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Edwards Lifesciences Corp 8-K Report, Code of Ethics Amendment (May 21, 2018)

Filed May 21, 2018For Securities:EW

Summary

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation filed an 8-K on May 21, 2018, detailing updates to its Code of Ethics, now referred to as the "Global Business Practice Standards" or "Titanium Book." The amendments, effective May 17, 2018, aim to clarify and strengthen various ethical guidelines. Key updates include enhanced sections on sustainability, information security, fraud prevention, and interactions with patients and stakeholders. These revisions reflect the company's commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and adherence to evolving best practices. The report also summarizes the results of the company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 17, 2018. All director nominees were elected, executive compensation was approved on an advisory basis, and the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal year 2018 was ratified. Notably, a stockholder proposal regarding action by written consent was not approved. These disclosures provide insights into corporate governance and shareholder engagement at Edwards Lifesciences.

Key Highlights

  • 1Edwards Lifesciences updated its Code of Ethics, now the "Global Business Practice Standards" (Titanium Book), effective May 17, 2018.
  • 2The revised code includes new and expanded sections on sustainability, information security, fraud, and patient interactions.
  • 3The amendments aim to improve language, appearance, style, and align with the Employee Handbook.
  • 4All director nominees were re-elected at the May 17, 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
  • 5Shareholders approved executive compensation on a non-binding advisory basis.
  • 6PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as the independent auditor for fiscal year 2018.
  • 7A proposal for action by written consent was not approved by shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce updates to Edwards Lifesciences' Code of Ethics (Global Business Practice Standards) and to report the voting results from its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Yes, the company updated its Code of Ethics with new and expanded sections covering areas like sustainability, information security, fraud prevention, and interactions with patients and stakeholders. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance and reflect current best practices.

Key outcomes include the election of all director nominees, approval of executive compensation on an advisory basis, and ratification of the independent auditor. However, a proposal for stockholders to act by written consent was not approved.

No, the filing explicitly states that the amendment to the Code of Ethics did not result in any waiver, explicit or implicit, of any provision of the company's previous code. The changes are presented as enhancements and clarifications rather than responses to specific violations.