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
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Letter to Cardinal Health Shareholders

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Table of Contents

coverpicture14a03.jpg
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held November 8, 2017

2


Proxy Summary

3

About Us

3

Fiscal 2019 Highlights

3

Governance and Board Highlights

3

Our 2019 Board Nominees

4

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

5

Attending the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

6

Roadmap to Voting Matters

6

How to Vote

6

Corporate Governance

7

7

Board Membership Criteria: What we look for

7

Our Director Nominees

7

Our Board’s Composition and Structure

15

Our Board’s Primary Role and Responsibilities and Processes

19

Shareholder Engagement

24

Director Compensation

25

Related Person Transactions Policy and Process

26

Audit Committee Matters

27

27

Audit Committee Report

27

Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP

28

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

28

Executive Compensation

29

29

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

30

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report

38

Executive Compensation Tables

38

Pay Ratio Disclosure

48

Share Ownership Information

49

Other Matters

51

General Information About the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

51

Communicating with the Board

53

Shareholder Recommendations for Director Nominees

53

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

53

Corporate Governance Guidelines

54

Transfer Agent

54

Other Information

54

55


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Letter to Cardinal Health Shareholders

Gregory B. Kenny

Chairman of the Board

September 20, 2019

TheBoardofDirectorstakesseriouslyitsoversightroleandresponsibilityforgoodcorporategovernanceaswestrivetocreatevalueforourshareholders.Overthepastyear,wehavemadeimportantprogressinanumberofareas,andIwanttosharetheBoard’sperspectiveonsomeofthechangesnowunderwayasCardinalHealthcontinuestopositionitselfforthefuture.

SuccessfulBoardLeadershipTransition

Effective at last year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, I assumed the role of non-executive Chairman of the Board, after having served as Lead Director for the prior four years. In my first year as Chairman, I worked closely with the Board and our leadership team to assure that our governance practices continue to be aligned with the best interests of our company and shareholders. To that end, I devoted significant time and thought to utilizing the many talents and experience of the Board as we engaged with senior management on a variety of critical issues, including strategic priorities, capital deployment, operational efficiencies, the opioid epidemic and risk mitigation — all with the goal of enhancing shareholder value.

ComprehensiveReviewoftheBusiness

During fiscal 2019, the Board and management worked closely to complete a comprehensive review of the company’s portfolio, cost structure and capital deployment, which is explained in the proxy statement. The Board was actively engaged in this process, participating in extensive discussions, and continues to receive regular, detailed updates on progress.

OngoingBoardRefreshmentandCommitteeChanges

We are committed to having in place a Board of Directors with a combination of diverse skills, backgrounds and experience to support the company’s evolving business and strategic direction and to fulfill our oversight responsibilities. To that end, we have continued to refresh our Board membership and are pleased to have added three new directors over the past year.

Last December, we welcomed back former Cardinal Health director Mike Losh to a new term as a director. Mike, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer of General Motors, brings deep financial experience, as well as valuable insights due to his experience with our company. With his extensive financial and leadership background, he was able to immediately assume the important responsibility of chairing our Audit Committee. We are fortunate to benefit from his decades of experience and extensive public company board leadership expertise.

As of September 1st, we have added two more independent directors: Dean Scarborough and John Weiland. Dean was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avery Dennison and brings to the Board experience in manufacturing and distribution, as well as a global perspective. John was President and Chief Operating Officer of medical device maker C. R. Bard and brings over 40 years of healthcare industry experience to the Board. We are very pleased to welcome these two talented former executives who bring a wealth of business and industry experience, as well as experience serving on other public company boards. These appointments bring the total number of Cardinal Health directors to 12, 11 of whom are independent.

The Board also made important new appointments to committee leadership. Carrie Cox succeeded Dave King as Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and Pat Hemingway Hall succeeded me as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

BoardOversightandtheOpioidEpidemic

The Board and the company care deeply about the opioid epidemic and take seriously our commitment, in cooperation with other participants in the pharmaceutical supply chain, to find and support solutions to this national challenge. As a distributor and an intermediary in the supply chain, Cardinal Health has an important but limited and specific role — which is, to provide a secure channel to deliver medications from manufacturers to our thousands of hospital and pharmacy customers licensed to dispense them to patients, and to work diligently to identify, stop and report to regulators suspicious orders of controlled substances.

The Board has been and remains active in overseeing Cardinal Health’s response to the opioid epidemic. The Board’s Ad Hoc Committee of independent directors assists the Board in its oversight of opioid-related issues, continues to meet regularly and reports at every Board meeting. As the opioid litigation moves closer to the first scheduled trial date in October, the Ad Hoc Committee will continue to be actively engaged, overseeing our efforts to vigorously defend ourselves and the discussions about possible litigation resolutions. In addition, we continue to monitor the business and reputational impacts stemming from the epidemic and the surrounding litigation.

ThankYou

I believe that we have a strong, engaged Board of Directors and on behalf of our Board, I thank you for your share ownership in Cardinal Health and your continued support of the company. I look forward to continuing our ongoing and active dialogue.

Sincerely,

GregoryB.Kenny
ChairmanoftheBoard

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement1


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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

8:00a.m.EasternTime

CardinalHealth,Inc.

7000 Cardinal Place

Dublin, Ohio 43017

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on November 6, 2019:

This Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the accompanying proxy statement and our fiscal 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.edocumentview/cah. These proxy materials are first being sent or made available to shareholders commencing on September 20, 2019.

Purpose

To vote on the following proposals:

(1)

To elect the 12 director nominees named in the proxy statement;

(2)

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020;

(3)

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

(4)

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 9, 2019 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment or postponement.

By Order of the Board of Directors.

September 20, 2019

JohnM.Adams,Jr.
SeniorVicePresident,
AssociateGeneralCounsel
andSecretary

www.cardinalhealth.comCardinal Health  |  2019 Proxy Statement    2

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Proxy Summary

This summary highlights 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 fiscal 2019 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 2019” refers to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

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 and physician offices. We provide medical products and pharmaceuticals and cost-effective solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency from hospital to home.

Fiscal 2019 Highlights

Fiscal 2019 was a year of progress for Cardinal Health. We delivered on our overall goals and made significant strides on key strategic initiatives.

Fiscal 2019 performance highlights include:

Revenue was $145.5 billion.

GAAP operating earnings were $2.1 billion and non-GAAP operating earnings were $2.4 billion.

GAAP diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) were $4.53 and non-GAAP EPS were $5.28.

Operating cash flow was $2.7 billion.

Returned $1.2 billion to shareholders, including $600 million in share repurchases and $577 million in dividends.

Repaid $1.1 billion of long-term debt.

Pharmaceutical segment revenue was $129.9 billion and segment profit was $1.8 billion.

Medical segment revenue was $15.6 billion and segment profit was $576 million.

Realized annual savings of over $130 million in fiscal 2019 through cost optimization initiatives.

Other highlights for the fiscal year include:

Renewed our contracts with CVS Health and Kroger for at least the next four years.

Finalized a partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to jointly invest in naviHealth and accelerate its growth.

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.

Governance and Board Highlights

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement3


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Our 2019 Board Nominees

Date and time:Colleen F. ArnoldWednesday, November 8, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., local timeCarrie S. CoxCalvin DardenBruce L. Downey
Location:Retired SVP, Sales
and Distribution, IBM
Age: 62
Director since2007
Independent
Committees: A
CardinalRetired EVP and President,
Global Pharmaceuticals,
Schering-Plough and retired
Chairman and CEO,
Humacyte, Inc.
Age: 62
Director since2009
Independent
Committees: H, AH
Retired SVP of
U.S. Operations, UPS
Age: 69
Director since2005
Independent
Committees: H, AH
Retired Chairman and CEO,
Barr Pharmaceuticals and
Partner, NewSpring Health Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017
Capital II, L.P.
Age: 71
Director since2009
Independent
Committees: N, AH
Purpose:(1)To
    
Patricia A. Hemingway HallAkhil JohriMichael C. KaufmannGregory B. Kenny
Retired President and CEO,
Health Care Service Corp.
Age: 66
Director since2013
Independent
Committees: H, N
EVP and CFO,
United Technologies
Age: 58
Director since2018
Independent
Committees: A
CEO, Cardinal Health
Age: 56
Director since2018

Retired President and CEO,
General Cable
Age: 66
Director since2007
Independent
Chairman of the Board
Committees: N, AH
Nancy KilleferJ. Michael LoshDean A. ScarboroughJohn H. Weiland
Retired Senior Partner,
Public Sector Practice, McKinsey
Age: 65
Director since2015
Independent
Committees: H
Retired EVP and CFO,
General Motors
Age: 73
Director since2018
Independent
Committees: A
Retired Chairman and CEO,
Avery Dennison
Age: 63
Director since2019
Independent
Committees: A
Retired President and
Chief Operating Officer,
C. R. Bard
Age: 63
Director since2019
Independent
Committees: A

A: Audit AH: Ad Hoc N: Nominating and Governance H: Human Resources and Compensation


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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 play an important, but limited and specific role: we provide a secure channel to deliver all kinds of medications from the hundreds of manufacturers that make them to our thousands of hospital and pharmacy customers licensed to dispense them to their patients, and we work diligently to identify, stop and report to regulators suspicious orders of controlled substances.

Board Oversight

The Board has been and 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 continues to meet twice per quarter and engage with the other directors on opioid-related issues at every Board meeting.

As the first scheduled trial date (October 2019) in the opioid litigation approaches, the Ad Hoc Committee is receiving regular updates on the current status of the litigation and discussions of possible litigation resolutions and is monitoring the business and reputational impacts. The Ad Hoc Committee also has received updates on our anti-diversion program, legislative and regulatory developments, shareholder engagement and developments in our Opioid Action Program.

Anti-Diversion Program

We use a multi-factor process to evaluate pharmacies before they become customers, including taking steps to understand their business and historical prescription drug ordering patterns. Controlled substance orders pass through our order monitoring system, which tracks orders against statistical benchmarks for signs of potential diversion. If an order is deemed suspicious, it is canceled and reported to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and applicable state regulators. We also have a team of experienced investigators who regularly conduct customer site visits, both announced and unannounced. Finally, we have a committee of senior anti-diversion and regulatory experts that meets regularly to evaluate customers with higher-volume controlled substance orders.

Our anti-diversion program includes constantly adaptive, rigorous systems. Recent updates include access to the DEA database known as “ARCOS” that collects data around the flow of controlled substances through the supply chain and system and process enhancements to comply with a recently enacted Ohio rule.

Opioid Action Program and Generation Rx

As part of our Opioid Action Program launched in 2017, the Cardinal Health Foundation recently awarded nearly $1 million in additional grants to state pharmacy associations and colleges of pharmacy to support best strategies for prescribing practices. Other activities during fiscal 2019 included hosting the recipients of our 2018 “Best Practices in Opioid Prescribing” grants, pain management experts and other healthcare providers at a two-day symposium in Central Ohio, to discuss best practices, successes and challenges in managing pain with fewer prescribed opioids. Also, during the fiscal year, we partnered with Kroger on drug take-back events at more than 200 local pharmacy locations across the country.

Cardinal Health also has been a leader in pioneering and supporting impactful prevention and education programs to combat opioid abuse under the umbrella of Generation Rx, a national program developed by the Cardinal Health Foundation and The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Generation Rx, which has more than 100 pharmacy school chapters.

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement5


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Attending the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

See page 52 for instructions on how to gain admission to Cardinal Health’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”).

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 1112 director nominees named in thethis proxy statement;statement

FOR each director nominee

7

(2)To

Proposal2: to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018;2020

FOR

27

(3)To

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

FOR

29

How to Vote

www.cardinalhealth.comCardinal Health  |  2019 Proxy Statement    6

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Corporate Governance

Election of Directors

The Board has nominated 12 directors for election at the Annual Meeting to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successor is duly elected and qualified. 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 any substitute nominee the Board selects.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of the nominees listed on pages 8 to 13.

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;

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

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 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 business acumen, healthcare and global business experience and financial expertise, 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 our Chief Executive Officer are independent.

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement7


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Age 62

Director since 2007

Board Committees

Audit

Independent Director

COLLEEN F. ARNOLD

Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution, International Business Machines Corporation (retired)

Background

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 2016. From 1998 to 2014, she held a number of senior positions with IBM, 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 Chief Executive Officer, Global Services Australia, an IBM joint venture.

Qualifications

A senior executive of IBM for over 15 years, Ms. Arnold’s significant experience in the area of information technology contributes to the Board’s discussions regarding the information security and technology aspects of our business and strategy. Given her extensive international business experience, including leadership of international commercial operations at IBM, she provides valuable insights for our presence in international markets. She has over 30 years of relevant experience in the areas of executive leadership and strategic planning. Ms. Arnold also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from her service on the board of directors of WestRock Company, including its Audit Committee.

Other public company boards

Current

WestRock Company

Withinlastfiveyears

None

 (4)

Age 62

Director since 2009

Board Committees

Human Resources

and Compensation

Ad Hoc

Independent Director

CARRIE S. COX

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

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 Celgene, electroCore and Texas Instruments and prior service on the Array BioPharma board. She previously served as Chairman of the Board at Array BioPharma and Lead Director at Texas Instruments and currently sits on Texas Instruments’ Compensation Committee and Celgene’s Compensation and Development Committee.

Other public company boards

Current

Celgene Corporation

electroCore, Inc.

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Withinlastfiveyears

Array BioPharma Inc.

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Age 69

Director since 2005

Board Committees

Human Resources

and Compensation

Ad Hoc

Independent Director

CALVIN DARDEN

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

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 its Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

Other public company boards

Current

Aramark Corporation

Target Corporation

Withinlastfiveyears

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

Age 71

Director since 2009

Board Committees

Nominating and

Governance

Ad Hoc

Independent Director

BRUCE L. DOWNEY

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

Background

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

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 boards of directors of Melinta Therapeutics and Momenta Pharmaceuticals (including as its independent chair).

Other public company boards

Current

Melinta Therapeutics, Inc.

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement9


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Age 66

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)

Background

Ms. Hemingway Hall served as President and Chief Executive Officer of 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.

Qualifications

As retired President and Chief Executive Officer of HCSC, the largest customer-owned 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 regulatory environment in the rapidly changing healthcare industry. She has worked in the healthcare industry 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 Celgene, Halliburton and ManpowerGroup. She chairs ManpowerGroup’s Nominating and Governance Committee and sits on its Audit Committee, sits on Celgene’s Audit Committee and sits on Halliburton’s Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

Other public company boards

Current

Celgene Corporation

Halliburton Company

ManpowerGroup Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Age 58

Director since 2018

Board Committees

Audit

Independent Director

AKHIL JOHRI

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Technologies Corporation

Background

Mr. Johri has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), a provider of high technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries, since 2015. From 2013 to 2014, he served as Chief Financial 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

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, mergers and acquisitions, information technology and international markets. Drawing upon his financial expertise, he provides valuable insights in the areas of financial reporting, accounting, internal controls and capital markets, as well as international tax and finance. 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.

Other public company boards

Current

None

Withinlastfiveyears

None

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Age 56

Director since 2018

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 its Audit and Compensation Committees.

Other public company boards

Current

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

None

Age 66

Director since 2007

Board Committees

Nominating and

Governance

Ad Hoc

Independent Chairman of the Board

GREGORY B. KENNY

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

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, who has been our Chairman of the Board since November 2018, 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, Mr. 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 service on AK Steel’s board of directors.

Other public company boards

Current

AK Steel Holding Corporation

Ingredion Incorporated

Withinlastfiveyears

General Cable Corporation

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Age 65

Director since 2015

Board Committees

Human Resources

and Compensation

Independent Director

NANCY KILLEFER

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

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 Avon Products, including its Compensation and Management Development Committee, and Taubman Centers and her prior service on the boards of directors of CSRA, Inc. (including as its independent chair), Computer Sciences Corporation and The Advisory Board.

Other public company boards

Current

Avon Products, Inc.

Taubman Centers, Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

CSRA, Inc.

Computer Sciences Corporation

The Advisory Board Company

Age 73

Director since

December 2018

(previously 1996 –

2009)

Board Committees

Audit

Independent Director

J. MICHAEL LOSH

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

Background

Mr. Losh served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of General Motors Corporation, a global automobile 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 Cardinal Health from 1996 through our spin-off of CareFusion Corporation in 2009.

Qualifications

We elected Mr. Losh to the Board due to his immediate ability to chair our Audit Committee based on his financial expertise and prior service on our Board. Mr. Losh 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, CareFusion and TRW. He also currently chairs Masco’s board of directors and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and previously served as CareFusion’s Presiding Director. In light of our director retirement age of 75, he is expected to serve no more than a few years. While Mr. Losh previously served on our Board, he resigned to join the board of our CareFusion spin-off 10 years ago. During that 10-year period, the entire executive team and most of the Board have changed.

Other public company boards

Current

Amesite Inc. (not publicly traded(1))

Aon plc

H.B. Fuller Corporation

Masco Corporation

Prologis, Inc.

Withinlastfiveyears

CareFusion Corporation

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp

(1)

Amesite has registered securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and became subject to the reporting obligations of that Act, but we do not view Amesite as a “public company” for governance purposes because Amesite’s securities currently are not listed on any stock exchange or quoted on an over-the-counter market.

www.cardinalhealth.comCardinal Health  |  2019 Proxy Statement    12

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Age 63

Director since

September 2019

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 the Board through April 2019. Having joined Avery Dennison in 1983, Mr. Scarborough served in a series of leadership roles both in the United States and abroad until he was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and later Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

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

Other public company boards

Current

Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Withinlastfiveyears

Avery Dennison Corporation
Mattel, Inc.

Age 63

Director since

September 2019

Board Committees

Audit

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 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

Celgene Corporation

Withinlastfiveyears

C. R. Bard, Inc.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement13


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Director Skills Matrix

Our director nominees possess relevant skills and experience that contribute to a well-functioning Board that effectively oversees our strategy and management.

Director Nominee Skills and

Experience

Arnold

Cox

Darden

Downey

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

Healthcareexpertise 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

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Our Board’s Composition and Structure

Our Board Leadership Structure

Mr. Kenny has served as the independent, non-executive Chairman of the Board since November 2018, when we separated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles. 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 materials before circulation;

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

participating in the annual Chief Executive Officer performance evaluation;

acting as an advisor to Mr. Kaufmann on strategic aspects of the Chief Executive Officer role, with regular consultations on major developments and decisions; 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.

While the process may vary depending on the director candidate, our general approach is the following:

Mr. Kenny identified Mr. Losh as a potential candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Losh had the immediate ability to chair our Audit Committee, based on his financial expertise and prior service on our Board, after two key Audit Committee members, including the former chair, left the Board last Fall. In addition, Mr. Losh brings extensive public company board experience.

A search firm retained by the Nominating and Governance Committee identified Mr. Scarborough, and Mses. Cox and Hemingway Hall, who serve on the Celgene board of directors with him, identified Mr. Weiland, as potential candidates for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Scarborough brings to the Board substantial experience as a former public company Chief Executive Officer with manufacturing and distribution operations experience. Mr. Weiland has executive leadership experience at a medical device company, as well as significant international business experience.

New directors 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 six meetings during fiscal 2019. Each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and Board committees on which he or she served during the fiscal year.

All of our directors at the time attended the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Absent unusual circumstances, each director is expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Board Committees

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

The charter for each of these committees is available on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate — Investor Relations — Corporate 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.

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Audit Committee

Members:(1)

J. Michael Losh (Chair)(2)

Colleen F. Arnold(3)

Akhil Johri

Dean A. Scarborough(4)

John H. Weiland(4)

Meetings in fiscal 2019:6

The Audit Committee’s primary duties are to:

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 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 of Messrs. Johri, Losh and Scarborough is an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules.

Nominating and Governance Committee

Members:

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall (Chair)(5)

Bruce L. Downey(6)

Gregory B. Kenny

Meetings in fiscal 2019:4

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

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, including Board leadership and leadership structure;

review our Corporate Governance Guidelines and governance practices and recommend changes;

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

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

(1)

Clayton M. Jones served as chair of the Audit Committee until his term expired at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. David J. Anderson served on the Audit Committee until he resigned from the Board in September 2018. Mr. Downey served on the Audit Committee until September 2019.

(2)

Mr. Losh became chair of the Audit Committee in December 2018 when he joined the Board.

(3)

Ms. Arnold became a member of the Audit Committee in November 2018. She served on the Nominating and Governance Committee until November 2018.

(4)

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

(5)

Ms. Hemingway Hall became chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee in November 2018.

(6)

Mr. Downey became a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee in November 2018.

Cardinal Health  |2019 Proxy Statement17


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Human Resources and Compensation Committee

Members:(1)

Carrie S. Cox (Chair)(2)

Calvin Darden

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall(3)

Nancy Killefer

Meetings in fiscal 2019:7

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 equity and incentive compensation plans and administer such plans;

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 workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives and progress;

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 30, discusses how the Compensation Committee makes compensation-related decisions regarding our named executive officers.

Ad Hoc Committee

Members:

Bruce L. Downey (Chair)

Carrie S. Cox

Calvin Darden

Gregory B. Kenny

Meetings in fiscal 2019:9

The Ad Hoc Committee assists the Board in its oversight of Cardinal Health’s response to the nationwide problem of prescription opioid abuse. It receives and discusses regular reports from management and our 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:

investigations and litigation, including the Multi-District Litigation before Judge Polster in Ohio, with the first trial scheduled for October 2019, and related discussions of possible litigation resolutions;

anti-diversion and controlled substance reporting programs;

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

changes in the regulatory and legislative environment;

Cardinal Health’s Opioid Action Program; and

engagement with shareholders, employees, public officials and other key stakeholders.

(1)David P. King served as chair of the Compensation Committee until November 2018.
(2)Ms. Cox became chair of the Compensation Committee in November 2018.
(3)Ms. Hemingway Hall became a member of the Compensation Committee in November 2018.
www.cardinalhealth.comCardinal Health  |  2019 Proxy Statement    18

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Our Board’s Primary Role and Responsibilities and Processes

Our Board’s Primary Role and Responsibilities

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that our Board serves as the representative of, and acts on behalf of, all the shareholders of Cardinal Health. In that regard, some primary functions of the Board include:

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

planning for and approving management succession; and

overseeing our policies and procedures for assessing and managing compliance and risk.

How our Board Oversees Our Strategy and Capital Deployment

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

At least annually, the Board conducts a dedicated strategy session with in-depth discussions of our industry, specific businesses and new business opportunities. At these sessions, the Board discusses risks related to our strategies, including risks resulting from possible competitor, customer and supplier actions. The Board also considers various elements of strategy at each regular quarterly meeting. The collective backgrounds, skills and experiences of our directors, including broad industry experience, contribute to robust discussions of strategy and the related risks.

As a recent example of our Board’s oversight and engagement in these areas, the Board and management had been conducting a comprehensive review of our portfolio, cost structure and capital deployment. The Board was actively engaged in this process with detailed analyses and extensive discussions. These strategic initiatives include:

Coststructure: fundamental review of how we operate;

Cordis: repositioning the business for growth;

PatientRecovery: successfully integrating and operating the business;

Pharmaceuticaldistributionbusinessmodel: evaluating the upstream and downstream elements of the business model;

Portfolioandpartnerships: simplifying our portfolio of businesses and expanding in critical spaces; and

Capitaldeployment: being disciplined and thoughtful in our approach.

Management has provided updates to investors on the costs savings achieved and progress on other strategic initiatives in its quarterly earnings calls with investors.

Early in fiscal 2019, we entered into a partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC for our naviHealth business. The Board had reviewed and discussed strategic alternatives for this business and approved the transaction in fiscal 2018. The investment structure provides naviHealth with the resources needed to support and accelerate its growth trajectory.

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How our Board Engages in Management Succession

The Compensation Committee and 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 other senior executives, and management provides an organizational update at each quarterly Compensation Committee meeting.

The full Board 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 in light of 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 maintains an emergency succession plan, as well as a long-term succession plan for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Since the beginning of fiscal 2019, our succession planning process has helped Mr. Kaufmann build his executive leadership team with both seasoned Cardinal Health veterans and highly experienced new hires. In addition, David C. Evans joined us in September 2019 as interim Chief Financial Officer while we are conducting an external search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer.

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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:

Management has day-to-day responsibility for assessing and managing risks, and the Board is responsible for risk oversight. Management has developed and administers an enterprise risk management program, which the Audit Committee oversees. 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 this program.

The Audit Committee is responsible for discussing with management major financial risk exposures, our ethics and compliance program and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Board and Audit Committee receive regular updates on our ethics and compliance and cybersecurity programs. During fiscal 2019, the Board received a report on an information technology risk assessment conducted by a third-party highlighting program strengths, risks and recommendations and is monitoring implementation of recommended actions.

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

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.

Our Ethics and Compliance Program

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 StandardsofBusinessConductis posted on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About 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 responsibility to implement and maintain an effective ethics and compliance program. She 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, or more frequently as needed. She reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and to the Chief Executive Officer and meets in executive session quarterly with the Audit Committee.

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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 expenditures. Our corporate citizenship reports are available on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate Citizenship.”

The Board’s Role in Oversight of Corporate Culture

In line with the growing interest from shareholders in 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 our human capital and cultural health, we developed a cross-functional culture scorecard that we share with the Board annually. The scorecard includes employee engagement survey data, employee turnover, diverse employee and management representation, business conduct line data and employee health and safety measures.

Our Path Forward

As part of our broader strategic and financial plans, we began fiscal 2020 by clarifying for our employees what we are calling “Our Path Forward,” 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.

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Our Board Evaluation Process

Each year, our Board conducts a rigorous self-evaluation process, which usually includes individual director evaluations. This process is overseen 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 the Board’s performance and effectiveness. 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 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 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, 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, Johri, Kenny, Losh, Scarborough and Weiland, and each of Mses. Arnold, Cox, Hemingway Hall and Killefer, is independent.

Mr. Anderson, who served on our Board until September 2018, and Messrs. Jones and King, who served on our Board until our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, were determined to be independent as disclosed in our proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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Shareholder Engagement

It has been our long-standing practice to actively engage with our shareholders throughout the year so that management 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 fiscal 2019, we again engaged with governance professionals from our largest shareholders. Our engagement discussions covered, among other topics, our Board’s composition and leadership changes, the Board’s oversight of our response to the opioid epidemic and related litigation, the Board’s engagement in the comprehensive strategic review, our executive transitions and our human capital management programs and corporate culture. We also continued to hold constructive discussions with members of the Investors for Opioid Accountability coalition.

A general overview of our annual engagement process is below.

After considering feedback from shareholders in recent years, we have:

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

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

enhanced our disclosures regarding how we identify, add and on-board new directors;

added a Chairman’s letter to our proxy statement;

enhanced our executive compensation clawback provision;

changed the long-term incentive compensation mix for executives, increasing the proportion of performance share units (“PSUs”) to 60% and eliminating stock options; and

adopted a policy to explain the exclusion of certain legal and compliance costs from our incentive performance metrics and give a breakdown of any such excluded costs.

We received a shareholder proposal for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to reduce the share ownership threshold to call a special meeting of shareholders from its current 25% to 10%. The proposal failed on a close vote. Given the close vote, we asked shareholders during our fiscal 2019 engagement whether they thought we should consider changing our ownership threshold. Views were mixed with many supporting our current threshold and some suggesting that we consider reducing it. We determined based on this feedback and the majority vote against last year’s proposal that maintaining our existing 25% ownership threshold continues to be appropriate, but we continue to discuss this matter with shareholders and monitor developing practices.

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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 receives comparative market data and recommendations from its compensation consultant with regard to the structure and amounts of our director compensation. Total director compensation is targeted at the median amount among our Comparator Group, which is discussed on page 36.

Following the Compensation Committee’s most recent 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 new compensation aligns with our target of the median director compensation for the Comparator Group.

In November 2018, the Compensation Committee had recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, prorated grants of RSUs to directors when they are first elected to the Board to align with market practice.

Compensation Arrangements

The table below shows the elements and amount of compensation that we pay to our non-management directors.

Compensation Element

Amount before

November 7, 2018

($)

Amount from

November 7, 2018

to November 5,

2019

($)

Amount on and after

November 6, 2019

($)

Annual retainer(1)

100,000

105,000

115,000

RSUs(2)

160,000

175,000

185,000

Committee chair annual retainer(1)

 

 

 

Audit Committee

20,000

25,000

25,000

Compensation Committee

15,000

20,000

20,000

Nominating and Governance Committee

10,000

15,000

15,000

Lead Director compensation

 

 

 

Annual retainer(1)

20,000

Annual RSUs

20,000

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 thereafter 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 47) 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.

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. Messrs. Darden and Kenny 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 cash 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 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 2019

The non-management directors received the following compensation during fiscal 2019:

Name

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash

($)

 

Stock

Awards

($)

(1)

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

($)

David J. Anderson(2)

18,207

 

 

 

18,207

Colleen F. Arnold

103,247

 

175,001

 

 

278,248

Carrie S. Cox

126,236

 

175,001

 

 

301,237

Calvin Darden

113,247

 

175,001

 

 

288,248

Bruce L. Downey

128,247

 

175,001

 

 

303,248

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

112,989

 

175,001

 

 

287,990

Akhil Johri

103,247

 

294,581

(3)

 

397,828

Clayton M. Jones(4)

42,065

 

 

 

42,065

Gregory B. Kenny

204,946

 

300,001

 

 

504,947

Nancy Killefer

103,247

 

175,001

 

 

278,248

David P. King(4)

40,313

 

 

 

40,313

J. Michael Losh(5)

74,538

 

161,443

(6)

3,000

(7)

238,982

Dean A. Scarborough(8)

 

 

 

John H. Weiland(8)

 

 

 

(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, 2019, the aggregate number of shares underlying unvested RSUs held by each director serving on that date was as follows: Ms. Arnold — 3,164 shares; Ms. Cox — 3,164 shares; Mr. Darden — 3,164 shares; Mr. Downey — 3,164 shares; Ms. Hemingway Hall — 3,164 shares; Mr. Johri — 5,326 shares; Mr. Kenny — 5,424 shares; Ms. Killefer — 3,164 shares; and Mr. Losh — 3,225 shares.

(2)

Mr. Anderson resigned from the Board in September 2018.

(3)

Reflects Mr. Johri’s annual grant made in November 2018 and a make-up initial RSU grant made in November 2018.

(4)

Mr. Jones and Mr. King decided not to stand for re-election at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

(5)

Mr. Losh joined the Board in December 2018.

(6)

Reflects initial RSU grant made in December 2018.

(7)

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

(8)

Messrs. Scarborough and Weiland joined the Board in September 2019, after the end of fiscal 2019.

Related Person Transactions Policy and Process

Related Person Transactions Policy

We have a written policy that the Audit Committee must approve or ratify any “related person transactions” (transactions exceeding $120,000 in which we are a participant and any related person has a direct or indirect material interest). “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 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.

Related Person Transactions

Since July 1, 2018, 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.

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Audit Committee Matters

Ratification of Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Independent Auditor

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent auditor and approves the audit engagement with Ernst & Young LLP and its audit fees. The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2020 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 2020 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 Cardinal Health and its shareholders. Our Audit Committee approved, and our shareholders ratified with 98.6% support, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2019.

We expect representatives of Ernst & Young LLP to be present at 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 2020.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing: 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 this report, the Audit Committee consists of four members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Downey, Losh and Johri 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, which is available on Cardinal Health’s website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us — Corporate — Investor Relations — Corporate 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, 2019 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’s report and Ernst & Young LLP’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 Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) 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 regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s independence from Cardinal Health required by applicable PCAOB requirements and discussed Ernst & Young LLP’s 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, 2019 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 16, 2019.(1)

J. Michael Losh, Chairman
Colleen F. Arnold
Bruce L. Downey(2)
Akhil Johri

Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP for services in fiscal 2019 and 2018.

 

Fiscal 2019

($)

Fiscal 2018

($)

Audit fees(1)

13,380,007

12,696,980

Audit-related fees(2)

2,168,768

1,480,461

Tax fees(3)

730,995

588,408

All other fees

TOTAL FEES

16,279,770

14,765,849

(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 2019 and 2018 were $724,560 and $588,408, respectively.

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

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 of 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 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 2019 and 2018 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

(1)

Messrs. Scarborough and Weiland joined the Board and Audit Committee effective September 1, 2019 after the review, discussions and recommendations referred to in the Audit Committee Report took place.

(2)

Mr. Downey served on the Audit Committee until September 1, 2019.

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Executive Compensation

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 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 38 through 48, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.

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, the next say-on-pay advisory vote will be held at our 2020 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

Executive Summary

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis focuses on the fiscal 2019 compensation of the following current and former executive officers (the “named executive officers” or “named executives”) and describes the executive compensation program and the Compensation Committee’s decisions under it.

MichaelC.Kaufmann

ChiefExecutiveOfficer

VictorL.Crawford

ChiefExecutiveOfficerPharmaceuticalSegment

JessicaL.Mayer

ChiefLegalandComplianceOfficer

JorgeM.Gomez

FormerChiefFinancialOfficer(departedAugust2019)

JonL.Giacomin

FormerChiefExecutiveOfficerMedicalSegment(departedAugust2019)

CraigS.Morford

FormerChiefLegalandComplianceOfficer(retiredMarch2019)

Fiscal 2019 Highlights

Fiscal 2019 was a year of progress for Cardinal Health. We delivered on our overall goals and made significant strides on key strategic initiatives.

Fiscal 2019 performance highlights include:

Revenue was $145.5 billion.

GAAP operating earnings were $2.1 billion and non-GAAP operating earnings were $2.4 billion.

GAAP EPS were $4.53. Non-GAAP EPS of $5.28 exceeded our guidance for the year.

Generated strong operating cash flow of $2.7 billion.

Returned $1.2 billion to shareholders, including $600 million in share repurchases and $577 million in dividends.

Repaid $1.1 billion of long-term debt, strengthening our balance sheet and improving our financial flexibility.

Pharmaceutical segment revenue was $129.9 billion. Segment profit was $1.8 billion, above our expectations. Strong revenue and earnings growth in our specialty pharmaceutical products and services business contributed to segment performance.

Medical segment revenue was $15.6 billion. Segment profit was $576 million, below our expectations.

Realized annual savings of over $130 million in fiscal 2019 through cost optimization initiatives, which exceeded our target and positions us to make strategic re-investments and generate significant future cost savings.

Other highlights for the fiscal year include:

Renewed our contracts with CVS Health and Kroger for at least the next four years.

Finalized a partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to jointly invest in naviHealth and accelerate its growth.

Our non-GAAP EPS performance over the past two years has negatively impacted our named executives’ long-term incentive pay. We had no payout for PSUs that would have vested in fiscal 2018 and 2019 because combined non-GAAP EPS annual growth rate and dividend yield over the three-year performance periods was below the threshold.

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

CEO Compensation

Mr. Kaufmann’s total compensation was up year-over-year in part because fiscal 2019 was his first full year as Chief Executive Officer. In addition, to bring Mr. Kaufmann’s fiscal 2019 total direct compensation to the median of our Comparator Group data in recognition of his strong performance during his first full year as Chief Executive Officer and to incentivize him as he completes transitions on his executive team amid difficult industry dynamics, he received a $3.0 million RSU grant in June 2019.

Executive Transitions

Following several executive departures, our succession planning process identified key internal talent for some of these open roles and helped us determine that other roles were best filled by candidates outside of the organization.

Victor Crawford joined us in November 2018 as Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment. Before then, he was Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare, Education and Business Dining at Aramark. We provided Mr. Crawford with an initial long-term incentive grant of $3.0 million split equally between PSUs and RSUs and a $2.5 million cash sign-on bonus. The grants and sign-on bonus were intended to make up for compensation he forfeited when he left Aramark.

Jessica Mayer was promoted to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer in March 2019 following Craig Morford’s retirement. Formerly our Deputy General Counsel and a 12-year veteran of Cardinal Health, Ms. Mayer has broad legal and compliance experience at the company. In her prior role, she oversaw our litigation, corporate securities, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory and commercial legal teams and served as corporate secretary to the Board, providing legal counsel to management and the Board.

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Stephen M. Mason was promoted to Chief Executive Officer — Medical Segment in August 2019, replacing Jon Giacomin who left the company after the fiscal year-end. Mr. Mason is a 20-year veteran of Cardinal Health who has successfully led businesses within both the Medical and Pharmaceutical segments. Previously he led the Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions business within the Medical segment, which delivered strong and consistent growth under his leadership, and prior to that, he led the Kinray pharmaceutical distribution business. He also previously led the sales, sales operations and sourcing teams within our Pharmaceutical Distribution business, including the Consumer Health, Sales Administration, Retail Independent Sales and Retail National Accounts teams.

Finally, David C. Evans joined us in September 2019 as Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis while we conduct an external search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Evans is a seasoned financial executive with prior experience serving as Chief Financial Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro and Battelle Memorial Institute. Former Chief Financial Officer Jorge Gomez left the company after the fiscal year-end in August 2019.

The named executives who have departed each left to pursue other opportunities and did not receive severance.

Shareholder Engagement and Consideration of 2018 “Say-on-Pay” Vote

At the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our “say-on-pay” advisory vote received 94.0% support, our seventh straight year of over 90% shareholder support. The Compensation Committee considered this vote — as well as shareholder feedback from our shareholder engagement — as demonstrating strong support for our executive compensation program.

It has been our long-standing practice to engage with our shareholders throughout the year so that management and the Board can better understand shareholder perspectives on topics like executive compensation. During fiscal 2019, we again engaged with governance professionals from our largest shareholders. (See page 24 for further detail about shareholder engagement.)

Compensation Philosophy and Practices

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 our executive pay to financial, operational and individual performance.

Emphasizelong-term,stock-basedincentivecompensation. We emphasize performance and retention using 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.

Maintainacompetitiveprogramthatwillattractandretaincriticaltalent. We have designed our compensation program to be competitive in the marketplace and to invest in and reward talent, driving our long-term growth while holding employees accountable to our strategy and our values.

Executive Compensation Governance Features

What We Have

What We Do Not Have

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

No employment agreements with executive team

Different metrics for annual cash incentives and PSUs

No dividend equivalents on unvested PSUs or RSUs

Caps on annual cash incentive and PSU payouts

No executive pensions or supplemental retirement plans

Minimum vesting period for long-term incentive awards

No repricing of underwater options without shareholder approval

Stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers

No hedging or pledging of company stock

Compensation recoupment (“clawback”) provision

No “single trigger” change of control arrangement

Long-standing, proactive shareholder engagement program

No excise tax gross-ups upon change of control

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Elements of Compensation for Executive Officers

Our executive officers’ total direct compensation has three elements: base salary, annual incentive and long-term incentive. In fiscal 2019, long-term incentive awards were granted 60% in PSUs and 40% in RSUs (compared to an equally weighted mix of PSUs, stock options and RSUs granted in fiscal 2018). A significant portion of executive compensation is performance-based and at-risk (annual incentive and PSUs). At the beginning of each performance period, the Compensation Committee sets performance goals under our annual incentive program and PSUs. After the performance period ends, the Compensation Committee evaluates actual performance and determines payouts. The charts below show the fiscal 2019 target total direct compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other named executives.

Pay Element

Description and Purpose

Links to Business and Talent Strategies

Basesalary

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

Based on qualifications, experience, role, performance, career progression, market data and internal pay equity

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

Annualincentive

Variable cash compensation based on achieving annual financial goals and operational and individual performance

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

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

Executives are assessed on their individual performance, including their alignment with our StandardsofBusinessConduct, values and leadership essentials and balancing the “what” and “how”

Long-termincentive

Weighted 60% in PSUs and 40% in RSUs

PSUs vest based on achieving non-GAAP EPS goals over three years, with a total shareholder return (“TSR”) modifier; RSUs vest ratably over three years

Target annual grant value reflects market data and internal pay equity

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

PSU performance measure is a primary measure for evaluating our performance, which is closely followed by the investment community

Long-term incentives retain executive talent

Base Salary

At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Compensation Committee increased the base salaries of each of Messrs. Kaufmann, Gomez, Giacomin and Morford between 4% and 10%. The Compensation Committee set Mr. Crawford’s base salary at $700,000 when he joined us in November 2018 as Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment and set Ms. Mayer’s base salary at $525,000 upon her promotion to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer in March 2019.

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Annual Incentive Compensation

Fiscal 2019 Goal Setting and Results

The Compensation Committee set the annual incentive target at the beginning of fiscal 2019 to align with the Board-approved budget for non-GAAP operating earnings. The Compensation Committee recognized that the target was below the fiscal 2018 actual results for adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings but determined that it was appropriate and consistent with the budget and our public non-GAAP EPS guidance, which reflected headwinds due to generic program performance and customer renewals.

Consistent with how we have operated the program for the last decade, the Compensation Committee based the earnings goal 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. The Compensation Committee selected tangible capital management because it focuses on the efficient use of capital. We describe how we calculate these measures under “Performance Measure Calculations” on page 42.

(in millions)

Threshold

($)

 

Target

($)

 

Maximum

($)

 

Actual

($)

 

Impact on

Funding

Percentage

 

Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings

2,102

 

2,435

 

2,979

 

2,382

 

98

pp

Tangible capital modifier(1)

2,002

 

1,668

 

1,335

 

1,006

 

+10

pp

Enterprise funding percentage

40

%

100

%

200

%

108

%

108

%

(1)

Tangible capital below $1,668 million would increase the enterprise funding percentage (which is the funding as a percentage of the target payout for the entire company) by up to 10 percentage points until it reached $1,335 million. Tangible capital above $1,668 million would reduce the enterprise funding percentage by up to 10 percentage points until it reached $2,002 million. Decreases below $1,335 million and increases above $2,002 million would have no further impact on the enterprise funding percentage. Actual fiscal 2019 tangible capital performance increased the enterprise funding percentage by 10 percentage points.

 

Fiscal 2019 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 2019, the Committee determined not to change the targets of Messrs. Kaufmann, Gomez, Giacomin and Morford. The Compensation Committee set the targets for Mr. Crawford and Ms. Mayer at 100% and 85% 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 named executive his or her fiscal 2019 annual incentive award based on the 108% enterprise funding percentage and an individual performance factor.

Name

Target

(Percent of

Base Salary)

 

Target

Amount

($)

 

Actual

Amount

($)

 

Actual

(Percent

of Target)

 

Kaufmann

150

 

1,789,932

 

2,126,439

 

119

 

Crawford

100

 

443,014

(1)

502,378

(1)

113

 

Mayer

(2)

 

294,232

(2)

364,933

(2)

124

(2)

Gomez

100

 

593,288

 

0

 

 

Giacomin

100

 

805,301

 

0

 

 

Morford

85

 

394,284

(3)

425,826

(3)

108

 

(1)

Mr. Crawford’s target and actual amounts reflect the prorated portion of his fiscal 2019 annual incentive from when he joined us in November 2018.

(2)

Ms. Mayer’s target and actual amounts reflect the different base salary and target rates attributable to the different roles she held during the fiscal year.

(3)

Mr. Morford retired in March 2019 and received a prorated portion of his fiscal 2019 annual incentive award. His full-year target would have been $545,653.

 

The Compensation Committee considered the factors described below in determining fiscal 2019 annual incentive awards for the named executives.

Mr. Kaufmann’s annual incentive was based on his efforts toward renewing the CVS Health and Kroger contracts, over-achieving our annual cost savings target and making continued progress on our other strategic initiatives, and driving exceptional tangible capital and operating cash flow performance. Mr. Kaufmann also developed an excellent working relationship with the Board in his first full year as Chief Executive Officer, made solid progress toward completing his executive team with key internal talent and new hires and was instrumental in advancing our culture initiatives.

Mr. Crawford’s prorated annual incentive was based on his leadership of the Pharmaceutical segment, which exceeded its budget for segment profit, experienced strong revenue and earnings growth in its specialty pharmaceutical products and services business and renewed its contracts with CVS Health and Kroger. Mr. Crawford also swiftly and successfully onboarded since joining us in November 2018.

Ms. Mayer’s annual incentive was based on her performance leading our legal function and her successful transition into the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer role, with its significantly increased responsibilities, during the second half of the fiscal year. She also managed our strategy with respect to the opioid litigation and oversaw our controlled substance compliance program. Her final incentive award reflects her target as

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Deputy General Counsel through March (and the corporate function’s performance) and her target as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer thereafter (and enterprise performance).

Mr. Gomez left the company in August 2019 and did not receive an annual incentive payout.

Mr. Giacomin left the company in August 2019 and did not receive an annual incentive payout.

Mr. Morford’s prorated annual incentive was based on enterprise performance. He retired in March 2019 and received a prorated portion of his fiscal 2019 annual incentive award.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

For fiscal 2019, long-term incentive awards were delivered 60% in PSUs and 40% in RSUs. As part of its annual review of our long-term incentive program, the Compensation Committee changed our long-term incentive mix, increasing the proportion of PSUs and eliminating stock options. The Compensation Committee made the decision after considering factors such as market data, emerging best practices, incentive and retentive value of awards, the recommendation of its compensation consultant and shareholder feedback.

Fiscal 2019 Long-Term Incentive Grants

The Compensation Committee annually reviews our named executives’ long-term incentive targets. At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Committee increased Messrs. Kaufmann, Gomez, Giacomin and Morford’s targets to $9.0 million, $2.5 million, $3.0 million and $2.25 million, respectively, based primarily on market data. The Compensation Committee set Mr. Crawford’s target at $2.75 million when he joined us and Ms. Mayer’s target at $1.5 million when she was promoted.

The following table shows the long-term incentive awards made in the August 2018 annual grant to the individuals who were named executives at the time.

Name

Fiscal 2019

Long-Term Incentive

Target

($)

 

Fiscal 2019 Annual Grant Awards

 

 

RSUs

($)

 

Target

PSUs

($)

 

 

Total

($)

Kaufmann

9,000,000

 

 

3,600,000

 

5,400,000

 

9,000,000

Gomez

2,500,000

 

 

1,000,000

(1)

1,500,000

(1)

2,500,000

Giacomin

3,000,000

 

 

1,200,000

(1)

1,800,000

(1)

3,000,000

Morford

2,250,000

 

 

900,000

(2)

1,350,000

(2)

2,250,000

(1)

Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin forfeited these grants when they left the company in August 2019, except for one-third of Mr. Giacomin’s RSUs that vested before he left.

(2)

Mr. Morford retired in March 2019 and a prorated portion of these awards vested.

To increase Mr. Kaufmann’s fiscal 2019 total direct compensation to the median of the Comparator Group data for Chief Executive Officer roles in recognition of his strong performance during his first full year as Chief Executive Officer and to incentivize him as he completes transitions on his executive team amid difficult industry dynamics, in June 2019, the Compensation Committee approved a RSU grant of $3.0 million to him. When Mr. Kaufmann assumed the Chief Executive Officer role in January 2018, the Compensation Committee initially had set his target total direct compensation lower in the market range with the expectation of adjusting it based on his strong performance.

In November 2018, we provided Mr. Crawford with an initial long-term incentive grant of $3.0 million split equally between PSUs and RSUs when he joined us as Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment. These grants and his cash sign-on bonus were intended to make up for compensation he forfeited when he left his prior employer.

In May 2019, in addition to Ms. Mayer’s annual grant which was made when she was not a named executive, we provided her with a long-term incentive grant of $1.2 million split equally between PSUs and RSUs in connection with her promotion to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer.

Fiscal 2017-2019 PSU Payouts

We paid out nothing for the PSUs granted for the fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2019 performance cycle (the “Fiscal 17-19 PSUs”), which impacted Messrs. Kaufmann, Giacomin and Morford, the named executives who held these awards. Actual performance of the performance measure (sum

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of non-GAAP EPS annual growth rate and dividend yield) was 0.3%, below the threshold performance of 7.0% required for a payout. We excluded the benefits of U.S. tax reform in calculating the actual performance for the Fiscal 17-19 PSU payout.

Fiscal 2019-2021 PSU Grants

When granting PSUs for the fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 performance cycle (the “Fiscal 19-21 PSUs”), the Compensation Committee used the same structure and performance measures that were used for the prior fiscal year’s PSU grants. It set payout levels for each of three annual periods based on non-GAAP EPS performance, with a modifier based on TSR relative to the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Healthcare Index. A payout level between 50% and 200% is earned for each annual period based on achieving non-GAAP EPS of $4.75 at threshold, $5.05 at target and $5.35 at maximum for the first year and 1%, 3% and 6% threshold, target and maximum growth goals over the prior fiscal year’s non-GAAP EPS for the second and third years. The TSR modifier is then applied to the three-year average payout level, which decreases the payout by 20% if TSR is below the 20th percentile of the peer group and increases it by 20% if TSR is above the 80th percentile of the peer group. The Compensation Committee set the non-GAAP EPS target for the first year to align with the Board-approved budget.

Non-GAAP EPS is the primary PSU performance measure because it is one of our primary measures of operating performance and is an important measure used by the investment community to evaluate our performance. The relative TSR modifier links a portion of long-term incentive compensation directly to relative shareholder returns. We use the S&P 500 Healthcare Index as the peer group because it is an objective, widely available index with broad representation in the healthcare sector. We describe how we calculate these measures under “Performance Measure Calculations” on page 42.

Other Elements of Compensation

401(k) Savings and Deferred Compensation Plans

Our 401(k) Savings Plan and DCP allow most of our employees based in the United States to accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis and 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 make matching contributions subject to limits discussed under “Deferred Compensation” on page 44. We also may make additional contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan and DCP on the same basis for all employees. Named executives also may elect to defer payment and taxation of PSUs and RSUs.

Other Benefits and Perquisites

The Compensation Committee encourages use of our corporate aircraft for the personal travel of our Chief Executive Officer because it increases his time available for business purposes and enhances his safety and security. The Compensation Committee has set Mr. Kaufmann’s personal travel allowance at $150,000 per fiscal year. He does not receive tax reimbursement for any imputed income associated with personal travel. Mr. Kaufmann has an aircraft time-sharing agreement, under which he may reimburse us for incremental costs when he uses the aircraft for additional personal travel. Reimbursed travel does not count against his allowance.

Relocation assistance is an important tool for us to recruit talent. As part of our homeowner relocation policy for senior managers, we offer relocation assistance including travel, shipping household goods and temporary housing. We also may aid with the sale of a prior residence, as we did with Mr. Crawford during fiscal 2019. For more information regarding Mr. Crawford’s relocation expenses, see the “All Other Compensation” table on page 39. Our homeowner relocation policy allows us to recover 100% of relocation assistance if Mr. Crawford voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

The Board, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, adopted a Senior Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”) effective as of October 1, 2018. Under 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

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 good reason,

then, the named executive will receive:

in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, cash severance equal to 2.0 times (or 2.5 times, if the termination occurs during the change of control period) the sum of annual base salary and target bonus;

in the case of other named executives, cash severance equal to 1.5 times (or 2.0 times, if 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 performance (or the greater of target performance and actual 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.

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. The Compensation Committee consulted with its compensation consultant before recommending the Severance Plan to the Board.

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We discuss our severance payments and benefits in detail under “Potential Payments on Termination of Employment or Change of Control” beginning on page 45. We do not have any agreements to provide change-of-control excise tax gross-ups.

Departure of Named Executives

Messrs. Gomez, Giacomin and Morford did not receive severance benefits when they left the company. Mr. Morford satisfied the standard age and service requirements to qualify for retirement under our 2011 LTIP and, like other company retirees, received a prorated fiscal 2019 annual incentive award, prorated vesting of his long-term incentive awards and continued exercisability of vested stock options for their full term. Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin were not eligible for retirement and forfeited their fiscal 2019 annual incentive award and unvested long-term incentive awards.

Our Policies, Guidelines and Practices Related to Executive Compensation

Role of Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee has retained Korn Ferry Hay Group, Inc. (“Korn Ferry”) as its independent executive compensation consultant since February 2018. The nature and scope of the consultant’s engagement consists primarily of:

participating in meetings of the Compensation Committee;

providing compensation data on the Comparator Group; and

providing advice and recommendations related to compensation for our executive officers, the design of our executive compensation program, the composition of our Comparator Group and director compensation.

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

Role of Executive Officers

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer participate in Compensation Committee meetings to make recommendations regarding design and compensation amounts, present performance assessments of the named executives (other than our Chief Executive Officer) and discuss our performance. The Compensation Committee delegates to our executive officers authority to administer compensation plans for participants who are not officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Our Chief Executive Officer reviews performance objectives with the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews and discusses the performance and compensation of the Chief Executive Officer in executive session and with the Chairman of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer does not participate in decisions regarding his own compensation.

Comparator Group

The Compensation Committee establishes target compensation levels based on a variety of factors, including data from a “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 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 because of their similar business models.

The following companies comprised the Comparator Group for fiscal 2019 executive pay decisions:

Abbott Laboratories

Danaher

Owens & Minor

AmerisourceBergen

FedEx

Stryker

Anthem

Henry Schein

Sysco

Baxter International

Johnson & Johnson

Target

Becton Dickinson

Kroger

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Boston Scientific

LabCorp

United Parcel Service

CIGNA

McKesson

UnitedHealth Group

CVS Health

Medtronic

Walgreens Boots Alliance

The Compensation Committee, working with its compensation consultant, periodically reviews the group’s composition to ensure that the companies remain relevant for comparison purposes. In May 2018, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Comparator Group’s composition with the assistance of Korn Ferry using the following key guidelines:

firm size (firms generally falling in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 times our revenue and 0.2 to 5.0 times our market capitalization);

industry;

business model; and

other secondary considerations, such as talent market, customer base and market presence.

At the time of the review, our revenue was in the top quintile of the Comparator Group and our market capitalization was in the bottom quintile.

In connection with the May 2018 review, the Compensation Committee made several changes effective for fiscal 2019. It added Abbott Laboratories, Danaher, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic and Stryker to better reflect our investments in the Medical segment. The Compensation Committee also added Kroger and Target as companies generally similar in size to us and operating in similar businesses. It removed Aetna and Express Scripts, which were being acquired, and also removed Humana and Quest Diagnostics.

Our Compensation Committee compares total direct compensation (base salary plus annual and long-term incentive) against the median 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, scope of responsibility, individual performance, potential, and unique or hard-to-replace skills, as well as retention considerations.

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Risk Assessment of Compensation Programs

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 the risk assessment, and Korn Ferry reviewed the risk assessment and concurred with management’s conclusion.

Crawford Offer Letter

Mr. Crawford was hired as our Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment in November 2018. His offer letter set his initial base salary and annual and long-term incentive targets. We provided Mr. Crawford with an initial long-term incentive grant of $3.0 million split equally between PSUs and RSUs and a $2.5 million cash sign-on bonus to induce him to join us. The grants and sign-on bonus were intended to make up for compensation Mr. Crawford forfeited when he left his prior employer. He must repay 100% of the sign-on bonus if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of the bonus if he leaves during the second year following his start date. We discuss the terms of the offer letter in more detail under “Crawford Offer Letter” on page 39.

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.

Multiple of Base

Salary/Annual

Cash Retainer

Chief Executive Officer

6x

Chief Financial Officer and Segment Chief 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 adjust for these items 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 did not adjust our fiscal 2019 non-GAAP financial measures to exclude opioid-related litigation or compliance costs. We explain the adjustments to our non-GAAP financial measures and provide a reconciliation to GAAP measures in Annex A.

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

Our 2011 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, including misconduct causing a financial statement restatement or a material violation of law or of our StandardsofBusinessConduct that causes material financial harm to 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.

We discuss these provisions in more detail under “Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct (“Clawbacks”)” on page 42.

Hedging and Pledging Shares

Our Board has adopted a policy prohibiting all employees and directors from entering into short sales, publicly traded options, puts and calls, forward sale contracts and other swap, hedging or 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.

Equity Grant Practices

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.

Equity Dilution Practices

Our fiscal 2019 annual equity run rate was 0.82%. 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.

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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, 2019.

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

Carrie S. Cox, Chairman
Calvin Darden
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall
Nancy Killefer

Executive Compensation Tables

The table below summarizes fiscal 2019 compensation for:

the Chief Executive Officer;

the Chief Financial Officer;

the three other most highly compensated executive officers as of June 30, 2019, the end of our fiscal 2019; and

Mr. Morford, who was an executive officer through March 22, 2019, and would have been one of the three other most highly compensated executive officers as of June 30, 2019.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and

Principal Position

Year

Salary

($)

Bonus

($)

 

Stock

Awards

($)(1)

 

Option

Awards

($)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)(2)

 

Total

($)

Michael C. Kaufmann(3)

Chief Executive Officer

2019

1,193,288

0

 

12,110,701

(4)

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

2017

746,438

186,609

 

1,947,561

 

997,432

 

0

 

14,979

 

3,893,019

Victor L. Crawford(5)

Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment

2019

443,014

2,500,000

(5)

3,095,770

(5)

0

 

502,378

 

184,660

 

6,725,822

Jessica L. Mayer(6)

Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

2019

429,856

0

 

2,152,539

(7)

0

 

364,933

 

19,707

 

2,967,035

Jorge M. Gomez(8)

Former Chief Financial Officer

2019

593,288

0

 

2,530,734

(8)

0

 

0

 

26,757

 

3,150,779

2018

478,149

0

 

1,294,742

 

163,519

 

387,356

 

37,527

 

2,361,293

Jon L. Giacomin(8)

Former Chief Executive Officer —
Medical Segment

2019

805,301

0

 

3,036,921

(8)

0

 

0

 

26,357

 

3,868,579

2018

697,055

0

 

2,900,011

 

948,690

 

853,195

 

36,131

 

5,435,082

2017

567,151

141,788

 

1,900,060

 

949,930

 

0

 

14,966

 

3,573,895

Craig S. Morford(9)

Former Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

2019

463,863

0

 

2,277,666

(9)

0

 

425,826

(9)

19,494

 

3,186,849

2018

585,205

0

 

1,110,842

 

593,341

 

608,848

 

31,514

 

2,929,750

2017

552,151

117,332

 

1,033,386

 

516,631

 

0

 

14,967

 

2,234,467

(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 2019 table on page 40 and the accompanying footnotes for information on the accounting value of each award granted in fiscal 2019. The values of the PSUs granted during fiscal 2019 assuming that the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved are: Mr. Kaufmann — $13,225,676; Mr. Crawford — $3,829,852; Ms. Mayer — $2,721,271; Mr. Gomez — $3,673,802; Mr. Giacomin — $4,408,542; and Mr. Morford — $3,306,432.

(2)

The elements of compensation included in the “All Other Compensation” column for fiscal 2019 are set forth in the table below.

(3)

Mr. Kaufmann was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2018, and fiscal 2019 was his first full fiscal year in that role. Prior to that, he had served as Chief Financial Officer since November 2014.

(4)

The amount shown in this column includes RSUs with an accounting value of $2,999,987 granted to Mr. Kaufmann in June 2019 to bring his fiscal 2019 total direct compensation to the median of our Comparator Group data in recognition of his strong performance during his first full year as Chief Executive Officer and to incentivize him as he completes transitions on his executive team amid difficult industry dynamics.

(5)

Mr. Crawford was hired as Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment in November 2018 and received a sign-on bonus of $2,500,000 and PSUs and RSUs with an accounting value of $3,095,770. He must repay 100% of the sign-on bonus if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% if he leaves during the second year following his start date. Mr. Crawford’s sign-on bonus and initial long-term incentive awards were intended to make up for compensation he forfeited when he left his prior employer.

(6)

Ms. Mayer was not previously a named executive.

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(7)

The amount shown in this column includes PSUs and RSUs with an accounting value of $1,207,684 granted to Ms. Mayer in connection with her promotion to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and PSUs with an accounting value of $149,266 awarded to Ms. Mayer in February 2018 but which were not expensed for accounting purposes until August 2018.

(8)

Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin both left the company in August 2019 and forfeited their stock awards, except for one-third of Mr. Giacomin’s RSUs that vested before he left.

(9)

Mr. Morford retired in March 2019 and received a prorated portion of his fiscal 2019 annual incentive award and prorated vesting of long-term incentive awards.

The amounts shown for “All Other Compensation” for fiscal 2019 include: company contributions to the named executive’s account under our 401(k) plan; company contributions to the named executive’s account under our DCP; and perquisites, in the following amounts:

Name

Company

401(k) Savings

Plan

Contributions

($)

Company

Deferred

Compensation

Plan

Contributions

($)

Perquisites

($)

(1)

Tax

Reimbursements

($)

 

Total

($)

Kaufmann

18,857

7,500

114,219

(2)

0

 

140,576

Crawford

18,857

3,000

139,919

(3)

22,884

(4)

184,660

Mayer

16,707

3,000

 

0

 

19,707

Gomez

18,857

7,900

 

0

 

26,757

Giacomin

18,857

7,500

 

0

 

26,357

Morford

13,294

6,200

 

0

 

19,494

(1)

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.

(2)

The amount reported for Mr. Kaufmann included the incremental cost to us of his personal use of corporate aircraft ($110,675), home security system monitoring fees and personal liability insurance coverage. We own corporate aircraft. 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. Mr. Kaufmann receives up to $150,000 per fiscal year 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. Crawford for fiscal 2019 is the incremental cost to us relating to relocation expenses. We provided Mr. Crawford with relocation assistance under our homeowner relocation policy for senior managers. We calculated the incremental cost of relocation as brokerage and other costs to sell a former residence ($103,043) and other costs of relocation assistance ($36,876). Our homeowner relocation policy allows us to recover 100% of relocation assistance if Mr. Crawford voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

(4)

We paid a tax reimbursement to Mr. Crawford for imputed income with respect to relocation expenses.

Crawford Offer Letter

Mr. Crawford was hired as our Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment in November 2018. We entered into an offer letter with him in October 2018 providing for:

an annual base salary of $700,000;

a target annual bonus of 100% of his annual base salary prorated from his start date to the end of the fiscal year; and

target long-term incentive awards of $2,750,000 for the fiscal 2020 annual grant.

We provided Mr. Crawford with a cash sign-on bonus of $2,500,000 and initial long-term incentive awards of $3,000,000 split equally between PSUs and RSUs when he joined us. The sign-on bonus and initial long-term incentive awards were intended to make up for compensation Mr. Crawford forfeited when he left his prior employer. We also provided Mr. Crawford with relocation assistance under the terms of the offer letter and our homeowner relocation policy applicable to senior managers. Mr. Crawford must repay 100% of the cash sign-on bonus and relocation benefits if he voluntarily leaves the company during the first year following his start date and 50% of the bonus and relocation benefits if he leaves during the second year following his start date.

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2019

The table below supplements our Summary Compensation Table by providing additional information about our plan-based compensation for fiscal 2019.

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

 

 

 

 

715,973

1,789,932

3,579,864

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

53,732

107,463

257,911

 

5,510,703

RSUs

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

71,642

3,600,011

RSUs(5)

6/28/2019

 

6/27/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,694

2,999,987

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive(6)

 

 

 

 

177,205

443,014

886,027

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(7)

11/15/2018

 

10/26/2018

 

 

 

 

13,014

26,028

62,467

 

1,595,777

RSUs(7)

11/15/2018

 

10/26/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,028

1,499,994

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

 

 

 

117,693

294,232

588,465

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(8)

2/15/2018

(8)

2/15/2018

(8)

 

 

 

1,542

3,084

6,168

 

149,266

PSUs

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

3,918

7,836

18,806

 

401,830

RSUs

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,836

393,759

PSUs(9)

3/15/2019

 

3/7/2019

 

 

 

 

5,968

11,936

28,646

 

607,662

RSUs(9)

3/15/2019

 

3/7/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,936

600,023

Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive(10)

 

 

 

 

237,315

593,288

1,186,576

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(10)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

14,926

29,851

71,642

 

1,530,759

RSUs(10)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,900

999,975

Giacomin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive(10)

 

 

 

 

322,120

805,301

1,610,602

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(10)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

17,911

35,821

85,970

 

1,836,901

RSUs(10)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,881

1,200,020

Morford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive(11)

 

 

 

 

157,713

394,284

788,567

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs(11)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

13,433

26,866

64,478

 

1,377,688

RSUs(11)

8/15/2018

 

8/7/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,910

899,978

(1)

This information relates to annual cash incentive award opportunities with respect to fiscal 2019 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. Other than Ms. Mayer’s February 15, 2018 grant, PSUs are eligible to vest based on payout levels of non-GAAP EPS in each of three annual periods, with a modifier based on TSR relative to the S&P 500 Healthcare Index. Ms. Mayer’s February 15, 2018 grant was eligible to vest based on fiscal 2019 non-GAAP EPS. We accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable when, and only to the extent that, the PSUs vest. The maximum is calculated assuming all maximum non-GAAP EPS payout levels were achieved and the TSR modifier was fully earned.

(3)

“All Other Stock Awards” are RSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that, unless otherwise noted, 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 the RSUs and Ms. Mayer’s February 15, 2018 PSU grant by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date by the number of RSUs and PSUs (at target) awarded. We valued all other 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. For the PSUs granted on August 15, 2018, the assumed per-share value was $51.28, for the PSUs granted on November 15, 2018, it was $61.31, and for the PSUs granted on March 15, 2019, it was $50.91.

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(5)

These RSUs were granted to Mr. Kaufmann to bring his fiscal 2019 total direct compensation to the median of our Comparator Group data in recognition of his strong performance during his first full year as Chief Executive Officer and to incentivize him as he completes transitions on his executive team amid difficult industry dynamics.

(6)

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

(7)

Mr. Crawford received these PSUs and RSUs when he joined us as Chief Executive Officer — Pharmaceutical Segment. His sign-on bonus and initial long-term incentive awards were intended to make up for compensation he forfeited when he left his prior employer.

(8)

These PSUs were awarded to Ms. Mayer on February 15, 2018 but were not expensed for accounting purposes until August 10, 2018.

(9)

These PSUs and RSUs were granted to Ms. Mayer in connection with her promotion to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. The RSUs vest ratably over four years.

(10)

Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin forfeited these grants following their departures in August 2019, except for 7,960 of Mr. Giacomin’s RSUs that vested before he left.

(11)

Mr. Morford retired from the company in March 2019 and received a prorated portion of his fiscal 2019 annual incentive award and prorated vesting of long-term incentive awards.

2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Our key executive employees, including our named executives, are eligible to receive annual cash incentive awards under our 2011 LTIP. As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee 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 funding percentage determines the total pool for annual incentive awards, as well as the named executives’ annual incentive awards before applying an individual performance factor. The performance goals established by the Compensation Committee may vary from year to year, and the Compensation Committee retains discretion to make annual incentive awards to named executives even if we do not achieve the threshold performance goals.

Under our 2011 LTIP, we also may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and other stock-based awards to employees. During fiscal 2019, we granted PSUs and RSUs under the plan to our named executives, as shown in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2019 table on page 40 and discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The 2011 LTIP 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 have one-year minimum vesting provisions in 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 or 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 after a performance period by the issuance of 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 goals established by the Compensation Committee (which vary from award to award).

As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee established a performance goal for the Fiscal 19-21 PSUs based on payout levels of non-GAAP EPS in each of three annual periods, with a modifier based on TSR relative to the S&P 500 Healthcare Index. A participant can receive 50% of target PSUs if we attain threshold performance and up to 200% of target PSUs for over-performance before the 20% TSR modifier is applied.

We describe how we calculate the measures referred to in this section under “Performance Measure Calculations” below.

Performance Measure Calculations

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 adjust for these items 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 did not adjust our fiscal 2019 non-GAAP financial measures to exclude opioid-related litigation or compliance costs. We explain the adjustments to our non-GAAP financial measures and provide a reconciliation to GAAP measures in Annex A.

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Award

Performance Measure

Calculation

AnnualCashIncentive

Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings, with a modifier based on tangible capital

Adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings is non-GAAP operating earnings(1) adjusted to exclude annual cash incentive expense to the extent below or above target performance, incremental contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan and DCP 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 is 12-month average of total assets, less total liabilities (other than interest-bearing long-term obligations), goodwill and other intangibles, net, and cash and equivalents.(2)

Fiscal2017-19PSUs

Sum of non-GAAP EPS compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) and average annual dividend yield

Non-GAAP EPS CAGR is non-GAAP EPS(3) for the last fiscal year of the performance period divided by non-GAAP EPS for the last fiscal year preceding the performance period; the quotient is then raised to the power of one divided by the number of years in the performance period.

Average annual dividend yield is the sum of all cash dividends paid per share during a performance period divided by the number of years in the performance period; the quotient is then divided by our closing share price on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation;grant date.

Fiscal2019-21PSUs

(5)

Payout levels of non-GAAP EPS in each of three annual periods, with a modifier based on TSR relative to the S&P 500 Healthcare Index

To vote

Payout levels of non-GAAP EPS in each of three annual periods is the sum of the payout level based on two shareholder proposals describednon-GAAP EPS in the accompanying proxy statement, if properly presented atfirst year, the meeting;payout level based on non-GAAP EPSin the second year and the payout level based on non-GAAP EPSin the third year, divided by three. A payout level is earned for each annual period based on achieving set levels of non-GAAP EPS for the first year and growth over the prior fiscal year’s non-GAAP EPS for the second and third years.

TSR is cumulative total shareholder return for the performance period assuming dividend reinvestment and determined based on the average daily closing stock prices for the 20 trading days ending immediately prior to the first day and last day of the performance period, respectively.

(6)To transact such
(1)

Non-GAAP operating earnings is operating earnings excluding LIFO charges/(credits), restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other businessacquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets and litigation (recoveries)/charges.

(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 were not included in our Board-approved annual budget. The Compensation Committee also may make other adjustments for purposes of determining whether we achieved our performance goals, although none were made for fiscal 2019.

(3)

Non-GAAP EPS is non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. is net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. excluding LIFO charges/(credits), restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, litigation (recoveries)/charges, net and loss on extinguishment of debt, each net of tax, and transitional tax benefit, net, related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For purposes of the FY19-21 PSUs, non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. also excludes 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. The Compensation Committee also 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 may properly come beforepresented to investors, exceptional acquisitions or divestitures, changes in accounting principles or other exceptional items that are not reflective of our operating performance. We adjusted the meeting or any adjournment or postponement.

Who may vote:ShareholdersFiscal 17-19 PSUs to remove all benefits 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.U.S. tax reform.

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

The 2011 LTIP authorizes us 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 filed financial statements and the payment was based on financial results that we subsequently restate. In addition, incentive awards granted under the 2011 LTIP may be subject to repayment if a participant commits misconduct, including a breach of our StandardsofBusinessConduct or violation of an applicable non-competition or confidentiality agreement.

Under 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 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 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.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for Fiscal 2019

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, 2019.

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

39,770

 

19,885

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

23,367

 

46,735

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

179,882

(4)

8,472,442

114,614

(5)

5,398,319

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,028

(6)

1,225,919

26,028

(7)

1,225,919

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

4,186

 

2,093

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

3,689

 

7,380

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,699

(8)

1,022,023

24,263

(9)

1,142,787

Gomez

8/15/2014

5,862

(10)

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

8,595

(10)

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

5,745

(10)

2,873

(10)

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

4,027

(10)

8,056

(10)

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,053

(11)

1,556,796

30,837

(11)

1,452,423

Giacomin

8/15/2012

26,166

(10)

0

 

39.81

8/15/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2013

21,349

(10)

0

 

51.49

8/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2014

14,650

(10)

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/15/2014

24,037

(10)

0

 

74.96

9/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

39,936

(10)

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

37,876

(10)

18,938

(10)

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

23,367

(10)

46,735

(10)

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,222

(12)

1,753,156

42,972

(12)

2,023,981

Morford

8/15/2011

12,795

(13)

0

 

41.60

8/15/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2012

37,444

(13)

0

 

39.81

8/15/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2013

39,038

(13)

0

 

51.49

8/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2014

25,570

(13)

0

 

71.43

8/15/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2015

23,961

(13)

0

 

84.27

8/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2016

29,526

(13)

0

 

83.19

8/15/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/15/2017

34,094

(13)

0

 

66.43

8/15/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

8,711

(13)

410,288

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(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 $47.10, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on June 28, 2019, and the number of unvested stock awards.

(3)

Based on current performance in accordance with the SEC rules, PSUs for the fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2020 performance cycle (“Fiscal 18-20 PSUs”) and Fiscal 19-21 PSUs assume payout at threshold and target, respectively. There was no payout of Fiscal 17-19 PSUs because performance fell below threshold, so no Fiscal 17-19 PSUs are reflected in the table. One PSU grant made to Ms. Mayer before she was a named executive is reflected as the actual amount that vested upon our achieving the performance goal over the performance period.

(4)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 32,172 shares on August 15, 2019; 15,709 shares on November 8, 2019; 21,231 shares on June 28, 2020; 28,488 shares on August 15, 2020; 15,938 on November 8, 2020; 21,231 shares on June 28, 2021; 23,881 shares on August 15, 2021; and 21,232 shares on June 28, 2022.

(5)

Reflects 7,151 Fiscal 18-20 PSUs and 107,463 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs.

(6)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 8,676 shares on November 15, 2019; 8,676 shares on November 15, 2020; and 8,676 shares on November 15, 2021.

(7)

Reflects 26,028 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs.

(8)

Reflects RSUs that vest as follows: 3,786 shares on August 15, 2019; 2,984 shares on March 15, 2020; 3,365 shares on August 15, 2020; 2,984 shares on March 15, 2021; 2,612 shares on August 15, 2021; 2,984 shares on March 15, 2022; and 2,984 shares on March 15, 2023.

(9)

Reflects 1,129 Fiscal 18-20 PSUs, 19,772 Fiscal 19-21 PSUs and 3,362 PSUs granted to Ms. Mayer before she was a named executive.

(10)

Unless exercised earlier, vested stock options will expire 90 days after Messrs. Gomez’s and Giacomin’s departures in August 2019. They forfeited unvested stock options when they left the company.

(11)

Mr. Gomez forfeited these RSUs and PSUs when he left the company in August 2019.

(12)

Mr. Giacomin forfeited these RSUs and PSUs when he left the company in August 2019, except for 16,534 RSUs that vested before he left.

(13)

Reflects a prorated portion of unexercised stock options and unearned PSUs that remained outstanding following Mr. Morford’s retirement in March 2019.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2019

The table below shows stock options that were exercised, and RSUs that vested, during fiscal 2019 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

 

 

29,650

 

1,596,055

Crawford

 

 

 

Mayer

 

 

1,578

 

79,295

Gomez

 

 

7,459

 

406,949

Giacomin

 

 

26,027

 

1,384,654

Morford

 

 

23,809

(2)

1,213,338

(1)

This column represents the vesting during fiscal 2019 of RSUs granted during fiscal 2016, 2017 and 2018.

(2)

The number of shares acquired by Mr. Morford on vesting includes 20,266 RSUs deferred at his election, net of required withholding. See “Deferred Compensation” below for a discussion of deferral terms.

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 $280,000, but not in excess of $380,000, 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 $280,000, but not in excess of $380,000.

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.

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2019

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

213,004

10,500

180,549

4,047,267

Deferred shares

(38,806)

1,056,500

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

Deferred shares

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

6,000

4,974

230,237

Deferred shares

Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

153,762

10,000

99,770

1,805,661

Deferred shares

Giacomin

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

236,006

10,223

146,445

2,489,283

Deferred shares

Morford

 

 

 

 

 

DCP

283,503

9,200

109,729

2,263,247

Deferred shares

473,453

(214,219)

4,607,887

(1)

The DCP amounts shown include salary and fiscal 2018 cash incentive awards deferred during fiscal 2019. Mr. Kaufmann’s DCP amount does not include $127,586 deferred from his fiscal 2019 cash incentive award that was paid in fiscal 2020.

(2)

DCP amounts included as contributions in the table and also reported as fiscal 2019 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — $73,269; Mr. Gomez — $60,923; Mr. Giacomin — $112,250; and Mr. Morford — $26,488.

(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, 2019 in the table and also reported as fiscal 2018 and 2017 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement are as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — $98,988; Mr. Gomez — $175,045: Mr. Giacomin — $163,234; and Mr. Morford — $33,171.

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 continuing named executives and, in accordance with the SEC rules, Mr. Gomez. 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, 2019, the last day of fiscal 2019, and using the closing market price of our common shares on June 28, 2019 ($47.10), the last trading day in fiscal 2019.

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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Voluntary

Termination

($)

(1)

Involuntary Termination

Without Cause

($)

(1)

Death or

Disability

($)

 

Termination

Following

Change of

Control

($)

(1)

Kaufmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

6,000,000

 

0

 

7,500,000

 

Annual cash incentive award(2)

1,789,932

 

1,789,932

 

1,789,932

 

1,789,932

 

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

5,230,502

(4)

5,230,502

(4)

10,870,774

(5)

13,870,762

(6)

Medical benefits

0

 

18,239

 

0

 

18,239

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

92,254

 

0

 

110,018

 

TOTAL

7,020,434

 

13,130,927

 

12,660,706

 

23,288,951

 

Crawford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

2,100,000

 

0

 

2,800,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2)

0

 

443,014

 

443,014

 

443,014

 

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

0

 

0

 

2,451,838

(5)

2,451,838

(6)

Medical benefits

0

 

18,237

 

0

 

18,237

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

30,116

 

0

 

38,406

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,591,367

 

2,894,852

 

5,751,495

 

Mayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

1,456,875

 

0

 

1,942,500

 

Annual cash incentive(2)

0

 

294,232

 

294,232

 

294,232

 

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

0

 

0

 

1,040,439

(5)

2,164,810

(6)

Medical benefits

0

 

18,964

 

0

 

18,964

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

20,738

 

0

 

26,489

 

TOTAL

0

 

1,790,809

 

1,334,671

 

4,446,996

 

Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance

0

 

1,800,000

 

0

 

2,400,000

 

Annual cash incentive(2)

0

 

593,288

 

593,288

 

593,288

 

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

0

 

0

 

3,009,219

(5)

3,009,219

(6)

Medical benefits

0

 

18,245

 

0

 

18,245

 

Interest on deferred payments

0

 

28,343

 

0

 

35,449

 

TOTAL

0

 

2,439,876

 

3,602,507

 

6,056,201

 

(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 2019 target amounts: Mr. Kaufmann — $1,789,932 (actual payout was $2,126,439); Mr. Crawford — $443,014 (actual payout was $502,378); Ms. Mayer — $294,232 (actual payout was $364,933); and Mr. Gomez — $593,288 (actual payout was $0).

(3)

We valued the accelerated vesting of PSUs and RSUs by multiplying the closing price of our common shares on June 28, 2019 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 28, 2019 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 2019 table on page 44.

(4)

Assumes the prorated accelerated vesting of Mr. Kaufmann’s long-term incentive awards, as follows: 40,484 PSUs, 55,529 stock options and 70,567 RSUs.

(5)

Assumes the full accelerated vesting of long-term incentive awards, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — 114,614 PSUs, 66,620 stock options and 116,188 RSUs; Mr. Crawford — 26,028 PSUs and 26,028 RSUs; Ms. Mayer — 12,327 PSUs, 9,473 stock options and 9,763 RSUs; and Mr. Gomez — 30,837 PSUs, 10,929 stock options and 33,053 RSUs.

(6)

Assumes the full accelerated vesting of long-term incentive awards, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — 114,614 PSUs, 66,620 stock options and 179,882 RSUs; Mr. Crawford — 26,028 PSUs and 26,028 RSUs; Ms. Mayer — 24,263 PSUs, 9,473 stock options and 21,699 RSUs; and Mr. Gomez — 30,837 PSUs, 10,929 stock options and 33,053 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.

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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, for awards granted after July 1, 2017, 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 for awards granted after July 1, 2017 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; or the material breach of any restrictive covenant.

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 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, of Directors.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.

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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 42.

Departure of Named Executives

Messrs. Gomez, Giacomin and Morford did not receive severance benefits when they left the company. Mr. Morford satisfied the standard age and service requirements to qualify for retirement under our 2011 LTIP and received a prorated fiscal 2019 annual incentive of $425,826 and prorated vesting of long-term incentive awards valued at $1,438,990, as well as continued exercisability of vested stock options for their full term. Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin were not eligible for retirement and forfeited their fiscal 2019 annual incentive award and unvested long-term incentive awards.

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 2019, the median annual total compensation of all our employees (other than the Chief Executive Officer) was $57,261. Mr. Kaufmann’s annual total compensation for fiscal 2019 for purposes of the pay ratio disclosure was $15,584,454. Based on this information, for fiscal 2019, the ratio of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer to the median annual total compensation of all other employees was estimated to be 272 to 1.

We used the same median employee in our pay ratio calculation for fiscal 2019 as we used for fiscal 2018 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 for fiscal 2018 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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Share Ownership Information

September 21, 2017
mayersignaturea01.jpg
JESSICA L. MAYER
Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and
    Corporate Secretary
Important notice

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the availabilitybeneficial ownership of proxy materialsour 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 executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 38; 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 September 9, 2019 and the listed beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power.

Name of Beneficial Owner

Common Shares

 

Additional RSUs

and PSUs(11)

Number

Beneficially

Owned

 

Percent

of Class

The Vanguard Group(1)

35,178,127

 

12.0

 

BlackRock, Inc.(2)

26,135,772

 

8.9

 

State Street Corporation(3)

18,570,869

 

6.4

 

Colleen F. Arnold(4)

13,301

 

*

 

19,569

Carrie S. Cox(4)

12,545

 

*

 

16,306

Victor L. Crawford(5)(6)

0

 

*

 

52,518

Calvin Darden(4)

19,570

 

*

 

19,608

Bruce L. Downey(4)

22,762

 

*

 

18,387

Jon L. Giacomin(5)(7)

270,385

 

*

 

0

Jorge M. Gomez(5)(7)

30,758

 

*

 

0

Patricia A. Hemingway Hall(4)

12,110

 

*

 

2,612

Akhil Johri(4)

3,164

 

*

 

2,162

Michael C. Kaufmann(5)(8)

635,923

 

*

 

249,670

Gregory B. Kenny(4)

20,881

 

*

 

19,584

Nancy Killefer(4)

10,082

 

*

 

0

J. Michael Losh(4)

1,543

 

*

 

3,225

Jessica L. Mayer(5)

34,746

 

*

 

34,580

Craig S. Morford(5)(7)

315,202

 

*

 

0

Dean A. Scarborough(9)

0

 

*

 

0

John H. Weiland(9)

0

 

*

 

0

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (19 Persons)(10)

872,681

 

*

 

524,652

*

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 April 8, 2019 by The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”). The address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. Vanguard reported that, as of March 29, 2019, it had sole voting power with respect to 351,961 shares, shared voting power with respect to 71,557 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 34,762,925 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 415,202 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 4, 2019 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, 2018, it had sole voting power with respect to 22,214,880 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 filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019 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, 2018, it had shared voting power with respect to 16,912,901 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.

(4)

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 — 12,110 shares; Ms. Cox — 12,110 shares; Mr. Darden — 12,110 shares; Mr. Downey — 12,110 shares; Ms. Hemingway Hall — 7,815 shares; Mr. Johri — 3,164 shares; Mr. Kenny — 15,488 shares; and Ms. Killefer — 10,082 shares; and phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP, as follows: Ms. Arnold — 1,191 shares; Mr. Darden — 6,325 shares; Mr. Kenny — 5,393 shares; and Mr. Losh — 1,543 shares.

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(5)

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. Giacomin — 229,686 shares; Mr. Gomez — 24,229 shares; Mr. Kaufmann — 466,047 shares; Ms. Mayer — 20,401 shares; and Mr. Morford — 202,428 shares; and outstanding RSUs that will be settled within 60 days, as follows: Mr. Kaufmann — 15,709 shares and Mr. Morford — 109,323 shares.

(6)

Mr. Crawford joined the company on November 12, 2018.

(7)

Mr. Morford retired on March 22, 2019 and Messrs. Gomez and Giacomin left the company on August 9, 2019 and August 16, 2019, respectively. Information on the number of shares beneficially owned by each of these named executives is as of his departure date, except for outstanding equity awards.

(8)

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

(9)

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

(10)

Common shares listed as being beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors as a group include: 547,573 outstanding stock options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days; 102,315 RSUs that may or will be settled in common shares within 60 days; and 14,566 shares of phantom stock over which the participants have sole voting rights under our DCP.

(11)

“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.

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Other Matters

General Information About the Annual Meeting 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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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 ourthe Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017,6, 2019, and at any adjournment or postponement (the “Annual Meeting”).postponement. The Annual Meeting will take place at our principal executive officeoffices located at 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017, at 8:00 a.m., local time.

Eastern Time.

These proxy materials include our Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statementof Shareholders, our proxy statement and our 2017fiscal 2019 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.

As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"),SEC, we are providing proxy materials to some of our shareholders via the Internet. Commencing on September 21, 2017,20, 2019, we mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”“Notice of Internet Availability”) explaining how to access our proxy materials or vote online. If you received the Notice of Internet Availability, you will not receive a printed copy of our proxy materials by mail unless you request one by following the directions included onin the Notice.

Notice of Internet Availability.

Record Date

We have fixed the close of business on September 11, 20179, 2019 as the record date for determining our shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. On that date, we had 315,215,877292,404,210 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.

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, either in person or by proxy.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of the 1112 director nominees and FOR Proposals 2 and 3, ONE YEAR for Proposal 4, and AGAINST Proposals 5 and 6.

Shareholdersofrecord. 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 person at 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:

Bytelephone. You may vote your shares 24 hours a day by calling the toll freetoll-free number 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) 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 or the Notice.Notice of Internet Availability. The telephone voting system allows you to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.

ByInternet. 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.Notice of Internet Availability. As with the telephone voting system, you will be able to confirm that your votes were properly recorded.

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

Telephone and Internet voting is available through 2:00 a.m. Eastern timeTime on Wednesday, November 8, 2017.6, 2019. If you vote by mail, your proxy card must be received before the Annual Meeting to assure that your vote is counted. We encourage you to vote promptly.

Beneficialowners. If, like most shareholders, you are a beneficial owner 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 may



Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
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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.

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Revoking Your Proxy

or Changing Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy. If you are a shareholderVote

Shareholders of record you may change or revoke your proxy at any time before a vote is taken at the meeting by giving noticeAnnual Meeting by:

returning a signed proxy card with a later date;

authorizing a new vote electronically through the Internet or telephone;

delivering a written revocation of your proxy to us in writing orour corporate secretary at our principal executive offices address before your original proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting, by executing and forwarding to usMeeting; or

submitting a later-dated proxy or by voting a later proxy overwritten ballot at the telephone or the Internet. If you are a beneficial ownerAnnual Meeting.

Beneficial owners 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.

Your personal attendance at the Annual Meeting does not revoke your proxy. Unless you vote at the Annual Meeting, your last valid proxy prior to the Annual Meeting will be used to cast your vote.

Shares Held ThoughThrough Our Employee Plans

If you hold shares through our 401(k) Savings Plans or Deferred Compensation Plan ("DCP"),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“How to Vote." Please note that employee plan shares have an earlier voting deadline of 2:00 a.m. Eastern timeTime on Monday, November 6, 2017.

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 or the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation or the shareholder proposals.officers. 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.

You may either vote FOR, AGAINSTor 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.proposals. 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.an uncontested election. If aan incumbent director nominee is not re-elected byreceives a majoritygreater number of votes cast, that individual is required“against” than votes “for” his or her election, our Corporate Governance Guidelines require the director to promptly tender a resignation forto the Board’s consideration. See

“Resignation Policy for Incumbent Directors Not Receiving Majority Votes” on page 13.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. Proxies may not be voted for more than 1112 director nominees, and shareholders may not cumulate their voting power.
Each of Proposals 2 through 6 requiresand 3 each require 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). Abstentionscast. For each proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered as votes cast and will not be counted in determining the outcome of the voting results.

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 1112 director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor and 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.officers. 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.

To attend the Annual Meeting, you must be a shareholder as of September 11, 2017,9, 2019, the record date, and have an admission ticket or satisfactory proof of share ownership and a form of government-issued photo identification.identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification or passport. 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 meetingAnnual 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) 757-4757757-1607 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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Proposal 1—Election of Directors
Our Board has nominated 11 directors for election at this Annual Meeting to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. All of the nominees are currently directors of Cardinal Health.
The Board seeks members 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.
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) the Board selects.
Biographies of our Director Nominees
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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 of Honeywell International Inc., a global diversified technology 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, as well as other leading companies, Mr. Anderson brings to the Board relevant experience in 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

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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 in 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.
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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 1997 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.
Skills and Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Cardinal Health
Having served in leadership positions with companies in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, Mr. Barrett has extensive healthcare experience in the areas of distribution and manufacturing operations, management, regulatory compliance, finance, executive leadership, strategic planning, human resources, corporate governance and global markets. As a result, he provides the Board with unique perspectives and insights regarding our businesses and our growing international presence, industry, challenges and opportunities. He also brings to the Board valuable perspectives and insights from his service as Chairman of the Healthcare Leadership Council, an alliance of leading companies and organizations representing all sectors of U.S. healthcare. In addition, Mr. Barrett brings relevant experience and perspectives to the Board from his service on public and not-for-profit boards of directors, including his prior service on Eaton’s board of directors.


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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

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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)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards:Texas Instruments Incorporated, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of semiconductors (since 2004); 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.
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Calvin Darden
Age 67
Director since 2005
Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations of United Parcel Service, Inc. (retired)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: Target Corporation, an operator of large-format general merchandise discount stores (since 2003); 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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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
Other Public Boards: Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology 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.
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Patricia A. Hemingway Hall
Age64
Director since 2013
President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Care Service Corporation (retired)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
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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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

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Clayton M. Jones
Age68
Director since 2012
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (retired)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards:Deere & Company, an agricultural and construction machinery manufacturer (since 2007); Motorola Solutions, Inc., a data communications and telecommunications equipment provider (since 2015); Rockwell Collins, Inc. (2001 - 2014)
üOperations
ü Executive Leadership
ü Strategic Planning
ü Technology
ü 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.
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Gregory B. Kenny
Age64
Director since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cable Corporation (retired)
Independent Lead DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: Ingredion Incorporated, a corn refining and ingredient company (since 2005); 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.


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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

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Nancy Killefer
Age 63
Director since2015
Senior Partner, Public Sector Practice, McKinsey & Company, Inc. (retired)
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: The Advisory Board Company, a provider of software and solutions to the healthcare and education industries (since 2013); Avon Products, Inc., a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty products (since 2013); CSRA, Inc., a provider of information technology services to the U.S. federal government (since 2015); Computer Sciences Corporation, a global provider 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).
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David P. King
Age61
Director since 2011
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Independent DirectorDirector Qualification Highlights
Other Public Boards: Laboratory Corporation 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.


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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

Our director nominees possess relevant experience, skills and qualifications that contribute to a well-functioning Board that effectively oversees the company's strategy and management. A chart of director skills and expertise is provided below:
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Corporate Governance
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors currently consists of 11 members, 10 of whom are independent. Our Board is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George S. Barrett, independent Lead Director Gregory B. Kenny (who also chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee), Audit Committee Chair Clayton M. Jones, and Human Resources and Compensation Committee Chair David P. King.
The Board held eight meetings during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and Board committees on which he or she served. All of our directors attended the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Absent unusual circumstances, each director is expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Board Leadership Structure
For a number of years, our Board has been led by a Chairman of the Board (who is also the Chief Executive Officer), a strong independent Lead Director, and active, independent chairs of the Audit, Nominating and Governance and Human Resources and Compensation Committees.
Our Board is responsible for selecting the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer and has determined that its current leadership structure effectively promotes strong Board governance and oversight. The combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer structure has allowed us to focus on long-term shareholder value and respond effectively to rapidly evolving industry changes and market dynamics, as well as to acquisition opportunities and competitive market pressures. Under this leadership structure, our Board has continued to provide effective, independent oversight of strategic decisions, management and regulatory compliance. The effectiveness of this structure has been demonstrated by strong performance over the past several years, including compound annual non-GAAP diluted EPS growth rate of 13.4% and total shareholder return (TSR) of 272% since August 31, 2009.
The Board believes that our Chief Executive Officer is best suited to serve as Chairman because of his unique knowledge of our businesses, the healthcare industry and our shareholders. This structure fosters effective decision-making and alignment between the Board and management, enables a single person to speak on behalf of the Board and the company to our customers, vendors, employees, shareholders and regulators, and provides strong leadership and a powerful "tone from the top" to focus on our compliance and reputation, growth and long-term success.
The Board ensures rigorous independent leadership through an active, engaged independent Lead Director with clearly defined responsibilities, who is elected annually by the independent directors. In selecting a Lead Director, the independent directors look for robust leadership skills, including fostering open dialogue among independent directors, candid input to management, an understanding of our strategy and businesses, and substantial governance experience and understanding. The independent Lead Director:
works closely with the Chairman in developing the agenda, materials and schedule for Board meetings and approves the agenda and information sent to the Board;
consults with and advises the Chairman on matters arising between Board meetings relating to our business, strategy, operations or governance;
leads the Board's annual self-evaluation in coordination with the Nominating and Governance Committee;
reviews the results of the evaluation of individual directors with those directors;
contributes to the annual performance assessment of the Chief Executive Officer;
participates in engagement with major shareholders;
sets the agenda for and leads all executive sessions of independent directors;
serves as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors; and
has the authority to call additional executive sessions of the independent directors.
___________
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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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"). Each member of these Committees is independent under our Corporate Governance Guidelines and under applicable Committee independence rules.
The charter for each committee is available on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Corporate—Investor Relations—Corporate 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.
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 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 Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the SEC rules.
David J. Anderson*
Bruce L. Downey
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

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;
make recommendations to the Board concerning the structure, composition and functions of the Board and its committees;
advise the Board on Board leadership and leadership structure;
review our corporate governance guidelines and practices and recommend changes;
conduct the annual Board evaluation and oversee the process for the evaluation of each director; and
oversee our policies and practices regarding political expenditures.
Colleen F. Arnold
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall

Meetings in fiscal 2017: 4


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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;
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 workplace diversity initiatives and progress;
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, discusses how the Compensation Committee makes compensation-related decisions regarding our named executive officers.The Compensation Committee acts as 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 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
David P. King (Chair)
Carrie S. Cox
Calvin Darden
Nancy Killefer

Meetings in fiscal 2017: 6
Director Independence
The Board has established director independence standards based on the NYSE Rules. These standards can be found within 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, relationships with our auditor and customer and business relationships.
The Board assesses director independence annually, and as needed, based on the recommendations of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Anderson, Darden, Downey, Jones, Kenny and King, and each of Mmes. Arnold, Cox, Hemingway Hall and Killefer, is independent. Mr. Anderson ceased to be independent in December 2016 when he became Chief Financial Officer of Alexion, which supplies pharmaceuticals to us in the ordinary course of its business. Mr. Anderson again became independent after his employment with Alexion ended.
In determining that Mr. King is independent, the Nominating and Governance Committee considered that he is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of LabCorp. We sell medical and laboratory products to LabCorp in the ordinary course of business. LabCorp's payments to us were less than 1% of our, and less than 2% of LabCorp's, revenue for each of the last three years.
Director Qualification Standards
The Nominating and Governance Committee considers and reviews with the Board the appropriate skills and characteristics for Board members. These include business experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, including healthcare industry and knowledge, as well as financial, international, operations, and technology experience, independence (including independence from the interests of a particular group of shareholders), judgment, integrity, ability to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the Board and the absence of potential conflicts with our interests.
The Nominating and Governance Committee considers these skills and qualifications when assessing the composition of the Board as a whole, and seeks diversity of skills, experience and backgrounds on the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of this process based on its review of qualifications in the Director skills matrix on page 9. This assessment is ongoing and occurs both during the Committee's regular meetings as well as during the Board's annual self-assessment process.


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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 the Board should be diverse, engaged and independent. In developing and recommending criteria for identifying and evaluating candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers the diversity of the Board, including ethnic and gender
diversity. We believe the composition of our Board appropriately reflects a diversity of skills, professional and personal backgrounds and experiences and 45% of our Board members are ethnically or gender diverse.
Board Performance Assessment
For several years, our Board has had a rigorous self-evaluation process, which has included individual director evaluations. This process is overseen by the Nominating and Governance Committee and led by our independent Lead Director.
Our Board uses an outside facilitator with corporate governance experience who interviews each director to obtain his or her feedback regarding the Board's performance as well as feedback on each director. Based on the feedback, which is compiled anonymously, the Board identifies follow-up items and provides feedback to management.
The Board evaluation process includes an assessment of both Board process and substance, including:
the Board's effectiveness, structure, composition and culture;
quality of Board discussions, including time devoted to discussion and presentations;
the Board's performance in oversight of strategy, succession planning, business performance, regulatory compliance, risk management and other key areas; and
agenda topics for future meetings.
The outside facilitator also compiles feedback regarding each individual director, which the Lead Director provides to each director in individual discussion. The Board believes this annual process supports its effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Resignation Policy for Incumbent Directors Not Receiving Majority Votes
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require any incumbent director who is not re-elected by shareholders in an uncontested election 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.
Shareholder Engagement
We actively engage with our shareholders throughout the year so that management and the Board can better understand shareholder perspectives on governance, executive compensation and other topics that are important to them, and to assess emerging issues that may help shape our practices and enhance our corporate disclosures. We strive for a collaborative approach to shareholder engagement and value the variety of shareholders' perspectives received.
During the past three years, our independent Lead Director has participated in outreach discussions with our large shareholders. In addition, as in past years, we held regular discussions with our largest shareholders and solicited feedback from our top 50 investors on corporate governance matters. During fiscal 2017 we contacted governance professionals from our largest shareholders collectively representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares during fiscal 2017. An overview of our engagement process is below.


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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 regularly discusses our strategy in light of company performance, developments in the rapidly changing healthcare industry and the general business and global economic environment, and reviews and approves our capital deployment, including dividends, share repurchase plans and significant acquisitions. At two of its in-person meetings each year, the Board conducts dedicated strategy sessions with in-depth discussions with senior management on the healthcare industry and environmental factors and reviews specific businesses and new business opportunities. These strategy sessions have included external speakers such as business partners and advisors, as well as off-site visits to company facilities and customer locations. The Board also discusses risks related to our strategies, including those resulting from possible competitor, customer and supplier actions, the changing healthcare environment and new technologies. The collective backgrounds, skills and experiences of our directors, including broad healthcare experience, contribute
to robust discussions regarding strategic planning and risk oversight.
As an example, our Board discussed the possible acquisition of the Patient Recovery Business from Medtronic plc over a number of meetings beginning in the fall of 2016, when we learned that these assets might be for sale. We devoted significant portions of two in-person Board meetings to a detailed review and discussion of the possible acquisition and related capital deployment, and had several Board updates between these meetings. The Board approved the acquisition at a special meeting in April 2017.
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 have developed an enterprise risk management process, which our Audit Committee oversees and our Chief Legal and Compliance Officer administers. Under 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. 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, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Board and Audit Committee receive regular updates on the effectiveness of our 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. In connection with its risk oversight role, the Audit Committee meets regularly with representatives from our independent registered public accounting firm and 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. 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.
Our Board is highly engaged in oversight of our anti-diversion program and is committed to helping with the complex national opioid abuse public health crisis. Our anti-diversion program includes state-of-the-art controls designed to prevent diversion of pain medication from legitimate uses. The Board regularly reviews and discusses with management the effectiveness of our anti-diversion program, which focuses on our regulatory obligation to detect and report suspicious orders. The Board also monitors and discusses the causes of, and our role in helping to address, this national epidemic. In 2014, in response to a shareholder demand, the Board appointed a committee of independent directors to conduct a review of our anti-diversion program utilizing independent counsel. The committee found, among other things, that we had implemented and maintained a robust system of controls to detect and report suspicious orders and that our Board was well informed of those controls. Since that review, the Board has continued to actively focus on the effectiveness of our anti-diversion program and to support its continued enhancements through regular reviews with management.
Ethics and Compliance Program
The Board has adopted written Standards of Business Conduct that outline our corporate values and standards of integrity and behavior. The Standards of Business Conduct 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 Standards of Business Conduct is posted on our website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Our Business—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 responsibility to implement and maintain an effective ethics and compliance program. He also 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. He reports to the Chair of the Audit Committee and to the Chief Executive Officer and meets in separate executive sessions quarterly with the Audit Committee.
Management Succession Planning
The Board is actively engaged in our talent management program. The Compensation Committee oversees the process for succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer and senior executives, and management provides an organizational update at each quarterly Compensation Committee meeting. The Board
maintains an emergency succession plan as well as a long-term succession plan 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, the Board regularly discusses management talent and succession in its executive sessions.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Related Person Transactions Policy
The Board follows a written policy that the Audit Committee must approve or ratify any "related person transactions" (transactions exceeding $120,000 in which we are a participant and any related person has a direct or indirect material interest). "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.
Related Person Transactions
Since July 1, 2016, 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 distribution 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 Audit Committee in accordance with the Related Person Transactions Policy.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
You can find the full text of our 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.



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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Proposal 2—Ratification 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 2018 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 2018 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 company and its shareholders. Our Audit Committee approved, and our shareholders ratified, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for fiscal 2017.
We expect representatives of Ernst & Young LLP to be present at 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 2018.
Audit Committee Report and Audit Matters
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring 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 the report, the Audit Committee consisted of three 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 member is an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the SEC rules and 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 charter is available on Cardinal Health’s website at www.cardinalhealth.com under “About Us—Corporate—Investor Relations—Corporate 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, 2017 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's report and Ernst & Young LLP'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") 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 regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s independence from Cardinal Health required by applicable PCAOB requirements and discussed Ernst & Young LLP’s 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.
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, 2017 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, Chairman
Bruce L. Downey
Patricia A. Hemingway Hall
Fees Paid to Independent Accountants
The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP for services in fiscal 2017 and 2016.
 
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
of our internal control over financial reporting, the review of financial statements included in our 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 our independent accountant, 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, 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.
Audit Committee Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy
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 from 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 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 2017 and 2016 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Proposal 3—Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers
In accordance with Section 14A of 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 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 30 through 41, 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 2018 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.
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.



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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 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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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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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Summary
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis focuses on the compensation of the following executive officers (the "named executives") for fiscal 2017 and describes the executive compensation program and the decisions of the Compensation Committee under the program.
NameTitle
George S. BarrettChairman and Chief Executive Officer
Michael C. KaufmannChief Financial Officer
Donald M. Casey Jr.Chief Executive Officer—Medical Segment
Jon L. GiacominChief Executive Officer—Pharmaceutical Segment
Craig S. MorfordChief Legal and Compliance Officer
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 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 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.
Fiscal 2017 Key Compensation Decisions
For fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee set the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings goal for a 100% payout under our annual incentive plan higher than the prior fiscal year goal, and set the threshold for a 40% payout at 92% of that goal. While we achieved 89% of the goal, we 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 under our annual incentive plan. 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.

___________
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



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Results of 2016 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation and Shareholder Engagement
At the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our say-on-pay advisory vote received 93% support. The Compensation Committee considered this vote—as well as shareholder feedback from our engagement efforts discussed below—as demonstrating strong support for our executive compensation program and determined to maintain the current structure of our executive
compensation program when making compensation decisions for fiscal 2017.
We hold regular discussions with our largest shareholders and solicit feedback from our top 50 investors on corporate governance topics, including executive compensation. During fiscal 2017, we contacted governance professionals from our shareholders representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares. (See pages 13 and 14 for further detail about shareholder engagement.)
Compensation Philosophy and Practices
Our compensation program is designed to support our long-term growth, with accountability for key annual results. It has the following key objectives:
Reward performance. We tie most of executive pay to performance based on financial, operational and individual performance.
Drive stock ownership. Long-term incentive 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 of long-term incentive compensation, which supports sustainable long-term shareholder return.
Attract, retain 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. We have structured our compensation programs to be competitive in the marketplace, with a focus on pay and performance alignment.
Executive Compensation Governance Features
WHAT WE HAVEWHAT WE DON'T HAVE
üSignificant portion of executive pay "at risk"ûNo dividend equivalents on unvested PSUs or RSUs
üDifferent metrics for annual incentives and PSUsûNo 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
üStock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officersûNo "single trigger" change of control arrangements
üCompensation recoupment ("clawback") provisionsûNo excise tax gross-ups upon change of control
üLong-standing, proactive shareholder engagement program


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Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Elements of Fiscal 2017 Compensation for Executive Officers
We have three elements of total direct compensation: base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives. Long-term incentives consist of an equally-weighted mix of PSUs, stock options and RSUs. A significant portion of executive compensation is performance-based and at-risk (annual incentives, PSUs and stock options). At the beginning of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews targets for the named executives’ incentives and sets the performance goals under our annual incentive plan and PSUs. Following the end of the performance period, the Compensation Committee evaluates actual performance against the performance goals and determines payouts.
ceopaymixa03.jpgotherexecpaymixa01.jpg
Pay ElementDescription and PurposeLinks to Business and Talent Strategies
Base salary
Fixed cash compensation; reviewed annually and adjusted when appropriate
Set based on historic salary levels, market data, individual performance, experience and skills, and internal pay equity
Competitive base salaries support our ability to attract and retain executive talent
Annual incentives
Variable cash compensation based on achieving annual financial goals and operational and individual performance
Target as a percentage of base salary based on market data and internal pay equity
Primary financial measure reflects our focus on operating earnings, with tangible capital modifier promoting efficient use of capital
Long-term incentives
Equally weighted between PSUs, stock options and RSUs
PSUs vest based on achieving the performance goal over a three-year period; stock options and RSUs vest ratably over three years
Target annual grant value based on market data and internal pay equity
Supports sustainable long-term shareholder return and closely aligns management's interests with shareholders'
PSU measures (non-GAAP diluted EPS growth and dividend yield) influence shareholder returns over the long term
Stock options and RSUs retain executive talent and promote focus on stock price appreciation
Base Salary
The Compensation Committee did not change Mr. Barrett's base salary during fiscal 2017. At the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee increased base salaries for Messrs. Kaufmann, Casey, Giacomin and Morford between 3% and 5% based on individual performance, an assessment of market data for their roles and internal pay equity.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Annual Incentive Compensation
While we achieved 89% of our earnings goal, we did not achieve the threshold for a 40% payout under 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 payouts 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, 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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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"), the Compensation Committee set the three-year performance goal based on the sum of non-GAAP diluted EPS compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") 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 term and align management's interests with shareholders'. These measures reflect operating performance as well as capital deployment through acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases. We describe how we calculate these measures under “Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations” on page 34.
While we stated the 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 yield of the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 Index, the S&P 500 Healthcare Index and our Comparator Group, which is discussed 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.
The table below shows the funding percentages set for the three-year period for varying levels of performance.
 
Performance
(%)
Funding Percentage
Threshold7.0 50 
Goal12.0 100 
Maximum17.0 200 
Fiscal 2015-2017 PSU Payouts
In August 2017, the Compensation Committee certified the payout of the PSUs granted at the beginning of fiscal 2015 (the "Fiscal 15-17 PSUs") based on 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.
 
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 15-17 PSUs for 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


Other Elements of Compensation
Deferred Compensation and 401(k) Savings Plans
We maintain a DCP and 401(k) Savings Plan to allow the vast majority of our employees based in the United States and Puerto Rico to accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis and 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. We also may make non-matching 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.
Other Benefits and Perquisites
Mr. Barrett's employment agreement provides that he may use our corporate aircraft for personal travel. 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. Under an aircraft time sharing agreement with Mr. Barrett, he may reimburse us for incremental costs when he uses the aircraft for personal travel; reimbursed travel does not count against the $150,000 allowance.
Severance and Change of Control Benefits
Mr. Barrett's employment agreement provides for benefits payable upon specified employment termination events. Mr. Barrett will receive cash severance equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his target bonus payable in 24 equal monthly installments if we terminate his employment without "cause,” or if he terminates employment for “good reason.” He also will receive a prorated bonus for the year of termination based on actual achievement of performance goals and his vested stock options will remain exercisable for two years. Mr. Barrett's employment agreement does not provide for special treatment of any unvested equity awards.
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.
Our Policies, Guidelines and Practices Related to Executive Compensation
Role of Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. ("Cook") as its independent executive compensation consultant since 2011.
The nature and scope of Cook's engagement consist 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 factors set forth in NYSE rules and concluded that Cook is independent and that the firm's work for the Compensation Committee did not raise any conflicts of interest.
Role of Executive Officers
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer participate in Compensation Committee meetings to make recommendations as to design and compensation amounts, to present performance assessments of the named executives (other than our Chief Executive Officer) and, together with our Chief Financial Officer, to discuss our financial and operational performance.
Our Chief Executive Officer reviewed fiscal 2017 performance objectives with the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year, including financial objectives and non-financial objectives for customer, strategic and talent priorities. The


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27



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Compensation Committee reviews and discusses the performance and compensation of our Chief Executive Officer in executive session and with the Lead Director. The Chief Executive Officer does not participate in decisions regarding his own compensation.
Comparator Group
The Compensation Committee establishes target compensation levels based on a variety of factors, including data from a "Comparator Group" of similarly situated public companies, which helps the Committee to assess whether our executive pay remains reasonable and competitive in the marketplace. Developed with the assistance of Cook, 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 because of those companies' similar business models. The following companies comprised the Comparator Group for fiscal 2017 executive pay decisions:
AetnaExpress ScriptsQuest Diagnostics
AmerisourceBergenFedExSysco
AnthemHenry ScheinThermo Fisher Scientific
Baxter InternationalHumanaUnited Parcel Service
Becton, DickinsonKimberly-Clark*UnitedHealth Group
Boston ScientificLabCorpWalgreens Boots Alliance
CIGNAMcKesson
CVS HealthOwens & Minor
* Removed for fiscal 2018 executive pay decisions.
The Committee, working with its compensation consultant, periodically reviews the group's composition to ensure that the companies remain relevant for comparison purposes. The Committee used the following screening criteria when it last reviewed the Comparator Group's composition:
revenue ranging from 0.2 to 2 times our annual revenue;
market capitalization ranging from 0.2 to 5 times our market capitalization;
inclusion in the peer group of 5 or more of the other companies in our Comparator Group; and
inclusion in our Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sub-industry group, Health Care Equipment and Services.
Our revenue has been in the top quintile of the Comparator Group, while our market capitalization has been in the third quintile.
Our Compensation Committee compares total direct compensation (base salary plus annual and long-term incentives) against the 50th percentile of the Comparator Group as a reference point in setting target compensation levels. In addition to
competitive market data, the 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.
Risk Assessment of Compensation Programs
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 Cook reviewed the risk assessment and concurred with management's conclusion.
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 Officer6x
Chief Financial Officer and Segment CEOs4x
Other executive officers3x
Non-management directors5x
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.
Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks")
Our incentive plans and 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 commits a material violation of law or of our Standards of Business Conduct that causes material financial harm to us.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Compensation Discussion and Analysis


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.
We discuss these provisions in more detail under “Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks")” on page 34.
Hedging and Pledging Shares
Our Board has adopted a policy prohibiting all employees and directors from engaging in short sales, publicly traded options, puts and calls, forward sale contracts and other swap, hedging and 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.
Equity Grant Practices
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.
Equity Dilution Practices
Our fiscal 2017 annual equity run rate was 0.8%. 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.
Submitted by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board.
David P. King, Chairman
Carrie S. Cox
Calvin Darden
Nancy Killefer


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29



Executive Compensation


Executive Compensation Tables
The table below summarizes fiscal 2017 compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers at June 30, 2017, the end of our fiscal 2017.
Summary Compensation Table
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
(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.
(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 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.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Executive Compensation


The amounts shown for “All Other Compensation” for fiscal 2017 include (a) 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
($)(a)
Total
($)
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 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. 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 amendment 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 termination in accordance with its terms.
As amended, the employment agreement provides, among other things, for Mr. Barrett:
to receive an annual base salary of at least $1,320,000;
to participate in our annual cash incentive award program with a target annual award of at least 150% of his annual base salary, payable based on performance objectives that our Compensation Committee determines in consultation with him; and
to receive an annual 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 subject to the Board's discretion based on both company and individual performance.
The agreement also provides that Mr. Barrett receives personal use of corporate aircraft, which currently is a maximum of $150,000.


Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
31



Executive Compensation


Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017
The table below supplements our Summary Compensation Table by providing additional information about our plan-based compensation for fiscal 2017.
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
(1)This information relates to annual cash incentive award opportunities with respect to fiscal 2017 performance.
(2)"Equity Incentive Plan Awards" are PSUs granted during the fiscal year under our 2011 LTIP that are eligible 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.


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Executive Compensation


Management Incentive Plan
Our key executive employees, including our named executives, were 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.
As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, 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 funding percentage determines the total pool for 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 operating 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.
The MIP allows the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, to make annual incentive awards to named executives 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
Under our 2011 LTIP, we may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, other stock-based awards and cash awards to employees. During fiscal 2017, we granted PSUs, nonqualified stock options and RSUs to our named executives, as shown in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017 table on page 32, under the 2011 LTIP. The plan 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 added one-year minimum vesting provisions to 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, upon 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 of 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 under the PSUs granted during fiscal 2017 based upon the achievement of the sum of non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR and average annual dividend yield over the performance period. A participant can 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. We describe how we calculate these measures under "Annual Cash Incentive and PSU Performance Measure Calculations” on page 34.


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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) adjusted to exclude annual cash incentive expense to the extent below or above target performance, contributions to the DCP and 401(k) Savings Plan when we exceed pre-established 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.
Tangible capital(1)
12-month average of total assets, lesstotal liabilities (other than interest-bearing long-term obligations), goodwill and other intangibles, net, and cash and equivalents.
PSUsSum of non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR and average annual dividend yield
Non-GAAP diluted EPS CAGR is non-GAAP diluted EPS(3) for the last fiscal year of the performance period divided by non-GAAP diluted EPS for the last fiscal year preceding the performance period; the quotient is then raised to the power of one divided by the number of years in the performance period.
Average annual dividend yield is the sum of all cash dividends paid per share during a performance period divided by the number of years in the performance period; the quotient is then divided by our closing share price on the grant date.
(1)We generally exclude the results of acquired or divested businesses from the adjusted non-GAAP operating earnings and tangible capital calculations if they are 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 operating earnings is operating earnings, excluding LIFO inventory credits and charges, restructuring and employee severance costs, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and gains and losses on disposal of assets and 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 losses on disposal of assets, net litigation recoveries and charges, loss on extinguishment of debt and tax benefits and expenses associated with each of the items mentioned above. For purposes of the PSUs, 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.
In addition to determining incentive compensation, we use the non-GAAP financial measures referenced above internally to evaluate our performance, evaluate the balance sheet, and engage in financial and operational planning 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 from Executive Misconduct ("Clawbacks")
The MIP and 2011 LTIP both authorize us 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 filed financial statements and the payment was based on 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.
Under 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 restate 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.


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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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35



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. We did not exceed the pre-established adjusted non-GAAP 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) of 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.


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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



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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37



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 recruitment 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 LTIP and MIP applicable to each of the named executives.
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 fiscal 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.


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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) he 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 bonus for the fiscal year of the termination (payable at the time annual bonuses are paid to other executives); (c) two times the sum of his annual base salary and target bonus for the fiscal year of the termination (payable in equal monthly installments over 24 months); (d) the ability to exercise all vested stock options for two years following termination (or, if shorter, the end of their stated term), 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 the 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 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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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 match 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”), urge the Board 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 Chairman of the Board shall be an independent director who has not previously served as an executive officer of the Company. The policy should be implemented so as not to violate any contractual obligations and should specify the process for selecting a new independent chairman if the chairman ceases to be independent between annual meetings of shareholders or if no independent director is available and willing 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.
Board oversight of opioid anti-diversion program. Our Board, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the entire Cardinal Health team care deeply about the devastation opioid abuse is inflicting on our families and communities and we are committed to helping solve this complex national public health crisis. We, like so many others across this nation, have family members, friends and colleagues who have been impacted by the devastating consequences of prescription drug overuse and abuse. We also have family members, friends and colleagues who rely on these medications to address suffering associated with terminal illnesses, painful neurological conditions, severe injuries and recovery from surgeries. We understand and take seriously our responsibility to ensure these medications are available for patients who need them, while maintaining rigorous control processes to prevent their diversion.
We are industry leaders in implementing state-of-the-art controls to combat the diversion of pain medications from legitimate uses. The opioid epidemic is a serious, multi-faceted problem that involves prescribing physicians, regulators, manufacturers, pharmacists and patients. We believe all participants must be active in combating this epidemic. Working together with our dedicated team of 85 anti-diversion specialists, our Board and management have been and remain actively engaged on this issue. We have had a leading role for nearly a decade in pioneering and supporting an impactful prevention and education program to combat opioid abuse and diversion under the umbrella of the Generation Rx program, which we developed in partnership with the Ohio State University School of Pharmacy. Moreover, our opioid anti-diversion program includes state-of-the-art, constantly adaptive, rigorous systems supported by our program specialists, including former Drug Enforcement Administration officials and state diversion regulators, who monitor and investigate suspicious orders using advanced analytics and other tools.
Our Board has been active in its oversight and review of the effectiveness of our opioid anti-diversion program, which includes regular briefings by management. In 2014, in response to a shareholder demand, an independent committee of the Board completed a review of our opioid anti-diversion program utilizing independent counsel. The committee found, among other things, that we had implemented and maintained a robust system of controls to detect and report suspicious orders and that the Board was well informed of those controls. Since that review, the Board has continued to actively focus on the effectiveness of our opioid anti-diversion program and support its continued enhancements through regular oversight reviews with management.
Board leadership structure. The Board, comprised of all independent directors other than Mr. Barrett, is responsible for the selection of the Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that Mr. Barrett is best suited to serve as Chairman because of his unique knowledge of our business, the healthcare industry and our shareholders. The Board ensures strong independent leadership through an active, empowered independent Lead Director and strong engagement from our independent directors. Our independent Lead Director is highly engaged and works closely with Mr. Barrett in developing Board meeting agendas, discussing our strategy and long-term capital deployment, and reviewing materials and other information prepared for the Board. In addition, he chairs regular executive sessions of the independent directors and provides feedback from these meetings to Mr. Barrett and other members of management. He also participates in outreach calls and in-person meetings with investors, and provides their feedback to the Board.
Under our current Board leadership structure and Mr. Barrett’s effective leadership, we have delivered strong performance and are executing a well-developed strategy focused on long-term shareholder value creation in the swiftly-changing healthcare environment. Mr. Barrett understands our long-term investment priorities and has led our company to strong performance since the August 2009 spin-off of CareFusion Corporation, when he became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In that time, our compound annual non-GAAP diluted earnings per share growth rate has been 13.4% and our total shareholder return (TSR) has been 272%§, as compared to 180% for the S&P 500 Index. Mr. Barrett possesses a sound customer- and investor-driven perspective and keen knowledge of our business, operations and the regulatory environment, allowing us to respond to rapid market and healthcare changes with a continued focus on our reputation, growth and long-term success. Moreover, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Barrett sets a powerful “tone from the top” which cascades throughout the organization.
In light of our Board’s active, effective, independent oversight of management, our success navigating through a difficult and rapidly evolving industry environment, and our strong controls and ongoing commitment to work with others to address the opioid crisis, our Board believes the current leadership structure operates effectively. The Board should retain responsibility to select the leadership structure that will best fit our circumstances and serve the best interests of our company and shareholders.
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this shareholder proposal.


___________
§
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 CorporateJohn M. Adams, Jr., Secretary, Cardinal Health, Inc., 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017 or sending an e-mailemail 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 Secretarycorporate 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”“Board Membership Criteria: What we look for” on pages 12 and 13.page 7. 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 CorporateJohn 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 20182020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a shareholder recommendation must be received no later than April 1, 2018.

2020.

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 48Shareholders” below 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 20182020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, Rule 14a-8, we must receive the proposal at our principal executive officeoffices not later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on May 24, 2018.23, 2020. The proposal should be addressed to our CorporateJohn M. Adams, Jr., 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 the SEC regulations.

rules.

If you intend to present a proposal for other business or a nomination for election to the Board of Directors, at our 20172020 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 Rule 14a-8)Act), 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 Secretarycorporate secretary at our principal executive officeoffices no earlier than July 11, 20189, 2020 and no later than the close of business on August 10, 2018.8, 2020. If the date of the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 8, 2018,6, 2020, 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 percent3% 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 Secretarycorporate secretary at our principal executive officeoffices no earlier than April 24, 201823, 2020 and not later than the close of business on May 24, 2018.23, 2020. If the date of the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, November 8, 2018,6, 2020, 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

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Corporate Governance Guidelines

You can find the full text of our 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.

This solicitation of proxies is made by and on behalf of the Board of Directors.Board. 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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Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement



Other Matters

Investor Relations department at 7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017, or call the Investor Relations Line at (614) 757-4757.757-1607. 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.

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By Order

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This proxy statement contains financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition to analyzing our business based on financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use these non-GAAP financial measures internally to evaluate our performance, 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. However, the non-GAAP financial measures that we use may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by us should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those 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 measures presented in this report for its own and for investors’ assessment of the Boardbusiness for the reasons identified below:

LIFOchargesandcredits are excluded because the factors that drive 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 Directors.our control and cannot be accurately predicted. The exclusion of LIFO charges and credits from non-GAAP metrics facilitates comparison of our current financial results to our historical financial results and to our peer group companies’ financial results.

Restructuringandemployeeseverancecosts are excluded 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 acquisition-related costs, which are directly related to an acquisition, but do not meet the criteria to be recognized on the acquired entity’s initial balance sheet as part of the purchase price allocation. These costs are also significantly impacted by the timing, complexity and size 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.

Lossonextinguishmentofdebt 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.

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 re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the reduction of the U.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 which the item is recorded. The gross, tax and net impact of each item are presented with our GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.

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Fiscal 2019 GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

(in millions, except for per share amounts)

Operating

Earnings

($)

Earnings/(Loss)

Before Income

Taxes

($)

Provision For

Income Taxes

($)

Net Earnings

Attributable to

Cardinal Health,

Inc.

($)

Diluted EPS

Attributable to

Cardinal Health,

Inc.

($)

GAAP

2,060

1,751

386

1,363

4.53

Restructuring and employee severance

125

125

32

93

0.31

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

621

621

148

473

1.57

Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets

(488)

(488)

(113)

(375)

(1.25)

Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net(1)

36

36

26

26

0.09

Transitional tax benefit, net

(9)

9

0.03

NON-GAAP(2)

2,353

2,044

453

1,589

5.28

(1)

We did not adjust our fiscal 2019 non-GAAP financial measures to exclude opioid-related litigation costs, which adversely impacted our fiscal 2019 non-GAAP operating earnings by approximately $66 million, or opioid-related compliance costs. Accordingly, our non-GAAP financial measures included opioid-related litigation and compliance costs.

(2)

Non-GAAP operating earnings is operating earnings excluding LIFO charges/(credits), restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, and litigation (recoveries)/charges, net. Non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. is net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. excluding LIFO charges/(credits), restructuring and employee severance, amortization and other acquisition-related costs, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, and litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, each net of tax, and transitional tax benefit, net. Non-GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. is non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

www.cardinalhealth.com
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JESSICA L. MAYER
Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate SecretaryCardinal Health  |  2019 Proxy Statement    56
September 21, 2017


Cardinal Health | 2017 Proxy Statement
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