshold performance. any payout.

We describe how we calculate thesethe measures referred to in this section under "Annual Cash Incentive“Performance Measure Calculations” below.

Performance Measure Calculations

Our primary annual incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations”performance measures are based on the same non-GAAP financial measures that we use internally for planning and evaluating our performance and present externally in our earnings materials and SEC reports. We adjust these non-GAAP financial measures to exclude some items that are included in our GAAP measures, such as restructuring and employee severance costs, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and gain or loss on disposal of assets and net litigation recoveries or charges. We make these adjustments primarily because they are not part of our ongoing operations or included in our financial planning, or they relate to events that may have occurred in prior or multiple periods or their timing or amount is inherently unpredictable. We explain the adjustments to our non-GAAP financial measures and provide a reconciliation to GAAP measures in Annex A. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 34.



38 for a discussion of certain adjustments we made during relevant periods.

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Award

Performance Measure

Calculation

AnnualCashIncentive

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
33



Executive Compensation


Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations
AwardPerformance MeasureCalculation
Annual Cash Incentive

Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings(1)

Non-GAAP operating earnings(2)(1) adjusted to exclude annual cash incentive expense to the extent below or above target performance, incremental contributions to the DCP and 401(k) Savings Plan when we exceed pre-establishedand DCP, PSU expense to the extent below or above budgeted performance, goals and income or expense related to the performance of our DCP assets that is included within distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of earnings.

(2)

Tangible capital(1)

modifier

12-month average of total assets, lesstotal liabilities (other than interest-bearing long-term obligations), goodwill and other intangibles, net, and cash and equivalents.

(2)

PSUs

Cost savings

Annual cost savings achieved through cost optimization initiatives.

Our Path Forward — Culture

Rating between 1 and 5 based on achievement of goals set for performance management (percentage of employees entering goals and performance conversation acknowledgments into our internal tracking system by set deadline), change management (percentage of designated leaders completing change management playbooks) and diversity and inclusion (percentage of employees completing required unconscious bias training by set deadline).

Fiscal18-20PSUs

Three-year average adjusted non-GAAP EPS payout level

Sum of the annual payout levels based on achievement of adjusted non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR and average annual dividend yield

Non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR is non-GAAP diluted EPS(3) for goals in each of the lastthree fiscal year ofyears during the performance period, divided by three. A payout level is earned for each fiscal year based on achieving set levels of adjusted non-GAAP diluted EPS for the lastfirst fiscal year precedingand growth over the prior fiscal year’s adjusted non-GAAP EPS for the second and third fiscal years.

TSR modifier

Cumulative TSR for the performance period;period assuming dividend reinvestment and determined based on the quotient is then raisedaverage daily closing stock prices for the 20 trading days ending immediately prior to the powerfirst day and last day of one divided by the number of yearsthree-year performance period, respectively. TSR percentile rank references companies in the S&P 500 Health Care Index on both the first and the last day of the performance period.period and any company that filed for bankruptcy during the performance period is assigned a -100% TSR.

Fiscal20-22PSUs

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS payout level

Average annual dividend yield

Level of achievement of cumulative adjusted non-GAAP EPS goal, which is the sum of all cash dividends paid per sharethe annual adjusted non-GAAP EPS goals established at the beginning of each of the three fiscal years during the performance period.

Cost savings

Attaining a specified annual run rate in the aggregate in cost savings projects implemented before the completion of the performance period.

Our Path Forward — Culture

Maintaining or increasing a leadership score in the final employee engagement pulse survey completed during the performance period divided byfrom the numberbaseline score from the company’s most recent bi-annual full engagement survey.

TSR modifier

Same calculation as used for Fiscal 18-20 PSUs.

Cash flow threshold

Operating cash flow(4) exceeding net earnings(5) for the first two years of years in the performance period; the quotient is then divided by our closing share price on the grant date.

period.

(1)
We generally exclude

Non-GAAP operating earnings is operating earnings/(loss) excluding LIFO charges/(credits), surgical gown recall costs, state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, and litigation (recoveries)/charges, net.

(2)

Historically, we have excluded the results of acquired or divested businesses from the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings and tangible capital calculations if they arewere not included in our Board-approved annual budget. Accordingly, we excluded a few small acquisitions for fiscal 2017. The Compensation Committee also may make other adjustments to adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings and tangible capital for purposes of determining whether we achieved our performance goals, although none were made for fiscal 2017.

(2)Non-GAAP operatinggoals.

(3)

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS is adjusted non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. is operating earnings,net earnings/(loss) attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. excluding LIFO inventory credits and charges,charges/(credits), surgical gown recall costs, state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, restructuring and employee severance, costs, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and gains and losses(gain)/loss on disposal of assets, andlitigation (recoveries)/charges, net, litigation recoveries and charges.

(3)
Non-GAAP diluted EPS is non-GAAP net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. divided by the diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. is net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc., adjusted to exclude earnings and losses from discontinued operations, LIFO inventory credits and charges, restructuring and employee severance costs, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and gains and lossesloss on disposal of assets, net litigation recoveries and charges, loss onearly extinguishment of debt, gain on sale of equity interest in naviHealth, any federal, state or other assessments or taxes on the distribution or sale of opioids and any unbudgeted taxes, tariffs, assessments or other items, whether benefit or expense, that individually exceed $20 million, tax benefits and expenses associated with each of the foregoing items, mentioned above. For purposes of the PSUs,transitional tax benefit, net, and such other adjustments that the Compensation Committee may approve adjustments to how we calculate non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. to reflect a change by us to the definition of that measure as presented to investors, exceptional acquisitions or divestitures, changes in accounting principles or other exceptional items that are not reflective of our operating performance.

(4)

Operating cash flow is net cash provided by operating activities as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the relevant fiscal year, with adjustments that the Compensation Committee may approve to address the comparability of items within operating cash flow and net earnings.

(5)

Net earnings is GAAP net earnings/(loss) attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.

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Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct (“Clawbacks”)

The 2011 LTIP authorizes us to seek repayment of incentive awards if a named executive engages in misconduct that causes or contributes to the need to restate previously filed financial statements and the payment was based on financial results that we subsequently restate. In addition, cash awards granted under the 2011 LTIP may be subject to repayment if a named executive engaged in a material violation of law or of our StandardsofBusinessConduct and this conduct caused material financial harm to us.

Under our 2011 LTIP and stock option, PSU and RSU agreements, unpaid annual cash incentive awards, unexercised stock options, unvested PSUs and RSUs and certain vested PSUs and RSUs are forfeited if a named executive breaches our StandardsofBusinessConduct, discloses confidential information, commits fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, solicits business or our employees, disparages us or engages in competitive actions while employed by Cardinal Health or during a set time period after termination of employment. We also may require a named executive to repay the gross gain realized from any stock option exercises or the value of annual cash incentive awards paid or PSUs and RSUs settled within a set time period prior to such conduct.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for Fiscal 2020

The table below shows the number of shares underlying exercisable and unexercisable stock options and unvested PSUs and RSUs held by our named executives on June 30, 2020.

Name

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Option

Grant

Date

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(#)

Exercisable

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(#)

Unexercisable

(1) 

Option

Exercise

Price

($/Sh)

Option

Expiration

Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

 

Market Value

of Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have Not

Vested

($)

(2) 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares,

Units or Other Rights

That Have Not

Vested

(#)

(3) 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or

Payout Value of

Unearned Shares,

Units or Other Rights

That Have Not Vested

($)

(2) 

Kaufmann

8/15/2011

76,909

 

0

 

41.60

8/15/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2012

96,291

 

0

 

39.81

8/15/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2013

68,316

 

0

 

51.49

8/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2014

53,698

 

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

47,067

 

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

59,655

 

0

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

46,734

 

23,368

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

203,521

(4)

10,621,761

 

503,357

(5)

26,270,202

 

Hollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,429

(6)

1,066,190

 

40,858

(7)

2,132,379

 

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43,542

(8)

2,272,457

 

130,628

(9)

6,817,475

 

Mason

8/15/2014

4,688

 

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

5,990

 

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

8,971

 

0

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

8,117

 

4,059

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,481

(10)

1,434,233

 

80,387

(11)

4,195,398

 

Mayer

8/15/2012

884

 

0

 

39.81

8/15/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2013

1,627

 

0

 

51.49

8/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2014

2,285

 

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

1,947

 

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

6,279

 

0

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

7,379

 

3,690

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,596

(12)

1,648,995

 

89,973

(13)

4,695,691

 

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Name

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Option

Grant

Date

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(#)

Exercisable

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(#)

Unexercisable

(1)

Option

Exercise

Price

($/Sh)

Option

Expiration

Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

Market Value

of Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have Not

Vested

($)

(2)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares,

Units or Other Rights

That Have Not

Vested

(#)

(3)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or

Payout Value of

Unearned Shares,

Units or Other Rights

That Have Not Vested

($)

(2)

Evans

Gomez

(1)

These stock options vest 33% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

(2)

The market value is the product of $52.19, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on June 30, 2020, and the number of unvested stock awards.

(3)

Fiscal 18-20 PSUs are actual amounts that vested based on our performance over the performance period. Based on current performance in accordance with the SEC rules, PSUs for the fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 performance cycle (“Fiscal 19-21 PSUs”) and Fiscal 20-22 PSUs assume payout at maximum.

(4)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 58,925 shares on August 15, 2020; 15,562 shares on November 8, 2020; 21,231 shares on June 28, 2021; 54,825 shares on August 15, 2021; 21,232 shares on June 28, 2022; and 31,746 shares on August 15, 2022.

(5)

Reflects 2,717 Fiscal 18-20 PSUs, 214,926 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs and 285,714 Fiscal 20-22 PSUs.

(6)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 6,809 shares on May 15, 2021; 6,810 shares on May 15, 2022; and 6,810 shares on May 15, 2023.

(7)

Reflects 40,858 Fiscal 20-22 PSUs.

(8)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 8,730 shares on August 15, 2020; 8,676 shares on November 15, 2020; 8,730 shares on August 15, 2021; 8,676 shares on November 15, 2021; and 8,730 shares on August 15, 2022.

(9)

Reflects 52,056 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs and 78,572 Fiscal 20-22 PSUs.

(10)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 10,583 shares on August 15, 2020; 9,755 shares on August 15, 2021; and 7,143 shares on August 15, 2022.

(11)

Reflects 429 Fiscal 18-20 PSUs, 15,672 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs and 64,286 Fiscal 20-22 PSUs.

(12)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 8,920 shares on August 15, 2020; 2,984 shares on March 15, 2021; 8,168 shares on August 15, 2021; 2,984 shares on March 15, 2022; 5,556 shares on August 15, 2022; and 2,984 shares on March 15, 2023.

(13)

Reflects 429 Fiscal 18-20 PSUs, 39,544 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs and 50,000 Fiscal 20-22 PSUs.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2020

The table below shows stock options that were exercised, and PSUs and RSUs that vested, during fiscal 2020 for each of our named executives.

Name

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

Number of Shares

Acquired on

Exercise

(#)

Value Realized

on Exercise

($)

 

 

Number of Shares

Acquired on

Vesting

(#)

(1) 

Value Realized

on Vesting

($)

Kaufmann

 

 

71,559

 

3,404,699

Hollar

 

 

 

Crawford

 

 

8,676

 

487,938

Mason

 

 

10,763

 

452,046

Mayer

 

 

10,132

 

442,314

Evans

 

 

 

Gomez

 

 

 

(1)

This column represents the vesting during fiscal 2020 of PSUs granted during fiscal 2018 to Mr. Mason and Ms. Mayer before they were named executives and RSUs granted to named executives during fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Deferred Compensation

Our DCP permits certain management employees, including the named executives, to defer between 1% and 50% of base salary and between 1% and 80% of incentive compensation. In addition, we may make additional matching and non-matching contributions to the deferred balances of participants. We make matching contributions on amounts deferred under the DCP from compensation in excess of $285,000, but not in excess of $385,000, at the same rate as contributions are matched under the 401(k) Savings Plan. We also may credit participants’ accounts with additional company contributions in the same amount as company contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan based on a percentage of fiscal year compensation in excess of $285,000, but not in excess of $385,000.

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Each participant may direct the investment of his or her DCP account by selecting notional investment options that generally track publicly available mutual funds and investments and by periodically changing investment elections as the participant deems appropriate. We pay participants’ deferred balances in cash upon retirement, termination from employment, death or total disability in a single lump sum or annual installment payments over a period of five or ten years. The DCP does not qualify under Section 401(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and is exempt from many of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as a “top hat” plan for a select group of management or highly compensated employees.

Apart from the DCP, a named executive also may defer receipt of shares that otherwise would be issued on the date that PSUs and RSUs vest until after the named executive is no longer employed by Cardinal Health or until a fixed future date.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2020

The table below provides information regarding the named executives’ accounts under our DCP and deferred share arrangements.

Name/Award Type

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

(1)(2) 

Cardinal

Health

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

(2) 

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY

($)

(3) 

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

 

Aggregate

Balance

at Last FYE

($)

(4) 

Kaufmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

222,516

 

8,000

 

1,487

 

 

4,297,270

 

Deferred shares

 

 

114,174

 

 

1,170,674

 

Hollar

 

 

 

 

 

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

 

3,000

 

166

 

 

3,166

 

Deferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

Mason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

43,443

 

3,000

 

20,502

 

 

278,659

 

Deferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

 

3,000

 

3,452

 

 

236,688

 

Deferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

Evans

 

 

 

 

 

Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

10,385

 

7,500

 

86,194

 

 

1,909,739

 

Deferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The DCP amounts shown include salary and fiscal 2019 cash incentive awards deferred during fiscal 2020.

(2)

DCP amounts included as contributions in the table and also reported as fiscal 2020 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — $78,346; Mr. Mason — $43,443; and Mr. Gomez — $14,885.

(3)

We calculate the aggregate DCP earnings based upon the change in value of the investment options selected by the named executive during the year. Aggregate deferred share earnings are calculated based upon the change in their total value from the first day of the fiscal year (or the vesting date, if later) to the last day of the fiscal year.

(4)

DCP amounts included in the aggregate balance at June 30, 2020 in the table and also reported as fiscal 2019 and 2018 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — $136,930; and Mr. Gomez — $235,968.

Potential Payments on Termination of Employment or Change of Control

The table below presents the potential payments and benefits in the event of termination of employment or a change of control for each of the current named executives. These potential amounts have been calculated as if the named executive’s employment had terminated or a change of control had occurred as of June 30, 2020, the last day of fiscal 2020, and using the closing market price of our common shares on June 30, 2020 ($52.19).

The table does not include benefits that are available to all of our salaried employees upon retirement, death or disability, including 401(k) Savings Plan distributions, group and supplemental life insurance benefits and short-term and long-term disability benefits. The amounts reported in the table below are hypothetical amounts. Actual payments will depend on the circumstances and timing of any termination of employment or change of control. The paragraphs following the table explain the general provisions applicable to each termination or change of control situation.

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Messrs. Evans and Gomez are not included in the table below because they both left the company before June 30, 2020. Mr. Evans’ compensation arrangements as interim Chief Financial Officer provided that he would not receive severance benefits when he departed. Mr. Gomez did not receive severance benefits when he departed, was not eligible for retirement, and forfeited his fiscal 2020 annual incentive award and unvested long-term incentive awards.

 

Voluntary

Termination

($)

(1) 

Involuntary Termination

Without Cause

($)

(1) 

Death or

Disability

($)

 

Termination

Following Change

of Control

($)

(1) 

Kaufmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

6,500,000

 

0

 

8,125,000

 

Annual cash incentive award(2) 

1,929,918

 

1,929,918

 

1,929,918

 

1,929,918

 

Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting)(3) 

18,049,912

(4)

18,979,781

(5)

36,891,963

(6)

36,891,963

(6)

Medical benefits

0

 

20,201

 

0

 

20,201

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

7,687

 

0

 

9,169

 

TOTAL

19,979,830

 

27,437,587

 

38,821,881

 

46,976,251

 

Hollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

2,100,000

 

0

 

2,800,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2) 

0

 

124,317

 

124,317

 

124,317

 

Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting)(3) 

0

 

0

 

0

 

3,198,569

(6) 

Medical benefits

0

 

12,915

 

0

 

12,915

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

2,028

 

0

 

2,667

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,239,260

 

124,317

 

6,138,468

 

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

2,175,000

 

0

 

2,900,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2) 

0

 

721,653

 

721,653

 

721,653

 

Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting)(3) 

0

 

0

 

9,089,932

(6) 

9,089,932

(6) 

Medical benefits

0

 

19,484

 

0

 

19,484

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

2,642

 

0

 

3,303

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,918,779

 

9,811,585

 

12,734,372

 

Mason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

1,875,000

 

0

 

2,500,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2) 

0

 

491,639

 

491,639

 

491,639

 

Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting)(3) 

0

 

0

 

5,629,631

(6) 

5,629,631

(6) 

Medical benefits

0

 

20,211

 

0

 

20,211

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

2,158

 

0

 

2,728

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,389,008

 

6,121,270

 

8,644,209

 

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

1,638,750

 

0

 

2,185,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2) 

0

 

465,885

 

465,885

 

465,885

 

Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting)(3) 

0

 

0

 

6,344,686

(6) 

6,344,686

(6) 

Medical benefits

0

 

20,208

 

0

 

20,208

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

1,919

 

0

 

2,417

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,126,762

 

6,810,571

 

9,018,196

 

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Cardinal Health | 2020 Proxy Statement    48


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(1)

Mr. Kaufmann satisfied the age and service requirements to qualify for retirement under our 2011 LTIP in the event of either a voluntary termination or an involuntary termination without cause.

(2)

Assumes that the annual cash incentive payouts were at the following fiscal 2020 target amounts: Mr. Kaufmann — 1,929,918 (actual payout was $2,547,492); Mr. Hollar — $124,317 (actual payout was $149,180); Mr. Crawford — $721,653 (actual payout was $909,283); Mr. Mason — $491,639 (actual payout was $586,348); and Ms. Mayer — $465,885 (actual payout was $559,061).

(3)

We valued the accelerated vesting of PSUs and RSUs by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2020 by the number of PSUs and RSUs. We valued the accelerated vesting of stock options as the difference between the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2020 and the exercise price for each stock option. PSUs are presented in the table using the same payout assumptions as noted in footnote 3 to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for Fiscal 2020 table on page 45.

(4)

Assumes the prorated accelerated vesting of Mr. Kaufmann’s long-term incentive awards, as follows: 241,239 PSUs, 22,387 stock options and 104,611 RSUs. These awards do not include 17,817 RSUs from a grant made in June 2019 which did not include retirement provisions for a voluntary termination.

(5)

Assumes the prorated accelerated vesting of Mr. Kaufmann’s long-term incentive awards, as follows: 241,239 PSUs, 22,387 stock options and 122,428 RSUs.

(6)

Assumes the full accelerated vesting of long-term incentive awards, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — 503,357 PSUs, 23,368 stock options and 203,521 RSUs; Mr. Hollar — 40,858 PSUs and 20,429 RSUs; Mr. Crawford — 130,628 PSUs and 43,542 RSUs; Mr. Mason — 80,387 PSUs, 4,059 stock options and 27,481 RSUs; and Ms. Mayer — 89,973 PSUs, 3,690 stock options and 31,596 RSUs.

Voluntary Termination

If a named executive voluntarily terminates, and he or she qualifies for retirement under our 2011 LTIP, he or she generally receives:

a prorated annual cash incentive award based on actual performance;

accelerated prorated vesting of stock options and RSUs held for at least six months and outstanding stock options remain exercisable until the expiration of the option term; and

a prorated number of PSUs held for at least six months that vest on the original vesting date based on actual performance.

Named executives qualify for retirement upon a voluntary termination if they are age 55 or greater and have at least 10 years of service, or they are age 60 or greater and have at least five years of service. If a named executive voluntarily terminates and does not qualify for retirement, he or she is not eligible for any of the post-termination benefits described in this section.

Involuntary Termination Without Cause

If a named executive is involuntarily terminated without cause prior to a change of control or following the second anniversary of a change of control, he or she generally receives under our Severance Plan:

cash severance equal to 2.0 times in the case of Mr. Kaufmann, and 1.5 times in the case of the other named executives, the sum of annual base salary and target annual cash incentive payable in equal installments over 18 to 24 months;

a prorated annual cash incentive award based on actual performance; and

up to 18 months of health insurance premiums.

In addition, if the named executive qualifies for retirement under our 2011 LTIP, he or she receives the same post-termination benefits with respect to equity awards as in a voluntary termination. Retirement qualification is the same as in a voluntary termination, except that named executives can also qualify for retirement upon an involuntary termination if they are age 53 or greater and have at least eight years of service or age 59 or greater and have at least four years of service.

If a named executive is involuntarily terminated without cause and does not qualify for retirement, a named executive will only receive equity awards that vest before termination; otherwise unvested equity awards are forfeited, and the named executive must exercise vested stock options within 90 days.

Involuntary Termination for Cause

If a named executive is involuntarily terminated for cause, he or she is not eligible for any of the post-termination benefits described in this section. In addition, we may require repayment of an annual cash incentive award if the named executive commits misconduct, including a breach of our StandardsofBusinessConduct, and we may cancel unexercised stock options and unvested stock awards and require repayment of proceeds realized from vested awards for a specified period.

“Cause” under the 2011 LTIP generally means termination of employment for fraud or intentional misrepresentation, embezzlement, misappropriation, conversion of assets or the intentional violation of our written policies or procedures. “Cause” under the Severance Plan generally means termination of employment for the following: willful failure to perform substantially the named executive’s duties; the willful engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to us; conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; committing or engaging in fraud, embezzlement or theft against us; the material breach of any restrictive covenant in favor of the company; or willfully and materially violating our StandardsofBusinessConductor any other written company policy.

Death or Disability

If a named executive dies or is disabled while employed, the post-termination benefits generally consist of:

a prorated annual cash incentive award based on actual performance;

accelerated vesting of stock options and RSUs held for at least six months and outstanding stock options remain exercisable until the expiration of the option term; and

PSUs held for at least six months vest on the original vesting date based on actual performance.

“Disability” under the 2011 LTIP generally means when a named executive who is under the regular care of a physician is continuously unable to substantially perform his or her job or to be employed in any occupation for which the named executive is qualified by education, training or experience.

Change of Control

The following discussion describes the benefits that are triggered by the occurrence of a change of control that is followed, within two years after a change of control, by the named executive’s employment terminating involuntarily without cause or voluntarily with good reason. The discussion assumes that the surviving entity provides qualifying replacement equity

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awards. If it does not, named executives would receive accelerated vesting of equity awards immediately upon a change of control.

In general terms, we will experience a “change of control,” as defined in our compensation plans, if any of the following events occur:

a person or group acquires 30% or more of Cardinal Health’s outstanding common shares or voting securities, subject to limited exceptions;

during any two-year period, individuals who as of the beginning of such two-year period constituted the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the replacement directors are approved as described in the compensation plans;

there is a consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Cardinal Health’s assets or another business combination unless: after the transaction all or substantially all the owners of Cardinal Health’s outstanding common shares or voting securities prior to the transaction own more than 50% of such securities after the transaction in substantially the same proportions; no person, subject to certain exclusions, owns 30% or more of the outstanding common shares or voting securities of the resulting entity (unless such ownership level existed before the transaction); and a majority of the directors of the resulting entity were members of Cardinal Health’s Board (including applicable replacements as described above) when the transaction was approved or the transaction agreement was executed; or

our shareholders approve a complete liquidation or dissolution of Cardinal Health.

A termination is for “good reason” if we materially reduce the named executive’s total compensation, annual or long-term incentive opportunities, or duties, responsibilities or authority, or we require the named executive to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her office or location.

If a named executive is involuntarily terminated without cause, or he or she voluntarily terminates employment with good reason within two years after a change of control, he or she receives under our Severance Plan:

cash severance equal to 2.5 times in the case of Mr. Kaufmann, and 2.0 times in the case of the other named executives, the sum of annual base salary and target annual cash incentive payable in equal installments over 24 to 30 months;

a prorated annual cash incentive award based on the greater of target performance and actual performance; and

up to 18 months of health insurance premiums.

Under our 2011 LTIP, a named executive receives accelerated vesting of equity awards and stock options remain exercisable until the earlier of three years from termination or expiration of the option term. The number of PSUs received is based on the actual performance before the change of control and expected performance for the remainder of the performance period.

The actual payments made under the Severance Plan will be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any “golden parachute” excise tax under the Code provided that the value of the adjusted payments and benefits is not less than the amount the named executive otherwise would have received on an after-tax basis.

Our plans do not provide for any tax gross-ups for taxes due on any payments described in this section.

Conditions Applicable to Receipt of Payments

Our named executives are subject to certain conditions and obligations applicable to the receipt of payments or benefits upon a termination of employment. Our Severance Plan conditions the payment of severance benefits upon continued compliance with restrictive covenants that, among other things, prohibit named executives for a period of two years after termination of employment from being employed by certain entities that compete with us and from soliciting on behalf of a competitor the business of any customer or any known potential customer of Cardinal Health. These covenants also prohibit disclosure of confidential information, disparagement and recruitment or employment of our employees. Named executives are also subject to certain restrictive covenants under the 2011 LTIP which are discussed under “Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct (“Clawbacks”)” at page 45.

Pay Ratio Disclosure

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and SEC rules require us to provide the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Kaufmann, our Chief Executive Officer, to the annual total compensation of our median employee.

For fiscal 2020, the median annual total compensation of all our employees (other than the Chief Executive Officer) was $54,619. Mr. Kaufmann’s annual total compensation for fiscal 2020 for purposes of the pay ratio disclosure was $14,231,109. Based on this information, for fiscal 2020, the ratio of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer to the median annual total compensation of all other employees was estimated to be 261 to 1.

We used the same median employee in our pay ratio calculation for fiscal 2020 as we used for fiscal 2018 and 2019 because there was no change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that we believed would significantly impact our pay ratio disclosure. The median employee was a non-exempt, full-time employee located in the United States.

The annual total compensation was calculated for both Mr. Kaufmann and the median employee in accordance with the SEC rules applicable to the Summary Compensation Table and also includes the company-paid portion of health insurance premiums, which is not required to be included in the Summary Compensation Table.

The pay ratio disclosure presented above is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio allow companies to use different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio disclosure of other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported by us.

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EquityCompensationPlanInformation

The table below summarizes information relating to our equity compensation plans at June 30, 2020.

Plan Category

Common Shares

to be Issued

Upon Exercise of

Outstanding Options

and Rights

(#)

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price of

Outstanding Options

($)

 

Common Shares

Remaining Available

for Future Issuance

Under Equity

Compensation Plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (a))

(#)

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders

10,582,779

(1)

         

$      65.15

(1)

11,580,762

(2)

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

4,203

(3)

(3)

 

TOTAL AT JUNE 30, 2020

10,586,982

 

 

 

11,580,762

 

(1)

In addition to stock options outstanding under the 2011 LTIP and the Cardinal Health, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 LTIP”), also includes 1,961,573 PSUs and 3,188,677 RSUs outstanding under the 2011 LTIP, 22,431 RSUs outstanding under the 2005 LTIP, and 130,591 RSUs outstanding under the 2007 Nonemployee Directors Equity Incentive Plan that are payable solely in common shares. PSUs and RSUs do not have an exercise price, and therefore were not included for purposes of computing the weighted-average exercise price. PSUs that vested after June 30, 2020 are reported at the actual amount that vested. All other PSUs are reported at the maximum payout level in accordance with SEC rules.

(2)

Reflects common shares available under the 2011 LTIP in the form of stock options and other stock-based awards. Under the 2011 LTIP’s fungible share counting provisions, stock options are counted against the plan as one share for every common share issued; awards other than stock options are counted against the plan as two and one-half shares for every common share issued. This means that only 4,632,305 shares could be issued under awards other than stock options while 11,580,762 shares could be issued under stock options.

(3)

RSUs outstanding under the Cardinal Health, Inc. Amended and Restated Outside Directors Equity Incentive Plan that are payable solely in common shares. RSUs do not have an exercise price, and therefore were not included for purposes of computing the weighted-average exercise price.

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Amendment to Restated Code of Regulations

Proposal to Approve an Amendment to Our Restated Code of Regulations to Reduce the Share Ownership Threshold for Calling a Special Meeting of Shareholders

We are asking shareholders to approve an amendment to Section 1.2(b) of our Restated Code of Regulations (the “Proposed Code Amendment”) to lower the share ownership threshold for shareholders to request that the company call a special meeting to 15% from 25% and extend by 15 days the time allowed for providing notice of the special meeting (to 20 days from 5 days) and the latest date that can be set for holding the special meeting (to 80 days from 65 days).

The actual text of the Proposed Code Amendment, marked with deletions indicated by strikeouts and additions indicated by underlining to reflect the Proposed Code Amendment, is set forth below.

(b) A special meeting of shareholders shall be called by the Company upon the request of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise 2515 percent of the voting power of the Company entitled to be voted at the meeting. Upon delivery to the chairman, president or secretary of a proper request in writing for a shareholders’ meeting, which request must specify the purposes of the meeting and include the information that would be required to be set forth in a shareholder’s notice with respect to an Annual Meeting pursuant to Section 1.5(c) of these regulations, the Company shall give notice to the shareholders. Any such meeting shall be held on a date and at a time and location fixed by the board of directors, the chairman, the president or the secretary, which date shall not be less than 14 days nor more than 6580 days after deliveryreceipt of a proper request. If this notice is not given within 520 days after receiptof a proper request by shareholders entitled to call a meeting, the persons making the request may fix the time of the meeting by giving notice in the manner provided in Section 1.4 of these regulations or cause such notice to be given by their designated representative.

Shareholder Special Meeting Threshold

In light of the company’s receipt of a shareholder proposal requesting that the Board take the steps to lower its special meeting threshold, the Board carefully evaluated our corporate governance practices, shareholder feedback, previous shareholder votes, and actions taken by other companies. Based on this evaluation and recent shareholder engagement, the Board believes that the current ownership threshold of 25% for shareholders to request that the company call a special meeting of shareholders should be lowered. The Board further believes that the ownership threshold must strike a balance between empowering the shareholders’ ability to call a special meeting in appropriate circumstances and mitigating the risk that shareholders representing a minority position would seek to disrupt the company with a special meeting. After careful evaluation, the Board believes that a 15% threshold strikes the right balance between enhancing our shareholders’ ability to act on important matters and protecting the company and other shareholders by allowing only a meaningful group of shareholders to exercise this right, thereby minimizing the potential harms associated with allowing a few shareholders to call special meetings.

Date of Meeting and Meeting Notice

In connection with considering the ownership threshold for calling a special meeting, the Board also considered the practical implications of calling and soliciting proxies for a special meeting. The Board concluded that it is advisable and in the best interest of the company and its shareholders to extend by 15 days the time periods allowed for implementing a proper request to call a special shareholder meeting. Specifically, the Proposed Code Amendment would allow the company up to 20 days after receiving a proper request (instead of the current 5-day time frame) to provide notice of the date, time, and location of the special shareholders meeting. The Board believes the 20-day provision is advisable and in the best interest of the company and its shareholders because it will allow the company additional time for matters such as determining and securing the most appropriate date, time and venue for the meeting, assessing the appropriateness of the request to call the special meeting, and evaluating whether the matters proposed to be considered at a special meeting can more effectively be addressed in a manner that avoids holding a special meeting, which could entail discussions with the shareholders requesting the special meeting.

The Proposed Code Amendment also allows the date set for the special meeting of shareholders to be up to 80 days after the company’s receipt of a proper request (instead of the current 65-day time frame). The Board believes the 80-day provision is advisable and in the best interest of the company and its shareholders because it will allow additional time for necessary actions such as having the Board consider and develop recommendations on the matters proposed to be considered at the meeting, allowing the company sufficient time to prepare, clear with the SEC, print and distribute a proxy statement for any such meeting, and providing shareholders additional time to consider and discuss the matters to be voted on at the meeting, in order to promote more informed decision-making.

The Proposed Code Amendment is binding. If the Proposed Code Amendment is approved, it will be effective at the time of the shareholder vote. If the Proposed Code Amendment is not approved by the required vote, then the Restated Code of Regulations will not be amended.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to approve an amendment to our Restated Code of Regulations to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders.

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Shareholder Proposals

Shareholder Proposal to Reduce the Share Ownership Threshold for Calling a Special Meeting of Shareholders

We received notice that John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, a shareholder owning 100 of our common shares as of December 27, 2019, intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolution and its supporting statement, for which neither we nor the Board accepts responsibility, are set forth below.

The shareholder proposal and supporting statement read as follows:

Proposal5MakeShareholderRighttoCallaSpecialMeetingMoreAccessible

Resolved, Shareowners ask our board to take the steps necessary (unilaterally if possible) to amend our bylaws and each appropriate governing document to give holders in the combined total of 10% of our outstanding common stock the power to call a special shareowner meeting. This proposal does not impact our board’s current power to call a special meeting.

Cardinal Health shareholders permanently lack the right to act by written consent – which makes this proposal all the more important since scores of major companies give shareholders the right to call a special meeting and the right to act by written consent.

Special shareholder meetings allow shareholders to vote on important matters, such as electing new directors that can arise between annual meetings. This proposal topic won more than 70%-support at Edwards Lifesciences and SunEdison. This proposal topic, sponsored by William Steiner, also won 78% support at a Sprint annual meeting with 1.7 Billion yes-votes.

Nuance Communications (NUAN) shareholders gave 94%-support to a 2018 shareholder proposal calling for 10% of shareholders to call a special meeting.

It can be of increased importance to refresh our Board of Directors after Chairman Gregory Kenny was rejected by 12-times as many shares in 2019 as 5 other Cardinal Health directors. John Losh, chairman of audit committee, was rejected by 10-times as many shares.

Patricia Hemingway Hall, who chaired the director nomination committee, was rejected by 9-times as many shares. And Bruce Downey was rejected by 7-times as many shares.

Please vote yes:

MakeShareholderRighttoCallaSpecialMeetingMoreAccessible

The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition to Proposal 5

The Board recommends a vote AGAINSTProposal 5 and instead recommends a voteFOR Proposal 4.

The Board recognizes that shareholders are interested in having the right to call special meetings. After consulting with and carefully considering the views of our shareholders, the Board has determined that the current ownership threshold of 25% for shareholders to call a special meeting should be lowered, but the Board has determined that reducing the threshold to 15% from 25% is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders. (See “Proposal 4 — Proposal to Approve an Amendment to Our Restated Code of Regulations to Reduce the Share Ownership Threshold for Calling a Special Meeting of Shareholders”).

Our shareholders have expressed disparate views on our threshold. Many shareholders remain supportive of our existing 25% threshold, but some have expressed the view that, given our market capitalization, 25% of outstanding shares could represent an unattainably high hurdle. At the same time, many shareholders with whom we spoke believe that a 10% threshold, as proposed by the proponent, is too low and would increase the risk of special meetings being called by a few shareholders focusing on narrow or short-term interests.

The calling of a special meeting should not be an ordinary process. Special meetings are expensive and disruptive. Special meetings should be limited to circumstances where a reasonable number of shareholders believe that a matter is sufficiently urgent or extraordinary that it must be addressed between annual meetings. Accordingly, our Board believes that the share ownership threshold to call special meetings must strike a balance between empowering shareholders’ ability to call a special meeting in appropriate circumstances and mitigating the risk that shareholders representing a minority position would seek to disrupt the company with a special meeting. After careful evaluation, assessment of practices of peer companies, and evaluation of our shareholders’ views, we believe that a 15% threshold strikes the necessary balance.

In reaching this determination, we also concluded that the platform of a special meeting with the support of only 10% of our shares is unnecessary considering our robust shareholder engagement program and our corporate governance structures. We maintain open and regular communication with large and small shareholders, financial analysts and shareholder advisory services about important issues relating to our business and governance and have often incorporated feedback from our engagement into our governing documents, policies, and practices. Shareholders also can and do effectively use our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to communicate their views to management, the Board, and other shareholders. Our directors are accountable to shareholders through their annual election and our majority voting standard.

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For these reasons, the Board recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST this shareholder proposal and in favor of Proposal 4 put forth by the company to amend the Restated Code of Regulations.

The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this shareholder proposal.

Shareholder Proposal to Adopt a Policy that the Chairman of the Board Be an Independent Director

We received notice that Kenneth Steiner, 14 Stoner Ave., 2M, Great Neck, NY 11021, a shareholder owning at least $2,000 in market value of our common shares as of May 8, 2020, intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolution and its supporting statement, for which neither we nor the Board accepts responsibility, are set forth below.

The shareholder proposal and supporting statement read as follows:

Proposal6IndependentBoardChairman

Shareholders request our Board of Directors adopt as policy, and amend our governing documents to require that the Chairman of the Board be an independent member of the Board whenever possible. Although it would be better to have an immediate transition to an independent Board Chairman, the Board would have the discretion to phase in this policy for the next Chief Executive Officer transition. Currently Cardinal Health directors can name one person to have the Chairman and CEO job at the same time at any time they want to.

This proposal topic won 52% support at Boeing in April 2020. This proposal topic also won 50%-plus support at 5 major U.S. companies in one year including 73%-support at Netflix.

This proposal topic won 36%-support from Cardinal Health shareholders in 2017. There have been setbacks at Cardinal Health since 2017.

Cardinal Health and 2 other large opioid distributors and 2 opioid manufacturers were in talks to settle the more than 2,000 lawsuits against them over their role in the opioid epidemic for $50 billion. The possible settlement would include $22 billion in cash and $29 billion in drugs and distribution. Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen Corporation would give $18 billion to be used for treatment and prevention over 18 years.

Meanwhile, our Directors were busy making it more difficult to hold them responsible. In late 2019 Cardinal Health directors adopted a formal amendment to require that the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio will be the exclusive forum for derivative lawsuits and other lawsuits.

There are indications that shareholders are growing impatient with the directors. Bruce Downey, Gregory Kenny, John Losh and Patricia Hall each received from 7-times to 12-times as many negative votes from shareholders as each of 5 other Cardinal Health directors at the 2019 annual meeting.

An independent Chairman is best positioned to build up the oversight capabilities of our directors while our CEO addresses the challenging day-to-day issues facing the company. The roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO are fundamentally different and should not be held by the same person. There should be a clear division of responsibilities between these positions to insure a balance of power and authority on the Board.

Please vote yes:

IndependentBoardChairman-Proposal6

The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition to Proposal 6

The Board recommends a vote AGAINSTProposal 6.

Cardinal Health has had an independent Chairman of the Board since November 2018, when the Board adopted the current board leadership structure. As outlined in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we believe that it is a key responsibility of the Board to thoughtfully consider its leadership structure based upon the circumstances, as opposed to adopting the inflexible structure advocated by the proponent. Accordingly, the Nominating and Governance Committee periodically reviews, assesses, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding its leadership structure. While the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board have determined that it currently is appropriate to separate the roles and have an independent director serve as Chairman, our Corporate Governance Guidelines already provide that if the Board in the future determines to appoint a non-independent Chairman, the independent directors will elect an independent director to serve as Lead Director. In that situation, the independent Lead Director would have many of the same duties and responsibilities that our independent Chairman currently holds.

Since November 2018, Gregory Kenny has served as the independent Chairman of our Board. Prior to that, Mr. Kenny served as our independent Lead Director for four years. Both in his current role as Chairman of the Board and in his prior role as independent Lead Director, Mr. Kenny has promoted strong independent Board leadership and a robust, deliberative decision-making process among our independent directors. He has devoted significant time and thought to call on and employ the many talents and experience of the Board as it engages on a variety of critical issues, including strategic priorities, capital deployment, operational efficiencies, the opioid epidemic and risk mitigation. He has personally and actively participated in our proactive shareholder engagement program, meeting with many of our shareholders and engaging on issues such as our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Board oversight of our response to the opioid epidemic.

During Mr. Kenny’s tenure as Lead Director, the Board formalized its oversight of opioid-related issues by forming an Ad Hoc Committee of independent directors in February 2018 dedicated to these issues. The Ad

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Hoc Committee has been actively involved to assist the Board in overseeing the company’s response to the opioid epidemic, meeting twice per quarter.

The Board believes that our Corporate Governance Guidelines and these other actions and initiatives affirm the Board’s independence from, and active oversight of, management. Given these strengths, the Board’s composition and committee system, and the strong corporate governance practices that are in place, the Board does not believe that any changes to our existing Board leadership provisions are warranted.

The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this shareholder proposal.

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Share Ownership Information

Beneficial Ownership

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares by, and the percentage of our outstanding common shares represented by such ownership for:

each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common shares;

our directors;

our current and former named executive officers; and

all current executive officers and directors as a group.

A person has beneficial ownership of shares if the person has voting or investment power over the shares or the right to acquire such power in 60 days. Investment power means the power to direct the sale or other disposition of the shares. Except as otherwise described in the footnotes below the table, information on the number of shares beneficially owned is as of August 31, 2020 and the listed beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power.

Name of Beneficial Owner

Common Shares

 

Additional RSUs

and PSUs

(14) 

Number

Beneficially

Owned

 

Percent

of Class

The Vanguard Group(1)

35,627,228

 

12.1

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.(2)

22,328,512

 

7.6

 

 

State Street Corporation(3)

21,590,256

 

7.4

 

 

Macquarie Group Limited(4)

17,277,503

 

5.9

 

 

Colleen F. Arnold(5)

13,324

 

*

 

22,993

 

Carrie S. Cox(5)

12,545

 

*

 

19,730

 

Victor L. Crawford

10,182

 

*

 

55,304

 

Calvin Darden(5)

19,933

 

*

 

23,032

 

Bruce L. Downey(5)

22,762

 

*

 

21,811

 

Sheri H. Edison(6)

0

 

*

 

0

 

David C. Evans(7)

0

 

*

 

1,255

 

Jorge M. Gomez(8)

6,529

 

*

 

0

 

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall(5)

12,110

 

*

 

6,036

 

Jason M. Hollar(9)

0

 

*

 

39,058

 

Akhil Johri(5)

5,326

 

*

 

3,424

 

Michael C. Kaufmann(10)(11)

684,725

 

*

 

241,543

 

Gregory B. Kenny(5)

30,976

 

*

 

25,322

 

Nancy Killefer(5)

10,082

 

*

 

3,424

 

J. Michael Losh(5)

7,523

 

*

 

3,424

 

Stephen M. Mason(10)

47,095

 

*

 

35,527

 

Jessica L. Mayer(10)

47,060

 

*

 

36,461

 

Dean A. Scarborough(5)(12)

2,512

 

*

 

3,424

 

John H. Weiland(5)(12)

666

 

*

 

3,424

 

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (21 Persons)(13)

1,004,506

 

*

 

605,788

 

*

Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding shares.

(1)

Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2020 by The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”). The address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. Vanguard reported that, as of December 31, 2019, it had sole voting power with respect to 434,550 shares, shared voting power with respect to 84,703 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 35,131,871 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 495,357 shares. The number and percentage of shares held by Vanguard may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G/A.

(2)

Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 5, 2020 by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). The address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. BlackRock reported that, as of December 31, 2019, it had sole voting power with respect to 18,693,969 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares shown in the table. The number and percentage of shares held by BlackRock may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G/A.

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(3)

Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020 by State Street Corporation (“State Street”). The address of State Street is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. State Street reported that, as of December 31, 2019, it had shared voting power with respect to 19,691,185 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 21,587,288 shares. The number and percentage of shares held by State Street may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G.

(4)

Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020 by Macquarie Group Limited, Macquarie Bank Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc., Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, Macquarie Investment Management Australia Limited, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. and Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG. The address of Macquarie Group Limited, Macquarie Bank Limited and Macquarie Investment Management Australia Limited is 50 Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The address of Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. is 125 W 55th Street, New York, New York 10019. The address of Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc. and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust is 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. The address of Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG is L3, Kaerntner Strasse 28, Vienna C4 1010. These entities reported that, as of December 31, 2019, Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited each had no sole or shared voting or dispositive power over any shares, Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc. and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust each had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 16,792,240 shares, Macquarie Investment Management Australia Limited had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 13,100 shares, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 6,743 shares and Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 13,700 shares. The number and percentage of shares held by these entities may have changed since the filing of the Schedule 13G.

(5)

Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by our non-management directors include: outstanding RSUs that may be settled within 60 days, as follows: Ms. Arnold — 8,946 shares; Ms. Cox — 12,110 shares; Mr. Darden — 8,946 shares; Mr. Downey — 12,110 shares; Ms. Hemingway Hall — 4,651 shares; Mr. Johri — 5,326 shares; Mr. Kenny — 21,226 shares; Ms. Killefer — 10,082 shares; Mr. Losh — 3,225 shares; Mr. Scarborough — 666 shares; and Mr. Weiland — 666 shares; and phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP, as follows: Ms. Arnold — 1,214 shares; Mr. Darden — 6,688 shares; Mr. Kenny — 15,488 shares; Mr. Losh — 4,298 shares; and Mr. Scarborough — 1,846 shares.

(6)

Ms. Edison joined the Board on September 1, 2020.

(7)

Mr. Evans joined the company in an interim executive role on July 29, 2019 and completed that service on May 25, 2020. He joined the Board on July 1, 2020.

(8)

Mr. Gomez left the company on August 9, 2019. Information on the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Gomez is as of his departure date, except for outstanding equity awards.

(9)

Mr. Hollar joined the company on April 27, 2020.

(10)

Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by our named executives include outstanding stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — 472,038 shares; Mr. Mason — 31,825 shares; and Ms. Mayer — 24,091 shares.

(11)

Includes 10 common shares held by Mr. Kaufmann’s spouse.

(12)

Messrs. Scarborough and Weiland joined the Board on September 1, 2019.

(13)

Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors as a group include: 570,436 outstanding stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days; 89,571 RSUs that may or will be settled in common shares within 60 days; and 29,650 shares of phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP.

(14)

“Additional RSUs and PSUs” include vested and unvested RSUs and vested PSUs that will not be settled in common shares within 60 days. RSUs and PSUs do not confer voting rights and generally are not considered “beneficially owned” shares under the SEC rules.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act requires the company’s directors and certain officers, as well as persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding common shares, to file reports regarding their initial share ownership and subsequent changes to their ownership with the SEC.

Based solely on a review of the reports filed for fiscal 2020 and related written representations, we believe that all Section 16(a) reports were filed on a timely basis, except for the late filing due to an inadvertent administrative error of two Form 4s to report the withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding for RSUs by Mr. Kaufmann and former Chief Accounting Officer Stuart G. Laws.

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Other Matters

General Information About the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date, Time and Place of Meeting

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time

VirtualMeetingAccess:www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020

This proxy statement was first mailed to shareholders on September [     ], 2020. It is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Cardinal Health, Inc. to be voted during the Annual Meeting for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Shareholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any time before the shares are voted by proxy during the meeting. A shareholder may revoke a proxy by delivering a signed statement to our Corporate Secretary at or prior to the Annual Meeting or by timely executing and delivering, by Internet, telephone or mail, another proxy dated as of a later date.

Proxy Materials are Available on the Internet

We are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily via the Internet instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each shareholder. By doing so, we save costs and reduce the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. On September [ ], 2020, we mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) to certain of our shareholders. The Notice contains instructions about how to access our proxy materials and vote online or vote by telephone. If you would like to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice. If you previously chose to receive our proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive access to these materials via email unless you elect otherwise.

Participating in the Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be conducted exclusively online without an option for physical attendance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to offer shareholders rights and participation opportunities during our virtual meeting that are comparable to those that have been provided at our past in-person annual meetings.

Shareholders of record as of the record date will be able to participate in the virtual meeting online, vote shares electronically, and submit questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 and entering the 16-digit control number included in the Notice, voting instruction form, or proxy card. Only shareholders and proxy holders who enter a valid control number will be able to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting to submit questions and vote.

The live webcast of the Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. We encourage you to access the webcast early, starting at approximately 9:45 a.m., Eastern Time, to allow yourself time to log in and test your computer. If you encounter technical difficulties accessing the virtual Annual Meeting, please call the technical support telephone number posted on www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020. Consistent with our historical practice of taking questions from shareholders who attend the annual meeting of shareholders in person, shareholders will be able to ask questions during the virtual Annual Meeting. We will post Annual Meeting rules on www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020.

We will make an audio replay of the Annual Meeting available and post questions and answers received at the Annual Meeting that were not addressed (if applicable to Cardinal Health’s business and otherwise appropriate under the Annual Meeting rules) on the Cardinal Health Investor Relations website shortly after the meeting.

Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, we encourage you to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting as described in this proxy statement, so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting or you encounter technical difficulties. If you wish to submit your votes before the virtual Annual Meeting, then you do not have to vote at the Annual Meeting unless you wish to change your vote.

Attending the Annual Meeting as a Guest

If you do not have a 16-digit control number, you may still attend the meeting as a guest in listen-only mode. To attend as a guest, please visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 and enter the information requested on the screen to register as a guest. Please note that you will not have the ability to vote or ask questions during the meeting if you participate as a guest.

Soliciting Proxies

The Board of Directors is soliciting the proxy accompanying this proxy statement. Proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and employees of Cardinal Health, none of whom will receive any additional compensation for their services. Alliance Advisors may solicit proxies at a cost we anticipate will not exceed $17,000. These solicitations may be made personally or by mail, facsimile, telephone, messenger, email or the Internet. Cardinal Health will pay persons holding common shares in their names or in the names of nominees, but not owning shares beneficially, such as brokerage houses, banks and other fiduciaries, for the expense of forwarding solicitation materials to their principals. Cardinal Health will pay all proxy solicitation costs.

Shareholders of record at the close of business on September 8, 2020, will be entitled to vote during the meeting on the basis of one vote for each share held. On September 8, 2020, there were [        ] common shares outstanding, held of record by [    ] shareholders.

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Householding

Under the rules adopted by the SEC, we may deliver a single set of proxy materials to one address shared by two or more of our shareholders. This delivery method is referred to as “householding” and can result in significant cost savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, we have delivered only one set of proxy materials to multiple shareholders who share an address, unless we received contrary instructions from the impacted shareholders prior to the mailing date. We agree to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to any shareholder at the shared address to which a single copy of these documents was delivered. If you prefer to receive separate copies of the proxy statement or annual report, contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-866-540-7095 or in writing at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717, Attention: Householding Department. In addition, if you currently are a shareholder who shares an address with another shareholder and would like to receive only one copy of future notices and proxy materials for your household, you may notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or you may notify us if you are a shareholder of record. Shareholders of record may notify us by contacting Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at the above telephone number or address.

Quorum Requirement 

We will have a quorum to conduct business at the Annual Meeting if the holders of a majority of our common shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are present or represented by proxy.

Voting Procedures

How to Vote

You may vote either electronically during the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CAH2020 or by providing a proxy or voting instructions in advance of the meeting. If you decide to vote prior to the Annual Meeting, you may do so in any one of the following three ways:

Bytelephone. You may vote your shares 24 hours a day by calling the toll-free number 1-800-690-6903 within the United States, U.S. territories or Canada, and following instructions provided by the recorded message. You will need to enter identifying information that appears on your proxy card, voting instruction form or the Notice. The telephone voting system allows you to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.

By Internet. You may vote your shares 24 hours a day by logging on to a secure website, www.proxyvote.com, and following the instructions provided. You will need to enter identifying information that appears on your proxy card, voting instruction form or the Notice. As with the telephone voting system, you will be able to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.

Bymail. If you received proxy materials by mail, you may mark, sign and date your proxy card or voting instruction form and return it by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

Telephone and Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. If you vote by mail, your proxy card or voting instruction form must be received before the Annual Meeting to assure that your vote is counted. We encourage you to vote promptly.

Voting Shares Held Through Employee Plans

If you hold shares through our 401(k) Savings Plans or DCP, you will receive voting instructions from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. and can vote through one of the three methods described above under “How to Vote.” Please note that employee plan shares have an earlier voting deadline of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

Broker Non-Votes

If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held by a broker and you do not provide voting instructions prior to the meeting, your broker is not permitted to vote your shares on the election of directors, the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, the proposal to amend our Restated Code of Regulations to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders or the shareholder proposals. The inability of the broker to vote your shares on these proposals results in a “broker non-vote.” In the absence of voting instructions, the broker can only register your shares as being present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and may vote your shares on ratification of the appointment of our auditor.

Majority Vote Standard for Election of Directors

To elect directors under Proposal 1, our governing documents require that a director nominee be elected by a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election. If an incumbent director nominee receives a greater number of votes “against” than votes “for” his or her election, our Corporate Governance Guidelines require the director to promptly tender a resignation to the Chairman of the Board. Within 90 days following the certification of the shareholder vote, the Nominating and Governance Committee will recommend to the Board whether to accept the resignation. Thereafter, the Board will promptly act and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind the decision.

Vote Required; Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

You may either vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN on each of the proposals. Votes will be tabulated by or under the direction of inspectors of election, who will certify the results following the Annual Meeting.

Proposals 1 through 3, 5 and 6 each require approval by a majority of votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered as votes cast and will not be counted in determining the outcome of the voting results. Proxies may not be voted for more than 13 director nominees, and shareholders may not cumulate their voting power.

Proposal 4 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding common shares. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes against this proposal.

How Shares Will Be Voted

The shares represented by all valid proxies received by telephone, by Internet or by mail will be voted in the manner specified. For shareholders of record who do not specify a choice for a proposal, proxies that are signed and returned will be voted FOR the election of all 13 director

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nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor, FOR approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, FOR approval of the proposed amendment to our Restated Code of Regulations to reduce the share ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of shareholders and AGAINST the shareholder proposals, if properly presented. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the individuals named in your proxy, or their substitutes, will determine how to vote on those matters in their discretion. The Board does not know of any other matters that will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting.

Communicating with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board, any committee of the Board, any individual director or the independent directors as a group, by writing to John M. Adams, Jr., Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017 or sending an email to bod@cardinalhealth.com. Communications from shareholders will be distributed to the entire Board unless addressed to a particular committee, director or group of directors. The corporate secretary will not distribute communications that are unrelated to the duties of the Board, such as spam, junk mail, mass mailings, business solicitations and advertisements.

Shareholder Recommendations for Director Nominees

The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders for election as director. Shareholder recommendations will be evaluated against the same criteria used to evaluate other director nominees, which criteria are discussed under “Board Membership Criteria: What we look for” on page 9. Shareholders who wish to recommend a candidate may do so by writing to the Nominating and Governance Committee in care of John M. Adams, Jr., Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. To be considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee for consideration at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a shareholder recommendation must be received no later than April 1, 2021.

Recommendations must include, at a minimum, the following information:

the name and address of the shareholder making the recommendation;

the name and address of the person recommended for nomination;

if the shareholder is not a shareholder of record, a representation and satisfactory proof of share ownership;

a statement in support of the shareholder’s recommendation, including sufficient information to permit the Nominating and Governance Committee to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience;

a description of all direct or indirect arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the candidate recommended by the shareholder;

information regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed in accordance with SEC rules; and

the candidate’s written, signed consent to serve if elected.

Shareholders who wish to nominate directors directly for election at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the procedures in our Restated Code of Regulations, including under our proxy access provision, should follow the instructions under “Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting of Shareholders” below and the details contained in our Code of Regulations.

Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting of Shareholders

If you intend to present a proposal to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, we must receive the proposal at our principal executive offices not later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on May [ ], 2021. The proposal should be addressed to John M. Adams, Jr., Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. We will not be required to include in our proxy statement or form of proxy a shareholder proposal that we receive after that date or that otherwise fails to meet the requirements for shareholder proposals established by the SEC rules.

If you intend to present a proposal for other business or a nomination for election to the Board at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (other than any such proposal included in our proxy statement and form of proxy under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act), you must comply with the notice requirements set forth in our Restated Code of Regulations and such business must be a proper matter for shareholder action. Among other requirements, you must deliver proper written notice to our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices no earlier than July 7, 2021 and no later than the close of business on August 6, 2021. If the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 4, 2021, written notice must be

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delivered after the close of business on the 120th day prior to the meeting, but before the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day after we first publicly announce the date of the meeting.

Our Restated Code of Regulations includes a proxy access provision, under which a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning at least 3% of our outstanding common shares continuously for at least three years, may nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees constituting up to the greater of two nominees or 20% of the Board, if the shareholders and the nominees satisfy the requirements specified in our Restated Code of Regulations.

If you intend to request that director nominees be included in our proxy materials under our proxy access provision, you must comply with the notice and other requirements set forth in our Restated Code of Regulations. Among other requirements, you must deliver proper written notice to our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices no earlier than April [ ], 2021 and not later than the close of business on May [ ], 2021. If the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 4, 2021, written notice must be delivered after the close of business on the 150th day prior to the meeting, but before the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day after we first publicly announce the date of the meeting.

Corporate Governance Documents

You can find the full text of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, Restated Code of Regulations and Corporate Governance Guidelines on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate — Investor Relations — Corporate Governance — Corporate Governance Documents.” This information also is available in print (free of charge) to any shareholder who requests it from our Investor Relations department.

Transfer Agent

Shareholders of record should direct communications regarding change of address, transfer of share ownership, lost share certificates and other matters regarding their share ownership to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233. Our transfer agent may also be contacted via the Internet at www.computershare.com/investor or by telephone at (877) 498-8861 or (781) 575-2879.

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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This proxy statement contains financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition to determining incentive compensation,analyzing our business based on financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use thethese non-GAAP financial measures referenced above internally to evaluate our performance, evaluate the balance sheet, and engage in financial and operational planning and determine incentive compensation because we believe that these measures provide additional perspective on and, in some circumstances are more closely correlated to, the performance of our underlying, ongoing business. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures to investors as supplemental metrics to assist readers in assessing the effects of items and events on our financial and operating results on a year-over-year basis and in comparing our performance to that of our competitors.

Potential Impact on Compensation However, the non-GAAP financial measures that we use may be calculated differently from, Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks")
and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. The MIPnon-GAAP financial measures disclosed by us should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and 2011 LTIP both authorize usthe financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to seek repayment of incentive awards from a participant if that participant engages in misconduct that causes or contributes to the need to restate previously filedthose financial statements set forth below should be carefully evaluated.

Exclusions from Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management believes it is useful to exclude the following items from the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this report for its own and for investors’ assessment of the payment was based onbusiness for the reasons identified below:

LIFOchargesandcredits are excluded because the factors that influence last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory charges or credits, such as pharmaceutical manufacturer price appreciation or deflation and year-end inventory levels (which can be meaningfully influenced by customer buying behavior immediately preceding our fiscal year-end), are largely out of our control and cannot be accurately predicted. The exclusion of LIFO charges and credits from non-GAAP financial measures facilitates comparison of our current financial results that we subsequently restate. In addition, incentive awards granted under these plans may be subject to repayment if a participant commits misconduct, including a breach of our Standards of Business Conduct or violation of an applicable non-competition or confidentiality agreement.

Underhistorical financial results and to our stock option, PSU and RSU agreements, unexercised stock options, unvested PSUs and RSUs and certain vested PSUs and RSUs are forfeited if the holder breaches our Standards of Business Conduct, discloses confidential information, commits fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, solicits business or our employees, disparages us or engages in competitive actions while employed by Cardinal Health or during a set time period after termination of employment. We also may require the holder to repay the gross gain realized from any stock option exercises or the value of the PSUs and RSUs settled within a set time period prior to such conduct.
Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement gives Cardinal Health the right to repayment of any bonus or other compensation paid to him if he engaged in misconduct that caused or materially contributed to the need to restatepeer group companies’ financial statements and, if based on the financial statements as restated, he otherwise would not have received such compensation. This right of repayment applies to compensation granted or vesting within three years of the date on which we originally filed the subject financial statements with the SEC.


34

Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for Fiscal 2017
The table below shows the number of shares underlying exercisable and unexercisable stock options and unvested PSUs and RSUs held by our named executives on June 30, 2017.
NameOption AwardsStock Awards
Option Grant Date
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(#)
Exercisable
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)
Unexercisable (1)
Option Exercise Price
($/Sh)
Option Expiration Date
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)(2)
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
(#)(3)
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
($)(2)(3)
Barrett8/15/2011308,302
 
 41.608/15/2021      
 8/15/2012330,738
 
 39.818/15/2022      
 8/15/2013279,770
 
 51.498/15/2023      
 8/15/2014141,346
 70,674
 71.438/15/2024      
 8/15/201563,231
 126,464
 84.278/15/2025      
 8/15/2016
 189,380
 83.198/15/2026      
        79,848
(4)6,221,756106,264
(5)8,280,091
Kaufmann8/15/201176,909
 
 41.608/15/2021      
 8/15/201296,291
 
 39.818/15/2022      
 8/15/201368,316
 
 51.498/15/2023      
 8/15/201435,798
 17,900
 71.438/15/2024      
 8/15/201515,689
 31,378
 84.278/15/2025      
 8/15/2016
 59,655
 83.198/15/2026      
        35,779
(6)2,787,90027,644
(7)2,154,020
Casey8/15/201283,731
 
 39.818/15/2022      
 8/15/201375,148
 
 51.498/15/2023      
 8/15/201434,306
 17,154
 71.438/15/2024      
 8/15/201515,308
 30,618
 84.278/15/2025      
 8/15/2016
 59,655
 83.198/15/2026      
        32,123
(8)2,503,02427,051
(9)2,107,814
Giacomin8/15/201226,166
 
 39.818/15/2022      
 8/15/201321,349
 
 51.498/15/2023      
 8/15/20149,766
 4,884
 71.438/15/2024      
 9/15/201416,024
 8,013
 74.969/15/2024      
 8/15/201513,312
 26,624
 84.278/15/2025      
 8/15/2016
 56,814
 83.198/15/2026      
        19,807
(10)1,543,36124,993
(11)1,947,455
Morford8/15/201112,795
 
 41.608/15/2021      
 8/15/201237,444
 
 39.818/15/2022      
 8/15/201339,038
 
 51.498/15/2023      
 8/15/201417,046
 8,524
 71.438/15/2024      
 8/15/20157,987
 15,974
 84.278/15/2025      
 8/15/2016
 30,899
 83.198/15/2026      
        20,758
(12)1,617,46315,301
(13)1,192,254
(1)These stock options vest 33% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
(2)The market value is the product of $77.92, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on June 30, 2017, and the number of unvested stock awards.
(3)Fiscal 15-17 PSUs are actual amounts that vested upon our achieving the performance goal over the performance period. Based on current performance in accordance with the SEC rules, PSUs for the fiscal 2016-2018 ("Fiscal 16-18 PSUs") assume payout at target and Fiscal 17-19 PSUs assume payout at threshold.
(4)Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 41,318 shares on August 15, 2017; 25,841 shares on August 15, 2018; and 12,689 shares on August 15, 2019.


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Executive Compensation


(5)Reflects 49,653 Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, 37,578 Fiscal 16-18 PSUs and 19,033 Fiscal 17-19 PSUs.
(6)Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 11,180 shares on August 15, 2017; 13,341 shares on September 15, 2017; 7,261 shares on August 15, 2018; and 3,997 shares on August 15, 2019.
(7)Reflects 13,034 Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, 8,900 Fiscal 16-18 PSUs and 5,710 Fiscal 17-19 PSUs.
(8)Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 10,938 shares on August 15, 2017; 10,006 shares on September 15, 2017; 7,182 shares on August 15, 2018; and 3,997 shares on August 15, 2019.
(9)Reflects 13,034 Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, 8,307 Fiscal 16-18 PSUs and 5,710 Fiscal 17-19 PSUs.
(10)Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 7,645 shares on August 15, 2017; 1,779 shares on September 15, 2017; 6,576 shares on August 15, 2018; 3,807 shares on August 15, 2019.
(11)Reflects 10,976 Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, 8,307 Fiscal 16-18 PSUs and 5,710 Fiscal 17-19 PSUs.
(12)Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 5,598 shares on August 15, 2017; 4,678 shares on November 15, 2017; 3,732 shares on August 15, 2018; 4,679 shares on November 15, 2018; and 2,071 on August 15, 2019.
(13)Reflects 7,448 Fiscal 15-17 PSUs, 4,747 Fiscal 16-18 PSUs and 3,106 Fiscal 17-19 PSUs.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2017
The table below shows stock options that were exercised, and PSUs and RSUs that vested, during fiscal 2017 for each of our named executives.
NameOption Awards Stock Awards 
Number
of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
Number 
of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)(1)
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)
Barrett685,989
(2)32,061,337
(2)135,230
 11,305,228
 
Kaufmann
 
 48,167
 3,915,506
 
Casey59,180
 2,545,598
 45,043
 3,682,153
 
Giacomin62,951
 2,892,986
 13,911
 1,148,123
 
Morford
 
 19,324
 1,615,486
 
(1)This column represents the vesting during fiscal 2017 of PSUs granted during fiscal 2014 for the fiscal 2014-2016 performance period and RSUs granted during fiscal 2014, 2015 and 2016. The number of shares acquired on vesting includes the following PSUs and RSUs deferred at the election of the named executive, net of required withholdings: Mr. Casey—2,939 RSUs; and Mr. Morford—12,401 PSUs and 5,741 RSUs. See “Deferred Compensation” below for a discussion of deferral terms.
(2)During fiscal 2017, Mr. Barrett exercised an option granted in August 2010, which had an expiration date of August 2017.
Deferred Compensation
Our DCP permits certain management employees, including the named executives, to defer between 1% and 50% of base salary and between 1% and 80% of incentive compensation. In addition, we may make additional matching and non-matching contributions to the deferred balances of participants. We make matching contributions on amounts deferred under the DCP from compensation in excess of $270,000 but not in excess of $370,000 at the same rate as contributions are matched under the 401(k) Savings Plan. We also may credit participants’ accounts with additional, non-matching company contributions in the same amount as company contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan based on a percentage of fiscal year compensation in excess of $270,000 but not in excess of $370,000. Company non-matching contributions are made only when we exceed pre-established performance goals. The Compensation Committee selected adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings as the
performance measure for fiscal 2017 for company non-matching contributions.results. We did not exceedrecognize any LIFO charges or credits during the pre-established adjustedperiods presented.

Surgicalgownrecallcosts includes inventory write-offs and certain remediation and supply disruption costs arising from the January 2020 recall of select Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (“AAMI”) Level 3 surgical gowns and voluntary field actions (a recall of some packs and a corrective action allowing overlabeling of other packs) for Presource Procedure Packs containing affected gowns. We have excluded these costs from our non-GAAP metrics to allow investors to better understand the underlying operating earnings goal and accordingly did not make any performance-based, non-matching contributions for fiscal 2017.

Each participant may direct the investment of his or her DCP account by selecting notional investment options that generally track publicly available mutual funds and investments and by periodically changing investment elections as the participant deems appropriate. We pay participants’ deferred balances in cash upon retirement, termination from employment, death or total disability. The plan does not qualify under Section 401(a)results of the Codebusiness and is exempt from many of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as a “top hat” plan for a select group of management or highly compensated employees.


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Executive Compensation


Apart from the DCP, a named executive also may defer receipt of shares that otherwise would be issued on the date that PSUs and RSUs vest until after the named executive is no longer employed by Cardinal Health or until a fixed future date.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2017
The table below provides information regarding the named executives’ accounts under our DCP and deferred share arrangements. References to deferred shares in the table below include both PSUs and RSUs.
Name/Award Type
Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)(2)
Cardinal
Health
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(3)
Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
Aggregate
Balance
at Last
FYE
($)(4)
Barrett         
DCP126,923
 8,000
 284,198
 2,388,404
 
Deferred shares
 
 
 
 
Kaufmann         
DCP130,128
 7,146
 351,567
 3,250,142
 
Deferred shares
 
 (2,019) 1,747,824
 
Casey         
DCP104,504
 4,000
 4,688
 434,240
 
Deferred shares244,495
 
 (21,242) 5,210,355
 
Giacomin         
DCP279,406
 7,600
 232,420
 1,782,876
 
Deferred shares
 
 
 
 
Morford         
DCP489,941
 7,900
 206,622
 1,436,213
 
Deferred shares1,509,233
 
 (100,668) 5,793,897
 
(1)The DCP amounts shown include salary and fiscal 2016 cash incentive awards deferred during fiscal 2017. DCP amounts do not include the following amounts deferred from the fiscal 2017 cash incentive awards that were paid in fiscal 2018: Mr. Kaufmann—$18,661; Mr. Giacomin—$14,179.
(2)DCP amounts included as contributions in the table and also reported as fiscal 2017 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Barrett—$130,923; Mr. Kaufmann—$42,473; Mr. Casey—$0; Mr. Giacomin—$72,196; and Mr. Morford—$17,621.
(3)We calculate the aggregate DCP earnings based upon the change in value of the investment options selected by the named executive during the year. Aggregate deferred shares earnings are calculated based upon the change in their total value from the first day of the fiscal year (or the vesting date, if later) to the last day of the fiscal year.
(4)DCP amounts included in the aggregate balance at June 30, 2017 in the table and also reported as fiscal 2016 and 2015 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Barrett—$277,077; Mr. Kaufmann—$117,810; Mr. Casey—$0; Mr. Giacomin—$253,706; and Mr. Morford—$51,241.


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Executive Compensation


Potential Payments on Termination of Employment or Change of Control
In many cases, our named executives are eligible to receive benefits after a termination of employment or change of control under the MIP and the 2011 LTIP. The various payments and benefits that would be provided to the named executives under the MIP and 2011 LTIP are discussed in the table below.
Annual Incentives (MIP)Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards
Termination for Cause (1)None.We may cancel unexercised stock options and unvested stock awards and require repayment of proceeds realized from vested awards for a specified period of time.
Involuntary Termination without CauseIf involuntarily terminated without cause after the beginning of the fourth quarter, the executive receives a prorated incentive payment based upon the length of employment during that fiscal year; if terminated earlier, there is no right to an incentive payment.If involuntarily terminated without cause after the end of a performance period, the executive receives his PSUs as if he had remained employed through the settlement date; otherwise unvested equity awards are forfeited and the executive must exercise vested stock options within 90 days.
Termination Due to Retirement (2)Prorated incentive payment based upon the length of employment during that fiscal year.
Stock options and RSUs held for at least six months vest, prorated based upon the length of employment during the vesting period, on an accelerated basis and outstanding stock options remain exercisable until the expiration of option term.
PSUs held for at least six months vest on the original vesting date, subject to achievement of the performance goals, but the amount is prorated based upon the length of employment during the performance period.
Termination Due to Death or Disability (3)Prorated incentive payment based upon the length of employment during that fiscal year.
Stock options and RSUs held for at least six months vest on an accelerated basis and stock options remain exercisable until expiration of option term.
PSUs held for at least six months vest on the original vesting date, subject to achievement of the performance goals.
Change of Control (4)No effect on amount or timing of any payments.
Awards vest on an accelerated basis only if (a) a qualifying termination occurs within two years after a change of control (including a "good reason" termination by the executive or an involuntary termination without cause) or (b) the surviving entity does not provide qualifying replacement awards.
In general, if employment terminates within two years after change of control, stock options remain exercisable until the earlier of three years from termination or expiration of option term.
The number of PSUs received is based on the actual performance before the change of control and expected performance for the remainder of the performance period.
(1)A “termination for cause” under the MIP and 2011 LTIP generally means termination of employment for fraud or intentional misrepresentation, embezzlement, misappropriation, conversion of assets or the intentional violation of our written policies or procedures. Mr. Barrett's employment agreement also defines “termination for cause," which is discussed below under “Tables for Named Executives."
(2)“Retirement” means termination of employment (other than by death or disability or a termination for cause) after attaining either age 55 and at least 10 years of continuous service or, for awards granted after July 1, 2017, age 60 and at least five years of continuous service. None of the named executives currently qualify for retirement


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


benefits, but Messrs. Barrett, Kaufmann and Morford will each qualify for retirement benefits later in fiscal 2018. We recently amended the 2011 LTIP to provide that for awards granted after July 1, 2017, plan participants will qualify for retirement after they (i) attain either age 53 and at least eight years of continuous service or age 59 and at least four years of continuous service, (ii) are terminated by us without cause and (iii) enter into a separate agreement with us.
(3)“Disability” exists under the MIP and 2011 LTIP when an executive who is under the regular care of a physician is continuously unable to substantially perform his job or to be employed in any occupation for which the executive is qualified by education, training or experience. Mr. Barrett's employment agreement also defines “disability," which is discussed below under "Tables for Named Executives."
(4)Under the 2011 LTIP, a “change of control” generally occurs when:
a person or group acquires 30% or more of Cardinal Health’s outstanding common shares or voting securities, subject to limited exceptions;
during any two-year period, individuals who as of the beginning of such two-year period constituted the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the replacement directors are approved as described in the 2011 LTIP;
there is a consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Cardinal Health's assets or another business combination unless (i) after the transaction all or substantially all of the owners of Cardinal Health's outstanding common shares or voting securities prior to the transaction own more than 50% of such securities after the transaction in substantially the same proportions; (ii) no person, subject to certain exclusions, owns 30% or more of the outstanding common shares or voting securities of the resulting entity (unless such ownership level existed before the transaction); and (iii) a majority of the directors of the resulting entity were members of Cardinal Health's Board (including applicable replacements as described above) when the transaction was approved or the transaction agreement was executed; or
our shareholders approve a complete liquidation or dissolution of Cardinal Health.
Generally, a termination is for “good reason” if: (a) we materially reduce the employee's total compensation; (b) we materially reduce the employee's annual or long-term incentive opportunities; (c) we materially reduce the employee's duties, responsibilities or authority; or (d) we require the employee to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her office or location.
Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement, and Messrs. Kaufmann, Casey and Giacomin’s confidentiality and business protection agreements, contain non-competition and non-solicitation provisions that, among other things, prohibit these executives from being employed by certain entities that compete with us for a period of two years after termination of employment (the “Restricted Period”). During the Restricted Period, these executives also are prohibited from soliciting on behalf of a competitor the business of any customer or any known potential customer of Cardinal Health. These agreements also prohibit disclosure of confidential information, disparagement and recruitmentfacilitate comparison of our employees.
See also “Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks”)" at page 34 for a discussion of restrictive covenants under the 2011 LTIPcurrent financial results to our historical financial results and MIP applicable to each of the named executives.
our peer group companies’ financial results.

Tables for Named Executives
The tables below present, for each of the named executives, the potential payments and benefits in the event of termination of employment or a change of control. These potential amounts have been calculated as if the named executive’s employment had terminated or a change of control had occurred as of June 30, 2017, the last day of

Stateopioidassessmentsrelatedtopriorfiscal 2017, and using the closing market price of our common shares on June 30, 2017 ($77.92).

The tables do not include benefits that are available to all of our salaried employees upon retirement, death or disability, including 401(k) Savings Plan distributions, group and supplemental life insurance benefits and short-term and long-term disability benefits. The amounts reported in the tables below are hypothetical amounts. Actual payments will depend on the circumstances and timing of any termination of employment or change of control. In addition, in connection with any actual termination or change of control transaction, we may determine to enter into agreements or establish arrangements that provide additional benefits or amounts or alter the terms of benefits described below.


Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
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Executive Compensation


The table below describes the potential payments and benefits upon termination of employment or a change of control as of June 30, 2017 for Mr. Barrett.
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon
Termination of Employment or Change of Control (1)
Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination by the Executive for Good Reason
($)(2)
Termination Due to Death or Disability
($)(3)
Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination by the Executive for Good Reason Within Two Years of Change of Control
($)(2)
Cash severance6,600,000
 
 6,600,000
 
Annual cash incentive1,980,000
 1,980,000
 1,980,000
 
Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting) (4)
 15,483,520
 15,483,520
 
Medical and dental benefits (5)25,771
 25,771
 25,771
 
Interest on deferred payments50,890
 11,744
 50,890
 
Total8,656,661
 17,501,035
 24,140,181
 
(1)Assumes Mr. Barrett’s compensation to be a base salary of $1,320,000 and that his fiscal 2017 cash incentive payout was at target, or $1,980,000 (actual payout was $0).
(2)The actual payments made under Mr. Barrett's employment agreement will be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any "golden parachute" excise tax under the Code provided that the value of the adjusted payments and benefits is not less than the amount Mr. Barrett otherwise would have received on an after-tax basis.
For purposes of Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement, “cause” means: (a) he willfully fails to perform his duties (other than due to physical or mental illness) for a continuous period; (b) he willfully engages in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that materially harms Cardinal Health; (c) heyears is convicted of a felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, or makes a guilty or nolo contendere plea; or (d) he materially breaches the covenants in his employment agreement.
A termination by Mr. Barrett is for “good reason” in the following events: (a) the assignment to him of any duties materially inconsistent with his position or duties, or any other action by us that results in a material diminution in his position or duties; (b) any failure by us to comply with any of the compensation provisions contained in his employment agreement; (c) we require him to be based more than 35 miles from Dublin, Ohio and more than 35 miles further from his principal residence at the time than the residence is from Dublin, Ohio; (d) any purported termination by us of his employment other than as expressly permitted by his employment agreement; and (e) any failure by us to comply with our obligation to require any successor entity to assume our employment agreement with him.
Under Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement, if we terminate his employment without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, then he will receive: (a) earned but unpaid salary and unpaid annual bonus from the prior fiscal year, if any (payable in a lump sum within 60 days); (b) a prorated portion of his annual bonusstate assessments for prescription opioid medications that were sold or distributed in periods prior to the fiscal year of the termination (payable atinitial assessment. This portion is excluded from non-GAAP financial measures because it is retrospectively applied to sales in prior fiscal years and inclusion would obscure analysis of the time annual bonusescurrent fiscal year results of our underlying, ongoing business. Additionally, while states’ laws may require us to make payments on an ongoing basis, the portion of the assessment related to sales in prior periods is contemplated to consist of one-time, nonrecurring items. Reversals of these accruals have occurred when certain assessments were found by a court to be unconstitutional.

Restructuringandemployeeseverancecosts are paidexcluded because they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business.

Amortizationandotheracquisition-relatedcosts, which include transaction costs, integration costs and changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations, are excluded because they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business and to facilitate comparison of our current financial results to our historical financial results and to our peer group companies’ financial results. Additionally, costs for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets are non-cash amounts, which are variable in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of acquisitions, so their exclusion facilitates comparison of historical, current and forecasted financial results. We also exclude other executives); (c) two timesacquisition-related costs, which are directly related to an acquisition, but do not meet the sumcriteria to be recognized on the acquired entity’s initial balance sheet as part of his annual base salarythe purchase price allocation. These costs are also significantly impacted by the timing, complexity and target bonussize of acquisitions.

Impairmentsandgainorlossondisposalofassets are excluded because they do not occur in, or reflect the ordinary course of, our ongoing business operations and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount, and in the case of impairments, are non-cash amounts, so their exclusion facilitates comparison of historical, current and forecasted financial results.

Litigationrecoveriesorcharges,net, which include loss contingencies for certain litigation and regulatory matters and income from the favorable resolution of litigation, are excluded because they often relate to events that may have occurred in prior or multiple periods, do not occur in or reflect the ordinary course of our business and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount.

Lossonearlyextinguishmentofdebt is excluded because it does not typically occur in the normal course of business and may obscure analysis of trends and financial performance. Additionally, the amount and frequency of this type of charge is not consistent and is significantly impacted by the timing and size of debt extinguishment transactions.

GainonsaleofequityinterestinnaviHealth was incurred in connection with the sale of our remaining equity interest in naviHealth in

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fiscal 2020. The equity interest was retained in connection with the initial sale of our majority interest in naviHealth during fiscal 2019. We exclude this significant gain because gains or losses on investments of this magnitude do not typically occur in the normal course of business and are similar in nature to a gain or loss from a divestiture of a majority interest, which we exclude from non-GAAP results. The gain on the initial sale of our majority interest in naviHealth in fiscal 2019 was also excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures.

Transitionaltaxbenefit,net related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is excluded because it results from the one-time impact of a very significant change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate and, due to the significant size of the benefit, obscures analysis of trends and financial performance. The transitional tax benefit includes the initial estimate and subsequent adjustments for the fiscal yearre-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the reduction of the termination (payableU.S. federal corporate income tax rate and the repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings.

The tax effect for each of the items listed above, other than the transitional tax benefit item, is determined using the tax rate and other tax attributes applicable to the item and the jurisdiction(s) in equal monthly installments over 24 months); (d)which the abilityitem is recorded. The gross, tax and net impact of each item are presented with our GAAP to exercise all vested stock options for two years following termination (or, if shorter, the end of their stated term)non-GAAP reconciliations.

Fiscal 2020 GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

(in millions, except for per share amounts)

Operating

Earnings/(Loss)

($)

Operating

Earnings/(Loss)

Growth Rate

(%)

Earnings/(Loss)

Before Income

Taxes

($)

Provision For/

(Benefit From)

Income Taxes

($)

Net Earnings/

(Loss)

Attributable to

Cardinal

Health, Inc.

($)

Diluted

Earnings/(Loss)

Per Share

Attributable to

Cardinal

Health, Inc.

($)(1)

Diluted

Earnings/(Loss)

Per Share

Attributable to

Cardinal

Health, Inc.

Growth Rate

(%)

GAAP

(4,098)

N.M.

(3,772)

(79)

(3,696)

(12.61)

N.M.

Surgical gown recall costs

85

 

85

22

63

0.22

 

State opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years

3

 

3

1

2

0.01

 

Restructuring and employee severance

122

 

122

29

93

0.31

 

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

524

 

524

130

394

1.34

 

Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets

7

 

7

2

5

0.02

 

Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net(2)

5,741

 

5,741

514

5,227

17.84

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

16

4

12

0.04

 

Gain on sale of equity interest in naviHealth

 

(579)

(86)

(493)

(1.68)

 

Transitional tax benefit, net

 

2

(2)

(0.01)

 

NON-GAAP

2,384

1

2,147

539

1,605

5.45

3

The sum of the components and certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments.

 

(1)

GAAP diluted loss per share attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. and the EPS impact from the GAAP to non-GAAP per share reconciling items are calculated using a weighted average of 293 million common shares, which excludes potentially dilutive securities from the denominator due to their anti-dilutive effects resulting from our GAAP net loss for the period. Non-GAAP diluted EPS is calculated using a weighted average of 295 million common shares, which includes potentially dilutive shares.

(2)

Pharmaceutical wholesale distributors, including us, have been named as defendants in over 3,000 lawsuits relating to the distribution of prescription opioid pain medications. These lawsuits also name pharmaceutical manufacturers, retail pharmacy chains and other entities as defendants. Approximately 2,800 of these lawsuits have been filed by counties, municipalities, cities and political subdivisions in various federal, state, and other courts. In October 2019, we agreed in principle to a global settlement framework with a leadership group of state attorneys general that is designed to resolve all pending and future opioid lawsuits and claims by states and political subdivisions and includes, among other things, a cash component, under which we would pay up to $5.56 billion over 18 years. In connection with this and with an October 2019 settlement with two Ohio counties, we recorded a total pre-tax charge of $5.63 billion ($5.14 billion after tax or $17.54 per share) during fiscal 2020 in litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings, which was excluded from our fiscal 2020 non-GAAP financial measures. Our long-standing practice has been to exclude litigation charges like this from our non-GAAP financial measures because they often relate to events that may have occurred in prior or multiple periods, do not occur in or reflect the ordinary course of our business and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount.

We did not adjust our fiscal 2020 non-GAAP financial measures to exclude opioid-related litigation defense costs, which adversely impacted our fiscal 2020 non-GAAP operating earnings by approximately $103 million. We also did not adjust for opioid-related compliance costs. Accordingly, our non-GAAP financial measures included opioid-related litigation defense and compliance costs.

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Definitions

Non-GAAPoperatingearnings is operating earnings/(loss) excluding LIFO charges/(credits), or such longer period as provided in the award agreement; and (e) medical and dental benefits for him and his dependents for two years. If Mr. Barrett terminates his employment without good reason or if we terminate his employment for cause, then he will receive earned but unpaid salary and unpaid annual bonus from thesurgical gown recall costs, state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal year, if any (payable within 30 days).

(3)Under Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement, “disability” means he is absent from his duties on a full-time basis for at least 120 consecutive days, or an aggregate period of at least 180 days, as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness that is determined by a physician to be total and permanent.
If Mr. Barrett’s employment years, restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, and litigation (recoveries)/charges, net.

Non-GAAPnetearningsattributabletoCardinalHealth,Inc.is terminated due to death or disability, he will receive under his employment agreement: (a) earned but unpaid salary and unpaid annual bonus from the prior fiscal year, if any (payable in a lump sum within 30 days); (b) a prorated portion of his annual bonus for the fiscal year of the termination (payable at the time annual bonuses are paid to our other executives); and (c) medical and dental benefits for him (in the event of disability) and his dependents for two years. For purposes of the table above, in the event of termination of employment due to death, the medical and dental benefits would be reduced to $16,139.

(4)Assumes the accelerated vesting of 112,976 PSUs at target, 386,518 stock options and 79,848 RSUs in the event of (a) a change of control with involuntary termination without cause or a termination by Mr. Barrett for "good reason" within two years after the change of control or if the surviving entity does not provide qualifying replacement awards or (b) a termination due to death or disability. We valued the accelerated vesting of stock awards by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2017 by the number of stock awards. We valued the accelerated vesting of stock options as the difference between the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2017 and the exercise price for each stock option.
(5)Under Mr. Barrett’s employment agreement, we are required to continue to provide him and his eligible dependents with the same medical and dental benefits coverage he would have been entitled to receive if he had remained an active employee for two years. The amounts reported are based on estimates determined by independent consultants.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


The table below describes the potential payments and benefits upon termination of employment or a change of control as of June 30, 2017 for Messrs. Kaufmann, Casey, Giacomin and Morford.
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon
Termination of Employment or Change of Control
Involuntary Termination Without Cause
($)
Termination Due to Death or Disability
($)
Involuntary Termination Without  Cause or Termination by the Executive for Good Reason Within Two Years of Change of Control
($)
Kaufmann      
Cash severance
 
 
 
Annual cash incentive (1)746,438
 746,438
 746,438
 
Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting) (2)
 5,251,021
 5,251,021
 
Total746,438
 5,997,459
 5,997,459
 
Casey      
Cash severance
 
 
 
Annual cash incentive (1)705,014
 705,014
 705,014
 
Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting) (2)
 4,915,097
 4,915,097
 
Total705,014
 5,620,111
 5,620,111
 
Giacomin      
Cash severance
 
 
 
Annual cash incentive (1)567,151
 567,151
 567,151
 
Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting) (2)
 3,778,979
 3,778,979
 
Total567,151
 4,346,130
 4,346,130
 
Morford      
Cash severance
 
 
 
Annual cash incentive (1)469,328
 469,328
 469,328
 
Long-term incentive awards (accelerated vesting) (2)
 2,962,983
 2,962,983
 
Total469,328
 3,432,311
 3,432,311
 
(1)
Assumes that the annual cash incentive payouts were at the following fiscal 2017 target amounts: Mr. Kaufmann—$746,438(actual payout was $186,609); Mr. Casey—$705,014 (actual payout was $176,253); Mr. Giacomin—$567,151(actual payout was $141,788); and Mr. Morford—$469,328 (actual payout was $117,332).
(2)Assumes the accelerated vesting of long-term incentive awards in the event of (a) a change of control with involuntary termination without cause or a termination by the executive for "good reason" within two years after the change of control or if the surviving entity does not provide qualifying replacement awards or (b) a termination due to death or disability, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann—30,120 PSUs at target, 108,933 stock options and 35,779 RSUs; Mr. Casey—29,527 PSUs at target, 107,427 stock options and 32,123 RSUs; Mr. Giacomin—27,980 PSUs at target, 96,335 stock options and 19,807 RSUs; and Mr. Morford—16,558 PSUs at target, 55,397 stock options and 20,758 RSUs. We valued the accelerated vesting of stock awards by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2016 by the number of stock awards. We valued the accelerated vesting of stock options as the difference between the closing price of our common shares on June 30, 2017 and the exercise price for each stock option.



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Director Compensation
Overview
Decisions regarding our non-management director compensation program are approved by our Board of Directors based on recommendations of our Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee receives comparative market data and recommendations from its compensation consultant with regard
to the structure and amounts of our non-management director compensation. Total non-management director compensation is targeted at the median of the Comparator Group total director compensation.
Compensation Arrangements
The table below shows the elements and amount of compensation that we paid to our non-management directors for fiscal 2017. Our current director compensation arrangements have been in effect since November 2015.
Compensation Element
Amount
($)
Retainer (1)100,000
RSUs (2)160,000
Committee chair annual retainers (1):
Audit Committee20,000
Compensation Committee15,000
Nominating and Governance Committee10,000
Lead Director:
Annual retainer (1)20,000
Annual RSUs20,000
(1)Retainer amounts are paid in cash in quarterly installments.
(2)Each non-management director receives an annual RSU grant on the date of our Annual Meeting of Shareholders. We value the RSUs based on the closing share price on the grant date. RSUs vest one year from the grant date (or on the date of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, if earlier) and settle in common shares. We accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable upon vesting of the RSUs.
Directors may receive additional compensation for performing duties assigned by the Board or its committees that are considered beyond the scope of the ordinary responsibilities of directors or committee members.
We granted RSU awards to directors during fiscal 2017 under the 2007 Nonemployee Directors Equity Incentive Plan (the "Director EIP"). All unvested RSUs become fully vested upon a “change of control” (as defined under “Potential Payments on Termination of Employment and Change of Control” on page 39) unless the director is asked to continue to serve on the board of directors of the surviving entity or its affiliate and receives a qualifying replacement award.
Following shareholder approval of amendments to the 2011 LTIP at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we will grant future RSU awards to directors under the 2011 LTIP. The 2011 LTIP includes a $600,000 limit on non-management director equity
awards and cash compensation for any fiscal year, with an exception for a non-executive chair of the Board.
Directors may elect to defer payment of their cash retainers into our DCP. For directors, deferred balances under the DCP are paid in cash upon termination from Board service, death or disability. A director also may defer receipt of common shares that otherwise would be issued on the date that RSUs vest until termination from Board service.
Our directors may participate in our matching gift program. Under this program and subject to certain restrictions, the Cardinal Health Foundation (our philanthropic affiliate) will match contributions for eligible non-profit organizations.


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Director Compensation

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2017
The non-management directors received the following compensation during fiscal 2017:
Name
Fees Earned 
or Paid
in Cash
($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
David J. Anderson100,000160,000  260,000
Colleen F. Arnold100,000160,000  260,000
Carrie S. Cox100,000160,0003,500
(2)263,500
Calvin Darden100,000160,000  260,000
Bruce L. Downey100,000160,0003,000
(2)263,000
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall100,000160,000  260,000
Clayton M. Jones120,000160,000  280,000
Gregory B. Kenny130,000180,0006,500
(2)316,500
Nancy Killefer100,000160,000  260,000
David P. King115,000160,000  275,000
(1)These awards are RSUs granted under the Directors EIP. We valued the RSUs by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date ($65.38) by the number of RSUs awarded. As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate number of shares underlying unvested RSU awards held by each director serving on that date was 2,447 shares, except for Mr. Kenny which was 2,753 shares.
(2)Represents a company matchnet earnings/(loss) attributable to a charitable contribution under our matching gift program.


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Proposal 5—Shareholder Proposal to Urge the Board of Directors to Adopt a Policy that the Chairman of the Board be an Independent Director
We received notice that The International Brotherhood of Teamsters General Fund, 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001, a shareholder owning 75 of our common shares as of April 28, 2017, and Kenneth Steiner, 14 Stoner Ave., Apt 2m, Great Neck, NY 11021, a shareholder owning no less than 500 of our common shares as of April 28, 2017, intend to jointly present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolution and its supporting statement, for which neither we nor the Board accepts responsibility, are set forth below.
The shareholder proposal and supporting statement read as follows:
Resolved, that shareholders of Cardinal Health, Inc. (“the Company” or “Cardinal”)excluding LIFO charges/(credits), urge the Boardsurgical gown recall costs, state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of Directors (the “Board”) to take the steps necessary to adopt a policy, with amendments to governing documents as needed, so that, to the extent feasible, the Chairmanassets, litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, loss on early extinguishment of the Board shall be an independent director who has not previously served as an executive officerdebt and gain on sale of the Company. The policy should be implemented so as not to violate any contractual obligationsequity interest in naviHealth, each net of tax, and should specify the process for selecting a new independent chairman if the chairman ceases transitional tax benefit, net.

Non-GAAPdilutedearningspershareattributableto be independent between annual meetings of shareholders or if no independent director CardinalHealth,Inc.is available and willingnon-GAAP net earnings/(loss) attributable to serve as chairman.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:
The Board’s role, led by its chairman, is to provide rigorous oversight of management to protect the interests of the Company and shareholders. This oversight may be weakened if the chairman is also the chief executive officer--as at Cardinal--or is otherwise not independent from management. Even with robust responsibilities, the lead independent director’s position is inadequate to this task because ultimate responsibility for board leadership remains with the chairman/CEO.An independent chairman can best facilitate effective deliberation of strategy, risk oversight and management accountability.
These considerations are especially critical at Cardinal given the potential reputational, legal and regulatory risks Cardinal faces over its role in the nation’s opioid epidemic, including its history of compliance challenges concerning the distribution of controlled substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control, prescription opioids claim 62 lives a day in this country.
In December 2016, Cardinal agreed to pay $44 million to resolve allegations it violated the federal Controlled Substances Act regarding the distribution of opioids. This settlement with the Department of Justice follows a $34 million penalty in 2008 for similar violations.
In January 2017, Cardinal agreed to pay $20 million to settle a lawsuit from the State of West Virginia, alleging Cardinal violated the law in failing to investigate, report and cease fulfilling suspicious prescriptions in the state. As of April 2017, lawsuits had been filed by a number of West Virginia counties and municipalities alleging similar actions.
According to a Pulitzer-prize winning review of the Drug Enforcement Administration, drug shipping sales by The Charleston Gazette-Mail, Cardinal supplied over 182 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills between 2007 and 2012 to West Virginian pharmacies, enough for approximately 100 pills for every adult and child in the state.
In April 2017, The Washington Post reported Cardinal was one of the pharmaceutical industry companies being sued by the Cherokee Nation in tribal court for failing to prevent the diversion of pain pills. The lawsuit states in 2015, enough prescription opioids were distributed in the Cherokee Nation for 955 5mg dose pills per adult and child.
In the midst of such scrutiny, an independent chairman is invaluable in providing robust oversight of management and ensuring good communications and credibility with stakeholders.
The Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition to Proposal 5
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 5.
Our Board believes that this proposal takes two distinct topics—our Board leadership structure and the nation’s opioid epidemic—and seeks to meld them together to support an unwarranted one-size-fits-all board leadership structure. We believe that it is a crucial responsibility of the Board to thoughtfully consider its leadership structure based upon the circumstances, as opposed to adopting the mandated separation advocated by the proponent. Our current Board leadership structure, comprised of a unified Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a highly-engaged independent Lead Director with robust responsibilities, has been effective as shown by our strong performance over the past several years and allows us to focus on creating long-term shareholder


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Proposal 5—Shareholder Proposal

value in the constantly-evolving healthcare industry. Through this structure, our Board has also actively and appropriately engaged in overseeing our compliance and opioid anti-diversion programs.


§
Total shareholder return over the period from August 31, 2009, when Mr. Barrett became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, through June 30, 2017 expressed as a percentage, calculated based on changes in stock price assuming reinvestment of dividends.


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Proposal 6—Shareholder Proposal to Request that the Board of Directors Adopt a Bylaw Provision Restricting Management's Access to Vote Tallies Prior to the Annual Meeting with respect to Certain Executive Pay Matters
We received notice that a shareholder intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolution and its supporting statement, for which neither we nor the Board accepts responsibility, are set forth below. John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, a shareholder owning no fewer than 100 shares of our common shares as of May 11, 2017, submitted this proposal.
The shareholder proposal and supporting statement read as follows:
PROPOSAL 6 – EXECUTIVE PAY CONFIDENTIAL VOTING
Shareholders request our Board of Directors to take the steps necessary to adopt a bylaw that prior to the Annual Meeting, the outcome of votes cast by proxy on certain executive pay matters, including a running tally of votes for and against, shall not be available to management or the Board and shall not be used to solicit votes. Certain maters [sic] include the topic of say on pay and management sponsored or board sponsored resolutions seeking approval of executive pay plans.
This proposal would not prohibit management access to shareholder comments submitted along with shareholder meeting ballots. This proposal is limited to executive pay items. Shareholders could still waive the confidentiality of their ballots on executive pay items – for instance by checking a box on the ballot.
Our management can now monitor incoming votes and then use shareholder money to blast shareholders with costly solicitations on matters where they have a direct self-interest such as such as [sic] the ratification of lucrative stock options and to obtain artificially high votes for their lucrative executive pay.
Our management can now do an end run on the effectiveness of say on pay votes. Instead of improving executive pay practices in response to disapproving shareholder votes, our management can efficiently manipulate the say on pay vote to a higher percentage. Without executive pay confidential voting our management can simply blast shareholders by using multiple professional proxy solicitor firms at shareholder expense (no timely disclosure of the cost) with one-way communication by mail and electronic mail (right up to the
deadline) to artificially boost the vote for their self-interested executive pay ballot items.
It is important for shareholders that the company get executive pay right in order to give management the best-focused incentive for long-term shareholder value. Executive pay is not ordinary business.
Please vote to enhance shareholder value:
Executive Pay Confidential Voting - Proposal 6
The Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition to Proposal 6
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 6 because it would undermine our ability to engage in constructive outreach and dialogue with our shareholders, it restricts our management’s and Board’s access to routine information regarding our ordinary course processes relating to monitoring of voting results and the conduct of our annual meeting of shareholders, and it is vague as to which executive compensation matters it would cover.
We actively and regularly engage in ongoing, transparent dialogue with shareholders regarding executive compensation and governance matters to best understand shareholder views and concerns. The period leading up to the annual meeting of shareholders is an important time for shareholders to express their concerns and provide feedback to management and the Board on executive compensation. We and our shareholders mutually benefit from this feedback, and this proposal would impair our ability to understand shareholder views on our executive compensation. While our executive compensation has received shareholder support greater than 93% in each of the past five years, our Compensation Committee regularly considers shareholder feedback in its review and assessment of our executive compensation.
The proposal would prevent our management and Board from monitoring voting results and restrict access to routine information regarding our annual meeting processes. This is particularly worrisome during a period when passive investing is on the rise, and public companies are increasingly at a disadvantage in identifying their shareholder base. Preliminary voting information assists us in conducting an informed and productive meeting, including ascertaining which shareholders have not voted. This information would enable us to communicate with those


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Proposal 5—Shareholder Proposal

shareholders, encourage voting, and assist the Board in determining how to best respond to any concerns.
The proposal is vague and confusing to shareholders because it fails to explain when the requested bylaw would or would not apply. For example, it is unclear from the proposal whether the requested bylaw would apply to a shareholder proposal on an executive compensation matter or to an advisory vote on the frequency of
“say-on-pay” executive compensation votes. Shareholders voting on this proposal have no reasonable certainty as to the actions or measures upon which they are voting, and there would be no clarity as to how it would be implemented.
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this shareholder proposal.
Other Matters
Communicating with the Board
Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board, any committee of the Board, any individual director or the independent directors as a group, by writing to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017 or sending an e-mail to bod@cardinalhealth.com. Communications from shareholders
will be distributed to the entire Board unless addressed to a particular committee, director or group of directors. The Corporate Secretary will not distribute communications that are unrelated to the duties of the Board, such as spam, junk mail, mass mailings, business solicitations and advertisements.
Shareholder Recommendations for Director Nominees
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders for election as director. Shareholder recommendations will be evaluated against the same criteria used to evaluate other director nominees, which criteria are discussed under “Director Qualification Standards” on pages 12 and 13. Shareholders who wish to recommend a candidate may do so by writing to the Nominating and Governance Committee in care of the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. To be considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee for consideration at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a shareholder recommendation must be received no later than April 1, 2018.
Recommendations must include, at a minimum, the following information:
the name and address of the shareholder making the recommendation;
the name and address of the person recommended for nomination;
if the shareholder is not a shareholder of record, a representation and satisfactory proof of share ownership;
a statement in support of the shareholder’s recommendation, including sufficient information to permit the Nominating and Governance Committee to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience;
a description of all direct or indirect arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the candidate recommended by the shareholder;
information regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed in accordance with SEC rules; and
the candidate’s written, signed consent to serve if elected.
Shareholders who wish to nominate directors directly for election at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the procedures in our Code of Regulations, including under our proxy access provision, should follow the instructions under “Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting of Shareholders" on page 48 and the details contained in our Code of Regulations.


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Other Matters

Submitting Proxy Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting of Shareholders
If you intend to present a proposal to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, we must receive the proposal at our principal executive office not later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on May 24, 2018. The proposal should be addressed to our Corporate Secretary at Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. We will not be required to include in our proxy statement or form of proxy a shareholder proposal that we receive after that date or that otherwise fails to meet the requirements for shareholder proposals established by SEC regulations.
If you intend to present a proposal for other business, or a nomination for election to the Board of Directors, at our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (other than any such proposal included in our proxy statement and form of proxy under Exchange Act Rule 14a-8), you must comply with the notice requirements set forth in our Code of Regulations and such business must be a proper matter for shareholder action. Among other requirements, you must deliver proper written notice to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier than July 11, 2018 and no later than the close of business on August 10, 2018. If the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 8, 2018, written notice must be delivered after the close of business on the 120th day prior to the meeting, but before the close of business on the
later of the 90th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day after we first publicly announce the date of the meeting.
Our Code of Regulations includes a proxy access provision, under which a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning at least three percent of our outstanding common shares continuously for at least three years, may nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees constituting up to the greater of two nominees or 20% of the Board, if the shareholders and the nominees satisfy the requirements specified in our Code of Regulations.
If you intend to request that director nominees be included in our proxy materials under our new proxy access provision, you must comply with the notice and other requirements set forth in our Code of Regulations. Among other requirements, you must deliver proper written notice to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier than April 24, 2018 and not later than the close of business on May 24, 2018. If the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 8, 2018, written notice must be delivered after the close of business on the 150th day prior to the meeting, but before the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day after we first publicly announce the date of the meeting.
Transfer Agent
Shareholders of record should direct communications regarding change of address, transfer of share ownership, lost share certificates and other matters regarding their share ownership to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 505000, Louisville,
KY 40233. Our transfer agent may also be contacted via the Internet at www.computershare.com/investor or by telephone at (877) 498-8861 or (781) 575-2879.
Other Information
This solicitation of proxies is made by and on behalf of the Board of Directors. The cost of the solicitation will be borne by Cardinal Health. In addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our directors, officers and employees in person or by telephone or other means of communication. These individuals will receive no additional compensation for soliciting proxies but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation. We have retained Alliance Advisors at an estimated cost of $16,500, plus reimbursement of expenses, to assist in our solicitation of proxies from brokers, nominees, institutions and individuals. We also will make arrangements with
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, and we will reimburse these persons for reasonable expenses they may incur.
If you and other residents at your mailing address own common shares in street name, your broker or bank may have sent you a notice that your household will receive only one set of proxy materials unless you instruct otherwise. This practice is known as “householding,” and is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs. However, if you wish to receive, now or in the future, a separate annual report and proxy statement, you may write to our


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Other Matters

Investor Relations department at 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017, or call the Investor Relations Line at (614) 757-4757. We will promptly deliver a separate copy (free of charge) upon request. If you and other residents at your mailing address are currently receiving multiple copies of annual reports and proxy statements and wish to receive only a single copy, you should contact your broker or bank directly.
By Order of the Board of Directors.
mayersignaturea01.jpg
JESSICA L. MAYER
Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
September 21, 2017


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