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Baxter International

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FY1997 Annual Report · Baxter International
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Baxter International          

1997 Annual Report 

 
THE BUSINESSES OF BAXTER INTERNATIONAL

Blood Therapies
1997 Sales: $1.8 billion

I.V.Systems/Medical Products
1997 Sales: $2.1 billion

Core Business:

Baxter’s Blood Therapies businesses are global leaders in

Core Business:

Baxter’s I.V. Systems/Medical Products business is a leading

products and therapies used in transfusion medicine. The company is a

provider of medication-delivery products and systems that deliver fluids and drugs

leading developer and processor of therapeutic proteins used to treat hemophilia,

to patients. It is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of intravenous (IV)

immune deficiencies and other blood-related disorders. It also is a leading

products for use in hospitals and other health-care settings. Baxter manufactures

manufacturer of plastic blood-collection containers and automated blood-

about 800 different IV products, from IV fluids in plastic containers, to electronic

separation and collection systems, used by blood and plasma centers to collect

infusion pumps, to ambulatory IV delivery systems. Additionally, the company

blood and its components for use in a variety of applications.

sells select products of other companies in countries outside the United States.

Key Products: Recombinate™ Anti-hemophilic

factor (Recombinant) was the first genetically

engineered clotting factor for the treatment of

hemophilia A. Gammagard® S/D IGIV is a

viral-inactivated plasma-based derivative that

boosts weakened immune systems. The 1997

acquisition of Immuno International AG adds

Key Products: Baxter’s Viaflex ® container

was the first flexible, plastic IV container and

remains the standard for IV therapy world-

wide. The company’s Mini-Bag™ IV containers

carry the industry’s broadest line of premixed

drugs for IV delivery. In 1997, Baxter intro-

duced the Colleague™ volumetric infusion

to the company’s breadth of biopharmaceutical products, including vaccines

pump, which provides accurate, cost-effective electronic infusion for a broad

and specialized blood-coagulation therapies. The Fenwal Blood-Pack® unit is

range of therapeutic applications. The InterLink® IV access system was the

the world’s most widely used manual blood-collection container system. The

first “needleless” system for IV therapy and is used by nearly 2,000 health-care

company’s Amicus ™ separator is the most advanced automated instrument for

facilities worldwide. Other products include compounding equipment for mixing

the collection of platelets, a blood component essential for blood clotting.

IV nutrition solutions, ambulatory IV pumps, anesthesia products and automated

dispensing systems for solid pharmaceuticals.

Product Development:

The company is conducting clinical trials of its

hemoglobin therapeutic, or “blood substitute,” which is an oxygen-carrying

Product Development:

Baxter continues to expand its industry-leading line

intravenous solution derived from human hemoglobin. Unlike a unit of blood,

of premixed drugs. The company also is advancing its compounding technology

the product can be given to patients of any blood type, so it can be administered

to meet pharmacists’ needs for safety, efficiency and accuracy in preparing IV

rapidly, potentially improving oxygen delivery to patients’ vital organs. This may

nutrition solutions. The acquisition of Bieffe Medital S.p.A. adds new low-cost

save lives and reduce complications for trauma patients and others with acute

technology for manufacturing IV solutions containers without plasticized

medical conditions. Baxter expects to launch the product in 2000. Meanwhile,

polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This non-PVC container technology, which some

the company continues to expand its capabilities in recombinant technologies

customers prefer, complements Baxter’s IV and renal product lines.

to produce therapeutic proteins. Baxter also is developing pathogen-inactivation

technologies for blood components to enhance the safety of transfusion products.

Global Strategy:

The strategy of Baxter’s I.V. Systems/Medical Products

unit is twofold: in established markets, Baxter is using its position in basic IVs

Global Strategy:

To optimize its growth opportunities in transfusion medicine,

to introduce new, technologically advanced products and services that help

in 1997 Baxter realigned its Blood Therapies businesses around three markets:

customers increase productivity and reduce costs. In new markets, Baxter enters

biopharmaceuticals; products and systems for collecting, storing and separating

with products that meet its customers’ current requirements, then broadens its

blood and its components; and hemoglobin therapeutics. The company will

product offerings as health-care spending increases. The company’s acquisition

grow its established businesses by introducing new products, by investing

of Bieffe will allow Baxter to provide IV solutions more cost-effectively in

in recombinant and other technologies to enhance the safety and purity of its

emerging markets, and to participate in markets in which non-PVC containers

products, and by expanding globally. Today, more than half of these businesses’

are required. The company also continues to form alliances or joint ventures

sales come from Europe. Growth there, as well as in North America and Japan,

to market or manufacture IV products in developing countries, such as Argentina,

will come from new products. Growth in faster-growing, developing markets

Chile, China, Hungary and Turkey.

such as Asia and Latin America is fueled by established products such as

blood-pack units and plasma-derived factor concentrates. In hemoglobin

therapeutics, Baxter will continue to invest aggressively.

Renal
1997 Sales: $1.4 billion

CardioVascular
1997 Sales: $0.9 billion

Core Business:

Baxter’s Renal business is one of the world’s leading providers

Core Business:

Baxter’s CardioVascular Group is a global leader in the develop-

of products and services for kidney dialysis, a treatment for end-stage renal

ment and manufacture of products used to treat advanced heart disease and vascular

disease, a life-threatening condition in which the kidneys fail. The company is

disorders through conventional or minimally invasive surgical procedures. These

a global leader in the manufacture of products for peritoneal dialysis (PD), a

include a complete line of heart-valve replacement and repair products; disposable

home-based therapy that Baxter pioneered in the late 1970s. Baxter also manu-

medical devices, used to provide oxygen to the blood while the heart and lungs are

factures products for hemodialysis, which is administered at a hospital or clinic.

stopped during open-heart surgery; vascular products, used to remove clots from

Baxter pioneered hemodialysis in the 1950s.

peripheral blood vessels; cardiac-monitoring catheters; and contract perfusion services.

Key Products: Baxter’s Dianeal ® solutions

are the world’s leading brand of PD solutions,

which are administered by patients through

a surgically implanted catheter in their peri-

toneum, or lining of the abdominal cavity.

The peritoneum serves as the membrane

through which waste products are filtered and

Key Products:

The company’s Carpentier-

Edwards® pericardial heart valve, made from

the tissue that surrounds a cow’s heart, is

the world’s leading tissue heart valve due to

its durability and performance. Baxter’s

SpiralGold® oxygenator, used in cardiopul-

monary bypass, is one of a series of products

later drained from the body. The company’s Dianeal product line includes specially

coated with the company’s patented Duraflo ® heparin treatment, which reduces

formulated solutions for specific patient needs. Baxter’s Twin-Bag ™ container

blood clotting and resulting complications. The company’s Swan-Ganz ® catheter,

system (also called the UltraBag™ system) combines infusion and drainage pro-

used to measure cardiac output and pressures inside the heart, and the Fogarty®

cedures in one system, simplifying solution exchanges and reducing the chance

embolectomy catheter, used in vascular surgery, have been industry standards

of infection. One of Baxter’s most successful new products is the HomeChoice®

for more than 25 years.

automated PD machine. The lightweight, compact device cleanses the blood

overnight while the patient sleeps. Hemodialysis products include hemodialysis

Product Development:

Baxter is continuing to work with leading cardiovas-

machines, water-purification systems and dialyzers.

cular surgeons to develop new and enhanced heart-valve therapy products, both

tissue and mechanical, for valve replacement and repair. The company also is

Product Development:

Baxter continues to develop new PD solutions to

investing in products and technologies for minimally invasive cardiac and

manage specific patient conditions, new hardware systems to improve the quality

vascular surgery, building off of its 1997 acquisition of Research Medical, Inc.,

of dialysis, and other products to reduce costs and improve patient convenience

and its continued work in endovascular grafts for treating abdominal aortic

and quality of life. Baxter’s Nextran unit is a leader in research on xenotransplan-

aneurysms. The company’s Novacor® left-ventricular assist system is an

tation, or animal-to-human transplants. Our researchers are developing genetically

implantable, electronic pump that aids circulation in patients awaiting heart trans-

modified pig organs that someday could be transplanted safely into humans.

plantation. It has been approved in Europe as both a bridge and an alternative to

This research extends beyond kidneys to livers, hearts and lungs.

transplant, and currently is under regulatory review in the United States in the

bridge-to-transplant application.

Global Strategy:

There are more than 800,000 dialysis patients worldwide.

In many developing countries, thousands more go untreated. As the economies

Global Strategy:

Heart disease claims more lives and health-care dollars than

of these countries grow, so will dialysis treatment rates. Baxter’s strategy is to

any other medical ailment. Baxter’s strategy is to be a leader in providing products

increase PD penetration in developed countries and expand rapidly into less-

and services to treat advanced heart disease, aiding patients with the most life-

developed nations, where PD is the preferred treatment due to its lower start-up

threatening and cost-intensive conditions. Significant opportunities for Baxter

costs. Baxter also is aggressively expanding its two renal-service businesses.

are in such established markets as North America, Europe and Japan, where

In international markets, Baxter’s Renal Therapy Services unit operates dialysis

growth is driven by technological advancement. An aging worldwide population

clinics in partnership with leading local physicians and hospitals to increase

and the progressive nature of heart disease also will contribute to market demand

access to treatment, improve patient outcomes and reduce clinics’ operating

for Baxter’s products. And, as the economies of developing countries such as

costs. In the United States, Baxter’s Renal Management Strategies unit is

Brazil, China and India grow and more money is spent treating chronic health

partnering with nephrologists to use advanced disease-management techniques

conditions, they too, will represent significant growth markets for the company.

to improve the quality and reduce the cost of long-term renal care.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATING RESULTS

Net sales

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Income from continuing operations

before acquired research-and-development

(R&D) expense1

Income from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share from continuing

operations before acquired R&D expense1

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

Operational cash flow from continuing operations

before net litigation payments

INVESTMENTS

Capital expenditures

RETURNS

OTHER

Research-and-development expenses

Total shareholder return

Dividends per common share

Total assets

Net-debt-to-capital ratio

Stockholders’ equity

Common stockholders of record at year-end

1997

$6,138

$

$

652

300

$ 2.35

$ 1.08

$

$

$

432

496

392

1996

$ 5,438

$

$

575

575

$ 2.11

$ 2.11

$

$

$

587

398

340

25.9%

14.1%

$ 1.139

$8,707

$ 1.17

$ 7,596

46.9%

33.8%

$2,619

62,900

$ 2,504

65,400

See financial section for more information.

1.In 1997, the company recorded a $352 million charge for purchased R&D

relating to the acquisitions of Immuno International AG and Research Medical, Inc.

2.Bar chart reflects basic earnings per share before R&D charge referenced above.

6.0

4.0

2.0

0

600

400

200

0

2.50

1.50

.50

0

95

96

97

95

96

97

95

96

97

Net Sales
(in billions of dollars)

Operational Cash Flow
(in millions of dollars)

Basic Earnings Per Share
from Continuing Operations
(in dollars)

2

Table of Contents

Letter to Shareholders

Core Capabilities

Blood Therapies

I.V. Systems/ Medical Products

1

4

6

8

Renal

CardioVascular

Corporate Citizenship

Financial Information Index

10

12

14

16

A Message from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

A
A t Baxter International, we serve some of the world’s most chronic and critical health-care needs. It is important work. Important to the patients and

health-care professionals who use our products in 112 countries. Important to our employees, who know they are in the business of saving lives.

And important to our shareholders, who invest in the opportunity to advance the frontiers of medicine worldwide. Baxter today is executing its strategies of

global expansion and technological innovation in four businesses: blood therapies, intravenous (IV) therapy, renal therapy and cardiovascular medicine. 

These strategies enabled us to deliver attractive returns to our shareholders in 1997, and we are committed to doing so in 1998 and beyond.

Key Accomplishments

We made significant progress in 1997. We enhanced our technological superiority by introducing new products like our Amicus™ separator, an automated device

that collects blood components, and the Colleague™ infusion pump, which is setting new standards for ease of use and accuracy in IV therapy. We expanded all of

our businesses geographically, particularly in Asia and Latin America. And, our research-and-development initiatives made substantial progress in clinical testing.

Additionally, several key acquisitions improved both our technology base and our global reach. They included:

l Immuno International AG, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic proteins. Baxter’s and Immuno’s strengths—both in terms of product lines 

and geographic markets—are extremely complementary, and we believe this will lead to greater gains for our customers and shareholders.

l Research Medical, Inc. (RMI), a leader in products used for minimally invasive heart and vascular surgery. The combination expands our product 

offerings in one of the fastest-growing segments of cardiovascular care. 

l Bieffe Medital S.p.A., a leading dialysis, IV therapy and irrigation solutions business. Bieffe’s flexible non-PVC container technology and cost-effective 

1

manufacturing processes enable our Renal and I.V. Systems businesses to enter emerging markets more quickly.

Global expansion and technological innovation are the keys to our competitive edge. It’s great to be first, best or biggest in any business. In medical specialties

and markets where we operate, Baxter is often all three. That leadership drives growth and enables us to consistently meet our financial commitments to you. 

1997 Financial Commitments

l Increase sales 20 percent, including acquisitions; or approximately 10 percent excluding acquisitions. Sales grew 16 percent, including acquisitions

and before the impact of foreign exchange. Sales rose 6 percent, excluding acquisitions.

l Grow earnings in the low double digits. Income from continuing operations increased 13 percent, excluding a charge for acquired research and 

development related to the Immuno and RMI acquisitions.

l Generate $300 million to $400 million in operational cash flow before litigation payments, after investing approximately $1 billion for capital 

improvements and research and development. Baxter generated $432 million in operational cash flow before litigation payments, after spending 

$392 million in research and development and $496 million in capital expenditures.

Overall, total return to shareholders (including reinvested dividends) for 1997 increased 26 percent. 

This was greater than the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P Medical Products and Supplies 

Index. We also increased the dividend for the 41st consecutive year.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

Contributing to this performance is our practice of directly aligning management’s financial incentives with your interest as shareholders, through stock-

purchase programs, stock options and bonus plans based both on the achievement of our financial commitments and on stock-price appreciation. Your board 

of directors also is compensated primarily in Baxter stock. 

Our financial goals for 1998 are equally specific and ambitious. We expect to:

l Increase sales approximately 10 percent, before acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange.

l Grow earnings in the mid-teens, before the impact of foreign exchange, and in the low double digits after absorbing the impact of foreign exchange.

l Generate at least $500 million in operational cash flow. This will be after investing approximately $1 billion in capital improvements 

and research and development.

We intend to achieve our goals in 1998 and beyond by building on our strengths and sticking to our strategies.

Strategies and Strengths

Our strategy of technological innovation stretches back through a long line of firsts: first flexible, plastic container for IV fluids; first artificial kidney machine; 

first implantable heart valve; first Factor VIII clotting concentrate to treat hemophilia, and many more. Today, Baxter’s businesses are all based on expertise related

to the blood and circulatory system. What’s more, they share basic technologies. Our Blood Therapies, I.V. Systems and Renal businesses all use disposable

2

plastic containers to deliver solutions. All four businesses rely on sophisticated instrumentation to control everything from IV pumps to heart-lung machines.

To make the most of the strengths we share, and to encourage ongoing innovation, Baxter’s Technical Council brings together top scientists from throughout

the company. We operate three corporate research centers in the United States, Belgium and Japan. We also maintain vast scientific databases that are 

available to all our businesses worldwide.

Despite this expertise, we have aggressively built on our internal strengths by accessing technology developed elsewhere. We have expanded our product port-

folio in recent years by licensing and buying technology, acquiring companies and entering into joint ventures. This is one way we keep a new stream of ideas

flowing into the company to complement our existing base of knowledge.

During 1997, we continued to advance our clinical trials, several of which are testing products that represent breakthroughs in medicine. We became the first

company to begin Phase III clinical trials in trauma patients with a hemoglobin therapeutic, or “blood substitute.” Called HemAssist™ (Hemoglobin

Crosfumaril), this hemoglobin-derived solution is being tested for its ability to deliver oxygen to patients’ vital organs, potentially reducing complications 

or saving the lives of patients with significant blood loss. We expect to bring this product to market in late 1999 or early 2000. 

We also are pursuing potential breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, or animal-to-human transplants. Baxter added several sites to its clinical trial that uses

transgenic pig livers as an extracorporeal (outside the body) perfusion device as a bridge to transplant for patients suffering from acute liver failure. We hope to

complete this trial within the next year. Other trials, such as those for our Novacor® left-ventricular assist device, used to support patients with failing hearts;

and for a pulmonary medication-delivery device, which potentially will deliver medication to patients’ lungs more efficiently, are progressing well.

Besides being technologically adept, we also are committed to a strategy of global expansion. Our approach is market-by-market, developing and adapting

products and services for the specific state of each market’s medical system and economic infrastructure. We listen intently to our customers around the world,

then design and deliver products and services that meet their requirements. That’s what it means to be a truly global company.

These twin strategies of technological innovation and global expansion have proven very successful. Today, products that hold No. 1 market positions — many

of which we were the first to introduce — account for about 70 percent of sales. Thirty-six percent of our sales are from products introduced within the last 

five years. At the same time, more than 50 percent of sales, and 75 percent of earnings, come from outside the United States.

Elsewhere in this report, sections on our core capabilities and individual businesses explain how we will pursue these strategies in 1998 and beyond.

l Our Blood Therapies businesses will build on the Immuno acquisition to expand in Europe and elsewhere. They also will continue clinical trials for our

hemoglobin therapeutic in the United States and Europe, and for our pathogen-inactivation technologies.

l Our I.V. Systems/Medical Products business will aggressively market its new Colleague™ pump worldwide, while using technology acquired from 

Bieffe to complement and expand its geographic base.

l Our Renal business will expand peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis therapies into developed and emerging markets. It also will continue to expand its

two service businesses: Renal Therapy Services, which operates dialysis clinics overseas, and Renal Management Strategies Inc., a disease-management

organization focused on the U.S. market.

l Our CardioVascular business will build on its leadership in heart-valve therapy, as well as pursue opportunities in minimally invasive surgery and 

3

other developing treatments for late-stage cardiovascular disease.

Employees and Community

Behind all these plans and strategies stand the people of Baxter. Our employees are exceptionally dedicated. They work here not just to make a living, but also

to make a difference. To them, we pledge continued opportunity, support and respect. In 1997, we also reinforced our commitment to communities around the

globe where we live and work. Through direct donations, including disaster relief, and through our support of The Baxter Allegiance Foundation, we worked to

improve the availability and affordability of health care from Düsseldorf, Germany, to Cali, Colombia. It is a commitment that draws on our business skills as

well as the caring and dedication of Baxter people everywhere.

At Baxter, we are driven and inspired by our strategies of technological innovation and global expansion; by the chance to save lives and alleviate suffering

worldwide; by the opportunity to provide a challenging and rewarding work environment for our employees; and by the responsibility to generate outstanding

returns for our shareholders. During 1998, we have the opportunity, and the obligation, to achieve those goals once again. We will meet the challenge.

On behalf of the entire Baxter team,

Vernon R. Loucks Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

February 13, 1998

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

CORE CAPABILITIES

F
F or more than 60 years, Baxter has achieved many medical breakthroughs we all take for granted today. Intravenous therapy.

today share three core elements: expertise in technologies related to the blood and circulatory system, global leverage and

Kidney dialysis. Heart-valve replacement. Blood-component therapy. Building on this legacy of innovation, Baxter’s businesses

superior manufacturing capabilities.  

Baxter is a global leader in technologies related to

Baxter built on its expertise in basic IV solutions 

In 1997, the Smithsonian Institution recognized 

the blood and circulatory system. The company’s

to develop IV nutrition, premixed and frozen drugs,

two Baxter products for their contribution to medical

blood therapies businesses make products that 

dialysis solutions to cleanse the blood of kidney

science. Baxter’s Renal Link™ clinical software 

collect, separate and store blood, as well as thera-

patients, plasma-based solutions to treat hemophilia

system, which helps physicians evaluate patients 

peutic proteins derived from blood. Its renal 

and other diseases, and genetically manufactured

to achieve the best treatment, became part of the

products cleanse the blood. Cardiovascular products

therapeutic proteins. The company’s hemoglobin-

Smithsonian’s collection of products depicting 

keep blood pumping through the body. Intravenous

based “blood substitute”—now in clinical trials 

innovation in information technology. The Isolex®

(IV) products infuse drugs and other solutions 

into the blood. 

Throughout its history, Baxter has capitalized on

expertise in select core technologies to develop a

steady stream of product innovations across busi-

nesses. Because many of these products are based

4

on related technologies, they are produced in the

same manufacturing plants. The company further

leverages its expertise geographically, extending the

reach of its life-saving products to patients 

around the world.

History of Innovation

An estimated 3,000 patients die each year in the United

States awaiting an organ transplant, and another 100,000

patients die never having qualified for a place on the 

donor-organ waiting list. Nextran’s efforts to make porcine

organs more acceptable for the human immune system 

magnetic cell separator, currently used in clinical

studies, was included in an exhibit commemorating

the 25th anniversary of the National Cancer Act.

The Isolex system collects stem cells, the “parents”

of all other blood cells, for infusion into cancer

patients to rebuild their immune systems following

high-dose chemotherapy.

Extending Expertise Across Borders

Baxter’s operating experience extends to nearly

every type of political and health-care system in the

world. This experience translates into tremendous

global penetration—more than 50 percent of the

company’s sales come from outside the United

When the company was founded in 1931, Baxter’s

may help to alleviate this critical shortage.

States, and represent the company’s fastest-growing

first products were a line of five IV solutions supplied

markets. Many of Baxter’s leading product lines—

in glass containers. These products were the first

and targeted for release in the year 2000 pending

Recombinate™ Anti-hemophilic factor (Recombinant),

commercially manufactured IV solutions, making

regulatory approval—is the latest example of how

Fenwal blood-collection systems, Swan-Ganz®

life-saving IV therapy a reality. This technology 

Baxter uses its expertise in both blood derivatives

catheters, Carpentier-Edwards® heart valves,

led to the introduction of the first sterile, vacuum

and IV infusion technology to create potential

Dianeal® PD solutions, and others—are leaders 

blood-collection containers, which made blood

breakthrough products.

in the markets in which they are sold. 

banks practical for the first time. When the company’s

Fenwal business developed the first flexible, plastic

Xenotransplantation also has potential application

A key factor in the company’s success in global

blood-collection system in the 1950s, it led directly

across Baxter’s businesses—particularly for the

markets is its practice of recruiting employees who

to the creation of Baxter’s Viaflex® product line 

company’s Renal and CardioVascular units. This

understand the business culture, customs, 

of plastic IV bags, containers for peritoneal-dialysis

involves the genetic modification of animal organs

(PD) solutions, and other Baxter products.

for transplant into humans. The technology is 

being developed by Baxter’s Nextran unit, which is 

conducting research with hearts, kidneys, livers

and potentially other organs.

health-care system and practices, and government

Leveraging Manufacturing Excellence

sets plant in Sherbrooke, Canada, was chosen by

policies of the markets in which they work. This

Every Baxter manufacturing plant around the world

the Province of Quebec as the first recipient of its

enables Baxter to more effectively tailor its leadership

takes advantage of the expertise the company has

Le Qualimètre Award, recognizing the facility’s 

in key areas of technology to grow local markets. 

developed over the years as a leading producer 

dedication to total quality. In Belgium, Baxter’s

For example, Baxter is a global leader in PD products

of critical health-care products. When Baxter 

Lessines plant was named factory of the year by

and services. Two years ago, the company decided

establishes a PD solutions plant in a country, it is

a panel comprised of industrial representatives 

to begin operating dialysis centers outside the

well along the road to being able to produce IV

who assessed the manufacturing excellence of

United States, frequently partnering with local

solutions, blood-collection containers and other

more than 200 companies.

physicians. Baxter’s Renal Therapy Services (RTS)

products that use similar manufacturing technolo-

unit now has nearly 70 centers in Asia, Latin America 

gies. Baxter plants share expertise in plastics 

Baxter’s core capabilities will continue to drive the

and Europe, and has more than doubled its patient 

extrusion, heat-sealing and filling, sterilization 

growth of the company. As new technologies come

base since 1996. Baxter expects RTS to continue its 

and many other processes.

on board, the company will remain true to its mis-

significant growth in 1998, particularly in Europe.

sion of leveraging its technological expertise, its 

The company’s electron-beam sterilization system

is one example. It was developed to sterilize a 

particular part on the disposable blood-collection

kits used with Baxter’s CS-3000® blood-cell 

separator. These kits are manufactured at Baxter’s

facility in Mountain Home, Arkansas, which also 

produces most of the plastic sheeting used in

Baxter’s IV, PD and blood-collection containers

around the world. This “E-beam” technology, which

provides a pinpoint stream of energy to sterilize

specific plastic components, has several 

applications across the company.

Baxter manufacturing worldwide adheres to the

5

In 1997, Baxter’s manufacturing facility in Singapore earned

the Singapore Quality Award, the country’s highest recognition

of quality excellence. The facility manufactures intravenous

tubing and electronic infusion systems. 

highest standards of quality. In 1997, the company’s

global presence and its manufacturing excellence 

operation in Singapore, which manufactures IV

to bring quality products and services to more and

Baxter’s Renal Therapy Services (RTS) unit partners with 

nephrologists outside the United States to operate dialysis

clinics dedicated to advancing the treatment of kidney 

disease. RTS provides clinical and administrative services

that help nephrologists deliver quality care most cost-

effectively, improve patient outcomes and expand patient

access to a full range of therapies.

To fully realize its global potential, Baxter last year

administration sets and electronic infusion pumps,

more patients around the world.

created regional boards to direct the company’s

won the Singapore Quality Award, that country’s

activities on a regional basis. These boards, repre-

highest award for outstanding quality management

senting Europe, Japan, Asia, North America and

systems. Other Baxter operations that have won

Intercontinental (Latin America, Eastern Europe, 

national quality awards include those in

the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and other

Toongabbie, Australia, in 1991; Lessines, Belgium,

countries), include individuals from all four Baxter

in 1992; Cali, Colombia, in 1994; and Alliston,

business segments to capitalize on growth opportu-

Canada, in 1996. Also in 1997, the company’s IV

nities in specific markets. The boards work closely

with Baxter’s operating units to ensure an efficient,

cohesive strategy for global growth that leverages all

of the company’s capabilities on a worldwide basis.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

HELPING PATIENTS LEAD MORE FULFILLING LIVES

J
J ohn Bacich’s most valuable time during his 30

years with Baxter’s Hyland division has been

spent with people with hemophilia. Baxter is

the world’s leading manufacturer of plasma-based and

therapeutic proteins derived from human blood plasma.

Hyland, in addition to producing Factor VIII, processes

albumin, a blood-volume expander for burn victims and

other critically ill patients, and intravenous gamma glob-

recombinant Factor VIII, the clotting factor missing

ulins, used to treat patients with immune deficiencies.

from the blood of most people with hemophilia.

Immuno processes numerous other plasma derivatives,

“I remember when parents had to drive long distances

including albumin and additional factor concentrates,

several times per month to get their children with hemo-

immunoglobulins targeted at specific diseases, and a

philia transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma, before there

fibrin sealant used to stop patients’ bleeding.

was factor concentrate,” says Bacich, co-president,

Hyland and Immuno also combine their industry-

Hyland/Immuno. “I’ve seen Baxter pioneer countless

leading plasma-screening and viral-inactivation

technological advances to turn hemophilia from a debili-

technologies for increased product safety, and their

tating disease to one which, while still requiring chronic

research and production capacity. Baxter can now

therapy, enables more patients to live full, productive lives.

process more than three million liters of plasma a year.

That’s what keeps me motivated and working at Baxter.” 

Additionally, the company’s recombinant manufacturing

Today, the biggest concern of the hemophilia popu-

facility in Thousand Oaks, California, will provide 

lation, Bacich says, is product safety. “A close second 

significant potential for the future.

is always having a steady supply of product.” Baxter’s

Anderson says that no company has more expertise

acquisition of Immuno International AG enhances the

in blood therapies than Baxter. “Burn victims go home

company’s capabilities in both of these areas, while adding

from the hospital more quickly. Hemophilia patients

6

many products to treat a host of other conditions.

lead more productive lives. Cancer patients recover from

In 1997, Baxter completed its acquisition of

treatment with less-serious side effects. That’s why our

Immuno, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic

expertise in blood therapies is critical.”

proteins. This acquisition increases Baxter’s global

Elsewhere in Baxter’s Blood Therapies businesses,

reach, allowing the company to serve more patients.

the company’s HemAssist™ (Hemoglobin Crosfumaril)

The greatest expansion is in Europe, where Immuno

hemoglobin therapeutic progressed to final-stage 

derives more than three-quarters of its sales. “It also

clinical testing. The Amicus™ separator, used for the

opens up opportunities for Immuno’s products in the

collection of blood components, was introduced to U.S.  

United States, Latin America, Japan and Asia, where

customers. Finally, Baxter combined the assets of its

Baxter has a stronger presence,” says Tim Anderson,

Immunotherapy division with VIMRX Pharmaceuticals

Baxter group vice president.

Inc. to form a new company to develop cellular therapies

The acquisition greatly broadens Baxter’s line of

to fight cancer and other diseases.

Marilène, a cancer patient and mother of two, had Tisseel® fibrin sealant applied to help heal wounds

resulting from radiation therapy to her face. By promoting fast, safe and effective wound healing, 

the therapy enabled her to eat normally again in a relatively short period of time, 

further aiding her recovery.

Transfusio

A surgeon in France prepares to administer Tisseel® fibrin sealant, which is used to control intraoperative bleeding

in surgical procedures. It consists of fibrinogen and thrombin, two blood proteins that, when mixed, form a natural

clotting substance called fibrin to stop bleeding and seal internal wounds. Developed by Immuno International AG,

Tisseel is one of a number of wound-management products Baxter plans to introduce in the coming years. 

n Medicine

Market Demand for Amicus™ Kits 
(number of kits in thousands)

Market demand continues to grow 
for Baxter's Amicus separator, 
the industry's most efficient 
platelet-collection device. 

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Total

North America

Europe

Japan

mid-1995               1996                           1997

  One kit is used for each platelet-collection procedure.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

A LIFELINE FOR LIFE’S SMALLEST PATIENTS

T
T he neonatal intensive-care unit (ICU) of the

about 700 high-risk and premature infants a

Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, treats

year—from babies born with complex heart problems

"It satisfies the one need that hadn't previously

been met for patients, and that is a very accurate pump

that can be used in a wide range of applications

throughout the hospital," says Jack McGinley, group

to premature infants weighing as little as 10 ounces. 

vice president, I.V. Systems/Medical Products.

As one of the nation’s leading neonatal ICUs, the 

Customers played a key role in the product's

hospital served as a test site for Baxter’s Colleague™

development, according to Dave Drohan, president,

volumetric infusion pump.

I.V. Systems, who led the crusade to acquire the core

Introduced in 1997, the Colleague pump is an 

technology for the Colleague pump from a European

electronic infusion pump that provides more precise

company in 1993. "We listened to our customers and

flow rates, can be used for all types of patients and is

gave them the product they were asking for."

easier to use than existing devices when infusing 

In addition to its clinical benefits, the Colleague

intravenous (IV) solutions into patients. The pump can

pump also can be used with standard Baxter IV sets

deliver flow rates as low as 0.1 milliliters an hour and

rather than more expensive IV administration cassettes.

as high as 1,200 milliliters an hour. This wide range

"This cost-effectiveness is a significant competitive

allows it to be used in virtually any clinical setting—

advantage," Drohan says. "Colleague offers the eco-

from the neonatal ICU, where the smallest dosages must

nomic benefits of a standard-set pump, yet it is as 

be delivered with the highest degree of accuracy, to the

accurate as pumps that require expensive cassettes."

emergency room, where trauma victims may require

Drohan estimates that the Colleague pump will 

large volumes of fluid.

represent 90 percent of Baxter’s IV pump sales by 

8

“We had one baby on the Colleague who weighed

year-end 1998. "This pump positions us for continued 

less than a pound and required seven IV lines running

leadership in the electronic flow-control marketplace."

simultaneously,” says Cheryl Colgan, clinical educator

Elsewhere in the I.V. Systems/Medical Products

for the neonatal ICU at Children’s Hospital. “For cases

business, the acquisition of Bieffe Medital S.p.A. broadens

this complex, we have not found any other pump that

Baxter's ability to serve the global IV market. Bieffe adds

meets our needs as well as the Colleague pump.”

new, low-cost non-PVC container technology that gives

Following the pump’s successful trial in the neonatal

Baxter a strong competitive position in several inter-

ICU, it was brought back in for trials in the pediatric ICU.

national markets. Other acquisitions and joint ventures 

“They loved it as well,” Colgan says. The hospital, 

outside the United States also were completed in 1997 as

which previously employed three different types of IV

part of the company's initiative to globalize its IV business.

pumps, now plans to replace all of its pumps with

A main area of emphasis is Latin America, where sales 

the Colleague pump.

of the company's IV products grew 11 percent in 1997.

Nathan Denault, with his parents Steve and Crystal, was the first patient to be treated with the

Colleague™ pump in clinical trials last spring. Because he was born 12 weeks prematurely and weighed

only two pounds, he could receive only an extremely small amount of fluids. Nathan benefited from 

the Colleague pump’s ability to deliver flow rates as low as 0.1 milliliters an hour.

Medicati

The Colleague™ pump is manufactured in Baxter’s Singapore plant. The facility, which also manufactures

solution-administration sets and components for the company’s InterLink® “needleless” intravenous 

(IV) access system, is the largest IV pump manufacturing plant in the world. Baxter introduced 

the Colleague pump in 1997.

onDelivery

Global IV Manufacturing Presence 

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR A DEADLY DISEASE

F
F ifty-year-old jewelry craftsman Antonio Romero

of Mexico City was diagnosed with end-stage

renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, in

September 1994. 

specially formulated solutions for specific patient 

needs. These include low-calcium solutions for 

patients who have problems managing their calcium

level; Extraneal™, a polyglucose solution for patients

The most common treatment for ESRD in most

who require a higher fluid-removal rate; and Nutrineal™, 

parts of the world is hemodialysis, a therapy pioneered

an amino-acid-based solution that provides nutrition

by Baxter in the 1950s, in which the patient’s blood 

for patients who suffer from malnutrition.

is filtered through a machine outside the body to 

Baxter also has begun to introduce its Twin-Bag™

eliminate waste normally removed by healthy kidneys. 

PD solution container in developing markets. The product

Like an increasing number of nephrologists, however,

combines infusion and drainage in one system, simplify-

Romero’s doctor instead prescribed peritoneal dialysis

ing solution exchanges and reducing infection rates.

(PD), a newer, faster-growing therapy introduced by

In developed markets, automated peritoneal dialysis

Baxter in 1978.

(APD) is the fastest-growing form of therapy. Baxter has

Unlike hemodialysis, PD is a home-based therapy. 

fueled much of this growth with its HomeChoice® APD

It uses the body’s peritoneal membrane as a filter to

machine. The lightweight, compact device cleanses 

cleanse the blood rather than external pumping and 

the blood overnight while the patient sleeps. 

filtering equipment, offering significant cost and lifestyle

Elsewhere in Baxter’s Renal business, the company’s

advantages. “Being a home therapy, with flexible 

acquisition of Bieffe Medital S.p.A. will broaden its

scheduling of solution exchanges, PD makes it easier 

position in the global renal market. Baxter also continued

for patients to work and lead a normal home life,” says 

to expand its Renal Therapy Services (RTS) business,

10

Dr. Mario Matos Martínez of the Centro Médico “La

which operates dialysis centers in partnership with local

Raza.” “It represents a better quality of life for patients.”

physicians in a number of countries outside the United

Baxter is the world’s leading provider of products

States. RTS doubled the number of patients it served 

for PD. The therapy is growing fastest in developing 

in 1997 to more than 5,200, and plans to aggressively

markets, where patients lack access to dialysis centers

expand in Europe in 1998. In the United States, Baxter’s

or kidney transplants. “Without treatment, patients 

Renal Management Strategies unit and Humana Inc.

with ESRD will die. In some countries, PD is the

signed the industry’s first national managed-care 

patient’s only option,” says Don Joseph, group vice

agreement for kidney-disease patients, designed to

president, Renal.

improve patient outcomes while reducing costs. In

To enhance the therapy, Baxter continues to intro-

1998, Baxter plans to introduce a new hemodialysis

duce new products. The company’s Dianeal® product

instrument with advanced features to improve its 

line of PD nutritional solutions has evolved to include

position in the hemodialysis market.

Mexico City student Alma Lilia Martínez is able to lead an active life thanks to peritoneal dialysis (PD), 

a home-based therapy introduced by Baxter in the late 1970s. The therapy is particularly popular in 

developing markets due to its low start-up costs compared to hemodialysis. Baxter is the world’s 

leading provider of products and services for PD.

Kidney

Each month, Baxter Renal Service Specialist Martín Ramírez delivers peritoneal-dialysis (PD) solutions to kidney-disease

patient Antonio Romero of Mexico City. More than 90 percent, or 15,000, of Mexico’s dialysis patients are on PD, 

which is the second-largest number of PD patients in the world after the United States. Baxter introduced 

home delivery of PD solutions in Mexico in 1996. 

Dialysis

1,500

    1,000

500

0

e
p
o
r
u
E

n
a
p
a
J

a
i
s
A

a
d
a
n
a
C

s
e
t
a
t
S
d
e
t
i
n
U

a
c
i
r
e
m
A
n
i
t
a
L

Dialysis Patients Worldwide 
(patients per million population)

The number of patients being
treated for kidney disease varies 
dramatically by geography.
Baxter's strategy is to increase
access to dialysis worldwide.

Source: Baxter estimates
and national registries.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

 
 
FIGHTING THE WORLD’S NO.1 KILLER

W
W hen Sandra Austhof’s heart valve began 

and nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic 

to fail, this mother of two young sons 

Foundation had three treatment options: replace it with

over the next five years, its valves and valve-repair pro-

ducts will be used in half of such procedures performed

in the United States. 

Also contributing to growth in Baxter’s Cardio-

a tissue valve, made from human or animal tissue;

Vascular business is the trend toward minimally invasive

replace it with a mechanical valve, made from carbon,

surgery. Baxter is developing products for both “beating”

titanium or other substances; or repair it with an annu-

and “stopped” heart minimally invasive procedures,

loplasty product. Austhof’s surgeon opted to implant

drawing from the company’s well-established franchises

Baxter’s Cosgrove Edwards® annuloplasty system, which

in heart-valve therapy, cardiac access and support, 

is used to reshape and repair defective heart valves.

perfusion technologies and services, and critical-care 

Baxter is a world leader in heart-valve therapy, 

monitoring systems. The 1997 acquisition of Research

providing every treatment option for patients undergoing

Medical, Inc. adds a number of other products for both

heart-valve procedures, including replacement valves—

conventional and minimally invasive cardiac surgery 

tissue (bovine and porcine), mechanical and human—

to Baxter’s portfolio. 

and repair rings, like the one that Austhof received. 

“Our goal is to provide products to surgeons that

Austhof had been hoping that her heart valve could

enable them to use the therapeutic approach that best

be repaired, which would permit many of the quality-

suits their patients’ needs, whether this means using

of-life benefits also associated with tissue valves. Had

conventional or minimally invasive methods,” says

a mechanical valve been implanted, Austhof would have

Mike Mussallem, group vice president, CardioVascular.

been required to take life-long blood-thinning medica-

To broaden its heart-valve portfolio, in 1997 Baxter

12

tions, eliminating her ability to have more children.

signed an agreement with the American Red Cross 

“I felt shocked and frightened when I first learned

to market human-tissue valves that have been cryopre-

about the seriousness of my condition,” Austhof said.

served. Baxter also received European regulatory 

“Once the surgery was over, I was so relieved. I knew 

clearance to market its Edwards MIRA™ bileaflet

I made it and was going to survive.” 

mechanical heart valve, and plans to initiate U.S. clinical

Cardiovascular disease is among the top three 

trials in 1998.

diseases in terms of health-care spending worldwide.

The company also continued its work with leading

Baxter’s CardioVascular business focuses on late-stage

clinicians to fight cardiovascular disease. Baxter signed

cardiovascular disease, the fastest-growing segment 

a multiyear agreement with the Lerner Research Institute 

of this marketplace. 

of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to jointly develop

Nearly a quarter-million heart-valve procedures will

new products and processes to treat late-stage 

be performed worldwide in 1998. Baxter estimates that

cardiovascular disease. 

Sandra Austhof, shown here with her husband Joel and their sons, Bradley and Jared, is one of a 

growing number of people who have opted to have their heart valves repaired rather than replaced. 

Austhof received Baxter’s Cosgrove Edwards® annuloplasty system. Baxter is a world 

leader in both replacement heart valves and valve-repair products.

Cardiovasc

U.S. Heart-Valve Procedures, 1996 

Dr. Delos M. Cosgrove, chairman of the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation,

performs minimally invasive surgery to repair a patient’s defective heart valve. Baxter heart valves and valve-repair 

products are used in the majority of these procedures. The Cleveland Clinic is the world’s largest cardiovascular 

center, providing care to more cardiovascular patients than any other hospital. 

54%
Tissue Valves/
Repair Rings

46%
Mechanical
Valves

ular Therapy

The U.S. market continues to shift 
to tissue products used in heart-valve
replacement and repair.

Source: Baxter estimates.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

B
B axter and its employees play a vital role in producing life-saving products and services for patients around the world. 

The company also plays an important role in the communities in which it does business. From product donations and 

health-related grants, to environmental stewardship, volunteerism and support of women- and minority-owned businesses, 

Baxter is making a positive and far-reaching impact. 

Worldwide Philanthropy

of health care. The foundation's grant supports a

They helped renovate homes for the elderly, staffed

The Baxter Allegiance Foundation’s grant-making

mobile clinic that offers medical care to homeless

homeless shelters and raised funds for medical

initiatives extend across international borders,

people living in the streets of Düsseldorf. The

research. In Northern Illinois, hundreds of Baxter

helping to improve access to health care on three

German Medical Society has since registered the

employees participated in the Y-ME campaign

continents. In 1997, the foundation provided 

clinic as an official medical facility, qualifying it for

against breast cancer. Baxter employees from

millions of dollars in philanthropic gifts in the

government funding and eliminating the need for

Europe and the United States volunteered as camp

United States, Europe, Latin America and Mexico.

future foundation grants.

counselors at the Barretstown Gang Camp in

Next year, the foundation will further expand its

County Kildare, Ireland, where seriously ill children

geographic reach to include Japan and Asia.

l Community health, Los Angeles, California.

learn and play together in a nurturing environment. 

In 1997, the foundation continued to strengthen its

concentration of medically uninsured people in the

To support education, Baxter sponsored four teams

community ties through several collaborative part-

United States, nearly one-third of whom are under

in the FIRST national robot tournament. FIRST 

South Central Los Angeles (L.A.) has the highest

14

Medizinische Hilfe für Wohnungslose Düsseldorf, a mobile

clinic providing care to the homeless, was one of numerous

organizations that received grants from The Baxter 

Allegiance Foundation.

age 15. Additionally, it has the highest incidence 

of poverty in L.A. County. A foundation grant is

enabling the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine

and Science to reopen public health clinics in the

area that had been closed due to county fiscal con-

straints, and to extend its ambulatory care training

program to prepare the next generation of health

professionals to work in medically underserved 

and indigent communities.

Providing a Lifeline During Crises

Through the international relief organization,

AmeriCares, last year Baxter and Allegiance 

Corporation donated nearly $5 million in medical

Many Baxter employees volunteer their time to worthy causes

in their local communities. Ricky Bartlett, a sterilizer operator

at Baxter’s manufacturing plant in Marion, North Carolina, 

is a volunteer for the McDowell County Rescue Squad.

nerships with local institutions and community 

supplies to people around the world coping with

(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and

groups, and by providing grants to 190 

inadequate medical care and supplies, natural 

Technology) is a non-profit organization that 

programs, including:

disasters and the effects of war. Since 1987, Baxter

establishes business, community and student part-

l Care for the homeless, Düsseldorf, Germany.

million in medical supplies through AmeriCares. 

youth to learn about science and technology

Germany's high unemployment rate, coupled with

through participative and competitive activities. 

and Allegiance together have donated nearly $100

nerships dedicated to inspiring and encouraging

the growing number of refugees from the war in

Making a Difference in Our Communities

Bosnia, have created a homeless population of

Reflecting Baxter's commitment to community 

Many of Baxter’s employee volunteer efforts led to

nearly one million people, many critically in need

service, Baxter employees across the globe were

additional support through the company’s Dollars

active in a variety of volunteer activities. 

for Doers program. Funded by The Baxter 

l Cutting hazardous and other regulated waste 

The company's efforts to provide a supportive 

Allegiance Foundation, the program provides

disposal 1.2 million pounds worldwide between  

environment for its employees was recognized by

grants to organizations in the United States where

1989 and 1996. 

employees volunteer. The foundation also matches

BusinessWeekmagazine when it named Baxter as

one of the top 30 family-friendly companies in the

employee donations to qualifying health and 

l Reducing product packaging by 39 million 

United States. BusinessWeekcited a corporate 

educational organizations.

pounds between 1990 and 1996.

culture that strongly supports a balance between

the demands of work and family life. During the

Focusing on Safety and the Environment

Baxter subscribes to a number of voluntary 

year, Baxter published a seminal study on work-

Baxter has set aggressive health, safety and 

environmental, health and safety initiatives 

and-life conflicts that has become an industrywide

environmental goals in an effort to provide a safe 

worldwide. These currently include the U.S.

guide for work-and-life issues. Additionally, for the

workplace for its employees, and to respect the

Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWi$e

second consecutive year, Baxter was named to 

environment in the communities in which it operates. 

waste-reduction program and the International

HISPANICmagazine’s Hispanic Corporate 75.

Chamber of Commerce’s Business Charter for

In health and safety, Baxter continues to make

Sustainable Development. The company also is 

Baxter is committed to helping its employees

strides. The company's Renal business received 

a member of the Coalition for Environmentally

develop to their full potential, regardless of cultural

the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health

Responsible Economies (CERES), the Health

background, gender or position. In 1997, the 

Administration's highest honor in the agency's

Resources Conservation Coalition and numerous

company continued to invest in programs that 

Voluntary Protection Program for its outstanding

other organizations.

recognize employee contributions and acknowledge

management of health and safety. Additionally,

more than half of Baxter's facilities worldwide

reported no lost workdays due to work-related

injuries or illness in 1997.

Baxter's efforts to cut air toxic emissions, reduce

energy consumption, improve packaging and

reduce the amount of waste going to landfills are

paying off. Over the last three years, Baxter's 

environmental initiatives have yielded more than

$100 million in savings and cost-avoidance. Other

environmental milestones for the company include: 

l Achieving 100 percent compliance with the com-

15

the diversity of their needs. Forty-four percent of

Baxter's management and professional positions 

in the United States are held by women, and 

nearly 18 percent by minorities. Women and

minorities make up 36 percent of the company’s

board of directors.

The annual reports of The Baxter Allegiance

Foundation and Corporate Environmental, Health

and Safety are available by writing either group at:

Baxter employees have reduced waste, cut air emissions 

and implemented many other environmental initiatives in

company facilities around the world. Baxter received more

than 20 awards in 1997 for its environmental efforts.

Baxter International Inc.

One Baxter Parkway

Deerfield, Illinois 60015-4633

pany's state-of-art environmental management 

Valuing Employees

standards by all company facilities worldwide.

Shared Values—Respect, Responsiveness and

l Reducing air toxic and chlorofluorocarbon 

employees conduct themselves on a daily basis.

emissions by 94 percent between 1988 and 1996.

They define our responsibilities to customers,

Results—are the principles by which Baxter

shareholders, suppliers, the community and 

l Recycling 58 million pounds of materials, 

each other.

including more than two million pounds of 

paper, in 1996.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

T

his discussion and analysis presents the factors that had a material effect on Baxter International Inc.’s (Baxter, or, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the company)

cash flows and results of operations during the three years ended December 31, 1997, and the company’s financial position at that date. This discussion and analysis

should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company and related notes.

KEY FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

1997 OBJECTIVES

RESULTS

• Generate $300 million in operational cash flow, 

• The company generated $432 million of operational cash flow in 1997, before litigation payments.

before litigation payments.

• Increase net sales approximately 10% before the 
impact of 1997 acquisitions and 20% including 
1997 acquisitions.

• Net sales increased 3% before the impact of acquisitions and increased 13% including acquisitions. 

Excluding the effect of a stronger U.S. dollar, net sales increased 6% before acquisitions and 16% including
acquisitions. 

• Achieve growth in income from continuing operations 

• Income from continuing operations increased 13%, excluding the in-process research and development charge

in the low double digits.

relating to the acquisitions discussed below.

17

COMPANY AND INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Baxter is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of products and technologies related to the blood and circulatory system. The company has market-leading positions 

in four businesses within this segment of the medical products and services industry: Blood Therapies, which develops biopharmaceutical and blood-collection and separation

products and technologies; I.V. Systems/Medical Products, which develops technologies and systems to improve intravenous medication delivery, and distributes medical

products; Renal, which develops products and services to treat kidney disease; and CardioVascular, which develops products and provides services to treat late-stage heart

disease and vascular disorders.

The company generates more than 50% of its revenues outside the United States. While health-care cost containment continues to be a focus around the world, demand for health-

care products and services continues to be strong worldwide, particularly in developing markets such as Latin America and Asia. The company’s strategies emphasize global

expansion and technological innovation to advance medical care worldwide.

The health-care marketplace continues to be competitive. There has been consolidation in the company’s customer base and by its competitors, which has resulted in pricing and

market-share pressures. These industry trends are expected to continue. The company will continue to manage these issues by capitalizing on its market-leading positions,

developing new products and services, leveraging its cost structure and making acquisitions.

The company has experienced increases in its labor and material costs, which are partly influenced by general inflationary trends. Competitive market conditions have minimized the

impact of inflation on the selling prices of the company’s products and services. Management expects these trends to continue.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET SALES TRENDS 

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Global businesses:

Blood Therapies

I.V. Systems/Medical Products

Renal

CardioVascular

Total net sales 

years ended December 31 (in millions)

United States

International

Total net sales 

1997

1996

1995

1997

1996

Percent increase

$1,765

2,110

1,384

879

$6,138

1997

$2,887

3,251

$6,138

$ 1,284

$ 1,131

1,956

1,343

855

1,893

1.294

730

$ 5,438

$ 5,048

37%

8%

3%

3%

13%

14%

3%

4%

17%

8%

1996

$ 2,665

2,773

$ 5,438

1995

$ 2,492

2,556

$ 5,048

Percent increase

1997

1996

8%

17%

13%

7%

9%

8%

18

The U.S. dollar has strengthened relative to other currencies over the last two years. As a result, the company’s sales denominated in foreign currencies are lower when translated

into U.S. dollars. Excluding the effect of a stronger U.S. dollar, international sales growth would have been 24% and 13% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. 

Blood Therapies

Strong demand for the company’s therapeutic proteins, especially Recombinate™ Anti-hemophilic factor (Recombinant), generated worldwide growth in the Blood Therapies

businesses in 1997 and 1996, particularly outside the United States. This trend is expected to continue as the company increases its manufacturing capacity for genetically

engineered proteins to meet the strong demand for these blood therapies. The acquisition of Immuno International AG (Immuno), a global manufacturer of biopharmaceutical

products, was a strong contributor to sales growth in 1997. The Immuno acquisition strengthens the businesses’ presence in Europe and enhances the company’s position in several

emerging markets. Sales of Gammagard® S/D immunoglobulin intravenous, a viral-inactivated plasma derivative that boosts immune systems, strongly contributed to the 1996

sales growth of the Blood Therapies businesses. Sales levels in 1997 in the automated and manual blood-collection businesses decreased slightly from those in the prior year

primarily due to pricing pressures and supply issues, partially offset by continued penetration of basic blood-collection products into developing markets. Sales in the automated

and manual blood-collection businesses increased modestly from 1995 to 1996, as penetration into developing markets more than offset pricing pressures in the businesses.

I.V. Systems/Medical Products

Contributing to 1997 sales growth were increased sales due to the acquisition of the Clintec parenteral-nutrition business (Clintec) after the dissolution of the company’s joint

venture with Nestlé S.A. Excluding the effect of the acquisition of Clintec, worldwide sales of intravenous and other medical products increased moderately in both 1997 and 1996.

Sales in the United States and Western Europe were unfavorably affected by competitive pricing pressures and cost pressures from health-care providers. Offsetting these factors

were increased penetration and new product introductions in Latin America, increased sales as a result of a multiyear agreement entered into in late 1996 with Premier, a major U.S.

group of customers, and the 1997 introduction of the Colleague™ volumetric infusion pump in the United States. Also, as discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial

Statements, in early 1998, the company acquired Bieffe Medital S.p.A. (Bieffe), a European manufacturer of dialysis and intravenous solutions and containers, and entered into a

definitive agreement to aquire the Pharmaceutical Products Division of the Ohmeda business from the BOC Group (Ohmeda), a manufacturer of gases and drugs used for general

and local anesthesia. These factors are expected to contribute to the trend of moderate and stable growth in this business. 

Renal

Worldwide sales of renal products and services continued to grow in 1997 and 1996. Strong pricing pressures in the United States and Europe along with continued market consoli-

dation in the United States affected sales growth in these two regions. These factors were more than offset by increased penetration into developing markets, especially in Latin America.

Another strong contributor to 1997 sales growth was revenue from the Renal Therapy Services (RTS) unit, which operates dialysis clinics outside the United States, frequently

partnering with physicians and hospitals. Also contributing to sales growth in 1997 was the new Renal Management Strategies (RMS) unit, which is a renal disease-management

organization dedicated to creating partnerships with nephrologists to lead renal-care networks throughout the United States. Continued growth in the RTS and RMS units and the

early 1998 acquisition of Bieffe discussed above, are expected to enhance the sales growth trend of the Renal business. More than 70% of the sales of the Renal business are

generated outside the United States. Therefore, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar over the last two years has significantly affected the U.S. dollar sales growth in this business.

CardioVascular

Sales growth in 1997 and 1996 was led by strong growth in the tissue heart valve and valve-repair product lines. The 1997 acquisition of Research Medical, Inc. (RMI), a

manufacturer of specialized cannulae and cardioplegia products, also contributed to the sales growth. The acquisition of several perfusion-services businesses and strong sales

of monitoring catheters were contributors to 1996 sales growth. The acquisitions of RMI and perfusion-services businesses are part of the company’s strategy to offer a compre-

hensive approach for surgeons treating patients with late-stage cardiovascular disease, including products used in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. While pricing pressures

continue to impact several product lines, sales are expected to continue to grow in 1998, with strong performances expected in the heart valve, valve repair and minimally

invasive product lines.

GROSS MARGIN AND EXPENSE RATIOS

years ended December 31 (as a percent of sales)

Gross margin

Marketing and administrative expenses

1997

45.6%

22.1%

1996

44.7%

21.0%

1995

45.0%

21.5%

19

The gross margin increased in 1997 primarily as a result of acquisitions and a more favorable product mix, particularly with respect to the Renal and I.V. Systems/Medical Products

businesses. The decrease in the gross margin rate in 1996 reflects increased sales in the lower-margin cardiovascular-services business as a result of the 1996 perfusion-services

business acquisitions, coupled with a slight change in the mix of product sales. The company expects its gross margin rate to be approximately 45% in 1998.

Marketing and administrative expenses increased as a percent of sales in 1997 primarily due to the acquisition of Immuno, and expansion into developing markets and new

business initiatives, partially offset by a continued focus on cost control in all business units. The ratio decreased in 1996 primarily as a result of increased sales in the

cardiovascular-services business, which has a lower cost structure, coupled with a continued focus on cost control in all business units. The company expects that its expense ratio

will decrease in 1998 as the company continues to focus on cost control and realizes the benefits of integrating Immuno and other recent acquisitions.

The gross margin and expense ratios were affected in 1997 by favorable experience and related assumptions with respect to certain employee retirement plans.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Research and development expenses

as a percent of sales

Percent increase

1997

$392

1996

$ 340

1995

$ 327

1997

15%

1996

4%

6%

6%

6%

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

Research and development (R&D) expenses above exclude in-process R&D charges of $220 million and $132 million relating to the 1997 acquisitions of Immuno and RMI,

respectively, which are discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The 1995 expense excludes the $18 million in-process R&D charge related to the acquisition

of the remaining 30% of Nextran. R&D expenses are focused on initiatives such as hemoglobin therapeutics, xenotransplantation, medication-delivery systems and the Novacor®

left-ventricular assist system. The company is conducting several clinical trials of its hemoglobin therapeutic, HemAssist™ (Hemoglobin Crosfumaril), or “blood substitute,” in the

United States and Europe. The company currently anticipates launching the product by late 1999 or early 2000.

RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS

Baxter has two restructuring programs in process. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the charges, utilization of the reserves and position

reductions to date. Management believes remaining restructuring reserves are adequate to complete the actions contemplated by the programs.

With respect to the 1993 program, the company realized approximately $129 million, $116 million and $90 million in pretax savings in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, which

were consistent with originally forecasted savings. Anticipated future savings of approximately $130 million annually are also in line with original targets. Management anticipates

restructuring savings will continue to be partially invested in R&D and expansion into growing international markets.

The company is in the process of implementing the 1995 program. Management expects that the plant closures and consolidations in Puerto Rico will be substantially completed in

1999, and will lower manufacturing costs and help mitigate future exposure to gross margin erosion arising from pricing pressures, primarily in the United States. 

Future cash expenditures related to both the 1993 and 1995 programs will be funded with cash generated from operations.

20

LITIGATION AND OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

Included in the 1995 results are net litigation charges in the amount of $96 million relating to the company’s plasma-based therapies and mammary-implant product liabilities.

Net interest expense increased in 1997 primarily due to increased debt related to the acquisition of Immuno. Net interest expense is not expected to change significantly in 1998.

Goodwill amortization increased in 1997 primarily due to the acquisitions of Immuno and Clintec, and increased in 1996 primarily due to the acquisition of Clintec. Goodwill

amortization is anticipated to increase in 1998 primarily due to the acquisition of Bieffe. The early 1998 acquisition of Bieffe and the pending acquisition of Ohmeda are expected to be

nondilutive to earnings in 1998 and accretive in 1999.

Included in the 1997 results is a pretax gain of $32 million relating to the company’s divestiture of certain assets of its Immunotherapy division. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated

Financial Statements for further information. Also included in other income in 1997 and 1995 are pretax gains relating to the disposal of certain non-strategic investments totaling

$17 million and $62 million, respectively.

PRETAX INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Pretax income from continuing operations 

1997

$523

1996

$ 793

1995

$ 524

1997

(34%)

1996

51%

Percent increase (decrease)

Excluding the in-process R&D charges and divestiture gains, the 1997 growth in pretax income from continuing operations would have been 4%. Excluding the restructuring,

litigation and Nextran in-process R&D charges and the divestiture gain, all recorded in 1995, the 1996 growth in pretax income from continuing operations would have been 17%.

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations, excluding the in-process R&D charges, was approximately 25%, 27% and 30% in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The

rate has declined primarily due to a larger portion of the company’s earnings generated in lower tax jurisdictions. Management does not expect a significant change in the effective

tax rate in 1998.

Income from discontinued operations in 1996 and 1995 related to the company’s former health-care cost management and distribution businesses. In September 1996, Baxter

stockholders received all of the outstanding stock of Allegiance Corporation (Allegiance), its health-care cost management and distribution businesses, in a tax-free spin-off. Income

from discontinued operations decreased significantly from 1995 to 1996 due primarily to the net gain in 1995 resulting from the company’s divestiture of its Industrial and Life

Sciences business and to lower income in 1996 resulting from the spin-off of Allegiance at the end of the third fiscal quarter.

Excluding the in-process R&D charges and divestiture gains recorded in 1997, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (EPS) in 1997 would have been $2.21, and the

1997 growth in diluted EPS would have been 7%. Excluding the 1995 restructuring, litigation and Nextran in-process R&D charges, and the divestiture gain, diluted EPS would have

been $1.61 for the year ended December 31, 1995, and the 1996 growth in diluted EPS would have been 29%.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT MARKET RISK 

The company’s business and financial results are affected by fluctuations in world financial markets, including currency exchange rates and interest rates. The company’s hedging

policy attempts to manage these risks to an acceptable level based on management’s judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and costs. In hedging its

currency and interest rate risks, the company utilizes primarily forward contracts, purchased options and swaps. Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further

21

information regarding these instruments. The company does not hold financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 

CURRENCY RISK

The company is primarily exposed to currency exchange-rate risk with respect to its transactions and net assets denominated in Japanese Yen, Belgian Francs, U.K. Pound Sterling,

French Francs, German Marks, Austrian Schillings and Italian Lira. Business activities in various currencies expose the company to the risk that the eventual net dollar cash inflows

resulting from transactions with foreign customers and suppliers denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates. The company

manages these risks utilizing various types of foreign exchange contracts. The company also enters into foreign exchange contracts to hedge anticipated, but not yet committed sales

expected to be denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, the company hedges certain of its net investments in international affiliates.

As part of its risk-management process, the company uses a value-at-risk model to measure the potential loss related to its foreign currency financial instruments. The value-at-risk

calculation approximates a potential loss amount from adverse movements in currency exchange rates. The company utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation, with a 95% confidence level,

using implied volatilities and correlations (as of the measurement date) to estimate this potential loss. The company’s calculated value-at-risk as of fiscal year-end 1997, assuming a

one-year holding period, is $15 million; this amount excludes the potential effect of any changes in the value of the underlying transactions or balances. Actual future gains or

losses may differ from this estimate based upon actual fluctuations in market rates, operating exposures and the timing thereof, and changes in the company’s portfolio of derivatives

during the measured period. In addition, the assumption within the value-at-risk model is that changes in currency exchange rates are adverse, which may not be the case. Any loss

incurred on the financial instruments is expected to be offset by the effects of currency movements on the respective underlying hedged transactions and balances. However, since

the company’s risk-management program does not require the hedging of all exposures, there may be currency exchange-rate gains or losses in the future. 

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

INTEREST RATE RISK

As part of its risk-management program, the company performs sensitivity analyses to assess potential gains and losses in earnings and changes in fair value relating to hypothetical

movements in interest rates. A 75 basis-point increase in interest rates (approximately 10% of the company’s weighted average interest rate) affecting the company’s financial

instruments, including debt obligations and related derivatives, and investments, would have an immaterial effect on the company’s 1998 pretax earnings and on the fair value of the

company’s fixed-rate financial instruments.

As discussed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the fair values of the company’s long-term litigation liabilities and related insurance receivables were computed by

discounting the expected cash flows based on currently available information. A 10% movement in the assumed discount rate would have an immaterial effect on the fair values of

those assets and liabilities. 

OTHER RISKS

With respect to the company’s investments in affiliates accounted for on the cost basis, management believes any reasonably possible near-term losses in earnings, cash flows and

fair values would not be material. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Management assesses the company’s liquidity in terms of its overall ability to mobilize cash to support ongoing business levels and to fund its growth. Management uses an internal

22

performance measure called operational cash flow that evaluates each operating business and geographic region on all aspects of cash flow under its direct control. The company

exceeded its annual operational cash flow goals for the last three years. 

Operational cash flow, as defined, reflects all litigation payments and related insurance recoveries except for those payments and recoveries relating to mammary implants, which the

company never manufactured nor sold. If all the company’s litigation payments, net of insurance recoveries, were excluded from operational cash flow (including those relating to

plasma-based therapies), the amount generated from continuing operations would be $432 million, $587 million and $337 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The

company expects to generate more than $500 million in operational cash flow in 1998.

Certain amounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheet have increased due to the acquisitions discussed above. In addition, the increases in accounts receivable reflect increased sales

outside the United States, which have longer collection periods. 

The following table reconciles cash flow provided by continuing operations, as determined by generally accepted accounting principles, to operational cash flow:

Brackets denote cash outflows

years ended December 31 (in millions) 

Cash flow provided by continuing operations

Capital expenditures

Net interest after tax

Other

Operational cash flow — continuing operations

Operational cash flow — discontinued operations

Total operational cash flow

1997

$616

(496)

97

57

274

–

$274

1996

$700

(398)

62

126

490

192

$682

1995

$ 573

(399)

56

86

316

271

$ 587

Cash flow provided by discontinued operations decreased from 1995 to 1996 primarily due to the spin-off of Allegiance, which occurred in September 1996, and the proceeds

received in 1995 relating to the divestiture of the Industrial and Life Sciences business.

Capital expenditures are made at a sufficient level to support the strategic and operating needs of the businesses. Significant expenditures have included continuing construction of

a manufacturing facility in Switzerland for HemAssist™ (Hemoglobin Crosfumaril), the company’s hemoglobin therapeutic, construction of a new European distribution center in

Belgium, and construction and continuing expansion of facilities in California for the production of genetically engineered proteins. Management expects to invest between $500

million and $600 million in capital expenditures in 1998.

Approximately $498 million and $48 million of the net cash flows used for acquisitions and investments in affiliates in 1997 related to the acquisition of Immuno and the early 1998

acquisition of Bieffe, respectively. The increase in net cash flows used for acquisitions and investments in affiliates in 1996 related primarily to purchases of cardiovascular-services

businesses, the largest of which was PSICOR, Inc. Also included was the previously discussed acquisition of Clintec. See Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for additional information.

The company’s net-debt-to-capital ratio was 46.9% and 33.8% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in the ratio primarily was due to increased net debt

relating to the acquisition of Immuno and the impact on total capital of the in-process R&D charges discussed above. Management expects the ratio to decline to the low-40% range

over time as a result of ongoing operations. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the company’s credit facilities and long-term debt and lease

obligations. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding Allegiance’s indirect assumption of company debt in 1996.

As authorized by the board of directors, the company repurchases its stock to optimize its capital structure depending upon its operational cash flows, net debt level and current

23

market conditions. In November 1995, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million over a period of several years, of which $267 million was repurchased

as of December 31, 1996. The company repurchased $500 million of its stock in 1995 under a prior board of directors’ authorization. As discussed above, the company’s net-debt-

to-capital ratio is currently 46.9% and, therefore, management does not presently intend to repurchase shares.

Effective as of December 31, 1997, the company could issue up to $550 million in aggregate principal amount of additional senior unsecured debt securities under effective

registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company’s debt ratings on senior debt are A3 by Moody’s, A by Standard & Poor’s and A- by 

Duff & Phelps.

The company intends to fund its short-term and long-term obligations as they mature by issuing additional debt or through cash flow from operations. The company believes it has

lines of credit adequate to support ongoing operational requirements. Beyond that, the company believes it has sufficient financial flexibility to attract long-term capital on acceptable

terms as may be needed to support its growth objectives.

In February 1998, the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on the company’s common stock of 29.10 cents per share (annualized rate of $1.164  per share). The company

intends to continue lowering its dividend payout ratio in order to optimize its capital structure.

See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the company’s legal contingencies and related insurance coverage with respect to cases and claims relating

to the company’s plasma-based therapies and mammary implants, as well as other matters. Upon resolution of any of these uncertainties, the company may incur charges in excess

of presently established reserves. While such a future charge could have a material adverse effect on the company’s net income or cash flows in the period in which it is recorded or

paid, based on the advice of counsel, management believes that any outcome of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the

company’s consolidated financial position.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

Based on the company’s assessment of the costs associated with its environmental responsibilities, including recurring administrative costs, capital expenditures and other

compliance costs, such costs have not had, and in management’s opinion, will not have in the foreseeable future, a material effect on the company’s financial position, results of

operations, cash flows or competitive position.

The company is in the process of implementing appropriate courses of action to ensure its computer systems, selected products and other processes will be “year 2000” compliant.

The costs of new software will be capitalized and amortized over the software’s estimated useful life and software modification costs will be expensed as incurred. The amounts

expensed to date have been immaterial and the company does not expect the amounts required to be expensed in the future to have a material effect on its financial position or

results of operations. A significant portion of the anticipated modification effort will be accomplished by a redeployment of existing internal information technology resources.

Management presently believes that, with planned modifications to existing software and conversions to new software, year 2000 compliance will not pose significant operational

problems. However, if such modifications and conversions are not completed on a timely basis, or if the company’s trading partners have significant unresolved systems problems,

there is a risk that year 2000 compliance could have a material impact on the operations of the company.

The matters discussed in this section include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rates, technological

advances in the medical field, economic conditions, product demand and industry acceptance of the company’s new products, competitive products and pricing, manufacturing

efficiencies, new product development, ability to enforce patents, availability of raw materials and manufacturing capacity, new plant start-ups, the U.S. and global regulatory, trade

and tax environment, year 2000 compliance, and other risks more completely reflected in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

24

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and requires

reclassification of prior-period financial statements. Statement No. 130 requires the presentation of comprehensive income, which consists of net income and other

comprehensive income, and its components in a full set of financial statements. The company’s other comprehensive income will consist of foreign currency translation

adjustments, which totaled $(202) million, $(44) million and $29 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and which currently are reported as a component of stockholders’

equity. Additional items may be included in other comprehensive income in the future. The company plans to display comprehensive income and its components in the

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity beginning in 1998.

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 1997, and requires reclassification of prior-period financial statements. Statement No. 131 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments

and related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers in annual financial statements and interim financial reports. Management currently is

evaluating its reportable segments under the new Statement and anticipates disclosures for more than one segment under the new rules.

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

he accompanying financial statements and other financial data have been prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity

and objectivity. The statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and include some amounts

T

that are based upon management’s best estimates and judgments.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting and safeguarding of assets against

unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition that is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of financial reporting and

asset safeguarding. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that there are inherent limitations in all systems of internal control,

and that the cost of such systems should not exceed the benefits to be derived from them.

Management believes that the foundation of an appropriate system of internal control is a strong ethical company culture and climate. The Corporate

Responsibility Office, which reports to the Public Policy Committee of the board of directors, is responsible for developing and communicating

appropriate business practice, policies and initiatives; maintaining independent channels of communication for providing guidance and reporting

potential business practice violations; and monitoring compliance with the company’s business practices, including annual compliance certifications by

senior managers worldwide. Additionally, a professional staff of corporate auditors reviews the design of the related internal control system and the

accounting policies and procedures supporting this system and compliance with them. The results of these reviews are reported at least annually to the

25

Public Policy and/or Audit Committees.

Price Waterhouse LLP performs audits, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which include a review of the system of internal

controls and result in assurance that the financial statements are, in all material respects, fairly presented.

The board of directors, through its Audit Committee comprised solely of non-employee directors, is responsible for overseeing the integrity and

reliability of the company’s accounting and financial reporting practices and the effectiveness of its system of internal controls. The independent certified

public accountants and corporate auditors meet regularly with, and have access to, this committee, with and without management present, to discuss

the results of the audit work.

Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr.

Brian P. Anderson

Chairman of the Board and

President

Chief Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

I

n our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders’

equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Baxter International Inc. (the company) and its subsidiaries at December 31,

1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity

with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management; our responsibility is to

express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally

accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are

free of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial

26

statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement

presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

Price Waterhouse LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 5, 1998

as of December 31 (in millions, except shares)

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and equivalents

Accounts receivable

Notes and other current receivables

Inventories

Short-term deferred income taxes

Prepaid expenses

Total current assets

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

OTHER ASSETS

Goodwill and other intangibles

Insurance receivables

Other

Total other assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Notes payable to banks

Current maturities of long-term debt and lease obligations

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Income taxes payable

Total current liabilities

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

LONG-TERM DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

LONG-TERM LITIGATION LIABILITIES

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 350,000,000 shares,

issued 287,701,247 shares in 1997 and 1996

Additional contributed capital

Retained earnings

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 7,662,187 shares in 1997

and 15,261,100 shares in 1996

Cumulative foreign currency adjustment

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

1997

$ 465

1,372

367

1,208

253

205

3,870

2,360

1,622

409

446

2,477

$8,707

$ 102

42

1,963

450

2,557

2,635

316

210

370

288

1,876

1,006

(329)

(222)

2,619

$8,707

1996

$ 761

1,219

266

883

212

139

3,480

1,843

1,386

641

246

2,273

$7,596

$ 121

225

1,704

395

2,445

1,695

255

365

332

288

1,825

1,022

(611)

(20)

2,504

$7,596

27

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

years ended December 31 (in millions, except per share data)

OPERATIONS

Net sales

Costs and expenses

Cost of goods sold

Marketing and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Acquired research and development

Special charges for litigation and restructuring

Interest, net

Goodwill amortization

Other (income) expense

1997

$6,138

3,340

1,356

392

352

–

163

45

(33)

1996

$ 5,438

3,009

1,142

340

–

–

103

36

15

1995

$ 5,048

2,777

1,084

327

18

199

96

28

(5)

Total costs and expenses

5,615

4,645

4,524

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax expense

Income from continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Net income

28

PER SHARE DATA

Basic earnings per common share

Continuing operations

Net income

Diluted earnings per common share

Continuing operations

Net income

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

523

223

300

–

793

218

575

94

524

153

371

278

$ 300

$ 669

$ 649

$ 1.08

$ 1.08

$ 1.06

$ 1.06

$ 2.11

$ 2.46

$ 2.07

$ 2.41

$ 1.34

$ 2.35

$ 1.32

$ 2.31

years ended December 31 (in millions) (brackets denote cash outflows)

CASH FLOWS FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Income from continuing operations

Adjustments

Depreciation and amortization

Deferred income taxes

Gain on asset dispositions

Acquired research and development

Restructuring and litigation charges

Other

Changes in balance sheet items

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Income taxes payable

Net litigation payments

Restructuring program payments

Other

Cash flows from continuing operations

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

CASH FLOWS FROM 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

Additions to the pool of equipment leased or rented to customers

Acquisitions (net of cash received) and investments in affiliates

CASH FLOWS FROM 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from assets dispositions

Cash flows from investing activities

Issuances of debt and lease obligations

Redemption of debt and lease obligations

Increase (decrease) in debt with maturities of three months or less, net

Common stock cash dividends

Stock issued under employee benefit plans

Purchase of treasury stock

Cash flows from financing activities

EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

Supplemental information:

Interest paid, net of portion capitalized

Income taxes paid

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

1997

$300

398

(1)

(48)

352

–

9

(56)

(102)

103

3

(215)

(19)

(108)

616

–

(403)

(93)

(622)

(23)

(1,141)

855

(465)

81

(316)

110

–

265

(36)

(296)

761

$ 465

$ 155

$ 174

1996

$ 575

348

74

(9)

–

–

17

(258)

59

79

6

(219)

(37)

65

700

93

(318)

(80)

(294)

(15)

(707)

1,855

(1,674)

429

(320)

193

(267)

216

(17)

285

476

$ 761

$ 215

$ 114

1995

$ 371

336

(17)

(65)

18

199

20

(121)

(90)

104

(19)

(87)

(40)

(36)

573

763

(309)

(90)

(44)

91

(352)

1,296

(891)

(698)

(306)

103

(500)

(996)

20

8

468

$ 476

$ 176

$ 182

29

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

years ended December 31 (in millions)

COMMON STOCK

Balance, beginning and end of year

ADDITIONAL 
CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL

Balance, beginning of year

Stock issued under employee-benefit plans

Stock issued for acquisitions

Balance, end of year

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance, beginning of year

Net income

Common stock cash dividends

Distribution of Allegiance Corporation common stock to stockholders

COMMON STOCK
IN TREASURY

CUMULATIVE
FOREIGN CURRENCY
ADJUSTMENT

30

Balance, end of year

Balance, beginning of year

Purchases

Stock issued under employee-benefit plans

Stock issued for acquisitions

Balance, end of year

Balance, beginning of year

Currency fluctuations

Balance, end of year

Total stockholders’ equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1997

$ 288

1,825

6

45

1,876

1,022

300

(316)

–

1,006

(611)

–

104

178

(329)

(20)

(202)

(222)

1996

$ 288

1,837

(12)

–

1,825

2,105

669

(320)

(1,432)

1,022

(550)

(267)

205

1

(611)

24

(44)

(20)

1995

$ 288

1,810

27

–

1,837

1,762

649

(306)

–

2,105

(135)

(500)

76

9

(550)

(5)

29

24

$2,619

$2,504

$3,704

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Depreciation expense was $299 million, $258 million and $254 million in 1997,

1996 and 1995, respectively. Repairs and maintenance expense was $103 million,

Financial statement presentation

$93 million and $79 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted

accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results

as of December 31 (in millions)

could differ from those estimates.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Baxter International

Inc. and its majority-owned, controlled subsidiaries (Baxter or the company).

Operations outside the United States and its territories are included in the

consolidated financial statements on the basis of fiscal years ending November 30 

in order to facilitate timely consolidation.

INVENTORIES

as of December 31 (in millions)

Raw materials

Work in process

Finished products

Total inventories

1997

$ 279

243

686

$1,208

1996

$190

152

541

$883

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market

for raw materials is based on replacement costs and for other inventory

classifications on net realizable value.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

as of December 31 (in millions)

Land

Buildings and leasehold improvements

Machinery and equipment

Equipment leased or rented to customers

Construction in progress

Total property, plant and equipment, at cost

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

Net property, plant and equipment

1997

$ 106

994

2,515

449

343

4,407

(2,047)

$2,360

1996

$

85

719

2,290

400

301

3,795

(1,952)

$1,843

Depreciation and amortization are principally calculated on the straight-line 

method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements

are amortized over the life of the related facility leases or the asset, whichever is

shorter. Straight-line and accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income 

tax purposes.

Goodwill 

Accumulated amortization

Net goodwill

Other intangibles

Accumulated amortization

Net other intangibles

1997

$1,571

(379)

$ 1,192

$ 804

(374)

$ 430

1996

$1,388

(334)

$1,054

$ 663

(331)

$ 332

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis. Goodwill is amortized over

estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 40 years; other intangible assets, consisting

of purchased patents, trademarks, deferred charges and other identified rights, are

amortized over their legal or estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter (generally

not exceeding 17 years). Based upon management’s assessment of the future

undiscounted operating cash flows of acquired businesses, the carrying value of

31

goodwill at December 31, 1997, has not been impaired.

Earnings per share

The numerator for both basic and diluted EPS is income from continuing operations

or net income, as applicable. The denominator for basic EPS is the weighted-average

number of common shares outstanding during the period. The following is a recon-

ciliation of the shares (denominator) of the basic and diluted per-share computations:

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Basic EPS

Effect of dilutive securities:

Employee stock options

Employee stock subscriptions

Diluted EPS

1997

278

4

0

282

1996

272

4

1

277

1995

277

4

1

282

Basic and diluted EPS from discontinued operations (net of costs associated with

effecting the business distribution) were $0.35 and $0.34, respectively, in 1996 and

$1.01 and $0.99, respectively, in 1995.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Derivatives

3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Realized gains and losses on hedges of existing assets or liabilities are included in

the carrying amounts of those assets or liabilities and ultimately are recognized in

All acquisitions during the three years ended December 31, 1997, were accounted for

income. Gains and option premiums relating to qualifying hedges of firm

under the purchase method. The purchase price of each acquisition was allocated to

commitments or anticipated transactions are deferred and recognized in income as

the net assets acquired based on estimates of their fair values at the date of the

offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions. Gains

acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible

and losses relating to terminations of qualifying hedges are included in the carrying

assets and liabilities acquired is allocated to intangible assets. On the basis of

amounts and amortized over the remaining expected lives of the underlying assets or

independent appraisals in 1997, a portion of the purchase price for certain of the

liabilities. In circumstances where the underlying assets or liabilities are sold or no

acquisitions during 1997 and 1995 was allocated to in-process research and

longer exist, any remaining carrying value adjustments are recognized in other

development (R&D) which, under generally accepted accounting principles, was

income or expense. Gains and losses on hedges of net investments are reported as

immediately expensed.

foreign currency adjustments in stockholders’ equity. The interest rate differential

Results of operations of acquired companies are included in the company’s

relating to interest rate swaps used to hedge debt obligations and net investments in

results of operations as of the respective acquisition dates. The pro forma information

foreign affiliates is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the lives of the

presented below is not necessarily indicative of what operating results would have

swaps. Cash flows from derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash

been had the acquisitions occurred on the indicated dates, nor is it necessarily

flows from the related investment, borrowing or foreign exchange activity.

indicative of future operating results.

Cash and equivalents

Immuno International AG

32

Cash and equivalents include cash, certificates of deposit and marketable securities

In the first fiscal quarter of 1997, the company acquired Immuno International AG

with a maturity of three months or less.

(Immuno), a global manufacturer of biopharmaceutical products and services for trans-

Reclassifications

fusion medicine. The acquisition cost was approximately $600 million plus assump-

tion of $280 million of net debt. Approximately $58 million of the purchase price is

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the 1996 and 1995 financial

being withheld to cover certain legal contingencies, as further discussed in Note 13.

statements and footnotes to the 1997 presentation.

Approximately $220 million of the purchase price was allocated to in-process R&D,

2

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

and expensed, as discussed above. Approximately $95 million of the purchase price

was allocated to existing product technology and is being amortized on a straight-line

basis over 20 years. Approximately $82 million of the purchase price was allocated to

On September 30, 1996, Baxter stockholders of record on September 26, 1996,

goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

received all of the outstanding stock of Allegiance Corporation (Allegiance), which

was the company’s health-care cost management and distribution business, in a tax-

Research Medical, Inc.

free spin-off. As of that date, Allegiance began operating as an independent publicly

In March 1997, Baxter acquired Research Medical, Inc. (RMI), a provider of

owned company.

specialized products used in open-heart surgery. The purchase price was $239 million

In 1996 and 1995, the company recorded income from discontinued

and was principally settled with 4,801,711 shares of Baxter International Inc. common

operations of $81 million and $304 million, respectively, which was net of income tax

stock, issued from treasury. Approximately $132 million of the purchase price was

expense of $14 million and $88 million, respectively. In addition, the company

allocated to in-process R&D, and expensed, as discussed above. Approximately $40

recorded an additional $13 million in 1996, which consisted of $36 million in benefit

million of the purchase price was allocated to existing product technology and is being

plan curtailment gains, net of costs of the distribution and income tax expense of

amortized on a straight-line basis over 14 years. Approximately $29 million of the

$11 million. Costs of the distribution totaled $26 million in 1995, which were net of

purchase price was allocated to goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line

an income tax benefit of $8 million.

basis over 20 years.

Through an issuance of new third-party debt, $1.15 billion of Baxter’s existing

debt was indirectly assumed by Allegiance upon spin-off. Approximately $1.4 billion

of net assets were transferred to Allegiance upon spin-off.

Clintec Nutrition Company

4

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In October 1996, the company and Nestlé S.A. (Nestlé) dissolved Clintec Nutrition

Company (Clintec), a joint venture between Baxter and Nestlé. Under the dissolution

Bieffe Medital S.p.A.

agreement, the company funded its share of previously guaranteed joint venture debt

In July 1997, the company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bieffe Medital

totaling $66 million and received the assets and liabilities associated with Clintec’s

S.p.A., a European manufacturer of dialysis and intravenous solutions and containers,

parenteral-nutrition business for a total consideration of the company’s 50% share of

for approximately $235 million, which includes assumption of debt. Approximately

Clintec’s enteral business and a net cash payment to Nestlé of $50 million.

$48 million in purchase price installments were made during 1997. The acquisition

Approximately $198 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and is

will be recorded in early 1998, when the company became a majority shareholder. The

being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

purchase of the remaining shares is expected to be completed in mid-1998.

PSICOR, Inc.

Pharmaceutical Products Division of the BOC Group

In January 1996, the company acquired PSICOR, Inc. (PSICOR), a perfusion-services

In January 1998, the company signed a definitive agreement to acquire the

business, for $84 million. Approximately $70 million of the purchase price was

Pharmaceutical Products Division of the BOC Group’s Ohmeda health-care business

allocated to goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years.

(Ohmeda), a manufacturer of gases and drugs used for general and local anesthesia,

for approximately $104 million. The transaction is subject to customary antitrust

Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)

review and is expected to close in 1998.

Had the acquisitions of Immuno and RMI taken place at the beginning of the first

fiscal quarter of 1997, net sales, net income and basic earnings per share would not

have been materially different from the reported amounts and, therefore, pro forma

5

RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS

33

information is not presented. Had the acquisitions of Immuno, RMI, Clintec and

PSICOR taken place at the beginning of the first fiscal quarter of 1996, the company’s

The company has two restructuring programs in place. In November 1993, the

pro forma net sales in 1996 would have been approximately $6.2 billion. Excluding

company recorded a $216 million restructuring charge for costs associated with

the in-process R&D charge relating to the acquisitions of Immuno and RMI, pro

strategic actions designed to accelerate growth and reduce costs in the company’s

forma net income and basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1996,

businesses worldwide, including reorganizations and consolidations in the United

would have been $701 million and $2.54 per share, respectively.

States, Europe, Japan and Canada. The restructuring program is expected to be

substantially completed in 1998. Employee-related costs include provisions for

VIMRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

severance, outplacement assistance, relocation and retention payments. Since the

In December 1997, the company and VIMRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VIMRX) formed a

inception of the program, the company has eliminated approximately 1,950 positions,

new cell-therapy company to develop innovative treatments for cancer and other life-

which exceeds the 1,640 positions originally targeted. 

threatening diseases. The company transferred certain assets of its Immunotherapy

In September 1995, the company recorded a restructuring charge of $103

division into the new company and holds a minority ownership position along with

million primarily to eliminate excess plant capacity and reduce manufacturing costs,

warrants to acquire an additional ownership interest in the future. VIMRX obtained a

as well as to initiate certain organizational structure changes. The charge

majority interest in the new company in exchange for 11 million shares of VIMRX

predominantly relates to the closure of the intravenous-solutions plant and

common stock and convertible preferred shares with a nominal value of

warehouse in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Production and warehousing will be transferred

approximately $66 million. The securities received by Baxter are reflected on the

and consolidated into other facilities. Employee-related costs consist primarily of

company’s balance sheet in other noncurrent assets. Baxter is restricted from selling

severance. The company currently estimates that approximately 1,200 positions will

the common stock or converting the convertible preferred stock for a period of time

be eliminated in total. Approximately 350 positions have been eliminated to date and

pursuant to government regulations and contractual agreement, respectively. The

completion of the plan is anticipated in 1999. The original timetable for the 1995

company recognized a pretax gain from the transaction of $32 million. The company

program has been affected by delays in required governmental regulatory reviews

and VIMRX loaned $30 million and $10 million, respectively, to the new company to

relating to the transfer of equipment and production processes to other facilities in

provide initial operating funds. 

Puerto Rico and the United States.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, commercial paper and short-term notes

(in millions)

Reserves at 

Employee-
related costs

Divestitures
and asset
write-downs

Other
costs

together totaling $1,172 million and $743 million, respectively, have been classified

Total

with long-term debt as they are supported by a long-term credit facility, as discussed

below, which management intends to continue to refinance. The company had

December 31, 1994

$94

$113

$49

$256

unamortized original issue discounts of $36 million and $47 million for the Zero

1995 utilization:

Cash 

Noncash

1996 utilization:

Cash 

Noncash

Reallocation of reserves

1997 utilization:

Cash 

Noncash and adjustments

Reserves at

20

–

26

–

18

10

3

–

72

–

20

(6)

–

10

17

–

27

–

(12)

5

2

37

72

53

20

–

15

15

coupon notes due 2000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The company leases certain facilities and equipment under capital and

operating leases expiring at various dates. Most of the operating leases contain

renewal options. Rent expense under operating leases was $86 million, $81 million

and $88 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS 

AND DEBT MATURITIES

December 31, 1997 

$17

$ 17

$10

$ 44

as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions)

Operating
leases

6

LONG-TERM DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

34

Effective
interest rate

5.7%

5.7%

8.9%

10.0%

9.7%

6.0%

7.4%

6.4%

7.5%

10.2%

6.9%

1997

1996

$ 1,053

$ 694

119

–

87

99

112

160

151

252

198

100

202

144

49

200

86

98

98

151

150

–

198

100

–

96

as of December 31 (in millions)

Commercial paper

Short-term notes

7.5% notes due 1997

8.875% notes redeemable by

company in 1998

9.25% notes due 1999

Zero coupon notes
due 2000

8.125% notes due 2001

7.625% notes due 2002

7.125% notes due 2007

7.25% notes due 2008

9.5% notes due 2008

7.65% debentures due 2027

Other

Total long-term debt and
lease obligations

Current portion

Long-term portion

$ 69

$

47

48

31

22

19

34

Aggregate
debt
maturities
and capital
leases

114

145

1,3241

350

718

2,698

(21)

$2,677

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

Thereafter

Total obligations and commitments

$223

Amounts representing interest, 

discounts, premiums and deferred 
financing costs

Present value of long-term debt and 

lease obligations

1. Includes $1,172 million of commercial paper and short-term notes supported by 

long-term credit facilities expiring in 2001.

Baxter maintains a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which expires in 2001 and

enables the company to borrow funds on an unsecured basis at variable interest

rates. The agreement contains covenants, which include a maximum debt-to-capital

ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. At December 31, 1997, there were no

borrowings outstanding under this facility.

Baxter also maintains short-term credit arrangements totaling approximately

2,677
(42)

1,920
(225)

$2,635

$1,695

$829 million in support of international and domestic operations. At December 31,

1997, approximately $221 million of borrowings were outstanding under these

facilities, of which $119 million is classified as long-term debt as discussed above.

7

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

deferred hedge gains of $19 million and $2 million, respectively, offset by $3 million

and $4 million of deferred hedge losses, respectively.

Concentrations of credit risk

In the normal course of business, the company provides credit to customers in 

Foreign exchange risk management

the health-care industry, performs credit evaluations of these customers and

The company enters into various types of foreign exchange contracts to protect the

maintains reserves for potential credit losses which, when realized, have been within

company from the risk that the eventual net dollar cash inflows resulting from

the range of management’s allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for

transactions with foreign customers and suppliers may be adversely affected by

doubtful accounts was $29 million and $24 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,

changes in currency exchange rates. The company also enters into foreign exchange

respectively. 

contracts, with terms generally less than one year, to hedge anticipated but not yet

The company invests the majority of its excess cash in certificates of deposit or

committed sales expected to be denominated in foreign currencies. Deferred hedging

money market accounts and, where appropriate, diversifies the concentration of cash

gains on hedges of anticipated but not yet committed sales totaled $15 million and

among different financial institutions. With respect to financial instruments, where

$3 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 

appropriate, the company has diversified its selection of counterparties, and has

The company has entered into foreign exchange contracts, for up to 10 years,

arranged collateralization and master-netting agreements to minimize the risk of loss.

to hedge certain of its net investments in foreign affiliates. These contracts hedge the

U.S. dollar value of foreign currency denominated net assets from the effects of

Interest rate risk management

volatility in currency exchange rates by changing the currency denomination of

Baxter uses forward contracts, options and interest rate swaps generally from one to

certain of Baxter’s debt repayments and interest payments from the U.S. dollar to the

three years in duration to manage the company’s exposure to adverse movements in

respective currencies of the underlying net assets. 

interest rates. The book values of debt at December 31, 1997 and 1996, reflect

The company principally hedges the following currencies: Japanese Yen,

35

Belgian Francs, French Francs, Italian Lira, U.K. Pound Sterling, German Marks and

Austrian Schillings.

INTEREST RATE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

as of December 31 (in millions)

Interest Rate Contracts

Floating to fixed rate hedges

Average pay rate

Average receive rate

Fixed to floating rate (swapped notes)

Average pay rate

Average receive rate

Call Option

Floor

Foreign Exchange Contracts

Forwards and options used to hedge anticipated sales

Forwards and swaps used to hedge 

certain receivables and payables

Forwards and swaps used to hedge 

Notional
amounts

Market
value
gain
(loss)

$400

$ (1)

–

25

–

397

290

–

6

–

(4)

7

10

net investments in foreign affiliates

1,546

1997

Weighted-
average
interest
rate

5.4%

5.8%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Market
value
gain
(loss)

1996

Weighted-
average
interest
rate

$2

7

4

11

0

6

(11)

5.8%

5.5%

4.3%

5.8%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Notional
amounts

$850

325

25

150

68

102

144

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

asofDecember31(inmillions)

Assets

Long-term insurance 
receivables

Investment in affiliates

Liabilities

Carrying amounts
1996

1997

Approximate
fair values
1996

1997

$409

180

$641

64

$339

192

$548

74

121

741

Notes payable to banks

102

121

102

Short-term borrowings 

classified as long-term 2

1,172

743

1,173

Other long-term debt 

and lease obligations 1, 2

1,505

Foreign exchange hedges

Long-term litigation 

liabilities

26

210

1,177

(18)

1,625

13

1,224

(5)

365

191

290

9

COMMON STOCK

Baxter has several stock-based compensation plans, which are described below. The

company applies APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,”

and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. Accordingly, no compensation

cost has been recognized for its fixed stock option plans and its stock purchase

plans. The compensation expense recognized for continuing operations for

performance-based and restricted plans was $13 million, $20 million and $17 million

in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Had compensation cost for all of the company’s

stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant

dates consistent with the method of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-

Based Compensation,” the company’s income and earnings per share (EPS) would

have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

1. Based on quoted market prices.

2. Interest rate hedge carrying amounts are included in corresponding debt balances.

PRO FORMA INCOME AND EPS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Although the company’s litigation remains unresolved by final orders or settlement

agreements in some cases, the estimated fair values of insurance receivables and

long-term litigation liabilities were computed by discounting the expected cash flows

36

based on currently available information.

The carrying values of all other financial instruments approximate their fair

values due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.

8

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

as of December 31 (in millions)

Accounts payable, principally trade

Employee compensation and withholdings

Restructuring

Litigation

Pension and other deferred benefits

Property, payroll and other taxes

Other

1997

$ 572

1996

$ 442

225

34

400

38

74

620

222

30

465

25

63

457

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$1,963

$1,704

years ended December 31 
(in millions, except per share data)

Income from continuing operations:

As reported

Pro forma

EPS from continuing operations:

Basic, as reported

Pro forma

1997

1996

1995

$ 300

$ 266

$1.08

$0.96

$ 575

$ 557

$ 2.11

$ 2.05

$ 371

$ 358

$1.34

$1.29

Excluding the $352 million in-process R&D expense recorded in 1997, and further

discussed in Note 3, pro forma income from continuing operations and EPS from

continuing operations in 1997 was $618 million and $2.22, respectively, compared to

income from continuing operations and EPS from continuing operations of $652

million and $2.35, respectively.

The pro forma amounts reflected above are not likely to be representative of the

pro forma amounts in future years due to the FASB Statement No. 123 transition rules

that require pro forma disclosures only for awards granted after 1994. In addition, the

pro forma expense in 1997 is higher than the amounts in 1996 and 1995 due

principally to accelerated vesting as a result of achievement in 1997 of the specified

stock price level relating to the stock options granted in 1995.

Pro forma income and EPS from discontinued operations were $66 million and

$0.24, respectively, for 1996 and $299 million and $1.08, respectively, for 1995. All

outstanding options were modified as a result of the spin-off of Allegiance. Equitable

adjustments were made to the number of shares and exercise price for each option

and employee stock subscription outstanding. 

Pro forma compensation expense for stock options and employee-stock

subscriptions was calculated using the Black-Scholes model.

Fixed stock option plans

Employees transferring to Allegiance generally were required to exercise any

Stock options have been granted at various dates. All grants have a 10-year initial

vested options within 90 days from the date of spin-off, and all unexercised options

term and most have an exercise price equal to 100% of market value on the date of

were canceled after that date. All unvested options held by Allegiance employees

grant. Vesting terms vary, with some options vesting ratably over three years and

were canceled 90 days after the date of spin-off. Under the rules of FASB Statement

others vesting 100% in five years or three years. Some grants vest on an accelerated

No. 123, the modified options held by employees remaining with the company were

basis upon the achievement of specified stock price levels.

treated as an exchange of the original award for a new award.

FIXED STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING

Range of
Exercise Prices

Outstanding
December 31, 1997

Options Outstanding

Weighted-average
remaining
contractual life (years)

$14 – 18

19 – 26

27 – 40

41 – 51

52 – 58

$14 – 58

110,516

2,502,332

3,701,575

7,470,124

97,800

13,882,347

.69

5.34

6.58

8.22

9.67

6.10

Weighted-average
exercise price per share

Exercisable
December 31, 1997

Weighted-average
exercise price per share

Options Exercisable

16.93

24.03

34.15

47.70

57.19

39.64

110,516

2,502,332

3,701,575

–

–

6,314,423

16.93

24.03

34.15

–

–

29.84

37

STOCK OPTION PLAN STATUS

(Exercise Price Equals Market Price)

as of and for the years ended December 31

1997

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

Shares

1996

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

Shares

1995

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

Shares

Outstanding at beginning of year

12,501,329

$34.89

14,651,835

$31.35

12,368,320

$27.83

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Equitable adjustment

Outstanding at end of year

Options exercisable at end of year

Weighted-average fair value of options 

granted during the year

4,208,302

(2,406,409)

(420,875)

–

13,882,347

6,314,423

47.59

29.04

38.76

–

$39.64

$29.84

$15.95

3,538,300

(4,080,414)

(2,404,225)

795,833

12,501,329

4,542,496

48.12

27.88

33.09

29.98

$34.89

$26.65

$12.05

5,193,650

(2,107,441)

(802,694)

–

14,651,835

6,258,117

37.23

25.29

30.91

–

$31.35

$29.02

$11.35

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During 1996, approximately 2.4 million stock options were granted with an exercise

At December 31, 1997, 61,220 shares were subject to restrictions, which lapse

price of $51 (120% of the market price of the stock on grant date) and a weighted-

between 1998 and 2002, and 1,144,963 shares were subject to restrictions that lapse

average fair value of $11.00. All of the options were outstanding at year-end 1997.

upon achievement of future performance objectives and related vesting periods.

Pro forma compensation expense was calculated with the following weighted-

During 1997, 1996 and 1995, 24,930, 720,043 and 574,174 shares, respectively, of

average assumptions for grants in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively: dividend yield

restricted stock and performance shares were granted at weighted-average grant-date

of 2.1%, 2.7% and 2.7%; expected life of seven, eight and seven years; expected

fair values of $51.29, $41.89 and $30.52 per share, respectively.

volatility of 28%, 25% and 26%; and risk-free interest rates of 6.2%, 6.6% and 6.5%.

Stock options have also been granted to The Baxter Allegiance Foundation (a

Other

philanthropic organization), as follows: an option to purchase 1,124,478 shares of

In connection with a voluntary Shared Investment Plan implemented during 1994,

common stock at $31.45 per share was granted on April 22, 1991, and expires in

members of Baxter’s senior-management team purchased shares of the company’s

2001; and an option to purchase 1,074,000 shares of common stock at $31.42 per

common stock. Baxter managers used personal full-recourse loans to purchase the

share was granted on December 2, 1992, and expires in 2002.

stock at the June 15, 1994, closing price. Baxter has agreed to guarantee repayment

to the banks in the event of default by a participant. The participant loan amount

Employee stock purchase plans

outstanding at December 31, 1997, is $77 million.

The company has employee stock purchase plans whereby it is authorized, as of

Approximately 100 million shares of no par value preferred stock are autho-

December 31, 1996, to issue up to 12 million shares of common stock to its

rized for issuance in series with varying terms as determined by the board of directors.

employees, nearly all of whom are eligible to participate. The purchase price is the

During 1989, common stockholders received a dividend of one preferred stock

lower of 85% of the closing market price on the date of subscription or 85% of the

purchase right (collectively, the “Rights”) for each share of common stock. Each

38

closing market price as defined by the plans. The total subscription amount for each

Right, under specified circumstances, entitles the owner to purchase one one-

participant cannot exceed 25% of current annual pay. Under the plans, the company

hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a purchase

sold 760,490, 1,121,907 and 1,579,425 shares to employees in 1997, 1996 and

price of $70. The Rights become exercisable at a price of $140 and at a specified time

1995, respectively. Pro forma compensation expense was estimated with the

after (1) a person or group acquires 20% or more of the company’s common stock or

following weighted-average assumptions for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively:

(2) a tender or exchange offer for 20% or more of the company’s common stock.

dividend yield of 2.1%, 2.7% and 2.7%; expected life of one year for all periods;

The Rights expire on March 20, 1999, unless earlier redeemed by the company under

expected volatility of 33%, 26% and 23%, and risk-free interest rates of 5.7%, 5.7%

certain circumstances at a price of $0.01 per Right.

and 5.8%. The weighted-average fair value of those purchase rights granted in 1997,

1996 and 1995 was $13.27, $10.93 and $8.51, respectively.

Restricted stock and performance-share plans

10

RETIREMENT AND OTHER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Under various plans, the company has made grants of restricted stock and

The company has defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all

performance shares in the form of the company’s common stock to provide incentive

employees in the United States and Puerto Rico, and its funding policy is to meet or

compensation to key employees and non-employee directors. Under the long-term

exceed the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act

incentive plan, grants are generally made annually and are earned based on the

of 1974. The benefits are generally based on individual participants’ years of service

achievement of financial performance targets, adjusted up or down by the company’s

and compensation near retirement. Assets held by the trusts of the plans consist

stock performance against the change in the Standard & Poor’s Medical Products and

primarily of equity and fixed income securities. The company also has various

Supplies Index. The restricted shares vest one year after they are earned.

retirement plans in locations outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

PENSION EXPENSE

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Service cost

Interest cost on projected 
benefit obligation

Actual return on assets

Net amortization and deferral

Total pension expense

1997

$36

90

(183)

82

$25

1996

$42

76

(155)

84

$47

1995

$27

62

(159)

105

$35

FUNDED STATUS AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AMOUNTS

Plans with
accumulated
benefits exceeding
assets
1996

1997

Plans with
assets exceeding
accumulated
benefits
1996

1997

$100

$110

$132

15

117

$ 74

$ 81

$100

15

85

$1,046

$1,074

$1,169

1,290

$ 955

$ 978

$1,040

1,175

(121)

(135)

(4)

(5)

59

70

as of December 31
(in millions)

Actuarial present value of 
benefit obligations: 

Vested benefits

Accumulated benefits

Projected benefits

Less plan assets at fair value

Projected benefit obligation 

less plan assets

Unrecognized net gains and 
unrecognized prior 
service cost

Unrecognized obligation at 
January 1, net of 
amortization

In addition to pension benefits, the company sponsors certain unfunded

contributory health-care and life insurance benefits for substantially all domestic

retired employees.

NET POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH-CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE EXPENSE

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Service cost

Interest cost on projected 
benefit obligation

Net amortization and deferral

Net postretirement benefits cost

1997

$ 3

14

(6)

$11

1996

$ 5

15

(2)

$18

1995

$ 3

15

(2)

$16

PRESENT VALUE OF APBO OBLIGATION INCLUDED IN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

as of December 31 (in millions)

1997

1996

Accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation (“APBO”)

Retirees

Fully eligible active participants

Other active participants

Unrecognized net gains

$118

$138

39

25

59

70

10

65

55

Accrued postretirement benefit liability

$272

$268

(7)

(6)

(17)

(22)

ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING THE APBO

Net pension liability (asset)

$106

$ 74

$

(79)

$ (87)

ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING FUNDED STATUS

as of December 31

1997

1996

Annual rate of increase in compensation levels:

U.S. and Puerto Rico plans

International plans (average)

Discount rate applied to benefit obligations:

U.S. and Puerto Rico plans

International plans (average)

Return on assets:

U.S. and Puerto Rico plans

International plans (average)

4.5%

4.5%

7.5%

6.0%

10.5%

7.5%

4.5%

4.6%

8.0%

6.0%

9.5%

7.0%

as of December 31

Discount rate applied to APBO

Annual rate of increase in the per-capita cost

Rate decreased to

By the year ended

Increase if health-care trend rates increase by

1% in each year (in millions)

APBO

Expense

1997

7.5%

9.0%

5.0%

2002

1996

8.0%

10.0%

5.0%

2002

$27

$ 3

$28

$ 3

Most U.S. employees are eligible to participate in a qualified defined contribution

plan. Participants may contribute up to 12% of their annual compensation to the plan

and the company matches participants’ contributions up to 3% of compensation

(subject to legal limits). Company matching contributions were $14 million, 

$14 million and $13 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11

INTEREST AND OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE

Income tax expense (benefit) related to continuing operations by category and by

income statement classification is as follows:

INTEREST EXPENSE

years ended December 31 (in millions)

1997

1996

1995

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Interest, net

Interest costs

Interest costs capitalized

Interest expense

Interest income

$206

$219

$219

(8)

198

(35)

(5)

214

(44)

(5)

214

(34)

Total interest, net

$163

$170

$180

Less interest allocated to

discontinued operations1

Interest allocated to

continuing operations1

–

(67)

(84)

$163

$103

$ 96

1. Allocation of interest to continuing and discontinued operations was based on relative net 

assets of these operations.

years ended December 31 (in millions)

1997

1996

1995

Current

U.S.

Federal

State and local

International

Current income tax expense

Deferred

U.S.

Federal

State and local

International

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

$ 98

$ (16)

$ 21

(6)

132

224

(50)

23

26

(1)

12

148

144

40

22

12

74

26

123

170

13

(27)

(3)

(17)

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE

Income tax expense

$223

$218

$153

1997

$ (2)

(48)

(22)

39

$(33)

1996

$13

(9)

1

10

$15

1995

$17

(65)

22

21

$ (5)

The income tax for continuing operations was calculated as if Baxter were a stand-

alone entity (without income from discontinued operations).

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

as of December 31 (in millions)

1997

1996

1995

40

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Equity in (income) losses of affiliates

Asset dispositions, net

Foreign exchange

Other

Total (income) expense

12

INCOME TAXES

U.S. federal income tax returns filed by Baxter International Inc. through December

31, 1990, have been examined and closed by the Internal Revenue Service. The

company has ongoing audits in U.S. and international jurisdictions. In the opinion of

management, the company has made adequate provisions for tax expenses for all

open years.

INCOME BEFORE TAX EXPENSE BY CATEGORY

years ended December 31 (in millions)

U.S.

International

Income from continuing

1997

$ 92

431

operations before income tax expense

$523

1996

$188

605

$793

1995

$

4

520

$524

Deferred tax assets

Accrued expenses

Accrued postretirement benefits

Merger and restructuring costs

Alternative minimum tax credit

Tax credits and net operating losses

Valuation allowances

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Asset basis differences

Subsidiaries’ unremitted earnings

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

$ 10

103

19

114

136

(46)

336

294

91

4

389

$ 88

$192

97

29

90

27

(36)

295

227

80

25

332

80

97

62

20

(30)

421

241

121

26

388

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

$(53)

$(37)

$ 33

There are $63 million of loss carryforwards which expire in 2012 and $23 million of

foreign tax credit carryforwards which expire in 2001, and $10 million of foreign tax

credit carryforwards which expire in 2002.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

have a material adverse impact on the company’s net income and net cash flows in the

Income tax expense applicable to income from continuing operations differs from

period in which it is recorded or paid, management believes that no such charge

income tax expense calculated by using the U.S. federal income tax rate for the

would have a material adverse effect on Baxter’s consolidated financial position.

following reasons:

years ended December 31 (in millions)

Income tax expense at statutory rate

Tax-exempt operations

Nondeductible goodwill

State and local taxes

Repatriation of foreign earnings

Foreign tax expense

Acquired R&D expense

Other factors

Income tax expense

1997

$183

(130)

12

(5)

–

40

123

–

$223

1996

$278

(130)

10

3

17

33

–

7

1995

$183

(125)

8

7

57

14

–

9

Mammary implant litigation

The company, together with certain of its subsidiaries, is currently a defendant in

various courts in a number of lawsuits brought by individuals, all seeking damages

for injuries of various types allegedly caused by silicone mammary implants formerly

manufactured by the Heyer-Schulte division (Heyer-Schulte) of American Hospital

Supply Corporation (AHSC). AHSC, which was acquired by the company in 1985,

divested its Heyer-Schulte division in 1984. It is not known how many of these claims

and lawsuits involve products manufactured and sold by Heyer-Schulte, as opposed

$218

$153

to other manufacturers.

As of December 31, 1997, Baxter, together with certain of its subsidiaries, had

The company has received a tax-exemption grant from Puerto Rico, which provides

been named as a defendant or co-defendant in 7,762 lawsuits and 1,734 claims

that its manufacturing operations will be partially exempt from local taxes until the

relating to mammary implants, brought by approximately 16,480 plaintiffs. Of those

year 2002. Appropriate taxes have been provided for these operations assuming

plaintiffs, 8,963 currently are included in the Lindsey class action Revised Settlement

repatriation of all available earnings. In addition, the company has other

described below, which accounts for 3,902 of the pending lawsuits against the

manufacturing operations outside the United States, which benefit from reductions in

company. Additionally, 7,151 plaintiffs have opted out of the Revised Settlement

41

local tax rates under tax incentives that will continue at least through 1999.

(representing 3,572 pending lawsuits), and the status of the remaining plaintiffs with

U.S. federal income taxes, net of available foreign tax credits, on unremitted

pending lawsuits is unknown. Some of the opt-out plaintiffs filed their cases naming

earnings deemed permanently reinvested would be approximately $270 million as of

multiple defendants and without product identification; thus, not all of the opt-out

December 31, 1997.

13

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

plaintiffs will have viable claims against the company. As of December 31, 1997,

2,527 of the opt-out plaintiffs had confirmed Heyer-Schulte mammary implant

product identification. Furthermore, during 1997, Baxter obtained dismissals, or

agreements for dismissals, with respect to 7,383 plaintiffs.

In addition to the individual suits against the company, a class action on behalf

Baxter International Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries are named as defendants in a

of all women with silicone mammary implants was filed on March 23, 1994, in the

number of lawsuits, claims and proceedings, including product liability claims

United States District Court (U.S.D.C.) for the Northern District of Alabama involving

involving products now or formerly manufactured or sold by the company or by

most manufacturers of such implants, including Baxter (Lindsey, et al., v. Dow

companies that were acquired by Baxter. These cases and claims raise difficult and

Corning, et al., U.S.D.C., N. Dist. Ala., CV 94-P-11558-S). The class action was

complex factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and

certified for settlement purposes only by the court on September 1, 1994, and the

complexities, including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each

settlement terms subsequently were revised and approved on December 22, 1995 (the

particular case or claim, the jurisdiction in which each suit is brought, and

Revised Settlement). The monetary provisions of the Revised Settlement provide

differences in applicable law. Accordingly, in many cases, the company is not able to

compensation for all present and future plaintiffs and claimants through a series of

estimate the amount of its liabilities with respect to such matters. 

specific funds and a disease-compensation program involving certain specified

Upon resolution of any of the legal matters discussed below, Baxter may incur

medical conditions. Appeals have been filed challenging the Revised Settlement. 

charges in excess of presently established reserves. While such a future charge could

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On May 15, 1995, Dow Corning Corporation, one of the defendants in the

amount thus far paid by insurers, committed for payment, and projected by Baxter to

mammary implant cases, declared bankruptcy and filed for protection under Chapter

be paid by insurers under these agreements is in excess of $550 million, based on

11 (In re: Dow Corning Corporation, U.S.D.C., E.D. Mich. 95-20512, 95CV72397-

the company’s current estimate of mammary implant expenditures. The insurers with

DT). The full impact of these proceedings on the Revised Settlement is unclear.

which Baxter has not reached coverage agreements generally have reserved (i.e.,

On January 16, 1996, Baxter, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Minnesota

neither admitted nor denied), and may attempt to reserve in the future, the right to

Mining and Manufacturing Company each paid $125 million into the court-

deny coverage, in whole or in part, due to differing theories regarding, among other

established fund as an initial fund to pay claims under the Revised Settlement. Union

things, the applicability of coverage and when coverage may attach. Baxter is

Carbide Corporation and McGhan Medical Corporation also are parties to the

engaged in active litigation with each of these insurers and is negotiating with certain

Revised Settlement. Under the Revised Settlement, plaintiffs and claimants have a

of them to resolve outstanding insurance coverage issues. 

second opportunity to opt out of the Revised Settlement, once they receive a

“Notification of Status” letter from the claims-administration office. “Notification of

Factor concentrates litigation

Status” letters were delivered to virtually all domestic claimants by July 1997, and the

Baxter currently is a defendant in a number of claims and lawsuits brought by

opt-out period for most claimants expired on September 1, 1997. 

individuals who have hemophilia, all seeking damages for injuries allegedly caused

In addition to the Lindsey class action, the company also has been named in

by anti-hemophilic factor concentrates VIII or IX derived from human blood plasma

11 other purported class actions in various state and provincial courts, only one of

(factor concentrates) processed by the company in the early and mid-1980s. The

which is certified: Harrington v. Dow Corning Corp., et al., Supreme Court, British

typical case or claim alleges that the individual was infected with the HIV virus by

Columbia, C954330. The class action in British Columbia has been certified solely

factor concentrates, which contained the HIV virus. None of these cases involves

with respect to the issue of whether silicone gel breast implants are reasonably fit for

factor concentrates currently processed by the company.

42

their intended purpose.

As of December 31, 1997, Baxter had been named in 486 lawsuits and 410

In the fourth quarter of 1993, Baxter accrued $556 million for its estimated

claims in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Taiwan, Japan and the Netherlands.

liability resulting from the settlement of the Lindsey class action and recorded a

All U.S. federal court factor concentrate cases have been transferred to the U.S.D.C.

receivable for estimated insurance recoveries totaling $426 million, resulting in a net

for the Northern District of Illinois for case management under Multi District

charge of $130 million. Based on its continuing evaluation of the remaining opt-outs,

Litigation (MDL) rules (MDL Docket No. MDL-986). The company also has been

the company accrued an additional $298 million for its estimated liability to litigate or

named in eight purported class actions. None of these class actions has been

settle cases and claims involving opt-outs and recorded an additional receivable for

certified, and five have been transferred to the MDL for discovery. 

estimated insurance recoveries totaling $258 million, resulting in an additional net

In most states, Baxter’s potential liability is limited by laws that provide that the

charge of $40 million in the first quarter of 1995.

sale of blood or blood derivatives, including factor concentrates, is not covered by

The mammary implant litigation includes issues related to which of the Baxter’s

the doctrine of strict liability. As a result, each claimant must prove that his or her

insurers are responsible for covering each matter and the extent of the company’s

injuries were caused by the company’s negligence.

claims for contribution against third parties. Baxter believes that a substantial portion

On May 6, 1997, the court approved a settlement submitted by the plaintiffs’

of its liability and defense costs for mammary implant litigation will be covered by

steering committee for the MDL, Baxter, Alpha Therapeutic Corporation, Armour

insurance, subject to self-insurance retentions, exclusions, conditions, coverage

Pharmaceutical and Bayer Corporation. The essential terms of the settlement provide

gaps, policy limits and insurer solvency. The company has entered into “coverage-in-

payments of $100,000 per person to each HIV-positive person with hemophilia in the

place” agreements with a number of its insurers, each of which issued or subscribed

United States who can demonstrate use of factor concentrates produced by one of the

to policies of insurance between 1974 and 1985. These agreements resolve the

settling defendants between 1978 and 1985. Additionally, the defendants have

signatory insurers’ coverage defenses and specify rules and procedures for allocation

established a $40 million fund for payment of attorneys’ fees, costs and court-

and payment of defense and indemnity costs pursuant to which signatory insurers

administration expenses. Baxter’s agreed contribution to the proposed settlement is

will reimburse Baxter for mammary implant losses. Five of the company’s claims-

20% of the total settlement proceeds.

made insurers, which issued policies subsequent to 1985, have agreed to pay under

The settlement requires insurance-carrier approval and the signing of releases.

their policies with respect to mammary implant claims. The combined total of the

Baxter and the other defendants have reached agreements to settle potential

subrogation and reimbursement claims with most private insurers, the federal

which the signatory insurers will reimburse the company for factor concentrate losses.

government and all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Although the

The insurers with which Baxter has not reached coverage agreements generally have

period for claimants to decide whether or not to participate in the settlement is

reserved (i.e., neither admitted nor denied), and may attempt to reserve in the future, the

anticipated not to expire until March 31, 1998, the approximate number of eligible

right to deny coverage, in whole or in part, due to differing theories regarding, among

claimants as of December 31, 1997, was 5,581, and the number of eligible opt-outs

other things, the applicability of coverage and when coverage may attach. Baxter is

was approximately 533. On July 29, 1997, the court dismissed two appeals that had

engaged in active litigation and negotiations with certain of these insurers to resolve

been filed challenging the settlement. The defendants had paid 1,737 claimants as of

outstanding insurance coverage issues.

December 31, 1997. Payments are expected to continue through the middle of 1998

In the fourth quarter of 1993, the company accrued $131 million for its

as documents are sent to all eligible claimants.

estimated worldwide liability for litigation and settlement expenses involving factor

In Japan, Baxter is a defendant, along with the Japanese government and four

concentrate cases and recorded a receivable for insurance coverage of $83 million,

other co-defendants, in factor concentrate cases in Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Tohoku,

resulting in a net charge of $48 million. In the third quarter of 1995, significant

Fukuoka, Sapporo and Kumamoto. As of December 31, 1997, the cases involved

developments occurred, primarily in the United States, Europe and Japan relative to

1,257 plaintiffs, of whom 1,206 allegedly used factor concentrates manufactured by

claims and litigation pertaining to the Baxter’s plasma-based therapies. After

the company. Based upon the Osaka and Tokyo courts’ recommendations, the parties

analyzing circumstances in light of recent developments and considering various

have agreed to a settlement of all pending and future factor concentrate cases. In

factors and issues unique to each geography, the company revised its estimated

general, the settlement provides for payment of an up-front, lump-sum amount of

exposure from the $131 million previously recorded for factor concentrate litigation

approximately $360,000 per plaintiff to be funded 40% by the Japanese government

to $378 million for all litigation relating to plasma-based therapies, including the

and 60% by the corporate defendants. The share of the settlement to be paid by each

factor concentrate litigation and the Gammagard ® IVIG litigation (see Other Litigation

corporate defendant was determined based upon its market share, resulting in a

below). Related estimated insurance recoveries were revised from $83 million for

43

contribution by the Baxter of approximately 15.36%. The portion of the settlement to

factor concentrates to $274 million for all plasma-based therapies. This resulted in a

be funded by the corporate defendants will include prior payments made by the

net charge of $56 million in the third quarter of 1995.

corporate defendants under a Japanese government-administered program, which

In addition, as described in Note 3, Baxter acquired Immuno International AG

pays monthly amounts to HIV-positive and AIDS-manifested people with hemophilia

(Immuno) in fiscal year 1997. Immuno has unsettled claims for damages for injuries

and their survivors. Additionally, monthly payments will be made to each plaintiff

allegedly caused by its plasma-based therapies. The typical claim alleges that the

according to a set schedule.

individual with hemophilia was infected with HIV by factor concentrates containing

In Spain, Baxter was notified in 1995 that approximately 1,370 HIV-positive

the HIV virus. Additionally, Immuno faces multiple claims stemming from its vaccines

people with hemophilia wished to explore settlement possibilities with the company

and other biologically derived therapies. A portion of the liability and defense costs

in lieu of filing suit in both Spain and the United States. The parties have reached

related to these claims will be covered by insurance, subject to exclusions,

agreement on the terms of a settlement whereby each claimant will receive $25,000

conditions, policy limits and other factors. In addition, the stock purchase agreement

(including attorneys’ fees and costs) in return for a general release and protection

between the company and Immuno provides that approximately 84 million Swiss

against contribution claims by other defendants. As of December 31, 1997, 1,370

francs (or approximately $58 million at year end) of the purchase price will be

claimants had agreed to the settlement. Baxter does not expect any additional

withheld to cover these contingent liabilities. Based on management’s estimates, the

claimants to come forward.

amount of these contingencies, net of insurance recoveries and reserves, is not

The company believes that a substantial portion of the liability and defense costs

expected to exceed the negotiated contingent payment held back from the total

related to factor concentrate litigation will be covered by insurance, subject to self-

purchase price.

insurance retentions, exclusions, conditions, coverage gaps, policy limits and insurer

solvency. Baxter has entered into coverage in place agreements with certain of its

Other litigation

insurers that issued or subscribed to policies of insurance between 1978 and 1985.

Baxter is currently a defendant in a number of claims and lawsuits brought by

These agreements resolve the signatory insurers’ coverage defenses and specify rules

individuals who infused the company’s Gammagard® IVIG (intravenous immuno-

and procedures for allocation and payment of defense and indemnity costs pursuant to

globulin), all of whom are seeking damages for Hepatitis C infections allegedly

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

caused by infusing Gammagard® IVIG. As of December 31, 1997, Baxter was a

pertaining to the Caremark spin-off (Isquith, et al., v. C. A. (Lance) Piccolo, et al.,

defendant in 134 lawsuits and 70 claims in the United States, Denmark, France,

Circuit Court, Cook County, IL, Chancery Division, 96CH0013652). Baxter and the

Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Eleven suits currently

other defendants are vigorously defending this action.

pending in the United States have been filed as purported class actions but only one

Baxter has been named a potentially responsible party (PRP) for environmental

has been certified. All U.S. federal court Gammagard® IVIG cases have been

cleanup costs at 16 hazardous-waste sites. Under the United States Superfund statute

transferred to the U.S.D.C. for the Central District of California for case management

and many state laws, generators of hazardous waste that is sent to a disposal or

under MDL rules. On February 21, 1996, the court certified a nationwide class of

recycling site are liable for cleanup of the site if contaminants from that property later

persons who had infused Gammagard® IVIG (Fayne, et al., v. Baxter Healthcare

leak into the environment. The laws generally provide that a PRP may be held jointly

Corporation, U.S.D.C., C.D., CA, ML-95-160-R). The company sought an immediate

and severally liable for the costs of investigating and remediating the site. Allegiance

stay of the class notice from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and subsequently filed a

has assumed responsibility for 10 of these sites, the largest of which is the Thermo-

Writ of Mandamus seeking class decertification. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

Chem site in Muskegan, Michigan. The estimated exposure for Baxter’s remaining six

granted the stay of the class notice on March 19, 1996, and on April 12, 1996,

sites is approximately $2 million, which has been accrued (and not discounted) in the

granted a stay of the class certification pending final determination on the writ. On

company’s financial statements. 

August 5, 1997, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Writ of Mandamus.

In addition to the cases discussed above, Baxter is a defendant in a number of

Baxter is vigorously defending these cases.

other claims, investigations and lawsuits. Based on the advice of counsel,

As of September 30, 1996, Allegiance  assumed the defense of litigation

management does not believe that, individually or in the aggregate, these other

involving claims related to Allegiance’s businesses, including certain claims of alleged

claims, investigations and lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the

personal injuries as a result of exposure to natural rubber latex gloves. Allegiance has

company’s results of operations, cash flows or consolidated financial position.

44

not been named in most of this litigation but will be defending and indemnifying

Baxter pursuant to certain contractual obligations for all expenses and potential

liabilities associated with claims pertaining to latex gloves. As of December 31, 1997,

the company had been named as a defendant in 171 lawsuits, including the following

14

INDUSTRY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

purported class actions: Wolf v. Baxter Healthcare Corp., et al.,Circuit Court, Wayne

Baxter operates in a single industry segment as a global medical products and

County, MI, 96-617844NP; Murray, et al., v. Baxter Healthcare Corp., et al., U.S.D.C.,

services company that is a leader in technologies related to the blood and circulatory

S. Dist. Ind., IP96-1889C, and Cowart, Alma M. v. Baxter International, Inc., U.S.D.C.

system. It has market-leading positions in four businesses: Blood Therapies, which

E. Dist., LA 97-1681. On February 26, 1997, all federal cases involving latex gloves

develops biopharmaceutical and blood-collection and separation products and

were ordered to be transferred to the U.S.D.C. for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

technologies; I.V. Systems/Medical Products, which develops technologies and

for case management under the MDL rules (MDL Docket No. 1148).

systems to improve intravenous medication delivery, and distributes medical

A purported class action has been filed against Baxter, Caremark International

products; Renal, which develops products and services to treat kidney disease; and

Inc. (Caremark), C.A. (Lance) Piccolo, James G. Connelly and Thomas W. Hodson

CardioVascular, which develops products and provides services to treat late-stage

(all former officers of Caremark) alleging securities law disclosure violations in

heart disease and vascular disorders. The company’s products include blood-clotting

connection with the November 30, 1992, spin-off of Caremark in the Registration and

therapies and machines and supplies for collecting, separating and storing blood;

Information Statement (Registration Statement) and subsequent SEC filings

prosthetic heart valves and cardiac catheters; dialysis equipment and supplies; and

submitted by Caremark (Isquith v. Caremark International Inc., et al., U.S.D.C., N.

intravenous solutions and pumps.

Dist. Ill., 94C 5534). On March 26, 1997, the Court dismissed the action against the

company essentially on the ground that plaintiffs lacked standing to bring this action.

On April 24, 1997, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which is still pending.

Additionally, in February 1997, the plaintiffs served a separate state court action,

styled as a class action, against Mr. Piccolo, Vernon R. Loucks Jr., William H. Gantz,

William B. Graham and James R. Tobin, alleging violations of various state laws

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

years ended December 31 (in millions)

United States

Europe

Pacific
Rim1

Latin
America

Canada
and other
international

Other2

Inter-area
eliminations

Total

1997

Trade sales

Inter-area sales

Total sales

Pretax income (loss)

Identifiable assets

1996

Trade sales

Inter-area sales

Total sales

Pretax income (loss)

Identifiable assets

1995

Trade sales

Inter-area sales

Total sales

Pretax income (loss)

Identifiable assets

$ 3,054

$

709

$ 3,763

$

324

$ 5,480

$ 2,824

$

761

$ 3,585

$

215

$ 5,385

$ 2,634

$

675

$ 3,309

$

121

$ 4,933

1,707

249

1,956

370

2,202

1,322

182

1,504

337

1,246

1,215

158

1,373

244

1,156

888

189

1,077

248

551

890

179

1,069

268

641

860

191

1,051

284

575

342

112

454

61

427

260

129

389

45

312

204

113

317

30

209

147

1

148

35

80

142

3

145

31

85

135

2

137

37

82

–

–

(515)

–

–

–

–

(103)

–

–

–

–

(192)

–

–

$ 6,138

(1,260)

(1,260)

–

(33)

–

$ 6,138

$

523

$ 8,707

–

$ 5,438

(1,254)

(1,254)

–

(73)

–

$ 5,438

$

793

$ 7,596

–

$ 5,048

45

(1,139)

(1,139)

–

(137)

–

$ 5,048

$

524

$ 6,818

1. Includes Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Asia.

2. Consists of interest, net and in-process research and development charges (in 1997 and 1995) and litigation charges (in 1995).

Inter-area transactions are accounted for using arm’s-length principles. Identifiable

NET SALES AND NET ASSETS OF CONSOLIDATED FOREIGN

assets are those assets associated with a specific geographic area. Goodwill and

SUBSIDIARIES AND BRANCHES

amortization have been allocated to geographic areas, as applicable.

years ended December 31 (in millions)

1997

1996

1995

Foreign net sales1

$ 3,251

$ 2,773

$ 2,556

Foreign assets 2 net of liabilities

at end of year

$ 2,601

$1,876

$1,424

1. Includes U.S. export sales.

2. Includes advances from the company and its subsidiaries.

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S STOCK (UNAUDITED)

years ended December 31 (in millions, except per share data)

First
quarter

Second
quarter

Third
quarter

Fourth
quarter

1997

Net sales

Gross profit

Income from continuing operations1, 2

Net income1, 2

Per common share:

Income from continuing operations1:

Basic

Diluted

Net income1:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends

Market price

High

Low

46

1996

Net sales

Gross profit

Income from continuing operations

Net income 3

Per common share:

Income from continuing operations:

Basic

Diluted

Net income:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends

Market price

High

Low

$1,443

$1,569

$1,494

$1,632

661

(203)

(203)

(.74)

(.74)

(.74)

(.74)

.2825

714

162

162

.58

.57

.58

.57

669

159

159

.57

.56

.57

.56

754

182

182

.65

.64

.65

.64

.2825

.2825

.2910

49.75

39.875

56.125

41.563

60.25

51.375

57.125

43.625

$1,299

$1,335

$1,310

$1,494

578

138

158

.51

.50

.58

.57

594

142

176

.52

.51

.65

.64

590

137

177

.50

.49

.65

.64

667

158

158

.58

.57

.58

.57

.2825

.3025

.3025

.2825

47.125

40.00

47.875

41.25

47.75

41.375

46.25

40.125

Total
year

$6,138

2,798

300

300

1.08

1.06

1.08

1.06

1.139

60.25

39.875

$5,438

2,429

575

669

2.11

2.07

2.46

2.41

1.17

47.875

40.00

1. The first quarter includes $352 million of in-process research and development charges relating to the acquisitions of Immuno and RMI. The charges decreased earnings per share by $1.28.

2. The fourth quarter includes a pretax gain of $32 million relating to the divestiture of certain assets of the company’s Immunotherapy division. 

3. The third quarter includes a pretax gain of $36 million relating to the curtailment of the majority of Allegiance employees’ participation in the company’s pension and other postemployment 

benefit plans and a pretax charge of $12 million for costs associated with effecting the distribution of Allegiance.

Baxter common stock is listed on the New York, Chicago and Pacific Stock

Exchanges, on The London Stock Exchange and on the Swiss stock exchanges of

Zurich, Basel and Geneva. The New York Stock Exchange is the principal market 

on which the company’s common stock is traded.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Reed V. Tuckson, M.D.

Group Vice President for 

Professional Standards

American Medical Association

Fred L. Turner

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Johnston Evans

Arnold J. Levine, Ph.D.

Former Director and Vice Chairman

Professor of Biology and 

Walter E. Boomer

President and Chief Executive Officer

Rogers Corporation

Pei-yuan Chia

Retired Vice Chairman

Citicorp and Citibank, N. A.

John W. Colloton

Vice President for Statewide 

Health Services

The University of Iowa

Susan Crown

Vice President

Henry Crown and Company

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Baxter International Inc.

Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

Chairman of the Board and 

Chief Executive Officer

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr. 1,2

President

Brian P. Anderson 1,2

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Arthur F. Staubitz 1,2

Senior Vice President

Portfolio Strategy

Michael J. Tucker

Senior Vice President

Human Resources

Fabrizio Bonanni

Corporate Vice President

Regulatory and Clinical Affairs 

Amtrak

Frank R. Frame

Adviser to the Board

HSBC Holdings plc

Chairman of the Molecular 

Biology Department 

Princeton University

Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

Senior Chairman of the Board and

Retired Deputy Chairman

Chairman of the Board and 

Chairman of the Executive Committee

The Hongkong and Shanghai 

Banking Corporation Limited

Chief Executive Officer

Baxter International Inc.

McDonald’s Corporation

Martha R. Ingram

Georges C. St. Laurent Jr.

HONORARY DIRECTORS 

Chairman of the Board and 

Retired Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Ingram Industries Inc.

Western Bank

William B. Graham

Monroe E. Trout, M.D.

Chairman Emeritus of the Board

Baxter International Inc.

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr.

Chairman Emeritus of the Board

President

Baxter International Inc.

American Healthcare Systems

Ralph Falk II

Private Investments

47

John F. Gaither Jr. 1,2

Corporate Vice President

Corporate Development and Strategy

David C. McKee 1,2

Corporate Vice President and 

Deputy General Counsel

Kshitij Mohan

Corporate Vice President

Research and Technical Services

John L. Quick

Corporate Vice President

Quality Management

Baxter World Trade Corporation

Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Timothy B. Anderson 1

Group Vice President

Biopharmaceuticals

Donald W. Joseph 1

Group Vice President

Renal

Carlos del Salto

Senior Vice President

Latin America/Intercontinental

J. Robert Hurley

Jack L. McGinley

Group Vice President

I.V. Systems/Medical Products

Michael A. Mussallem

Group Vice President 

CardioVascular

David F. Drohan

Corporate Vice President

and President 

I.V. Systems

Corporate Vice President

J. Michael Gatling

Thomas J. Sabatino Jr.1,2

Corporate Vice President and

Japan

General Counsel

Jan Stern Reed 1,2

Corporate Secretary

Steven J. Meyer 1,2

Treasurer

Roberto E. Perez 1

Corporate Vice President 

and President 

Fenwal

Corporate Vice President

Global Manufacturing Operations

1. Also an executive officer of Baxter 

Healthcare Corporation

2. Also an executive officer of 

Baxter World Trade Corporation

As of February 28, 1998

B A X T E R   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   1 9 9 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

INVESTOR INFORMATION

Corporate Headquarters

Transfer Agent

Corporate News 

Stockholders who would like to receive

Baxter International Inc.

One Baxter Parkway

Deerfield, Illinois 60015-4633

Telephone: (847) 948-2000

Internet: www.baxter.com

Stock Exchange Listings

First Chicago Trust Company of 

and Other Publications

a telefax copy of Baxter’s most recent

New York

P.O. Box 2500

Corporate news releases, Forms 10-K

corporate news or earnings releases may

and 10-Q, and the company’s annual

call toll free in the United States at 

Jersey City, New Jersey 07303-2500

report filed with the Securities and

(800) 758-5804, and enter 100340 when

Telephone: (201) 324-0498

Exchange Commission, are available

an identification number is requested.

Internet: www.fctc.com

through Baxter’s home page on the

Internet at: www.baxter.com.

Customer Inquiries

Customers who would like general

Baxter common stock is listed on the

Correspondence concerning Baxter

New York, Chicago and Pacific Stock

International stock holdings, lost or

Baxter’s Form 10-K also is available on

information about Baxter’s products and

Exchanges, on The London Stock

missing dividend checks, duplicate

request from:

Exchange and on the Swiss stock

mailings, or changes of address should

Baxter International Inc.

exchanges of Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

be directed to the above address.

Investor Relations

services may call the Center for One

Baxter toll free in the United States at

(800) 422-9837, or by dialing 

The New York Stock Exchange is the

principal market on which the company’s

common stock is traded.

Dividend Reinvestment

The company offers an automatic

dividend-reinvestment program to all

One Baxter Parkway

(847) 948-4770. For specific information,

Deerfield, Illinois 60015-4633

please contact your sales or customer-

Telephone: (847) 948-4550

service representative.

Annual Meeting

holders of Baxter International Inc.

Audio cassette copies of Baxter’s 1997

© Baxter International Inc., 1998.

The 1998 Annual Meeting of

common stock. A detailed brochure is

Annual Report also are available on

All rights reserved. References in this

48

Stockholders will be held on Tuesday,

available on request from:

request at the above address. 

report to Baxter are intended to refer

May 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Baxter’s 

First Chicago Trust Company of 

North Cove manufacturing facility,

New York

located in Marion, North Carolina.

P.O. Box 2598

Jersey City, New Jersey 07303-2598

Telephone: (201) 324-0498

collectively to Baxter International Inc.

and its U.S. and international sub-

sidiaries and their operating divisions.

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

as of and for the years ended December 31

OPERATIONS
(in millions)

Net sales

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Depreciation and amortization

Research-and-development expenses5

CAPITAL EMPLOYED
(in millions)

Capital expenditures

Total assets

Long-term debt and lease obligations

Operational cash flow from continuing operations6

PER COMMON SHARE

Average number of common shares

1997 1

1996 2

1995 3

$ 6,138

5,438

5,048

$

$

$

$

300

398

392

496

$ 8,707

$ 2,635

$

274

575

348

340

398

7,596

1,695

490

371

336

327

399

9,437

2,372

316

1994

4,479

406

302

303

380

9,039

2,341

618

19934

4,116

(193)

273

280

332

9,211

2,800

160

outstanding (in millions) 7

278

272

277

280

277

Income (loss) from continuing operations per

common share:

Basic

Diluted

Cash dividends per common share

Year-end market price per common share

$ 1.08

$ 1.06

$ 1.139

$ 50.44

2.11

2.07

1.17

1.34

1.32

1.11

41.00

41.88

1.45

1.44

1.025

28.25

(0.70)

(0.70)

1.00

24.38

1. Income from continuing operations includes an in-process research-and-development charge of $352 million.

2. Certain balance sheet and other data are significantly affected by the spin-off of Allegiance Corporation, which occurred on September 30,1996.

3. Income from continuing operations includes a pretax restructuring charge of $103 million, a pretax litigation charge of $96 million and an in-process

research-and-development charge of $18 million.

4. Loss from continuing operations includes a pretax restructuring charge of $216 million and a pretax litigation charge of $330 million.

5. Excludes in-process research-and-development charges of $352 million and $18 million in 1997 and 1995, respectively.

6. The company’s operational cash flow measurement is defined on page 22.

7. Excludes common stock equivalents.

Printed on recycled paper

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