-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OxT9EQ9LsoVySmtfq14zqKlWzpaGf0p0Toi+Qg8prjws7dgH6ftBn9A8OwwfhODZ Orkvd4jJkVTe1kaQmOJYJg== 0000950144-04-004589.txt : 20040429 0000950144-04-004589.hdr.sgml : 20040429 20040429155759 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950144-04-004589 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20031231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040429 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WEBMD CORP /NEW/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001009575 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-COMPUTER PROCESSING & DATA PREPARATION [7374] IRS NUMBER: 943236644 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-24975 FILM NUMBER: 04764974 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: RIVER DRIVE CENTER 2 STREET 2: 669 RIVER DR CITY: ELMWOOD PARK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07407 BUSINESS PHONE: 4088765000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: RIVER DRIVE CENTER 2 STREET 2: 669 RIVER DR CITY: ELMWOOD PARK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07407 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHEON CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19980729 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHSCAPE CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970404 10-K/A 1 g87713e10vkza.htm WEBMD CORPORATION WEBMD CORPORATION
 



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

to
     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
 
or
 
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the transition period from           to

Commission file number: 0-24975


WebMD Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
  94-3236644
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
 
669 River Drive, Center 2
Elmwood Park, New Jersey
(Address of principal executive office)
  07407-1361
(Zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code): (201) 703-3400

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share

(Title of each class)

     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 (the “Exchange Act”) 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 þ         No o

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    þ

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes þ         No o

     As of June 30, 2003, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $3,109,441,188 (based on the closing price of the common stock of $10.87 per share on that date, as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market’s National Market and, for purposes of this computation only, the assumption that all of the registrant’s directors and executive officers are affiliates). As of March 1, 2004, there were 309,464,573 shares of WebMD common stock outstanding.




 

PART III

 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Directors and Executive Officers

      The charts below list our directors and executive officers and are followed by biographic information about them and a description of certain corporate governance matters.

                  Directors

             
Name Age Positions



Martin J. Wygod(1)
    64     Chairman of the Board
Mark J. Adler, M.D.(3)(4)
    47     Director; Chairman of the Compensation Committee
Paul A. Brooke(1)(2)
    58     Director
Neil F. Dimick
    54     Director
Roger C. Holstein(1)
    51     Director and Chief Executive Officer
James V. Manning(1)(2)(4)
    57     Director; Chairman of the Audit Committee
Herman Sarkowsky(3)(4)
    78     Director; Chairman of the Nominating Committee
Michael A. Singer
    56     Director and Chief Executive Officer, WebMD Practice Services
Joseph E. Smith(1)(2)(3)
    65     Director


(1)  Member of the Executive Committee
 
(2)  Member of the Audit Committee
 
(3)  Member of the Compensation Committee
 
(4)  Member of the Nominating Committee

      For a description of each of the standing committees of the Board of Directors and other corporate governance matters, see “— Corporate Governance” below.

Executive Officers

             
Name Age Positions



Martin J. Wygod
    64     Chairman of the Board
Roger C. Holstein
    51     Chief Executive Officer
Andrew C. Corbin
    41     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Wayne T. Gattinella
    52     President, WebMD Health
Tony G. Holcombe
    48     President, WebMD Envoy
William G. Midgette
    48     Chief Executive Officer, Porex
Michael A. Singer
    56     Chief Executive Officer, WebMD Practice Services
K. Robert Draughon
    43     Executive Vice President, Business Development
Kirk G. Layman
    45     Executive Vice President, Administration
Charles A. Mele
    47     Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Anthony Vuolo
    46     Executive Vice President, Business Development
Steven Zatz, M.D. 
    47     Executive Vice President, Professional Information Services and Chief Medical Officer

1


 

      Mark J. Adler, M.D., has been a director of WebMD since September 2000. He served as a director of CareInsite, Inc. from 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. Dr. Adler is an oncologist and has been Medical Director of the San Diego Cancer Center since he founded it in 1991 and is a director of the San Diego Cancer Research Institute. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of the internal medicine and oncology group of Medical Group of North County, which is based in San Diego, California.

      Paul A. Brooke has been a director of WebMD since November 2000. Mr. Brooke has been the managing member of PMSV Holdings LLC, a private investment firm, since 1993 and a venture partner of MPM Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in the healthcare industry, since 1997. Mr. Brooke has also been an advisory director to each of Morgan Stanley and Skyline Partners since April 2000. From 1983 until April 1999, Mr. Brooke was a Managing Director and the Global Head of Healthcare Research and Strategy at Morgan Stanley. From April 1999 until May 2000, he was a Managing Director at Tiger Management LLC.

      Andrew C. Corbin has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WebMD since October 2003. For the seven years prior to that, Mr. Corbin served in senior financial positions at The Bisys Group, Inc., a provider of business process outsourcing services to the financial services industry, most recently as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to October 1996, Mr. Corbin held various financial positions with the following: The Limited, Inc., a retailer; General Motors Corporation, an automobile manufacturer; and Ernst & Young, an accounting firm.

      Neil F. Dimick has been a director of WebMD since December 2002. Mr. Dimick served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corporation, a wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals, from 2001 to 2002 and as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a director of Bergen Brunswig Corporation, a wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals, for more than five years prior to its merger in 2001 with AmeriSource Health Corporation to form AmerisourceBergen. He also serves as a member of the Boards of Directors of the following companies: Alliance Imaging Inc., a provider of outsourced diagnostic imaging services to hospitals and other health care companies; Thoratec Corporation, a developer of products to treat cardiovascular disease; and Resources Connection, Inc., an international professional services firm that provides outsourced services to companies on a project basis.

      K. Robert Draughon has served as WebMD’s Executive Vice President, Business Development since November 1999. From February 1998 until November 1999, he served as Chief Financial Officer of WebMD, Inc., prior to its acquisition by Healtheon Corporation. From January 1988 to February 1998, he served as Chief Investment Officer for Fuqua Capital Corporation, a private investment firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.

      Wayne T. Gattinella has served as President of WebMD Health, our Portal Services segment, since August 2001. Previously, Mr. Gattinella was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for PeoplePC, an Internet service provider, from April 2000 to August 2001. From February 1998 to March 2000, Mr. Gattinella was President of North America for MemberWorks, Inc., a marketing services company. From January 1992 to February 1998, Mr. Gattinella was Executive Vice President of Marketing for Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C., a pharmacy benefits manager, and its predecessors.

      Tony G. Holcombe has served as President of WebMD Envoy, our Transaction Services segment, since December 2003. From September 2002 to December 2003, Mr. Holcombe was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Valutec Card Solutions, Inc., a privately held provider of financial services products to a variety of industries. From May 1999 to September 2002, Mr. Holcombe was President of the Employer/ Employee Services division of Ceridian Corporation, an information services company, and from May 1997 to May 1999, he served as President of the Comdata subsidiary of Ceridian. Prior to May 1997, Mr. Holcombe served in senior management positions with National City Corporation, a bank holding company, the last of which was President and CEO of its National Processing Company subsidiary, a provider of merchant credit card processing services and corporate outsourcing solutions.

2


 

      Roger C. Holstein has been our Chief Executive Officer since May 2003 and a director since December 2002 and has served in senior executive positions at WebMD and its predecessors since 1997. Mr. Holstein was President of WebMD from October 2002 to May 2003. He served as Chief Executive Officer of WebMD Health, our Portal Services segment, from June 2001 to October 2002 and as a member of WebMD’s Office of the President from September 2001 until October 2002. From October 2000 until June 2001, Mr. Holstein was Executive Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Planning of WebMD. He served as Executive Vice President — Sales & Marketing and a director of CareInsite, Inc. from March 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000 and was Executive Vice President — Marketing and Sales of Synetic, Inc. from 1997 to July 1999. From 1991 to 1996, Mr. Holstein was Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C., a pharmacy benefits manager, and its predecessors and from 1996 to 1998, he was a special consultant to Merck-Medco.

      Kirk G. Layman has been Executive Vice President, Administration of WebMD since April 2002 and, from May 2003 to October 2003, also served as Acting Chief Financial Officer of WebMD. Mr. Layman has held senior executive positions at WebMD and its predecessors since 1997. From September 2000 to April 2002, Mr. Layman served as Senior Vice President, Finance of WebMD. From March 1999 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Layman served as Senior Vice President — Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manager in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name. Prior to that, he served as Vice President — Financial Analysis of Synetic from May 1997 to March 1999. Prior to joining Synetic, Mr. Layman was with the accounting firm of Arthur Andersen, where he was a partner since 1995.

      James V. Manning has been a director of WebMD since September 2000. He served as a director of CareInsite, Inc. from 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. From 1989 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Manning was a member of the Board of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manager in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name. In addition, he was Vice Chairman of the Board of Synetic from March 1998 to July 1999, was its Chief Executive Officer from January 1995 to March 1998, was its President from July 1996 to March 1998 and, until March 1998, was an executive officer for more than five years. Until December 1994, Mr. Manning had been an executive officer of Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C., a pharmacy benefits manager, and its predecessors for more than five years. Mr. Manning is also Chairman of the Board of Group 1 Software, Inc., a computer software company.

      Charles A. Mele has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of WebMD since January 2001. Mr. Mele has served in senior executive positions for WebMD and its predecessors since 1995. Mr. Mele was Executive Vice President and Co-General Counsel of WebMD from September 2000 until January 2001. He served as a director of CareInsite, Inc. from 1998 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. From March 1998 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Mele was Executive Vice President — General Counsel of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manager in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name. In addition, he was Vice President — General Counsel of Synetic from July 1995 to March 1998. Mr. Mele is also a director of Group 1 Software, Inc., a computer software company.

      William G. Midgette has been Chief Executive Officer of Porex, our Plastic Technologies segment, since August 2002. For more than five years prior to that, Mr. Midgette served in senior management positions at C. R. Bard, Inc., a healthcare products company, most recently as President, Bard International.

      Herman Sarkowsky has been a director of WebMD since November 2000. Mr. Sarkowsky has been President of Sarkowsky Investment Corporation, a private investment company, for more than five years. From 1989 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Sarkowsky also served as a director of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manager in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name.

3


 

      Michael A. Singer has been Chief Executive Officer of WebMD Practice Services, our Physician Services segment, and a director of WebMD since September 2000. He also served as a Member of WebMD’s Office of the President from September 2001 until October 2002. Mr. Singer served as a director of CareInsite, Inc. from 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. Mr. Singer was Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Medical Manager from July 1999 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000. Mr. Singer was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Manager Health Systems, Inc., a public company known as Medical Manager Corporation prior to its acquisition by Synetic, Inc. in July 1999, and its predecessors for more than five years prior to July 1999.

      Joseph E. Smith has been a director of WebMD since September 2000. Mr. Smith was a director of CareInsite, Inc. from 1999 until September 2000. Mr. Smith served in various positions with Warner-Lambert Company, a pharmaceutical company, from March 1989 to September 1997, most recently as Corporate Vice President and a member of the Office of the Chairman and the firm’s Management Committee. Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Trustees of the International Longevity Center, a non-profit organization.

      Anthony Vuolo has been Executive Vice President, Business Development of WebMD since May 2003. Mr. Vuolo has served in several executive positions at WebMD and its predecessors since 1994. From September 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Vuolo was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WebMD. From March 1999 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Vuolo was Senior Vice President — Business Development and Treasurer of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manager in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President — Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Synetic from March 1998 until March 1999.

      Martin J. Wygod has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of WebMD since March 2001 and as a director since September 2000. From October 2000 until May 2003, he also served as our Chief Executive Officer. From September 2000 until October 2000, Mr. Wygod served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of WebMD. From May 1989 until its merger with WebMD in September 2000, Mr. Wygod was Chairman of the Board and a director of Synetic, Inc., which changed its name to Medical Manger in July 1999 when it acquired the company of that name. For part of that time, he was also Chief Executive Officer of that company. He also served as Chairman of the Board of CareInsite, Inc. from 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. He is also engaged in the business of racing, boarding and breeding thoroughbred horses, and is President of River Edge Farm, Inc.

      Steven Zatz, M.D. has been Executive Vice President, Professional Information Services of WebMD since January 2002 and has served as Chief Medical Officer of WebMD since September 2001. Dr. Zatz served as Executive Vice President, Internet Portals and Applications Services of WebMD from October 2000 to January 2002. Dr. Zatz was Senior Vice President, Medical Director of CareInsite, Inc. from June 1999 until its acquisition by WebMD in September 2000. Prior to joining CareInsite, Dr. Zatz was senior vice president of RR Donnelley Financial in charge of its healthcare business from October 1998 to May 1999. From August 1995 to May 1998, Dr. Zatz was President of Physicians’ Online, an online portal for physicians.

      No family relationship exists among any of our directors or executive officers. No arrangement or understanding exists between any director or executive officer of WebMD and any other person pursuant to which any of them were selected as a director or executive officer, except that Messrs. Manning, Singer, Smith and Wygod and Dr. Adler were originally appointed as directors in connection with the merger transactions in September 2000 involving WebMD, Medical Manager and CareInsite.

Corporate Governance

      Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has nine members. Three of the members are also employees of WebMD: Mr. Holstein, Chief Executive Officer of WebMD; Mr. Singer, Chief Executive Officer of WebMD Practice Services; and Mr. Wygod, Chairman of the Board. Six of the members are

4


 

non-employee directors: Dr. Adler and Messrs. Brooke, Dimick, Manning, Sarkowsky and Smith. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of the non-employee directors is also an independent director under applicable SEC rules and NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. The non-employee directors meet regularly without any employee directors or other WebMD employees present.

      Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each of which currently has three directors. At each Annual Meeting, the term of one of the classes of directors expires and WebMD stockholders vote to elect nominees for the directorships in that class for a new three-year term. The terms of Dr. Adler and Messrs. Sarkowsky and Singer will expire at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2004; the terms of Messrs. Dimick, Holstein and Smith will expire at our Annual Meeting in 2005; and the terms of Messrs. Brooke, Manning and Wygod will expire at our Annual Meeting in 2006. Our Board of Directors met 15 times during 2003.

      Our Board of Directors currently has four standing committees: an Executive Committee, a Compensation Committee, an Audit Committee, and a Nominating Committee. The Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee each have the authority to retain such outside advisors as they may determine to be appropriate.

      WebMD’s Board of Directors encourages its members to attend our Annual Meetings of Stockholders. All three WebMD directors who are also employees attended the 2003 Annual Meeting and four of our six non-employee directors attended the 2003 Annual Meeting. Our Board of Directors encourages our security holders to communicate in writing to our directors. Security holders may send written communications to our Board of Directors or to specified individual directors by sending such communications care of the Corporate Secretary’s Office, WebMD Corporation, 669 River Drive, Center 2, Elmwood Park, New Jersey 07407-1361. Such communications will be reviewed by our Legal Department and, depending on the content, will be:

  •  forwarded to the addressees or distributed at the next scheduled Board meeting; or
 
  •  if they relate to financial or accounting matters, forwarded to the Audit Committee or discussed at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting; or
 
  •  if they relate to the recommendation of the nomination of an individual, forwarded to the Nominating Committee or discussed at the next scheduled Nominating Committee meeting; or
 
  •  if they relate to the operations of WebMD, forwarded to the appropriate officers of WebMD, and the response or other handling reported to the Board at the next scheduled Board meeting.

      Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, which met five times during 2003, is currently comprised of Messrs. Brooke, Holstein, Manning, Smith and Wygod. The Executive Committee has the power to exercise, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the powers of the entire Board.

      Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which met 14 times during 2003, is currently comprised of Messrs. Brooke, Manning and Smith and Mr. Manning is its Chairman. Each of the members of the Audit Committee meets the standards of independence applicable to audit committee members under applicable SEC rules and NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. In addition, the Board of Directors of WebMD has determined that Mr. Manning qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is used in applicable SEC regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, based on his training and experience as a certified public accountant, including as a partner of a major accounting firm, and his services as a senior executive and Chief Financial Officer of public companies. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things:

  •  retaining and overseeing our independent auditors and evaluating their performance and independence;
 
  •  reviewing our annual audit plan with WebMD’s management and independent auditors;
 
  •  pre-approving any permitted non-audit services provided by our independent auditors;

5


 

  •  approving the fees to be paid to our independent auditors;
 
  •  reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls with WebMD’s management, internal auditors and independent auditors;
 
  •  reviewing the annual audited financial statements and the interim unaudited financial statements with WebMD’s management and independent auditors;
 
  •  approving our internal audit plan and reviewing reports of our internal auditors;
 
  •  determining whether to approve related party transactions; and
 
  •  overseeing the administration of WebMD’s Code of Business Conduct.

The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the charter, as amended, has been filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report. A copy of WebMD’s Code of Business Conduct, as amended, has been filed as Exhibit 14.1 to this Annual Report. WebMD’s Code of Business Conduct applies to all directors and employees of WebMD. Any waiver of applicable requirements in the Code of Business Conduct that is granted to any of our directors, to our principal executive officer, to any of our senior financial officers (including our principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller) or to any other person who is an executive officer of WebMD requires the approval of the Audit Committee and will be disclosed on our corporate website, www.webmd.com, in the “About WebMD” section.

      Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, which met eight times during 2003, is currently comprised of Dr. Adler and Messrs. Sarkowsky and Smith and Dr. Adler is its Chairman. Each of these directors is a non-employee director within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act, an outside director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and an independent director under applicable NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include:

  •  administration of our executive compensation program and our equity compensation plans;
 
  •  determination of compensation levels for and grants of options to our executive officers; and
 
  •  review of and making recommendations regarding other matters relating to WebMD’s compensation practices.

The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the charter has been filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report.

      Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee, which met once during 2003, is currently comprised of Dr. Adler and Messrs. Sarkowsky and Manning and Mr. Sarkowsky is its Chairman. Each of these directors is an independent director under applicable NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. The Nominating Committee responsibilities include:

  •  identifying individuals qualified to become Board members;
 
  •  recommending to the Board the director nominees for each Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and
 
  •  recommending to the Board candidates for filling vacancies that may occur between Annual Meetings.

The Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the charter, as amended, has been filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Annual Report. The Nominating Committee has not adopted specific objective requirements for service on the WebMD Board. Instead, the Nominating Committee will consider various factors in determining whether to recommend to the Board potential new Board members, or the continued service of existing members, including:

  •  the amount and type of the potential nominee’s managerial and policy-making experience in complex organizations and whether any such experience is particularly relevant to WebMD;

6


 

  •  any specialized skills or experience that the potential nominee has and whether such skills or experience are particularly relevant to WebMD;
 
  •  in the case of non-employee directors, whether the potential nominee has sufficient time to devote to service on the WebMD Board and the nature of any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest arising from the nominee’s existing relationships;
 
  •  in the case of non-employee directors, whether the nominee would be an independent director and would be considered a “financial expert” or “financially literate” under applicable listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market and applicable law;
 
  •  in the case of potential new members, whether the nominee assists in achieving a mix of Board members that represents a diversity of background and experience, including with respect to age, gender, race, areas of expertise and skills; and
 
  •  in the case of existing members, the nominee’s contributions as a member of the Board during his or her prior service.

      The Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders in the same manner as described above. Any such recommendation should be sent in writing to the Nominating Committee, care of Secretary, WebMD Corporation, 669 River Drive, Center 2, Elmwood Park, New Jersey 07407-1361. To facilitate consideration by the Nominating Committee, the recommendation should be accompanied by a full statement of the qualifications of the recommended nominee, the consent of the recommended nominee to serve as a director of WebMD if nominated and to be identified in WebMD’s proxy materials and the consent of the recommending stockholder to be named in WebMD’s proxy materials. The recommendation and related materials will be provided to the Nominating Committee for consideration at its next regular meeting.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

      The current members of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors are Mark J. Adler, M.D., Herman Sarkowsky and Joseph E. Smith. Neil F. Dimick also served as a member of the Compensation Committee for a portion of 2003.

      No interlocking relationship exists between our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee and the board of directors or compensation committee of any other company, nor has any interlocking relationship existed in the past.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

      Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of these securities with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required by applicable regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of the forms furnished to us during or with respect to our most recent fiscal year, all of our directors and officers subject to the reporting requirements and each beneficial owner of more than ten percent of our common stock satisfied all applicable filing requirements.

7


 

 
Item 11. Executive Compensation

Executive Compensation

      The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned for services rendered to WebMD by the “named executive officers,” which is defined under SEC rules to include a company’s chief executive officer and other specified highly compensated executive officers. In accordance with SEC rules, this table does not include certain perquisites and other benefits received by the named executive officers, which do not exceed the lesser of $50,000 and 10% of any officer’s salary and bonus disclosed in this table.

Summary Compensation Table

                                                   
Long-Term
Compensation
Awards
Annual Compensation

Securities
Other Annual Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) Compensation($) Options(#) Compensation







Martin J. Wygod
    2003     $ 1,308,900                          
 
Chairman of the Board
    2002       1,400,000     $ 475,000                    
 
(former Chief Executive
    2001       350,750                   1,395,000        
 
Officer)(1)
                                               
 
Roger C. Holstein
    2003       861,538                   500,000        
 
Chief Executive Officer
    2002       480,000       450,000             1,000,000        
 
(former President)(1)
    2001       450,000       175,000             500,000        
 
K. Robert Draughon
    2003       450,000       90,000                    
 
Executive Vice President,
    2002       450,000       60,000                    
 
Business Development
    2001       450,000       90,000             775,000        
 
Wayne T. Gattinella
    2003       450,000       125,000                    
 
President, WebMD Health
    2002       410,000       165,000                    
        2001       146,154 (2)     60,000             600,000        
 
Kirk G. Layman
    2003       450,000                          
 
Executive Vice President,
    2002       412,500       100,000                    
 
Administration
    2001       300,000       150,000             500,000        
 
Charles A. Mele
    2003       450,000                          
 
Executive Vice President,
    2002       450,000       350,000                    
 
General Counsel and
    2001       450,000       100,000             500,000        
 
Secretary
                                               
 
Michael A. Singer
    2003       450,000                          
 
Chief Executive Officer,
    2002       450,000       170,000                    
 
WebMD Practice Services
    2001       450,000       100,000             500,000        
 
Anthony Vuolo
    2003       450,000                          
 
Executive Vice President,
    2002       450,000       200,000                    
 
Business Development
    2001       450,000       100,000             500,000        
 
(former Chief
                                               
 
Financial Officer)(3)
                                               
 
Thomas P. Apker
    2003       450,000                          
 
Former Chief Executive
    2002       412,500       75,000     $ 68,165 (5)         $ 108,428 (6)
 
Officer, WebMD
    2001       310,577       100,000             240,000        
 
Envoy(4)
                                               


(1)  Mr. Holstein succeeded Mr. Wygod as our Chief Executive Officer in May 2003. Mr. Wygod continues to serve as our Chairman of the Board. See below, under “Compensation Arrangements with Executive Officers,” the sections entitled “Arrangements with Martin J. Wygod” and “Arrangements with Roger C. Holstein.”

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(2)  Mr. Gattinella was not employed by WebMD prior to August 20, 2001. As a result, only compensation that we paid to Mr. Gattinella beginning on that date is reflected in this table.
 
(3)  In May 2003, Mr. Vuolo became Executive Vice President, Business Development and ceased to be our Chief Financial Officer.
 
(4)  In December 2003, Mr. Apker ceased to be an executive officer of WebMD.
 
(5)  Amount paid to Mr. Apker for taxes payable by him as a result of the reimbursement of relocation expenses.
 
(6)  Amount paid to reimburse Mr. Apker for relocation expenses.


      The following table presents information concerning the options to purchase our common stock granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 to our named executive officers.

Option Grants in Fiscal 2003

                                         
Number of Percent of
Securities Total Options Exercise
Underlying Granted or
Options to Employees Base Price Expiration Grant Date
Name Granted in 2003 Per Share Date Present Value






Martin J. Wygod
                             
Roger C. Holstein
    500,000 (1)     4.1% (2)   $ 8.89       5/6/13     $ 3,254,070 (3)
K. Robert Draughon
                             
Wayne T. Gattinella
                             
Kirk G. Layman
                             
Charles A. Mele
                             
Michael A. Singer
                             
Anthony Vuolo
                             
Thomas P. Apker
                             


(1)  These options vest and become exercisable with respect to 20% of the shares on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(2)  Based upon the total number of options that we granted to our employees during 2003.
 
(3)  The estimated grant date present value reflected in the above table is determined using the Black-Scholes model. The material assumptions and adjustments incorporated in the Black-Scholes model in estimating the value of the options reflected in the above table include the following: (a) the respective option exercise prices, (b) the exercise of options within three years of the date that they become exercisable, (c) a risk-free interest rate of 1.28% per annum, (d) volatility of 0.9 and (e) no dividends are paid on WebMD common stock. The ultimate values of the options will depend on the future market price of our common stock, which cannot be forecast with reasonable accuracy. The actual value, if any, an optionee will realize upon exercise of an option will depend on the excess of the market value of our common stock over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised. We cannot assure you that the value realized by an optionee will be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes model or any other model applied to value the options.


9


 

      The following table sets forth information with respect to the named executive officers concerning exercisable and unexercisable options held as of December 31, 2003.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

                                                 
Number of
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options at In-the-Money Options at
Shares December 31, 2003 December 31, 2003($)(2)
Acquired on Value

Name Exercise(#) Realized($)(1) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable($) Unexercisable($)







Martin J. Wygod
    300,000 (3)   $ 1,410,000       3,646,999       1,082,001     $ 3,219,234     $ 2,585,406  
Roger C. Holstein
                2,533,033       1,700,967       2,509,331       3,600,669  
K. Robert Draughon
    248,674       318,683       761,459       363,542       1,787,296       906,962  
Wayne T. Gattinella
                300,000       300,000       1,254,000       1,254,000  
Kirk G. Layman
                1,344,666       352,834       1,853,331       926,669  
Charles A. Mele
                2,081,150       436,850       1,853,331       926,669  
Michael A. Singer
                2,802,083       447,917       1,853,331       926,669  
Anthony Vuolo
                1,895,250       452,250       3,412,706       926,669  
Thomas P. Apker
                520,000       80,000       1,966,000       444,800  


(1)  The value realized is calculated based on the amount by which the aggregate market price, on the date of exercise, of the shares received exceeded the aggregate exercise price paid, regardless of whether such shares were sold or retained by the optionholder on that date.
 
(2)  The value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated based on the closing market price per share of our common stock as of December 31, 2003, which was $8.99, net of the applicable option exercise price per share.
 
(3)  Mr. Wygod has retained, through the date of this Annual Report, ownership of the shares acquired on exercise.

Compensation Arrangements with Executive Officers

 
Arrangements with Roger C. Holstein

      We are party to an employment agreement, dated October 23, 2002, with Roger C. Holstein which provides for an employment period through December 31, 2007. In May 2003, Mr. Holstein, who until that time had served as our President, began serving as our Chief Executive Officer. In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, his annual base salary was increased from $600,000 to $1,000,000 and he received a grant of non-qualified options to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $8.89 per share. The options vest ratably over five years. Mr. Holstein received a bonus of $450,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Mr. Holstein is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 100% of his base salary in the event that WebMD attains certain specified performance goals.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Holstein’s employment by us “without cause” or by Mr. Holstein for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Holstein’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to: (a) the greater of (i) a two year continuation of his base salary in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of the employment agreement ($450,000 per year) and (ii) a continuation of his base salary in effect at the time of termination for six months for each six month period from the effectiveness of the employment agreement (in no event will such salary continuation continue for longer than three years); and (b) continued participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) for the duration of the severance period. In addition, all options granted to Mr. Holstein shall remain outstanding and continue to vest, and shall otherwise be treated as if Mr. Holstein remained employed by WebMD through the second anniversary of the termination date.

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      Mr. Holstein may terminate his employment upon 30 days’ notice, at any time after 11 months following a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement) and, if this occurs: (a) Mr. Holstein would be entitled receive the greater of (i) the salary continuance he would be entitled to if his employment were terminated “without cause” or for “good reason” and (ii) a continuation of his base salary through October 23, 2007; (b) his participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) would continue for the duration of the severance period; and (c) all options granted to Mr. Holstein which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and all such options would remain exercisable as if he remained in our employ through the expiration date specified in the respective stock option plans and agreements.

      Mr. Holstein may also terminate his employment upon 30 days’ notice at any time after the 11 month anniversary of the date on which Mr. Wygod ceases to serve as Chairman of the Board. If this occurs: (a) Mr. Holstein would be entitled to salary continuation from the date of termination through the second anniversary thereof; (b) his participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) would continue for the duration of the severance period; and (c) all options granted to Mr. Holstein which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and all such options would remain outstanding as if Mr. Holstein remained in the employ of WebMD until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of termination and (ii) the date on which the stock option would have expired under the terms of the applicable stock option plan or agreement. Mr. Holstein (or his estate) would have the same rights in the event of Mr. Holstein’s “permanent disability” (as defined in the employment agreement) or his death.

      If Mr. Holstein’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by him without good reason, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Holstein would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the second anniversary of the date of cessation of Mr. Holstein’s employment.

      The employment agreement contains a tax gross-up provision relating to any excise tax that Mr. Holstein incurs by reason of his receipt of any payment that constitutes an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
Arrangements with Martin J. Wygod

      In October 2001, we entered into a five-year employment agreement with Martin J. Wygod. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Wygod will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WebMD. In accordance with the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Wygod has elected to serve solely as Chairman of the Board and to perform duties commensurate with that position; his resignation as Chief Executive Officer did not result in the termination of his employment agreement or in any change in his compensation or the other terms of his employment, except that his annual base salary was reduced from $1,400,000 to $1,260,000.

      In the event of termination of Mr. Wygod’s employment by us without “cause” or by Mr. Wygod for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in his employment agreement, Mr. Wygod would become a consultant for us and would be entitled to receive his salary and continuation of benefits for two years or, if longer, the expiration of the term of the employment period. In addition, all options, or other forms of equity compensation, granted to Mr. Wygod which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and, assuming there has not been a “change in control” (as defined in the employment agreement), would continue to be exercisable as long as he remains a consultant (or longer if the plan or agreement expressly provided). In the event that Mr. Wygod’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, he would receive the same benefits as described above.

      The employment agreement provides that in the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the employment agreement, which definition includes certain business combination transactions) of WebMD

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all outstanding options and other forms of equity compensation would become immediately vested on the date of the change in control and, if following the change in control, Mr. Wygod’s employment terminates for any reason other than cause, they will continue to be exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the applicable date of grant. A change in control is also an event that constitutes “good reason” for purposes of a termination by Mr. Wygod.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that continue until the second anniversary of the date his employment has ceased.

      The employment agreement contains a tax gross-up provision relating to any excise tax that Mr. Wygod incurs by reason of his receipt of any payment that constitutes an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
Arrangements with K. Robert Draughon

      In connection with our acquisition of WebMD, Inc., we became party to an employment agreement effective February 1, 1998 with K. Robert Draughon which, as modified by a letter agreement dated September 12, 2000, is described below. The employment agreement provides for Mr. Draughon’s appointment as our Executive Vice President, Business Development. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Draughon is to receive an annual base salary of $450,000 and is entitled to participate in any bonus program established by us for our senior executive officers.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Draughon’s employment due to his death or disability, by us without “cause” or by Mr. Draughon with or without “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Draughon’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to continuation of his base salary for twelve months and continuation of benefit plans for twelve months. In addition, all options granted to Mr. Draughon prior to December 31, 2000 which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and all such options would continue to be exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the applicable date of grant.

      In October 2000, as a means to ensure the retention of Mr. Draughon, WebMD and Mr. Draughon agreed that so long as he remained in our employ for a specified period, which has been completed, he could resign at any time and receive the benefits described above.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations, some of which survive indefinitely and some of which end on the first anniversary of the date employment has ceased, and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the second anniversary of the date employment has ceased.

      The employment agreement contains a tax gross-up provision relating to any excise taxes that Mr. Draughon incurs by reason of his receipt of any payment that constitutes an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
Arrangements with Wayne T. Gattinella

      We are party to an employment agreement dated August 20, 2001 with Wayne Gattinella, our President, WebMD Health. Mr. Gattinella currently receives an annual base salary of $450,000 and is entitled to participate in any bonus plan instituted for similarly situated employees of the company. The amount of Mr. Gattinella’s bonus is to be determined in the sole discretion of WebMD.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Gattinella’s employment by us “without cause” or by Mr. Gattinella for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Gattinella’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to receive a continuation of his base salary for one year from the date of termination. In addition, the unvested portion of the option to purchase 600,000 shares of WebMD common stock granted to Mr. Gattinella at the inception of his employment will remain outstanding and continue to vest as if he remained in our employ until the first anniversary of the date of termination. In addition, in the event of a “change in control,” as defined in Mr. Gattinella’s employment agreement, 75% of the unvested

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portion of the option described above will vest on the first anniversary of the change in control so long as he remains in our employ on such date (or such earlier date if terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Gattinella for good reason).

      If Mr. Gattinella’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by him without good reason, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Gattinella would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      In connection with Mr. Gattinella’s employment with us, he signed a Key Employee Agreement which contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the first anniversary of the date employment has ceased.

 
Arrangements with Kirk G. Layman

      We entered into a five year employment agreement with Kirk G. Layman, our Executive Vice President, Administration, on September 11, 2000. Mr. Layman currently receives an annual base salary of $450,000 and is entitled to participate in any bonus program established by us for our senior executive officers.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Layman’s employment due to his death or disability, by us “without cause” or by Mr. Layman for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Layman’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to receive a continuation of his base salary for one year from the date of termination. In addition, any options granted to Mr. Layman on or prior to June 5, 2000 that have not vested as of the date of termination will vest in full on the date of termination and, together with any already vested options, remain exercisable for one year from the date of termination (or three years for those options granted prior to June 5, 2000 if, at the time of termination, Martin J. Wygod is no longer serving as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, or a senior executive officer of our company). In addition, the option to purchase 100,000 shares granted on August 21, 2000 will also vest in full if Mr. Layman’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Layman for good reason and will remain exercisable for its full ten year term.

      If Mr. Layman’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by him without good reason, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Layman would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      Mr. Layman’s employment agreement is also subject to confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the second anniversary of the date employment has ceased.

 
Arrangements with Charles A. Mele

      We are party to an employment agreement with Charles A. Mele, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, which provides for an employment period through July 1, 2006. Mr. Mele currently receives an annual base salary of $450,000 and is entitled to receive a bonus in the same form and amount received by any other executive officer with similar responsibilities and compensation.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Mele’s employment due to his death or disability, by us “without cause” or by Mr. Mele for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Mele’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to: (i) continuation of his base salary through the later of eighteen months and the expiration of the term of the agreement; (ii) any bonuses that he would have normally been entitled to through the term of his employment agreement (the amount of the bonus for years subsequent to the year in which the termination of employment occurred will be equal to the bonus received for the year of termination) and (iii) continued participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) for thirty-six months. In addition, all options granted to Mr. Mele which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and all such options would remain exercisable as if he remained in our employ through the expiration date specified in each applicable stock option agreement, unless otherwise specifically agreed to by Mr. Mele and WebMD in writing. A change in control (which is defined in the employment agreement) of WebMD is an event that constitutes good reason.

13


 

      If Mr. Mele’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by him without good reason, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Mele would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the later of the second anniversary of the date employment has ceased and the last day of the term of the agreement.

      The employment agreement contains a tax gross-up provision relating to any excise tax that Mr. Mele incurs by reason of his receipt of any payment that constitutes an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
Arrangements with Michael A. Singer

      We are party to an employment agreement with Michael A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer, WebMD Practice Services, which provides for an employment period through July 23, 2004. Mr. Singer currently receives an annual base salary of $450,000.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Singer’s employment by us “without cause” or by Mr. Singer for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Singer’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to: (i) continuation of his base salary in effect at the time of termination for a period of two years and (ii) continued participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) for the duration of the severance period or, if earlier, until he is eligible for comparable plans with a subsequent employer. In addition, the option granted to Mr. Singer on June 5, 2000 will be deemed fully vested and exercisable on the date of termination and would remain exercisable for the duration of the severance period. If a change in control (as defined in the employment agreement) occurs, Mr. Singer may resign for good reason at any time after the six month anniversary of the change in control (or immediately if the incumbent directors did not approve the change in control).

      The merger with Medical Manager constituted a change in control and an event of good reason for purposes of Mr. Singer’s employment agreement after the six month anniversary of the merger date (March 12, 2001). On September 5, 2000, Mr. Singer agreed that if he resigned following March 12, 2001 as a result of the Medical Manager merger, his severance benefits would be based upon an annual base salary of $250,000 and his June 5, 2000 option would not vest. The option granted to Mr. Singer on July 23, 1999 was deemed fully vested on the six month anniversary of the merger.

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Singer’s employment due to his death or disability, he would be entitled to a continuation of his base salary and benefits for the period through the expiration of the term of the agreement. In addition, the option granted to Mr. Singer on June 5, 2000 will be deemed fully vested and exercisable on the date of termination and would remain exercisable though such period.

      If Mr. Singer’s employment is terminated by us for cause, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Singer would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the later of (a) the first anniversary of the date of termination; (b) July 23, 2004; or (c) the last day on which Mr. Singer is receiving severance or benefits following his separation from the employ of WebMD.

 
Arrangements with Anthony Vuolo

      We are party to an employment agreement with Anthony Vuolo which provides for an employment period through July 1, 2006. Mr. Vuolo served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer until May 15, 2003, at which time he became our Executive Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Vuolo currently receives an annual base salary of $450,000 and is entitled to receive a bonus in the same form and amount received by any other executive officer with similar responsibilities and compensation.

14


 

      In the event of the termination of Mr. Vuolo’s employment due to his death or disability, by us “without cause” or by Mr. Vuolo for “good reason,” as those terms are defined in Mr. Vuolo’s employment agreement, he would be entitled to: (i) continuation of his base salary through the later of eighteen months and the expiration of the term of the agreement; (ii) any bonuses that he would have normally been entitled to through the term of his employment agreement (the amount of the bonus for years subsequent to the year in which the termination of employment occurred will be equal to the bonus received for the year of termination); and (iii) continued participation in our benefit plans (or comparable plans) for thirty-six months. In addition, all options granted to Mr. Vuolo which have not vested prior to the date of termination would be vested as of the date of termination and all such options would remain exercisable as if he remained in our employ through the expiration date specified in each applicable stock option agreement, unless otherwise specifically agreed to by Mr. Vuolo and WebMD in writing. A change in control (as defined in the employment agreement) of WebMD is an event that constitutes good reason.

      If Mr. Vuolo’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by him without good reason, he is not entitled to any further compensation or benefits. In addition, Mr. Vuolo would not be entitled to any additional rights or vesting with respect to the stock options following the date of termination.

      The employment agreement contains confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the later of the second anniversary of the date employment has ceased and the last day of the term of the agreement.

      The employment agreement contains a tax gross-up provision relating to any excise tax that Mr. Vuolo incurs by reason of his receipt of any payment that constitutes an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
Arrangements with Thomas P. Apker

      We entered into a transition agreement with Thomas P. Apker, who until December 2003 served as Chief Executive Officer of WebMD Envoy, which provides for him to assist the new President of WebMD Envoy and assist the Chief Executive Officer of WebMD on special projects through June 2004, at which time his employment will terminate. We have agreed to continue to pay to him his salary, as severance, for a period of six months after his departure date. During such period (or, if earlier, until he is eligible for comparable coverage with a subsequent employer), we will also pay a portion of his COBRA payment equal to the amount we pay for active employees with similar coverage. Mr. Apker remains subject to confidentiality obligations that survive indefinitely and non-solicitation and non-competition obligations that end on the first anniversary of his departure date.

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

      Our non-employee directors each receive an annual retainer of $25,000. Members of the Audit Committee receive an additional annual retainer of $15,000. Directors do not receive per meeting fees, but they are entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at Board and Board committee meetings. In addition, Messrs. Brooke, Manning, Sarkowsky and Smith and Dr. Adler each received $30,000 for their service during the fourth quarter of 2003 and will each receive $15,000 for their service during the first quarter of 2004, as members of a Special Committee of the Board to oversee matters relating to the investigations described in “Legal Proceedings — Investigations by United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina and the SEC.” Members of the Special Committee will continue to receive compensation for their service on that committee.

      Our non-employee directors are eligible to receive stock options under our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and our 1996 Stock Plan. All non-employee directors receive stock options pursuant to automatic grants of stock options under our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan annually on January 1. Messrs. Brooke, Dimick, Manning, Sarkowsky and Smith and Dr. Adler each received automatic annual grants of options to purchase 20,000 shares of WebMD common stock in January 2003 (with an exercise price of $8.55 per share) and January 2004 (with an exercise price of $8.99 per share).

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

      The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of WebMD common stock, as of April 15, 2004 (except where otherwise indicated), by each person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, by each of our directors, by each of our named executive officers, as described below under “Executive Compensation,” and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons listed in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the beneficial owners identified is c/o WebMD Corporation, 669 River Drive, Center 2, Elmwood Park, New Jersey 07407-1361.

                                   
Common Percent of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Stock(1) Other(2) Total Shares Outstanding(2)





FMR Corp.
    45,738,086 (3)     226,708       45,964,794       14.8 %
 
82 Devonshire Street
                               
 
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                               
Mark J. Adler, M.D. 
    32,600 (4)     109,749       142,349       *  
Thomas P. Apker
    16,500 (5)     520,000       536,500       *  
Paul A. Brooke
    371,667 (6)     83,749       455,416       *  
Neil F. Dimick
          14,166       14,166       *  
K. Robert Draughon
    37,700 (5)     876,042       913,742       *  
Wayne T. Gattinella
    37,830 (5)     300,000       337,830       *  
Roger C. Holstein
    124,893 (7)     2,820,533       2,945,426       *  
Kirk G. Layman
    45,281 (8)     1,480,083       1,525,364       *  
James V. Manning
    859,047 (9)     121,749       980,796       *  
Charles A. Mele
    327,281 (10)     2,277,733       2,605,014       *  
Herman Sarkowsky
    570,994 (11)     383,749       954,743       *  
Michael A. Singer
    9,270,325 (12)     3,083,333       12,353,658       3.9 %
Joseph E. Smith
    29,250       109,749       138,999       *  
Anthony Vuolo
    64,729 (13)     2,091,833       2,156,562       *  
Martin J. Wygod
    7,959,659 (14)     3,959,499       11,919,158       3.8 %
All executive officers and directors as a group (18 persons)
    19,590,375       19,223,033       38,813,408       11.7 %


  * Less than 1%.

  (1)  The amounts set forth below for Messrs. Apker, Draughon, Gattinella, Holstein, Layman, Mele, Singer, Vuolo and Wygod include 200 shares allocated to each of them pursuant to the WebMD Corporation Performance Incentive Plan, a retirement plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (which we refer to in this table as PIP Shares). The amount set forth below for “All executive officers and directors as a group” includes an aggregate of 2,000 PIP Shares. Performance Incentive Plan participants do not have dispositive power with respect to PIP Shares (including vested PIP Shares) until the shares are distributed in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Participants will forfeit all rights with respect to unvested PIP Shares if they leave WebMD for any reason other than death or disability. Generally, one-third of the number of PIP Shares allocated to each participant vests on each December 31 following the allocation. Messrs. Draughon, Gattinella, Holstein, Layman, Mele, Singer and Vuolo are beneficial owners of shares of common stock of WebMD subject to vesting requirements based on continued employment by WebMD (which we refer to as Restricted Stock) in the respective amounts stated in the

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  footnotes below. One-third of the shares of Restricted Stock vest on March 17 of each of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Holders of Restricted Stock have voting power, but not dispositive power, with respect to unvested shares of Restricted Stock.
 
  (2)  Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules and regulations of the SEC, which provide that shares of common stock that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by that person for the purpose of computing the total number of shares beneficially owned by that person and the percentage ownership of that person. However, those shares are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Accordingly, we have set forth, in the column entitled “Other,” (a) with respect to FMR Corp., the number of shares of WebMD common stock that it has the right to acquire upon conversion of $2,100,000 principal amount of WebMD’s 3.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 and (b) with respect to each other person listed, the number of shares of WebMD common stock that such person has the right to acquire pursuant to options that are currently exercisable or that will be exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2004. We have calculated the percentages set forth in the column entitled “Percent of Outstanding” based on the number of shares outstanding as of April 15, 2004 (which was 311,167,979) plus, for each listed person or group, the number of additional shares deemed outstanding, as set forth in the column entitled “Other.”
 
  (3)  The information shown is as of December 31, 2003 and is based upon information disclosed by FMR Corp., Fidelity Management and Research Company, Fidelity Growth Company Fund, Abigail P. Johnson and Edward C. Johnson, 3d in a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission. Such persons reported that FMR Corp. and the other members of the filing group have sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 45,964,794 shares of WebMD common stock and sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 544,100 shares of WebMD Common Stock. Sole power to vote the other shares of WebMD common stock beneficially owned by the filing group resides in the respective boards of trustees of the funds that have invested in the shares. The interest of Fidelity Growth Company Fund, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, amounted to 25,929,200 shares of WebMD common stock as of December 31, 2003.
 
  (4)  Represents 10,000 shares held by Dr. Adler, 22,000 shares held by the Adler Family Trust and 600 shares held by Dr. Adler’s son.
 
  (5)  Includes 200 PIP Shares and 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock.
 
  (6)  Represents 170,000 shares held by Mr. Brooke and 201,667 shares held by PMSV Holdings LLC, of which Mr. Brooke is the managing member.
 
  (7)  Represents 40,436 shares held by Mr. Holstein, 957 shares allocated to Mr. Holstein’s account under a 401(k) Plan, 200 PIP Shares and 83,300 shares of Restricted Stock.
 
  (8)  Represents 6,500 shares held by Mr. Layman, 1,081 shares allocated to Mr. Layman’s account under a 401(k) Plan, 200 PIP Shares and 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock.
 
  (9)  Represents 787,800 shares held by Mr. Manning and 71,247 shares held by Synetic Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation of which Mr. Manning and Mr. Wygod are trustees and share voting and dispositive power.

(10)  Represents 90,975 shares held by Mr. Mele, 1,622 shares allocated to Mr. Mele’s account under a 401(k) Plan, 200 PIP Shares, 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock and 196,984 shares held by the Rose Foundation, a private charitable foundation of which Mr. Mele and Mr. Wygod are trustees and share voting and dispositive power.
 
(11)  Represents 437,662 shares held by Mr. Sarkowsky, 95,832 shares held by Sarkowsky Family L.P. and 37,500 shares held by a charitable foundation of which Mr. Sarkowsky is a director.
 
(12)  Represents 10,000 shares held by Mr. Singer, 9,171,875 shares held by MAS 1997 Family Limited Partners, the general partner of which is a company controlled by Mr. Singer and the sole limited partner of which is Mr. Singer, 50,750 shares held by MDDS Partnership Limited, the general

17


 

partner of which is controlled by Mr. Singer and the limited partners of which are Mr. Singer and certain of his family members, 200 PIP Shares and 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock.
 
(13)  Represents 24,833 shares held by Mr. Vuolo, 1,610 shares allocated to Mr. Vuolo’s account under a 401(k) Plan, 200 PIP Shares, 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock and 586 shares held by Mr. Vuolo’s spouse.
 
(14)  Represents 7,522,296 shares held by Mr. Wygod, 200 PIP Shares, 7,600 shares held by Mr. Wygod’s spouse, 161,332 shares held by SYNC, Inc., which is controlled by Mr. Wygod, 71,247 shares held by Synetic Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation of which Mr. Wygod and Mr. Manning are trustees and share voting and dispositive power, and 196,984 shares held by the Rose Foundation, a private charitable foundation of which Messrs. Wygod and Mele are trustees and share voting and dispositive power.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

      The following table contains certain information, as of December 31, 2003, about our equity compensation plans.

                         
(b)
Weighted- (c)
average exercise Number of securities
(a) price of remaining available for
Number of securities to be outstanding future issuance under equity
issued upon exercise of options, compensation plans
outstanding options, warrants warrants and (excluding securities
Plan category(1) and rights rights reflected in column (a))




Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    34,228,239     $ 11.02       25,481,275 (2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(3)
    26,144,990     $ 7.26       782,679 (4)
     
     
     
 
Total
    60,373,229     $ 9.39       26,263,954 (2)(4)
     
     
     
 


(1)  This table does not include (a) outstanding options to acquire 52,414,139 shares of WebMD common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $16.34 per share that were assumed by WebMD in mergers or acquisitions or (b) outstanding warrants to acquire 17,536,055 shares of WebMD common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $25.29 per share that were assumed by WebMD in mergers or acquisitions. We cannot grant additional awards under these assumed plans. For additional information regarding the assumed options, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
 
(2)  Includes 3,995,447 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. For additional information regarding the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
 
(3)  The plans included in this category did not require approval of our stockholders under applicable law and NASDAQ rules at the time the plans were created. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, “equity compensation plans” includes warrants issued to third parties. Accordingly, this category includes warrants to acquire 8,026,642 shares of WebMD common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.54 per share. None of these warrants are held by WebMD employees. We cannot grant additional awards under the relevant agreements pursuant to which those warrants were issued. The warrants were issued in a variety of transactions, including transactions with strategic partners, suppliers and service providers. For additional information regarding these warrants, see Notes 3 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. See “Description of Plans Not Approved by Stockholders” for descriptions of the other “equity compensation plans” in this category.
 
(4)  Includes 688,669 shares of WebMD common stock available for grant under our 2002 Restricted Stock Plan.

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Description of Plans Not Approved by Stockholders

      2001 Stock Plan. The 2001 Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan authorizes the granting of awards of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock to our employees who are not subject to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of December 31, 2003, options to purchase 2,490 shares of our common stock remained available for grant under the 2001 Stock Plan. The maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to one or more options that may be granted during any one calendar year under the 2001 Stock Plan to any one person is 200,000. Generally, options become exercisable ratably over a three to five year period based on their individual grant dates and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. Options are granted with exercise prices not less than fair market value on the date of grant. The exercise price may be paid in cash or shares of WebMD common stock held by the optionee for a period of at least six months or through a cashless exercise arrangement. Upon termination of employment, unvested options generally are forfeited and vested options generally expire 90 days after termination (one year in the case of termination as a result of death or disability or immediately in the event of termination for “cause”). The 2001 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and all or a portion of such authority may be delegated to one or more officers of WebMD. The Compensation Committee has the authority to designate participants, determine the number, terms and conditions of options, establish, adopt or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem advisable to administer the 2001 Stock Plan and make all other decisions and determinations that may be required under the 2001 Stock Plan. The Compensation Committee has delegated to Roger C. Holstein the authority to grant options and determine the terms and conditions of such grant in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

      2002 Restricted Stock Plan. The 2002 Restricted Stock Plan authorizes the granting of awards of shares of WebMD common stock that are subject to restrictions on transfer until such time as they are vested. As of December 31, 2003, 688,669 shares of restricted common stock remained available for grant under the 2002 Restricted Stock Plan. All of our employees, other than those officers who are subject to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, are eligible for grants under the plan. The vesting schedule applicable to a restricted stock grant is generally 25% per year subject to the holder’s continued employment on the applicable dates. Unvested restricted stock is subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment. The 2002 Restricted Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, with responsibilities and authority similar to those described above for the 2001 Stock Plan. The authority to grant restricted stock and determine the terms and conditions thereof in accordance with the terms of the plan has been delegated to Roger C. Holstein.

      Envoy Stock Plan. In January 2000, our Board of Directors adopted the Envoy Stock Plan in connection with the acquisition of Envoy Corporation. The Envoy Stock Plan authorizes the granting of awards of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock and grants of shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2003, 10,020 shares of our common stock remained available for option grants or grants of shares under the Envoy Stock Plan. The maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to one or more options that may be granted during any one fiscal year under the Envoy Stock Plan to any one person is 1,000,000, except that, in connection with an employee’s initial employment, he or she may be granted options to purchase an additional 500,000 shares which shall not count against the 1,000,000 limit. The terms of the Envoy Stock Plan and its administration are substantially similar to those described above for the 2001 Stock Plan.

      Option Agreement with Wayne Gattinella. The option agreement, entered into on August 20, 2001, provides for a nonqualified stock option to purchase 600,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $4.81 per share. The exercise price is equal to the closing price of WebMD common stock on the date of grant. No further shares of our common stock are available for grant under this option agreement. Subject to Mr. Gattinella’s continued employment (except as set forth below), the option vests and becomes exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant and expires on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. In the event of the termination of Mr. Gattinella’s employment without cause or for good reason (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), the option, to the extent unvested, will remain outstanding and continue to

19


 

vest as if he remained in our employ through the first anniversary of the date of termination. In addition, on the one year anniversary of a change in control (or earlier if his employment is terminated without cause for good reason), 75% of the unvested portion of the option shall vest.

      ABF Stock Plan. The 2003 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Employees of Advanced Business Fulfillment, Inc., which we refer to as the ABF Stock Plan, was adopted on June 12, 2003 in connection with our acquisition of Advanced Business Fulfillment, or ABF. Grants under the plan are limited to ABF employees who are not executive officers of WebMD. At the time of the closing of the acquisition of ABF, options to purchase 3,570,000 shares of WebMD common stock were granted under the ABF Stock Plan to ABF employees. The options have an exercise price of $11.73 (the fair market value of WebMD common stock on the closing date of the acquisition) and vest 25% per year subject to the holder’s continued employment on the applicable dates. As of December 31, 2003, options to purchase 81,500 shares of WebMD common stock remained available for grant under the ABF Stock Plan. The other terms of the ABF Stock Plan and its administration are substantially similar to those described above for the 2001 Stock Plan.

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

      On April 6, 2001, we loaned $1,450,000 to K. Robert Draughon, our Executive Vice President, Business Development. The funds were advanced pursuant to a promissory note bearing interest at the fixed rate per annum of 4.63%. The loan is full recourse and is secured by a pledge by Mr. Draughon of all shares of WebMD common stock owned by him and all options to purchase shares of WebMD common stock owned by him. As of April 15, 2004, approximately $107,000 of the principal amount and approximately $6,000 of accrued interest were outstanding. The largest amount outstanding during 2003 was $277,892.

      We were reimbursed approximately $230,000 during 2003 by Martin J. Wygod, our Chairman of the Board, and a corporation that he controls, for the partial use of our office facilities and for services rendered by our employees.

      We lease property in Alachua, Florida that is owned by a corporation controlled by Michael A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer, WebMD Practice Services and a member of our Board of Directors, and a member of his family. We are responsible for all real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance relating to the property. The term of the lease is through March 31, 2009. During 2003, the aggregate amount of rent payable under the lease was approximately $1,087,000.

      Dr. Adler, a non-employee director of WebMD, is a partner in a group medical practice that is a customer of WebMD Practice Services. The practice purchases products and services on terms generally available, in the ordinary course of our business, to similar customers. During 2003, the aggregate amount payable to WebMD Practice Services by this practice was approximately $73,000.

      At the time of the initial employment of Tony G. Holcombe as President, WebMD Envoy on December 15, 2003, we entered into an agreement that allows him to require WebMD to purchase from him certain shares of stock of his prior employer. The agreement will expire no later than January 15, 2005. The maximum aggregate purchase price that WebMD may be required to pay to Mr. Holcombe under this agreement is approximately $286,000.

      Affiliates of FMR Corp. provide services to us in connection with the WebMD 401(k) Savings Plan and the Porex 401(k) Savings Plan. During 2003, the aggregate amount payable by us for these services was approximately $64,500.

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Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

      In addition to retaining Ernst & Young LLP to audit our consolidated financial statements for 2003 and 2002, to review our quarterly financial statements during those years and to re-audit prior year financial statements of Porex Holdings, Inc. that had previously been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, we retained Ernst & Young to provide certain related services. The fees for Ernst & Young’s services to WebMD were:

                 
Type of Fees 2003 2002



Audit Fees
  $ 2,124,278     $ 2,728,364  
Audit-Related Fees
    380,860       142,700  
Tax Fees
    99,000       -0-  
All Other Fees
    -0-       -0-  
Total Fees
    2,604,138       2,871,064  

      In the above table, in accordance with applicable SEC rules:

  •  “audit fees” are fees billed for professional services for the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for that fiscal year and review of financial statements included in our Form 10-Qs filed for that fiscal year, or for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements;
 
  •  “audit-related fees” are fees billed in the year for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, and consisted of:

  —  in 2003, fees related to the audit of our employee benefit plans and fees for acquisition due diligence assistance; and
 
  —  in 2002, fees related to the audit of our employee benefit plans;

  •  “tax fees” are fees billed in the year, if any, for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning and, in 2003, consisted of fees for tax consulting related to acquisitions; and
 
  •  “all other fees” are fees billed in the year, if any, for any products and services not included in the first three categories.

None of these services was provided pursuant to a waiver of the requirement that such services be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has determined that the provision by Ernst & Young of non-audit services to us in 2003 is compatible with Ernst & Young maintaining their independence.

      Our Audit Committee has, as of the date of this Annual Report, decided to consider whether to pre-approve permissible non-audit services and fees on a case-by-case basis, rather than pursuant to a general policy, with the exception of acquisition-related due diligence engagements, which have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee and are subject to monitoring by the Chairman of the Audit Committee. To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, our Audit Committee has delegated to its Chairman the authority to pre-approve permissible non-audit services and fees and to amend or modify pre-approvals that have been granted by the entire Audit Committee. A report of any such actions taken by the Chairman is provided to the Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting.

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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, thereto duly authorized, on the 29th day of April, 2004.

  WEBMD CORPORATION

  By:  /s/ ANDREW C. CORBIN
 
  Andrew C. Corbin
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

                 
Exhibit No. Description


  2 .1         Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 15, 2003 between WebMD Corporation and Joseph Q. DiMartini, individually and as Trustee U/A dated February 6, 1998 f/b/o Joseph Q. DiMartini, and as Trustee of the Joseph Q. DiMartini 2002 Irrevocable Trust dated October 14, 2002, Eric J. Schaefer, an individual, Daniel A. Schmitt, individually and as Trustee of the Daniel A. Schmitt Revocable Trust dated March 26, 1999, and as Trustee of the Daniel Schmitt 2002 Irrevocable Trust dated September 24, 2002, and Dru A. Schmitt, individually and as Trustee U/A dated October 20, 1997 f/b/o Dru A. Schmitt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
  2 .2         Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2003 between TPG Holding Company Limited and Envoy Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
  2 .3         Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 28, 2003, to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2003 between TPG Holding Company Limited and Envoy Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2003)
  2 .4         Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 22, 2003, to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2003 between TPG Holding Company Limited and Envoy Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 24, 2003)
  3 .1         Eleventh Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
  3 .2         Certificate of Designations for Convertible Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock
  3 .3         Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, as currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
  4 .1         Specimen Common Stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-70553) filed January 14, 1999)
  4 .2         Indenture between WebMD Corporation and The Bank of New York, dated as of April 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002)
  4 .3         Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 1, 2002 between WebMD Corporation and UBS Warburg LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002)
  4 .4         Form of 3 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Note Due 2007 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
  4 .5         Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, between WebMD Corporation and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
  4 .6         Form of 1.75% Convertible Subordinated Note Due 2023 (included in Exhibit 4.5)
  4 .7         Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 25, 2003 between WebMD Corporation and Banc of America Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)

E-1


 

                 
Exhibit No. Description


  4 .8         Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 17, 2003 between WebMD Corporation and Joseph Q. DiMartini, individually and as Trustee U/A dated February 6, 1998 f/b/o Joseph Q. DiMartini, and as Trustee of the Joseph Q. DiMartini 2002 Irrevocable Trust dated October 14, 2002, Eric J. Schaefer, an individual, Daniel A. Schmitt, individually and as Trustee of the Daniel A. Schmitt Revocable Trust dated March 26, 1999, and as Trustee of the Daniel Schmitt 2002 Irrevocable Trust dated September 24, 2002, and Dru A. Schmitt, individually and as Trustee U/A dated October 20, 1997 f/b/o Dru A. Schmitt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
  4 .9         Convertible Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2004, between CalPERS/PCG Corporate Partners, LLC and WebMD Corporation
  4 .10         Form of Stock Certificate for Convertible Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock (included in Exhibit 3.2)
  4 .11         Form of Indenture for 10% Subordinated Notes due 2010 (included in Exhibit 3.2)
  4 .12         Form of 10% Subordinated Note due 2010 (included in Exhibit 3.2)
  10 .1         Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into by Registrant with each of its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002)
  10 .2         Domestic Assignment Agreement dated as of February 15, 2001 among Registrant, Healtheon/WebMD Cable Corporation, Healtheon/WebMD Internet Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. AHN/FIT Cable, LLC and AHN/FIT Internet, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
  10 .3         International Assignment Agreement dated as of February 15, 2001 among Registrant, HW International Holdings, Inc., The News Corporation Limited, Eastrise Profits Limited and IJV Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
  10 .4         Healtheon/WebMD Corporation Registration Rights Agreement dated January 26, 2000 among Registrant, Eastrise Profits Limited, AHN/FIT Cable, LLC, AHN/FIT Internet, LLC, News America Incorporated and Fox Broadcasting Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000), as amended by Amendment dated February 15, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
  10 .5         Healtheon/WebMD Media Services Agreement dated January 26, 2000 among Registrant, Eastrise Profits Limited and Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000), as amended by Amendment dated February 15, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
  10 .6         Content License Agreement dated January 26, 2000 between The News Corporation Limited and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000)
  10 .7         Letter Agreement dated December 29, 2000 between Registrant and The News Corporation Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000)
  10 .8         Settlement Agreement dated October 12, 2001 between Registrant and Quintiles Transnational Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to Quintiles Transnational Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2001)
  10 .9         Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of WebMD, Inc. dated May 12, 1999 issued to Microsoft Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000)

E-2


 

                 
Exhibit No. Description


  10 .10*         Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 1998 between Registrant and K. Robert Draughon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Registrant’s Form 10-K to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .11*         Letter Agreement dated as of September 12, 2000 between Registrant and K. Robert Draughon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to Registrant’s Form 10-K to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .12*         Agreement dated as of October 8, 2001 between Registrant and Martin J. Wygod (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Registrant’s Form 10-K to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
  10 .13*         Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated August 21, 2000 between the Registrant (as successor to Medical Manager Corporation) and Martin J. Wygod (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .14*         Employment Agreement dated as of October 23, 2002 between the Registrant and Roger C. Holstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
  10 .15*         Employment Agreement dated as of May 16, 1999 between the Registrant (as successor to Synetic, Inc.) and Michael A. Singer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Medical Manager Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999)
  10 .16*         Letter Agreement dated as of September 5, 2000 between Registrant (as successor to Medical Manager Corporation) and Michael A. Singer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .17*         Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2000 between Registrant (as successor to Medical Manager Corporation) and Charles A. Mele, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .18*         Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2000 between Registrant (as successor to Medical Manager Corporation) and Anthony Vuolo, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .19*         Form of Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated August 21, 2000, between Registrant (as successor to Medical Manager Corporation) and each of Charles A. Mele and Anthony Vuolo (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .20*         WebMD Corporation 2001 Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A)
  10 .21*         WebMD Corporation 2002 Restricted Stock Plan and Form of Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
  10 .22*         Healtheon Corporation 1996 Stock Plan and Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-70553) filed February 10, 1999)
  10 .23*         WebMD Corporation Amended and Restated 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.27 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-47250) filed October 4, 2000)

E-3


 

                 
Exhibit No. Description


  10 .24*         WebMD Corporation 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-39592) filed August 1, 2000)
  10 .25*         WebMD, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-90795) filed November 12, 1999)
  10 .26*         Envoy Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-42616) filed July 31, 2000)
  10 .27*         Amended and Restated 1989 Class A Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-28654) filed May 18, 1989)
  10 .28*         Amended and Restated 1989 Class B Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-28654) filed May 18, 1989)
  10 .29*         1991 Director Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-46640) filed March 24, 1992)
  10 .30*         Amended and Restated 1991 Special Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-36041) filed September 19, 1997)
  10 .31*         Form of Stock Option Agreement made as of December 7, 1994 between Synetic, Inc. and certain individuals (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-21555) filed February 11, 1997)
  10 .32*         Medical Manager Corporation’s 1996 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Medical Manager Corporation’s (Commission File No. 0-29090) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998)
  10 .33*         Medical Manager Corporation’s 1996 Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director’s Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Medical Manager Corporation’s (Commission File No. 0-29090) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997)
  10 .34*         1996 Class C Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-36041) filed September 19, 1997)
  10 .35*         1997 Class D Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-36041) filed September 19, 1997)
  10 .36*         1998 Class E Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-72517) filed February 17, 1999)
  10 .37*         The 1999 Medical Manager Corporation Stock Option Plan for Employees of Medical Manager Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Medical Manager Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999)
  10 .38*         Form of Stock Option Agreement between the Corporation and each of John H. Kang and Michael A. Singer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Amendment No. 1 to Medical Manager Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-81123) filed June 24, 1999)
  10 .39*         1998 Porex Technologies Corp. Stock Option Plan of Synetic, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Synetic, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-72517) filed February 17, 1999)
  10 .40*         CareInsite, Inc. 1999 Officer Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment No. 6 to CareInsite, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-75071) filed June 11, 1999)

E-4


 

                 
Exhibit No. Description


  10 .41*         CareInsite, Inc. 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment No. 6 to CareInsite, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-75071) filed June 11, 1999)
  10 .42*         CareInsite, Inc. 1999 Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex G to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-39592) filed June 19, 2000)
  10 .43*         Amendment to the Company Stock Option Plans of Medical Manager Corporation and CareInsite, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.28 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-47250) filed October 4, 2000)
  10 .44*         Employment Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2000, between the Registrant and Kirk Layman
  10 .45*         2003 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Employees of Advanced Business Fulfillment, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
  10 .46*         Employment Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2001, between the Registrant and Wayne Gattinella
  10 .47*         Stock Option Agreement between the Registrant and Wayne Gattinella dated August 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-88420) filed May 16, 2002)
  10 .48*         Employment Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2003, between the Registrant and Andrew Corbin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
  10 .49*         Employment Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2003, between Envoy Corporation and Tony Holcombe
  12 .1         Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
  14 .1**         Code of Business Conduct
  21           Subsidiaries of Registrant
  23 .1         Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
  24 .1         Power of Attorney (see page 85)
  31 .1**         Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Registrant
  31 .2**         Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Registrant
  32 .1         Statement of Chief Executive Officer of Registrant Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350
  32 .2         Statement of Chief Financial Officer of Registrant Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350
  99 .1         Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter
  99 .2         Compensation Committee Charter
  99 .3         Amended and Restated Nominating Committee Charter


Agreement relates to executive compensation.

**  Filed with this Amendment.

E-5 EX-14.1 2 g87713exv14w1.htm EX-14.1 CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT EX-14.1 CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

Exhibit 14.1

(WebMD LOGO)

WebMD Corporation

Code of Business Conduct

As of April 28, 2004


To All WebMD Employees,

         The purpose of this revised Code of Business Conduct (this “Code of Conduct”) is to continue to protect and enhance WebMD’s reputation by ensuring that all directors, officers and employees of WebMD and its subsidiaries (which we refer to as “WebMD”), everywhere, understand how WebMD defines proper business conduct. The revisions we have made to our Code of Conduct reflect the evolution of our businesses, as well as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including those specifically relating to codes of conduct of public companies. Protecting our ethical corporate culture is not only the right thing to do — it’s also good business. Customers and business partners judge us by our conduct, as well as by our products and services. Stockholders and other investors want to be associated only with companies that meet high standards for honesty, integrity, and public responsibility.

         The consequences of not complying with this Code of Conduct can be severe — ranging from ruining your reputation and your career to possible criminal prosecution and incarceration. This may sound harsh, but it is the reality of not adhering to acceptable standards in the conduct of your job. Illegal and unethical conduct will also result in disciplinary action, which may include termination. It is not an excuse that a person’s questionable conduct was intended to “benefit” the company or was done with good intentions.

         If you become aware of a possible violation of this Code of Conduct or behavior that could be incompatible with its spirit or that looks improper, we expect you to report it to the Compliance Officer referred to in this Code of Conduct, our General Counsel, our Chief Financial Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department. Your supervisor or your Human Resources manager can help you make the report. We have also provided for an independent company to provide an Ethics and Compliance Hotline that allows you to make reports anonymously by telephone. A brochure containing the toll-free number and instructions is being distributed with this Code of Conduct.

         Please read this Code of Conduct carefully and refer to it often. It is your responsibility to understand what is expected of you. If there is something you are unclear about or if you are not sure what is required in a particular situation, don’t guess at the answer. Ask for help from one of the many sources listed in the Code of Conduct.

  ROGER C. HOLSTEIN
  Chief Executive Officer
 
  MARTIN J. WYGOD
  Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
  JAMES V. MANNING
  Chairman of the Audit Committee of the
  Board of Directors


 

I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

          WebMD’s policy is to conduct business in an honest and ethical manner and in accordance with the laws that apply to it

         WebMD seeks to be a good corporate citizen and to achieve its business goals in a manner that enhances its reputation for integrity. In order to do that, all WebMD directors, officers and employees must act in an honest and ethical manner and in accordance with law. We have instituted this Code of Conduct as part of our efforts:

  to prevent unethical or unlawful behavior, and
 
  to stop such behavior as soon as reasonably possible after its discovery.

         WebMD expects you to follow this Code of Conduct and to report any violations you become aware of

         Under this Code of Conduct, every WebMD director, officer and employee, regardless of job, title or level of responsibility:

  is responsible for his or her own actions with respect to proper business conduct and behavior, and
 
  if he or she sees or becomes aware of unethical or unlawful activity, is obligated to report such activity immediately to the Compliance Officer for this Code of Conduct (described in Section III.C. below), our General Counsel, our Chief Financial Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department.

Your supervisor or your Human Resources manager can help you make the report. See also Section III.B.2 below for information about reporting violations anonymously through our Ethics and Compliance Hotline.

         We also expect our contractors and consultants to be guided by these standards.(1) It is the responsibility of any WebMD employee retaining such persons to make sure that they are aware of this Code of Conduct and follow its principles in their work for WebMD.

         Violations of this Code of Conduct will lead to disciplinary action

         To ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct, WebMD will investigate and take such action as it determines necessary to protect its best interests. In those cases where violations have occurred, disciplinary action will be taken — ranging from reprimand to termination. Violators may also be subject to criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits.


(1)The terms “WebMD employee” and “WebMD personnel,” as used throughout this Code of Conduct, are generally intended to include — in addition to directors, officers and employees (full-time and part- time) of WebMD — contractors, consultants and similar persons providing services at WebMD’s direction. In some cases, implementation of the principles contained in this Code of Conduct may be different for third party service providers, depending on the scope and nature of the services provided. For example, certain “conflicts of interest” that would not be acceptable for an employee may be acceptable for a contractor, depending on the nature of the specific relationship. Please consult the Legal Department or the Compliance Officer for guidance.
 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 2


 

         Violations of WebMD’s other policy statements may also be a violation of this Code of Conduct

         WebMD has other policy statements designed to assist WebMD and its employees in complying with applicable law and meeting appropriate standards of conduct, including:

  the Policy Regarding Insider Trading, Tipping and Other Wrongful Disclosures,
  the Communications Policy,
  the Electronic Communications Policy,
  the HIPAA Privacy Policies, and
  the Employee Handbook.

Failure to comply with those policy statements will, in many cases, also be a violation of this Code of Conduct. In addition, WebMD’s Finance Department, Legal Department, Human Resources Department and our operating units have adopted, and may in the future adopt, other written policies and procedures relating to the conduct of WebMD’s business, the documenting of transactions, record keeping and related matters. Employees must comply with those policies and procedures and failure to do so will generally also be a violation of this Code of Conduct.


USE GOOD JUDGMENT — DON’T IGNORE YOUR INSTINCTS

FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

  •  Do my actions meet the letter of the law or rule but violate its spirit?
 
  •  Would failing to act make the situation worse or allow a “wrong” to continue?
 
  •  How would my actions look if they were reported on the front page of the newspaper?
 
  •  Would we lose customers if this action were known to them?

FOUR WARNING SIGNS. If you hear yourself or someone else say:

  •  “Everybody does it”
 
  •  “Maybe just this once”
 
  •  “No one will ever know”
 
  •  “It won’t matter in the end”

STOP and think through the situation carefully, seek guidance, and take the time necessary to reach the right result.


 
 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 3


 

II. GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

          Part II of our Code of Conduct provides guidelines for you to follow in dealing with some specific ethical and legal issues. Some of these guidelines are clear rules that you must follow — “do’s and don’ts” for specific situations. On the other hand, ethical issues often involve balancing competing interests and making value judgments. As a result, many of these guidelines provide general principles that must be applied by you based on the facts you are faced with. Sometimes applying those principles will be easy, and the proper business conduct will be clear. However, we often face complicated issues, where the right path to take may not be obvious or where there may be differences of opinion regarding proper conduct. It is each employee’s responsibility to work through those issues, seek appropriate advice and reach an answer that meets high ethical standards. The people described below are available to help you. They will be happy to answer your questions or to assist you in seeking advice from other appropriate members of WebMD management.


How to Get Your Questions Answered

         Whenever you have questions about the requirements of this Code of Conduct or how they apply to your job, you should call one or more of the following persons:

  •  your manager or supervisor,
  •  the head of your business unit or department,
  •  your Human Resources manager or other members of our Human Resources Department,
  •  the Compliance Officer, and
  •  the General Counsel or other members of the Legal Department.

In addition, for questions relating to financial reporting, accounting and related matters, you may contact the Chief Financial Officer or other members of the Finance Department.

Selected Contact Information

         Our Compliance Officer is Lewis Leicher, an Assistant General Counsel. He can be reached at 858-759-6008 or lleicher@webmd.net.

         Our General Counsel, who heads our Legal Department, is Charles Mele. He can be reached at 201-703-3426 or cmele@webmd.net.

         Our Chief Financial Officer, who heads our Finance Department, is Andrew Corbin. He can be reached at 201-398-2653 or acorbin@webmd.net.

         Our Senior Vice President, Human Resources is James Young. He can be reached at 201-398-2621 or jyoung@webmd.net.

         Our Human Resources counsel is Bonnie Klugman. She can be reached at 201-703-3464 or bklugman@webmd.net.

         Our Chief Privacy Officer is Jack Scheffel. He can be reached at 201-703-3476 or jscheffel@webmd.net.


 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 4


 

A. You may not use funds or assets of WebMD for any unlawful or unethical purpose or for personal gain

         The use of the funds or assets of WebMD for any unlawful or unethical purpose, including any political or commercial bribery, is prohibited. In addition, no person may use his or her position in WebMD or any funds or assets of WebMD (including WebMD confidential information) for his or her personal gain.

  WebMD’s policy is to forgo any business that can be obtained only by making improper or illegal payments or kickbacks

  —  No payment or gift shall be offered or made to a government official to influence any discretionary decision by such person in his official capacity. Should any such gifts or payments be requested, our Legal Department should be contacted immediately. Giving any gifts — even gifts or entertainment of nominal value — to government officials is highly regulated and often illegal.
 
  —  No payment shall be offered or made to an employee or representative of an existing or potential customer or other business partner to influence any business decision by such person. Should any such payments be requested, our Legal Department or the Compliance Officer should be contacted immediately.

  n In circumstances where it would not violate any other WebMD policy and would not create an appearance of impropriety or be considered a business inducement, you may provide non-monetary gifts or entertainment in accordance with the policies and procedures and monetary limits applicable to your business unit and job responsibilities. In general, such gifts or entertainment must be of nominal value.
 
  n Business meals with customers or other business partners are permitted and expenses for those meals will be reimbursed in accordance with applicable expense reimbursement policies.

  Subterfuge of any kind in making payments or other use of WebMD assets is forbidden

  —  No payment by a third party on behalf of WebMD may be authorized with the intention that any part of it is to be used for any unlawful purpose.
 
  —  No payment or other use of assets or funds by WebMD may be offered or made for a purpose other than that described by the records supporting the payment.

  You may not accept payments or gifts that obligate you with respect to WebMD business matters

  —  Gifts of any type or amount may never be solicited from suppliers, customers or other business partners.
 
  —  Any form of a gift that obligates a WebMD employee to act in a particular manner with regard to WebMD’s business is a bribe and is not allowed, regardless of its value. In addition, you may not accept cash gifts, regardless of amount.

  n If a supplier, customer or other business partner offers a WebMD employee a bribe, kickback or other improper payment, the employee should report the attempt to the Compliance Officer, the General Counsel or the Chief Financial Officer.

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 5


 

  —  Employees may accept gifts of nominal value ordinarily used for sales promotion (for example, calendars, appointment books, pens, etc.).
 
  —  Ordinary “business lunches” or reasonable entertainment consistent with local social and business custom may also be permissible if reasonable in cost and frequency.

  If an employee receives a gift that does not fall in the nominal category, it must be reported to the employee’s supervisor and returned or, if return of the gift is not practical, it should be given to WebMD for charitable disposition or such other disposition as may be appropriate. Please note that it is not WebMD’s desire for its employees to appear unfriendly or unsociable. However, it is WebMD’s policy to avoid any actions that may throw doubt on the integrity or motivation of our employees or our company.

  Do not advance personal interests at the expense of WebMD

  —  You may not take for yourself any opportunity for financial gain that you find out about because of your position at WebMD or through the use of company property or information, unless WebMD’s Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer has made a decision to forego the opportunity.
 
  —  See below, under “Conflicts of Interest Policy” for additional policies that apply.

  Protect WebMD property and assets and ensure their proper use

  —  WebMD employees must protect WebMD’s property and assets from loss, waste, damage or theft and must use them only for legitimate business purposes.

  n WebMD’s assets include funds, investments, facilities, equipment, proprietary information, technology, business plans, ideas for new products and services, trade secrets, inventions, copyrightable materials and client lists.
 
  n Unless otherwise prohibited by an employee’s supervisor, limited and reasonable incidental use of WebMD telephone, computer or similar equipment is permitted, so long as it does not interfere with business use and is in compliance with all other applicable WebMD policies.

  —  Any employee found to be engaging in, or attempting, theft of any property of WebMD or any personal property of other WebMD employees will be subject to termination and possible civil and criminal proceedings. All employees have a responsibility to report any theft or attempted theft to appropriate WebMD management.
 
  —  See below, under Section II.F., “Protection of WebMD Proprietary Information” for additional policies that apply.

B. Conflicts of Interest Policy

  1. Failure to disclose a conflict of interest is a violation of this Code of Conduct

         We expect our employees to be free from any influence that is inconsistent with their obligations to WebMD. There are many types of situations that may result in an employee having a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest with WebMD. Having a conflict of interest does not necessarily mean you have done something improper — however, the failure to disclose the conflict of interest is a violation of this Code of Conduct.

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 6


 

         Because there are many different types of conflicts of interest, there are also many different ways they can be resolved. For example, if a conflict arises because a family member of an employee takes a job with a customer of WebMD, WebMD can take steps to make sure that the family member is not in a decision-making position with respect to transactions with that customer. However, those steps cannot be taken unless prompt and complete disclosure has been made. Disclosure should be made to the Compliance Officer or the General Counsel.

  2. Your business dealings on behalf of WebMD should not be influenced, or appear to be influenced, by your personal interests or your relationships with others

         WebMD expects its employees, in their work for WebMD, to act at all times in the best interests of WebMD. Accordingly, employees should remain free from obligations to, or relationships with, any person or company with whom WebMD does business or competes that could interfere with that. In addition, as described above, it is also the duty of employees not to utilize their position with WebMD for personal advantage or gain.

         The rights of WebMD employees will be respected in the conduct of their personal affairs and investments, provided such conduct does not adversely reflect upon WebMD or conflict with its interests. Please note that any employee invited to join a corporate board of directors (whether for a public or private corporation) must obtain the approval of our General Counsel prior to accepting such position.

         Please note that this Conflicts of Interest Policy is directed only to interests of a business or financial nature. It is not intended to cover political, civic or charitable activities, or professional organizations, in which employees are encouraged to participate. However, your supervisor’s approval should be secured in advance if there is a possibility that such outside activities might interfere with normal duties and responsibilities to WebMD.

  3. The following are examples of conflict of interest situations:

         While it is not possible to describe all situations and conditions that might involve a conflict of interest, the following examples indicate areas where conflicts may arise:

  Financial interests in competitors, customers, vendors, or contractors. Where an employee, close relative (such as a member of his or her family, household, in-laws, etc.), or any other person with whom the employee has a close personal relationship, has a direct or indirect financial interest in an organization which does business with or is a competitor of WebMD, a conflict of interest may exist. Such a conflict is unlikely if the financial interest consists of holdings of less than one percent of any class of securities in a widely held corporation listed on a recognized stock exchange, or regularly traded on an over-the-counter market, or if WebMD’s transactions with that corporation would not tend to either affect the value of such securities or contribute materially to its earnings. However, depending on the circumstances, a conflict of interest might exist, even if the amount of holdings in such corporation is less than one percent, where the employee is in a position to control or influence WebMD’s decisions or actions with respect to a transaction with such corporation. In addition, if the investment or interest by the employee, close relative, or any other person with whom the employee has a close personal relationship, is in a small organization doing business with WebMD, a conflict of interest is likely in view of the possible relative importance of the transaction to such an organization.
 
  Serving in the management of customers, vendors, contractors, or competitors. Where an employee serves as director, officer, or in any other management or

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 7


 

  consulting capacity with, or renders other services to another organization which does or is seeking to do business with WebMD, or which is a competitor, a conflict of interest will normally exist.
 
  Transactions with contractors, customers, or vendors of WebMD. Where an employee, close relative, or any other person with whom the employee has a close personal relationship, buys, sells, or leases (other than on behalf of WebMD) any kind of property, facilities, services, or equipment from or to any person or organization which is, or is seeking to become, a contractor, customer, or vendor of WebMD, a conflict of interest may arise.

  —  A conflict would not normally exist, however, in cases of routine personal purchases, sales, or leases made in the ordinary course from or to a large established company, such as for the employee’s personal household needs.
 
  —  On the other hand, if the employee, as part of the job responsibilities with WebMD, is in a position to make or influence decisions pertaining to transactions with such a company, a potential conflict of interest might exist, depending on the circumstances, if he or she has any private transactions with that company.

  Transactions with WebMD. Any proposed business transaction between WebMD itself and an employee (other than those relating to the employee’s employment or services as an employee), close relative, or any other person with whom the employee has a close personal relationship would generally involve or lead to a conflict and must be fully disclosed to appropriate management in advance and requires approval by the Legal Department or, in the case of a director, executive officer or Senior Financial Officer, approval of the Audit Committee. The officers who are “Senior Financial Officers” for purposes of this Code of Conduct are our principal financial officer, comptroller or principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions.
 
  Corporate opportunity. Where an employee, close relative, or any other person with whom the employee has a close personal relationship, participates in any personal venture or transaction involving any existing or potential business activity or opportunity in which WebMD has an expressed interest or is of the type that WebMD would be expected to consider, a conflict of interest may be present, particularly if the employee is aware of WebMD’s interest, unless WebMD’s Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer has made a decision to forego the opportunity.

The above examples are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of possible conflicts. In addition, there are other situations which, while not clear-cut conflicts of interest, are, nevertheless, inconsistent with the high standards of business ethics that all WebMD employees are expected to follow. As noted above, you should disclose any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest to the General Counsel or the Compliance Officer.

C. Policy Regarding Financial Reporting and Recordkeeping

         It is WebMD’s policy that filings that WebMD makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other public communications made by WebMD comply with applicable disclosure laws and regulations and NASDAQ Stock Market listing requirements, including those relating to accuracy, completeness and timeliness. WebMD’s Senior Financial Officers and its Chief Executive Officer have direct responsibility for compliance with this policy. Certain members of the Legal, Finance and Investor Relations Departments have job responsibilities

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 8


 

specifically related to those disclosure requirements and work closely with the Senior Financial Officers and the Chief Executive Officer to assist them in meeting their responsibilities. In addition, all WebMD employees are expected to support these efforts, including by providing prompt and accurate answers to inquiries from these officers and employees relating to disclosure requirements, and are required to act in accordance with the following policies:

  1. Unauthorized transactions and illegal or improper recordkeeping are not permitted

  Business transactions shall be reported promptly and accurately in order to permit the preparation of accurate financial and other records.
 
  Business transactions shall be executed only by employees authorized to do so.
 
  Business transactions shall be evidenced by full and complete written agreements in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Legal Department and the Finance Department.
 
  Acquisitions or dispositions of assets and other transactions are permitted only with authorization by the appropriate management levels.
 
  Employee are prohibited from knowingly making untrue or misleading statements to WebMD’s independent auditors or internal auditors or causing anyone else to do so and no employee may seek to improperly influence, directly or indirectly, the auditing of WebMD’s financial records.
 
  WebMD data transmitted and/or stored electronically shall be protected from errors, disasters, misuse, unauthorized access, and fraud.

  2. No employee may create or participate in the creation of any records that contain false information or that are intended to mislead anyone or conceal anything that is improper

         To ensure that records accurately and fairly represent all business transactions:

  All assets and transactions must be recorded in normal books and records.
 
  No unrecorded funds shall be established or maintained for any purpose.
 
  All expense reports must accurately reflect the true nature of the expense.
 
  Oral and written descriptions of transactions, whether completed or contemplated, provided to those responsible for the preparation or verification of financial records must be accurate.

If an employee becomes aware of any improper accounting or financial reporting practice or any improperly recorded or documented transaction, he or she should report the matter immediately to the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel, the Compliance Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department. See also Section III.B.2 below, for information about reporting anonymously through our Ethics and Compliance Hotline.

D. Policy Regarding Governmental Investigations

         It is the policy of WebMD to fully cooperate with any government investigation. However, WebMD should have the opportunity to be adequately represented in such investigations by its own legal counsel. Accordingly, if employees obtain information that would lead them to believe that a government investigation or inquiry is underway, this information should be communicated immediately to the Legal Department. Sometimes, it is difficult to tell when a routine government

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 9


 

audit or inspection graduates into a government investigation. We must rely on the common sense and alertness of all of our employees for making this important determination. If in doubt, employees should consult with the Legal Department.

         Appropriate handling of government investigations is very important for our company, its management, and for all employees. Many federal laws regulating the conduct of our business, including antitrust, securities, privacy, OSHA, environmental, tax, and financial laws, contain civil and criminal penalties. The criminal penalties may apply to the corporation and to those individuals within a company who actually took the actions that violated the law or failed to take actions that resulted in a violation of the law. In some government investigations, the company’s lawyers can protect the interest of both WebMD and its employees. In some cases, there may be a conflict of interest between WebMD and individual employees, and individual employees may need their own legal counsel.

         Employees should never, under any circumstances:

  destroy or alter any documents in anticipation of a request for those documents from any government agency or a court,
 
  lie or make any misleading statements to any government investigator, or
 
  attempt to cause any other company employee, or any other person, to fail to provide information to any government investigator or to provide any false or misleading information.

         The law guarantees all of us a right to be represented by legal counsel during any investigation or inquiry by any government agency. In view of the extremely technical nature of these government investigations, we feel that the company itself should be represented and that all of our employees should be made aware of the opportunity for such representation. This applies any time any government investigator wants to ask questions about individual employee activities.

         Employees also have this right if the questions are asked off company property — such as at your home during the evening. There is no reason any individual should not be allowed sufficient time to consult with legal counsel before answering questions from governmental investigators that may subject that employee to individual criminal or civil liability.

         Should any government inquiry arise through the issuance of a written subpoena or written request for information (such as a Civil Investigative Demand) such request should immediately, and before any action is taken or promised, be submitted to our Legal Department.

E. Compliance with Laws

  1. Know, respect and comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the conduct of WebMD’s businesses

         Many laws and regulations apply to WebMD and its businesses. Responsibility for compliance with law is part of everyone’s job description. This section of the Code of Conduct is intended to highlight some of the legal issues that confront us. Many of the laws applicable to WebMD’s business are complex and evolving. WebMD does not expect its employees to be experts on these laws — but we do expect you to:

  make the effort to understand the laws and company policies that apply to your specific job responsibilities,

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 10


 

  review educational materials provided to you and participate in all required training programs, and
 
  ask questions of and seek advice from our Legal Department and be guided by the advice received.

The remainder of this section discusses some specific types of laws that apply to some or all of our businesses.

         2.     Privacy Laws. In the course of our business, we may come into the possession of individually identifiable health information or other confidential information of individuals. This is an area that is highly regulated, with evolving legal standards that place various obligations on WebMD and its employees regarding maintenance of the confidentiality of such information.

  WebMD’s HIPAA Privacy Policies govern how WebMD uses and discloses certain kinds of health information that is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing Privacy Rule regulations.
 
  In addition, we may be subject to additional contractual obligations with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of such information.
 
  Finally, we have Privacy Policies posted on our Web sites that set forth standards regarding our use of information collected through those sites.

Whenever a question arises as to the application of privacy laws or regulations, WebMD employees should seek advice from our Chief Privacy Officer or other attorneys in the Legal Department and be guided by the advice received.

         3.     Antitrust Laws. The objective of the antitrust laws and other laws governing competition is to promote vigorous competition by prohibiting competitors from sharing certain information or working together in certain ways that reduce competition. WebMD’s policy is that all personnel comply with all applicable antitrust laws and other laws governing competition. WebMD employees should consult with the Legal Department whenever any question arises as to the possible application of the laws governing competition and be guided by the advice received.

         You should be aware that serious legal consequences, including in some cases criminal fines and penalties, may result from agreements or understandings with competitors, including any such agreements:

  to set or control prices,
  to allocate customers or territories,
  on bidding terms or whether or not to submit a bid for particular business or types of business, and
  to boycott customers or suppliers.

Certain other types of communications with competitors and certain ways of working together with competitors are permitted under the antitrust laws, but you should consult with a member of the Legal Department before any meetings or discussions with competitors and should report back to the Legal Department on the substance of any meetings or discussions that are held. An example of the type of action that generally is permitted, under Legal Department supervision, is participation by appropriate WebMD representatives in industry associations or trade groups.

         4.     Anti-Kickback Law. In the United States, there are federal and state healthcare laws called Anti-Kickback Laws that prohibit the offering of anything of value to a person that is

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 11


 

intended to influence that person to recommend or purchase a healthcare product or service that may be reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid or state healthcare benefit programs. This is to ensure that a healthcare provider’s decision about a choice of treatment or product for his or her patient not be influenced by motives of personal gain or enrichment. This law may apply to some of our businesses, either directly or through our relationships with customers, suppliers or other business partners. It is our policy to cooperate with our customers in their efforts to comply with law. Whenever a question arises as to the application of healthcare laws or regulations and whenever a customer, supplier or other business partner seeks our assistance in their compliance efforts, WebMD employees should seek advice from the attorneys in the Legal Department and be guided by the advice received.

         5.     Other Healthcare Laws. There are various other healthcare laws that may apply to our businesses, either directly or through our relationships with customers. These laws cover areas that include:

  reducing fraud and abuse in federal healthcare programs (Medicare and Medicaid),
  eliminating the improper influence of financial incentives on medical judgment,
  protecting patients and improving the quality of healthcare services, and
  reducing the cost of healthcare.

It is WebMD policy to cooperate with our customers, suppliers and other business partners in their efforts to comply with law. Whenever a question arises as to the application of healthcare laws or regulations and whenever a customer, supplier or other business partner seeks our assistance in their compliance efforts, WebMD employees should seek advice from the attorneys in the Legal Department and be guided by the advice received.

F. Protection of WebMD Proprietary Information

         Proprietary information developed or acquired by WebMD and not freely available to others is a valuable asset that must be protected against theft or inadvertent loss. Improper disclosure could destroy the value of such information to WebMD and substantially weaken our competitive position.

         Various types of proprietary information include trade secrets, as well as other technical, financial, and business information, which WebMD either wishes to keep confidential or is under an obligation to keep confidential. For example, such proprietary information may concern products or services developed or being developed by WebMD, research results, cost data, marketing strategies, financial budgets, and long range plans. All such information, at the time of development or acquisition, should be clearly identified and marked “Confidential”.

         For protection of proprietary information, WebMD necessarily must and does rely primarily on the loyalty, integrity, good faith, and alertness of its employees. The understanding of this relationship is confirmed by requesting execution of an agreement containing non-disclosure covenants and other provisions designed to protect WebMD’s proprietary information. Upon leaving WebMD, the obligation to safeguard WebMD’s proprietary information continues.

         The disclosure of WebMD’s proprietary information to persons outside WebMD must be limited to those who have a strict “need-to-know”; that is, WebMD’s need for the outside parties to know. Any such disclosure must be made under conditions which impose an enforceable obligation on the outside parties neither to disclose nor use the information in an unauthorized manner.

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 12


 

         Even within WebMD, the disclosure of proprietary information should be limited to those WebMD employees who have a need for the information in order to fully perform their jobs.

         The Legal Department is available to assist employees in the legal aspects of protecting WebMD proprietary information.

G. Corporate Political Activity

         WebMD recognizes that, in order for political systems to function properly, participation by citizens in civic and political affairs is a necessary and desirable undertaking. In this regard, it is the policy of WebMD to encourage its employees to participate actively in the political process, to be informed on public issues and on the positions and qualifications of public officials and candidates for public office, and to support, through personal financial and other assistance, candidates, and parties of their choice. It is WebMD’s policy to comply fully with applicable laws regulating corporate political activities.

         In the United States, WebMD may, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law, establish voluntary political action committees to which employees may contribute and which are independent of any political party, organization, or candidate. Contributions may be made from these committees to federal, state, and local candidates as permitted by federal and state law.

         Employees’ contributions to such committees will at all times be absolutely voluntary. Participation or non-participation will have no effect on the employment, promotion, or compensation of any employee. Any employee who feels pressured to contribute to any political fund, against his/her wishes, is urged to report the facts to the Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department.

         In the United States, WebMD may make corporate campaign contributions to state or local political parties, political committees, or candidates for elective public office in those states where such contributions are legal.

         There will be no corporate contributions which assume a second-step transaction which will benefit a party, candidate, or committee not otherwise legally permitted to receive corporate funds. In addition, WebMD does not pay honoraria to public officials in any country, including federal office holders in the United States. Exceptions are made on rare occasions for state office holders in the United States where permitted by law and where the recipient appears at WebMD affairs or to meet with WebMD personnel. Payment of the honoraria must have received the prior written approval of the General Counsel.

         Although political contributions by corporations are lawful in some countries, it is WebMD’s policy not to contribute financially to political parties or candidates outside of the United States under any circumstances.

         As a corporate citizen, and consistent with WebMD policies, WebMD may also express its views on public issues affecting WebMD, its stockholders and employees, or the geographic areas in which it operates. In the United States, WebMD may, in accordance with applicable law, (1) express its views on and provide financial assistance in support of or in opposition to public issues and elections such as bond issues, tax proposals, governmental reorganizations, referenda, and other propositions, and (2) supply personnel, support, and assistance to governmental units or associations. Recommendations for financial or other assistance are to be submitted to the General Counsel and are to be reviewed by the Legal Department to determine

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 13


 

compliance with applicable law. Such assistance must be approved by the General Counsel and the Chief Financial Officer.

         It is against WebMD policy, and may also be illegal, for any employee to include, directly or indirectly, any political contribution that the employee may desire to make on the employee’s expense account or in any other way which causes WebMD to reimburse the employee for that expense. In general, the cost of fund-raising tickets for political functions are considered political contributions. Therefore, including the cost of any such fund-raising dinner on an expense account, even if business is, in fact, discussed, is against WebMD policy and possibly illegal.

         The political process is highly regulated. You should consult with the WebMD’s Legal Department before doing anything that could be construed as involving WebMD in any political activity.


 
 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 14


 

III. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Certification

         WebMD may require certification, from time to time, from some or all of its employees regarding their compliance with this Code of Conduct, including their compliance with respect to disclosure requirements set forth in Section II.B above for conflicts of interest. WebMD relies on the accuracy and completeness of these certifications. If you are asked to provide a certification, please make sure to complete the form carefully and sign and return it promptly.

B. Reporting Violations of this Code of Conduct

  1. Reporting known or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct or any legal or ethical obligations is the responsibility of every WebMD employee

         If you suspect or believe that another WebMD employee (including part-time and temporary employees), consultant or contract worker, or a WebMD business unit is violating the law or WebMD’s policies or is engaging in activities on WebMD’s behalf that otherwise could damage WebMD’s reputation, you must report this to the Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department. In addition, you are encouraged to raise any other issues or concerns you may have relating to compliance matters and ethical business practices, whether or not specifically addressed in WebMD’s formal policies. Do not assume that “senior management already knows” or that someone else will make the report. Your supervisor or your Human Resources manager can help you make the report.

         All reports shall be treated confidentially to the extent possible consistent with fair and rigorous enforcement of this Code of Conduct. We don’t expect you to enjoy the prospect of informing on others; however, we must take steps to prevent and detect criminal or unethical conduct in order to avoid jeopardizing the welfare of WebMD and all of its employees, customers, and investors. Please note that you should not conduct your own investigation of any suspected violation without the prior authorization by the General Counsel. Instead, immediately report your suspicions to the Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or one of the senior officers in our Human Resources Department. Any reports that relate to accounting, auditing, internal auditing, financial reporting, disclosure practices, or securities law matters will be presented to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

  2. You may make reports anonymously if you choose to do so

         WebMD has retained an independent company to provide an Ethics and Compliance Hotline that allows you to make reports anonymously by telephone. A brochure containing the toll-free number and instructions is being distributed with this Code of Conduct. You do not need to give your name to use the Hotline. The Hotline provider will forward reports made to it to the Compliance Officer. You may also make anonymous reports by writing to the Compliance Officer at the address provided below. Any reports made to the Compliance Officer or through the Hotline that relate to accounting, auditing, internal auditing, financial reporting, disclosure practices, or securities law matters will be presented to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

  3. Non-Retaliation Policy

         Our commitment to conducting business in accordance with legal and ethical obligations requires an environment that allows employees to report known or suspected violations without fear of retaliation or retribution. No WebMD employee should be discouraged from using any

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 15


 

available channel to raise his or her concerns. It is WebMD’s intent to foster an environment where employees will choose whichever method they are most comfortable with to communicate their concerns.

NON-RETALIATION POLICY

         WebMD is committed to providing a workplace conducive to open discussion of its business practices. It is our policy to protect employees who make reports, in good faith, of potential violations of our Code of Business Conduct, the policies in our Employee Handbook, other company policies or applicable law. In addition, it is our policy to comply with all applicable laws that protect employees against unlawful discrimination or retaliation by their employer as a result of their lawfully reporting information regarding corporate fraud or other violations of law by WebMD or its employees.

         Any employee who retaliates against another employee for reporting problems will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. If an employee believes that he or she has been subjected to any action that violates this Non-Retaliation Policy, he or she should file a complaint with the Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or the Human Resources Department. This Non-Retaliation Policy applies even if an allegation that was made in good faith ultimately turns out to be groundless. However, employees who file reports or provide evidence that they know to be false or without a good faith belief in the truth of such information will not be protected by this Non-Retaliation Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of their employment.


C. Compliance Officer

         The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of WebMD has appointed a Compliance Officer to assist in the implementation of this Code of Conduct. The current Compliance Officer is Lewis Leicher, an Assistant General Counsel. He can be reached at 858-759-6008. You may also reach him at lleicher@webmd.net or by writing to: WebMD Corporation, 16092 San Dieguito Road, P.O. Box 676306, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067-6306.

D. Amendments, Waivers and Interpretations

         While many of the policies set forth in this Code of Conduct must be strictly adhered to and no exceptions allowed, in other cases, some waivers or exceptions may be possible. For example, a minor conflict of interest can sometimes be resolved simply by disclosing the possible conflict to all interested parties and making sure the person with the conflict is not involved in decision-making in areas of conflict.

         Any employee who believes that an exception to any of these policies is appropriate in his or her case should contact his or her immediate supervisor first. If the immediate supervisor agrees that an exception is appropriate, you should contact the Compliance Officer, who will coordinate seeking the approval of the General Counsel or, in the case of an executive officer or a Senior Financial Officer, the approval of the Audit Committee.

         The General Counsel is responsible for interpreting and applying this Code of Conduct to specific situations in which questions may arise and granting any waivers, except with respect to interpretations, applications and waivers involving executive officers, Senior Financial Officers or directors, for which the the Board of Directors or, to the extent permitted by law or the listing

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 16


 

standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, the Audit Committee or another duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors shall be responsible. To the extent required by law or the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, any such waivers for Senior Financial Officers, executive officers or directors shall be disclosed publicly.

         This Code of Conduct may be amended by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee or another duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors. To the extent required by law or the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, any such amendments shall be disclosed publicly.

E. Investigation of Suspected Violations

         WebMD policy allows the use of any lawful method of investigation that the company deems necessary to determine whether a person has engaged in conduct that interferes or adversely affects its business. All employees are expected to cooperate in the investigation of any alleged violation of this Code of Conduct and/or applicable law. It is imperative, however, that even a preliminary investigation of any suspected violation NOT be conducted without consulting with the Compliance Officer or seeking the assistance and guidance of the General Counsel. Following the completion of the investigation, appropriate members of senior management will determine appropriate action.

F. Disciplinary Actions

         Violations of this Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination, reprimands, warnings, suspensions with or without pay, demotions, or salary reductions. Violators may also be subject to civil or criminal prosecution. Disciplinary actions may also extend to a violator’s manager if WebMD determines that the violation involved the participation of the manager or resulted from the manager’s lack of diligence in enforcing compliance with this Code of Conduct.

         WebMD will document disciplinary actions taken against its personnel for violations of this Code of Conduct. Such documentation will be included in the individual’s personnel files. In reviewing the appropriate disciplinary action imposed for a violation of this Code of Conduct, senior management shall take into account the following factors:

  the nature of the violation and the ramifications of the violation to WebMD,
  whether the individual was directly or indirectly involved in the violation,
  whether the violation was willful or unintentional,
  whether the violation represented an isolated occurrence or a pattern of conduct,
  whether the individual in question reported the violation,
  whether the individual withheld relevant or material information concerning the violation,
  the degree to which the individual cooperated with the investigation,
  if the violation consisted of the failure to supervise another individual who violated this Code of Conduct, the extent to which the circumstances reflect inadequate supervision or lack of due diligence,
  if the violation consisted of retaliation against another individual for reporting a violation or cooperating with an investigation, the nature of such retaliation, and
  the individual’s past violations, if any.

 
WEBMD CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT – PAGE 17
EX-31.1 3 g87713exv31w1.htm EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Roger C. Holstein, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WebMD Corporation;

     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. [paragraph intentionally omitted];

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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)) 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)   [paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986]
 
  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; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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: April 29, 2004
         
     
  /s/ Roger C. Holstein    
  Roger C. Holstein   
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer)   
 

 

EX-31.2 4 g87713exv31w2.htm EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Andrew C. Corbin, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WebMD Corporation;

     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. [paragraph intentionally omitted];

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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)) 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)   [paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986]
 
  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; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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: April 29, 2004
         
     
  /s/ Andrew C. Corbin    
  Andrew C. Corbin   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial and accounting officer)   
 

 

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