8-KLeadership ChangesShareholder MattersExhibits & Filings

HCA Healthcare, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Apr 6, 2010)

Filed April 6, 2010For Securities:HCA

Summary

This 8-K filing from HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA), dated April 6, 2010, primarily details the adoption of the 2010 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (Senior Officer PEP) by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. This program establishes performance-based awards for executive officers, with EBITDA serving as the primary performance metric. Specific target award percentages of base salary are outlined for key executives, including the CEO and CFO, with provisions for threshold, target, and maximum performance levels impacting payout amounts.

Key Highlights

  • 1HCA adopted the 2010 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (Senior Officer PEP) to incentivize executive performance.
  • 2EBITDA is the primary performance metric for executive awards under the Senior Officer PEP.
  • 3Target awards for named executive officers range from 66% to 130% of base salary.
  • 4Payouts are tiered, with 100% of target for target performance, 25% for threshold performance, and up to 200% for maximum performance.
  • 5Awards above target performance levels will be paid 50% in cash and 50% in restricted stock units.
  • 6The program includes provisions for negative discretion by the Compensation Committee based on subjective performance evaluations, including quality metrics.
  • 7A written consent in lieu of an annual meeting resulted in the removal and re-election of the entire Board of Directors, effective April 28, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Senior Officer PEP is designed to motivate and reward the Company's executive officers based on the achievement of specific performance targets, primarily focusing on EBITDA, to align their interests with shareholder value.

Compensation is tied to performance against EBITDA targets. Executive officers can earn between 25% (threshold) and 200% (maximum) of their target award, with 100% of the target award paid for achieving target performance. Awards above the target level will be split 50% cash and 50% restricted stock units.

Yes, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to adjust awards negatively based on subjective evaluations of an executive's annual performance, including quality of performance metrics like CMS Core Measures and HCAHPS, although such adjustments are capped at 20% of the target award.

On April 1, 2010, the holder of over 97% of HCA's shares executed a written consent that removed and re-elected all members of the Board of Directors. This action is set to become effective on or about April 28, 2010.