8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

PFIZER INC 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Oct 28, 2009)

Filed October 28, 2009For Securities:PFE

Summary

This 8-K filing from Pfizer Inc. (PFE) on October 27, 2009, announces special compensation awards granted to two key executives: Frank D’Amelio, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Ian Read, Senior Vice President and Group President of Pfizer BioPharmaceutical Businesses. These awards were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on October 22, 2009, in recognition of their exceptional performance and leadership during the successful acquisition of Wyeth, which closed on October 15, 2009. The awards acknowledge the executives' extraordinary efforts in critical aspects of the Wyeth acquisition, including securing permanent debt financing amidst a challenging global financial crisis and making strategic organizational and leadership decisions to ensure a prompt integration and realization of the acquisition's projected benefits. The filing details the structure and value of these awards, providing insight into Pfizer's executive compensation practices and its commitment to retaining and incentivizing key personnel during significant corporate events.

Key Highlights

  • 1Pfizer Inc. granted special cash and equity awards to CFO Frank D’Amelio and Group President Ian Read.
  • 2Awards were given for outstanding performance and leadership in the acquisition of Wyeth.
  • 3The Wyeth acquisition was successfully completed on October 15, 2009.
  • 4Frank D’Amelio's award has a value of $1,200,000; Ian Read's award has a value of $1,000,000.
  • 5Awards are composed of 50% cash, 25% Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and 25% Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs).
  • 6Cash portion paid on October 26, 2009, with a clawback provision if employment is terminated for cause or voluntarily before October 30, 2010.
  • 7RSUs and TSRUs will be granted on October 30, 2009, vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, and settle in Pfizer common stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing is primarily to report on the special cash and equity awards granted to Pfizer's CFO, Frank D’Amelio, and Group President, Ian Read, to recognize their significant contributions to the successful completion of the Wyeth acquisition.

The special award for Frank D’Amelio was valued at $1,200,000, and the award for Ian Read was valued at $1,000,000.

Each award is structured into three components: 50% in cash, 25% in Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and 25% in Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs). The cash was paid out shortly after the award approval, while the equity components will be granted and are subject to vesting and performance conditions.

Both RSUs and TSRUs are scheduled to vest in full on the third anniversary of their grant date (October 30, 2009), provided the executive remains employed by Pfizer. RSUs will settle in shares of Pfizer common stock upon vesting. TSRUs will settle in shares of Pfizer common stock on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, with the value dependent on the change in Pfizer's stock price and dividend equivalents over that period.