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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020
OR
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ____ to ____
Commission File No. 1-6651
HRC-20200930_G1.JPG
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana 35-1160484
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
130 E. Randolph St. Suite 1000
Chicago, IL
60601
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 819-7200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class Trading Symbol Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, without par value HRC New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer     Accelerated filer     Non-accelerated filer     Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, was approximately $6.7 billion, based on the closing sales price of $100.60 per share as of March 31, 2020 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter). There is no non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates. The registrant had 66,812,909 shares of its common stock, without par value, outstanding as of November 11, 2020.

Documents incorporated by reference.
Certain portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 10, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




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HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART II
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PART III
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PART IV
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PART I

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, with respect to general economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the demand for our products, the ability to operate our manufacturing sites at full capacity, future supplies of raw materials for our operations, product launches, share repurchases, international market conditions, expectations regarding our liquidity, our capital spending, plans for future acquisitions and divestitures, and our operating plans. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans to,” “ought,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “appears,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “outlook” or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All statements that address our future operating performance or events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements.

Our forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and beliefs as of the time this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States (“SEC”) or, with respect to any document incorporated by reference, as of the time such document was prepared. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially due to various factors. These factors include those described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. Our actual results also could be materially adversely impacted by the length and severity of the on-going coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19,” “the pandemic,” or “the virus”) and related impacts on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects. Except as required by applicable law or regulations, we undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or any other developments or changes.

Item 1.BUSINESS

General

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (the “Company,” “Hillrom,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated on August 7, 1969, in the State of Indiana and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are a global medical technology leader whose approximately 10,000 employees have a single purpose: enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers by Advancing Connected Care™. Around the world, our innovations touch over 7 million patients each day. Our products and services help enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, optimize surgical efficiency and accelerate patient recovery while simplifying clinical communication and shifting care closer to home. We make these outcomes possible through digital and connected care solutions and collaboration tools, including smart bed systems, patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, respiratory health devices, advanced equipment for the surgical space and more, delivering actionable, real-time insights at the point of care.

Segment Information

We disclose segment information that is consistent with the way in which management operates and views the business. Our operating structure contains the following reportable segments:

Patient Support Systems – globally provides an ecosystem of our digital and connected care solutions: devices, software, communications and integration technologies that improve care and deliver actionable insights to caregivers and patients in the acute care setting. Key products include care communications and mobility solutions, connected med-surg and ICU bed systems, sensors and surfaces, safe patient handling equipment and services.

Front Line Care – globally provides integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies – from hospital to home – that enable and support Hillrom’s connected care strategy. Our diverse portfolio includes secure, connected, digital assessment technologies to help diagnose, treat and manage a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening and physical assessment.

Surgical Solutions – globally enables peak procedural performance, connectivity and video integration products that improve collaboration, workflow, safety and efficiency in the operating room, such as surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories.



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Net revenue, segment profitability and other measures of segment reporting for each reportable segment are set forth in Note 14. Segment Reporting of our Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Products and Services

Patient Support Systems. Our Patient Support systems business include a variety of specialty frames and surfaces (such as medical surgical beds, intensive care unit beds, and bariatric patient beds), patient mobility solutions, non-invasive therapeutic products and surfaces, and our information technologies and software solutions in our Care Communications portfolio. These products are sold globally and are built to advance mobility, reduce patient falls and caregiver injuries, improve caregiver efficiency and prevent and care for pressure injuries. In addition, we also sell equipment service contracts for our capital equipment, primarily in the United States. Approximately 53%, 51% and 50% of our revenue in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was derived from this segment.

Front Line Care. Our Front Line Care products include our patient monitoring and diagnostics products from Welch Allyn and our respiratory health products. Our patient monitoring and diagnostics products from Welch Allyn include products in each of the following four categories: patient exam and diagnostics, patient monitoring, diagnostic cardiology and vision screening and diagnostics. Our respiratory health products include non-invasive devices that provide respiratory support and assist patients in the mobilization of retained blockages. Front Line Care products are sold globally within multiple care settings including primary care, acute care, extended care and home care (primarily respiratory health products). Approximately 36%, 34%, and 34% of our revenue in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was derived from products within this segment.

Surgical Solutions. Our Surgical Solutions products include tables, lights, pendants and operating room integration technology utilized within the surgical setting. We also offer a range of positioning devices for use in shoulder, hip, spinal and lithotomy surgeries as well as platform-neutral positioning accessories for nearly every model of operating room table. Approximately 11%, 15%, and 16% of our revenue in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was derived from products within this segment.

We have extensive distribution capabilities and broad reach across all health care settings. We primarily operate in the following channels: (1) sales and rentals of products to acute and extended care facilities worldwide through both a direct sales force and distributors; (2) sales and rentals of products directly to patients in the home; and (3) sales into primary care facilities (primarily Welch Allyn products) through distributors. Through our network of 163 North American and 39 international service centers, and approximately 2,000 service professionals, we provide technical support and services and rapidly deliver our products to customers as-needed, providing our customers flexibility to purchase or rent select products. This extensive network is critical to serving our customers and securing contracts with Group Purchasing Organizations (“GPOs”) and Integrated Delivery Networks (“IDNs”).

No single customer represents more than 10% of our revenue.



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Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we acquired the following companies:

Fiscal Year Company Name Description of the Business Description of the Acquisition
2020 Excel Medical Electronics (“Excel Medical”) Clinical communications software company located in the United States Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2020 Connecta Soft, S.A. de C.V. (“Connecta”) Clinical communications software company based in Mexico. Purchased the multiplatform medical device integration and connectivity software programs, products, and solutions of the company.
2020 Videomed S.r.l. (“Videomed”) Developer of integrated video solutions in operating rooms located in Italy. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2019 Voalte, Inc. (“Voalte”) Clinical communications software company located in the United States. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2019 Breathe Technologies, Inc. (“Breathe”) Developer and manufacturer of a patented wearable, non-invasive ventilation technology that supports improved patient mobility. Located in the United States. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.

Asset Acquisition

During fiscal 2018, we acquired the right to use patented technology and certain related assets from a supplier to our Front Line Care segment.

Dispositions

During fiscal 2019 and 2018, we disposed of the following:

Fiscal Year Segment Description of the Disposition
2019 Surgical Solutions
Sold certain of our surgical consumable products and related assets.
2018 Patient Support Systems Conveyed certain net assets related to our third-party rental business, comprised of purchased moveable medical equipment that could be rented to customers.

Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for additional information regarding acquisitions and dispositions.

Raw Materials

Principal materials used in our products for each business segment include electronic and electromechanical components, carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, wood and laminates, petroleum-based products, such as foams and plastics, and other materials, majority of our raw material components are available from multiple sources.

Prices fluctuate for raw materials and sub-assemblies used in our products based on a number of factors beyond our control. Specifically, the fluctuating prices of certain raw materials, including metals, fuel, plastics and electronic components as well as the impact from incremental China tariff had a direct effect on our profitability. Although we generally have not engaged in hedging transactions with respect to raw material purchases, we have effectively mitigated a portion of the cost pressure through improved operational efficiencies and enhanced supplier management.

Most of our contracts with hospital GPOs and other customers for the sale of products in North America permit us to institute annual list price increases, although we may not always be able to raise prices sufficiently to offset all raw material cost inflation.



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Competition

Across our business, we compete on the basis of clinical expertise, resulting product clinical utility and ability to produce favorable patient outcomes, as well as value, quality, customer service, innovation and breadth of product offerings. We evaluate our competition based on our segments.

The following table displays our significant competitors with respect to each segment:
Segments   Competitors
     
Patient Support Systems   Arjo
LINET spol. s.r.o.
Paramount
Rauland, a Division of AMETEK, Inc.
Stryker Corporation
Vocera
       
Front Line Care   Electromed, Inc.
Exergen Corporation
GE Healthcare
Heine Optotechnik
Midmark Corporation
Mindray Medical International
OMRON Healthcare, Inc.
Philips
Resmed
Riester
Schiller AG
       
Surgical Solutions   Draeger
Maquet, a Division of Getinge AB
MizuhoOSI
Skytron
Steris
Stryker Corporation
 
Additionally, we compete with a large number of smaller and regional manufacturers.

Regulatory Matters

FDA Regulation

We design, manufacture, install and distribute medical devices that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and similar agencies in other countries. The regulations and standards of these agencies evolve over time and require us to make changes in our manufacturing processes and quality systems to remain in compliance. The FDA’s Quality System regulations and the regulatory equivalents internationally set forth standards for our product design and manufacturing processes, require the maintenance of certain records and provide for inspections of our facilities. From time to time, the FDA performs routine inspections of our facilities and may inform us of certain deficiencies in our processes or facilities. In addition, there are certain state and local government requirements that must be complied with in the manufacturing and marketing of our products. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information.

Environmental

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations relating to environmental and health and safety concerns, including the handling, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials used in, or derived from our manufacturing processes. When necessary, we provide reserves in our financial statements for environmental matters. We do not expect the remediation costs for any environmental issues in which we are currently involved to exceed $1.0 million.

Health Care Regulations

In March 2010, comprehensive health care reform legislation in the United States was signed into law through the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. The health care industry continues to undergo significant change, both in response to this law and in response to other legislative and regulatory actions. In addition to health care reform, Medicare, Medicaid and managed care organizations, such as health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations, traditional indemnity insurers and third-party administrators are under increasing pressure to control costs and limit utilization, while improving quality and health care outcomes. These objectives are being advanced through a variety of reform initiatives including, but not limited to, accountable care organizations, value-based purchasing, bundling initiatives and competitive bidding programs. We are also subject to a number of other regulations around the world related to the sale and distribution of health care products. The potential impact of these regulations to our


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business is discussed further in Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in this Form 10-K.

Product Development

We pursue development of new products and product improvements internally. We maintain professional working relationships with various medical professionals who assist in product research and development. New and improved products play a critical role in our sales growth. We continue to place emphasis on the development of proprietary products and product improvements to complement and expand our existing product lines. Our significant research and development activities are located in Acton, Massachusetts; Batesville, Indiana; Cary, North Carolina; Irvine, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sarasota, Florida; Skaneateles Falls, New York; Bologna, Italy; Pluvigner, France; Singapore; and Saalfeld and Puchheim, Germany.

Research and development is expensed as incurred. Research and development expense in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $136.5 million, $139.5 million and $135.6 million.

In addition, certain software development technology costs for software to be sold or licensed to customers are capitalized as intangibles and are amortized over a period of three to five years once the software is ready for its intended use. The amounts capitalized in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $15.3 million, $8.0 million and $2.4 million.

Patents, Trademarks and Trade Names

We own, and may license from others, a number of patents on our products and manufacturing processes, but we do not believe any single patent or related group of patents is of material significance to any business segment or our business as a whole. We also own a number of trademarks, trade names and service marks relating to our products and services. Except for the marks “HillromTM”, “Hill-Rom®” and “Welch Allyn®”, we do not believe any single trademark, trade name or service mark is of material significance to any business segment or our business as a whole.

Foreign Operations

Information about our foreign operations is set forth in tables relating to geographic information in Note 14. Segment Reporting of our Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Human Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2020, Hillrom had approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, with approximately 6,000 employees in the United States and approximately 4,000 employees outside of the United States. Hillrom’s global presence enables our strategic priority of expanding internationally and penetrating emerging markets with our differentiated solutions. Our employees are our most important assets and they set the foundation for our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. All of our employees contribute to Hillrom’s success and, in particular, the employees in our manufacturing, sales, research and development and quality assurance departments are instrumental in driving operational execution and strong financial performance, advancing innovation and maintaining a strong quality and compliance program.

The success and growth of Hillrom’s business depend in large part on our ability to attract, retain and develop a diverse population of talented and high-performing employees at all levels of our organization, including the individuals who comprise our global workforce as well as executive officers and other key personnel. To succeed in a competitive labor market, Hillrom has developed key recruitment and retention strategies, objectives and measures that we focus on as part of the overall management of our business. These strategies, objectives and measures form the pillars of our human capital management framework and are advanced through the following programs, policies and initiatives:

Competitive Pay and Benefits. Hillrom’s compensation programs are designed to align the compensation of our employees with Hillrom’s performance and to provide the proper incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees to achieve superior results. The structure of our compensation programs balances incentive earnings for both short-term and long-term performance. Specifically:

We provide employee wages that are competitive and consistent with employee positions, skill levels, experience, knowledge and geographic location.


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We engage nationally recognized outside compensation and benefits consulting firms to independently evaluate the effectiveness of our executive compensation and benefit programs and to provide benchmarking against our peers within the industry.
We align our executives’ long-term equity compensation with our shareholders’ interests by linking realizable pay with stock performance.
Annual increases and incentive compensation are based on merit, which is communicated to employees at the time of hiring and documented through our talent management process as part of our annual review procedures and upon internal transfer and/or promotion.
All employees are eligible for health insurance, paid and unpaid leaves, a retirement plan and life and disability/accident coverage. We also offer a variety of voluntary benefits that allow employees to select the options that meet their needs, including flexible time-off, telemedicine, paid parental leave, adoption assistance, a travel solution for nursing moms, family building benefits, prescription savings solutions, Veterans' Health Administration coverage in U.S. medical plans, transgender medical coverage, a personalized wellness program, a financial wellness program and expanded coverage for diabetic employees.

Advancing and Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (“DIB”). DIB is vital to Hillrom’s ability to grow the business and innovate in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment. Our diverse and inclusive workplace encourages different perspectives and ideas, which we believe enables better business decisions and rapid innovation. The following are highlights of Hillrom’s DIB program:

We have established a DIB Council that provides strategic direction, guidance and advocacy for Hillrom's DIB initiatives and advancements and is led by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer and includes high-performing leaders from around the world.
As of September 30, 2020, women leaders made up 36% of Hillrom’s Board of Directors and 38% of Hillrom’s Executive Leadership Team.
We sponsor multiple Employee Resources Groups, which are employee-led and open to all employees, including: Pride Partnership; Individuals with Disabilities Empowered to Achieve; Veteran Employee Team; Embrace—A Black Professional Organization; Professional Women’s Group; and HOLA (Hillrom Organization for Latinex Advancement).
We recruit diverse talent through local partnerships with organizations such as RecruitMilitary, HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement), Diversity Best Practice, National Society of Black Engineers and Getting Hired (focused on individuals with disabilities).

Health and Safety. Health and safety are firmly rooted across Hillrom's global footprint. In fiscal 2020, Hillrom completed the deployment across its manufacturing facilities of its new environmental health and safety management system, which is designed to streamline data collection, ensure greater consistency and accuracy across global operations and improve health and safety performance. We prioritize, manage and carefully track safety performance at all locations globally and integrate sound safety practices to make a meaningful difference in every facet of our operations. During fiscal 2020, Hillrom reduced its recordable injury rate compared to fiscal 2019 by 27% (0.38 recordable injuries per 100 workers per year) on a company-wide basis and by 56% (0.32 recordable injuries per 100 workers per year) across its manufacturing operations.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigation measures, we implemented changes in our business in March 2020 in an effort to protect our employees and customers, and to support appropriate health and safety protocols. For example, we installed physical barriers between employees in production facilities, implemented extensive cleaning and sanitation processes for both production and office administration spaces and implemented broad work-from-home initiatives for employees in our administrative functions. While Hillrom’s essential workers (production and field service employees) have continued to work at our facilities and provide vital service to our customers, most employees in our administrative functions have effectively worked remotely since mid-March. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, incremental non-recurring special compensation costs of $3.7 million were paid to Hillrom’s essential workers.

Labor Relations/Fair Labor Practice. We are committed to equal opportunity employment and working effectively with existing unions. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 8% of our employees in the United States (including contingent workers) worked under collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced a work stoppage in the United States in over 40 years, and we believe that our employee relations are satisfactory. The two collective bargaining agreements at our primary U.S. manufacturing facility expire in January 2021 and January 2022. We are also subject to various collective bargaining arrangements and/or national trade union agreements outside the United States. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 65% of our employees outside the United States (including contingent workers) worked under such arrangements.



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Recruitment, Training and Development. We use recruitment vehicles to attract diverse talent to our organization, including partnerships with local and national organizations, HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and various social media outlets. Hillrom invests in learning opportunities that foster a growth mindset. Our formal offerings include a tuition reimbursement program, an e-learning platform known as Hillrom University (“HRU”) and virtual workshops that support our culture, strategy and the development of crucial skills. To measure the impact of the investments we make in our people, and to help us continually improve our human resources programs, we regularly track a number of critical metrics, including the following:

Internal Hires: We track the percentage of open positions filled with internal candidates and use this metric as a measure of how successfully we are promoting talent from within. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the data was as follows:
Director and above: 34%
Manager and above: 45%
All levels: 31%

Employee Satisfaction: We conduct an anonymous bi-annual engagement survey of our global workforce. Administered and analyzed by an independent third-party, the survey results are reviewed by the executive officers. The results of this engagement survey are shared with individual managers, who are then tasked with taking action based on their employees’ anonymous feedback (both quantitative and qualitative). By paying close attention to the results both at an aggregate enterprise level as well as at a department/business/work group level, Hillrom has been able to enhance its culture of respect, help educate employees more effectively about our benefits offerings as well as our learning and development opportunities and further improve our communications content, mechanisms and frequency.

Executive Officers

The following sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers. The term of office for each executive officer expires on the date his or her successor is chosen and qualified. No director or executive officer has a “family relationship” with any other director or executive officer of the Company, as that term is defined for purposes of this disclosure requirement. There is no understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive officer was selected.
 
John P. Groetelaars, 54, was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Hillrom, effective May 2018. Previously, Mr. Groetelaars was Executive Vice President and President of Becton, Dickinson and Company’s (“BD”) Interventional Segment. Prior to the BD acquisition of C.R. Bard, Mr. Groetelaars was Group President at Bard, which he had joined in 2008. He previously held positions of increasing responsibility with Boston Scientific Corporation, Guidant Corporation and Eli Lilly.

Barbara W. Bodem, 52, was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective December 2018. Before joining Hillrom, she served as Senior Vice President, Finance at Mallinckrodt. Previously, she served in a variety of senior finance roles for Hospira, Inc. and Eli Lilly, including serving as CFO of Lilly Oncology.

Amy Dodrill, 47, was elected Senior Vice President and President, Surgical Solutions, effective June 2019. She had previously served as Vice President of our U.S. Surgical Solutions sales operations and prior to that, as an area vice president in our Patient Support Systems business since joining Hillrom in October 2011. Before joining Hillrom, she held several senior leadership roles at DynaVox Systems LLC and GE Healthcare.

Andreas G. Frank, 44, was elected Senior Vice President and President, Front Line Care, effective December 2018. He previously served as Chief Transformation Officer and Senior Vice President Corporate Development and Strategy, since joining Hillrom in October 2011. Before joining Hillrom, he was Director, Corporate Development at Danaher Corporation. Previously, he worked in the Corporate Finance and Strategy practice at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Paul Johnson, 55, was elected as Senior Vice President and President of Patient Support Systems, effective November 2016. He had previously served as President, PSS North America, since joining Hillrom in February 2013. Before joining Hillrom, he held various commercial leadership positions at Life Technologies and GE Healthcare.

Mary Kay Ladone, 54, was elected Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy and Investor Relations, effective December 2018. She previously served as Vice President, Investor Relations, since joining Hill-Rom in July 2016. Before


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joining Hillrom, she served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, of Baxalta Incorporated. Previously, she served in a variety of senior finance, business development and investor relations roles for Baxter International. 

Kenneth Meyers, 58, was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 2015. Before joining Hillrom, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Hospira, Inc. Previously, he was a partner at Mercer / Oliver Wyman Consulting. Prior to Mercer / Oliver Wyman, he served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, for Starbucks International.

Deborah M. Rasin, 54, was elected Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, effective January 2016. Before joining Hillrom, she was General Counsel for Dentsply International Inc. Previously, she served as General Counsel at Samsonite Corporation and as a senior attorney at General Motors.

Richard M. Wagner, 52, was elected Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, effective May 2018. Before joining Hillrom, he was Vice President, Finance at Cree, Inc. and prior to that role, he served as Vice President, Corporate Controller at Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

Availability of Reports and Other Information

Our website is www.hillrom.com. We make available on this website, free of charge, access to our annual, quarterly and current reports and other documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC as soon as practicable after such reports or documents are filed or furnished. We also make available on our website position specifications for the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors (“Board”) and the Chief Executive Officer, our Global Code of Conduct (and any amendments or waivers), the Corporate Governance Standards of our Board and the charters of each of the standing committees of the Board. All of these documents are also available to shareholders in print upon request.

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

Our business involves risks related to economic, market, regulatory and legislative factors in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The following information about these risks should be considered carefully together with the other information contained herein. The risks described below are not the only risks faced by Hillrom. Additional risks not currently known or considered immaterial also might result in adverse effects on our business. Any of these risks could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, future results or cash flows. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority.

COVID-19 Risks

Our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be materially and adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the related effects on public health.

In December 2019, there was an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China that has since spread to nearly all regions of the world. The outbreak was subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. To date, the COVID-19 outbreak and preventive measures taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas and significant disruption in global financial markets.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigation measures, we implemented changes in our business in March 2020 to protect our employees and customers through appropriate health and safety protocols. For example, we installed physical barriers between employees in production facilities, implemented extensive cleaning and sanitation processes for both production and office administration spaces, and implemented broad work-from-home initiatives for employees in our administrative functions. Implementing these measures resulted in additional costs in fiscal 2020, which we expect will continue in fiscal 2021 as we work to address employee safety. These additional costs did not have a material impact on our Statements of Consolidated Income during fiscal 2020, and we anticipate a similar impact for fiscal 2021.

Although we experienced some challenges in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, including declines in revenue related to project delays in our care communications business and reduced demand for certain of our patient exam and diagnostic products, at this time, we have not experienced a negative impact on our liquidity or results of operations. While we generally expect the level of demand for our products negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to recover as we progress through fiscal 2021, we are unable to predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, including the nature and timing of when


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demand recovery may occur. The continued spread of COVID-19 could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects in a number of ways in the future. For example, it could, among other things:

interrupt, slow, or render our supply chains inoperable, resulting in more expensive alternative sources of labor and materials or an inability to find such alternative sources of labor and materials for our products;
subject us to governmental mandates and quarantines that may require forced shutdowns of our facilities for extended or indefinite periods due to public health measures;
increase regulation of our industry, up to and including the exercise of war powers under The Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, which could require us to turn over our production capabilities to the U.S. Government;
substantially interfere with general commercial activity related to our customer base if our customers' businesses are affected by the outbreak, including through delays or reductions of purchases of our products;
diminish our ability to adequately predict customer demand for our products, which could adversely impact our ability to effectively manage inventory levels;
cause health care providers to limit or restrict access to their facilities to only essential personnel for a material amount of time, adversely impacting our ability to complete installations of our care communications offerings and operating room equipment, and limiting contact with our sales personnel;
reduce the number of ambulatory care or office visits if health care providers prioritize pandemic-related treatment and governmental and industry associations recommend the deferral of elective surgeries;
cause our employees, including key executives, our production and service workforce and functional team members to become ill, quarantined or otherwise unable to work or travel due to health reasons or governmental restrictions;
increase absenteeism or cause workplace disruption related to employees working from home or remotely;
contribute to adverse changes in general domestic and global economic conditions, including recession or economic slowdown and disruption of domestic and international credit markets, which could negatively impact our customers' ability to pay us as well as our ability to access capital that could in the future negatively affect our liquidity;
result in the establishment of trade barriers that disrupt the flow of goods and increase costs associated with logistics and transportation;
decrease our ability to grow our business through mergers, acquisitions and other similar business arrangements during any such pandemic or other outbreak as targets focus on operating their respective businesses;
negatively impact innovation and development of new products as our research and development (“R&D”) teams may be required to work from home and resources and energy may be redirected during any such outbreak; or
contribute to a recession or market correction that could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, and given its inherent uncertainty, it could have an adverse impact on our business in the future. The duration and extent of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic depends on future developments that cannot be accurately predicted at this time, such as the severity and transmission rate of the virus, the extent and effectiveness of containment actions and the impact of these and other factors on our employees, customers, suppliers, service providers and business partners. If COVID-19 continues to spread and escalate domestically or internationally, or if governments impose additional measures intended to mitigate the spread and related effects of the pandemic, the risks described above could be elevated significantly.

Should these conditions persist for a prolonged period, the COVID-19 pandemic, including any of the above factors and others that are currently unknown, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects and could heighten many of our known risks described in this Item 1A. Risk Factors, any of which could have a material effect on us.

Regulatory Risks

We face significant uncertainty in our industry due to government health care reform, healthcare reform laws, changes in Medicare, Medicaid and other governmental medical program reimbursements and for which we cannot predict how such reforms will impact our operating results.

In March 2010, the U.S. Congress adopted and President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform legislation through the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4872) (collectively, “the Healthcare Reform Act”). The provisions of the Healthcare Reform Act are intended to expand access to health insurance coverage and improve the quality of healthcare over time. However, other provisions of the legislation, including Medicare provisions, aim to decrease costs through comparative effectiveness research, and pilot programs to evaluate alternative payment methodologies could result in pricing pressure or negatively impact the demand for our products.


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We cannot predict with certainty what additional future health care initiatives, if any, will be implemented at the federal or state level, or what the ultimate effect of federal health care reform or any future legislation or regulation will have on us. Globally, managed care organizations, such as Medicare and Medicaid in the United States, are facing increasing pressure to both control health care utilization and to limit reimbursement. Changes in reimbursement programs or their regulations, including retroactive and prospective rate and coverage criteria changes, competitive bidding for certain products and services, and other changes intended to reduce expenditures (domestically or internationally), could adversely affect the portions of our businesses that are dependent on third-party reimbursement or direct governmental payments. Moreover, to the extent that our healthcare provider customers experience reimbursement pressure resulting in lower revenue for them, their demand for our products and services might decrease. The impact of the above-mentioned items could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Failure by us or our suppliers to comply with FDA regulations and similar foreign regulations applicable to the products we design, manufacture, install or distribute could expose us to enforcement actions or other adverse consequences.

We design, manufacture, install and distribute medical devices that are regulated by the FDA and similar agencies in other countries. Failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in future product recalls, injunctions preventing the shipment of products or other enforcement actions that could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and profitability. Additionally, certain of our suppliers are subject to FDA regulations. The failure of these suppliers to comply with regulations could adversely affect us as regulatory actions taken by the FDA against those manufacturers can result in product shortages, recalls or modifications. We are also subject to the European Medical Device Regulation, which was adopted by the European Union (“EU”) as a common legal framework for all EU member states. These regulations require companies that wish to manufacture and distribute medical devices in EU member states to meet certain quality system and safety requirements and ongoing product monitoring responsibilities, and obtain a “CE” marking (i.e., a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area) for their products. Various penalties exist for non-compliance with the laws implementing the European Medical Device Regulations which if incurred, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

We could be subject to substantial fines or damages and possible exclusion from participation in federal or state health care programs if we fail to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to our business.

We are subject to stringent laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels governing the participation of durable medical equipment suppliers in federal and state health care programs. From time to time, the government seeks additional information related to our claims submissions, and in some instances government contractors perform audits of payments made to us under Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs. On occasion, these reviews identify overpayments for which we submit refunds. At other times, our own internal audits identify the need to refund payments. We believe the frequency and intensity of government audits and review processes has grown and we expect this will continue in the future, due to increased resources allocated to these activities at both the federal and state Medicaid level, and greater sophistication in data review techniques.

If we are considered to have violated these laws and regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines, damages, possible exclusion from participation in federal health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and possible recoupment of any overpayments related to such violations. While we believe that our practices materially comply with applicable state and federal requirements, the requirements might be interpreted in a manner inconsistent with our interpretation. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, even if inadvertent, could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Failure to comply with regulations due to our contracts with U.S. government entities could adversely affect our business and results of operations. 

Our business contracts with U.S. government entities are subject to specific rules, regulations and approvals applicable to government contractors. U.S. government agencies often reserve the right to conduct audits and investigations of our business practices to assure our compliance with these requirements. Our failure to comply with these or other laws and regulations could result in contract terminations, suspension or debarment from contracting with the U.S. federal government, civil fines and damages and criminal prosecution. In addition, changes in procurement policies, budget considerations, unexpected U.S. developments, such as changes in the funding or structure of Department of Veterans Affairs or other government agencies to which we sell our products and services, might adversely affect sales to U.S. government entities.


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Capital and Credit Risks

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. This level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund operations, our flexibility in operating our business and our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry.

As of September 30, 2020, we had $1,878.0 million of indebtedness outstanding net of certain issuance costs. As a result of this debt, we have significant demands on our cash resources. The level of debt could, among other things:

require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to the servicing and repayment of our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate, including the continued impacts of COVID-19, which could require additional resources or a reallocation of capital to respond to changing priorities;
restrict our ability to make strategic acquisitions or dispositions or to maximize business opportunities;
adversely affect our credit rating, with the result that the cost of servicing our indebtedness might increase;
adversely affect the market price of our common stock;
limit our ability to apply proceeds from an offering or asset sale to purposes other than the servicing and repayment of debt; and
cause us to fail to meet payment obligations or otherwise default under our debt, which will give our lenders the right to accelerate the indebtedness and exercise other rights and remedies against us.

In addition to the indebtedness we had outstanding as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we might incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, which could cause the related risks to intensify. We may refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before their respective maturities. We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The terms of any additional debt might give the holders rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, particularly in the event of liquidation. The terms of any new debt might also impose additional and more stringent restrictions on our operations than are currently in place. If we are unable to refinance our debt, we might default under the terms of our indebtedness, which could lead to an acceleration of the required repayment of the outstanding balance. We do not expect that we could repay all of our outstanding indebtedness if the repayment of such indebtedness was accelerated.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement and Securitization Facilities will be at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates were to increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Assuming all loans under the Senior Credit Agreement and Securitization Facilities were fully drawn, each quarter point change in interest rates, excluding the effects of any interest rate swap agreements, would result in a $5.9 million change in annual interest expense on our indebtedness under the Senior Credit Agreement and Securitization Facilities. In the future, we may enter into additional interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Our Senior Credit Agreement, Securitization Facilities and certain derivative instruments use the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a benchmark for establishing interest rates. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of December 2021. We may have to negotiate new credit terms or potentially incur additional indebtedness that rely on an alternative interest rate method to LIBOR as a result of the LIBOR phase out. Any legal or regulatory changes made in response to LIBOR’s future discontinuance may result in, among other things, a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in LIBOR, a delay in the publication of LIBOR, or changes in the rules or methodologies in LIBOR. In addition, alternative methods to LIBOR may not yet have been established by the end of December 2021, and the impact of such alternative methods may be impossible or impracticable to determine. While we do not


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expect that the transition from LIBOR will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows, it is still uncertain at this time.

Adverse developments in general domestic and worldwide economic conditions and instability and disruption of credit markets could have an adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition, or liquidity.

We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in general domestic and global economic conditions, including recession or economic slowdown and disruption of domestic and international credit markets. The credit and capital markets could experience extreme volatility and disruption that could lead to periods of recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending. These recessionary conditions could cause customers to reduce, modify, delay or cancel plans to purchase our products and services. If our customers reduce investments in capital expenditures or utilize their limited capital funds to invest in products that we do not offer, it could negatively impact our operating results. Even if our revenue remains constant, our profitability could decline if there is a shift to sales of product mix or geographic locations with less favorable margins. Moreover, volatility in the credit markets could adversely affect our suppliers’ access to capital and therefore their ability to continue to provide an adequate supply of the materials we use in our products and may result in higher supply costs.

If worldwide economic conditions worsen, we would expect our customers to scrutinize costs resulting from pressures on operating margin due to rising supply costs, reduced investment income and philanthropic giving, increased interest expense, reimbursement pressure, reduced elective health care spending and uncompensated care.

Operating and Product Risks

We operate in a highly competitive industry that is subject to the risk of declining demand and pricing pressures, which could adversely affect our operating results.

Demand for our products and services depends in large part on overall demand in the health care market. With the health care market’s increased focus on hospital asset and resource efficiency as well as reimbursement constraints, spending for some of our products could decline over time. Further, the competitive pressures in our industry could cause us to lose market share unless we increase our commercial investments or reduce our prices, which could adversely impact our operating results.

The nature of this highly competitive marketplace demands that we successfully introduce new products into the market in a cost-effective manner (more fully detailed below). These factors, along with possible legislative developments and others, might result in significant shifts in market share among the industry’s major participants, which includes us. Accordingly, if we are unable to effectively differentiate ourselves from our competitors in terms of new products and diversification of our product portfolio through business acquisitions, then our market share, sales and profitability could be adversely impacted through lower volume or decreased prices.

Our future financial performance will depend in part on the successful introduction of new products into the marketplace in a cost-effective manner.

Our future financial performance will depend in part on our ability to influence, anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences and needs, including those impacted by COVID-19, or a possible resurgence of COVID-19. We can provide no assurances that our new products will achieve commercial acceptance in the marketplace. We might not correctly anticipate or identify trends in customer preferences or needs or might identify them later than competitors do. In addition, difficulties in manufacturing or in obtaining regulatory approvals might delay or prohibit introduction of new products into the marketplace. Further, we might not be able to develop and produce new products at a cost that allows us to meet our goals for profitability. We may not be able to obtain patent protection on our new products or be able to defend our intellectual property rights globally. Warranty claims and service costs relating to our new products might be greater than anticipated, and we might be required to devote significant resources to address any quality issues associated with our new products, which could reduce the resources available for further new product development and other matters. In addition, the introduction of new products might also cause customers to defer purchases of existing products.

Failure to successfully introduce new products in a cost-effective manner, or delays in customer purchasing decisions related to the evaluation of new products, could cause us to lose market share and could materially adversely affect our business.



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We might not be able to grow or achieve expected cost savings or profitability if we are unable to successfully acquire and integrate, or form business relationships with, other companies.

We have in the past, and expect in the future, to grow our business through mergers, acquisitions and other similar business arrangements. We might not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or business relationships, negotiate acceptable terms or receive necessary financing on acceptable terms for such acquisitions or relationships. Additionally, we might become responsible for liabilities associated with businesses that we acquire to the extent they are not covered by indemnification from the sellers or by insurance. Even if we can consummate acquisitions, such acquisitions could be dilutive to earnings and might not be successfully integrated to fully realize the expected benefits. Our integration efforts might also divert management and other resources from other important matters, and we could experience delays or unusual expenses in the integration process, including intangible asset impairments, which could result in significant charges in our Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Moreover, the margins for these companies might differ from our historical gross and operating margins resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business is significantly dependent on major contracts with GPOs, IDNs, and certain other distributors and purchasers.

A majority of our U.S. hospital sales and rentals are made pursuant to contracts with hospital GPOs. At any given time, we are typically at various stages of responding to bids, negotiating and renewing expiring GPO agreements. Failure to be included in certain of these agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business, including product sales and service and rental revenue.

Our participation in such programs often requires increased discounting or restrictions on our ability to raise prices, and failure to participate or to be selected for participation in such programs might result in a reduction of sales to the member hospitals. In addition, the industry is showing an increased focus on contracting directly with health systems or IDNs (which typically represent influential members and owners of GPOs). IDNs and health systems often make key purchasing decisions and have influence over the GPO’s contract decisions, and often request additional discounts or other enhancements. Further, certain other distributors and purchasers have similar processes to the GPOs and IDNs and failure to be included in agreements with these other purchasers could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our international sales and operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that vary by country and which could have a material adverse effect on our business and/or results of operations. Compliance with international laws and regulations, import and export limitations, trade agreements, anti-corruption laws, and exchange controls may be difficult, burdensome and expensive. 

International sales represent approximately 32% of our total sales in fiscal 2020. We anticipate that international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of our total sales in the future. In addition, we have multiple manufacturing facilities and third-party suppliers that are located outside of the United States. As a result, our international sales, as well as our sales in the United States, of products produced or sourced internationally, are subject to risks and uncertainties that can vary by country, such as political instability, economic conditions, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in tax laws, regulatory and reimbursement programs and policies, and the protection of intellectual property rights. COVID-19 could contribute to these conditions or trigger legislative or regulatory responses that could directly or indirectly effect our business. In addition, our collections of international receivables are subject to economic pressures and the actions of some governmental authorities that have initiated various austerity measures to control health care and other governmental spending.

We are subject to compliance with various laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions, which generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making bribes or other improper payments to officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are also subject to limitations on trade with persons in sanctioned countries. Our exposure to international markets increases the inherent risks of encountering such issues. While our employees, distributors and agents are required to comply with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that our training and internal policies and procedures will always protect us from violations of these laws, despite our commitment to legal compliance and corporate ethics. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to severe fines and penalties that could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.



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We might not be successful in achieving expected operating efficiencies and sustaining or improving operating expense reductions, and might experience business disruptions and adverse tax consequences associated with restructuring, realignment and cost reduction activities.

Over the past few years, we have initiated several restructuring, realignment and cost reduction initiatives. While we expect to realize efficiencies from these actions, these activities might not produce the full efficiency and cost reduction benefits we expect. Further, such benefits might be realized later than expected, and the ongoing costs of implementing these measures might be greater than anticipated. If these measures are not successful or sustainable, we might undertake additional realignment and cost reduction efforts, which could result in future charges. Moreover, our ability to achieve our other strategic goals and business plans might be adversely affected and we could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if our restructuring and realignment efforts and our cost reduction activities prove ineffective. These actions, the resulting costs, and potential delays or potential lower than anticipated benefits might also impact our foreign tax positions and might require us to record tax reserves against certain deferred tax assets in our international business.

We are involved on an ongoing basis in claims, lawsuits and governmental proceedings relating to our operations, as well as product liability or other liability claims that could expose us to adverse judgments or could adversely affect the sales of our products.

We are involved in the design, manufacture and sale of health care products, which face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims if our products are alleged to have caused injury or are found to be unsuitable for their intended use. Amongst other claims, we are, from time to time, a party to claims and lawsuits alleging that our products have caused injury or death or are otherwise unsuitable. It is possible that we will receive adverse judgments in such lawsuits, and any such adverse judgments could be material. Although we carry insurance with respect to such matters, this insurance is subject to varying deductibles and self-insured retentions and might not be adequate to cover the full amount of any particular claim. In addition, any such claims could negatively impact the sales of products that are the subject of such claims or other products.

Materials and Manufacturing Risks

Increased prices for, or unavailability of, raw materials or sub-assemblies used in our products could adversely affect profitability or revenue. Specifically, our results of operations could be adversely affected by high prices for metals, fuel, plastics and other petroleum-based products, and the impact of U.S. and foreign legislation, regulations and trade agreements relating to the materials we import. We also rely on single suppliers for the procurement of several raw materials and sub-assemblies.

Our profitability is affected by the prices and availability of the raw materials and sub-assemblies used in the manufacture of our products. These prices might fluctuate based on many factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, changes in supply and demand, general economic conditions, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, or a possible resurgence of COVID-19, labor costs, fuel related delivery costs, competition, and currency exchange rates. Our business is also subject to risks associated with U.S. and foreign legislation, regulations and trade agreements relating to the materials we import, including quotas, duties, tariffs or taxes, and other charges or restrictions on imports, which could adversely affect our operations and our ability to import materials used in our products at current or increased levels. We cannot predict whether additional U.S. and foreign customs quotas, duties (including antidumping or countervailing duties), tariffs, taxes or other charges or restrictions, requirements as to where raw materials must be purchased, additional workplace regulations or other restrictions on our imports will be imposed in the future or adversely modified, or what effect such actions would have on our costs of operations. Future quotas, duties or tariffs may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Future trade agreements could also provide our competitors with an advantage over us, or increase our costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Significant increases in the cost of raw materials or sub-assemblies that cannot be recovered through increased prices of our products could adversely affect our results of operations. There can be no assurance that the marketplace will support higher prices or that such prices and productivity gains will fully offset any commodity cost increases in the future. We generally have not engaged in hedging transactions with respect to raw material purchases but do enter into fixed price supply contracts at times. Future decisions not to engage in hedging transactions or ineffective hedging transactions might result in increased cost volatility, potentially adversely impacting our profitability.

Our dependency upon regular deliveries of supplies from certain suppliers means that interruptions or stoppages in such deliveries could adversely affect our operations until arrangements with alternate suppliers could be made. Several of the raw materials and sub-assemblies used to manufacture our products currently are procured only from a single source. If any of these


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single-source suppliers were unable or unwilling to deliver these materials for an extended time, we might not be able to manufacture one or more products and our business could suffer. We might not be able to find acceptable alternatives, and any such alternatives could result in increased costs.

The majority of our products are manufactured at a single facility or location, and the material damage or loss of, or partial or complete labor-related work stoppage at, one or more of these facilities or locations could prevent us from manufacturing some of the various products we sell.

We manufacture most of our products in a single facility or location. If an event (including any weather or natural disaster or disruptions in connection with COVID-19) occurred that resulted in material damage or loss of, or partial or complete labor-related work stoppage at, one or more of these manufacturing facilities or we lacked sufficient labor to fully operate the facility, we might be unable to transfer manufacturing of the relevant products to another facility or location in a cost-effective or timely manner, if at all. This potential inability to transfer production could occur for several reasons, including but not limited to a lack of necessary relevant manufacturing capability at another facility, or the regulatory requirements of the FDA or other governmental regulatory bodies. Such an event could materially negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We might be adversely affected by regulations relating to conflict minerals.

The SEC has adopted rules regarding disclosure for public companies whose products contain conflict minerals (commonly referred to as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold) that originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and/or adjoining countries. The implementation of these requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of materials used in the manufacturing of our products. In addition, we will incur additional costs to comply with the disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of any of the relevant minerals used in our products. Since our supply chain is complex and multilayered, we might be unable to ascertain with sufficient certainty the origins for these minerals despite our due diligence procedures, which in turn might harm our reputation. We might also face difficulties in satisfying customers who might require that our products be certified as DRC conflict free, which could harm our relationships with these customers and/or lead to a loss of revenue. These requirements also could have the effect of limiting the pool of suppliers from which we source these minerals, and we might be unable to obtain conflict-free minerals at prices similar to the past, which could increase our costs and adversely affect our manufacturing operations and our profitability.

Employee and Pension Plan Risks

The assets in our pension plans are subject to market disruptions. In addition, our pension plans are underfunded.

Our primary pension plan invests in a variety of equity and debt securities subject to market risks. In addition, our pension plans are underfunded by $80.1 million based on our projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets as of September 30, 2020. Market volatility and disruption could cause declines in asset values or fluctuations in assumptions used to value our liability and expenses. If this occurs, we might need to make additional pension plan contributions and our pension expense in future years might increase.

A portion of our workforce is unionized, and we could face labor disruptions that would interfere with our operations.

Approximately 8% of our employees in the United States (including contingent workers) work under collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 65% of our employees outside the United States (including contingent workers) work under various collective bargaining arrangements and/or national trade union agreements. Although we have not recently experienced any significant work stoppages as a result of labor disagreements, we cannot ensure that such a stoppage will not occur in the future. The two collective bargaining agreements at our primary U.S. manufacturing facility expire in January 2021 and January 2022, respectively. Our inability to negotiate satisfactory new agreements or a labor disturbance at one of our principal facilities could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We might not be able to attract, retain and develop key personnel.

Our future performance depends in significant part upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key personnel. The loss of the services of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Our success also depends on our continuing ability to attract, retain and develop highly qualified personnel, and as competition for such personnel is intense, there can be no assurance that we can do so in the future.



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Cybersecurity and Information Technology Risks

The rationalization and transformation of our Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) software solutions and other information technology systems could result in significant disruptions to our operations.

We are in the process of rationalizing and transforming our ERP software solutions and other complementary information technology systems, which is expected to be completed over the next several years. The implementation of these solutions and systems is highly dependent on the coordination of numerous software and system providers and internal business teams. We could experience changes in our operational processes and internal controls, which in turn could require significant capital investments and change management, including recruiting and training of qualified personnel. The interdependence of these solutions and systems is key to the successful completion of the initiatives. The failure of any one solution or system could have a significant impact on our business processes and information systems, including loss or corruption of data, delayed shipments, decreases in productivity as our personnel and third-party providers implement and become familiar with new systems, increased costs and lost revenues, which could have an adverse effect on our overall information technology infrastructure and as a result, could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Difficulties in implementing new or upgraded information systems or system failures could also result in significant disruptions to our business, the incurrence of unanticipated expenses and the diversion of management’s attention from key strategic initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are increasingly dependent on the consistent functioning of our information technology and cybersecurity systems along with our information technology dependent product portfolios. If we are exposed to any intrusions, disruptions, corruption, or destruction, or if we fail to maintain the integrity of our systems or products, or the privacy of our data, our business and our reputation could be materially adversely affected.

We are increasingly dependent on consistent functioning of our information technology and cybersecurity systems for our infrastructure and software-based products. Our information systems require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect, and enhance existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, regulatory standards, integration of acquisitions, and the increasing need to protect patient, customer and supplier information. The new EU-wide General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became applicable on May 25, 2018, imposes more stringent data protection requirements and provides for greater penalties for noncompliance. Our products include technologies that support connectivity and decision support infrastructure, which could be subject to intrusion, disruption or corruption and could impact the quality of care patients receive or the confidentiality of patient information. In addition, third parties might attempt to hack into our products or systems and might obtain proprietary information. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may face increased cybersecurity risks due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who are working remotely, which may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. If we fail to maintain or protect our information technology and cybersecurity systems and information technology dependent products effectively, we could lose existing customers or suppliers, have difficulty attracting new customers or suppliers, have problems that adversely impact internal controls, have difficulty preventing, detecting and controlling fraud, have disputes with customers and suppliers, have regulatory sanctions or penalties imposed, have increases in operating expenses, incur expenses or lose revenues as a result of a data privacy breach, or suffer other adverse consequences. Any significant breakdown, intrusion, interruption, corruption, or destruction of these systems, as well as any data breaches, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Tax Risks
Unfavorable outcomes related to uncertain tax positions could result in significant tax liabilities.
We have recorded tax benefits related to various uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. While we believe our positions are appropriate, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), state or foreign tax authorities could disagree with our positions, which could result in a significant tax payment.



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General Risk Factors

Our stock price and trading volume has been, and may continue to be, volatile from time to time and we might experience continued fluctuations in the future that could negatively impact the value of our outstanding shares. 

The market for our common stock has, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that might have been unrelated to our operating performance. We believe that a variety of factors could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including:

new, or changes in, analyst recommendations, guidelines or studies that could affect the use of our products;
announcements and rumors of developments related to our business, including changes in reimbursement rates or regulatory requirements, proposed and completed acquisitions, or the industry in which we compete;
published studies and reports relating to our products and markets in which we participate;
quarterly fluctuations in our actual or anticipated operating results;
general conditions in the U.S. or worldwide economy, including the impact of COVID-19 that has spread globally;
our stock repurchase program;
announcements of technological innovations;
new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;
developments in patents or other intellectual property rights and litigation;
developments in relationships with our customers and suppliers;
the implementation of health care reform legislation and the adoption of additional reform legislation in the future; and
the ability to or extent of integrating our acquisitions.

Any such fluctuations in the future could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Item 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We have not received any comments from the staff of the SEC regarding our periodic or current reports that remain unresolved.



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Item 2.PROPERTIES

The principal properties used in our operations are listed below. All facilities are suitable for their intended purpose, are being efficiently utilized and are believed to provide adequate capacity to meet demand for the next several years.
Location Description and Primary Use Owned/Leased
Acton, MA Light manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products; Office administration Leased
Batesville, IN Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Owned
Cary, NC Development of health care products; Office administration Leased
Charleston, SC Light manufacturing and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Leased
Chicago, IL Corporate headquarters; Office administration Leased
Irvine, CA Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Leased
Milwaukee, WI Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products; Office administration Owned
Sarasota, FL Development and distribution of health care products; Office administration Leased
St. Paul, MN Office administration and distribution of health care products; Service center Leased
Skaneateles Falls, NY Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Owned
Suzhou, China Manufacturing of health care products Leased
Taicang, China Light manufacturing and distribution of health care products Leased
Pluvigner, France Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Owned
Puchheim, Germany Development of health care products; Office administration Owned/Leased
Saalfeld, Germany Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Owned
Navan, County Meath, Ireland Office administration Owned
Bologna, Italy Development of heath care products; Office administration Leased
Tijuana, Mexico Manufacturing and distribution of health care products; Office administration Leased
 
Monterrey, Mexico Manufacturing of health care products; Office administration Owned
Amsterdam, Netherlands Office administration Leased
Singapore Development of health care products; Office administration Leased
Luleå, Sweden Manufacturing and distribution of health care products;
Office administration
Owned

In addition to the foregoing, we lease a number of warehouse distribution centers, service centers, sales offices and other facilities throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Mexico, Middle East, the Far East, and Latin America.



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Item 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies of our Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Shareholders

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HRC and there are approximately 80,200 shareholders of record.

Dividends

The declaration and payment of cash dividends is at the sole discretion of our Board and depends upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings potential, capital requirements, alternative uses of cash, covenants associated with debt obligations, legal requirements, and other factors considered relevant by our Board. We have paid cash dividends on our common stock every quarter since our initial public offering in 1971. We intend to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends comparable to those paid in the periods covered by the Consolidated Financial Statements included within Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased 1
Average
Price Paid
per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Programs 2
July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020 714  $ 111.80  —  $ 163.4 
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020 50  $ 95.39  —  $ 163.4 
September 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020 132  $ 82.49  —  $ 163.4 
Total 896  — 

1 Shares purchased in the quarter ended September 30, 2020 were in connection with employee payroll tax withholding for restricted stock distributions.
2 In September 2019, the Board approved an additional $170.0 million for share repurchases. The below table reflects the date of Board approval, the authorized dollar value of the shares to be repurchased under each approval and the availability to repurchase as of September 30, 2020. There is no expiration date or plans to terminate this program in the future.
Board Approval Date Authorized Dollar Value
Dollar Value of Shares Purchased Prior to Fiscal 2020
Dollar Value of Shares Purchased in Fiscal 2020
Availability to Purchase as of September 30, 2020
November 2017 150.0  102.5  47.5  — 
September 2019 170.0  —  6.6  163.4 
Totals $ 320.0  $ 102.5  $ 54.1  $ 163.4 



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Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the return on our common stock with that of Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and our peer groups* for each of the last five fiscal years ended September 30. The composition of our current peer group (the “2020 Peer Group”) has not changed since the date of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2019. The 2020 Peer Group is aligned with the peer group used in our most recent compensation study done for executive compensation purposes. The graph below assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, the S&P 500 and our 2020 Peer Group was $100 on October 1, 2015 and that all dividends were reinvested.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
HRC $ 100  $ 119  $ 142  $ 182  $ 202  $ 161 
S&P 500 100  113  131  152  155  175 
2020 Peer Group 100  132  153  198  214  261 

HRC-20200930_G2.JPG

*For purposes of the Stock Performance Graph above, our 2020 Peer Group is comprised of: Agilent Technologies, Inc., Avanos Medical, Inc. (formerly Halyard Health, Inc.), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Bruker Corporation, The Cooper Companies, Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Hologic, Inc., Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Mednax, Inc., Patterson Companies, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, ResMed, Inc., Steris plc, Teleflex Incorporated, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Waters Corporation and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Certain other information required by this item will be contained under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 10, 2021, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.



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PART II

Item 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents our selected consolidated financial data for each of the last five fiscal years ended September 30. The data included below should be read together with Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and related notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(In millions, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Net revenue $ 2,881.0  $ 2,907.3  $ 2,848.0  $ 2,743.7  $ 2,655.2 
Net income 223.0  152.2  252.4  132.3  122.8 
Net income attributable to common shareholders 223.0  152.2  252.4  133.6  124.1 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per basic share 3.35  2.28  3.81  2.04  1.90 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per diluted share 3.32  2.25  3.73  1.99  1.86 
Total assets 4,671.1  4,919.0  4,360.0  4,528.7  4,262.4 
Long-term obligations 1,655.7  1,783.1  1,790.4  2,120.4  1,938.4 
Cash flows from operating activities 481.7  401.4  395.2  311.1  281.2 
Capital expenditures 105.9  73.4  89.5  97.5  83.3 
Cash flows from investing activities (131.2) (249.0) (82.4) (389.4) (97.7)
Cash flows from financing activities (695.0) 304.7  (356.6) 70.6  (141.9)
Cash dividends per basic share 0.87  0.83  0.78  0.71  0.67 



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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a global medical technology leader whose approximately 10,000 employees have a single purpose: enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers by Advancing Connected Care™. Around the world, our innovations touch over 7 million patients each day. Our products and services help enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, optimize surgical efficiency and accelerate patient recovery while simplifying clinical communication and shifting care closer to home. We make these outcomes possible through connected smart beds, patient lifts, patient assessment and monitoring technologies, caregiver collaboration tools, respiratory health devices, advanced equipment for the surgical space and more, delivering actionable, real-time insights at the point of care.

Industry Trends

The unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic placed significant pressure on health care providers globally. Not only did health systems manage the real and anticipated influx of infectious patients through emergent response, they were required to address a variety of factors including ensuring appropriate critical care capacity, facilitating supply chain needs for personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and high demand medical devices and addressing ongoing staffing challenges. The resulting focus on COVID-19 patients resulted in mandates to reduce elective surgeries, effectively reducing a key health system revenue source, placing financial pressure on providers. We expect consumers to continue to be wary about visiting healthcare facilities, driving continued demand for telehealth and care in lower acuity settings.

We see the pandemic representing a force which has and will continue to accelerate several global health care trends:

Telehealth and Remote Care. COVID-19 essentially accelerated the need and greater acceptance of virtual care. Although available for some time, the adoption of telehealth virtual visits has gained wide acceptance from patients, providers and more importantly payers. We see this trend continuing and the environment is ripe for continued growth. Additionally, with shortages of physician specialties, telemedicine (i.e., eICU) within the walls of the hospitals will also increase due to the need for access and the desire for lower cost care.

Digital Transformation. Connected care cannot only take place through virtual means, but also through the digital transformation of connected devices and decision support tools. Providers will utilize communication tools, sensors, wearables, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to generate meaningful and real-time information about patients to maximize clinical insights, improve workflow, enable earlier intervention and enhance the patient’s experience.

Lower Cost Care Settings. Growing pressure on health care costs are resulting in a continued migration of care from the acute care hospital into lower cost care settings. We believe that this trend increases the demand for more solutions to care for these patients, many of whom are medically complex, in lower acuity settings such as ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient centers and the home. Opportunities include improved medical technologies, remote monitoring, communication solutions and information technologies.

Provider Consolidation. The financial pressures experienced via COVID-19 place an even greater chasm between providers that can weather hardship and those that cannot. We expect economic considerations, competition and other factors will lead to ongoing consolidation of customers.

Economic and Clinical Value. The overriding importance of improved quality of care metrics will maintain the focus on improving outcomes related to pressure injuries, patient falls, patient deterioration and sepsis. Hospitals may experience reduced reimbursement for hospital-acquired adverse events, creating a stronger connection between these adverse events and hospital revenue levels. Therefore, we believe that health care providers will seek to do business with partners that can demonstrate improved clinical, and consequently, economic outcomes.

Demand for Health Care Services. Patient and provider demand for health care products and services is expected to continue to grow over the long-term as a result of many factors, including an aging population and an increasing number of chronic patients across all care settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, outpatient settings and in the home. At the same time, health care providers will also be under continued pressure to improve efficiency and control costs.



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Strategic Priorities

We believe we have aligned our strategic priorities to accommodate the evolving global health care landscape.
Advancing category leadership with differentiated solutions and innovation. Health care systems today are challenged to treat the rising incidence of complex diseases and conditions while reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving patient outcomes. We are well positioned to meet demand for innovative, differentiated solutions that drive a clear value proposition for customers. We are executing on a strong pipeline of impactful medical technologies, communication tools and information technologies to build on our category leadership and provide caregivers the products and solutions needed to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Expanding internationally and penetrating emerging markets. International markets continue to expand access to health care for their growing populations, presenting significant opportunity to expand our presence with our differentiated solutions. By focusing on product categories and innovations with the highest growth potential, coupled with our ‘One Hillrom’ approach to enhance our strong global channel and footprint, we will continue to enhance our international presence, penetrate emerging markets, and drive accelerated growth.
Transforming the portfolio with select business development and optimization initiatives. Business development has played an important role in our transformation in the last several years, by strengthening and diversifying the portfolio. We will continue to deploy capital on opportunities that align with our strategy and meet our financial objectives. We enhanced our growth prospects by divesting non-strategic assets and redirecting resources to advance category leadership in higher-growth, higher-margin opportunities. We will continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities that further optimize our business portfolio.
Driving operational execution and strong financial performance. Investing to support future growth is key to our success, while maintaining strong financial discipline and operational performance. We are executing on a variety of initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, including consolidation of our manufacturing footprint, lowering sourcing costs, improving productivity, and optimizing business processes. Savings generated from these actions will provide flexibility to reinvest in strategic priorities to drive growth, including continued innovation to drive category leadership and investments to further our international presence, particularly in emerging markets.

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Hillrom

COVID-19 has impacted global economies as travel, leisure and discretionary consumer spending has reduced significantly causing companies to make commensurate changes to their investments, human capital, and financial outlooks. The United States and countries around the world continue to take precautionary and preventive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Revenues and Customers

Hillrom experienced significant fluctuations in demand across its portfolio of products as health care customers prioritized the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We experienced a significant increase in demand for select products within Patient Support Systems and Front Line Care used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we recognized revenue of approximately $180 million related to non-recurring demand for respiratory health ventilators, intensive care unit and med-surg beds and specialty surfaces. We also experienced lower revenue in our care communications business and Surgical Solutions business due to project delays resulting from hospital access restrictions and delays in elective surgical procedures. Additionally, a decline in doctor office visits due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns resulted in lower demand for our products used within the physician practice setting.

For fiscal 2021, we expect hospitals and physician practices to advance toward more normal operating activities over the course of our fiscal year with intermittent and localized impacts from COVID-19. We anticipate lower demand for products used to treat COVID-19 as demand is less widespread than experienced early in the pandemic. We also anticipate a gradual recovery in the demand for other products, such as information technologies and software solutions in Patient Support Systems, patient diagnostic tools in Front Line Care and operating room infrastructure in Surgical Solutions. Our outlook for fiscal 2021 can be affected by efforts across the world to control the spread of COVID-19 through improved testing and contact tracing and the development and availability of an effective vaccine.



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Table of Contents
Operations and Workforce

We experienced no significant supply chain constraints nor significant increases in supply costs, and we were able to secure raw materials and components for manufacturing products in high demand due to COVID-19.

Our productions facilities have remained open and employment levels have remained consistent. Many employees in our administrative functions have effectively worked remotely since mid-March. We have implemented the necessary precautions to allow our employees to work safely and effectively in our manufacturing and service facilities. In other areas of the business, we have adapted our processes and used technology to continue to effectively execute on our strategic priorities as well as daily operating activities.

We will continue to assess our workforce requirements in response to evolving customer demand related to COVID-19.

As disclosed in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, we benefited from government programs within the various jurisdictions in which we operate in the form of subsidies, incentives, cost relief and payment deferrals. Management will continue to evaluate these opportunities as well as the related requirements or restrictions to support our operations and workforce in a manner that allows us to continue to operate efficiently and effectively.

For further discussion, see the risk factor within Item 1. Business, Item 1.A Risk Factors, entitled “Our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be materially and adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the related effects on public health.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In addition to the results reported in accordance with GAAP, we routinely provide operating margin, income before taxes, income tax expense and earnings per diluted share results on an adjusted basis as we believe these measures contribute to the understanding of our financial performance, provide additional analytical tools to understand our results from core operations and reveal underlying operating trends. These measures exclude strategic developments, acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments, gains and losses associated with disposals of businesses or significant product lines, regulatory costs related to updating existing product registrations to comply with the European Medical Device Regulations, Special charges as described in Note 10. Special Charges of this Form 10-K, the transitional impacts of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), changes in tax accounting methods, and other tax law changes as described in Note 11. Income Taxes of this Form 10–K, expenses associated with these tax items, the impacts of significant litigation matters, certain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other unusual events. We also exclude expenses associated with the amortization of purchased intangible assets. These adjustments are made to allow investors to evaluate and understand operating trends excluding their impact on operating income and earnings per diluted share.

Management uses these measures internally for planning, forecasting and evaluating the performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In addition, we present certain results on a constant currency basis, which compares results between periods as if foreign currency exchange rates had remained consistent period-over-period. We monitor sales performance on an adjusted basis that eliminates the positive or negative effects that result from translating international sales into U.S. dollars. We calculate constant currency by applying the foreign currency exchange rate for the prior period to the local currency results for the current period. We believe that evaluating growth in net revenue on a constant currency basis provides an additional and meaningful assessment to both management and investors.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019

In this section, we provide an overview of our results of operations. We disclose segment information that is consistent with the way in which management operates and views the business.



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Net Revenue
U.S. OUS
(In millions) Year Ended September 30 Change As
Reported
Constant
Currency
Change As
Reported
Change As
Reported
Constant
Currency
2020 2019
Revenue:
Product sales and service
$ 2,571.2  $ 2,615.0  (1.7) % (1.3) % (6.0) % 8.0  % 9.3  %
Rental revenue
309.8  292.3  6.0  % 6.1  % 7.4  % (3.1) % (2.5) %
Total net revenue $ 2,881.0  $ 2,907.3  (0.9) % (0.5) % (4.4) % 7.5  % 8.7  %
Revenue:
Patient Support Systems
$ 1,539.1  $ 1,490.5  3.3  % 3.6  % (0.1) % 14.1  % 15.6  %
Front Line Care
1,025.0  978.1  4.8  % 5.2  % 1.0  % 14.4  % 16.0  %
Surgical Solutions
316.9  438.7  (27.8) % (27.6) % (43.1) % (12.1) % (11.9) %
Total net revenue $ 2,881.0  $ 2,907.3  (0.9) % (0.5) % (4.4) % 7.5  % 8.7  %
OUS - Outside of the United States

Consolidated Revenue

Product sales and service revenue decreased 1.7% on a reported basis, and 1.3% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was the result of the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019 and lower revenues as a result of COVID-19 within Surgical Solutions. This decrease was partially offset by increased global revenue for Patient Support Systems and Front Line Care, which primarily reflects the net impacts of COVID-19.

Rental revenue increased 6.0% on a reported basis, and 6.1% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The increase was due to higher deployment of the Patient Support Systems rental portfolio, which was primarily driven by COVID-19 patient needs.

Business Segment Revenue

Patient Support Systems revenue increased 3.3% on a reported basis and 3.6% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The increase was driven primarily by global sales growth for intensive care unit and med-surg beds and increased U.S. rental revenues primarily due to COVID-19, as well as recent acquisitions. The increase was partially offset by lower revenue in our care communications business due to project delays resulting from hospital access restrictions. Revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 does not reflect approximately $2.4 million of revenue that was eliminated in fair value purchase accounting adjustments to deferred revenue related to recent acquisitions.

Front Line Care revenue increased 4.8% on a reported basis and 5.2% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily driven by non-invasive ventilator sales under U.S. federal and state government contracts as well as growth internationally in patient monitoring and physical assessment tools primarily related to COVID-19. The increases were partially offset by a decline in doctor office visits due to COVID-19 restrictions that resulted in lower demand for patient diagnostic tools, such as vision screening and cardiology.

Surgical Solutions revenue decreased 27.8% on a reported basis and 27.6% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, predominantly due to the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019. Additionally, global revenues declined as a result of COVID-19-related hospital access restrictions that delayed capital projects and installations, as well as deferred patient elective surgical procedures. These decreases were partially offset by higher demand for integrated operating tables during the first six months of fiscal 2020.



27


Gross Profit
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Gross Profit 1
Product sales and service $ 1,311.3  $ 1,284.3 
Percent of Related Net Revenue 51.0  % 49.1  %
Rental 163.8  140.7 
Percent of Related Net Revenue 52.9  % 48.1  %
Total Gross Profit $ 1,475.1  $ 1,425.0 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 51.2  % 49.0  %
1 Gross Profit is calculated as net product sales and service revenue and rental revenue less the related cost of goods sold or rental expenses as disclosed on the face of the Statements of Consolidated Income.

Product sales and service gross profit increased by $27.0 million or 2.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by increased sales volume of higher margin products in Patient Support Systems and Front Line Care, which primarily reflects the impact on demand for products used to treat COVID-19 patients. The increase in gross profit can also be attributed to strategic changes including recent acquisitions and the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019, as well as reduced costs due to improved efficiency in manufacturing and service activities.

Rental gross profit increased by $23.1 million or 16.4% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The increase in rental gross profit was driven by higher volumes and lower servicing costs associated with the Patient Support Systems rental portfolio due to increased rental durations for COVID-19 patients.
Operating Expenses
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Research and development expenses $ 136.5  $ 139.5 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 4.7  % 4.8  %
Selling and administrative expenses $ 820.4  $ 818.6 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 28.5  % 28.2  %
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization $ 109.0  $ 122.4 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 3.8  % 4.2  %

Research and development expenses decreased by $3.0 million, or 2.2%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 due to the timing of projects. As a percentage of revenue, Research and development expenses remained relatively consistent.

Selling and administrative expenses remained relatively flat for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $1.8 million, or 0.2%, predominantly due to increased information technology costs, investments in emerging markets and higher compensation costs related to annual merit increases. The increase is partially offset by lower travel expenses due to COVID-19 and lower acquisition and integration costs during fiscal 2020.

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization decreased by $13.4 million, or 10.9%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019, offset partially by amortization of acquired intangibles as a result of recent acquisitions. See Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information.



28


Special Charges and Other
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Special charges $ 41.5  $ 28.4 
Interest expense $ (74.0) $ (89.6)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (15.6) (3.3)
Investment income (expense) and other, net (6.9) (14.6)

In connection with various transformative initiatives, restructuring and exit activities, and organizational changes to improve our business alignment and cost structure we recognized Special charges of $41.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, compared to $28.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. These charges related to the initiatives described in Note 10. Special Charges.
Interest expense decreased $15.6 million, or 17.4%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 due to lower borrowing rates from the refinancing of senior unsecured notes of $425.0 million in September 2019 and a lower interest rate environment that resulted in lower interest cost for our variable rate debt under the Note Securitization and Revolving Credit Facilities. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional information.

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $15.6 million and $3.3 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 related to the refinancing of senior unsecured notes of $425.0 million in September 2019 and the refinancing of the then-existing senior secured credit facilities maturing in 2021 (the ‘‘Prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities’’) in August 2019. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional information.

Investment income (expense) and other, net for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was expense of $6.9 million comprised primarily of the recognition of a non-cash pension plan settlement loss of $8.5 million and $2.0 million of losses related to our cost and equity method investments, which was partially offset by a $3.0 million gain that represented the step up to fair value of the historical investment of a company that was fully acquired during fiscal 2020. Investment income (expense) and other, net was expense of $14.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 comprised primarily of the loss recognized for the disposition of our surgical consumable products business in August 2019. See Note 2. Supplementary Financial Statement Information, Note 3. Business Combinations and Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional information.

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate was 17.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to 27.0% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2020 was favorably impacted by the reduction of the contingent consideration accrual of $8.4 million, that is not subject to tax. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2019 was higher primarily due to unfavorable impacts from the disposition of a subsidiary and unfavorable impacts from changes in uncertain tax positions. See Note 11. Income Taxes for additional information.

The adjusted effective tax rate remained relatively flat for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, decreasing just 0.3%, from 20.1% to 19.8%.

Earnings per Share

Diluted earnings per share increased from $2.25 to $3.32 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to higher gross profits and lower tax rates, partially offset by the Loss on extinguishment of debt of $15.6 million and a pension plan settlement of $8.5 million. See Note 5. Financing Agreements and Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional information.



29


Business Segment Divisional Income
(In millions) Year Ended September 30 Change As
Reported
  2020 2019
Divisional income:    
Patient Support Systems $ 332.3  $ 299.9  10.8  %
Front Line Care 301.8  266.4  13.3  %
Surgical Solutions 39.5  61.2  (35.5) %
Refer to Note 14. Segment Reporting for a description of how divisional income is determined.

Patient Support Systems divisional income increased 10.8% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to global revenue growth, which was predominantly related to COVID-19 demand, which expanded gross profit due to improved efficiency in manufacturing and service activities, as well as increased rental durations.

Front Line Care divisional income increased 13.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to global sales growth, predominantly driven by COVID-19 related demand for non-invasive ventilator sales under U.S. federal and state government contracts as well as patient monitoring and physical assessment tools, which produced higher gross profits, and improved efficiency in manufacturing.

Surgical Solutions divisional income decreased 35.5% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 predominantly due to the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019.

GAAP and Adjusted Earnings

Operating margin, income before income taxes, income tax expense and earnings attributable to common shareholders per diluted share are summarized in the table below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. GAAP amounts are adjusted for certain items to aid management in evaluating the performance of the business. Investors should consider these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Income tax expense is computed by applying a blended statutory tax rate based on the jurisdictional mix of the respective before tax adjustment.























30


Year Ended September 30
(In millions) 2020 2019
  Operating Margin Income
Before
Income
Taxes
Income Tax
Expense
Diluted EPS Operating
Margin
Income
Before
Income
Taxes
Income Tax
Expense
Diluted EPS
GAAP Basis 12.8  % $ 271.2  $ 48.2  $ 3.32  10.9  % $ 208.6  $ 56.4  $ 2.25 
Adjustments:
Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments 1
  % (0.6) 1.8  (0.04) 0.9  % 28.1  5.3  0.34 
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 2
3.7  % 109.0  26.1  1.23  4.2  % 122.4  28.6  1.38 
Field corrective actions 3
0.2  % 4.9  1.2  0.05  0.2  % 5.6  1.4  0.06 
Regulatory compliance costs 4
0.5  % 15.6  3.7  0.18  0.5  % 15.3  3.6  0.17 
Special charges 5
1.4  % 41.5  9.2  0.48  1.0  % 28.4  6.9  0.32 
Tax law and method changes 6
  %       —  % —  (4.8) 0.07 
Debt refinancing costs 7
  % 16.1  3.7  0.18  —  % 4.0  0.9  0.05 
(Gain) loss on business combinations 8
  % (2.8) (4.4) 0.02  —  % 15.9  (12.4) 0.42 
Pension settlement expense 9
  % 8.4  1.9  0.10  —  % —  —  — 
Litigation expenses and awards 10
  % (1.2) (0.3) (0.01) 0.1  % 2.0  0.5  0.02 
COVID-19 related cost and benefits, net 11
0.2  % 1.4  0.7  0.02  —  % —  —  — 
Adjusted Basis 18.8  % $ 463.5  $ 91.8  $ 5.53  17.8  % $ 430.3  $ 86.4  $ 5.08 
1 Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments include legal and professional fees, temporary labor, consulting and other costs related to the closing and integration of acquired businesses, including purchase accounting adjustments for deferred revenue and other items, and contingent consideration. For fiscal 2020, a fair value adjustment of $4.6 million represents purchase accounting adjustments to reflect deferred revenue and to reduce contingent consideration liabilities associated with our business combinations. See Note 3. Business Combinations for further information.
2 Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization relates to the amortization of intangible assets associated with our business combinations. See Note 3. Business Combinations and Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further information.
3 Field corrective action costs relate to costs incurred to address broad-based product performance matters outside of normal warranty provisions. These costs are included in Cost of goods sold.
4 Regulatory compliance costs relate to updating existing product registrations to comply with the European Medical Device Regulations. These costs are included in Selling and administrative expenses.
5 Special charges represent a variety of costs associated with restructuring actions, including severance and related benefits, lease termination fees, asset write-downs and temporary labor on shutdown of operations. It also includes costs related to a global information technology transformation, including rationalizing and transforming our enterprise resource planning software solutions and other complementary information technology systems. See Note 10. Special Charges for further information.
6 Tax law and method changes relate to tax expenses and related unrecognized tax benefits due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in the United States in December 2017. See Note 11. Income Taxes for further information.
7 Debt refinancing costs are expenses related to the costs incurred to refinance our previously outstanding debt obligations during fiscal 2020 and 2019. In addition, the costs include duplicative interest of $0.5 million and $0.7 million for fiscal 2020 and 2019 due the timing of our issuance and redemption of our Senior Notes. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for further information.
8 (Gain) loss on business combinations relates to gains and losses recorded in Investment income (expense) and other, net resulting from business combinations during fiscal 2020 and 2019. See Note 3. Business Combinations for further information.
9 Pension settlement expense represents an actuarial loss totaling $8.4 million recorded as a component of Investment income (expense) and other, net. See Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional information.
10 Litigation expenses and awards are the aggregate charges, costs or recoveries associated with litigation settlements. These costs are recorded as a component of Investment income (expense) and other, net for fiscal 2020 and Selling and administrative expenses for fiscal 2019.
11 COVID-19 related costs and benefits, net primarily represent incremental non-recurring special compensation costs paid to essential workers that continued to work in our production facilities and provide services to our customers, partially offset by funding received and costs abated under government programs created in response to COVID-19. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.



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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018

Net Revenue
(In millions) U.S. OUS
Year Ended
September 30
Change As
Reported
Constant
Currency
Change As
Reported
Change As
Reported
Constant
Currency
2019 2018
Revenue:
Product sales and service
$ 2,615.0  $ 2,469.6  5.9  % 7.3  % 11.2  % (4.4) % (0.3) %
Rental revenue
292.3  378.4  (22.8) % (22.2) % (24.5) % (9.6) % (5.0) %
Total net revenue $ 2,907.3  $ 2,848.0  2.1  % 3.4  % 5.1  % (4.6) % (0.5) %
Revenue:
Patient Support Systems
$ 1,490.5  $ 1,429.5  4.3  % 5.4  % 7.6  % (5.2) % (0.8) %
Front Line Care
978.1  960.2  1.9  % 2.9  % 3.0  % (0.9) % 2.8  %
Surgical Solutions
438.7  458.3  (4.3) % (2.0) % (0.1) % (8.2) % (3.8) %
Total net revenue $ 2,907.3  $ 2,848.0  2.1  % 3.4  % 5.1  % (4.6) % (0.5) %
OUS - Outside of the United States

The following table reflects sales growth data for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, excluding the impacts of the adoption of ASC 606, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 to supplement our discussion and analysis of net revenue for revenue streams and reportable segments:

(In millions) Year Ended September 30 Change Constant
Currency
U.S. OUS
Adjusted 2019 2018 Change Change Constant
Currency
Revenue:
Product sales and service
$ 2,502.8  $ 2,469.6  1.3  % 2.7  % 4.3  % (4.4) % (0.3) %
Rental revenue
389.3  378.4  2.9  % 3.4  % 4.5  % (9.6) % 5.0  %
Total net revenue $ 2,892.1  $ 2,848.0  1.5  % 2.8  % 4.4  % (4.7) % (0.5) %
Revenue:
Patient Support Systems
$ 1,477.0  $ 1,429.5  3.3  % 4.5  % 6.4  % (5.3) % (0.9) %
Front Line Care
976.4  960.2  1.7  % 2.7  % 2.7  % (0.9) % 2.7  %
Surgical Solutions
438.7  458.3  (4.3) % (2.0) % (0.1) % (8.2) % (3.8) %
Total net revenue $ 2,892.1  $ 2,848.0  1.5  % 2.8  % 4.4  % (4.7) % (0.5) %

Impact of ASC 606

Product sales and service revenue increased under ASC 606 by $112.2 million. This increase was primarily due to the accelerated recognition and reclassification from Rental revenue of $95.3 million for Front Line Care where it was determined for respiratory health products, there were no on-going performance obligations after delivery of the product to the customer, whereas previously this revenue was recognized over the period the Company was reimbursed by third parties. It also reflects an additional $13.5 million for Patient Support Systems due to the changes in the timing of revenue recognition based on when the performance obligation related to certain products was determined to be satisfied.



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Rental revenue decreased under ASC 606 by $97.0 million. This decrease was primarily due to the reclassification to Product sales and service revenue of $95.3 million for Front Line Care as described above.

Business Segment Revenue

Excluding the impact of adopting ASC 606, revenue increased 1.5% on a reported basis, or 2.8% on a constant currency basis, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the following:

Patient Support Systems revenue increased 3.3% on a reported basis and 4.5% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The increase was driven by strong growth in med-surg frames and care communications platform in the United States, as well as incremental revenue from recent acquisitions. Growth in the United States was partially offset by the divestiture of our third-party rental business in fiscal 2018 which contributed $12.2 million of Patient Support Systems revenue during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and lower international revenue, specifically in Canada related to large capital projects that occurred in fiscal 2018. Revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 does not reflect approximately $5.3 million of revenue that was eliminated in fair value purchase accounting adjustments to deferred revenue related to recent acquisitions.

Front Line Care revenue increased 1.7% on a reported basis and 2.7% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to strong growth in our respiratory health from new product launches, partially offset primarily by declines in our diagnostic tools for cardiology patients.

Surgical Solutions revenue decreased 4.3% on a reported basis and 2.0% on a constant currency basis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the sale of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019 and lower revenue in our international original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) product lines and due to larger projects in fiscal 2018 in the Middle East, partially offset by sales growth in integrated operating tables in the United States.

Gross Profit
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
2019 2018
Gross Profit 1
   
Product sales and service $ 1,284.3  $ 1,195.5 
Percent of Related Net Revenue 49.1  % 48.4  %
Rental 140.7  198.7 
Percent of Related Net Revenue 48.1  % 52.5  %
Total Gross Profit $ 1,425.0  $ 1,394.2 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 49.0  % 49.0  %
1 Gross Profit is calculated as net product sales and service revenue and rental revenue less the related cost of goods sold or rental expenses as disclosed on the face of the Statements of Consolidated Income.

Product sales and service gross profit increased by $88.8 million or 7.4% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Over half of the increase was the result of the adoption of ASC 606, which includes the reclassification of revenues and costs from Rental to Product sales and service for respiratory health and recognition timing changes for the care communication platform sales. The remaining increase is due to new product growth in respiratory health and Patient Support Systems, including recent acquisitions, and operational efficiencies, partially offset by voluntary field corrective action costs and the disposition of our surgical consumable products business in August 2019.

Rental gross profit decreased by $58.0 million or 29.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. A majority of the decrease was the result of the adoption of ASC 606, which includes reclassification of the respiratory health products as described above. The remaining decrease is primarily related to the disposition of our third-party rental business in fiscal 2018.


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Operating Expenses
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
2019 2018
Research and development expenses $ 139.5  $ 135.6 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 4.8  % 4.8  %
Selling and administrative expenses $ 818.6  $ 784.7 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 28.2  % 27.6  %
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization $ 122.4  $ 106.9 
Percent of Total Net Revenue 4.2  % 3.8  %

Research and development expenses increased for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 due to continued investment in new products. As a percentage of revenue, Research and development expenses remained consistent.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $33.9 million, or 4.3%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to higher acquisition and integration costs and regulatory compliance costs during fiscal 2019, partially offset by higher litigation settlement expenses during fiscal 2018.

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization increased by $15.5 million, or 14.5%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to recent acquisitions during fiscal 2019, offset slightly by the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019.

Special Charges and Other
(In millions) Year Ended September 30
2019 2018
Special charges $ 28.4  $ 77.6 
Interest expense $ (89.6) $ (95.0)
Loss extinguishment of debt (3.3) — 
Investment income (expense) and other, net (14.6) 2.8 

In connection with various organizational changes to improve our business alignment and cost structure, we recognized Special charges of $28.4 million and $77.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. These charges relate to the initiatives described in Note 10. Special Charges.
Interest expense was lower for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 mainly due to a decrease in long-term debt outstanding and the impact of our cross-currency swaps entered into in July 2018. See Note 6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity for additional information.

Loss extinguishment of debt relates to refinancing of the then-existing senior secured credit facilities maturing in 2021 (the “Prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) in August 2019. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional information.

Investment income (expense) and other, net for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily included the loss recorded related to the disposition of our surgical consumable products business in August 2019. See Note 3. Business Combinations for additional information.



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Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate was 27.0% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to (28.0)% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to tax benefits recorded in 2018 related to the Tax Act. See Note 11. Income Taxes for additional information.

The adjusted effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was 20.1% compared to 19.5% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The higher adjusted tax rate in fiscal 2019 is primarily due to less excess tax benefits on deductible stock compensation and the 2018 impacts of the Tax Act, including unfavorable impacts of global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), offset by favorable impacts of foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) and a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate.

Earnings per Share

Diluted earnings per share decreased from $3.73 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 to $2.25 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to the one-time tax benefit recorded in fiscal 2018 related to the Tax Act, the loss on the disposition of our surgical consumable products business, and the related tax expense incurred from organizational changes executed to facilitate the disposition.

Business Segment Divisional Income
(In millions) Year Ended September 30 Change As
Reported
  2019 2018
Divisional income:    
Patient Support Systems $ 299.9  $ 285.0  5.2  %
Front Line Care 266.4  253.0  5.3  %
Surgical Solutions 61.2  53.1  15.3  %
Refer to Note 14. Segment Reporting for a description of how divisional income is determined.

Patient Support Systems divisional income increased 5.2% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to revenue growth in the United States, and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenue.

Front Line Care divisional income increased 5.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 as a result of revenue growth and higher margins from new products.

Surgical Solutions divisional income increased 15.3% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 as a result of revenue growth from operating tables, and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenue.

GAAP and Adjusted Earnings

Operating margin, income before income taxes, income tax expense, and earnings attributable to common shareholders per diluted share are summarized in the table below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. GAAP amounts are adjusted for certain items to aid management in evaluating the performance of the business. Investors should consider these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Income tax expense is computed by applying a blended statutory tax rate based on the jurisdictional mix of the respective before tax adjustment.


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(In millions) Year Ended September 30
  2019 2018
Operating
Margin
Income
Before
Income
Taxes
Income
Tax
Expense
Diluted
EPS
Operating
Margin
Income
Before
Income
Taxes
Income
Tax
Expense
Diluted
EPS
GAAP Basis 10.9  % $ 208.6  $ 56.4  $ 2.25  10.2  % $ 197.2  $ (55.2) $ 3.73 
Adjustments:
Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments 1
0.9  % 28.1  5.3  0.34  0.3  % 8.1  2.2  0.09 
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 2
4.2  % 122.4  28.6  1.38  3.8  % 106.9  28.2  1.16 
Field corrective actions 3
0.2  % 5.6  1.4  0.06  —  % —  —  — 
Regulatory compliance costs 4
0.5  % 15.3  3.6  0.17  0.1  % 4.5  1.2  0.04 
Litigation expenses and awards 5
0.1  % 2.0  0.5  0.02  0.2  % 5.8  1.5  0.06 
Special charges 6
1.0  % 28.4  6.9  0.32  2.7  % 77.6  21.1  0.84 
Tax law and method changes 7
—  % —  (4.8) 0.07  —  % 0.1  78.8  (1.16)
Debt refinancing costs 8
—  % 4.0  0.9  0.05  —  % —  —  — 
(Gain) loss on business combinations 9
—  % 15.9  (12.4) 0.42  —  % (1.0) —  (0.01)
Adjusted Basis 17.8  % $ 430.3  $ 86.4  $ 5.08  17.3  % $ 399.2  $ 77.8  $ 4.75 
 1 Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments include legal and professional fees, temporary labor, consulting and other costs related to the closing and integration of acquired businesses, including purchase accounting adjustments for deferred revenue and other items, and contingent consideration. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, related fair value adjustments of $8.5 million represent purchase accounting adjustments to reflect deferred revenue and to increase contingent consideration associated with our business combinations. See Note 3. Business Combinations for further information.
2 Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization relates to the amortization of intangible assets associated with our business combinations. See Note 3. Business Combinations and Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further information.
 3 Field corrective action costs relate to costs incurred to address broad-based product performance matters outside of normal warranty provisions. These costs are included in Cost of goods sold.
4 Regulatory compliance costs relate to updating existing product registrations to comply with the European Medical Device Regulations. These costs are included in Selling and administrative expenses.
5 Litigation expenses and awards are the aggregate charges, costs or recoveries associated with litigation settlements. These costs are included in Selling and administrative expenses.
6 Special charges represent a variety of costs associated with restructuring actions, including severance and related benefits, lease termination fees, asset write-downs and temporary labor on shutdown of operations. It also includes costs related to a global information technology transformation, including rationalizing and transforming our enterprise resource planning software solutions and other complementary information technology systems. See Note 10. Special Charges for further information.
7 Tax law and method changes relate to tax expenses and related unrecognized tax benefits due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in the United States in December 2017. See Note 11. Income Taxes for further information.
8 Debt refinancing costs are expenses related to the costs incurred to refinance our previously outstanding debt obligations during fiscal 2019. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for further information.
9 (Gain) loss on business combinations relates to gains and losses recorded in Investment income (expense) and other, net resulting from business combinations during fiscal 2019 and 2018. See Note 3. Business Combinations for further information.



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Liquidity and Capital Resources
  Year Ended September 30
(In millions) 2020 2019 2018
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In):      
Operating activities $ 481.7  $ 401.4  $ 395.2 
Investing activities (131.2) (249.0) (82.4)
Financing activities (695.0) 304.7  (356.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 7.2  (6.3) (5.0)
(Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ (337.3) $ 450.8  $ (48.8)

Net cash flows from operating activities and selected borrowings represented our primary sources of funds for growth of the business, including capital expenditures and acquisitions. Our financing agreements contain certain restrictions relating to dividend payments, the making of restricted payments and the incurrence of additional secured and unsecured indebtedness. None of our financing agreements contain any credit rating triggers that would increase or decrease our cost of borrowings. Changes in our credit rating can, however, impact the cost of borrowings and any potential future borrowings under any new financing agreements.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased $80.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to higher net income and higher collections of accounts receivable, partially offset by higher inventory levels in anticipation of increased customer demand related to COVID-19.

Cash provided by operating activities increased $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to higher operating profit and working capital improvements.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities decreased $117.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to the decrease in cash paid for acquisitions of $275.0 million. Refer to the table below and Note 3. Business Combinations. The decrease is partially offset by the net proceeds of $166.6 million received from the disposition of the surgical consumable products business in August 2019.

Cash used in investing activities increased $166.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to cash paid for recent acquisitions during fiscal 2019, the acquisition of non-marketable equity securities of $26.6 million as described in Note 2. Supplementary Financial Statement Information, as well as the acquisition of the right to use patented technology and certain related assets from a supplier in our Front Line Care segment of $17.1 million, as described in Note 3. Business Combinations. These uses of cash were offset by net proceeds of $166.6 million from the sale of certain of our surgical consumable products and related assets, as described in Note 3. Business Combinations.

Company Name Date of Acquisition Cash Paid
Excel Medical January 10, 2020 $ 13.1 
Connecta May 18, 2020 7.5
Videomed July 21, 2020 7.8
Fiscal 2020 Totals $ 28.4 
Voalte April 1, 2019 $ 175.8 
Breathe September 3, 2019 127.6
Fiscal 2019 Totals $ 303.4 





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Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $695.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 primarily driven by the repayment of the senior unsecured 5.75% notes of $425.0 million and related prepayment penalty of $12.2 million on October 7, 2019 with the net proceeds of the senior unsecured 4.375% notes issued in September 2019, as well as repayments of $270.0 million related to the Revolving Credit Facility during fiscal 2020. Refer to Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional detail regarding the fiscal 2019 refinancing and our existing financing agreements.

Cash provided by financing activities was $304.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, primarily driven by the refinancing activities described in Note 5. Financing Agreements, including $419.7 million of net proceeds from the issuance of senior unsecured notes and additional other borrowings, offset by repurchases of our common stock of $117.2 million executed under the ongoing program described in Note 13. Common Stock, and dividend payments of $55.4 million.

Our debt-to-capital ratio was 52.1%, 60.8% and 55.0% as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Other Liquidity Matters

Our cash balances and cash flows generated from operations may be used to fund strategic investments, business acquisitions, working capital needs, investments in technology and marketing, share repurchases and payments of dividends to our shareholders. We believe that our cash balances and cash flows generated from operations, along with amounts available under our financing agreements, will be sufficient to fund operations, working capital needs, capital expenditure requirements and financing obligations for at least the next 12 months from the date of this filing.

Our cash flows from operating activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were not materially adversely impacted by COVID-19. There have been no changes to our cost of or access to our capital and funding sources. We have not identified instability with the financial institutions with whom we maintain our financing relationships. We believe we can continue to service our outstanding borrowings or other financial obligations.

As of September 30, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility and available borrowing capacity was $1,191.0 million after giving effect to the $9.0 million of outstanding standby letters of credit. As of September 30, 2019, there were $80.0 million outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility, and available borrowing capacity was $1,112.8 million after giving effect to $7.2 million of outstanding standby letters of credit.

Our long-term debt instruments require nominal repayments over the next 12 months, with our next significant maturity occurring in August 2024. Since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, we have not experienced liquidity constraints through either the movement of cash or under our Revolving Credit Facility. Furthermore, we have successfully extended our 364-day accounts receivable securitization facilities as of April 27, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all debt covenants under our financing agreements. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional information on our financing agreements and outstanding debt obligations.

We do not anticipate incurring significant incremental capital expenditures due to the pandemic. We will continue to evaluate the allocation of our capital spending and may delay discretionary capital spending or redirect capital spending to support the increased demand for certain products used to treat patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Refer to the section titled “The Impacts of COVID-19 on Hillrom” within Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information.

Over the long term, we intend to continue to pursue inorganic growth in certain areas of our business, but the timing, size or success of any acquisition effort and the related potential capital commitments cannot be predicted. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for additional detail regarding the acquisitions completed during fiscal 2020 and 2019.

In September 2019, the Board approved an additional $170.0 million for share repurchases. Refer to Item 5 of Part I of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Our primary pension plan invests in a variety of equity and debt securities. Refer to Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional detail regarding our retirement plans, including our benefit obligations, plan assets funded status and estimated future benefit payments, among others.


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We intend to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends comparable to those paid in the periods covered by these financial statements. However, the declaration and payment of dividends will be subject to the sole discretion of our Board and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, covenants associated with debt obligations, legal requirements and other factors considered relevant by our Board.

On September 15, 2020, we committed to a workforce reduction plan, which includes a voluntary retirement program and involuntary severance actions. The actions under this plan will result in cash expenditures of approximately $35.0 million and will be substantially complete in fiscal 2021.

In fiscal 2019, we repatriated $10.2 million of our cash and cash equivalents from outside the United States that was previously taxed and paid no related foreign withholding tax. In fiscal 2020, we repatriated $12.2 million of our cash and cash equivalents from outside the United States that was previously taxed, and paid no related foreign withholding tax. These repatriated funds were used for working capital purposes or debt repayments. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 54.0% of our cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, were held by our foreign subsidiaries.

With regard to our non-U.S. subsidiaries, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings in those businesses to fund capital expenditures and other operating cash needs. Because the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested, no U.S. deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes have been provided on earnings subsequent to the enactment of the Tax Act. Future repatriations of cash and cash equivalents, if any, held by our foreign subsidiaries will generally not be subject to U.S. federal tax if earned prior to the enactment of the Tax Act. We believe that cash on hand and cash generated from U.S. operations, along with amounts available under our financing agreements, will be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, working capital needs, capital expenditure requirements and financing obligations.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department continue to release proposed guidance with respect to the Tax Act. We continue to evaluate what impact, if any, each piece of guidance may have on our related tax positions and our effective tax rate if, and when, such guidance is finalized.

Credit Ratings

In fiscal 2020, Standard and Poor’s Rating Services and Moody’s Investor Service issued credit ratings for Hillrom of BB+ and Ba2, respectively, with stable outlooks.

Other Uses of Cash

We expect capital spending in fiscal 2021 to be approximately $100.0 million. Capital spending will be monitored and controlled as the year progresses.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

To give a clear picture of matters potentially impacting our liquidity position, the following table outlines our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2020:
  Payments Due by Period
(In millions) Total Less Than
1 Year
1 - 3
Years
3 - 5
Years
More Than
5 Years
Contractual Obligations          
Long-term debt obligations $ 1,890.6  $ 222.5  $ 125.0  $ 1,088.4  $ 454.7 
Interest payments relating to long-term debt 1
293.9  71.0  159.6  44.7  18.6 
Operating lease liabilities 84.5  25.1  34.6  14.4  10.4 
Pension and postretirement
health care benefit funding 2
23.3  3.1  4.6  4.7  10.9 
Purchase obligations 3
239.1  224.7  14.4  —  — 
Other obligations 4
42.2  2.5  16.9  15.2  7.6 
Total contractual cash obligations $ 2,573.6  $ 548.9  $ 355.1  $ 1,167.4  $ 502.2 


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1 Interest payments on our long-term debt are projected based on the contractual rates of outstanding debt securities.

2 Excludes our master defined benefit retirement plan in the United States because we are not required to make any further contributions in fiscal 2021.

3 Purchase obligations represent contractual obligations under various take-or-pay arrangements executed in the normal course of business. These commitments represent future purchases in line with expected usage to obtain favorable pricing. Also included are obligations arising from purchase orders for which we have made firm commitments. As a result, we believe that the purchase obligations portion of our contractual obligations is substantially those obligations for which we are certain to pay, regardless of future facts and circumstances. We expect to fund purchase obligations with operating cash flows and current cash balances.

4 Other obligations include deferred compensation arrangements, self-insurance reserves and other various liabilities.

We also had commercial commitments related to standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2020 of $9.6 million.

In addition to the contractual obligations and commercial commitments disclosed above, we also have a variety of other agreements related to the procurement of materials and services and other commitments. Many of these agreements are long-term supply agreements, some of which are exclusive supply or complete requirements-based contracts. Also, we have an additional $3.9 million of Other long-term liabilities as of September 30, 2020, which represent uncertain tax positions for which it is not possible to determine in which future period the tax liability might be settled.

In conjunction with our acquisition and divestiture activities, we entered into certain guarantees and indemnifications of performance, as well as, non-competition agreements for varying periods of time. Potential losses under the indemnifications are generally limited to a portion of the original transaction price, or to other lesser specific dollar amounts for certain provisions. Guarantees and indemnifications with respect to acquisition and divestiture activities, if triggered, could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to potential losses from adverse litigation results that are not included in our self-insurance or other reserves, because such potential losses are not quantifiable at this time and may never occur.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our accounting policies, including those described below, often require management to make significant estimates and assumptions using information available at the time the estimates are made. Such estimates and assumptions significantly affect various reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. If future experience differs significantly from these estimates and assumptions, our results of operations and financial condition could be affected. Our most critical accounting policies are described below.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied, either at a point in time or over time, driven by the nature of the obligation that is contracted to be provided to our customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the contract. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Certain of our contracts have multiple performance obligations. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
The majority of our capital equipment revenue is recognized at a point in time, primarily based on the transfer of title, except in circumstances where we are also required to install the equipment, for which revenue is recognized upon customer acceptance of the installation. Performance obligations involving the provision of services and revenue from rental usage of our products are recognized over the time period specified in the contractual arrangement with the customer. Shipping and handling activities are considered to be fulfillment activities and are not considered to be a separate performance obligation.
Revenue is presented net of several types of variable consideration including rebates, discounts and product returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is also used


40


for certain types of variable consideration. These estimates take into consideration historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends, industry data, and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns.
Certain costs associated with obtaining or fulfilling a contract are capitalized until such time as the related performance obligations are completed and the related revenue is recognized.
Contract liabilities represent deferred revenues that arise as a result of cash received from customers at inception of contracts or where the timing of billing for services precedes satisfaction of our performance obligations. Such remaining performance obligations represent the portion of the contract price for which work has not been performed and are primarily related to our installation and service contracts.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue producing transaction between us and our customers, including but not limited to sales taxes, use taxes and value added taxes, are excluded from revenue and cost.

Revenue and Accounts Receivable Reserves

For product sales, we record reserves resulting in a reduction of revenue for contractual discounts, as well as price concessions and product returns. Likewise, rental revenue reserves, reflecting contractual and other routine billing adjustments, are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Reserves for revenue are estimated based upon historical rates for revenue adjustments.

Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded as a component of operating expense and represent our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses and collection risk in our existing accounts receivable. Receivables are generally reviewed for collectability based on historical collection experience for each receivable type and are also reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

If circumstances change, such as higher than expected payment defaults, claims denials, changes in our business composition or processes, adverse changes in general economic conditions, instability or disruption of credit markets, or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s or payer’s ability to meet its obligations, our estimates of the realizability of trade receivables could be reduced by a material amount.

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Due to our growth strategy, recent acquisitions and the significance of our goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, this is our most critical accounting estimate. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The difference between the purchase price amount and the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill on the balance sheet if the purchase price exceeds the estimated net fair value or as a bargain purchase gain on the income statement if the purchase price is less than the estimated net fair value. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment, often utilizes independent valuation experts and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. The judgments made in the determination of the estimated fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the estimated useful life of each asset and the duration of each liability, could significantly impact the financial statements in periods after acquisition, such as through depreciation and amortization expense. The allocation of the purchase price may be modified up to one year after the acquisition date as more information is obtained about the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair values of acquired developed technology and customer relationships are estimated using the income approach. Management applies significant judgment in estimating the fair value of intangible assets acquired, which involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the revenue growth rates, the obsolescence factors (specific to developed technology), the customer attrition rates (specific to customer relationships), and the discount rates. Changes in these judgments or estimates can have a material impact on the valuation of the respective assets and liabilities acquired and our results of operations.

We perform an impairment assessment on goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles annually in the third fiscal quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible may be below its carrying value. These events or conditions include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in the business environment; regulatory environment or legal factors; a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of such losses or a projection of continuing losses; a substantial decline in market capitalization of our stock; or a sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.



41


The goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments require either evaluating qualitative factors or performing a quantitative assessment to determine if the carrying value is more likely than not in excess of its fair value. Examples of qualitative factors that are considered include the results and changes to assumptions used in the most recent quantitative impairment test, current and long-range projected financial results, changes in the strategic outlook or organizational structure of the reporting units or business unit for the indefinite-lived asset and industry macro-economic factors. The long-range financial forecasts of the reporting units, which are based upon management’s long-term view of our markets and are used by senior management and the Board to evaluate operating performance, are compared to the forecasts used in the prior year analysis to determine if management expectations for the business have changed. Management changes in strategic outlook or organizational structure represent internally driven strategic or organizational changes that could have a material impact on our results of operations or product offerings. Industry, market changes and macroeconomic indicators represent our view on changes outside of the Company that could have a material impact on our results of operations, product offerings or future cash flow forecasts. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit’s or indefinite-lived intangible’s carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed comparing carrying values to estimated fair values. Changes in management intentions, market conditions, operating performance and other similar circumstances could affect the assumptions used in this qualitative impairment test.

Quantitative testing of the reporting units consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting units to their carrying value.

In determining the estimated fair value of the reporting units when performing a quantitative analysis, we consider both the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, we utilize the guideline company method, which involves calculating valuation multiples based on operating data from comparable publicly traded companies. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows utilizing a market-based discount rate determined separately for each reporting unit. To determine the estimated fair values of our reporting units, the Company uses assumptions and estimates including the determination of guideline companies and market multiples, projected sales, projected gross margins and discount rates.
An impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the goodwill, not to exceed the carrying amount of its goodwill.

Quantitative testing of indefinite-lived intangibles consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying value. We estimate the fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles using the relief-from-royalty method. The fair value derived is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such trade names and not being required to pay a royalty for their use. Assumptions utilized in the determination of fair value include projected sales, discount rates and royalty rates. An impairment charge is recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible.
There are inherent uncertainties related to each of the above listed assumptions and inputs, and our judgment in applying them. Changes in the assumptions used in our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets could result in impairment charges that could be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements in any given period.
Income Taxes

We compute our deferred income taxes using an asset and liability approach to reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the corresponding income tax amounts. We have a variety of deferred tax assets in numerous tax jurisdictions. These deferred tax assets are subject to periodic assessment as to recoverability and if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefits will not be realized, valuation allowances are recognized. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that we would recover these deferred tax assets, future taxable income, the reversal of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies are considered.

We believe that our estimates for the valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets are appropriate based on current facts and circumstances. As of September 30, 2020, we had $50.8 million of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, on a tax-effected basis, primarily related to certain foreign deferred tax attributes and state tax credit carryforwards as it is more likely than not that some portion or all of these tax attributes will not be realized.

We account for uncertain income tax positions using a threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The difference between the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for an uncertain income tax position and the tax benefit claimed in the tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit.



42


We also have on-going audits in various stages of completion with the IRS and several state and foreign jurisdictions, one or more of which may conclude within the next 12 months. Such settlements could involve some or all of the following: the payment of additional taxes and penalties, the adjustment of certain deferred taxes and/or the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits. The resolution of these matters, in combination with the expiration of certain statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions, make it reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease as a result of either payment or recognition of up to $1.8 million in the next 12 months, excluding interest.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department continue to release proposed guidance with respect to the Tax Act. We continue to evaluate what impact, if any, each piece of guidance may have on our related tax positions and our effective tax rate if, and when, such guidance is finalized.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

For a summary of recently issued accounting guidance applicable to us, see Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to various market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, collection risk associated with our accounts and notes receivable portfolio and variability in currency exchange rates. We established policies, procedures, and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.

We are subject to variability in foreign currency exchange rates due to our international operations. Exposure to this variability is periodically managed primarily through the use of natural hedges, whereby funding obligations and assets are both managed in the local currency. From time-to-time, we enter into currency exchange contracts to manage exposures arising from fluctuating exchange rates related to specific and forecasted transactions. We operate this program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies and do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. The sensitivity of earnings and cash flows to variability in exchange rates is assessed by applying an appropriate range of potential rate fluctuations to our assets, obligations and projected results of operations denominated in foreign currencies. The maximum length of time over which we hedge transaction exposures is generally 15 months. Derivative gains and losses, initially reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), are reclassified to earnings in the period when the transaction affects earnings.

Refer to Note 6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity and Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional discussions about our derivative agreements and our pension plan assets. We may need to make additional pension plan contributions and our pension expense in future years may increase if market volatility and disruption causes declines in asset values and low interest rates result in a high pension obligation. Investment strategies and policies are set by the plan’s fiduciaries. Long-term strategic investment objectives utilize a diversified mix of equity and fixed income securities to preserve the funded status of the trusts and balance risk and return. The plan fiduciaries oversee the investment allocation process, which includes selecting investment managers, setting long-term strategic targets and monitoring asset allocations.



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Table of Contents
Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Page
Financial Statements:  
45
46
48
49
50
51
52
53
53
 64
65
69
71
73
74
77
82
84
85
88
89
92
94
95
   
   
Financial Statement Schedule:  
96
   
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.  




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Table of Contents
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (“we” or “our”). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed, under the supervision of our principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

1)Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

2)Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our Board of Directors; and

3)Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020 using criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on these criteria, management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, who also audited our Consolidated Financial Statements, as stated in their report included herein.


/s/ John P. Groetelaars
John P. Groetelaars
President and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ Barbara W. Bodem
Barbara W. Bodem
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


/s/ Richard M. Wagner
Richard M. Wagner
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer



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Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income (loss), of shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020 listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in fiscal 2020 and the manner in which it accounts for revenues from contracts with customers in fiscal 2019.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit


46


preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Reporting Unit Which Comprises the Surgical Solutions Reportable Segment

As described in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance as of September 30, 2020 was $1,836 million. The goodwill associated with the Surgical Solutions reportable segment as of September 30, 2020 was $222 million. As disclosed by management, an impairment assessment is performed on goodwill annually in the third fiscal quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. To determine the estimated fair values of the Company’s reporting units, management considers both the market and income approach, which require management to develop assumptions and estimates including the determination of guideline companies and market multiples, projected sales, projected gross margins, and discount rates.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of the reporting unit which comprises the Surgical Solutions reportable segment is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurement of the reporting unit; this in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the determination of guideline companies and market multiples, projected sales, projected gross margins, and the discount rate. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s reporting unit and controls over the development of the assumptions related to the guideline companies and market multiples, projected sales, projected gross margins, and the discount rate. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate; evaluating the appropriateness of both the market and income approach; testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of underlying data used; and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to the determination of guideline companies and market multiples, projected sales, projected gross margins, and the discount rate. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to projected sales and projected gross margins involved evaluating whether the assumptions utilized were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the business, (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data, and (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the Company’s market and income approaches, the determination of guideline companies and market multiples, and the discount rate.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois
November 13, 2020

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1985.  



47


Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)

  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Net Revenue      
Product sales and service $ 2,571.2  $ 2,615.0  $ 2,469.6 
Rental revenue 309.8  292.3  378.4 
Total net revenue 2,881.0  2,907.3  2,848.0 
Cost of Net Revenue      
Cost of goods sold 1,259.9  1,330.7  1,274.1 
Rental expenses 146.0  151.6  179.7 
Total cost of net revenue (excludes acquisition-related intangible asset amortization) 1,405.9  1,482.3  1,453.8 
Research and development expenses 136.5  139.5  135.6 
Selling and administrative expenses 820.4  818.6  784.7 
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 109.0  122.4  106.9 
Special charges 41.5  28.4  77.6 
Operating Profit 367.7  316.1  289.4 
Interest expense (74.0) (89.6) (95.0)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (15.6) (3.3) — 
Investment income (expense) and other, net (6.9) (14.6) 2.8 
Income Before Income Taxes 271.2  208.6  197.2 
Income tax expense (benefit) 48.2  56.4  (55.2)
Net Income $ 223.0  $ 152.2  $ 252.4 
Net Income per Basic Common Share $ 3.35  $ 2.28  $ 3.81 
Net Income per Diluted Common Share $ 3.32  $ 2.25  $ 3.73 
Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 66,631  66,772  66,234 
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 67,212  67,660  67,612 
 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




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Table of Contents
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)


  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Net Income $ 223.0  $ 152.2  $ 252.4 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:      
Derivative instruments designated as hedges (36.5) (10.4) 12.5 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 34.7  (40.1) (24.0)
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans 4.1  (13.6) 8.5 
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax 2.3  (64.1) (3.0)
Total Comprehensive Income $ 225.3  $ 88.1  $ 249.4 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



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Table of Contents
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share amounts)
September 30,
2020
September 30, 2019
ASSETS    
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 296.5  $ 214.1 
Restricted cash   419.7 
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $25.9 and $20.6 in fiscal 2020 and 2019
594.9  653.3 
Inventories, net of reserves of $73.0 and $57.3 in fiscal 2020 and 2019
352.0  269.6 
Other current assets 121.5  106.7 
Total current assets 1,364.9  1,663.4 
Property, plant and equipment 858.2  829.6 
Less accumulated depreciation (552.1) (532.8)
Property, plant and equipment, net 306.1  296.8 
Goodwill 1,835.5  1,800.9 
Other intangible assets and software, net 976.7  1,033.5 
Deferred income taxes 32.9  33.1 
Other assets 155.0  91.3 
Total Assets $ 4,671.1  $ 4,919.0 
LIABILITIES    
Current Liabilities    
Trade accounts payable $ 236.5  $ 197.6 
Short-term borrowings 222.3  660.4 
Accrued compensation 144.9  130.4 
Accrued product warranties 30.8  29.7 
Accrued rebates 44.8  47.7 
Deferred revenue 110.1  107.3 
Other current liabilities 162.8  95.2 
Total current liabilities 952.2  1,268.3 
Long-term debt 1,655.7  1,783.1 
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 89.3  80.8 
Deferred income taxes 113.0  143.0 
Other long-term liabilities 134.8  70.5 
Total Liabilities 2,945.0  3,345.7 
Commitments and Contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   
Capital Stock:    
Preferred stock - without par value: Authorized - 1,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
   
Common stock - without par value: Authorized - 199,000,000
4.4  4.4 
Issued - 88,457,634 shares as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019; Outstanding: 66,640,832 shares as of September 30, 2020 and 66,625,011 shares as of September 30, 2019
Additional paid-in capital 667.0  637.4 
Retained earnings 2,132.2  1,967.4 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (180.2) (182.5)
Treasury stock, common shares at cost: 21,816,802 as of September 30, 2020 and 21,832,623 as of September 30, 2019
(897.3) (853.4)
Total Shareholders’ Equity 1,726.1  1,573.3 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$ 4,671.1  $ 4,919.0 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended September 30
2020 2019 2018
Operating Activities      
Net income $ 223.0  $ 152.2  $ 252.4 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and software 69.8  72.4  89.6 
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 109.0  122.4  106.9 
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs 4.0  7.1  7.4 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 15.6  3.0  — 
Benefit for deferred income taxes (19.0) (18.8) (84.8)
Loss on disposal of property, equipment, intangible assets, and impairments 2.7  3.4  2.7 
Stock compensation 38.4  34.4  28.1 
Other operating activities 27.1  28.3  34.1 
Change in working capital excluding cash, current debt, acquisitions and dispositions:
Trade accounts receivable 71.3  (62.3) (7.7)
Inventories (91.8) (0.9) (18.7)
Other current assets (14.8) 15.7  (29.4)
Trade accounts payable 24.0  13.2  12.5 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 15.4  28.8  (1.6)
Other assets and liabilities 7.0  2.5  3.7 
Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash provided by operating activities 481.7  401.4  395.2 
Investing Activities      
Purchases of property, plant, equipment and software (105.9) (73.4) (89.5)
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment 2.5  2.9  4.2 
Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (28.4) (303.4) — 
Payments for acquisition of intangible assets   (17.1) — 
Payments for acquisition of investments   (26.6) — 
Proceeds on sale of businesses 0.8  166.6  1.0 
Other investing activities (0.2) 2.0  1.9 
Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash used in investing activities (131.2) (249.0) (82.4)
Financing Activities      
Proceeds from borrowing on long-term debt   1,000.0  1.0 
Payments of long-term debt (50.1) (1,038.5) (351.0)
Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility 190.0  420.0  75.0 
Payments on Revolving Credit Facility (270.0) (340.0) (165.0)
Borrowings on Securitization Facility 17.7  5.5  71.6 
Payments on Securitization Facility (45.5) (5.5) (40.7)
Borrowings on Note Securitization Facility 32.6  68.9  122.4 
Payments on Note Securitization Facility (21.2) (62.7) (50.0)
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes   425.0  — 
Payment of debt issuance costs   (12.7) (0.4)
Prepayment premium on extinguishment of 5.75% Notes (12.2) —  — 
Redemption of 5.75% Notes (425.0) —  — 
Cash dividends (58.0) (55.4) (51.8)
Proceeds on exercise of stock options 8.6  14.5  40.0 
Stock repurchases for stock award withholding obligations (16.5) (4.7) (14.1)
Stock repurchases in the open market (54.1) (117.2) — 
Other financing activities 8.7  7.5  6.4 
Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (used in) provided by financing activities (695.0) 304.7  (356.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 7.2  (6.3) (5.0)
Net Cash Flows (337.3) 450.8  (48.8)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:      
At beginning of period 633.8  183.0  231.8 
At end of period $ 296.5  $ 633.8  $ 183.0 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In millions, except share amounts)
  Common Stock Additional
Paid-in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Shares
Issued
Amount
  Total
Balance as of September 30, 2017 88,457,634  $ 4.4  $ 584.4  $ 1,676.2  $ (110.0) $ (796.8) $ 7.4  $ 1,365.6 
Net income —  —  —  252.4  —  —  —  252.4 
VIE activity —  —  —  —  —  —  (7.4) (7.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of ($5.9) —  —  —  —  (3.0) —  —  (3.0)
Dividends ($0.78 per common share) —  —  0.6  (52.4) —  —  —  (51.8)
Stock repurchases for stock award withholding obligations —  —  —  —  —  (14.1) —  (14.1)
Stock compensation on equity-classified awards —  —  27.4  —  —  —  —  27.4 
Stock option exercises —  —  3.6  —  —  36.4  —  40.0 
Distribution of stock awards —  —  (17.3) —  —  17.3  —  — 
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan —  —  4.2  —  —  2.9  —  7.1 
Balance as of September 30, 2018 88,457,634  4.4  602.9  1,876.2  (113.0) (754.3) —  1,616.2 
Cumulative effect of ASC 606 adoption, net of tax of $4.8 —  —  —  (4.9) —  —  —  (4.9)
Cumulative effect of ASU 2016-16 adoption, net of tax of $0.2 —  —  —  (5.6) —  —  —  (5.6)
Reclassification due to ASU 2018-02 adoption —  —  —  5.4  (5.4) —  —  — 
Net income —  —  —  152.2  —  —  —  152.2 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $7.0 —  —  —  —  (64.1) —  —  (64.1)
Dividends ($0.83 per common share) —  —  0.5  (55.9) —  —  —  (55.4)
Stock repurchases for stock award withholding obligations —  —  —  —  —  (4.7) —  (4.7)
Stock repurchases in the open market —  —  —  —  —  (117.2) —  (117.2)
Stock compensation on equity-classified awards —  —  33.9  —  —  —  —  33.9 
Stock option exercises —  —  2.6  —  —  11.9  —  14.5 
Distribution of stock awards —  —  (7.7) —  —  7.7  —  — 
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan —  —  5.2  —  —  3.2  —  8.4 
Balance as of September 30, 2019 88,457,634  4.4  637.4  1,967.4  (182.5) (853.4) —  1,573.3 
Net income —  —  —  223.0  —  —  —  223.0 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax benefit of $9.6 —  —  —  —  2.3  —  —  2.3 
Dividends ($0.87 per common share) —  —  0.5  (58.5) —  —  —  (58.0)
Stock repurchases for stock award withholding obligations —  —  —  —  —  (16.5) —  (16.5)
Stock repurchases in the open market —  —  —  —  —  (54.1) —  (54.1)
Stock compensation on equity-classified awards —  —  37.8  —  —  —  —  37.8 
Stock option exercises —  —  2.9  —  —  5.7  —  8.6 
Distribution of stock awards —  —  (17.1) —  —  17.1  —  — 
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan —  —  5.5  —  —  3.9  —  9.4 
Other —  —  —  0.3  —  —  —  0.3 
Balance as of September 30, 2020 88,457,634  $ 4.4  $ 667.0  $ 2,132.2  $ (180.2) $ (897.3) $   $ 1,726.1 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (the “Company,” “Hillrom,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated on August 7, 1969, in the State of Indiana and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are a global medical technology leader whose approximately 10,000 employees have a single purpose: enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers by Advancing Connected Care™. Around the world, our innovations touch over 7 million patients each day. Our products and services help enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, optimize surgical efficiency and accelerate patient recovery while simplifying clinical communication and shifting care closer to home. We make these outcomes possible through digital and connected care solutions and collaboration tools, including smart bed systems, patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, respiratory health devices, advanced equipment for the surgical space and more, delivering actionable, real-time insights at the point of care.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hillrom and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Where our ownership interest is less than 100%, the noncontrolling interests are reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Prior Period Reclassification

Beginning in fiscal year 2020, we are presenting Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization as a separate line item on our Statements of Consolidated Income for all periods presented. Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization was previously included in Selling and administrative expenses. Additionally, we will no longer present Gross Profit as a subtotal on our Statements of Consolidated Income.

The following table presents Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization and Selling and administrative expenses, excluding the Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Year Ended September 30
2019 2018
Selling and administrative expense, previously reported $ 941.0  $ 891.6 
Less: Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization (122.4) (106.9)
Selling and administrative expense, currently reported $ 818.6  $ 784.7 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense in the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Examples of such estimates include, but are not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, inventory reserves, accrued warranties, the impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, use of the spot yield curve approach for pension expense, income taxes and commitments and contingencies. See below for more information.



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Government Programs Related to COVID-19

On March 25, 2020, the U.S. government approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to provide economic stimulus to address the impact of the pandemic. The governments in certain other non-U.S. countries have also approved legislation in their jurisdictions to address the impact of the pandemic. We evaluated our eligibility and assessed the conditions and requirements of participation in many programs. For the programs in which we elected to participate, we recognized $3.2 million in government grants and cost abatements associated with state aid within the Statement of Consolidated Income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. In addition, we deferred the payment of the employer share of the U.S. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) tax payments totaling $13.8 million in accordance with the CARES Act within the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2020. We continue to evaluate what impact, if any, the CARES Act, or any similar legislation in other non-U.S. jurisdictions, may have on our results of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider investments in marketable securities and other highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. All of our marketable securities may be freely traded.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents funds that are restricted to satisfy designated current liabilities. As of September 30, 2019, restricted cash consisted of amounts held in a trust account to redeem all of our previously outstanding senior unsecured 5.75% notes due September 2023. The restricted cash was used to redeem these senior notes on October 7, 2019. See Note 5. Financing Agreements for additional information.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest, unless the transaction is an installment sale with extended payment terms. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded as a component of Selling and administrative expenses and represent our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses and collection risk in our existing accounts receivable. Receivables are generally reviewed for collectability based on historical collection experience for each receivable type and are also reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Within rental revenue, domestic third-party payers’ reimbursement process requires extensive documentation, which has had the effect of slowing both the billing and cash collection cycles relative to the rest of the business, and therefore, increasing total accounts receivable. Because of the extensive documentation required and the requirement to settle a claim with the primary payer prior to billing the secondary and/or patient portion of the claim, the collection period for a claim in a portion of our business may, in some cases, be extended.

We generally hold our trade accounts receivable until they are paid. Certain long-term receivables are occasionally sold to third parties; however, any recognized gain or loss on such sales has historically not been material.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for approximately 16% and 30% of our inventories as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. Costs for other inventories have been determined principally by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. If the FIFO method of inventory accounting had been used for all inventories, they would have been approximately $5.5 million and $0.3 million higher than reported as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. Inventories consist of the following:
Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Inventories, net of reserves:    
Finished products $ 167.6  $ 120.5 
Work in process 48.4  42.4 
Raw materials 136.0  106.7 
Total inventories, net of reserves $ 352.0  $ 269.6 


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We record reserves when the facts and circumstances indicate that particular inventories will not be sold at prices in excess of current carrying costs. These estimates are based on historical experience and expected future trends.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the assets using principally the straight-line method. Ranges of estimated useful lives are as follows:
  Useful Life
Land improvements 6 - 15 years
Buildings and building equipment 10 - 40 years
Machinery and equipment 3 - 10 years
Equipment leased to others 2 - 10 years

When property, plant and equipment is retired from service or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related amount of depreciation is eliminated from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. The difference, if any, between the net asset value and the proceeds on sale are charged or credited to income.

Total depreciation expense in fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $60.6 million, $62.1 million and $78.6 million. The major components of property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation were as follows:
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Cost Accumulated
Depreciation
Cost Accumulated
Depreciation
Land and land improvements $ 16.9  $ 4.4  $ 16.7  $ 3.9 
Buildings and building equipment 208.2  95.4  199.7  91.1 
Machinery and equipment 416.3  303.4  397.0  285.2 
Equipment leased to others 216.8  148.9  216.2  152.6 
Total $ 858.2  $ 552.1  $ 829.6  $ 532.8 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. See Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1: Financial instruments with unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities.

Level 2: Financial instruments with observable inputs other than those included in Level 1 such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3: Financial instruments with unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). Unobservable inputs shall be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include our own data.



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We record cash and cash equivalents, as disclosed on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as Level 1 instruments and certain other investments and derivatives as Level 2 instruments as they are not actively quoted. Except for the adoption of revised disclosure guidance related to investments held by our pension plan as discussed in Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans, there have been no significant changes in our classification among assets and liabilities. Refer to Note 5. Financing Agreements for disclosure of our debt instrument fair values.

Warranties and Guarantees

We routinely grant limited warranties on our products with respect to defects in material and workmanship. The terms of these warranties are generally one year; however, certain components and products have substantially longer warranty periods. We recognize a reserve with respect to these obligations at the time of product sale, with subsequent warranty claims recorded directly against the reserve. The amount of the warranty reserve is determined based on historical trend experience for the covered products. For more significant warranty-related matters, which might require a field corrective action, separate reserves are established when such events are identified and the cost of correction can be reasonably estimated.

In the normal course of business, we enter into various other guarantees and indemnities in our relationships with suppliers, service providers, customers, business partners and others. Examples of these arrangements would include guarantees of product performance, indemnifications to service providers and indemnifications of our actions to business partners. These guarantees and indemnifications have not historically had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, nor do we expect them to although indemnifications associated with our actions generally have no dollar limitations.

In conjunction with our acquisition and divestiture activities, we entered into select guarantees and indemnifications of performance with respect to the fulfillment of our commitments under applicable purchase and sale agreements. The arrangements generally indemnify the buyer or seller for damages associated with breach of contract, inaccuracies in representations and warranties surviving the closing date and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments retained under the applicable contract. With respect to divestitures, we also routinely enter into non-competition agreements for varying periods of time. Guarantees and indemnifications with respect to acquisition and divestiture activities, if triggered, could have an adverse impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A rollforward of changes in our warranty reserve is as follows:
Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Balance at the beginning of the period $ 29.7  $ 20.5 
Provision for warranties in the period 18.6  23.0 
Warranty reserves acquired   0.2 
Warranty reserves assumed 1
  2.8 
Warranty claims incurred in the period (17.5) (16.8)
Balance at the end of the period $ 30.8  $ 29.7 
 1 As a result of the asset acquisition in our Front Line Care segment discussed in Note 3. Business Combinations.

Accrued Rebates

We provide rebates and sales incentives to certain customer groups and distributors. We also have arrangements where we provide rebates to certain distributors that sell to end-user customers at prices determined under a contract between us and the end-user customer. Provisions for rebates are recorded as a reduction in net revenue when revenue is recognized.

Retirement Plans

We sponsor retirement and postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. Expense recognized in relation to these defined benefit retirement and postretirement health care plans is based upon actuarial valuations and inherent in those valuations are key assumptions including discount and mortality rates, and where applicable, expected returns on assets, projected future salary rates and projected health care cost trends. The discount rates used in the valuation of our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are evaluated annually based on current market conditions. In setting these rates we utilize long-term bond indices and yield curves as a preliminary indication of interest rate movements, and then make adjustments to the respective indices to reflect differences in the terms of the bonds covered under the indices in comparison to the projected outflow of our obligations. Our overall expected long-term rate of return on pension assets is based on historical and expected


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future returns, which are inflation adjusted and weighted for the expected return for each component of the investment portfolio. Our rate of assumed compensation increase is also based on our specific historical trends wage adjustments.

We account for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans by recognizing the funded status of a benefit plan in the balance sheet. We also recognize in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) certain gains and losses that arose in the period. See Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for key assumptions and further discussion related to our pension and postretirement plans.

Environmental Liabilities

Expenditures that relate to an existing environmental condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to future revenue generation, are expensed. A reserve is established when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These reserves are determined without consideration of possible loss recoveries from third parties.

Specific costs included in environmental expense and reserves include site assessment, development of a remediation plan, clean-up costs, post-remediation expenditures, monitoring, fines, penalties and legal fees. Reserve amounts represent the expected undiscounted future cash outflows associated with such plans and actions.

Self Insurance

We are generally self-insured up to certain stop-loss limits for certain employee health benefits, including medical, drug and dental. Our policy is to estimate reserves based upon several factors including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims and outside actuarial analysis, which are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Such estimated reserves are classified as Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock consists of our common shares that have been issued, but subsequently reacquired. We account for treasury stock purchases under the cost method. When these shares are reissued, we use an average-cost method to determine cost. The difference between proceeds and the cost basis of the treasury stock is recorded to Additional paid-in capital.

Revenue Recognition — Sales and Rentals

Revenue is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income net of sales discounts and allowances, GPO fees, price concessions, rebates and customer returns for products sales and rental revenue services.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company disaggregates revenue recognized from contracts with customers by geography and reportable segments consistent with the way in which management operates and views the business. See Note 14. Segment Reporting for the presentation of the Company's revenue disaggregation.

Performance Obligations & Transaction Price Determination

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied, either at a point in time or over time, driven by the nature of the performance obligation that is contracted to be provided to our customers. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in the contract. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. Certain of our contracts have multiple performance obligations. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to the distinct performance obligations and recognized as revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied. We allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.

The majority of our product sales revenue is recognized at a point in time, primarily based on the transfer of title, except in circumstances where we are also required to install the equipment, for which revenue is recognized upon customer acceptance of the installation. Performance obligations involving the provision of services and revenue from rental usage of our products are recognized over the time period specified in the contractual arrangement with the customer.


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Revenue is presented net of several types of variable consideration including rebates, discounts and product returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is also used for certain types of variable consideration. These estimates take into consideration historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends, industry data, and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns.

Deferred Contract Costs

Certain costs associated with obtaining or fulfilling a contract with a customer (collectively referred to as “deferred contract costs”) are capitalized until such time as the related performance obligations are completed and the related revenue is recognized. Deferred contract costs are recorded as Other current assets and Other assets.

Costs to obtain a contract are primarily comprised of sales commissions paid upon receipt of a purchase order for certain products, primarily care communications. Commissions are expensed commensurate with the timing of revenue recognition, which is generally 12 to 36 months.

Costs to fulfill a contract includes equipment, installation and other costs directly related to certain performance obligations not completed. These costs primarily relate to our care communications products and other construction projects that require installation or ongoing service maintenance. These costs are expensed commensurate with the timing of revenue recognition, which is generally 12 to 24 months.

The following table summarizes deferred contract cost activity for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020:
September 30, 2020
Ending Balance Amortization Statement of Consolidated Income Classification
Costs to obtain a contract
Other current assets $ 6.7  $ (17.5) Selling and administrative expenses
Other assets 1.8  — 
Costs to fulfill a contract
Other current assets $ 26.9  $ (75.2) Cost of goods sold
Other assets 3.4  — 

Contract Balances

Contract liabilities represent deferred revenues that arise as a result of cash received from customers at inception of contracts or where the timing of billing for services precedes satisfaction of our performance obligations. Such remaining performance obligations represent the portion of the contract price for which work has not been performed and are primarily related to our installation and service contracts. These contract liabilities are recorded in Deferred revenue and Other long-term liabilities. We expect to satisfy the majority of the remaining performance obligations and recognize revenue related to installation and service contracts within 12 to 24 months.

The nature of our products and services does not give rise to contract assets as we typically do not have instances where a right to payment for goods and services already transferred to a customer exists that is conditional on something other than the passage of time.


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The following table summarizes contract liability activity for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The contract liability balance represents the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations.
Contract Liabilities
Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 125.8 
Deferred revenue acquired 2.9 
New revenue deferrals 300.7 
Revenue recognized upon satisfaction of performance obligations (291.3)
Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ 138.1 

Accounting & Practical Expedient Elections

We account for shipping and handling activities as fulfillment costs within Cost of goods sold. These activities are not considered to be a separate performance obligation. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue producing transaction between us and our customers, including but not limited to sales taxes, use taxes and value added taxes, are excluded from revenue and cost.

We adopted the significant financing practical expedient under which the impacts of financing are considered immaterial if the duration of the financing is one year or less. Customer payments are due at various times up to 90 days from the date of invoice, though in some countries and for certain customer types, credit terms are longer based on local industry standard.

Cost of Net Revenue

Cost of goods sold for product sales consists primarily of purchased material costs, fixed manufacturing expense, variable direct labor, overhead costs and costs associated with the distribution and delivery of products to our customers. Rental expenses consist of costs associated directly with rental revenue, including depreciation, maintenance, logistics and service center facility and personnel costs.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs relate primarily to internal costs for salaries and direct overhead expenses as well as the cost of outside vendors to conduct R&D activities. These costs are expensed as incurred. In addition, certain costs for software development technology held for sale are capitalized as intangibles when technological feasibility in the software is established and are amortized over a period of three years to five years once the software is ready for its intended use. The amounts capitalized in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $15.3 million, $8.0 million and $2.4 million.

Comprehensive Income

We include the after-tax effect of unrealized gains or losses on interest and foreign currency hedges, foreign currency translation adjustments and pension or other defined benefit postretirement plans’ actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 9. Other Comprehensive Income of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of foreign operations is generally the local currency in the country of domicile. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are primarily translated into U.S. dollars at year-end rates of exchange and the income statements are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing in the year. Adjustments resulting from translation of the financial statements of foreign operations into U.S. dollars are excluded from the determination of net income, but included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in our results of operations and are not material. Foreign currency movements on items designated as net investment hedges were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).



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Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation under fair value provisions. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. We estimate forfeitures on stock-based compensation, which are based on historical and expected forfeiture rates. In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, we utilize a Binomial model. In order to determine the fair value of other performance-based stock awards on the date of grant, we utilize a Monte Carlo model. Inherent in these models are assumptions related to a volatility factor, expected life, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and expected forfeitures. The risk-free interest rate is based on factual data derived from public sources. The volatility factor, expected life, dividend yield and expected forfeiture assumptions require judgment utilizing historical information, peer data and future expectations. Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are measured based on the fair market price of our common stock on the date of grant, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, multiplied by the number of units granted. See Note 13. Common Stock for further details.

Income Taxes

Hillrom and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. income tax return. Foreign operations file income tax returns in a number of jurisdictions. We have a variety of deferred tax assets in numerous tax jurisdictions which are computed using an asset and liability approach to reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the corresponding income tax amounts. These deferred tax assets are subject to periodic assessment as to recoverability. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefits will not be realized, valuation allowances are recognized. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that we would recover these deferred tax assets, future taxable income, the reversal of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies are considered.

As of fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we had valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, on a tax-effected basis, primarily related to certain foreign deferred tax attributes that are not expected to be utilized. We believe that our estimates for the valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets are appropriate based on current facts and circumstances.

We account for uncertain income tax positions using a threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The difference between the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for an uncertain income tax position and the tax benefit claimed in the tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit. See Note 11. Income Taxes for further details.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

We use derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates. Derivative financial instruments related to currency exchange rates include forward purchase and sale agreements that generally have terms no greater than 15 months. Additionally, interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps are sometimes used to convert some or all of our long-term debt to either a fixed or variable rate.

Derivative financial instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in the Statement of Consolidated Income or the Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated and considered effective as part of a hedge transaction, and if it is, the type of hedge transaction. The Company's derivatives are considered to be highly effective under hedge accounting principles. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. As a result of being effective, gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are subsequently included in the Statement of Consolidated Income in the periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged item. These activities have not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented herein.



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Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and subsequently issued related amendments, collectively referred to as “ASC 842”. The objective of this guidance is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations through recognizing leased assets, called right-of-use assets (“ROU”), and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. As a lessee, the new standard requires us to recognize both the ROU assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet for most leases, whereas under previous GAAP only finance lease liabilities (referred to as capital leases) were recognized in the balance sheet. In addition, for both lessees and lessors, the definition of a lease has been revised, which may result in changes to the classification of an arrangement as a lease. Under the new standard, an arrangement that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset by obtaining substantially all of its economic benefits and directing how it is used is a lease, whereas the previous definition focused on the ability to control the use of the asset or to obtain its output. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to the amount, timing and judgments of an entity’s accounting for leases and the related cash flows are expanded under the new standard. Disclosure requirements apply to both lessees and lessors, whereas previous disclosures related only to lessees. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of revenues, expenses, and cash flows arising from a lease have not significantly changed from previous GAAP.

We adopted ASC 842 effective October 1, 2019 using the optional transition method approach. We elected the package of practical expedients, which applies to both lessees and lessors, to (1) not reassess whether existing contracts contain leases, (2) carryforward the existing lease classification, and (3) not reassess initial direct costs associated with existing leases.

As a lessee, the adoption of the guidance on October 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of $82.5 million and lease liabilities of $85.8 million, which all related to operating leases. The ROU assets were lower than the lease liabilities due to the derecognition of deferred rent balances of $3.3 million. As a lessor, there was no impact as a result of the adoption. We did not recognize any adjustment to the comparative period presented in the financial statements in accordance with our adoption method. The guidance did not have a material impact on our Statements of Consolidated Income.

See Note 7. Leases for additional information on the impacts of ASC 842.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test and requires a goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of its goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and requires a prospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and the guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The purpose of the standard is to allow the use of the OIS rate based on the SOFR for hedge accounting purposes, which allows entities to designate changes in the fair values of fixed-rate financial assets or liabilities attributable to the OIS rate as the hedged risk.  The amendment recognizes the OIS rate based on the SOFR as likely London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) replacements and supports the marketplace transition by adding the new reference rate as a benchmark rate. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our financial statements as we have not yet utilized the OIS rate based on the SOFR for borrowings under our lending arrangements or as a benchmark rate for hedge accounting purposes. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The purpose of the standard is to provide guidance for the effects of the marketplace transition from LIBOR to a new reference rate as a benchmark rate.  ASU 2020-04 is optional and is effective for a limited period of time from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We will continue to monitor, assess, and plan for the phase out of LIBOR.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. The cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 was an adjustment to decrease the opening Retained earnings by $4.9 million, which is net of a $4.8 million tax effect, as of October 1, 2018.



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In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Topic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through net income and eliminated the cost method for equity securities without readily determinable fair values. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard issued six technical corrections and improvements to clarify guidance in ASU 2016-01, which primarily impacted the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements of financial instruments. We adopted ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-03 prospectively in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and the new updates did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We applied the practicability election within this standard under which our investments in equities that are not recorded under the consolidation or equity method of accounting guidance are valued at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes (in orderly transactions) of an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The purpose of the standard is to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard addresses specific issues including debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and certain life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and the application of the predominance principle in separately identifiable cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using a retrospective transition method and elected to continue to use the nature of distribution approach for distributions received from equity method investees. The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740). This standard requires immediate recognition of the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. We adopted ASU 2016-16 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. The cumulative effect of applying ASU 2016-16 was an adjustment to decrease prepaid taxes by $5.8 million and increase deferred tax assets by $0.2 million with a corresponding decrease to the opening balance of Retained earnings of $5.6 million.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This standard requires that companies include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, along with cash and cash equivalents, when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. We retrospectively adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, resulting in no change to our historical Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. We have included restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents accordingly in our Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This standard provides clarification on the definition of a business and provides guidance on whether transactions should be recorded as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. We adopted ASU 2017-01 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost in operating expenses, together with other employee compensation costs. The other components of net periodic pension cost, including interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The amendment allows a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. We adopted ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and applied the practical expedient upon adoption. ASU 2017-07 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07, we reclassified $0.1 million for fiscal 2018 and $1.6 million for fiscal 2017 from Selling and administrative expenses to Investment income (expense) and other, net. See Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional information on our retirement and postretirement plans.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The standard allows entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax reform to retained earnings. We adopted ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-02,


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we reclassified $5.4 million from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Retained earnings. We applied the individual item approach for releasing income tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses of Financial Instruments and has subsequently issued related amendments, collectively referred to as “Topic 326”. Topic 326 requires entities to measure credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will be required to recognize credit losses through an allowance for credit losses. Topic 326 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and requires a modified retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The purpose of the standard is to improve the overall usefulness of fair value disclosures to financial statement users and reduce unnecessary costs to companies when preparing the disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and requires the application of the prospective method of transition (for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption) to the new disclosure requirements for (1) changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income and (2) the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 also requires prospective application to any modifications to disclosures made because of the change to the requirements for the narrative description of measurement uncertainty. The effects of all other amendments made by ASU 2018-13 must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation Retirement Benefits Defined Benefit Plans General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The purpose of the standard is to improve the overall usefulness of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan disclosures to financial statement users and reduce unnecessary costs to companies when preparing the disclosures. ASU 2018-14 is effective for our fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and requires a retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The update aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and allows a retrospective or a prospective transition method to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606. The purpose of the standard is to (1) clarify that transactions between participants in a collaborative agreement should be accounted for under Topic 606 and (2) add unit-of-account guidance in Topic 808 to align with Topic 606. ASU 2018-18 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2021 and must be applied retrospectively to the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the date of initial application of Topic 606. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The purpose of the standard is to remove certain exceptions to the general principles of Topic 740: Income Taxes in order to reduce the cost and complexity of its application and to maintain or improve the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. ASU 2019-12 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2022 and will be applied either retrospectively or prospectively depending on the specific Topic 740 exception affected. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.




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Note 2. Supplementary Financial Statement Information

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Investments

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, we acquired $26.6 million of non-marketable equity securities that are valued at cost.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we sold an equity investment with a carrying value of $3.1 million and recognized a loss of $0.3 million and recognized an impairment loss of $1.7 million on a cost method investment. These losses were recorded as a component of Investment income (expense) and other, net.

As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, investments totaling $49.0 million and $51.1 million were recorded as a component of Other assets.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Year Ended September 30
2020 2019 2018
Cash paid for income taxes $ 88.0  $ 54.4  $ 44.8 
Cash paid for interest 72.4  91.8  90.4 
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in capital expenditures not paid $ 4.9  $ 8.0  $ (1.6)
Sale of equity method investment 2.1  —  — 
Total non-cash investing activities: $ 7.0  $ 8.0  $ (1.6)
Non-cash financing activities:    
Treasury stock issued under stock compensations plans $ 26.7  $ 22.7  $ 56.6 
Distribution of shares issued under stock-based compensation plans 30.0  15.4  36.2 

























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Note 3. Business Combinations

Acquisitions

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The difference between the purchase price amount and the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill on the balance sheet if the purchase price exceeds the estimated net fair value or as a bargain purchase gain on the income statement if the purchase price is less than the estimated net fair value. The allocation of the purchase price may be modified up to one year after the acquisition date as more information is obtained about the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we acquired the following companies:

Fiscal Year Company Name Description of the Business Description of the Acquisition
2020 Excel Medical Clinical communications software company located in the United States Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2020 Connecta Clinical communications software company based in Mexico. Purchased the multiplatform medical device integration and connectivity software programs, products, and solutions of the company.
2020
Videomed 1
Developer of integrated video solutions in operating rooms located in Italy. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2019 Voalte Clinical communications software company located in the United States. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
2019 Breathe Developer and manufacturer of a patented wearable, non-invasive ventilation technology that supports improved patient mobility, which is located in the United States. Purchased all of the outstanding equity interest.
1 On July 21, 2020, we acquired the remaining 74% outstanding equity interest in Videomed for total aggregate consideration of $10.7 million. As a result of the transaction, the previously held 26% equity investment was adjusted to reflect the fair value as of the acquisition date and a gain of $3.0 million was recognized in Investment income (expense) and other, net for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The fair value of the previously held equity investment was estimated using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach that incorporated a discount for the lack of marketability.



























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The following tables summarize additional details for each acquisition that closed during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
  Company Name

Excel Medical

Connecta
Videomed
Acquisition Details:
Date of acquisition January 10, 2020 May 18, 2020 July 21, 2020
Cash paid $ 13.1  $ 7.5  $ 7.8 
Contingent consideration 1
6.1  0.2  2.9 
Total consideration 2
$ 19.2  $ 7.7  $ 10.7 
Contingent consideration payable up to: 3
$ 15.0  $ 4.0  $ 3.7 
Segment information: Patient Support
Systems
Front Line Care Surgical Solutions
The following summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for each fiscal 2020 acquisition: 4
Trade accounts receivable $ 0.6  $ —  $ 2.5 
Inventories 0.2  —  0.9 
Other current assets 0.1  —  0.2 
Goodwill 5
10.5  4.8  10.0 
Developed technology 6
10.9  2.9  4.4 
Other assets 0.1  —  0.6 
Trade accounts payable —  —  (1.2)
Deferred revenue (2.7) —  (0.2)
Other current liabilities (0.5) —  (1.1)
Other long-term liabilities —  —  (2.4)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 19.2  7.7  13.7 
Less: Fair value adjustment of previously held investment —  —  (3.0)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 19.2  $ 7.7  $ 10.7 
Acquisition costs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020:
Acquisition and integration costs recognized in Selling and administrative expenses
$ 2.2  $ 0.3  $ 0.4 
1 This amount represents the fair value of the contingent consideration on the acquisition date. For Excel Medical, contingent consideration also includes $1.6 million, which was withheld at the close of the transaction and is payable upon completion of a supply contract modification. As of September 30, 2020, we recognized $1.4 million of acquisition and integration costs for the fair value adjustment of the Excel Medical contingent consideration. The fair value adjustments related to Connecta and Videomed contingent consideration were not significant as of September 30, 2020.


2 The purchase price for fiscal 2020 acquisitions are subject to post-closing adjustments.
3 The contingent consideration will be payable if commercial milestones defined in the sale and purchase agreements are achieved within the specified time period following the date of acquisition. For Excel Medical, Connecta and Videomed, the specified time periods are 2 years, 3.5 years and 2 years, respectively.
4 The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are still considered to be preliminary. The values reflect net working capital and fair value adjustments as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. We do not expect further adjustments to be significant.
5 Goodwill recognized in our acquisitions is attributable to the following:
žExcel Medical - Accelerating our leadership in care communications platform and advancing our digital and mobile communications platform and capabilities.
žConnecta - Advancing connected care in Mexico as well as creating lower cost opportunities to expand to other emerging markets.
žVideomed - Expanding our operating room integration platform and our market leadership in advancing connected care.

Goodwill in connection with the Excel Medical and Connecta acquisitions is deductible for tax purposes in the United States. Goodwill for the Videomed acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes in Italy.
6 Useful lives for the acquired developed technology intangible assets range from 5 years to 10 years.



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  Company Name

Voalte

Breathe
Acquisition Details:
Date of acquisition April 1, 2019 September 3, 2019
Cash paid $ 175.8  $ 127.6 
Contingent consideration 5.2  — 
Total consideration 1
$ 181.0  $ 127.6 
Contingent consideration payable up to: 2
$ 15.0  $ — 
Segment information: Patient Support
Systems
Front Line Care
The following summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for each fiscal 2019 acquisition:
Trade accounts receivable $ 5.8  $ 0.3 
Inventories 0.1  5.7 
Other current assets 2.7  0.1 
Property, plant and equipment 0.2  2.1 
Goodwill 3
98.5  59.8 
Non-competition agreements 4
2.7  — 
Trade name 4
13.5  4.0 
Customer relationships 4
29.0  0.4 
Developed technology 4
55.0  56.0 
Other assets —  0.2 
Trade accounts payable (1.7) (0.5)
Deferred revenue (10.7) — 
Other current liabilities (4.3) (1.6)
Deferred income taxes (9.8) 1.9 
Other long-term liabilities —  (0.8)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 181.0  $ 127.6 
Acquisition costs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020:
Acquisition and integration costs recognized in Selling and administrative expenses 5
$ (8.4) $ 2.5 
Acquisition and integration costs recognized in Special charges
—  3.1 
Acquisition costs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019:
Acquisition and integration costs recognized in Selling and administrative expenses 5
$ 12.1  $ 6.4 
Acquisition and integration costs recognized in Special charges
—  1.7 
1 The purchase price for fiscal 2019 acquisitions are considered final.
2 Contingent consideration was not paid as the commercial milestones were not met within 1 year of the acquisition date.
3 Goodwill recognized in our acquisitions is attributable to the following:
žVoalte - Enhancing synergies, accelerating our leadership in care communications platform and advancing our digital and mobile communications platform and capabilities.
žBreathe - Enhancing synergies and accelerating our leadership in respiratory health products.

Goodwill associated with the acquisitions of Voalte and Breathe is not deductible for tax purposes in the United States.
4 The intangible asset useful lives for non-competition agreements, trade name, customer relationships and developed technology range from 2 years to 11 years.
5 Acquisition and integration costs recognized for Voalte during fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 include $(8.4) million and $3.2 million related to fair value adjustments to contingent consideration. Hillrom did not pay any contingent consideration as the commercial milestones were not met within 1 year of the acquisition date.


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Asset Acquisition

On October 1, 2018, we acquired the right to use patented technology and certain related assets from a supplier to our Front Line Care segment. We paid $17.1 million of cash and committed to guaranteed minimum future royalty payments of $22.0 million, which are presented in Other intangible assets and software, net and are being amortized over the 7-year term of the agreement.

Dispositions

On August 2, 2019, we completed a disposition to sell certain of our surgical consumable products and related assets for a purchase price of $166.6 million, which is net of cash and working capital adjustments. In fiscal 2019, we recorded a pre-tax loss on this disposition of $15.9 million, including transaction costs of $4.0 million, in Investment income (expense) and other, net. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we recorded an additional loss of $4.2 million related to this transaction primarily due to income taxes. This disposition did not have a significant effect on our operations or financial results, and, therefore, has not been reported as a discontinued operation.

In fiscal 2018, we conveyed certain net assets related to our third-party rental business that was part of our Patient Support Systems segment, which was comprised of purchased moveable medical equipment that could be rented to customers, to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (“UHS”) in exchange for UHS’s agreement to dismiss its previously disclosed litigation against us (“Settlement Agreement”). As a result, we recorded a loss of $24.5 million in Special charges, which included $20.9 million related to the non-cash loss reserve for the assets conveyed, and other Settlement Agreement related costs of approximately $3.6 million. The transaction closed in fiscal 2018.


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Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

As discussed in Note 14. Segment Reporting, we operate in three reportable business segments. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded and is reallocated as necessary based on the composition of reporting units over time. Once goodwill is assigned to reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill.

The following summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment:
  Patient Support Systems Front Line Care Surgical Solutions Total
Balances as of September 30, 2018
Goodwill $ 544.4  $ 1,370.6  $ 296.1  $ 2,211.1 
Accumulated impairment losses (472.8) —  —  (472.8)
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2018 71.6  1,370.6  296.1  1,738.3 
Changes in Goodwill in the period:
Goodwill related to acquisitions 98.4  60.2  —  158.6 
Goodwill related to disposition —  —  (81.7) (81.7)
Currency translation effect (2.3) (6.1) (5.9) (14.3)
Balances as of September 30, 2019
Goodwill 640.5  1,424.7  208.5  2,273.7 
Accumulated impairment losses (472.8) —  —  (472.8)
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2019 167.7  1,424.7  208.5  1,800.9 
Changes in Goodwill in the period:        
Goodwill related to acquisitions 10.6  4.4  10.0  25.0 
Currency translation effect 2.4  3.5  3.7  9.6 
Balances as of September 30, 2020        
Goodwill 653.5  1,432.6  222.2  2,308.3 
Accumulated impairment losses (472.8) —  —  (472.8)
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2020 $ 180.7  $ 1,432.6  $ 222.2  $ 1,835.5 

Testing for goodwill is performed annually, or on an interim basis upon the occurrence of a triggering event or change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment was performed as of April 30, 2020 and did not result in any impairment.



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Slower recovery resulting from extended project delays, an increase in discount rates, unfavorable changes in earnings multiples, or a decline in future cash flow projections, among other factors, may cause a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable. If future financial assumptions significantly differ from those evaluated in the assessment noted above due to duration or magnitude of the impact of COVID-19, we can provide no assurance that a future goodwill impairment charge would not be incurred.

The below table summarizes our changes in goodwill related to the acquisitions that occurred during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for additional information regarding these acquisitions.
  Company Name

Voalte
.
Breathe

Excel Medical

Connecta
Videomed
Date of Acquisition April 1, 2019 September 3, 2019 January 10, 2020 May 18, 2020 July 21, 2020
Segment assigned Goodwill Patient Support Systems Front Line Care Patient Support Systems Front Line Care Surgical Solution
Percentage of Goodwill assigned to segment 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, we completed a disposition to sell certain of our surgical consumable products and related assets. All goodwill associated with this disposition was included in our Surgical Solutions segment. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations for additional information.
Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist predominantly of software, patents, acquired technology, trademarks, trade names and acquired customer relationship assets. With the exception of certain indefinite-lived trade names, our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods generally ranging from 1 to 20 years and our capitalized software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years.

Many of our intangible assets are not deductible for income tax purposes. A summary of intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization follows:
  September 30
  2020 2019
Cost Accumulated Amortization Cost Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships $ 633.2  $ 358.7  $ 658.1  $ 333.8 
Trademarks and trade names 45.3  25.7  51.5  24.0 
Developed technology 287.9  116.5  278.6  79.5 
Software 1
Software for internal use
159.3  119.2  136.6  115.4 
Software to be sold 55.1  29.5  39.9  27.6 
Other 2
25.8  17.7  28.4  16.7 
Total definite-lived $ 1,206.6  $ 667.3  $ 1,193.1  $ 597.0 
Indefinite-lived 3
437.4    437.4  — 
Total identifiable intangible assets $ 1,644.0  $ 667.3  $ 1,630.5  $ 597.0 
1 Software consists mainly of capitalized costs associated with internal use software, including applicable costs associated with the implementation and upgrade of our enterprise resource planning systems. In addition, software includes capitalized development costs for software products to be sold. Software amortization expense was $9.2 million, $10.3 million and $11.1 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and was primarily included in Selling and administrative expenses.
2 Other intangible assets primarily comprised of patents, non-competition agreements and intellectual property rights.
3 Indefinite-lived intangible assets represent primarily the Welch Allyn trade name with a carrying value of $434.0 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.



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Testing for indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment is performed annually, or on an interim basis upon the occurrence of a triggering event or change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying amount. The annual evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets was performed as of April 30, 2020 and did not result in any impairment.

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $118.2 million, $132.7 million and $117.9 million. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is expected to approximate the following for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter:
  Amount
2021 $ 121.5 
2022 105.1 
2023 85.9 
2024 72.0 
2025 58.1 
2026 and beyond 96.7 

Note 5. Financing Agreements

Total debt consists of the following:
  September 30,
2020
September 30, 2019
Current portion of long-term debt1
$ 50.1  $ 471.7 
Securitization Facility 82.2  110.0 
Note Securitization Facility 90.0  78.7 
Total Short-term borrowings $ 222.3  $ 660.4 
Revolving credit facility, matures August 2024 $   $ 80.0 
Senior secured Term Loan A, long-term-portion, matures August 2024 895.4  944.0 
Senior unsecured 5.00% notes due on February 15, 2025 297.5  296.9 
Senior unsecured 4.375% notes due on September 17, 2027 419.5  418.7 
Unsecured 7.00% debentures due on February 15, 2025 13.4  13.5 
Unsecured 6.75% debentures due on December 15, 2027 29.7  29.7 
Other 0.2  0.3 
Total Long-term debt $ 1,655.7  $ 1,783.1 
Total debt $ 1,878.0  $ 2,443.5 
1 For September 30, 2019, includes the Senior unsecured 5.75% notes due on September 17, 2023

Short-Term Borrowings

Securitization Facilities

In April 2020, we renewed our 364-day accounts receivable securitization program (the “Securitization Facility”) with certain financial institutions for borrowings up to $110.0 million. We also renewed our additional 364-day facility for borrowings up to $90.0 million (the “Note Securitization Facility”) in April 2020. The terms and conditions of the renewed April 2020 facilities are substantially similar to the May 2019 facilities. Under the terms of each the Securitization Facility and Note Securitization Facility, certain of our accounts receivable secure the amounts borrowed and cannot be used to pay our other debts or liabilities. The amount of permissible borrowings outstanding is determined based on the amount of qualifying accounts receivable at any point in time. Borrowings outstanding under the Securitization Facility and Note Securitization Facility bear interest at 1-month U.S. LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 0.8% and 0.9% and are included as a component of Short-term borrowings, while the accounts receivable securing these obligations remain as a component of Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances.



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Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility and available borrowing capacity was $1,191.0 million after giving effect to the $9.0 million of outstanding standby letters of credit. As of September 30, 2019, there were $80.0 million outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility, and available borrowing capacity was $1,112.8 million after giving effect to $7.2 million of outstanding standby letters of credit.

In August 2019, we entered into a senior credit agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) for purposes of refinancing our then-existing senior secured credit facilities maturing in 2021 (the “Prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The Prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of a senior secured term loan facility (“2021 TLA Facility”) with an original principal amount of $1,462.5 million and a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (“2021 Revolving Credit Facility”) providing borrowing capacity of up to $700.0 million, both maturing in September 2021. In fiscal 2019, we paid the outstanding balance of $1,038.4 million on the 2021 TLA Facility.

The Senior Credit Agreement consists of two facilities as follows:
$1,000.0 million senior secured Term Loan A facility, maturing in August 2024 (“2024 TLA Facility”)
Revolving Credit Facility, providing borrowing capacity of up to $1,200.0 million, maturing in August 2024 (“2024 Revolving Credit Facility”)

In connection with the refinancing of the Prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities, we recorded $3.3 million in Loss on extinguishment of debt primarily related to the debt issuance costs previously capitalized for the 2021 TLA Facility in fiscal 2019. We capitalized debt issuance costs of $2.5 million in connection with the 2024 TLA Facility and $3.7 million in connection with the 2024 Revolving Credit Facility.

The Senior Credit Agreement facilities bear interest at variable rates which currently approximate 1.4%. These interest rates are based primarily on LIBOR, but under certain conditions could also be based on the U.S. Federal Funds Rate or the U.S. Prime Rate, at our option. We are able to voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the 2024 TLA Facility at any time. In fiscal 2020, we made the required minimum payments of $50.0 million on the 2024 TLA Facility. In fiscal 2019, we made no payments on the 2024 TLA Facility.

The following table summarizes the maturities of the 2024 TLA Facility for fiscal 2021 through 2024:
  Amount
2021 $ 50.0 
2022 50.0 
2023 75.0 
2024 775.0 

Long-Term Debt Redemption

In September 2019, we issued senior unsecured notes of $425.0 million maturing September 2027 that bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.375% annually and capitalized debt issuance costs of $6.3 million. On October 7, 2019, we used the net proceeds from the offering of these notes, together with funds borrowed from the 2024 Revolving Credit Facility, to redeem all of our previously outstanding senior unsecured 5.75% notes due September 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) and pay the prepayment premium of $12.2 million. The 30-day notice required to redeem the 2023 Notes was filed on September 7, 2019 and, as a result, the outstanding liability of $421.6 million as of September 30, 2019 was classified as current within short-term borrowings. In October 2019, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $15.6 million, which was comprised of a $12.2 million prepayment premium and $3.4 million of debt issuance costs previously capitalized.

Fair Value

The fair value of our debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. The book values of our Securitization Facility, 2024 TLA Facility, and 2024 Revolving Credit Facility approximate fair value.


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The estimated fair values of our long-term debt instruments are described in the table below:

  September 30,
2020
September 30, 2019
Senior unsecured 5.00% notes due on February 14, 2025 $ 310.1  $ 312.4 
Senior unsecured 4.375% notes due on September 15, 2027 441.2  435.4 
Unsecured debentures 48.0  48.1 
Total $ 799.3  $ 795.9 

The estimated fair values of our long-term unsecured debentures were based on observable inputs such as quoted prices in markets that are not active. The estimated fair values of our Senior Notes were based on quoted prices for similar liabilities. These fair value measurements were classified as Level 2, as described in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Debt Covenants

The facilities provided by the Senior Credit Agreement are held with a syndicate of banks, which includes 13 institutions. Our general corporate assets, with exceptions including those of certain of our subsidiaries, collateralize these obligations. The Senior Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that specify a maximum secured net leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. These financial covenants are measured at the end of each quarter. The required maximum secured net leverage ratio is 3.00x and the required minimum interest coverage ratio is 4.00x. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all debt covenants under our financing agreements.

Note 6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

We are exposed to various market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates and variability in foreign currency exchange rates. We established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks. We employ cash flow hedges, net investment hedges, and other undesignated derivative instruments to manage these risks.

Cash Flow Hedges

To manage our exposure to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates, we enter into interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges. As of September 30, 2020, we had interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $750.0 million to hedge the variability of cash flows through August 2024 associated with a portion of the variable interest rate payments on outstanding borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2019, we had interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional amount of $750.0 million to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with a portion of the variable interest rate payments on outstanding borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement through September 2021.

We are subject to variability in foreign currency exchange rates due to our international operations. We enter into currency exchange contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges to manage our exposure arising from fluctuating exchange rates related to specific and projected transactions. We operate this program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies and do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. The sensitivity of earnings and cash flows to variability in exchange rates is assessed by applying an appropriate range of potential rate fluctuations to our assets, obligations, and projected results of operations denominated in foreign currencies. Our currency risk consists primarily of foreign currency denominated firm commitments and projected foreign currency denominated intercompany and third-party transactions. As of September 30, 2020, the notional amount of outstanding currency exchange contracts was $64.4 million. As of September 30, 2019, the notional amount of outstanding currency exchange contracts was $6.7 million. The maximum length of time over which we hedge transaction exposures is generally 15 months. Derivative gains and losses, initially reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), are reclassified to earnings in the period when the transaction affects earnings.



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Net Investment Hedges

As of September 30, 2020, we had outstanding cross-currency swap agreements, with an aggregate notional amount of $198.3 million to hedge the variability of U.S. dollar-Euro exchange rates through July 2023. These cross-currency swaps are designated as net investment hedges of subsidiaries using Euro as their functional currency. 

We assess hedge effectiveness under the spot-to-spot method and record changes in fair value attributable to the translation of foreign currencies through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We amortize the impact of all other changes in fair value of the derivative through Interest expense, which was income of $5.2 million for both the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Undesignated Derivative Instruments

We use forward contracts to mitigate the foreign exchange revaluation risk associated with recorded monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency. These derivative instruments are not formally designated as hedges and the terms of these instruments generally do not exceed one month. As of September 30, 2020, we had outstanding forward contracts not designated as hedges with aggregate notional amounts of $169.9 million. As of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding forward contracts not designated as hedges with aggregate notional amounts of $76.7 million. The following table summarizes unrealized and realized gains and losses for forward contracts not designated as hedges, which are recorded in Investment income (expense) and other, net.
Year Ended September 30
2020 2019
Unrealized gains (losses) $ —  $ (0.2)
Realized gains (losses) 3.0  (2.9)

Fair Value

We classify fair value measurements on our derivative instruments as Level 2. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are described in the table below:
Derivative Instruments September 30, 2020 Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification September 30, 2019 Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification
Interest Rate Swaps $   Other assets $ 0.9  Other assets
Interest Rate Swaps (46.3) Other current liabilities (7.7) Other current liabilities
Currency Exchange Contracts (0.4) Other current liabilities 0.2  Other current assets
Cross-Currency Swaps 9.7  Other assets 16.9  Other assets
Undesignated Forward Contracts $   Other assets (0.2) Other current liabilities
Total $ (37.0) $ 10.1 

Note 7. Leases

Hillrom as the Lessee

We determine if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at contract inception. We lease real estate, automobiles, and equipment under various operating leases. A lease liability and ROU asset is recognized for operating leases with terms greater than one year at the lease commencement date. The lease liability is measured as the present value of all remaining fixed payments calculated using our estimated secured incremental borrowing rate. The ROU asset is measured as the sum of the lease liability and any initial indirect costs incurred, less any lease incentives received. We use our estimated secured incremental borrowing rate as most lease agreements do not specify an interest rate. Our lease agreements include leases that have both lease and non-lease components. We elected to account for lease components and the associated non-lease components as a single lease component.

Our leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 8 years. Many of our real estate and equipment leases include options to renew. Renewal periods are generally not included when calculating the remaining lease term unless we are reasonably certain to exercise a renewal option based on beneficial terms or significance of the leased asset to our operations.


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Expense for operating leases and leases with a term of one year or less is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense is recorded in Cost of goods sold or Selling and administrative expenses based on the purpose of the leased asset. The following table summarizes our lease expense:
September 30, 2020
Operating lease expense $ 27.8 
Short-term leases and variable lease payments 11.5 
Total $ 39.3 

The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of our operating leases and amounts of the ROU asset and lease liability as of September 30, 2020:
Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification September 30, 2020
Right-of-use assets Other assets $ 72.3 
Current lease liabilities Other current liabilities $ 22.8 
Non-current lease liabilities Other long-term liabilities $ 54.4 

The following table summarizes our supplemental information related to operating leases as of September 30, 2020:
September 30, 2020
Supplemental information:
Weighted-average discount rate 3.3  %
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years 4.48
Cash Flow information:
Operating cash flows paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 27.6
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities 16.6

The following table summarizes the maturities of our operating leases as of September 30, 2020:
Amount
2021 $ 25.1 
2022 $ 20.2 
2023 $ 14.4 
2024 $ 9.0 
2025 $ 5.4 
Thereafter $ 10.4 
Total lease payments $ 84.5 
Less: imputed interest $ (7.3)
Total lease liability $ 77.2 



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Disclosures Related to Periods Prior to Adopting the New Lease Guidance

Future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases (excluding executory costs) aggregating $94.9 million for manufacturing facilities, warehouse distribution centers, service centers, sales offices, automobiles, and other equipment consisted of the following as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019:
Amount
2020 $ 25.7 
2021 21.4 
2022 15.7 
2023 11.1 
2024 6.4 
2025 and beyond 14.6 

Rental expense in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $39.8 million and $41.3 million.

Hillrom as the Lessor

We make certain products available to customers under short-term lease arrangements. Rental usage of these products is provided as an alternative to product sales and is short-term in nature. Products primarily include smart beds, including, but not limited to, bariatric, critical care, maternal, and home care beds, as well as other surfaces. These lease arrangements provide our customers with our products during periods of peak demand or often times for specialty purposes. Additionally, we provide wearable, non-invasive ventilation products to patients covered by monthly medical insurance reimbursements, which are considered month-to-month leasing arrangements. Income arising from these lease arrangements where we are the lessor is recognized within Rental revenue. We accounted for these lease arrangements as operating leases.



























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Note 8. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Our retirement plans consist of defined benefit plans, postretirement health care plans and defined contribution savings plans. Plans cover certain employees both in and outside of the United States.
 
Retirement Plans
 
We sponsor five defined benefit retirement plans. Those plans include a master defined benefit retirement plan in the United States, a nonqualified supplemental executive defined benefit retirement plan, and three defined benefit retirement plans covering employees in Germany and France. Benefits for such plans are based primarily on years of service and the employee’s level of compensation in specific periods of employment. We contribute funds to trusts as necessary to provide for current service and any unfunded projected future benefit obligation over a reasonable period of time. All of our plans have a September 30 measurement date.

Effect on Operations

The following table details the components of net pension expense for our defined benefit retirement plans:
  Year Ended September 30 Statements of Consolidated
  2020 2019 2018 Income Classification
Service cost $ 1.8  $ 1.8  $ 1.6  Cost of goods sold
Service cost 3.4  2.7  3.2  Selling and administrative expenses
Interest cost 8.7  12.5  11.0  Investment income (expense) and other, net
Expected return on plan assets (14.0) (14.8) (15.7) Investment income (expense) and other, net
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost, net   0.1  0.1  Investment income (expense) and other, net
Amortization of net loss 6.9  2.4  4.5  Investment income (expense) and other, net
Net periodic benefit cost 6.8  4.7  4.7 
Settlement loss 1
8.5  —  —  Investment income (expense) and other, net
Special termination benefits 2
0.5  —  —  Special charges
Net pension expense $ 15.8  $ 4.7  $ 4.7 
1 On March 9, 2020, we transferred pension assets totaling $40.6 million to purchase annuity contracts for a certain population of retirees with a third-party insurance company. As a result, we recognized a non-cash settlement loss of $8.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, which is recorded as a component of Investment income (expense) and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 In September 2020, we offered certain employees in the United States the option to participate in a voluntary early retirement plan. The employees who accepted the offer received special termination benefits, which were recorded as a component of Special charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



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Obligations and Funded Status

The change in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status, along with amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for our defined benefit retirement plans were as follows:
   Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Change in benefit obligation:    
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 380.4  $ 334.6 
Service cost 5.2  4.5 
Interest cost 8.7  12.5 
Actuarial loss 28.7  43.4 
Benefits paid (12.6) (13.3)
Acquisition1
3.5  — 
Plan settlements (44.2) — 
Special termination benefits 0.5  — 
Exchange rate loss (gain) 1.6  (1.3)
Benefit obligation at end of year 371.8  380.4 
Change in plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 310.6  279.8 
Actual return on plan assets 33.4  35.1 
Employer contributions 1.0  9.0 
Benefits paid (12.6) (13.3)
Acquisition1
3.5  — 
Plan settlements (44.2) — 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 291.7  310.6 
Funded status and net amounts recognized $ (80.1) $ (69.8)
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:    
Accrued pension benefits, current portion $ (1.5) $ (1.2)
Accrued pension benefits, long-term (78.6) (68.6)
Net amount recognized $ (80.1) $ (69.8)
  1 Represents the plan assets and obligations assumed as part of the defined benefit retirement plan of Excel Medical, which was acquired on January 10, 2020, and subsequently settled and terminated as of September 30, 2020.

In addition to the amounts above, net actuarial losses of $64.9 million and prior service costs of $0.4 million, less the tax effect of $16.3 million are included as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, 2020. In addition to the amounts above, net actuarial losses of $70.6 million and prior service costs of $0.4 million, less the tax effect of $17.2 million, are included as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, 2019.

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for our defined benefit retirement plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $6.3 million and $0.1 million.



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Accumulated Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $352.1 million and $362.9 million as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Selected information for our plans, including plans with accumulated benefit obligations exceeding plan assets, was as follows:

  September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
  PBO ABO Plan Assets PBO ABO Plan Assets
Master plan $ 343.2  $ 325.7  $ 291.7  $ 353.4  $ 338.0  $ 310.5 
International plans 23.0  20.8    21.7  19.6  0.1 
Supplemental executive plan 5.6  5.6    5.3  5.3  — 
  $ 371.8  $ 352.1  $ 291.7  $ 380.4  $ 362.9  $ 310.6 

Actuarial Assumptions

The weighted average assumptions used in accounting for our domestic pension plans were as follows:
  2020 2019 2018
Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit
obligations at the measurement date:
     
Discount rate for obligation 2.7% 3.2% 4.2%
Rate of compensation increase 2.6% 2.6% 3.0%
     
Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit
cost for the year:
     
Discount rate for expense 3.2% 4.2% 3.9%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 5.3% 5.5% 6.0%
Rate of compensation increase 2.6% 3.0% 3.0%

The discount rates used in the valuation of our defined benefit pension plans are evaluated annually based on current market conditions. In setting these rates, we utilize long-term bond indices and yield curves as a preliminary indication of interest rate movements, and then make adjustments to the respective indices to reflect differences in the terms of the bonds covered under the indices in comparison to the projected outflow of our pension obligations. The overall expected long-term rate of return is based on historical and expected future returns, which are inflation adjusted and weighted for the expected return for each component of the investment portfolio, as well as taking into consideration economic and capital market conditions. The rate of assumed compensation increase is also based on our specific historical trends of past wage adjustments. The weighted average discount rate assumptions used for our international plans are lower than our domestic plan assumptions and do not significantly affect the consolidated net benefit obligation or net periodic benefit cost balances.

Plan Assets

The weighted average asset allocations of our master defined benefit retirement plan as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, by asset category, along with target allocations, are as follows:
2020 and 2019 Target Allocation 2020 Actual Allocation 2019 Actual Allocation
Equity securities 31%-37% 34% 32%
Fixed income securities 63%-69% 66% 68%
Total   100% 100%

We have a Plan Committee that sets investment guidelines with the assistance of an external consultant. These guidelines are established based on market conditions, risk tolerance, funding requirements and expected benefit payments. The Plan Committee also oversees the investment allocation process and monitors asset performance. As pension liabilities are long-term in nature, we employ a long-term total return approach to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets for a prudent


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level of risk. Target allocations are guidelines, not limitations, and plan fiduciaries may occasionally approve allocations above or below a target range or elect to rebalance the portfolio within the targeted range.

The investment portfolio contains a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities and equities. Securities are also diversified in terms of domestic and international securities, short-term and long-term securities, growth and value styles, large cap and small cap stocks. The primary investment strategy is a dynamic target allocation method that periodically rebalances among various investment categories depending on the current funded positions. This program is designed to actively move from return-seeking investments (such as equities) toward liability-hedging investments (such as long-duration fixed income) as funding levels improve.

Trust assets are invested subject to the following policy restrictions: short-term securities must be rated A2/P2 or higher; all fixed-income securities shall have a credit quality rating “BBB” or higher; and investments in equities in any one company may not exceed 10% of the equity portfolio.

Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets

Cash as part of plan assets was $2.1 million and $4.2 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was classified as a Level 1 financial instrument.

The following table summarizes these assets by category:
Year Ended September 30
2020 2019
Equities
U.S. companies $ 49.7  $ 49.6 
International companies 48.9  50.2 
Fixed income securities 191.0  206.6 
Total plan assets at fair value, excluding cash $ 289.6  $ 306.4 

These investments are commingled funds and/or collective trusts valued using the net asset value (“NAV”) unit price provided by the fund administrator. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund.

Cash Flows

Our U.S. master defined benefit plan is funded in excess of 85%, as measured under the requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and therefore we expect that the plan will not be subject to the “at risk” funding requirements of this legislation.

In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we contributed cash of $1.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, to our defined benefit retirement plans, of which $8.0 million was a voluntary contribution to our U.S. defined benefit retirement plan in the fiscal year ended 2019. We will not be required to contribute to our master defined benefit retirement plan in fiscal 2021 due to the current funding level; however, minimal contributions will be required for our unfunded plans.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The benefit payments, which are expected to be funded through plan assets and company contributions and reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows:
  Pension Benefits
2021 $ 12.0 
2022 13.1 
2023 13.9 
2024 14.9 
2025 15.5 
2026-2030 90.5 



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Defined Contribution Savings Plans

We have defined contribution savings plans that cover substantially all U.S. employees and certain non-U.S. employees. The general purpose of these plans is to provide additional financial security in retirement by providing employees with an incentive to make regular savings. Our contributions to the plans are based on eligibility and employee contributions. Expense under these plans for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $31.9 million, $29.0 million and $28.4 million.
Postretirement Health Care Plans

In addition to defined benefit retirement plans, we also offer two postretirement health care plans in the United States that provide health care benefits to qualified retirees and their dependents. The plans are closed to new participants and include retiree cost sharing provisions and generally extends retiree coverage for medical and prescription benefits beyond the COBRA continuation period to the date of Medicare eligibility. These plans have a measurement date of September 30.

The net periodic benefit cost related to postretirement health care plans has not been significant for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 or 2018. In September 2020, we offered certain employees in the United States the option to participate in a voluntary early retirement plan. The employees who accepted the offer received special termination benefits of $0.4 million which were recorded as a component of Special charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The change in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was as follows:
   Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019
Change in benefit obligation:    
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 12.7  $ 17.0 
Service cost 0.1  0.3 
Interest cost 0.2  0.5 
Actuarial gain (0.4) (4.1)
Benefits paid (1.0) (1.3)
Retiree contributions 0.2  0.3 
       Special termination benefits 0.4  — 
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 12.2  $ 12.7 
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:    
Accrued benefits obligation, current portion $ 1.6  $ 1.3 
Accrued benefits obligation, long-term 10.6  11.4 
Net amount recognized $ 12.2  $ 12.7 

In addition to the amounts above, net actuarial gains of $10.9 million and prior service credits of $0.4 million, less the tax effect of $2.9 million are included as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, 2020. Net actuarial gains of $11.9 million and prior service credits of $0.6 million, less the tax effect of $2.4 million are included as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, 2019.

The estimated net actuarial gain and prior service benefit for our postretirement health care plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $1.6 million and $0.2 million.

The below table summarizes the discount rates used in accounting for our postretirement plans:
   September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Discount rate used to determine:    
Net periodic benefit cost for the postretirement health care plans 2.6  % 4.0  % 3.3  %
Benefit obligation 1.8  % 3.0  % 4.0  %



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As of September 30, 2020, the health care cost trend rates for the plans were generally assumed to be in the ranges of 5.8% to 6.4%, trending down to a rate of 4.5% over the long-term. A one-percentage-point increase/decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates as of September 30, 2020 would cause an increase/decrease in service and interest costs of less than $0.1 million, along with an increase/decrease in the benefit obligation of $0.6 million.

We fund the postretirement health care plans as benefits are paid and current plan benefits are expected to require contributions of approximately $1.6 million in fiscal 2021 and approximately $1.0 million per fiscal year thereafter.

Note 9. Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables represent the changes in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Year Ended September 30, 2020
  Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  Prior to
reclassification
Reclassification
from
Pre-tax Tax effect Net of tax Beginning
balance
Net activity
Ending
balance 2
Derivative instruments designated as hedges 1:
Currency exchange contracts
$ 1.9  $ (2.6) $ (0.7) $ 0.2  $ (0.5) $ 0.2  $ (0.5) $ (0.3)
Interest rate swaps
(35.4) (4.2) (39.6) 9.1  (30.5) (5.2) (30.5) (35.7)
Cross-currency swaps
(7.2)   (7.2) 1.7  (5.5) 12.2  (5.5) 6.7 
Derivative instruments designated as hedges total
$ (40.7) $ (6.8) $ (47.5) $ 11.0  $ (36.5) $ 7.2  $ (36.5) $ (29.3)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
34.7    34.7    34.7  (145.4) 34.7  (110.7)
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
0.9  4.6  5.5  (1.4) 4.1  (44.3) 4.1  (40.2)
Total $ (5.1) $ (2.2) $ (7.3) $ 9.6  $ 2.3  $ (182.5) $ 2.3  $ (180.2)

Year Ended September 30, 2019
  Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  Prior to
reclassification
Reclassification
from
Pre-tax Tax effect Net of tax Beginning
balance
Impacts of ASU 2018-02 Adoption as of October 1, 2018 Net activity
Ending
balance
Derivative instruments designated as hedges 1:
Currency exchange contracts
$ (0.6) $ 0.6  $ —  $ —  $ —  $ 0.2  $ —  $ —  $ 0.2 
Interest rate swaps
(24.8) (6.8) (31.6) 7.3  (24.3) 18.3  0.8  (24.3) (5.2)
Cross-currency swaps
18.0  —  18.0  (4.1) 13.9  (1.7) —  13.9  12.2 
Derivative instruments designated as hedges total
$ (7.4) $ (6.2) $ (13.6) $ 3.2  $ (10.4) $ 16.8  $ 0.8  $ (10.4) $ 7.2 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(40.1) —  (40.1) —  (40.1) (105.3) —  (40.1) (145.4)
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
(19.4) 2.0  (17.4) 3.8  (13.6) (24.5) (6.2) (13.6) (44.3)
Total
$ (66.9) $ (4.2) $ (71.1) $ 7.0  $ (64.1) $ (113.0) $ (5.4) $ (64.1) $ (182.5)



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  Year Ended September 30, 2018
  Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  Prior to
reclassification
Reclassification
from
Pre-tax Tax effect Net of tax Beginning
balance
Net activity Ending
balance
Derivative instruments designated as hedges 1:
Currency exchange contracts
$ 0.4  $ 0.3  $ 0.7  $ (0.1) $ 0.6  $ (0.4) $ 0.6  $ 0.2 
Interest rate swaps
22.8  (5.3) 17.5  (3.9) 13.6  4.7  13.6  18.3 
Cross-currency swaps
(2.2) —  (2.2) 0.5  (1.7) —  (1.7) (1.7)
Derivative instruments designated as hedges total
$ 21.0  $ (5.0) $ 16.0  $ (3.5) $ 12.5  $ 4.3  $ 12.5  $ 16.8 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(24.0) —  (24.0) —  (24.0) (81.3) (24.0) (105.3)
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
7.9  3.0  10.9  (2.4) 8.5  (33.0) 8.5  (24.5)
Total $ 4.9  $ (2.0) $ 2.9  $ (5.9) $ (3.0) $ (110.0) $ (3.0) $ (113.0)
1 See Note 6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity for information regarding our hedging strategies
2 The estimated net amount of gains and losses reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to our derivative instruments designated as hedges as of September 30, 2020 that are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is expense of $7.5 million.

The following table represents the items reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
  Amount
reclassified
Tax effect
Net of tax Amount
reclassified
Tax effect 4
Net of tax Amount
reclassified
Tax effect Net of tax
Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
Currency exchange contracts 1
$ (2.6) $ 0.5  $ (2.1) $ 0.6  $ (0.2) $ 0.4  $ 0.3  $ —  $ 0.3 
Interest rate swaps 2
(4.2) 1.0  (3.2) (6.8) 1.6  (5.2) (5.3) 1.2  (4.1)
Derivative instruments designated as hedges total
$ (6.8) $ 1.5  $ (5.3) $ (6.2) $ 1.4  $ (4.8) $ (5.0) $ 1.2  (3.8)
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans 3
$ 4.6  $ (1.4) $ 3.2  $ 2.0  $ (2.4) $ (0.4) $ 3.0  $ (1.0) $ 2.0 

1 Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Investment income (expense) and other, net.
2 Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Interest expense.
3 Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Cost of goods sold and Investment income (expense) and other, net. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense.
4 As a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-02, we reclassified $5.4 million from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Retained earnings.






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Note 10. Special Charges

Special charges are incurred in connection with various transformative initiatives, restructuring and exit activities, and organizational changes to improve our business alignment and cost structure. Although these charges are infrequent and unusual in nature, additional Special charges are expected to be incurred. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of these future expected costs until such time as the evaluations are complete. The following table summarizes the Special charges recognized for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Special charges Year Ended September 30
2020 2019 2018
Global information technology transformation $ 15.9  $ 1.3  $ — 
Workforce reduction plan 6.7  —  — 
Integration-related activities 13.1  $ 19.8  $ 38.4 
Site consolidation and other cost optimization activities, including related severance cost 5.8  7.3  15.9 
Disposition —  —  24.5 
Legal claim recovery —  —  (1.2)
Total Special charges $ 41.5  $ 28.4  $ 77.6 

Global Information Technology Transformation

In fiscal 2019, management initiated a global information technology transformation, including rationalizing and transforming our enterprise resource planning software solutions and other complementary information technology systems. In addition to the expenses noted in the table above, $22.0 million and $2.0 million was capitalized as software in Other intangible assets and software, net for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The objective of this initiative is to consolidate and streamline our key workstreams that interact with customers and vendors and support our financial reporting processes while maintaining the security of our data. The solutions designed under this initiative will be implemented over the next five to seven years.

Workforce Reduction Plan

On September 15, 2020, we committed to a workforce reduction plan as part of the continued business optimization initiatives to advance our strategy and growth platforms and improve our operations and cost structure. The workforce reduction plan includes a voluntary retirement program and involuntary severance actions. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we have incurred $6.7 million related to this initiative within Special charges. We expect substantially all costs related to the execution of the workforce reduction plan to be incurred in fiscal year ended 2021, which will bring the aggregated total cost to approximately $35 million.

Integration-Related Activities

We incurred costs, including severance and benefit costs, associated with business realignment and integration activities focused on reducing complexity, increasing efficiency, and improving our cost structure. We acquired several businesses in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 as disclosed within Note 3. Business Combinations for which we also continue to incur integration-related costs and severance costs. 



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Site Consolidation and Other Cost Optimization Activities, Including Related Severance Cost

We continue to streamline our operations and simplify our supply chain by transforming and consolidating certain manufacturing and distribution operations.

Dispositions

In fiscal 2018, we recorded a loss of $24.5 million in Special charges related to the UHS Settlement Agreement.

Legal Claim Recovery

In fiscal 2018, we received a settlement payment for a legal claim and recorded a gain of $1.2 million in Special charges.

For all accrued severance and other benefit charges described above, we record reserves within Other current liabilities. The following table summarizes the reserve activity for severance and other benefits for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 8.5 
Expenses 16.4 
Cash Payments (15.1)
Reversals (1.3)
Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 8.5 
Expenses 14.6 
Cash Payments (11.1)
Reversals (0.7)
Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ 11.3 

Note 11. Income Taxes

The significant components of income before income taxes and the consolidated income tax provision were as follows:
   Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Income before income taxes:      
Domestic $ 137.0  $ 122.5  $ 101.8 
Foreign 134.2  86.1  95.4 
Total $ 271.2  $ 208.6  $ 197.2 

Income tax expense:      
Current provision      
U.S. Federal $ 38.1  $ 51.0  $ 5.9 
State 10.8  6.0  3.5 
Foreign 18.3  18.2  20.2 
Total current provision 67.2  75.2  29.6 
Deferred provision:      
U.S. Federal (15.6) (12.0) (83.4)
State (2.8) (2.5) (2.8)
Foreign (0.6) (4.3) 1.4 
Total deferred provision (19.0) (18.8) (84.8)
Income tax expense $ 48.2  $ 56.4  $ (55.2)



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Differences between income tax expense reported for financial reporting purposes and that computed based upon the application of the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate to the reported income before income taxes were as follows:
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Amount % of
Pretax
Income
Amount % of
Pretax
Income
Amount % of
Pretax
Income
U.S. Federal income tax 1
$ 57.0  21.0  % $ 43.8  21.0  % $ 48.4  24.5  %
State income tax 2
4.1  1.5  3.3  1.6  2.9  1.5 
Foreign income tax 3
(15.0) (5.5) (10.1) (4.9) (25.9) (13.2)
Application of federal research tax credits (6.2) (2.3) (5.6) (2.7) (5.6) (2.9)
Application of foreign tax credits (11.6) (4.3) (0.1) —  (1.0) (0.5)
Valuation of tax attributes 5.0  1.9  2.2  1.1  23.4  11.9 
Foreign inclusions 7.7  2.9  —  —  (0.9) (0.4)
Domestic manufacturer’s deduction     —  —  (0.9) (0.4)
Excess tax benefits from share based awards (4.7) (1.7) (5.2) (2.5) (16.1) (8.2)
U.S. tax benefit of foreign currency loss     —  —  (9.2) (4.7)
U.S. tax reform deferred tax remeasurement     —  —  (93.8) (47.6)
U.S. tax reform transition tax     (1.0) (0.5) 22.9  11.6 
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction (7.8) (2.9) (4.3) (2.0) —  — 
Global intangible low-taxed income inclusion 12.6  4.6  9.6  4.6  —  — 
Disposition of subsidiary 4.1  1.5  18.2  8.7  —  — 
Current period change in uncertain tax positions     4.6  2.2  1.5  0.8 
Other, net 3.0  1.1  1.0  0.4  (0.9) (0.4)
Income tax expense $ 48.2  17.8  % $ 56.4  27.0  % $ (55.2) (28.0) %
1 At statutory rate.
2 Net of U.S. Federal benefit.
3 U.S. Federal tax rate differential.



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The tax effect of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
  September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
Deferred tax assets:    
Employee benefit accruals $ 48.3  $ 42.9 
Inventory 14.7  10.0 
Net operating loss carryforwards 69.7  69.8 
Tax credit carryforwards 26.4  22.6 
Lease liabilities 18.8   
Other, net 36.2  25.3 
  214.1  170.6 
Less: Valuation allowance (50.8) (45.0)
Total deferred tax assets 163.3  125.6 
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Depreciation (19.2) (14.5)
Amortization (201.0) (215.4)
Lease Assets (17.6)  
Other, net (5.6) (5.6)
Total deferred tax liabilities (243.4) (235.5)
Deferred tax liability - net $ (80.1) $ (109.9)

As of September 30, 2020, we had $40.5 million of deferred tax assets related to operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions that are subject to various carryforward periods with the majority eligible to be carried forward for an unlimited period. Additionally, we had $21.6 million of deferred tax assets related to U.S. Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, some of which will be carried forward for an unlimited period and some of which will expire between 2021 and 2036 and $7.6 million of deferred tax assets related to state NOL carryforwards, some of which will be carried forward for an unlimited period and some of which expire between 2021 and 2040. We had $23.9 million of deferred tax assets related to state tax credits, some of which will be carried forward for an unlimited period and some of which will expire between 2021 and 2030. We had $1.1 million of deferred tax assets related to capital loss carryforwards which will expire in 2025. We had $2.1 million of deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credit carryforwards which will expire in 2030. We are considering carryback opportunities for the capital loss carryforward and the foreign tax credit carryforward.

The gross deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2020 were reduced by valuation allowances of $50.8 million primarily related to certain foreign deferred tax attributes and state tax credit carryforwards as it is more likely than not that some portion or all of these tax attributes will not be realized. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that we would recover our deferred tax assets, future taxable income, the reversal of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies were considered. We believe that our estimates for the valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets are appropriate based on current facts and circumstances.  During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the valuation allowance increased by $5.8 million. The increase related primarily to foreign net operating losses and state tax credits that more likely that not will not be realized.

We operate under tax holidays in both Singapore and Puerto Rico. The Singapore tax holiday is effective through 2024. The Puerto Rico tax holiday is effective through 2025, but we have disposed of this operation in fiscal 2019 and thus will not recognize any benefit in the future. Both incentives are conditional on meeting certain employment and/or investment thresholds. The impact of these tax holidays decreased foreign taxes by $3.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, $5.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 and $4.3 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per diluted share was $0.05, $0.08 and $0.06 in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018.

With regard to our non-U.S. subsidiaries, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings in those businesses, to fund capital expenditures and other operating cash needs. Because the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested, no U.S. deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes have been provided on earnings subsequent to the enactment of the Tax Act. As of September 30, 2020, we have approximately $37.3 million of undistributed earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries that are considered to be permanently reinvested. If such earnings were repatriated, we do not anticipate incurring a significant amount of additional tax expense.


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We file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as multiple state, local and foreign jurisdiction tax returns. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by the taxing authorities in each of the jurisdictions where we file tax returns. In fiscal 2020, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded its audit of fiscal 2018 and initiated its post-filing examination of the fiscal 2019 consolidated federal return. We continue to participate in the IRS Compliance Assurance Program (“CAP”) for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021. We are in the application process to remain in the CAP for fiscal 2022. The CAP provides the opportunity for the IRS to review certain tax matters prior to us filing our tax return for the year, thereby reducing the time it takes to complete the post-filing examination. We are also subject to state and local or foreign income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years back to fiscal 2015.

We also have on-going audits in various stages of completion in several state and foreign jurisdictions, one or more of which may conclude within the next 12 months. Such settlements could involve some or all of the following: the payment of additional taxes and related penalties, the adjustment of certain deferred taxes and/or the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits. The resolution of these matters, in combination with the expiration of certain statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions, make it reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease as a result of either payment or recognition by up to $1.8 million in the next 12 months, excluding interest.

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $3.9 million, $9.6 million and $6.2 million, which includes $3.5 million, $9.3 million and $5.6 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in future periods. The remaining amount relates to items which, if recognized, would not impact our effective tax rate.

A rollforward of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Balance as of October 1 $ 9.6  $ 6.2  $ 4.5 
Increases in tax position of prior years   5.8  2.3 
Increases in tax position during the current year   —  0.3 
Settlements with taxing authorities (5.8) (1.1) — 
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations (0.2) (1.0) (0.9)
Foreign currency adjustments 0.3  (0.3) — 
Total change (5.7) 3.4  1.7 
Balance as of September 30 $ 3.9  $ 9.6  $ 6.2 

In fiscal 2020, we settled the position with the IRS related to the Transition Tax in the amount of $5.8 million, which reduced our unrecognized tax benefits.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties, which are not presented in the rollforward table above, were $1.4 million, $1.7 million and $2.1 million as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Related to interest and penalties, we recognized an income tax benefit of $0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Note 12. Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated based upon the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period, plus the effect of deferred vested shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated consistent with the basic earnings per share calculation plus the effect of dilutive unissued common shares related to stock-based employee compensation programs. For all periods presented, anti-dilutive stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Cumulative


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treasury stock acquired, less cumulative shares reissued, have been excluded in determining the average number of shares outstanding.

Earnings per share are calculated as follows (share information in thousands):
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Net Income $ 223.0  $ 152.2  $ 252.4 
Net Income per Basic Common Share $ 3.35  $ 2.28  $ 3.81 
Net Income per Diluted Common Share $ 3.32  $ 2.25  $ 3.73 
Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 66,631  66,772  66,234 
Add: Potential effect of exercise of stock options and other unvested equity awards 581  888  1,378 
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 67,212  67,660  67,612 
Shares with anti-dilutive effect excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS
342  288  263 

Note 13. Common Stock

Share Repurchases

Under the Board-approved share repurchase program, authorization of $340.0 million was previously granted to repurchase shares. In September 2019, the Board approved an additional $170.0 million for repurchases. Repurchases may be made on the open market or via private transactions, and are used to manage our capital structure, offset the dilutive impact of stock-based compensation and return cash to shareholders. This program does not have an expiration date and there are no plans to terminate this program in the future. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased 0.5 million shares of our common stock in the open market valued at $54.1 million. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of our common stock in the open market valued at $117.2 million. We did not repurchase shares in fiscal 2018 in the open market. As of September 30, 2020, a cumulative total of $346.6 million had been used, leaving us with availability of $163.4 million for future repurchases.

The following table summarizes common stock purchased in connection with employee payroll tax withholding for restricted stock distributions for the following fiscal years:
Year Ended September 30
2020 2019 2018
Total number of shares purchased 158,521  48,908  158,182 
Dollar value of shares purchased $ 16.5  $ 4.7  $ 14.1 

Stock-Based Compensation

We have stock-based compensation plans under which employees and non-employee directors may be granted options to purchase shares of Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. In addition to stock options, we grant performance share units (“PSUs”) and RSUs to certain management level employees and vested restricted stock to non-employee directors. We also offer eligible employees the opportunity to buy shares of our common stock at a discount via an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).

Our primary stock-based compensation program is the Stock Incentive Plan, which has been approved by our shareholders. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, we have a total of 15.3 million authorized shares. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 1.2 million shares were available for future grants under our stock-based compensation plans. We generally settle our stock-based awards with treasury shares. As of September 30, 2020, we had 21.8 million treasury shares available for use to settle stock-based awards.



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The stock-based compensation cost that was charged against income for all plans was $38.4 million, $34.4 million and $28.1 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

We recognize a tax benefit based on the increase in value from the grant date to the exercise date for stock options and from the grant date to the distribution date for the performance share units and restricted share units. The tax benefit is recorded during the year in which the exercise or distribution occurs. The tax benefit for exercises and distributions for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $4.7 million, $5.2 million, and $16.1 million.

Options

Stock options granted by our Compensation Committee of our Board under the Stock Incentive Plan are non-qualified stock options. These awards are generally granted with exercise prices equal to the average of the high and low prices of our common stock on the date of grant. They vest in equal annual installments over a three- or four-year period and the maximum contractual term is ten years. We use a Binomial option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options, and compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

The following table sets forth the weighted average fair value per share of stock options and the related valuation assumptions used in the determination of those fair values:
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Weighted average fair value per share $ 24.80  $ 25.28  $ 22.50 
Valuation assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate 1.6% 3.0% 2.2%
Expected dividend yield 0.8% 0.8% 0.9%
Expected volatility 27.7% 30.5% 30.8%
Weighted average expected life (years) 4.7 4.7 4.9

The risk-free interest rate is based upon observed U.S. Treasury interest rates appropriate for the term of our employee stock options. Expected dividend yield is based on the history and our expectation of dividend payouts. Expected volatility was based on our historical stock price volatility. Expected life represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the Binomial model. The expected life of employee stock options is impacted by the above assumptions as well as the post-vesting forfeiture rate and the exercise factor used in the Binomial model. These two variables are based on the history of exercises and forfeitures for previous stock options granted by us.

The following table summarizes transactions under our stock option plans for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020:
Weighted
Average
Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
Balance Outstanding as of October 1, 2019
718  $ 71.14  —  — 
Granted 188  103.11  —  — 
Exercised (144) 60.08  —  — 
Cancelled/Forfeited (22) 80.54  —  — 
Balance Outstanding as of September 30, 2020 740  $ 81.14  6.9 $ 7.9 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2020 334  $ 65.87  5.3 $ 6.8 
Options Expected to Vest 391  93.56  8.2 1.1 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $83.51, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2020. This amount, which changes continuously based on the fair value of our common stock, would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of the balance sheet date.



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The total intrinsic value of options exercised in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $6.9 million, $17.7 million and $54.7 million.

As of September 30, 2020, there was $5.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. This unrecognized compensation expense does not consider potential forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs are granted to certain employees with fair values equal to the average of the high and low prices of our common stock on the date of grant, multiplied by the number of units granted. RSU grants are contingent upon continued employment and vest over periods ranging from one to four years. Dividends, payable in common stock equivalents, accrue on the grants and are subject to the same specified terms as the original grants, including the risk of forfeiture.

The following table summarizes transactions for our nonvested RSUs for the fiscal year ended 2020:
Number of
Share Units
(in thousands)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested RSUs as of October 1, 2019
371 $ 95.76 
Granted 242  101.74 
Vested (234) 78.08 
Forfeited (42) 95.14 
Nonvested RSUs as of September 30, 2020 337 $ 112.41 

As of September 30, 2020, there was $19.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested RSUs granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. This unrecognized compensation expense does not consider potential forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The total vest date fair value of shares that vested in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $18.1 million, $16.6 million and $21.9 million.

Performance Share Units

Our Compensation Committee grants PSUs to certain employees and these awards are subject to any stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar rights inuring to common stock, but unlike our RSUs are not entitled to dividend reinvestment. Vesting of the grants is contingent upon achievement of performance targets and corresponding service requirements.

The fair value of the PSUs is equal to the average of the high and low prices of our common stock on the date of grant, multiplied by the number of units granted. For PSUs with a market condition such as total shareholder return, the Monte-Carlo simulation method is used to determine fair value. The Monte-Carlo simulation is a generally accepted statistical technique used to generate a defined number of stock price paths in order to develop a reasonable estimate of the range of our and our group of peer companies’ future expected stock prices.

The following table sets forth the weighted average fair value per share for PSUs and the related valuation assumptions used in the determination of those fair values. PSUs granted for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are based on company-specific performance targets, with a total shareholder return collar.
  Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Weighted average fair value per share $ 110.53  $ 112.79  $ 87.42 
Valuation assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate 1.6% 3.0% 1.9%
Expected volatility 23.8% 22.8% 21.9%
    
The basis for the assumptions listed above is similar to the valuation assumptions used for stock options, as discussed previously.


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The following table summarizes transactions for our nonvested PSUs in fiscal 2020:
Number of
Share Units
(in thousands)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested PSUs as of October 1, 2019
206 $ 98.78 
Granted 161 84.34 
Vested (187) 75.35 
Forfeited (15) 93.47 
Nonvested PSUs as of September 30, 2020 165 $ 111.73 

As of September 30, 2020, there was $7.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs granted under the Stock Incentive Plan based on the expected achievement of certain performance targets or market conditions. This unrecognized compensation expense as of September 30, 2020 does not reflect a reduction for our estimate of potential forfeitures and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The total fair value of shares that vested in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $14.1 million, $8.0 million and $16.4 million.

Note 14. Segment Reporting

We disclose segment information that is consistent with the way in which management operates and views the business. Our operating structure contains the following reportable segments:
Patient Support Systems – globally provides an ecosystem of our digital and connected care solutions: devices, software, communications and integration technologies that improve care and deliver actionable insights to caregivers and patients in the acute care setting. Key products include care communications and mobility solutions, connected med-surg and ICU bed systems, sensors and surfaces, safe patient handling equipment and services.

Front Line Care – globally provides integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies – from hospital to home – that enable and support Hillrom’s connected care strategy. Our diverse portfolio includes secure, connected, digital assessment technologies to help diagnose, treat and manage a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening and physical assessment.

Surgical Solutions – globally enables peak procedural performance, connectivity and video integration products that improve collaboration, workflow, safety and efficiency in the operating room, such as surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories.

Our performance within each reportable segment continues to be measured on a divisional income basis before non-allocated operating and administrative costs, litigation, special charges, acquisition and integration costs, acquisition-related intangible asset amortization, and other unusual events. Divisional income generally represents the division’s gross profit less its direct operating costs along with an allocation of manufacturing and distribution costs, research and development and certain corporate functional expenses.

Non-allocated operating costs, administrative costs, and other includes functional expenses that support the entire organization such as administration, finance, legal and human resources, expenses associated with strategic developments, acquisition-related intangible asset amortization, and other events that are not indicative of operating trends. We exclude such amounts from divisional income to allow management to evaluate and understand divisional operating trends. The chief operating decision maker does not receive any asset information by operating segment and, accordingly, we do not report asset information by operating segment.

Effective for fiscal 2020, the allocation of operating costs to each segment was modified to improve the alignment to how management evaluates the performance of each segment. The fiscal 2019 and 2018 segment information has been recast to conform to the current presentation. The reclassification did not impact our reported Consolidated Net Revenue or Income Before Income Taxes.


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The following summarizes financial results by reportable segment:
   Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Net Revenue - United States:    
Patient Support Systems $ 1,133.6  $ 1,135.0  $ 1,054.6 
Front Line Care 707.4  700.6  680.3 
Surgical Solutions 125.8  221.2  221.5 
Total net revenue - United States $ 1,966.8  $ 2,056.8  $ 1,956.4 
Net Revenue - Outside of the United States (“OUS”):
Patient Support Systems $ 405.5  $ 355.5  $ 374.9 
Front Line Care 317.6  277.5  279.9 
Surgical Solutions 191.1  217.5  236.8 
Total net revenue - OUS $ 914.2  $ 850.5  $ 891.6 
Net Revenue:
Patient Support Systems $ 1,539.1  $ 1,490.5  $ 1,429.5 
Front Line Care 1,025.0  978.1  960.2 
Surgical Solutions 316.9  438.7  458.3 
Total net revenue $ 2,881.0  $ 2,907.3  $ 2,848.0 
Divisional income:    
Patient Support Systems $ 332.3  $ 299.9  $ 285.0 
Front Line Care 301.8  266.4  253.0 
Surgical Solutions 39.5  61.2  53.1 
Other operating costs:    
Non-allocated operating costs, administrative costs, and other 264.4  283.0  224.1 
Special charges 41.5  28.4  77.6 
Operating profit $ 367.7  $ 316.1  $ 289.4 
Interest expense (74.0) (89.6) (95.0)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (15.6) (3.3) — 
Investment income and other, net (6.9) (14.6) 2.8 
Income before income taxes $ 271.2  $ 208.6  $ 197.2 
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and intangibles:
Patient Support Systems $ 43.5  $ 36.2  $ 37.4 
Front Line Care 95.4  101.9  110.7 
Surgical Solutions 7.4  28.4  20.8 
Corporate 32.5  28.3  27.6 
Total depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and intangibles $ 178.8  $ 194.8  $ 196.5 





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Geographic Information

Geographic data for net revenue and long-lived assets were as follows:
   Year Ended September 30
  2020 2019 2018
Net revenue to unaffiliated customers:      
United States $ 1,966.8  $ 2,056.8  $ 1,956.4 
Foreign 914.2  850.5  891.6 
Total net revenue $ 2,881.0  $ 2,907.3  $ 2,848.0 
Long-lived assets:      
United States $ 222.7  $ 212.5  $ 239.5 
Foreign 83.4  84.3  88.8 
Total long-lived assets $ 306.1  $ 296.8  $ 328.3 

Net revenue in the above table is attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer.

Note 15. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data by quarter for the fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019.

2020 Quarter Ended December 31,
2019
March 31,
2020
June 30,
2020
September 30,
2020
Net Revenue $ 685.0  $ 723.2  $ 767.5  $ 705.3 
Operating Profit 78.9  87.3  135.3  66.2 
Net Income 39.8  46.9  93.9  42.4 
Net Income per Basic Common Share 0.60  0.70  1.41  0.64 
Net Income per Diluted Common Share 0.59  0.70  1.40  0.63 
2019 Quarter Ended December 31,
2018
March 31,
2019
June 30,
2019
September 30,
2019
Net Revenue $ 683.5  $ 714.2  $ 726.8  $ 782.8 
Operating Profit 70.8  81.3  69.9  94.1 
Net Income 42.2  49.5  32.6  27.9 
Net Income per Basic Common Share 0.63  0.74  0.49  0.42 
Net Income per Diluted Common Share 0.62  0.74  0.48  0.41 

















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Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

General

We are subject to various other claims and contingencies arising out of the normal course of business, including those relating to governmental investigations and proceedings, commercial transactions, product liability, employee related matters, antitrust, safety, health, taxes, environmental and other matters. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and the outcome of individual litigated matters is not predictable with assurance. It is possible that some litigation matters for which reserves have not been established could be decided unfavorably to us, and that any such unfavorable decisions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Self Insurance

We are involved in various claims, including product and general liability, workers’ compensation, auto liability and employment related matters. Such claims in the United States have deductibles and self-insured retentions at various limits up to $1.0 million per occurrence or per claim, depending upon the type of coverage and policy period. International deductibles and self-insured retentions are lower. We are also generally self-insured up to certain stop-loss limits for certain employee health benefits, including medical, drug and dental. Our policy is to estimate reserves based upon a number of factors including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims and outside actuarial analysis, which are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Such estimated reserves are classified as Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.





95


SCHEDULE II
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

(In millions)

    ADDITIONS        
DESCRIPTION BALANCE AS OF
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD
CHARGED TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES
CHARGED TO
OTHER
ACCOUNTS
  DEDUCTIONS
NET OF
RECOVERIES
  BALANCE
AS OF END
OF PERIOD
Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:              
Allowance for possible losses and sales returns - accounts receivable:              
Fiscal Year Ended:              
September 30, 2020 $ 20.6  $ 8.8  $ (0.3)
1
$ (3.2)
2
$ 25.9 
September 30, 2019 21.8  5.0  0.7 
1
(6.9)
2
20.6 
September 30, 2018 25.1  2.5  0.2 
1
(6.0)
2
21.8 
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets:              
Fiscal Year Ended:              
September 30, 2020 $ 45.0  $ 4.6  $ 0.5 
3
$ 0.7  $ 50.8 
September 30, 2019 80.2  2.2  4.5 
3
(41.9)
4
45.0 
September 30, 2018 58.2  23.1  —  (1.1) 80.2 

1 Reduction of gross revenue for uncollectible health care rental reimbursements, cash discounts and other adjustments in determining net revenue. Also includes the effect of acquired businesses, if any.
2 Generally reflects the write-off of specific receivables against recorded reserves.
3 Generally reflects the effect of acquired businesses, if any.
4 Primarily reflects utilization of valuation allowance as a result of forfeitures on net operating losses.












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Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the supervision and participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “Certifying Officers”), has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2020. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Certifying Officers and our Board, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based upon that evaluation, the Certifying Officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The report of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020 and the related report of our independent registered public accounting firm, are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.



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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in January 2021 relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2021 Proxy Statement”), under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Corporate Governance.” Information relating to our executive officers is included in this Form 10-K in Part I, Item 1 under the caption “Executive Officers.”

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement, under the heading “Executive Compensation.”

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement, under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR     INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement, where such information is included under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement, where such information is included under the heading “Proposals Requiring Your Vote - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”



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PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)The following documents have been filed as a part of this Form 10-K or, where noted, incorporated by reference:

(1)Financial Statements

The financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are listed under Part II, Item 8 on the Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statement schedule filed in response to Part II, Item 8 and Part IV, Item 15(c) of Form 10-K is listed under Part II, Item 8 on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)Exhibits (See changes to Exhibit Index below):

“The Exhibit Index, which follows the signature page to this Form 10-K and is hereby incorporated herein by reference, sets forth a list of those exhibits filed herewith, and includes and identifies management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601 (b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.”

The agreements included as exhibits to this Form 10-K are intended to provide information regarding their terms and not to provide any other factual or disclosure information about us or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties to the agreements, including us, solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement. Such representation and warranties:

should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to certain investors; and
were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.


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HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements are designated with “*”.

3.1
Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 10, 2010)
   
3.2
Amended and Restated Code of By-laws of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 6, 2020)
   
4.1 Indenture dated as of December 1, 1991, between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Union Bank, N.A. (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association and Harris Trust and Savings Bank) as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (4) (a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 33-44086)
4.2
Indenture dated as of February 14, 2017, between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 14, 2017)
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture dated May 12, 2017, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
4.4
Indenture, dated September 19, 2019, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated September 19, 2019)
4.5
First Supplemental Indenture dated October 16, 2019, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 15, 2019)
4.6
Second Supplemental Indenture dated May 3, 2019, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee
4.7
Third Supplemental Indenture dated October 16, 2019, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 15, 2019)
4.8
Description of Securities
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q dated July 13, 2001)
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Director Phantom Stock Plan and form of award (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q dated July 13, 2001)
Form of Director Indemnity Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 23, 2003)
Form of Indemnity Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and certain executive officers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 23, 2003)
   


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Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as currently in effect (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 24, 2009)
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
   
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.69 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 16, 2011)
Form of Indemnity Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and certain executive officers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 16, 2011)
Form of Limited Recapture Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and certain of its officers, including Named Executive Officers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 20, 2013)
   
FY 2016 Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 filed with the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 19, 2015)
   
Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2019 among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc, Welch Allyn, Inc., the other borrowers from time to time party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 the Company's Form 8-K dated August 30, 2019)
Loan and Security Agreement dated May 5, 2017, among Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as Borrower, the persons from time to time party hereto, as lenders and as Group Agents, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, and Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as initial Servicer (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 5, 2017)
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated May 5, 2017, among Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as an originator and as servicer, other originators from time to time party hereto, as originators, and Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as Buyer (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 5, 2017)
Performance Guaranty dated May 5, 2017, between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as administrative agent, for and on behalf of the Credit Parties and other Secured Parties from time to time under the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as initial servicer, the Administrative Agent and BTMU (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 5, 2017)
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated as of July 1, 2017 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for employees hired prior to August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for employees hired on and after August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (CEO version), under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)


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Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for employees hired prior to August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for employees hired on and after August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (CEO version), under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for employees hired prior to August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for employees hired on and after August 1, 2016, under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (CEO version), under the Amended and Restated Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.’s Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 17, 2017)
Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2018, among Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as initial servicer, Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as borrower, and MUFG Bank, Ltd., (f/k/a The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.), as Group Agent, as Committed Lender and as Administrative Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2018, among Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as initial servicer, each of the Originators party to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as originators, and Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as buyer (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
Master Framework Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2018, by and among MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer, Hill-Rom Company, Inc., Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc., and each additional seller from time to time party thereto, as sellers, and Hill-Rom Company, as agent for the sellers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
1996 SIFMA Master Repurchase Agreement, including Annex I thereto, (as amended thereby), dated as of May 4, 2018, between Hill-Rom Company, Inc. and MUFG Bank, Ltd (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
1996 SIFMA Master Repurchase Agreement, including Annex I thereto, (as amended thereby), dated as of May 4, 2018, between Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc. and MUFG Bank, Ltd (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
Guaranty, dated as of May 4, 2018, between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., and MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer under the Master Framework Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 4, 2018)
Amendment No. 3 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019, among Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as initial servicer, Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as borrower, and MUFG Bank, Ltd., (f/k/a The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.), as Group Agent, as Committed Lender and as Administrative Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 3, 2019)


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Amendment No. 1 to Master Framework Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019, by and among MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer, Hill-Rom Company, Inc., Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc., and each additional seller from time to time party thereto, as sellers, and Hill-Rom Company, as agent for the sellers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 3, 2019)
Letter Agreement executed March 21, 2018 between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Richard M. Wagner (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated May 10, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and John P. Groetelaars dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Deborah Rasin dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and John P. Groetelaars dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Change in Control Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Barbara Bodem with an effective date of December 3, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 27, 2018)
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2018, between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and certain of its officers, including Messrs. Amy Dodrill, Mary Kay Ladone, Andreas Frank, Paul Johnson, Kenneth Meyers, Richard Wagner, and Ms. Deborah Rasin (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Andreas Frank dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Paul Johnson dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Kenneth Meyers dated November 16, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the Company's Form 10-K dated November 16, 2018)
Residential Lease Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Andreas Frank dated May 1, 2019 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated August 2, 2019)
Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Mary Kay Ladone with an effective date of December 3, 2018
Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Barbara Bodem with an effective date of December 3, 2018 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 27, 2018)
Employment Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Amy Dodrill with an effective date of June 1, 2019
Amendment No. 4 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2020, among Hill-Rom Company, Inc.,
as initial servicer, Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, as borrower, and MUFG Bank, Ltd., (f/k/a The Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.), as Group Agent, as Committed Lender and as Administrative Agent (Incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated April 27, 2020)


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Amendment No. 2 to Master Framework Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2020, by and among MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer, Hill-Rom Company, Inc., Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc., and each additional seller from time to time party thereto, as sellers, and Hill-Rom Company, as agent for the sellers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated April 27, 2020)
Amendment No. 1 to Hill-Rom Company Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2020, by and among MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer, and Hill-Rom Company, Inc., as seller (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated April 27, 2020)
Amendment No. 1 to Hill-Rom Manufacturing Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2020, by and among MUFG Bank, Ltd., as buyer, and Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc., as seller (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated April 27, 2020)
Form of Addendum to Form of Limited Recapture Agreement between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and certain of its officers, including Named Executive Officers
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
   
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB Inline XBRL Extension Labels Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101)




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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ John P. Groetelaars
    John P. Groetelaars
    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 13, 2020

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/s/ William G. Dempsey   /s/ James R. Giertz
  William G. Dempsey     James R. Giertz
  Chair of the Board     Director
         
/s/ John P. Groetelaars   /s/ William H. Kucheman
  John P. Groetelaars     William H. Kucheman
  President and Chief Executive Officer and Director     Director
  (Principal Executive Officer)      
         
/s/ Barbara W. Bodem   /s/ Ronald A. Malone
  Barbara W. Bodem     Ronald A. Malone
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer     Director
  (Principal Financial Officer)      
         
/s/ Richard M. Wagner   /s/ Gregory J. Moore
  Richard M. Wagner     Gregory J. Moore
  Vice President — Controller and     Director
  Chief Accounting Officer      
  (Principal Accounting Officer)      
         
/s/ Gary L. Ellis   /s/ Nancy M. Schlichting
  Gary L. Ellis     Nancy M. Schlichting
  Director     Director
     
/s/ Mary Garrett   /s/ Stacy Enxing Seng
Mary Garrett     Stacy Enxing Seng
Director     Director
/s/ Felicia F. Norwood
Felicia F. Norwood
Director

Date: November 13, 2020



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EXHIBIT 4.6

Execution Version

SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

This Second Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of May 3, 2019, among Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., an Indiana corporation (or its permitted successor) (the “Issuer”), the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein), the guarantor named in the signature pages hereto (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”) and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Issuer has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of February 14, 2017, providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 5.00% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”);

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “Guarantee”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Second Supplemental Indenture.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

(1) Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

(2) Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby (a) jointly and severally agrees, along with all existing Guarantors, to provide an unconditional Guarantee of the Notes on the terms set forth in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 10 thereof and (b) becomes a party to the Indenture as a Guarantor and, as such, will have the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

(3) No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the other Guarantors under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Second Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.




(4) GOVERNING LAW. THIS SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(5) Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Second Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Second Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Second Supplemental Indenture and signature pages for all purposes.

(6) Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

(7) The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Second Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Issuer and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]



























-2-



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.


Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.


By: ___________________________________
Name: Deborah M. Rasin
Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Legal
Officer and Secretary

Voalte, Inc., as Guarantor


By: __________________________________
Name: Deborah M. Rasin
Title: Director


MUFG UNION BANK, N.A., as Trustee


By: ___________________________________
Name: D. Amedeo Morreale
Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Second Supplemental Indenture – 2025 Notes]

EXHIBIT 4.8

DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

The following description sets forth certain material terms and provisions of the securities of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Hillrom”) that are registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and relevant provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the “IBCL”). This description does not purport to be complete. It is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the applicable provisions of the IBCL and the Company’s Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and the Company’s Amended and Restated Code of By-laws (the “By-Laws”), each of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit [4.11] is a part. We encourage you to read the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws, and the applicable provisions of the IBCL for additional information.

Authorized Capital Stock

The Company is authorized to issue a total of two hundred million (200,000,000) shares of capital stock consisting of (i) one million (1,000,000) shares of preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”) and (ii) one hundred ninety-nine million (199,000,000) shares of common stock, without par value (the “Common Stock”).

Common Stock

Dividend Rights

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has authority to authorize and direct the payment of dividends and the making of other distributions by the Company at such times, in such amounts and forms, from such sources and upon such terms and conditions as it may, from time to time, determine upon, subject only to the restrictions, limitations, conditions and requirements imposed by the IBCL, other applicable laws, and the Certificate of Incorporation.

Voting Rights

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock in the election of directors of the Company and upon each other matter coming before any vote of the holders of the Common Stock. The By-Laws provide that: (i) any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders with respect to any question or matter other than the election of directors shall be taken pursuant to a vote of the duly authorized, issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (determined as of the record date for the meeting) present, in person or by proxy, at a meeting at which a quorum is present, in which the votes cast favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless a greater number of affirmative votes is required by the provisions of the IBCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or other applicable legal or regulatory requirement and (ii) directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present, unless the Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise. The Common Stock does not have cumulative voting rights.

Liquidation Rights

Subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the net assets of the Company upon dissolution.

Conversion, Redemption, Preemptive, and Other Rights

Holders of Common Stock have no conversion, redemption, preemptive, or sinking fund rights with respect to the Common Stock. The Common Stock is not liable to further call or assessment by the Company or subject to any restriction on alienability, except as required by law.
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Preferred Stock

The rights of holders of Common Stock may be materially limited or qualified by the rights of holders of Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. Under the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is authorized to issue up to one million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series without further action by the holders of Common Stock. The Board is vested with authority to determine and state the distinguishing designations and the relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, and other rights of each such series of Preferred Stock.

Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws, and the IBCL

Certain provisions of the Certification of Incorporation, the By-Laws, and the IBCL could have anti-takeover effects and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in its best interests, as discussed below:

Authorized but Unissued Stock

The Company may issue additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the IBCL, for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public or private offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions, and for employee benefit plans and equity grants, all of which may result in additional dilution to existing holders. The existence of unissued and unreserved Common Stock and Preferred Stock may enable the Company to issue shares that could discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board to issue shares of Preferred Stock and set the preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, and other rights related to that Preferred Stock without shareholder approval. The preferences and rights of any such Preferred Stock could delay, defer, or prevent any attempt to acquire or control the Company.

Board Size; Vacancies; Removal

The By-Laws provide that the number of members of the Board is fixed by the Board. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that except as may be expressly provided by law, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of shareholders. Any director, or the entire Board, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

The Certificate of Incorporation and the IBCL provide that any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting only if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote with respect thereto.

Special Meetings of Shareholders

The By-Laws provide that a special meeting may be called by the Board, by the President of the Company, or by shareholders holding not less than one-fourth (1/4) of the duly authorized, issued, and outstanding shares of Common Stock.


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Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations

The By-Laws contain advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals and the nomination by shareholders of candidates for election as directors. In general, shareholders seeking to propose matters to be acted on at shareholders’ meeting or nominate candidates for election as directors are required to provide written notice to the Secretary of the Company not later than 100 days prior to the anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting. Such notice must also contain certain information as specified in the By-Laws.

Amendments/Repeal of Provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws

The Certificate of Incorporation provides that, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the terms of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the Company reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of its authorized shares, or any class or series thereof, and to reclassify the same, and to amend, alter, change, or repeal any provision contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, or in any amendment thereto, or to add any provision to the Certificate of Incorporation or to any amendment thereto, in any manner now or hereafter prescribed or permitted by the IBCL or by any other applicable laws. The IBCL provides that unless a greater vote is required under a specified provision of the IBCL, the Certificate of Incorporation, or the Board, a proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation will be approved if the votes cast favoring the proposal exceed the votes cast opposing the proposal at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present.

The By-Laws provide that the Board shall have power, without the assent or vote of the shareholders, to make, alter, amend, or repeal the By-Laws, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors. Shareholders do not have the right to amend the By-Laws.

Certain Provisions of the IBCL
As an Indiana corporation, the Company is governed by the IBCL. Under specified circumstances, the following provisions of the IBCL may delay, prevent or make more difficult certain unsolicited acquisitions or changes in control of the Company. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in the Company’s management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which shareholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interest.

Control Share Acquisitions. Under Chapter 42 of the IBCL, “control shares” acquired in a “control share acquisition” have the same voting rights as were accorded the shares before the control share acquisition only to the extent granted by resolution approved by the shareholders of the issuing public corporation at a special or annual meeting of shareholders. Such a resolution must be approved by (i) each voting group entitled to vote separately on the proposal by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by that voting group, subject to certain shareholders being entitled to vote as a separate voting group as described in the IBCL, and (ii) each voting group entitled to vote separately on the proposal by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by that group, excluding all interested shares. Unless otherwise provided in a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws before a control share acquisition has occurred, in the event control shares acquired in a control share acquisition are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person has acquired control shares with a majority or more of all voting power, all shareholders of the issuing public corporation have dissenters’ rights to receive the fair value of their shares pursuant to Chapter 44 of the IBCL. The Company is an “issuing public corporation” as defined under Chapter 42 of the IBCL.

Under the IBCL, “control shares” means shares acquired by a person that, when added to all other shares of the issuing public corporation owned by that person or in respect to which that person may exercise or direct the exercise of voting power, would otherwise entitle that person, immediately after acquisition of the shares (directly or indirectly, alone or as part of a group), to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of the issuing public corporation in the election of directors within any of the following ranges of voting power:

i.One-fifth (1/5) or more but less than one-third (1/3) of all voting power.
ii.One-third (1/3) or more but less than a majority of all voting power.
iii.A majority or more of all voting power.
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“Control share acquisition” means, subject to specified exceptions, the acquisition (directly or indirectly) by any person of ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares. For the purposes of determining whether an acquisition constitutes a control share acquisition, shares acquired within ninety (90) days or shares acquired pursuant to a plan to make a control share acquisition are considered to have been acquired in the same acquisition.

Chapter 42 of the IBCL does not apply if, before a control share acquisition is made, a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws provide that they do not apply. Neither the Certificate of Incorporation nor the By-Laws currently excludes the Company from Chapter 42 of the IBCL.

Certain Business Combinations. Chapter 43 of the IBCL restricts the ability of a “resident domestic corporation” to engage in any business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for a period of five (5) years following the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date unless the business combination or the purchase of shares made by the interested shareholder on the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date is approved by the board of directors of the resident domestic corporation before the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date. If the business combination was not previously approved, the interested shareholder may effect a business combination after the five-year period only if that shareholder receives approval from a majority of the disinterested shareholders or the offer meets specified fair price criteria. For purposes of the above provisions, “resident domestic corporation” means an Indiana corporation that has one hundred (100) or more shareholders. “Interested shareholder” means any person (other than the resident domestic corporation or its subsidiaries) that is (i) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent (10%) or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the resident domestic corporation or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the resident domestic corporation and at any time within the five (5) year period immediately before the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent (10%) or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the resident domestic corporation.

The definition of “beneficial owner” for purposes of Chapter 43 of the IBCL, means a person that (i) individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates beneficially owns the shares, directly or indirectly; (ii) individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates has (a) the right to acquire the shares at any time, under any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, options, or otherwise, or (b) vote the shares under any agreement, arrangement, or understanding (excluding voting rights under revocable proxies made in accordance with federal law); (iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of the shares with any other person that beneficially owns or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own the shares, directly or indirectly; or (iv) has any derivative instrument that includes the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase in the value of the subject shares.

The above provisions do not apply to corporations that elect not to be subject to Chapter 43 of the IBCL in their original articles of incorporation or in an amendment to their articles of incorporation approved by a majority of the disinterested shareholders. That amendment, however, cannot become effective until eighteen (18) months after its passage and would apply only to share acquisitions occurring after its effective date. The Certificate of Incorporation does not exclude the Company from Chapter 43 of the IBCL.
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EXHIBIT 10.6

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BIGTABLEOFCONTENTS1.JPG


























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ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS

1.1    Purpose

The purpose of the Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide annual incentive compensation awards (“Incentive Compensation Awards”) to eligible employees of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) for their contributions to the Company’s growth through the achievement of financial performance goals and accomplishment of strategic objectives. The Plan provides the mechanism for Incentive Compensation Awards at above-target levels when the Company achieves above-target performance results. The Plan is designed to encourage high individual and team performance and is based on the philosophy that employees should share in the success of the Company when value is created for the Company’s shareholders.

1.2    Definitions

a.Achievement Percentage – means the final performance result for each Performance Measure, interpolated between the Performance Measure Threshold and the Performance Measure Maximum and applied to the payout range of opportunity, expressed as a percentage of the Performance Measure Target.
b.Base Salary – means the earnings for the Plan Year of a Participant including wages and salary as reported for federal income tax purposes, but excluding all bonus payments of any kind, commissions, incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, perquisites and other forms of additional compensation.
c.Board of Directors – means the Board of Directors of Hill-Rom, Holdings, Inc.
d.CEO – means the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
e.Committee – means the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
f.Company - means Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
g.Disability – means termination of employment due to the inability of a Participant to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company by reason of injury or sickness which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and which has continued for a period of six (6) consecutive months.
h.Executive Leadership Team – means the CEO and the officers and members of the management team of the Company who report directly to the CEO.
i.Incentive Compensation Award – means the cash compensation paid to a Participant under the Plan calculated based on Company and individual performance.
j.Incentive Compensation Target – means a participant’s target Incentive Compensation Award opportunity expressed as a percentage of a participant’s Base Salary.
k.Incentive Compensation Pool – means a designated portion of the business for which Performance Measures are established and from which the aggregate amount of Incentive Compensation Awards for Participants assigned to that Incentive Compensation Pool will be paid.
l.Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage – means the weighted average of the Achievement Percentages of each Incentive Compensation Pool’s Performance Measures.
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m.Individual Performance Modifier – means the modifier, expressed as a percentage from zero percent (0%) to one-hundred fifty percent (150%), which reflects a Participant’s individual performance for the Plan Year, as determined by the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants).
n.Participant – means an employee who satisfies the eligibility requirements of the Plan and who is selected to participate in the Plan for a Plan Year.
o.Performance Measure Maximum – means the maximum level of achievement for a Performance Measure at which the Achievement Percentage will be capped for purposes of Incentive Compensation Pool funding.
p.Performance Measures – means one or more of the following financial metrics of the Company (or of any business or subpart of the Company) for a Plan Year: revenue, earnings per share, operating income, free cash flow, and/or any other metrics or criteria, as selected by the Company and approved by the Committee. The Performance Measures may include both financial and non-financial measures and may reflect achievement of the strategic plans of the Company (or of any business or subpart of the Company).
q.Performance Measure Target – means the targeted level of achievement for a Performance Measure.
r.Performance Measure Threshold – means the minimum level of achievement for a Performance Measure below which the Performance Measure’s Achievement Percentage will be zero percent (0%).
s.Plan Year – means the Company’s fiscal year beginning on each October 1st and ending on the subsequent September 30th.
t.Plan – means the Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan.
u.Retirement – means termination of employment on or after reaching normal retirement age as defined under the retirement or pension plan or pension scheme in which the Participant participates. For Participants who participate in the Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, “Retirement” shall mean termination of employment on or after satisfying the requirements for retirement under said plan.

ARTICLE II
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

2.1 Administration of the Plan.

a.The power and authority to establish rules related to the Plan and to administer, construe, and interpret the Plan as it applies to the Executive Leadership Team is vested in the Committee.

b.The power and authority to establish rules related to the Plan and to administer, construe, and interpret the Plan as it applies to all other Participants is vested in the CEO. The CEO may delegate any or all power and authority vested in the CEO to one or more officers of the Company.

2.2    Decisions Binding. All interpretations, determinations and decisions made by the Committee, the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate, pursuant to the terms of the Plan shall be final,
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conclusive and are binding for all purposes and upon all parties, including the Company and Participants.

ARTICLE III
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

3.1    Eligible Employees and Participation. Full-time or regular part-time employees of the Company, other than employees who participate in a sales commission plan or who are members of a collective bargaining unit, who are employed in an administrative, professional or management position are eligible to participate in the Plan. Participation in the Plan by members of the Executive Leadership Team shall be determined by the Committee. Participation in the Plan by other eligible employees shall be determined by the CEO or the CEO’s delegate. Participation in the Plan is reviewed annually and participation in one Plan Year does not guarantee participation in future Plan Years.

3.2    New Employees. An employee hired or rehired into an eligible position before July 1 of a Plan Year is eligible to participate in the Plan for the remainder of that Plan Year. An Incentive Compensation Award, if earned, is based on the number of days employed in an eligible position during the Plan Year. An employee hired or rehired into an eligible position on or after July 1 of a Plan Year is not eligible to participate in the Plan for the remainder of that Plan Year.

3.3    Mergers and Acquisitions. Eligibility to participate in the Plan for employees who become employed by the Company as a result of a merger or acquisition will be determined based on the specific facts and circumstances of the transaction.

3.6 Incentive Compensation Target. Each Participant will be assigned an Incentive Compensation Target, expressed as a percentage of Base Salary. Incentive Compensation Targets shall be established by the Committee for members of the Executive Leadership Team and by the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate, for all other Participants.

ARTICLE IV
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

4.1    Establishment of Incentive Compensation Pools. Prior to the beginning of each Plan Year, one or more Incentive Compensation Pools will be established under the Plan. Incentive Compensation Pools may be established for the total Company, specific corporate functions, Company business units (and/or specific business unit segments), international geographies and/or individual countries (or clusters of countries).

4.2    Assignment of Participants to Incentive Compensation Pools. Prior to the beginning of each Plan Year, each Participant shall be assigned to an Incentive Compensation Pool. All Incentive Compensation Pool assignments shall be effective for the entire Plan Year. In the event a Participant is involved in a significant job change during the Plan Year, the Participant may be assigned to a different Incentive Compensation Pool for the remainder of the Plan Year. The assignment to an Incentive Compensation Pool, and any change in assignment, requires the
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approval of the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants).

4.3    Incentive Compensation Pool Performance Measures. Within ninety (90) days following the beginning of each Plan Year, one or more Performance Measures shall be established for each Incentive Compensation Pool. For each Performance Measure, a Performance Measure Threshold, Performance Measure Target and Performance Measure Maximum will be established. The Performance Measures, Performance Measure Threshold, Performance Measure Target and Performance Measure Maximum for each Incentive Compensation Pool in which members of the Executive Leadership Team participate shall be approved by the Committee. The Performance Measures, Performance Measure Threshold, Performance Measure Target and Performance Measure Maximum for all other Incentive Compensation Pools shall be approved by the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate. If the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants) determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which it conducts its business, or other events or circumstances render the Performance Measures unsuitable for the Plan Year, the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants) may in its discretion modify such Performance Measures and/or the Performance Measure Threshold, Performance Measure Target or Performance Measure Maximum for any Performance Measure, in whole or in part, as the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants) deems appropriate and equitable.

4.4    Incentive Compensation Pool Funding. Upon the completion of each Plan Year, the funding of each Incentive Compensation Pool from which Incentive Compensation Awards for the Participants assigned to the Incentive Compensation Pool will be paid shall be an amount equal to (i) the product of, for each Participant in the Incentive Compensation Pool, the Participant’s Base Salary multiplied by the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Target, multiplied by (ii) the Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage for the Incentive Compensation Pool. In no event will an Incentive Compensation Pool be funded if any threshold funding hurdle applicable to the Incentive Compensation Pool is not achieved. The funding of each Incentive Compensation Pool shall further be subject to any other funding limits established for the Incentive Compensation Pool for the Plan Year. The Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage for any Incentive Compensation Pool may be adjusted up or down to reflect a change in the business, operations, or other events or circumstances (i) in the discretion of the Committee (with respect to Incentive Compensation Pools in which members of the Executive Leadership Team participate) or (ii) in the discretion of the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Incentive Compensation Pools). The Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage of any Incentive Compensation Pool in which members of the Executive Leadership Team participate shall be approved by the Committee. The Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage of all other Incentive Compensation Pools shall be approved by the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate.

4.5    Calculation of Incentive Compensation Awards. Following the completion of the Plan Year, an Incentive Compensation Award for each Participant shall be calculated by multiplying (i) the Participant’s Base Salary by (ii) the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Target by (iii)
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the Incentive Compensation Pool Payout Percentage of the Incentive Compensation Pool to which the Participant has been assigned for the Plan Year by (iv) the Participant’s Individual Performance Modifier. Incentive Compensation Awards for members of the Executive Leadership Team shall be approved by the Committee. Incentive Compensation Awards for all other Participants shall be approved by the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate.

4.6    Payment of Incentive Compensation Awards. For Participants subject to United States tax laws, Incentive Compensation Awards shall be due and payable in cash not later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months immediately following the end of the Plan Year. For all other Participants, Incentive Compensation Awards shall be due and payable in cash not later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the end of the Plan Year. The Company shall withhold appropriate amounts from Incentive Compensation Awards to satisfy all applicable United States and foreign tax withholding requirements.

4.8    Maximum Incentive Compensation Awards. In no event shall an Incentive Compensation Award to any Participant for a Plan Year exceed two-hundred percent (200%) of the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Target.

4.9    Termination of Employment.

a.In the event of termination of a Participant's employment with the Company prior to the due date for the payment of Incentive Compensation Awards for any reason other than death, Disability or Retirement, the Participant shall forfeit the right to receive an Incentive Compensation Award for that Plan Year.

b.In the event of termination of a Participant’s employment with the Company during a Plan Year as a result of death, Disability or Retirement, the Participant shall be eligible to receive an Incentive Compensation Award on a pro-rated basis based on the number of days the Participant is employed during the Plan Year of the Participant's termination of employment. Any Incentive Compensation Award shall be paid to such Participant at the same time as Incentive Compensation Awards are paid to other Participants. In no event will termination of employment as a result of Retirement include termination of employment for Cause.

c.Upon a termination of a Participant’s employment for Cause, a Participant shall forfeit any Incentive Compensation Award that would otherwise be due and payable under this Plan. For purposes of the Plan, “Cause” shall mean termination of employment initiated by the Company incident to or in connection with a determination that the Participant has engaged in misappropriation, theft, embezzlement, bribery, or similar deliberate, gross or willful misconduct or dishonest acts or omissions, incident to or in connection with acts or omissions that the Company reasonably determines to be willfully or wantonly harmful to the interests of the Company, or for violation of a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, including specifically a violation of the Company’s Code of Conduct.

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4.10    Leaves of Absence. An Incentive Compensation Award may be pro-rated based on the length of any leave(s) of absence, the reason for the leave of absence and any limitations applicable under federal, state or local law.

4.11    Transfers, Promotions and Demotions.

a.If a Participant is transferred or promoted from one eligible position to another eligible position within the Plan Year, the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Award will be pro-rated based on the number of days employed in each eligible position.

b.If a Participant is transferred or promoted into an eligible position from an ineligible position within the Plan Year, the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Award will be pro-rated based on the number of days employed in the eligible position.

c.If a Participant is transferred or promoted into an ineligible position from an eligible position within the Plan Year, the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Award will be pro-rated based on the number of days employed in the eligible position.

d.If a Participant is demoted and remains in an eligible position within the Plan Year, the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Award will be pro-rated based on the number of days employed in each eligible position.

e.If a Participant is demoted and moves to an ineligible position within the Plan Year, the Participant’s Incentive Compensation Award will be pro-rated based on the number of days employed in the eligible position.

ARTICLE V
AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

5.1    Amendment, Suspension or Termination. The Company may discontinue the Plan in whole or in part at any time and may from time to time amend, revise or cancel the terms of the Plan, unless prohibited by local law; provided, however, that no such discontinuance, amendment, or revision shall affect adversely any right or obligation with respect to any Incentive Compensation Awards theretofore paid.

5.2    Amendment of Incentive Compensation Awards. The Company reserves the right to amend an Incentive Compensation Award to a Participant, including providing no Incentive Compensation Award, for circumstances it deems appropriate, including for significant individual performance deficiencies.








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ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS

6.1    No Claim or Right to Incentive Compensation Award. No employee of the Company or any other persons shall have any claim or right (legal, equitable or other) to be receive an Incentive Compensation Award under the Plan, and no director, officer or employee of the Company, or any other person, shall have the authority to enter into any agreement with any person for the making or payment of any Incentive Compensation Award under the Plan or to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto.

6.2    No Effect on Employment. Neither the action of the Company in establishing the Plan nor any action taken by the Company, the Committee, the CEO, or any persons designated by them to administer the Plan, nor any provision of the Plan, shall be construed as giving to any Participant or employee of the Company the right to be retained in the employ of the Company.

6.3    Exceptions. The Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants), shall have the authority to make any and all determinations regarding the operation of the Plan, including making exceptions to any provision of the Plan. Any recommendations for exceptions to any provision of the Plan must be submitted to the Committee, in the case of any member of the Executive Leadership Team, or to the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate, for any other Participant or employee, for review and approval.

6.4    Code Section 409A. The Plan and all Incentive Compensation Awards granted hereunder are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code Section 409A”). The Plan and all Incentive Compensation Awards shall be administered, interpreted, and construed in a manner consistent with Code Section 409A or an exemption therefrom. Should any provision of the Plan, any Incentive Compensation Award hereunder, or any other agreement or arrangement contemplated by the Plan be found not to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, the provisions of Code Section 409A, such provision shall be modified and given effect (retroactively if necessary), in the sole discretion of the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants), and without the consent of the Participant, in such manner as the Committee (with respect to members of the Executive Leadership Team) or the CEO, or the CEO’s delegate (with respect to all other Participants) determines to be necessary or appropriate to comply with, or to effectuate an exemption from, Code Section 409A.

6.5    Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of October 1, 2018, the beginning of the Company’s Fiscal Year 2019.
9

EXHIBIT 10.43

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

P R E A M B L E

This Employment Agreement defines the essential terms and conditions of our employment relationship with you. The subjects covered in the Agreement are vitally important to you and to the Company. Thus, you should read the document carefully and ask any questions before signing the Agreement.

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of December 3, 2018 between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Mary Kay Ladone (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company and its affiliated entities are engaged in the healthcare industry throughout the United States and abroad including, but not limited to, the design, manufacture, sale, service and rental of hospital beds and stretchers, hospital furniture, medical‑related architectural products, specialty sleep surfaces (including therapeutic surfaces), air clearing devices, biomedical and asset management services, as well as other medical-related accessories, devices, products and services;

WHEREAS, the Company is willing to employ Executive in an executive or managerial position and Executive desires to be employed by the Company in such capacity based upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, in the course of the employment contemplated under this Agreement, Executive has acquired, and it will be necessary for Executive to acquire and maintain knowledge of certain trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information regarding the Company as well as any of its parent, subsidiary and/or affiliated entities (hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Companies”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive (collectively referred to as the “Parties”) acknowledge and agree that the execution of this Agreement is necessary to memorialize the terms and conditions of their employment relationship as well as safeguard against the unauthorized disclosure or use of the Company’s confidential information and to otherwise preserve the goodwill and ongoing business value of the Company.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive’s employment, the Company’s willingness to disclose certain confidential and proprietary information to Executive and the mutual covenants contained herein as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.Employment.




a.Beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to serve as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy & Investor Relations for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy & Investor Relations of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.

b. The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “Initial Term”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

2.Efforts and Duty of Loyalty. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.

3.At-Will Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.

4.Compensation. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development,



Strategy & Investor Relations of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.

a.Base Salary. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.

b.Bonus. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 60% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “Target Bonus”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“Committee”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.

c.Equity Awards. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.

d.Other Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.




5.Changes to Compensation. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be deemed effective immediately and an approved modification of this Agreement unless, within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of such change, Executive exercises Executive’s right to terminate this Agreement Without Cause or for Good Reason, as provided and defined below in Paragraph 9, as may be applicable.

6.Direct Deposit. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.

7.Predecessor Employers. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.

8.Restricted Duties. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.

9.Termination. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:

a.Death. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.

b.Disability. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “Disability”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the



contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.

c.Cause. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:

i.Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.

ii.Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.

iii.Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.

iv.Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.

v.Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.

vi.Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.

vii.Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.

Upon the occurrence or discovery of any event specified above, the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment, effective immediately, by providing notice thereof to Executive. Absent written mutual agreement otherwise, the Parties agree in advance that it is not possible for Executive to cure any violations of sub-paragraphs (ii), (iv) or (vi) and, therefore, no opportunity for cure need be provided in those circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause unless (A) a determination that cause exists is made and approved by a majority of the Board,



(B) if the circumstance giving rise to the issue is one of the provisions enumerated above that are capable of being cured the Executive is given at least ten (10) days’ written notice of the Board meeting called to make such determination, and (C) the Executive is given the opportunity to address the Board at such meeting.

d.Without Cause. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “Without Cause”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “Notice Pay”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay if Executive is eligible for and accepts severance payments pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 10(d) below. Notice pay shall be paid as if the Executive remained on payroll, subject to Paragraph 10(d) hereof.

e.Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “Good Reason” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:

i.the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy & Investor Relations;

ii.the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy & Investor Relations of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);

iii.a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
iv.a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and

v.the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of employment by Executive shall constitute a termination for Good Reason unless (A) Executive gives the Company written notice of the existence of an event described in each of subparagraphs (i) through (v) above within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of such event, (B) the Company does not remedy such event



described in each of subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, as applicable, within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice described in the preceding clause (A), and (C) Executive terminates employment within sixty (60) days of the end of the cure period specified in clause (B), above.

f.Voluntary Termination. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.

g.Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.

10.Consequences of Termination.

a.Death. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):

i.immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “SERP Benefit”);

ii.any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and

iii.all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and 10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “Accrued Benefits”).

b.Disability. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.

c.Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.

d.Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for



Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):

i.the Accrued Benefits;

ii.the SERP Benefit;

iii.one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period overlap two calendar years, the first payment will be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year and shall include any missed payment;

iv.If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and

v.a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid



had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.

Payments and benefits provided pursuant to this Paragraph 10(d) shall be paid in lieu of, and not in addition to, any other contractual, notice or statutory pay or other accrued compensation obligation (excluding accrued wages and deferred compensation).

11.Release. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Release”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).

12.Reaffirmation. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.

13.Restrictive Covenants. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).

a.Assignment of Rights.

i.Copyrights. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“Works”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and



shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.

ii.Inventions. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“Inventions”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:

A.Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;

B.Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;

C.Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and

D.Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.

b.Return of Company Property. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.

c.Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information



which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “Confidential Information”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.

d.Restricted Use of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).

e.Non-Solicitation. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:




i.Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;

ii.Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;

iii.Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);

iv.Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);

v.Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;

vi.Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or

vii.Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.

f.Limited Non-Compete. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:

i.Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship



will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;

ii.Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;

iii.Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or

iv.Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.

g.Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral statement, that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Executive. The Parties acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the Company or the Executive from providing truthful information in response to any court order, discovery request, subpoena or other lawful request, rebutting statements by others or making normal competitive-type statements.

h.Further Covenants.

i.The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney,



for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

ii.Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.

i.Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges each of the Companies’ need to protect their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Executive’s ability to compete with the Company on a limited basis or solicit its employees or customers, in each case, as provided herein.

j.Non-Compete Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:

i.Affiliate” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;

ii.Assigned Customer Base” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;

iii.Competitive Products” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;




iv.Competitor” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.

v.Directly or indirectly” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.

vi.Geographic Territory” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;

vii.Relevant Non-Compete Period” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.

k.Consent to Reasonableness. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Executive hereby agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument or defense to the contrary. Executive acknowledges that this limited noncompetition provision is not an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment in violation of IC § 22-5-3-1 or any other similar statute. Executive further acknowledges that the Company may need to take action, including litigation, to enforce this limited non-competition provision, which efforts the Parties stipulate shall not be deemed an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment.

l.Survival of Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.




m.Post-Termination Notification. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

n.Scope of Restrictions. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.

o.Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the term of the restriction. In determining the period of any violation, the Parties stipulate that in any calendar month in which Executive engages in any activity in violation of such provisions, Executive shall be deemed to have violated such provision for the entire month, and that month shall be added to the duration of the non-competition provision. Executive acknowledges that the remedies described above shall not be the exclusive remedies, and the Company may seek any other remedy available to it either in law or in equity, including, by way of example only, statutory remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets, and including the recovery of compensatory or punitive damages. Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by it in any attempt to enforce the terms of this Agreement if the Company prevails.




p.Publicly Traded Stock. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.

14.Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.

15.Non-Jury Trials. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.

16.Choice of Forum. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such litigation in such state where the Executive is subject to personal jurisdiction. Accordingly, for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, Executive specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Illinois.

17.Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.




18.Titles. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.

19.Severability. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.

20.Assignment-Notices. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.

21.Amendments and Modifications. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.

22.Outside Representations. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.

23.Other Remedies. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.

24.Voluntary and Knowing Execution. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement;



that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.

25.Liability Insurance. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.

26.Tax Matters.

a.Withholding. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

b.Code Section 409A Notification. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.

i.The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

ii.A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified



employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

iii.With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

iv.For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.

v.Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other arrangement which may be deemed to trigger Code Section 409A. Further, the Parties agree that each shall independently bear responsibility for any and all taxes, penalties or other tax obligations as may be imposed upon them in their individual capacity as a matter of law.




27.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.

28.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.




































IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.

EXECUTIVE HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
Signed: _____________________________ By: ______________________________
Name: Mary Kay Ladone Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ______________________________ Dated: ____________________________


CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING




































Exhibit A

SAMPLE SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between ______________ (“Executive”) and Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment agreement with the Company, dated _____________, 2018 (as amended from time to time), the “Employment Agreement”), provides for certain post-termination payments and benefits to Executive pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) (the “Severance Benefits”), subject to Executive executing and not revoking a release of claims against the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement and this Agreement, and in consideration for the Severance Benefits, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby recognized by the Company and Executive (collectively referred to as the “Parties”) agree as follows:

1.Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “Effective Termination Date”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.

2.Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.

3.The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.

4.The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.



5.In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of [himself/herself], [his/her] heirs, representatives, agents and assigns, [and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,] hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (a) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., (b) its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities, (c) in such capacity, all of their present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, trustees and agents, as well as, (d) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had through the effective date of this Agreement.

6.Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

7.Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:

a.prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or

b.prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.




8.Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives any right to monetary damages or reinstatement if an administrative charge is brought against the Company whether by Executive, the EEOC, or any other person or entity, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local agency. Further, with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive specifically assigns to the Company Executive’s right to any recovery arising from any such proceeding.

9.The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

10.Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:

a.Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;

b.The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;

c.Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and




d.Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21) days within which to review and consider this Agreement.

11.[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA] Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:

a.“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”

b.Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.

12.The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.

13.Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.

14.The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

15.The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.

16.Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect



to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“D&O”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.

17.[Option A] Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.

[Option B] Executive represents and agrees that Executive has been provided relevant cohort information based on the information available to the Company as of the date this Agreement was tendered to Executive. This information is attached hereto as Schedule A. The Parties acknowledge that simply providing such information does not mean and should not be interpreted to mean that the Company was obligated to comply with 29 C.F.R. § 1625.22(f).

18.Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.

19.Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).

20.Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the



preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.

21.EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of Executive’s employment by stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a confidential release agreement that prohibits Executive from further discussing the specifics of Executive’s separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any obligations as set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement as may be required by business necessity.

22.In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.

23.Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.

24.Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis



and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.

25.Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.

26.Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.

27.The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

28.This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.

29.Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.

30.This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.

31.This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A COMPLETE RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.









IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have themselves signed, or caused a duly authorized agent thereof to sign, this Agreement on their behalf and thereby acknowledge their intent to be bound by its terms and conditions.

[EXECUTIVE] COMPANY NAME
Signed: _____________________________ By: _______________________________
Printed: _____________________________ Title: ______________________________
Dated: ______________________________ Dated: _____________________________






































Exhibit B

LIST OF COMPETITORS

Getinge Group, Arjo Huntleigh (Getinge Spin-Off), Heine Optotechnik, Linet, Midmark, Mindray, Mizhuo/OSI, Omron Healthcare, Paramount Bed Company, Ltd., Riester, Schiller, Skytron, Steris Corporation, Stryker Corporation, Vocera, including, for the avoidance of doubt and in each case, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates.


EXHIBIT 10.45

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

P R E A M B L E

This Employment Agreement defines the essential terms and conditions of our employment relationship with you. The subjects covered in the Agreement are vitally important to you and to the Company. Thus, you should read the document carefully and ask any questions before signing the Agreement.

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of June 1, 2019 between Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Amy Dodrill (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company and its affiliated entities are engaged in the healthcare industry throughout the United States and abroad including, but not limited to, the design, manufacture, sale, service and rental of hospital beds and stretchers, hospital furniture, medical‑related architectural products, specialty sleep surfaces (including therapeutic surfaces), air clearing devices, biomedical and asset management services, as well as other medical-related accessories, devices, products and services;

WHEREAS, the Company is willing to employ Executive in an executive or managerial position and Executive desires to be employed by the Company in such capacity based upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, in the course of the employment contemplated under this Agreement, Executive has acquired, and it will be necessary for Executive to acquire and maintain knowledge of certain trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information regarding the Company as well as any of its parent, subsidiary and/or affiliated entities (hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Companies”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive (collectively referred to as the “Parties”) acknowledge and agree that the execution of this Agreement is necessary to memorialize the terms and conditions of their employment relationship as well as safeguard against the unauthorized disclosure or use of the Company’s confidential information and to otherwise preserve the goodwill and ongoing business value of the Company.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive’s employment, the Company’s willingness to disclose certain confidential and proprietary information to Executive and the mutual covenants contained herein as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.Employment.




a.Beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to serve as President, Global Surgical Solutions for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as President, Global Surgical Solutions of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.

b.The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “Initial Term”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

2.Efforts and Duty of Loyalty. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.

3.At-Will Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.

4.Compensation. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as President, Global Surgical Solutions of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.




a.Base Salary. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($380,000) per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.

b.Bonus. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 70% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “Target Bonus”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“Committee”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.

c.Equity Awards. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.

d.Other Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.




5.Changes to Compensation. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be deemed effective immediately and an approved modification of this Agreement unless, within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of such change, Executive exercises Executive’s right to terminate this Agreement Without Cause or for Good Reason, as provided and defined below in Paragraph 9, as may be applicable.

6.Direct Deposit. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.

7.Predecessor Employers. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.

8.Restricted Duties. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.

9.Termination. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:

a.Death. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.

b.Disability. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “Disability”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the



Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.

c.Cause. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:

i.Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.

ii.Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.

iii.Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.

iv.Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.

v.Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
vi.Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.

vii.Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.

Upon the occurrence or discovery of any event specified above, the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment, effective immediately, by providing notice thereof to Executive. Absent written mutual agreement otherwise, the Parties agree in advance that it is not possible for Executive to cure any violations of sub-paragraphs (ii), (iv) or (vi) and, therefore, no opportunity for cure need be provided in those circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause unless (A) a determination that cause exists is made and approved by a majority of the Board, (B) if the circumstance giving rise to the issue is one of the provisions enumerated above that are capable of being cured the Executive is given at least ten (10) days’



written notice of the Board meeting called to make such determination, and (C) the Executive is given the opportunity to address the Board at such meeting.

d.Without Cause. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “Without Cause”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “Notice Pay”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay if Executive is eligible for and accepts severance payments pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 10(d) below. Notice pay shall be paid as if the Executive remained on payroll, subject to Paragraph 10(d) hereof.

e.Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “Good Reason” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:

i.the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as President, Global Surgical Solutions;

ii.the failure to elect or reelect Executive as President, Global Surgical Solutions of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);

iii.a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;

iv.a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and

v.the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of employment by Executive shall constitute a termination for Good Reason unless (A) Executive gives the Company written notice of the existence of an event described in each of subparagraphs (i) through (v) above within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of such event, (B) the Company does not remedy such event described in each of subparagraphs (i) through (v) above, as applicable, within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice described in the preceding clause (A), and



(C) Executive terminates employment within sixty (60) days of the end of the cure period specified in clause (B), above.

f.Voluntary Termination. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.

g.Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.

10.Consequences of Termination.

a.Death. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):

i.immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “SERP Benefit”);

ii.any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and

iii.all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and 10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “Accrued Benefits”).

b.Disability. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.

c.Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.

d.Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):




i.the Accrued Benefits;

ii.the SERP Benefit;

iii.one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period overlap two calendar years, the first payment will be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year and shall include any missed payment;

iv.If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and

v.a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.




Payments and benefits provided pursuant to this Paragraph 10(d) shall be paid in lieu of, and not in addition to, any other contractual, notice or statutory pay or other accrued compensation obligation (excluding accrued wages and deferred compensation).

11.Release. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Release”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
12.Reaffirmation. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.

13.Restrictive Covenants. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).

a.Assignment of Rights.

i.Copyrights. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“Works”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.




ii.Inventions. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“Inventions”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:

A.Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;

B.Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;

C.Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and

D.Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.

b.Return of Company Property. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.

c.Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services,



marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “Confidential Information”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.

d.Restricted Use of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).

e.Non-Solicitation. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:

i.Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;




ii.Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;

iii.Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);

iv.Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);

v.Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;

vi.Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or

vii.Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.

f.Limited Non-Compete. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:

i.Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;




ii.Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;

iii.Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or

iv.Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.

g.Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral statement, that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Executive. The Parties acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the Company or the Executive from providing truthful information in response to any court order, discovery request, subpoena or other lawful request, rebutting statements by others or making normal competitive-type statements.

h.Further Covenants.

i.The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document



filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

ii.Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.

i.Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges each of the Companies’ need to protect their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Executive’s ability to compete with the Company on a limited basis or solicit its employees or customers, in each case, as provided herein.

j.Non-Compete Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:

i.Affiliate” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;

ii.Assigned Customer Base” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;

iii.Competitive Products” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;

iv.Competitor” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does



not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.

v.Directly or indirectly” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.

vi.Geographic Territory” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;

vii.Relevant Non-Compete Period” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.

k.Consent to Reasonableness. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Executive hereby agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument or defense to the contrary. Executive acknowledges that this limited noncompetition provision is not an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment in violation of IC § 22-5-3-1 or any other similar statute. Executive further acknowledges that the Company may need to take action, including litigation, to enforce this limited non-competition provision, which efforts the Parties stipulate shall not be deemed an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment.

l.Survival of Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.

m.Post-Termination Notification. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement.



Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

n.Scope of Restrictions. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.

o.Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the term of the restriction. In determining the period of any violation, the Parties stipulate that in any calendar month in which Executive engages in any activity in violation of such provisions, Executive shall be deemed to have violated such provision for the entire month, and that month shall be added to the duration of the non-competition provision. Executive acknowledges that the remedies described above shall not be the exclusive remedies, and the Company may seek any other remedy available to it either in law or in equity, including, by way of example only, statutory remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets, and including the recovery of compensatory or punitive damages. Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by it in any attempt to enforce the terms of this Agreement if the Company prevails.

p.Publicly Traded Stock. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not



require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.

14.Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.

15.Non-Jury Trials. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.

16.Choice of Forum. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such litigation in such state where the Executive is subject to personal jurisdiction. Accordingly, for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, Executive specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Illinois.

17.Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.

18.Titles. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.




19.Severability. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.

20.Assignment-Notices. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.

21.Amendments and Modifications. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.

22.Outside Representations. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.

23.Other Remedies. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.

24.Voluntary and Knowing Execution. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.




25.Liability Insurance. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.

26.Tax Matters.

a.Withholding. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
b.Code Section 409A Notification. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.

i.The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

ii.A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an



exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

iii.With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

iv.For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.

v.Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other arrangement which may be deemed to trigger Code Section 409A. Further, the Parties agree that each shall independently bear responsibility for any and all taxes, penalties or other tax obligations as may be imposed upon them in their individual capacity as a matter of law.

27.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any



separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.

28.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.








































IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.

EXECUTIVE HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
Signed:____________________________ By:_____________________________
Name: Amy Dodrill Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated:_____________________________ Dated:___________________________



CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING



































Exhibit A

SAMPLE SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between ______________ (“Executive”) and Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment agreement with the Company, dated _____________, 2018 (as amended from time to time), the “Employment Agreement”), provides for certain post-termination payments and benefits to Executive pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) (the “Severance Benefits”), subject to Executive executing and not revoking a release of claims against the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement and this Agreement, and in consideration for the Severance Benefits, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby recognized by the Company and Executive (collectively referred to as the “Parties”) agree as follows:

1.Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “Effective Termination Date”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.

2.Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.

3.The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.

4.The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.




5.In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of [himself/herself], [his/her] heirs, representatives, agents and assigns, [and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,] hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (a) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., (b) its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities, (c) in such capacity, all of their present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, trustees and agents, as well as, (d) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had through the effective date of this Agreement.

6.Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

7.Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:

a.prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or

b.prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.



8.Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives any right to monetary damages or reinstatement if an administrative charge is brought against the Company whether by Executive, the EEOC, or any other person or entity, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local agency. Further, with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive specifically assigns to the Company Executive’s right to any recovery arising from any such proceeding.

9.The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

10.Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:

a.Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;

b.The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;

c.Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and




d.Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21) days within which to review and consider this Agreement.

11.[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA] Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:

a.“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”

b.Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.

12.The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.

13.Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.

14.The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

15.The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.

16.Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect



to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“D&O”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.

17.[Option A] Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.

[Option B] Executive represents and agrees that Executive has been provided relevant cohort information based on the information available to the Company as of the date this Agreement was tendered to Executive. This information is attached hereto as Schedule A. The Parties acknowledge that simply providing such information does not mean and should not be interpreted to mean that the Company was obligated to comply with 29 C.F.R. § 1625.22(f).

18.Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.

19.Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).

20.Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the



preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.

21.EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of Executive’s employment by stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a confidential release agreement that prohibits Executive from further discussing the specifics of Executive’s separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any obligations as set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement as may be required by business necessity.

22.In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.

23.Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.

24.Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis



and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.

25.Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.

26.Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.

27.The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

28.This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.

29.Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.

30.This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.

31.This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A COMPLETE RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have themselves signed, or caused a duly authorized agent thereof to sign, this Agreement on their behalf and thereby acknowledge their intent to be bound by its terms and conditions.

[EXECUTIVE] COMPANY NAME
Signed:____________________________ By:_____________________________
Printed:____________________________ Title:____________________________
Dated:_____________________________ Dated:___________________________






































Exhibit B

LIST OF COMPETITORS

Getinge Group, Arjo Huntleigh (Getinge Spin-Off), Heine Optotechnik, Linet, Midmark, Mindray, Mizhuo/OSI, Omron Healthcare, Paramount Bed Company, Ltd., Riester, Schiller, Skytron, Steris Corporation, Stryker Corporation, Vocera, Cerner Corporation, including, for the avoidance of doubt and in each case, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates.




EXHIBIT 10.50

ADDENDUM TO THE LIMITED RECAPTURE AGREEMENT

This ADDENDUM TO THE LIMITED RECAPTURE AGREEMENT (“Addendum”) between ____________________ (“Executive”) and Hill‑Rom Holdings, Inc. (“Company”) is dated and effective this 10th day of November, 2020 (“Effective Date”).


W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have previously entered into a Limited Recapture Agreement (“Agreement”) which sets forth the terms and conditions upon which the Company may recoup certain compensation from Executive in the event there is a material restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial results due to misconduct of Executive; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to supplement the Agreement to provide the Company the opportunity to recoup certain compensation from Executive in the event Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for violating the Company’s Global Code of Conduct.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive’s continued employment with the Company as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree to enter into this Addendum as follows:

1.A “Triggering Event” shall be deemed to occur when and if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company as a result of a violation by Executive of a material provision of the Company’s Global Code of Conduct (including, without limitation, the Anti-Harassment Provision).

2.In the event a Triggering Event is determined by the Company to have occurred, the Committee may seek recoupment from Executive of the following incentive compensation (“Incentive Compensation”) paid to Executive:

(a) Cash Awards Under STIC Program: All cash awards under the STIC Program paid to Executive during the twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of Executive’s termination of employment.

(b) Stock Awards Under Stock Plan: All time-based and performance-based stock awards, including, but not limited to, stock options, performance share units or restricted stock units, or other time-based or performance-based stock awards that vested during the twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of Executive’s termination of employment.

3.In the event a Triggering Event is determined by the Company to have occurred and the Committee determines to recoup Incentive Compensation from Executive, Executive



agrees that he or she will promptly repay to the Company all Incentive Compensation for which recoupment is sought in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Cash Awards Under STIC Program: Executive shall pay to the Company in cash the gross amount of cash awards under the STIC Program for which recoupment is sought.

(b) Stock Options: Vested and unexercised time-based and performance-based stock options granted under the Stock Plan for which recoupment is sought shall automatically be forfeited and cancelled, and Executive thereafter shall not be entitled to exercise such stock options.

(c) Shares of Company Stock: Shares of stock of the Company received by Executive pursuant to time-based and performance-based awards granted under the Stock Plan for which recoupment is sought, whether as an award of performance share units or restricted stock units, upon the exercise of stock options, or otherwise, shall be transferred to the Company by Executive; provided, however, that in the event Executive no longer holds such shares, Executive shall (i) transfer to the Company an equivalent number of other shares of Company stock held by Executive or (ii) if Executive does not hold other shares of Company stock, pay to the Company an amount in cash equal to the greater of (A) the fair market value of the number of shares of Company stock for which recoupment is sought, as determined by the Committee, or (B) the proceeds received by Executive upon the disposition of the shares for which recoupment is sought.

4.Unvested Stock Awards: Upon Executive’s termination of employment, any outstanding unvested time-based and performance-based awards granted under the Stock Plan shall be forfeited notwithstanding that Executive may qualify for retirement and the accelerated vesting of such awards under the terms of the Stock Plan or any applicable award agreement.

5.The Company's right to recoupment pursuant to the Addendum is not retroactive to any payment made under the STIC Program or any award granted under the Stock Plan prior to the Effective Date.

6.The Committee has sole discretion to determine the amount of Incentive Compensation to be recouped, if any, in connection with such Triggering Event.

The terms and conditions of the Limited Recapture Agreement, as supplemented by this Addendum, shall continue in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Addendum effective as of the 10th day of November, 2020.



EXECUTIVE HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.

Signed: ______________________________

Name: _______________________________

Dated: _______________________________

By: _________________________________

Title: ________________________________

Dated: _______________________________


EXHIBIT 21
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

All subsidiaries of the Company as of September 30, 2020 are wholly-owned Indiana corporations, unless otherwise noted.

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
Comfort Holdings, Inc.
Eagle Acquisition Sub B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Hill-Rom, Inc.

Subsidiary of Hillrom Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Hillrom Finance II Ltd., a Cayman Islands limited company

Subsidiary of Hillrom Finance II Ltd.
Hill-Rom Society with Restricted Liability, a Barbados Restricted Liability Society

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Hill-Rom EU LLC
Welch Allyn, Inc., a New York corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom, Inc.
Advanced Respiratory, Inc., a Minnesota corporation
Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
Hillrom Global Sourcing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Voalte, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Breathe Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Subsidiary of Comfort Holdings, Inc.
Anodyne Medical Device, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Subsidiary of Anodyne Medical Device, Inc.
AMF Support Surfaces, Inc., a California corporation

Subsidiary of Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
AMATECH Corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom, Inc. and Advanced Respiratory, Inc.
Hill-Rom Company, Inc.

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
Excel Medical Electronics, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
Hill-Rom International, Inc.
Hill-Rom Logistics, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company
Hill-Rom Company Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Hill-Rom Finance Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Hillrom Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd., a Singapore corporation
Hillrom Procurement B.V., a Netherlands corporation
MEDIQ/PRN Life Support Systems, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Hillrom Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Hillrom Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd., a Singapore corporation

Subsidiary of Hillrom Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Hillrom Finance Ltd., a Cayman Islands limited company

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc.

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom Manufacturing, Inc.
Hill-Rom Finance Limited Partner, Inc.
Hill-Rom Manufacturing Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company




Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom International, Inc.
Hill-Rom Pty, Ltd., an Australia corporation
Hill-Rom Asia Limited, a Hong Kong corporation
Hill-Rom Japan KK, a Japan corporation
Hill-Rom (Thailand) Company Limited, a Thailand limited company
Hill-Rom Chile SpA, a Chile corporation

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Pty, Ltd.
Trumpf Med (Aust) Pty Limited, an Australia corporation

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Asia Limited
Hill-Rom Shanghai Co., a China corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom Finance Limited Partner, Inc., Hill-Rom, Inc., and Hillrom Finance Ltd.
Hill-Rom EU LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability corporation

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom EU LLC
Hill-Rom (Luxembourg) General Partner Ltd. S.á r.l., a Cayman Islands corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom (Luxembourg) General Partner Ltd. S.á r.l.
Hill-Rom Holdings Netherlands, B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Hill-Rom International S.á r.l./B.V., a Luxembourg corporation
Hill-Rom Mexico Holdings, B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Hill-Rom Receivables, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
HR Europe B.V., a Netherlands corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom Holdings Netherlands, B.V.
Hill-Rom Ltd., a United Kingdom Corporation
Hill-Rom Singapore Holdings S.á r.l., a Luxembourg corporation
Hill-Rom Taiwan Ltd., a Taiwan limited liability company
Trumpf Medizin Systeme Beteiligungs GmbH, a Germany corporation

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Mexico Holdings, B.V.
Hill-Rom Mexico Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Jointly owned subsidiaries of Hill-Rom Mexico Holdings, B.V. and Hill-Rom Mexico Holdings, LLC
Hill-Rom de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation
Hill-Rom Servicios, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holdings Netherlands B.V. and Hill-Rom International S.á r.l./B.V.
Hillrom Belgium B.V., a Belgium corporation

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Singapore Holdings S.á r.l.
Hill-Rom Services Pte, Ltd., a Singapore corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holdings Netherlands B.V. and HR Europe BV
Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH & Co. KG, a Germany partnership

Subsidiary of Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
Trumpf Medical Systems (Taicang) Co., Limited, a China corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom International S.á r.l./B.V.
Hill-Rom Austria GmbH, an Austria corporation
Hill-Rom B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Hill-Rom Canada, Ltd., a Canada corporation
Hill-Rom Poland sp. z.o.o., a Poland corporation
Hill-Rom S.A., a Switzerland corporation
Hill-Rom S.á r.l., a France corporation








Jointly owned subsidiaries of Hill-Rom International S.á r.l./B.V. and Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Hill-Rom India Private Ltd., an India corporation
Hill-Rom Rus, LLC, a Russia limited liability company
Hill-Rom Comercializadora de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation
Hill-Rom Turkey Medikal Urunler Dagitim ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, a Turkey corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom S.á r.l.
Hill-Rom AB, a Sweden corporation
Hill-Rom Iberia S.L., a Spain corporation
Hill-Rom SAS, a France corporation
Hill-Rom, S.p.A, an Italy corporation

Subsidiaries of Hill-Rom AB
Liko AB, a Sweden corporation
Liko R&D AB, a Sweden corporation

Subsidiary of Liko AB
Hill-Rom Verwaltung GmbH, a Germany corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Liko AB and Eagle Acquisition Sub B.V.
Hill-Rom Holding GmbH & Co. KG, a Germany partnership

Subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Hill-Rom GmbH, a Germany corporation

Subsidiaries of Welch Allyn, Inc.
Welch Allyn International Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Welch Allyn International Ventures, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc., an Oregon corporation
Welch Allyn Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Subsidiaries of Welch Allyn International Holdings, Inc.
Mortara Instrument Europe S.r.l., an Italian limited liability company
Welch Allyn B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Welch Allyn CV Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Welch Allyn France, S.a r.l., a France corporation
Welch Allyn Japan K.K., a Japan corporation
Welch Allyn Malaysia SDN, Bhd, a Malaysia corporation
Welch Allyn Singapore Pte, Ltd., a Singapore corporation
Welch Allyn South Africa Pty, Ltd., a South Africa corporation
Welch Allyn UK Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation

Subsidiary of Mortara Instrument Europe S.r.l.
Welch Allyn GmbH, a German corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Mortara Instrument Europe S.r.l. and Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
Videomed S.r.l., an Italy corporation

Jointly owned subsidiaries of Welch Allyn International Holdings, Inc. and Welch Allyn International Ventures, Inc.
Welch Allyn Colombia Ltda, a Colombia corporation
Welch Allyn do Brasil Comercia de Equipmentos Medicos, Ltda, a Brazil corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Welch Allyn CV Holdings, LLC and Welch Allyn International Holdings, Inc.
WA Holdings, C.V., a Netherlands partnership

Subsidiary of WA Holdings, C.V.
Welch Allyn Coop Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Jointly owned subsidiary of WA Holdings, C.V. and Welch Allyn Coop Holdings, LLC
Welch Allyn International Holdings Cooperatief, U.A., a Netherlands cooperative






Subsidiaries of Welch Allyn International Holdings Cooperatief, U.A.
Welch Allyn Australia Pty Limited, an Australia corporation
Welch Allyn Canada Limited, a Canada corporation
Welch Allyn EME B.V., a Netherlands corporation
Welch Allyn Limited, an Ireland corporation
Welch Allyn Maquila Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Jointly owned subsidiaries of Welch Allyn Maquila Holdings, LLC and WA Holdings, C.V.
Welch Allyn de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation
Welch Allyn Servicios, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation

Jointly owned subsidiary of Welch Allyn International Holdings Cooperatief, U.A. and Welch Allyn Coop Holdings, LLC
Welch Allyn Productos Medicos S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexico corporation

Subsidiary of Welch Allyn Singapore Pte, Ltd.
Welch Allyn Medical Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., a China corporation

Subsidiary of Welch Allyn, B.V.
Welch Allyn Sverige, AB, a Sweden corporation




EXHIBIT 23


Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S‑8 (Nos. 333-157341, 333-157338, 333-88354, 333-49669, and 333-88328) of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. of our report dated November 13, 2020 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10‑K.
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP          

Chicago, Illinois
November 13, 2020
 
 
 




EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, John P. Groetelaars, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: November 13, 2020

/s/ John P. Groetelaars
John P. Groetelaars
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
 



EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Barbara W. Bodem, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 13, 2020

/s/ Barbara W. Bodem
Barbara W. Bodem
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  




EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended September 30, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John P. Groetelaars, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ John P. Groetelaars
John P. Groetelaars
President and Chief Executive Officer
November 13, 2020

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and will be retained by Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
 
 
 



EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



In connection with the Annual Report report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended September 30, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Barbara W. Bodem, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Barbara W. Bodem
Barbara W. Bodem
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
November 13, 2020

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and will be retained by Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.