UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant
þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
o
Check the appropriate box:
o
|
|
Preliminary proxy statement
|
o
|
|
Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|
þ
|
|
Definitive proxy statement
|
o
|
|
Definitive additional materials
|
o
|
|
Soliciting material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
|
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ
|
|
No fee required.
|
o
|
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
|
|
1)
|
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|
2)
|
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|
3)
|
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-
11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined):
|
|
4)
|
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
|
5)
|
|
Total fee paid:
|
o
|
|
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
|
o
|
|
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
|
|
1)
|
|
Amount Previously Paid:
|
|
2)
|
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
|
|
3)
|
|
Filing Party:
|
|
4)
|
|
Date Filed:
|
Notice of
Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting
June 7, 2011
Gramercy North Room
The Peninsula Hotel
700 5
th
Avenue at 55
th
Street
New York, New York 10019
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340
Houston, Texas 77042
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held June 7, 2011
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (the
Company) will be held in the Gramercy North Room, The Peninsula Hotel, 700 5
th
Avenue
at 55
th
Street, New York, New York 10019, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 8:00 A.M, Eastern
Daylight Savings Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of eight (8) directors;
2. To vote on a proposal
to approve the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan;
3. To vote on a proposal
to approve the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director
Share Incentive Plan;
4. To vote on a proposal to amend the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan;
5. To vote on a proposal to approve, by a stockholder non-binding advisory vote, the
compensation paid by us to our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a
Say-on-Pay proposal;
6. To establish, by a stockholder non-binding advisory vote, the frequency of submission
to stockholders of advisory Say-on-Pay proposals;
7. To vote on a proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent
public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011; and
8. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
Your Board of Directors has approved and recommends that you vote FOR proposals 1 through 5
and 7, and FOR ONE YEAR for proposal 6, which are described in more detail in the attached
proxy statement.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2011, as the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any
adjournments or postponements of the meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business
on the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Stockholders may call our main offices at
713-963-9522 for directions to The Peninsula Hotel in order to attend the meeting and vote in
person.
Your broker cannot vote your shares for the election of directors, the adoption of our 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the adoption of our 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan,
amendments to our Deferred Compensation Plan, the Say-on-Pay proposal or the frequency of
Say-on-Pay proposal without your instructions. If you do not provide voting instructions, your
shares will not be voted or counted on these important matters.
TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
OR VOTE ON THE INTERNET AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
MEETING. THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE MAY BE USED FOR MAILING PURPOSES. YOUR PROXY WILL BE
RETURNED TO YOU IF YOU SHOULD BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING AND SHOULD YOU REQUEST SUCH A RETURN.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Stockholders Meeting of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. to be Held on June 7, 2011:
The Proxy Statement dated April 29, 2011, Form of Proxy, and the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010
Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 are available at
http://www.proxydocs.com/GLF
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard M. Safier
|
|
|
Richard M. Safier
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: April 29, 2011
2011 PROXY SUMMARY
This provides a summary of information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. It does not
contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire proxy
statement, before voting.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time and Date
|
|
8:00 a.m. E.D.S.T., June 7, 2011
|
|
|
Place
|
|
Gramercy North Room, The Peninsula Hotel
|
|
|
|
|
700 5
th
Avenue at 55
th
Street
|
|
|
|
|
New York, New York 10019
|
|
|
Record date
|
|
April 13, 2011
|
|
|
Voting
|
|
Stockholders as of the record date are entitled to vote. Each share of Class A common
stock (Common Stock) is entitled to one vote for each director nominee and one vote for
each of the proposals.
|
|
|
Broker Non-Votes
|
|
Without your instructions, your broker cannot vote your shares on proposals 1-6 below.
|
|
|
Required Vote
|
|
Each director is elected by a plurality of votes cast. Each other proposal requires the
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the proposal.
|
Meeting Agenda
1.
|
|
Election of eight directors
|
2.
|
|
Proposal to approve 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
|
3.
|
|
Proposal to approve 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan
|
4.
|
|
Proposal to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan
|
5.
|
|
Advisory vote on executive compensation
|
6.
|
|
Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation
|
7.
|
|
Ratification of KPMG as our independent public accountants for 2011
|
8.
|
|
Transaction of other business that may properly come before the meeting
|
Voting Matters
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more
|
|
|
|
|
Our Boards
|
|
detail, see
|
|
|
Agenda Item
|
|
Recommendation
|
|
page
|
1.
|
|
Election of eight directors
|
|
FOR EACH DIRECTOR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOMINEE
|
|
6
|
2.
|
|
Proposal to approve 2011 Employee Stock Ownership Plan
|
|
FOR
(1)
|
|
40
|
3.
|
|
Proposal to approve 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan
|
|
FOR
(1)
|
|
43
|
4.
|
|
Proposal to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
FOR
(1)
|
|
48
|
5.
|
|
Advisory vote on executive compensation
|
|
FOR
|
|
52
|
6.
|
|
Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation
|
|
FOR ONE YEAR
|
|
53
|
7.
|
|
Ratification of KPMG as our independent public accountants for 2011
|
|
FOR
|
|
54
|
(1)
The Board noted in recommending a vote FOR the three employee compensation
plans that no new shares are reserved for issuance under the 2011 Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
that 113,000 net new shares are reserved for issuance under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Share
Incentive Plan, and that no new authorized shares are issuable under the amendments to the Deferred
Compensation Plan and the aggregate maximum number of shares that the trustee is authorized to
purchase in the open market for the Deferred Compensation Plan is
(i)
250,000 shares. The new shares reserved for issuance under these three plans represent less than
0.4% of our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Election of Eight Directors
(Proposal 1)
The following provides summary information about each director nominee. Each director nominee
is elected annually by a plurality of votes cast. Mr. Robert T. OConnell, a Board member since
2006, is not a nominee as he has exceeded the age limit established by a policy adopted by our
Nominating & Governance Committee. Two directors were grandfathered from application of this
policy. The Board size has been decreased to eight members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
Experience/
|
|
|
|
Committee Memberships
|
|
Other Public
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Since
|
|
Occupation
|
|
Qualification
|
|
Independent
|
|
AC
|
|
CC
|
|
GNC
|
|
Company Boards
|
|
Peter I. Bijur
|
|
68
|
|
2003
|
|
Former Chair & CEO Texaco Inc.
|
|
Leadership Governance
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
C
|
|
AB Volvo
|
David J. Butters
|
|
70
|
|
1989
|
|
Chair & CEO Navigator Holdings, Ltd.
|
|
Leadership Industry Finance
|
|
X, CBD
|
|
|
|
C
|
|
|
|
Weatherford International, Inc.
|
Brian R. Ford
|
|
62
|
|
2009
|
|
Former Partner E&Y LLP
|
|
Financial Audit Accounting
|
|
X
|
|
C, FE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
|
|
82
|
|
1970
|
|
CEO of S.S. Steiner Inc.
|
|
Industry Management Global
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Sheldon S. Gordon
|
|
75
|
|
2001
|
|
Chair of Union Bancaire Privee Intl Holdings
|
|
Financial Accounting Management Global Strategy
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
|
Robert B. Millard
|
|
60
|
|
1989
|
|
Managing Partner Realm Partners LLC
|
|
Finance Strategy Management Industry
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weatherford International, Inc.
L-3 Communications Inc.
|
Rex C. Ross
|
|
67
|
|
2007
|
|
Former Chair & Director of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
|
|
Management Industry
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
Enterprise Products
Partners LP
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
62
|
|
1997
|
|
CEO and President
|
|
Industry Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AC
|
|
Audit Committee
|
|
|
C
|
|
Member and chair of a Committee
|
|
|
CBD
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
CC
|
|
Compensation Committee
|
|
|
FE
|
|
Financial expert
|
|
|
GNC
|
|
Governance & Nominating Committee
|
|
|
|
Attendance
|
|
No director nominee, all of whom are
current directors, attended fewer than 75%
of the Board meetings and committee
meetings on which he sits.
|
The Board recommends voting FOR each nominee.
(ii)
Proposal to approve the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP
(Proposal 2)
|
|
|
The ESPP generally will allow our employees to purchase our stock quarterly
through withholding of up to 15% of any employees salary.
|
|
|
|
The purchase price will be the lower of (i) 85% of the closing price as of the
last trading day before each trading period begins or (ii) 85% of the closing price as
of the last trading day in the offering period.
|
|
|
|
No new shares will be reserved for issuance under the 2011 ESPP. An ESPP
previously adopted in 2002 (the Old ESPP) reserved 360,000 shares for issuance. The
term of the Old ESPP expires next year and other amendments need to be made to
modernize the Old ESPP, but over 269,934 shares remain available for issuance under the
old ESPP. The 2011 plan will roll over all shares that remain available for purchase
under the Old ESPP.
|
|
|
|
If the 2011 ESPP is adopted by our stockholders, the Old ESPP will be
terminated after the end of the next offering period.
|
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to approve the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Proposal to approve the 2011 Non-employee Director Share Incentive Plan, or the 2011 Director Plan
(Proposal 3)
|
|
|
The 2011 Director Plan will automatically authorize the issuance of the number
of shares of our Common Stock to new directors either appointed or elected for the
first time that are equal to $160,000 based on the fair market value of the shares on
the date of grant.
|
|
|
|
On the date of every annual stockholder meeting, directors who are re-elected
will receive the number of shares equal to $100,000 based on the fair market value of
the shares on the date of grant.
|
|
|
|
Shares will be restricted shares that generally vest one year after the date of
grant.
|
|
|
|
The 2011 Director Plan will also authorize a discretionary grant of up to 6,000
stock options per director annually. Stock options must have exercise prices equal to
the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant.
|
|
|
|
In 2005 our stockholders approved a plan for non-employee directors (the Old
Director Plan) that reserved 150,000 shares for issuance, of which 37,000 shares
remain reserved for issuance under the Old Director Plan.
|
|
|
|
The Board desires that the stockholders approve the 2011 Director Plan
primarily to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance to 150,000 shares, a
net increase in authorized shares of 113,000, but also to have the grants be based on
the fair market value of our stock rather than to grant a fixed number of shares as the
Old Director Plan does.
|
|
|
|
If the 2011 Director Plan is adopted by our stockholders, the Old Director Plan
will be terminated.
|
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to approve the 2011 Non-employee Director
Share Incentive Plan.
Proposal to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan
(Proposal 4)
|
|
|
Under the amended Deferred Compensation Plan, our Directors will continue to be
able elect to defer up to 100% of directors fees, and our officers will be able to
elect to defer up to 50% of their salary and a minimum of 10% of their bonus for
distribution after retirement or resignation.
|
|
|
|
The first seven and one half percent of compensation that is deferred and
matched by us must be used to purchase our Common Stock. The matching portion vests
prorata over five years. Shares will be purchased by the trustee on the open market.
|
|
|
|
While a rabbi trust exists to hold shares and cash, the assets of the trust
will be available to satisfy the claims of all our general creditors in the event of
our bankruptcy or insolvency.
|
|
|
|
The Board desires to amend our existing Deferred Compensation Plan to modernize
it.
|
|
|
|
Although no new shares will be issued under the Deferred Compensation Plan,
because the Deferred Compensation Plan requires that the first seven and one half
percent of compensation that is deferred and matched by us be taken in our Common
Stock, our Deferred Compensation Plan is considered an
|
(iii)
|
|
|
equity compensation plan under
the New York Stock Exchange rules. As a result, our Deferred Compensation Plan must be
approved by our stockholders.
|
|
|
|
We have established that the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock
that the trustee is authorized to purchase in the open market is 250,000 before we will
seek stockholder approval again for the Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
|
|
If our stockholders do not approve the amendments to the Deferred Compensation
Plan, the trust will not be required to purchase Common Stock for the first seven and
one half percent of compensation that is deferred and matched by us, and the Deferred
Compensation Plan will be amended to provide for alternative investment options.
|
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Executive Compensation Advisory Vote
(Proposal 5)
We are asking our stockholders to approve on an advisory basis our named executive officer
compensation.
|
|
|
Compensation Philosophy
|
Our compensation philosophy is to set the fixed compensation of our senior executives
competitively for their demonstrated skills and industry experience. Variable compensation, both
annual and long-term, should reflect the results of performance against a combination of
quantitative and subjective measures. The Compensation Committee targets the median of the market
for all elements of pay, including base salary, annual incentive, and long-term incentives. Our
compensation programs are designed so that years of superior performance are rewarded with payouts
that are near the median of the market.
|
|
|
Compensation Components
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type
|
|
Form
|
|
Terms
|
Cash
|
|
- Salary
|
|
- Set annually based on market conditions, peer data and
other factors
|
|
|
- Annual Non-Equity Incentive
|
|
- Linked to both Company-wide and individual performance but
discretionary factors are also considered
|
Equity
|
|
- Long-Term Incentive Awards
|
|
- Restricted stock with restrictions lapsing in thirds on
each anniversary of the date of grant over three years
- Ability to grant options, but have chosen not to do so
|
Other
|
|
- Employment Agreements and
Severance and Change of
Control Arrangements
|
|
- Automatic yearly renewal of employment agreements unless
120 days notice provided
- Change of Control payment equal to either two-and-a-half
times for our President and Chief Executive Officer or
two-times for our other top two named executive officers of
the executives annual salary plus his prior years annual
bonus on a change of control and a termination or adverse
change in employment
|
|
|
- Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
- Allows deferral of salary and bonus with a portion required
to be in Company stock for distribution after retirement or
resignation from the Company
|
|
|
- Perquisites
|
|
- Vehicle and club membership for two named executive officers
|
|
|
- Benefits
|
|
- On same terms as other employees, including our employee
stock purchase plan
|
|
|
|
|
- Our top three executives receive medical coverage from
retirement to age 65
|
|
|
|
|
- The Company reimburses Messrs. Streeter and Leech for
premiums paid under two life insurance policies, provided
they continue their employment with the Company until their
retirement date as defined in the agreement
|
|
|
- Indemnification Agreements
|
|
- Indemnification for our top four executives provided the
executive was acting in good faith and in the best interest
of the Company
|
(iv)
|
|
|
2010 Summary Compensation
|
Set forth below is the 2010 compensation for each named executive officer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Pension
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
Option
|
|
Incentive Plan
|
|
Compensation
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Salary
|
|
Bonus
|
|
Awards
(1)
|
|
Awards
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Earnings
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Total
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
$
|
610,275
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
760,511
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
427,195
|
|
|
$
|
290
|
|
|
$
|
167,190
|
|
|
$
|
1,965,461
|
|
President and Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
293,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
718,568
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101,643
|
|
|
|
1,380,896
|
|
Executive Vice
President and Chief
Financial Officer and
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. (Gene)
|
|
|
323,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484,440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
272,125
|
|
|
|
207
|
|
|
|
97,261
|
|
|
|
1,177,968
|
|
Leech
Executive Vice
President Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,940
|
|
|
|
633,173
|
|
VP Controller and
Chief Accounting
Officer and Assistant
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
194,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
247,398
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111,000
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
52,826
|
|
|
|
605,621
|
|
Vice President
Human Resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Awards are valued using an average of the high and low stock price on the
grant date of the Common Stock, March 24, 2011, which was $43.51 per share. The number of shares to
be awarded to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech was calculated by the Compensation Committee on
January 24, 2011, using an average of the high and low stock price on that date, or $34.92 per
share. The Compensation Committees policy is to make compensation decisions for our top three
named executive officers, including the number of restricted shares to be awarded, during their
January meeting; however, it is presently Company policy to grant compensation awards to all
employees in March. The value of restricted stock used by the Compensation Committee to determine
the number of restricted shares to award for Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech on January 24,
2011, was $610,279, $576,621, and $388,744, respectively. The value of the restricted stock
granted to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech reflected in the table is higher because of the
increase in our share price from January 24, 2011 to March 24, 2011.
See 2010 Summary Compensation Table on page 30 for more detailed information regarding 2010
total compensation.
|
|
|
2010 Compensation Highlights
|
|
-
|
|
Our Compensation Committee determined that our President and Chief
Executive Officer met his individual performance objectives, but that the
Company-wide performance level was approximately 70%. As a result, the
Compensation Committee determined that total compensation for our President and
Chief Executive Officer should slightly decrease for 2010 and remain significantly
below his total compensation from 2008. As a result of the change in our stock
price between the date on which the Compensation Committee set the number of shares
that were to be granted to our President and Chief Executive Officer and the actual
date the shares were issued, rather than his total compensation decreasing by 1.6%,
his total compensation increased by 6.6%. Even with this increase, his 2010 total
compensation remains 26.2% less than his total 2008 total compensation, and 35.1%
less than his total 2007 total compensation.
|
(v)
|
-
|
|
To incorporate current best practices, the Board amended the stock
ownership guidelines to increase the holding requirement of our Common Stock by our
Chief Executive Officer from five times to six times his annual base salary.
|
|
|
-
|
|
Consistent with best practices, we amended the GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan to not permit buy-outs of options for cash whose
exercise price exceeds fair market value on that date without shareholder approval.
|
|
|
-
|
|
Also consistent with best practices, in 2010 the Board determined it
would not include any tax gross-ups in future agreements with employees and, in
keeping with their decision, a tax gross-up was not included in the Change of
Control Agreement entered into with Mr. Safier on March 15, 2011.
|
The Compensation Committee met on January 24, 2011, and set the 2011 annual salary, the 2010
non-equity incentive cash bonus and the number of shares comprising the 2010 long-term incentive
award of restricted stock for our top three named executive officers. The number of shares was
based on an average of the high and low stock price on that date of $34.92 per share. Present
Company policy is to issue restricted stock awards to all of our U.S. employees at the same time in
March, therefore, all restricted stock awards, including those for our top three named executive
officers, were granted on March 24, 2011, when the average of the high and low stock price was
$43.51 per share. The value of restricted stock used by the Compensation Committee to determine
the number of restricted shares to award for Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech on January 24,
2011, was $610,279, $576,621, and $388,744, respectively. The value of the restricted stock
granted to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table is
higher because of the increase in our share price from January 24, 2011, to March 24, 2011.
The Board recommends a FOR vote on the non-binding proposal to approve our named executive
officer compensation because it believes that our compensation policies and practices are effective
in aligning the executives long-term interests with those of our stockholders.
Advisory Vote on Frequency of Say on Pay
(Proposal 6)
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR holding the advisory vote on executive
compensation once every year or ONE YEAR.
Ratification of KPMG as Our Auditor
(Proposal 7)
As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking our stockholders to ratify the
selection of KPMG as our independent auditor for 2011. While UHY and its predecessor has served as
our principal registered public accountant firm from 2005 to 2010, we decided as a result of a
competitive request for proposal process to dismiss UHY and to engage KPMG LLP for 2011.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR ratifying the selection of KPMG as our
auditor for 2011.
2012 Annual Stockholder Meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deadline for stockholder proposals
|
March 15, 2012
|
(vi)
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340
Houston, Texas 77042
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held June 7, 2011
Explanatory Note Regarding Reorganization
On February 24, 2010, GulfMark Offshore, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Old GulfMark), merged
with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary, New GulfMark Offshore, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Corporation), pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization, dated as of October 14, 2009
(the Reorganization Agreement), with the Corporation as the surviving corporation (such
transaction, the Reorganization). At the effective time of the Reorganization, the Corporation
changed its name from New GulfMark Offshore, Inc. to GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Unless the
context requires otherwise, references to GulfMark, the Company, we, us and our refer to
the Corporation, its direct or indirect subsidiaries, Old GulfMark and all other predecessors to
Old GulfMark.
General Information
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Company at the direction of the Board of Directors
(the Board) for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday,
June 7, 2011, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof. Information on how to obtain directions to attend
the meeting and vote in person is set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting.
Board Recommendation
The Board recommends that the stockholders vote
FOR
the election of the Boards nominees for
director,
FOR
the adoption of the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
FOR
the adoption of the
2011 Non-Employee Directors Share Incentive Plan,
FOR
the amendments to the Deferred Compensation
Plan,
FOR
the Say-on-Pay proposal;
FOR ONE YEAR
for the frequency of Say-on-Pay proposal,
and
FOR
ratification of the selection by the Board of KPMG LLP as our independent public
accountants for the 2011 fiscal year.
Voting by Proxy
When proxies in the accompanying form are received and properly executed, or voted on the
internet, the shares will be voted by the persons named in the proxy as directed in the proxy
unless contrary instructions are given. Where no instruction is indicated on the proxy for
proposal 1, the proxy will not be voted which has the effect of a vote against the directors. Where
no instruction is indicated on the proxy with respect to Proposal 7 of the proxy statement with
regard to the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as independent public accountants for 2011,
the proxy will be voted FOR the ratification.
If you are a stockholder of record and you do not
cast your vote either in person or by proxy, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of the
items of business at the Annual Meeting.
Shares Held in Street Name
If your shares are held beneficially in street name through a nominee such as a brokerage
firm, financial institution or other holder of record, your vote is controlled by that firm,
institution or holder. Your vote may also be cast by telephone or Internet, as well as by mail, if
your brokerage firm or financial institution offers such voting alternatives. Please follow the
specific instructions provided by your nominee on your proxy card. If your shares are
1
registered in street name and you do not provide your broker or holder with voting instructions,
your shares may constitute broker non-votes. Generally, broker non-votes occur on certain
non-routine matters when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without specific
instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given.
Thus, if you hold your
shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote in the election of
directors, the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive
Plan, the amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plan, the Say-on-Pay proposal and the frequency
of Say-on-Pay proposal, no votes will be cast on your behalf. Your bank or broker will, however,
continue to have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment
of our independent auditors. Such shares will be voted FOR the ratification.
Revocability of Proxies
You have the right to revoke your proxy at any time prior to its use by submitting to the
Secretary of the Company a written revocation or a duly executed proxy card bearing a later date.
If you are present at the meeting and request the return of your previously executed proxy, your
proxy will be returned.
Solicitation of Proxies
Upon request, additional proxy material will be furnished without cost to brokers and other
nominees to forward to the beneficial owners of shares held in their names. We will bear all costs
of soliciting proxies. Proxies will be solicited principally by mail but may also be solicited by
our directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation to such individuals.
Quorum
The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the shares outstanding on the
record date will constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes and, with respect to the
election of directors, withhold votes, are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of
a quorum.
Votes Required to Approve Matters Presented at the Annual Meeting
Election of Directors (Proposal 1)
. The election to the Board of Directors of the persons
nominated in this Proxy Statement will require the vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares
represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will not affect the election outcome.
Adopting the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Proposal 2)
. At a meeting at which a quorum
is present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the proposal is
required to adopt the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Abstentions will
have the same effect as an against vote for this proposal, but broker non-votes will have no
effect.
Adopting the 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (Proposal 3)
. At a meeting at
which a quorum is present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on
the proposal is required to adopt the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director Share
Incentive Plan. Abstentions will have the same effect as an against vote for this proposal, but
broker non-votes will have no effect.
Amending the Deferred Compensation Plan (Proposal 4)
. At a meeting at which a quorum is
present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the proposal is
required to amend the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. Abstentions will have
the same effect as an against vote for this proposal, but broker non-votes will have no effect.
Non-Binding Advisory Say-on-Pay Vote (Proposal 5)
. At a meeting at which a quorum is
present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the proposal will
constitute stockholder non-binding approval with respect to the compensation paid to our named
executive officers. Abstentions will have the same effect as an against vote for this proposal,
but broker non-votes will have no effect.
Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Frequency of Say-on-Pay (Proposal 6)
. At a meeting at which a
quorum is present, the vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares entitled to vote on the
proposal will constitute
2
stockholder non-binding approval with respect to the frequency of submission to stockholders
of Say on Pay proposals. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of this
proposal.
Ratification of Auditor Appointment (Proposal 7)
. The vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares entitled to vote and represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is
present is required to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for fiscal year
2011 by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Broker non-votes will be counted as a for
vote for this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as an against vote for this
proposal.
Other Business (Proposal 8)
. If any other matters come before the meeting that are not
specifically set forth on the proxy card and in this Proxy Statement, such matters shall be decided
by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the
Annual Meeting, unless otherwise provided in our Certificate of Formation, our By-laws, or as
otherwise required by law.
Availability of Proxy Materials
This proxy statement will be first sent or given to stockholders on or about April 29, 2011.
The Proxy Statement dated April 29, 2011, Form of Proxy, and the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010
Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 are available at
http://www.proxydocs.com/GLF
.
3
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
At the effective time of the Reorganization, each outstanding and treasury share of the common
stock of the Old GulfMark automatically converted into one share of Class A common stock (the
Common Stock) of the Corporation. Shares of Common Stock of the Corporation trade on the same
exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and under the same symbol, GLF, that the shares of Old
GulfMarks common stock traded on and under prior to the Reorganization. References to Common
Stock in this proxy statement for dates prior to the Reorganization refer to Old GulfMarks common
stock that was converted to the Corporations Common Stock in the Reorganization.
The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting to be held June 7, 2011, is the close of business on April 13, 2011 (the Record
Date). As of the Record Date, there were 26,500,461 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon at
the meeting.
The following table sets forth certain information for each person who on the Record Date was
known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
|
No. Shares Beneficially Owned
(1)
|
|
|
Percent of Class
|
|
BlackRock, Inc.
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
|
|
|
1,428,152
|
|
|
|
5.4
|
%
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Palisades West, Building One
6300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
|
|
|
1,642,844
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons or group listed have sole voting
and investment power with respect to their shares of Common Stock.
(2)
The information shown above was obtained from the Schedule 13G, dated February
4, 2011, as filed with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc.
(3)
The information shown above was obtained from the Schedule 13G, dated February
11, 2011, as filed with the SEC by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, the number and percentage of Common
Stock beneficially owned by each of our directors and director nominees, each executive officer
named in the summary compensation table included under Executive Officers, and all directors and
executive officers as a group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Vested
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Other
|
|
Equivalent to
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equivalent
|
|
Total
Interest
|
|
|
Subject to
|
|
Subject to
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
to Common
|
|
in Common
|
|
|
Restricted
|
|
Currently
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Percent
|
|
Stock Not
|
|
Stock and
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
of
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
Units
|
Name
|
|
Awards
(1)
|
|
Options
(2)
|
|
Owned
|
|
Owned
(3)
|
|
Owned
(4)
|
|
Class
(5)
|
|
Owned
(6)
|
|
Equivalent
|
|
|
|
Peter I. Bijur
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
16,000
|
|
|
|
3,888
|
|
|
|
42,088
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,088
|
|
David J. Butters
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
672,213
|
|
(7)
|
|
13,965
|
|
|
|
708,378
|
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
708,378
|
|
Brian R. Ford
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,500
|
|
|
|
611
|
|
|
|
11,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
406
|
|
|
|
11,717
|
|
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
382,888
|
|
(8)
|
|
7,066
|
|
|
|
412,154
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
412,154
|
|
Sheldon S. Gordon
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
46,000
|
|
|
|
26,377
|
|
|
|
94,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,577
|
|
Robert B. Millard
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
718,813
|
|
|
|
16,314
|
|
|
|
757,327
|
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
757,327
|
|
Robert T. OConnell
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,953
|
|
|
|
7,153
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,153
|
|
Rex C. Ross
|
|
|
2,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,100
|
|
|
|
5,735
|
|
|
|
21,035
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
|
21,228
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
57,567
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
470,570
|
|
(9)
|
|
61,856
|
|
|
|
659,993
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
659,993
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
36,891
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,498
|
|
|
|
7,748
|
|
|
|
60,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,668
|
|
|
|
64,805
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
27,912
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
243,712
|
|
(10)
|
|
42,207
|
|
|
|
353,831
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353,831
|
|
Richard M. Safier
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
12,716
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,263
|
|
|
|
9,188
|
|
|
|
30,167
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,167
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
13,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,057
|
|
|
|
3,505
|
|
|
|
19,714
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
578
|
|
|
|
20,292
|
|
All directors and executive
officers as a group (14
persons)
|
|
|
169,838
|
|
|
|
210,000
|
|
|
|
2,598,614
|
|
|
|
203,413
|
|
|
|
3,181,865
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
|
5,845
|
|
|
|
3,187,710
|
|
(1)
Includes shares of our Common Stock held for our directors and executive
officers pursuant to restricted stock awards issued under various incentive plans maintained by us.
The beneficial owner has sole voting power and no investment power with respect to these shares
during the restriction period.
(2)
Includes currently exercisable stock options and those stock options that will
become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date issued under our various incentive plans we
maintain. The beneficial owner has no voting power or investment power over these shares prior to
exercising the options.
(3)
Includes shares of our Common Stock held for our directors and executive
officers under our current Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan where the shares are vested or will
vest within 60 days of the Record Date.
(4)
Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons listed have sole voting and
investment power with respect to their shares of our Common Stock.
(5)
Percentage based solely on Total Common Stock Beneficially Owned. Less than 1%
unless otherwise indicated.
(6)
Includes shares of our Common Stock held for our directors and executive
officers under our current Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan where such shares do not vest within
60 days of the Record Date.
5
(7
)
Includes 80,400 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Butters wife, and with
respect to which shares Mr. Butters has shared voting and dispositive power.
(8
)
Includes 30,420 shares of our Common Stock owned by trusts of which Mr. Gimbel
is the co-trustee, and with respect to which shares Mr. Gimbel has shared voting and dispositive
power.
(9)
Includes 208,392 shares of our Common Stock owned jointly by Mr. Streeter and
his wife, and with respect to which shares Mr. Streeter has shared voting and dispositive power.
(10)
Includes 920 shares of our Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Leechs
children, and with respect to which shares Mr. Leech has shared voting and dispositive power.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF EIGHT DIRECTORS
The Board has nominated eight directors for election at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Robert T.
OConnell, a Board member since 2006, is not a nominee as he has exceeded the age limit for a
director as set forth in the Companys Governance & Nominating Policy, and was not grandfathered
under that policy as are Messrs. Gimbel and Gordon. The Board has adopted a resolution, pursuant
to authority granted to it by our Bylaws, to reduce the size of the Board to eight members
effective as of the Annual Meeting. Each director to be elected will hold office until the next
Annual Meeting and until such directors successor is elected and qualified. Each nominee listed
below is currently a director of the Company and was elected as a director by the stockholders of
the Company. The nominees receiving a plurality of votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be
elected as directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but will not affect the election
outcome.
The Board believes that each of the eight nominees possesses the qualities and experience that
the Board believes our directors should possess, as described in detail below in the section
entitled Our Board of Directors Selection of Director Nominees. The nominees for election to
the Board, together with their biographical information and the Boards reasons for selecting them
as nominees, are set forth below. No family relationship exists between any of the nominated
directors, Mr. OConnell, or the executive officers listed in the Executive Officer portion of this
Proxy Statement.
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Nominee
|
|
Age
|
|
Year First Became Director
|
|
Peter I. Bijur
|
|
68
|
|
2003
|
David J. Butters
|
|
70
|
|
1989
|
Brian R. Ford
|
|
62
|
|
2009
|
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
|
|
82
|
|
1970
|
Sheldon S. Gordon
|
|
75
|
|
2001
|
Robert B. Millard
|
|
60
|
|
1989
|
Rex C. Ross
|
|
67
|
|
2007
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
62
|
|
1997
|
Peter I. Bijur serves as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees and is
Chairman of the Governance & Nominating Committee. Mr. Bijur currently serves on the Board of
Directors of Volvo AB and is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Texaco Inc. where he served from 1996 until his retirement in 2001. Mr. Bijur formerly
served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Middlebury College and Mount Sinai-New York
University Health. The Board determined that Mr. Bijur should be nominated for election as a
director due to his extensive executive experience, including his prior service as the chairman and
chief executive officer of a major public corporation, his public company board leadership
experience, and his corporate governance expertise.
6
David J. Butters is Chairman of the Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Compensation
Committee. Since September 2008, Mr. Butters has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Navigator Holdings Ltd., an international shipping company. Mr. Butters is also
currently a member of the Board of Directors of Weatherford International, Inc. Mr. Butters
retired from Lehman Brothers, Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (Lehman) in
September 2008. He had been employed at Lehman since 1969, most recently holding the position of
Managing Director. The Board determined that Mr. Butters should be nominated for election as a
director due to his extensive knowledge of the shipping and oil and gas service industries, his
experience as a director of public companies, his banking experience and his financial and
executive management expertise.
Brian R. Ford was appointed to the Board in March of 2009 and is chairman of the Audit
Committee. Mr. Ford was the Chief Executive Officer of Washington Philadelphia Partners, LP from
2008 through 2010. He retired as a partner from Ernst & Young LLP in June 2008 where he had been
employed since 1971. Mr. Ford also serves on the Board of Trustees of Drexel University and Drexel
University College of Medicine School and is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of the
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Board determined that Mr. Ford should be
nominated for election as a director due to his financial, audit and accounting expertise gained as
a partner in a top tier public accounting firm.
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
is a member of the Governance & Nominating Committee. He is
Chief Executive Officer of S. S. Steiner, Inc., Chairman of the Board of Hops Extract Corporation
of America and Manager of Stadelman Fruit LLC. Mr. Gimbel is also a member of the Board of Golden
Gate Hop Ranches Inc. and Simon H. Steiner, Hopfen, GbmH. He has been employed by S.S. Steiner,
Inc. for more than the past five years. S. S. Steiner, Inc. is engaged in the farming, trading,
processing, importing and exporting of hops and other specialty crops. He is also a trustee for
the Monmouth County (WJ) Conservation Foundation. The Board determined that Mr. Gimbel should be
nominated for election as a director due to his extensive knowledge of the Company gained from over
40 years of service as a director of the Company and its predecessors, and his experience as the
chief executive officer of a multinational corporation.
Sheldon S. Gordon is a member of the Compensation, Governance & Nominating and Audit
Committees. From May 1996 to present, he has been non-executive Chairman of Union Bancaire Privée
International Holdings, Inc. From May 1996 to March 2002, he was Chairman of the Rhone Group LLC
with which he continues as a Senior Advisor. Mr. Gordon is currently a director of Union Bancaire
Privée and was a Director of the Holland Balanced Fund from June 1996 to June 2008 and of Ametek,
Inc. from 1989 to May 2011. The Board determined that Mr. Gordon should be nominated for election
as a director due to his financial and accounting expertise, his experience as a senior executive
and director of large multinational corporations, and his strategic business management expertise.
Robert B. Millard is currently Managing Partner of Realm Partners LLC. From 1976 until
September 2008, Mr. Millard held various positions, including Managing Director, at Lehman
Brothers, Inc. and its predecessors. From September 2008 until December 2008, Mr. Millard was a
Managing Director of Barclays Bank. Mr. Millard also serves as a director of Weatherford
International, Inc. and as Lead Independent Director of L-3 Communications Inc. He also serves as
Chairman of the Board of the MIT Investment Management Company, on the Boards of Trustees of the
MIT Corporation (Executive Committee), The Population Council, Associated Universities Inc. and the
Remarque Institute of New York University. He also serves on the Investment Subcommittee of the
Finance and Budget Committee of the Council on Foreign Relations. The Board determined that Mr.
Millard should be nominated for election as a director due to his expertise in financial, business
and corporate development matters, his experience as a director of public companies, and his
extensive experience in the oil and gas service industry.
Rex C. Ross is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Governance & Nominating
Committee. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Ross served as Chairman and director of Schlumberger Technology
Corporation, the holding company for all Schlumberger Limited assets and entities in the United
States. Prior to his retirement from Schlumberger Limited in May 2004, Mr. Ross held a number of
executive management positions during his 11-year career there, including President of Schlumberger
Oilfield Services North America; President, Schlumberger GeoQuest; and President of
SchlumbergerSema North & South America. Mr. Ross was elected a Director of Enterprise Products
Partners L.P. (a publicly traded oil and gas mid-stream services and marketing company) in October
2006 and is a member of its Audit and Conflicts and Governance Committees. The Board determined
that
7
Mr. Ross should be nominated for election as a director due to his executive management expertise
and his knowledge of the oil and gas service industry.
Bruce A. Streeter has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since
January 1997 and as Chief Executive Officer since 2006. He served as President of our Marine
Division from November 1990 until he became President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
Prior to November 1990, Mr. Streeter was with Offshore Logistics, Inc. for a period of twelve years
serving in a number of capacities, including General Manager Marine Division. The Board determined
that Mr. Streeter should be nominated for election as a director due to his extensive knowledge of
the industry and the Company, its operations and people, gained from 32 years of service in the
industry in positions of increasing responsibility.
Director Not Continuing in Office
Robert T. OConnell was appointed as a director of the Company in 2006. Mr. OConnell is the
former Chief Financial Officer of General Motors where he served from 1988 to 1992 and Chief
Executive Officer of GMAC Financial Services where he served from 1992 until his retirement in
1994. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. OConnell served as Senior Vice President and Chief Staff Officer of
EMC Corporation. He subsequently served as a member of the Board of Directors and in various
executive capacities at RWD Technologies, Inc., from 1997 to 2003. He currently serves on the
Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. He also serves on the Boston Finance Commission, a
Governor-appointed commission of the State of Massachusetts. Mr. OConnell is not a nominee for
election to the Board at the Annual Meeting as he has exceeded the age limit for a director as set
forth in the Companys Governance & Nominating Policy and was not grandfathered under that policy
as are Messrs. Gimbel and Gordon.
Required Vote for Election of Directors
Election as directors of the persons nominated in this Proxy Statement will require the vote
of the holders of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF THE PERSONS NOMINATED.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Role of the Board
Our directors are elected by our stockholders to oversee the actions and results of our
management. Their responsibilities include:
|
|
|
providing general oversight of our business, including the audit function;
|
|
|
|
|
approving corporate strategy;
|
|
|
|
|
approving major management initiatives;
|
|
|
|
|
providing oversight of legal and ethical conduct;
|
|
|
|
|
overseeing the management of any significant business risks;
|
|
|
|
|
selecting, compensating, and evaluating directors;
|
|
|
|
|
evaluating board processes and performance;
|
|
|
|
|
selecting, compensating, evaluating and, when necessary, replacing the
President and Chief Executive Officer, and compensating other senior executives;
|
8
|
|
|
ensuring that a succession plan is in place for all senior executives; and
|
|
|
|
|
establishing and overseeing committees to manage the foregoing.
|
Our Board is responsible for consideration and oversight of risks facing the Company. Together
with its standing committees, the Board is responsible for ensuring that material risks are
identified and managed appropriately. In particular, the Audit Committee performs a central
oversight role with respect to financial and compliance risks, and the Compensation Committee
considers risk in connection with its design of compensation programs for our executives. The Board
and its committees regularly review material strategic, operational, financial, compensation and
compliance risks with senior management in detail in order to adequately assess and determine our
potential vulnerability and consider appropriate risk management strategies where necessary.
Composition of the Board
We believe there should always be a substantial majority (75% or more) of independent
directors and that the Chief Executive Officer should be a Board member. Other officers may, from
time to time, be Board members, but no officer other than the Chief Executive Officer should expect
to be elected to the Board by virtue of his or her position with the Company.
Selection of Director Nominees
The Board is responsible for selecting candidates for Board membership and for establishing
the criteria to be used in identifying potential candidates. The Board delegates the screening
process to the members of the Governance & Nominating Committee. For more information on the
director nomination process, including the selection criteria, see the GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
Governance & Nominating Policy available online at
http://www.gulfmark.com/fw/main/Corporate-Governance-19.html
.
We believe that it is important for our Board to be comprised of individuals with diverse
backgrounds, skills and experiences. The composition of the Board and the experience, as well as
the qualities, brought to the Board by our directors are reviewed annually. While the Governance &
Nominating Committee does not have a formal diversity policy and identifies qualified potential
candidates without regard to any candidates race, color, disability, gender, national origin,
religion or creed, it does seek to ensure the fair representation of all stockholder interests on
the Board.
The Board seeks independent directors who represent a mix of backgrounds and experiences that
will enhance the quality of the Boards deliberations and decisions. Nominees should have
substantial experience with one or more publicly traded national or multinational companies or
should have achieved a high level of distinction in their chosen fields.
The Board is particularly interested in maintaining a mix that includes the following
backgrounds:
|
|
|
active or retired chief executive officers and senior executives;
|
|
|
|
|
experience in operations, finance, accounting, and/or banking;
|
|
|
|
|
international business;
|
|
|
|
|
oilfield services; and
|
|
|
|
|
other oil and gas industry experience.
|
Finally, Board members should display the personal attributes necessary to be an effective
director: integrity, sound judgment, independence, ability to operate collaboratively, and
commitment to the Company and our stockholders. The Board believes that the use of these general
criteria, along with a non-discriminatory policy, will best result in a Board that evidences that
diversity in many respects. The Board believes that it currently maintains that diversity.
9
Separation of the Roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
We believe that separating the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors from that of Chief
Executive Officer can facilitate a clear delineation between the oversight responsibilities of the
Board of Directors and the management responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer. We also
believe that the decision to separate these roles is dependent on the attributes of the two
individuals involved. When properly constructed and constituted, the separation allows the Chairman
of the Board to more readily manage the time requirements and distractions of general Board
operations, routine contact with fellow directors between meetings, and can foster candor in
evaluating Company and Chief Executive Officer performance. This provides the Chief Executive
Officer with additional time to manage and execute the strategic plans for our business.
Board Independence
Our Board has determined that all seven of the current non-management directors of the Company
nominated for election as a director qualify as independent directors under the New York Stock
Exchange corporate governance rules and that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as
independent under Rule 10A-3 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange
Act). Each of the seven nominated non-management directors of the Company are also non-employee
directors as defined under Exchange Act Rule 16b-3 and outside directors as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code, section 162(m). Each committee described below in Board Committees and
Meetings is comprised in full of independent non-management directors.
To be considered independent under the New York Stock Exchange rules, our Board affirmatively
determined that all seven nominated non-management directors had no material relationship with the
Company (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a
relationship with the Company). A director is not independent if:
|
|
|
the director was employed by the Company within the preceding three years;
|
|
|
|
|
an immediate family member of the director was an executive officer of the
Company within the preceding three years;
|
|
|
|
|
the director or an immediate family member of the director received more than
$120,000 per year, within the preceding three years, in direct compensation from the
Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred
compensation for prior service (provided such service is not contingent in any way on
continued service);
|
|
|
|
|
the director was affiliated with or employed by, or an immediate family member
of the director was affiliated with or employed in a professional capacity by, a
present or former internal or external auditor of the Company, within the preceding
three years;
|
|
|
|
|
the director or an immediate family member of the director was employed, within
the preceding three years, as an executive officer of another company where any of the
Companys present executives serve on that companys compensation committee; or
|
|
|
|
|
the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of the
director is a current executive officer of a company that has made payments to, or
received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any
of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other
companys consolidated gross revenues.
|
The following is not considered by our Board to be a material relationship that would impair a
directors independence. No material relationship exists if a director is an executive officer of,
or beneficially owns in excess of a 10% equity interest in, another company:
|
|
|
that does business with the Company, and the amount of the annual payments to
the Company is less than five percent of the annual consolidated gross revenues of the
Company, or $200,000, whichever is more;
|
10
|
|
|
that does business with the Company, and the amount of the annual payments by
the Company to such other company is less than five percent of the annual consolidated
gross revenues of the Company, or $200,000, whichever is more; or
|
|
|
|
|
to which the Company was indebted at the end of its last fiscal year in an
aggregate amount that is less than five percent of the consolidated assets of the
Company.
|
For relationships not covered by the guidelines in the immediately preceding paragraph, the
determination of whether the relationship is material or not, and therefore whether the director
would be independent or not, is made by our Board members who satisfy the independence guidelines
described above.
Approval of Related Person Transactions
Our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of all
proposed transactions between us, any of our officers or directors, or relatives or affiliates of
any such officers or directors, to ensure that any such related-party transaction is fair and is in
our overall best interest. No transactions requiring approval occurred in 2010.
Board Committees and Meetings
Pursuant to our Bylaws, the Board has established several committees, including an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Governance & Nominating Committee. During the year ended
December 31, 2010, the Board met seven times, the Audit Committee met eight times, the Compensation
Committee met five times and the Governance & Nominating Committee met four times. During 2010,
each director attended at least 86% of the combined Board meetings and meetings of committees of
the Board on which he served. Our policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting is
that directors are invited to attend, and that we will make all appropriate arrangements for
directors that choose to attend. All directors then serving attended the 2010 Annual Meeting.
Audit Committee
We have an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange
Act. Messrs. Ford (Chairman), Gordon, Bijur, and OConnell are the current members of the Audit
Committee. Mr. OConnell is not a nominee for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting as he
has exceeded the age limit for a director as set forth in the Companys Governance & Nominating
Policy. The Board has determined that all of the Audit Committee members are independent as
defined in the New York Stock Exchange listing standards applicable to the Company. Mr. Ford, by
virtue of his financial, audit and accounting expertise gained as a partner in a top tier public
accounting firm, has been designated as the Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of
Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committees function is to provide oversight. Its
principal oversight responsibilities are to:
|
|
|
make recommendations to the Board concerning the selection and discharge of our
independent auditors;
|
|
|
|
|
discuss with our internal auditors and independent auditors the overall scope
and plans for their respective audits, including the adequacy of staffing and
compensation; and
|
|
|
|
|
discuss with management, internal auditors and independent auditors the
adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and financial controls.
|
The Board adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is posted on our website at
www.gulfmark.com
.
11
Compensation Committee
Messrs. Butters (Chairman), Bijur, Gordon and Ross are the current members of the Compensation
Committee. The functions of the Compensation Committee are to:
|
|
|
formulate, administer and continually assess the Companys compensation
philosophy in light of actual pay practices, policies and programs;
|
|
|
|
|
review overall plan design for each of the major benefit programs;
|
|
|
|
|
retain independent advisors to assist the Compensation Committee in its role of
assessing and administering these programs;
|
|
|
|
|
review and monitor succession plans for the President and Chief Executive
Officer and our other officers, as well as the general policies and programs associated
with development of our management team;
|
|
|
|
|
independently administer the compensation and benefit programs of the President
and Chief Executive Officer;
|
|
|
|
|
annually review the compensation levels of our other officers using independent
data and the President and Chief Executive Officers recommendations on salaries (other
than his own) and make recommendations to the Board on salary changes, annual bonus
plan provisions and payouts and equity grants; and
|
|
|
|
|
periodically review the components, the administration and operation of our
incentive compensation programs to ensure that no material risks exist that would or
could promote excessive risk taking that could be detrimental to the Company or our
stock.
|
The recommendations of the Compensation Committee are reviewed and subject to approval by the
full Board, including a majority of our independent directors.
The Board adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which is posted on our
website at
www.gulfmark.com
.
Information regarding the processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of
executive and director compensation may be found in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on
pages 16 to 29 of this proxy statement.
Governance & Nominating Committee
Messrs. Bijur (Chairman), Gimbel, Gordon and Ross are the current members of the Governance &
Nominating Committee. The functions of the Governance & Nominating Committee are to:
|
|
|
develop and periodically review our governance principles;
|
|
|
|
|
identify new directors and annually recommend directors for election to the
Board;
|
|
|
|
|
annually evaluate Board and Committee performance; and
|
|
|
|
|
review and recommend Board compensation for non-employee directors.
|
The Governance & Nominating Committee has not previously received any recommendations for
director candidates from stockholders. The Governance & Nominating Committee will consider any
candidate that has timely given written notice to our Secretary. If you would like to recommend a
director candidate for consideration by our Governance & Nominating Committee you may submit your
recommendation to our executive offices at
12
GulfMark Offshore, Inc., 10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77042, Attn:
Secretary. The notice should set forth as to each person you propose to nominate for election or
reelection as a director:
|
|
|
all information required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for
election of directors in a contested election, or is otherwise required under
then-current SEC rules;
|
|
|
|
|
a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material
monetary agreements during the past three years, and any other material relationships,
between or among you or any person deemed to be associated with you, as described below
(an associated person), if any, on the one hand, and such proposed nominee or his or
her respective affiliates and associates on the other hand; and
|
|
|
|
|
completed and signed Director Representation and Agreement and Director
Questionnaire with respect to the background and qualifications of such nominee, the
forms of which you can obtain from us upon written request to our executive offices at
the address set forth above.
|
An associated person includes (1) any of your affiliates or associates, (2) any beneficial
owner of our Common Stock on whose behalf you make any proposal or nomination, and (3) any other
person with whom you, the beneficial owner or any of your affiliates or associates has an agreement
or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of our Common Stock or
obtaining, changing or influencing the control of the Company.
In addition, you will need to provide the following information regarding yourself and any
associated person:
|
|
|
any information that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of
proxies for the election of directors in a contested election, or is otherwise required
under then-current SEC rules;
|
|
|
|
|
a representation that you are a holder of record of capital stock of the
Company entitled to vote at such meeting and that you intend to appear in person or by
proxy at the meeting to propose such nomination; and
|
|
|
|
|
a representation as to whether you or any associated person intends or is part
of a group that intends to (1) deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to
holders of at least the percentage of the outstanding capital stock of the Company
required to elect the nominee or (2) otherwise solicit proxies or votes from
stockholders in support of such nomination.
|
For a full description of the process for nominating a director, see Section 1.13(a)(4) of our
Bylaws.
The Governance & Nominating Committee identifies and evaluates director candidates in
accordance with the director qualification standards described in our Governance & Nominating
Policy, which can be found on our website,
www.gulfmark.com
. Candidates are selected for
their character, judgment, business experience and acumen, as well as other factors established by
the Governance & Nominating Committee in order to satisfy the qualifications for directors
described above in the section titled Selection of Director Nominees.
The Board has adopted a written Governance & Nominating Committee charter, which is posted on
our website at
www.gulfmark.com
.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Board adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of our employees and
agents as well as a Code of Ethics for our Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial
Officers, which are posted on our website at
www.gulfmark.com
. We intend to satisfy the
disclosure requirement regarding any changes to our code of ethics we adopt and/or any waiver from
our code of ethics that we grant by posting such information on our website,
www.gulfmark.com
, or by filing a Form 8-K for such event.
13
Availability of Corporate Governance Documents
Stockholders may obtain copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee, and the Governance & Nominating Committee, our Governance & Nominating Policy and our
Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics free of charge by contacting the Companys Secretary at the
Companys principal address of 10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77042, or by
accessing our website at
www.gulfmark.com
, selecting the Investor Relations tab and then
selecting Corporate Governance.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Fees and Awards
Each of our non-employee directors is paid $1,500 for each meeting of the Board and $1,500 for
each Committee meeting of the Board he attends. In addition, during 2010, a retainer of $8,750 for
the first quarter and $11,250 for each remaining quarter was paid to each of our non-employee
directors. We also have a retainer arrangement with Mr. Butters where he receives a retainer of
$8,333 per month for serving as Chairman of the Board. We also have a retainer arrangement with
Messrs. Ford, Butters and Bijur where each receives a retainer of $3,750, $2,500 and $2,500,
respectively, per quarter for serving as Chairman of the Audit, Compensation and Governance &
Nominating Committees, respectively. Each qualified non-employee director was granted 2,200 shares
of restricted stock on June 8, 2010. Total compensation paid in 2010 to non-employee directors,
including shares of restricted stock granted, director fees and retainers, matching under our
current Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan (the Current EDC Plan), and earnings under the Current
EDC Plan is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive
|
|
|
|
|
|
qualified
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earned or
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
Non-Equity
|
|
Deferred
|
|
All
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in
|
|
Stock
|
|
Option
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Incentive Plan
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Cash
|
|
Awards
(1)
|
|
Awards
|
|
and Matching
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Earnings
(2)
|
|
Earnings
|
|
Total
|
|
Peter I. Bijur
|
|
$
|
87,000
|
|
|
$
|
54,054
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
13,050
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,546
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
155,650
|
|
David J. Butters
|
|
|
170,500
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,575
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,496
|
|
Brian R. Ford
|
|
|
66,250
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,938
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,248
|
|
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
|
|
|
59,000
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
121,904
|
|
Sheldon S. Gordon
|
|
|
92,250
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,838
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
160,142
|
|
Robert B. Millard
|
|
|
51,500
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,725
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
113,279
|
|
Robert T. OConnell
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,804
|
|
Rex C. Ross
|
|
|
62,000
|
|
|
|
54,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,479
|
|
(1)
Value based on the per share market value of our Common Stock on the grant
date.
(2)
Represents deferred compensation earnings on salary and other incentive awards
that the individual elects to defer where the earnings exceed a market rate specified by SEC rules.
Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan
Under our Current EDC Plan each director may elect to defer up to 100% of any fees paid by us
for distribution after retirement or resignation from the Board. Under the Current EDC Plan,
deferred compensation can be used to purchase Common Stock or may be retained by the Company and
earn interest at Prime plus 2%. The first 7.5% of compensation deferred must be used to purchase
Common Stock and may be matched by the Company. The matching portion vests prorata over five years
based on the individual directors years of service on the Board. We have established a rabbi
trust to fund the Common Stock portion of benefits under the Current EDC Plan. The funds provided
to the trust are invested by an independent trustee in our Common Stock, which is purchased by the
trustee on the open market or from us from shares held as treasury shares. The assets of the trust
14
are available to satisfy the claims of all our general creditors in the event of our
bankruptcy or insolvency. Distributions from the Current EDC Plan are made according to each
directors election in Common Stock for that portion deferred in Common Stock and in cash for that
portion retained by the Company. Total compensation paid in 2010 to the non-employee directors,
including director fees and retainers, and matching under the Current EDC Plan, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Balance at
|
|
Director
|
|
Our
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
Withdrawals/
|
|
Balance at
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Contributions in
|
|
Contributions in
|
|
Earnings in
|
|
Distributions
|
|
December 31,
|
Name
|
|
2009
|
|
2010
|
|
2010
|
|
2010
|
|
in 2010
|
|
2010
|
|
Peter I. Bijur
|
|
$
|
539,651
|
|
|
$
|
87,000
|
|
|
$
|
13,050
|
|
|
$
|
33,967
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
673,668
|
|
David J. Butters
|
|
|
1,968,603
|
|
|
|
170,500
|
|
|
|
25,575
|
|
|
|
119,972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,284,650
|
|
Brian R. Ford
|
|
|
11,704
|
|
|
|
6,625
|
|
|
|
9,938
|
|
|
|
1,895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,162
|
|
Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
|
|
|
155,234
|
|
|
|
29,500
|
|
|
|
8,850
|
|
|
|
14,234
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
207,818
|
|
Sheldon S. Gordon
|
|
|
630,549
|
|
|
|
92,250
|
|
|
|
13,838
|
|
|
|
54,113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
790,750
|
|
Robert B. Millard
|
|
|
392,419
|
|
|
|
51,500
|
|
|
|
7,725
|
|
|
|
33,132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484,776
|
|
Robert T. OConnell
|
|
|
122,733
|
|
|
|
4,875
|
|
|
|
9,750
|
|
|
|
10,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
147,438
|
|
Rex C. Ross
|
|
|
133,913
|
|
|
|
62,000
|
|
|
|
9,300
|
|
|
|
3,479
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
208,692
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,954,806
|
|
|
$
|
504,250
|
|
|
$
|
98,026
|
|
|
$
|
270,872
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,827,954
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
No member of our Compensation Committee is or was an officer or employee of the Company or any
of our subsidiaries or had any relationship requiring disclosure under applicable rules. During
2010, none of our executive officers served as (1) a member of the compensation committee of
another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of the
Company, (2) a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the
Compensation Committee of the Company, or (3) a member of the compensation committee of another
entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS
We have made no contributions to any tax exempt organization in which any independent director
serves as an executive officer.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following are executive officers and key employees of the Company, who serve at the
discretion of the Board:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Position
|
|
Age
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
62
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
|
45
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
Executive Vice President Operations
|
|
|
58
|
|
Richard M. Safier
|
|
Vice President General Counsel and Secretary
|
|
|
56
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
Vice President Controller, Chief Accounting
Officer
and Assistant Secretary
|
|
|
51
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
Vice President Human Resources
|
|
|
56
|
|
Bruce A. Streeters biographical information can be found in Proposal 1 Election of
Directors on page 8 of this proxy statement.
15
Quintin V. Kneen was named Chief Financial Officer of the Company in June 2009. Mr. Kneen
joined GulfMark in June 2008 as the Vice President Finance and was named Senior Vice President
Finance and Administration in December 2008. Previously, he was Vice President-Finance & Investor
Relations for Grant Prideco, Inc., serving in executive finance positions at Grant Prideco since
June 2003. Prior to joining Grant Prideco, Mr. Kneen held executive finance positions at Azurix
Corp. and was an Audit Manager with the Houston office of Price Waterhouse LLP. He holds an M.B.A.
from Rice University and a B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas A&M University, and is a Certified
Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
John E. (Gene) Leech was named Executive Vice President Operations of the Company in
February 2001 after having served as Vice President Operations from January 1997. He served as
Vice President of our predecessors Marine Division from its formation in November 1990 until he
became Vice President Operations of the Company. Prior to November 1990, Mr. Leech was with
Offshore Logistics, Inc. for a period of fifteen years serving in a number of capacities, including
Manager Domestic Operations and International Operations Manager.
Richard M. Safier was named Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of the
Company on March 15, 2011. Previously Mr. Safier was Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate
Secretary of T-3 Energy Services, Inc. from March 2006 until March 2011. Prior to joining T-3
Energy Services, Inc., Mr. Safier was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for a privately
held Houston based software company and in addition held positions of increasing responsibilities
in the offices of two Houston based law firms. Mr. Safier is a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Samuel R. Rubio was named Vice President Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the
Company on December 31, 2008. Mr. Rubio joined the Company in 2005 as the Assistant Controller and
was subsequently promoted to Controller in 2007. He has a B.B.A. degree from Sul Ross State
University and is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of both the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of CPAs. In addition, Mr. Rubio has over 25
years of experience in accounting at both operating division and corporate levels as well as the
management of accounting organizations.
David E. Darling was named Vice President Human Resources of the Company on November 21,
2008 and has over 22 years of human resource (HR) experience. He came to the Company through our
acquisition of Rigdon Marine, where he was employed as Human Resource Director since 2007. Prior
to joining Rigdon Marine, Mr. Darling served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources for a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company which he joined in 2000. Additionally, Mr.
Darling has 15 years of experience in the offshore vessel industry as Vessel Master, Operations
Manager and Human Resources Manager with Zapata Gulf Marine and Tidewater, Inc. Mr. Darling earned
his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Brenau University and his Master of
Science in Human Resources Management and Labor Relations from the New York Institute of
Technology.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information regarding the 2010 compensation
program in place for our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and
our three other most highly-compensated executive officers. This section includes information
regarding our compensation philosophy and objectives, the components of our compensation program,
and the key factors the Compensation Committee considered in determining the compensation for our
named executive officers in 2010.
16
The components of our compensation program are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Type
|
|
Form
|
|
Terms
|
|
Cash
|
|
- Salary
|
|
- Set annually based on market conditions, peer data and
other factors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Annual Non-Equity Incentive
|
|
- Linked to both Company-wide and individual performance but
discretionary factors are also considered
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
- Long-Term Incentive Awards
|
|
- Restricted stock with restrictions lapsing in thirds on
each anniversary of the date of grant over three years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Ability to grant options, but have chosen not to do so
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
- Employment Agreements and
Severance and Change of
Control Arrangements
|
|
- Automatic yearly renewal of employment agreements unless
120 days notice provided
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Change of Control payment equal to either two-and-a-half
times for our President and Chief Executive Officer or
two-times for our other top two named executive officers of
the executives annual salary plus his prior years annual
bonus on a change of control and a termination or adverse
change in employment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
- Allows deferral of salary and bonus with a portion required
to be in Company stock for distribution after retirement or
resignation from the Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Perquisites
|
|
- Vehicle and club membership for two named executive officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Benefits
|
|
- On same terms as other employees, including our employee
stock purchase plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Our top three executives receive medical coverage from
retirement to age 65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- The Company reimburses Messrs. Streeter and Leech for
premiums paid under two life insurance policies, provided
they continue their employment with the Company until their
retirement date as defined in the agreement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Indemnification Agreements
|
|
- Indemnification for our top four executives provided the
executive was acting in good faith and in the best interest
of the Company
|
Highlights for 2010 compensation include:
|
-
|
|
Our Compensation Committee determined that our President and Chief Executive Officer
met his individual performance objectives, but that the company-wide performance level was
approximately 70%. As a result, the Compensation Committee determined that total
compensation for our President and Chief Executive Officer should slightly decrease for
2010 and remain significantly below his total compensation from 2008. As a result of the
change in our stock price between the date on which the Compensation Committee set the
number of shares that were to be granted to our President and Chief Executive Officer and
the actual date the shares were issued, rather than his total compensation decreasing by
1.6%, his total compensation increased by 6.6%. Even with this increase, his 2010 total
compensation remains 26.2% less than his total 2008 total compensation, and 35.1% less than
his total 2007 total compensation.
|
|
|
-
|
|
To incorporate current best practices, the Board amended the stock ownership guidelines
to increase the holding requirement of our stock by our Chief Executive Officer from five
times to six times his annual base salary.
|
|
|
-
|
|
Consistent with best practices, we amended the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Equity Incentive Plan to not permit buy-outs of options for cash whose exercise price
exceeds fair market value on that date without shareholder approval.
|
|
|
-
|
|
Also consistent with best practices, the Board determined it would not include any tax
gross-ups in future agreements with employees, and, in keeping with their decision, a tax
gross-up was not included in the Change of Control Agreement entered into with Mr. Safier
on March 15, 2011.
|
17
The Compensation Committee met on January 24, 2011, and set the 2011 annual salary, the 2010
non-equity incentive cash bonus and the number of shares comprising the 2010 long-term incentive
award of restricted stock for our top three named executive officers. The number of shares was
based on an average of the high and low stock price on that date of $34.92 per share. Company
policy presently is to issue restricted stock awards to all of our U.S. employees at the same time
in March, therefore, all restricted stock awards, including those for our top three named executive
officers, were granted on March 24, 2011, when the average of the high and low stock price was
$43.51 per share. The value of restricted stock used by the Compensation Committee to determine
the number of restricted shares to award for Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech on January 24,
2011, was $610,279, $576,621, and $388,744, respectively. The value of the restricted stock
granted to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table is
higher than as reflected in the table below because of the increase in our share price from January
24, 2011, to March 24, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
|
|
Approval
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Date Stock
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
Approval Date
|
|
Grant Date
|
Executive Officer
|
|
Awarded
|
|
Price
|
|
Stock Price
|
|
Value
|
|
Value
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
17,479
|
|
|
$
|
34.92
|
|
|
$
|
43.51
|
|
|
$
|
610,279
|
|
|
$
|
760,511
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
16,515
|
|
|
|
34.92
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
576,621
|
|
|
|
718,568
|
|
John E. Leech
|
|
|
11,134
|
|
|
|
34.92
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
388,744
|
|
|
|
484,440
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
5,958
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
259,233
|
|
|
|
259,233
|
|
David Darling
|
|
|
5,686
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
43.51
|
|
|
|
247,398
|
|
|
|
247,398
|
|
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation philosophy is to set the fixed compensation of our senior executives
competitively for their demonstrated skills and industry experience. Variable compensation, both
annual and long-term, should reflect the results of performance against a combination of
quantitative and subjective measures. The Compensation Committee targets the median of the market
for all elements of pay, including base salary, annual incentive, and long-term incentives. Our
compensation programs are designed so that years of superior performance are rewarded with payouts
that are near the median of the market.
Our compensation and benefits programs are designed to achieve the following objectives:
|
|
|
Compensation should enable us to attract, motivate and retain talented
executive officers capable of leading us in a competitive and changing industry and
to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders to ensure
long-term success and stockholder value.
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation should reflect the marketplace for talent. We strive to
remain competitive with the pay of other peer companies with which we compete for
talent.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual cash and equity awards should reflect progress towards
Company-wide financial and personal goals that balance rewards for both short-term
and long-term performance.
|
Administration
Our executive compensation program is developed and administered by the Compensation Committee
of the Board, which is comprised of four non-employee independent directors. The Compensation
Committee is responsible for the review and approval of all aspects of our executive compensation
program. The specific duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are described in
this proxy statement under Our Board of Directors Board Committees and Meetings Compensation
Committee. The recommendations of the Compensation Committee are approved by the full Board,
including a majority of the independent directors.
18
Setting Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee analyzes the compensation practices of a group of peer companies,
consisting of other publicly-traded companies in the energy industry, including offshore vessel
operators, offshore drilling companies, oilfield services companies and oil and gas exploration and
energy companies within a range of market cap and revenue size similar to us. The Compensation
Committee uses the compiled data from the peer group as a general guideline for discussion. The
overall goal of this process is to enable us to provide total compensation packages that are
competitive with prevailing practices in our industry.
In determining compensation for our named executive officers, each element of our compensation
program is compared against published data. Based on previous work and recommendations coming from
the Compensation Committees outside advisors, Pearl Meyer & Partners (PM&P) and Longnecker &
Associates (Longnecker), the Compensation Committee selected the following 12 companies against
which to compare our executive compensation program:
|
|
|
Direct Peer Group
|
|
Broad Peer Group
|
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.
|
|
Bristow Group, Inc.
|
Seacor Holdings Inc.
|
|
Global Industries, Ltd
|
Tidewater Inc.
|
|
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Kirby Corporation
|
|
|
Oceaneering International, Inc.
|
|
|
Oil States International, Inc.
|
|
|
Parker Drilling Co
|
|
|
Superior Energy Services Inc.
|
|
|
Exterran Holdings, Inc.
|
The Compensation Committee reviews the composition of the two peer groups on an annual basis.
The Compensation Committee may elect to modify either group for future periods to reflect best
practices in executive compensation or changes in our business or the business of other companies,
in and outside the Broad Peer Group. For example, Trico Marine Services, Inc. was previously
included in our Direct Peer Group, but was excluded this year due to its bankruptcy filing in the
third quarter of 2010.
In 2010, Longnecker was retained to conduct an annual Executive Compensation Review comparing
our compensation practices with those in our Direct and Broad Peer Groups. This information allowed
the Compensation Committee to directly compare compensation and principal components for our named
executive officers with those similarly situated officers in our Direct and Broad Peer Groups, as
well as review aggregate compensation as compared to such groups.
Role of the Chief Executive Officer in Executive Compensation Decisions
Our President and Chief Executive Officer works closely with the Compensation Committee
providing his assessment and recommendations on the competitiveness of the programs, performance
issues and challenges, and makes recommendations for consideration pertaining to the compensation
of his executive team. He also determines the compensation for two of our named executive officers.
The Compensation Committee takes these recommendations into consideration and either approves or
works with the President and Chief Executive Officer to develop suitable proposals. The President
and Chief Executive Officer does not, however, make, participate in, provide input for or make
recommendations about his own compensation.
Setting Performance Measures
When setting performance goals and objectives, we attempt to use criteria that assess our
performance against our Direct Peer Group rather than absolute performance. This is based on the
belief that our absolute performance can be affected both negatively and positively by industry factors over which our
executives have no control, such as prices for oil and natural gas. We have developed the metrics
described below as we feel they reflect
19
performance against our peers with a balance of specific
internal goals that will enhance our ability to grow and create further stockholder value.
For additional detail regarding our performance measures and how they affect our executive
compensation please see sections entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation and 2010
Executive Compensation 2010 Company Performance below.
Performance Review
At the end of each year, calculations required to support achievement of compensation goals
established by the Compensation Committee are also provided to the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee then reviews the performance of our top three named executive officers based
on their achievement of the established objectives, contribution to our performance and individual
performance. This review is shared with the President and Chief Executive Officer and
recommendations for compensation are provided to the Board for consideration and approval.
For our other named executive officers, performance criteria is set at the beginning of the
year and reviewed at the end of the year. Recommendations for compensation are approved by the
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Use of Independent Advisors
PM&P was retained to conduct a Board of Directors compensation study and Longnecker was
retained to conduct an Executive Compensation Review for our named executive officers compared to
our Direct and Broad Peer Group. The two consulting firms were independently retained and neither
firm performed work for management.
Compensation Program Components and Underlying Philosophy
An executives compensation typically consists of:
|
|
|
base salary paid in cash;
|
|
|
|
|
annual non-equity incentive paid in cash;
|
|
|
|
|
long-term incentive awards;
|
|
|
|
|
employment agreements and severance and change in control arrangements;
|
|
|
|
|
deferred compensation;
|
|
|
|
|
perquisites;
|
|
|
|
|
benefits; and
|
|
|
|
|
indemnification agreements.
|
The balance among these components is established annually by the Compensation Committee and
is designed to recognize past performance, retain key employees and encourage future performance.
For a breakdown of the mix of short term and long term compensation in 2010, please see the table
included under the section entitled Allocation of Short and Long-Term Compensation below.
The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends the specific base salary and bonus
compensation of our top three named executive officers, while Messrs. Rubio and Darlings base
salary and bonus compensation are determined by our President and Chief Executive Officer based on similar guidelines. The
President and Chief Executive Officer recommends performance criteria for the named executive
officers other than himself. Those
20
executive officers do not participate in the deliberation
process of the Compensation Committee. Our executive officers do participate in the review and
award process for other key employees. The particular elements of the compensation programs for
such persons are set forth in more detail below.
Base Salary
Salary for our executive officers is reviewed and set annually based on the market practices
observed within the Direct and Broad Peer Groups. Salary levels are adjusted to take into account
job responsibility, job complexity, individual performance, cost of living and other relevant
factors. We believe this component of pay is one of the most effective ways to attract and retain
executives. We generally set our named executive officers base salaries to fall in the median of
our peer groups.
In addition to market practices, the Compensation Committee considers our overall salary
increases that are established each year based on industry information and current economics. The
objective is to allow for salary increases to retain, motivate and reward successful performance
while maintaining affordability within our business plan. Though individual increases can be more
or less than the budgeted percentage amount in a given year depending on individual performance,
the aggregate of the increases must stay within budget in most cases. Exceptions can be made when
executive officers are promoted and assume additional responsibilities.
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
We provide incentive compensation to our executive officers and key employees in the form of
annual cash bonuses relating to financial and operational achievements during the prior year
pursuant to the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Incentive Base Compensation Plan for the purpose of
retaining and motivating our executive officers and key employees. Cash bonus awards under our
Incentive Base Compensation Plan are linked to individual performance, as well as the achievement
of Company-wide and regional performance goals, and are designed to put a significant portion of
total compensation at risk in order to motivate and retain our executive officers and key
employees. This structure is designed to allow for a target total cash compensation opportunity
(base salary plus non-equity incentive award) to be at or above the median when compared to our
Broad Peer Group.
The cash amounts of such bonuses for executive officers are determined by the Compensation
Committee using the following formula:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Salary
|
|
x
|
|
Bonus Target
Percentage
|
|
x
|
|
Company-
wide Performance
Multiplier
|
|
x
|
|
Individual
Performance
Multiplier
|
|
=
|
|
Cash
Bonus Amount
|
The Compensation Committee establishes an annual bonus target for each executive officer based
upon a review of the competitive data for that position, level of responsibility and ability to
impact our success. Individual executive officer bonus targets for our named executives, other than
our President and Chief Executive Officer, range from 50% to 100% of base salary. Individual
performance that meets expectations yields application of the individuals bonus target percentage,
and performance that exceeds expectations can result in bonuses that range up to 150% of base
salary. The President and Chief Executive Officers bonus has no limit as the Compensation
Committee believes there should be flexibility to award amounts in excess of base salary given
attainment of significant achievements above the corporate and individual goals and objectives
established for the year.
Individual performance criteria for our corporate financial officers incentive compensation
decisions are based primarily on the assistance and performance of such persons in implementing
corporate objectives within the scope of his or her responsibilities. In the case of operational
officers, individual performance is primarily measured with regard to the operational results of
the business operations for which such persons and their direct reports were responsible.
Company-wide and regional performance goals are based on operating income, exceeding the
average Direct Peer Group EBITDA margin, return on investment, safety performance and individual
objectives specific to each named executive officers position. Although the achievement of certain
financial objectives as measured by a business segments earnings are considered in determining
incentive compensation, other subjective and less
21
quantifiable criteria are also considered, such
as market penetration, development of the fleet, and effectiveness of new information systems. In
this regard, the Compensation Committee takes into account specific operational achievements that
are expected to affect future earnings and results, or that had an identifiable impact on the prior
years results. For additional detail regarding our performance metrics and our actual performance,
please see the section entitled 2010 Executive Compensation 2010 Company Performance below.
Incentive Equity Plan
We also provide long-term incentive compensation to our executive officers and key employees
through equity awards pursuant to our GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
The use of equity awards is intended to provide incentives to our executive officers and key
employees to work toward our long-term goals. Equity awards are not granted by the Compensation
Committee as a matter of course as part of the regular compensation of any executive or key
employee. The decision to grant an equity award is based on the perceived incentive that any such
grant will provide and the benefits that the grant may have on long-term stockholder value.
Since 2004, equity awards granted by the Compensation Committee have been limited to
restricted shares. Although the 2010 Plan provides flexibility to award different types of equity
incentives, the Compensation Committee has chosen to award restricted stock instead of options or
other equity awards because the Compensation Committee believes restricted stock awards create a
higher level of retention and further align executive management and stockholder interests. The
awards are granted around the same time each year, in March of the year following the performance
year, which gives the Compensation Committee enough time to review the prior year performance. The
restrictions on the shares awarded generally lapse in thirds on each anniversary of the date of
grant over three years.
Grants of incentive awards are formula driven and use the following components to determine
the number of shares granted:
|
|
|
our overall performance;
|
|
|
|
|
base salary plus cash bonus;
|
|
|
|
|
individual performance; and
|
|
|
|
|
average share price on the date of determination of award.
|
The number of shares awarded to each of our named executive officers is determined by the
following formula:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
|
Total Annual
Cash Compensation
|
|
x
|
|
Target Equity
Award
Percentage
|
|
x
|
|
Committee
Discretionary
Adjustment
|
|
) ÷
|
|
Average High
and Low Stock
Price on Date of
Award
Determination
|
|
=
|
|
Number of
Shares
Awarded
|
Consideration is also given to the anticipated contribution of the business operations for
which the intended recipient has responsibility to overall stockholder value. Award levels are
generally in the median when compared to our Direct and Broad Peer Groups.
Prior to 2004, we awarded stock options to executives and other key employees under the 1997
Incentive Equity Plan. The stock options which have previously been granted and are currently
outstanding are subject to vesting over a number of years and have exercise prices based on the
market price of the Common Stock at the date of grant.
Employment Agreements and Severance and Change of Control Arrangements
We have entered into employment agreements with our top three executive officers: President
and Chief Executive Officer; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Executive
Vice President -
22
Operations. We have also entered into an employment agreement and separate change
of control agreement with our Vice President General Counsel and Secretary. These employment
agreements provide, among other things, for a minimum base salary for the executive, for the
executives participation in our Incentive Base Compensation Plan and our incentive, savings,
retirement and other benefit plans applicable to our executives generally, and for the perquisites
described below. In addition, the agreements provide for certain severance payments in the event
the executive is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason, including
as a result of a change of control, as provided in the agreements.
The purpose of the employment agreements is to:
|
|
|
ensure that we will have the continued dedication of the executive;
|
|
|
|
|
diminish the inevitable distraction of the executive resulting from the
uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened change of control; and
|
|
|
|
|
to provide the executive with compensation and benefits arrangements that are
competitive with those of other corporations.
|
The change of control provision included in each of the employment agreements for our top
three executive officers and the change of control agreement for our Vice President General
Counsel and Secretary requires a double trigger in order to receive any payment in the event of a
change of control situation. First, a change of control must occur, and second the individual must
terminate his employment for good reason or we must terminate his employment without cause within
six months prior to or one year following the change of control event. We believe providing a
change of control protection ensures impartiality and objectivity of our top three named executive
officers and our Vice President General Counsel and Secretary in the context of a change of
control situation and protects the interests of our stockholders.
Deferred Compensation
We provide our executives with the opportunity to defer certain portions of their salary and
bonuses paid by us for distribution after retirement or resignation through our Current EDC Plan.
The Current EDC Plan is intended to encourage the continued employment of the participating
employees and to facilitate the recruiting of executive officers and other highly compensated
employees required for our continued growth and profitability. Deferred compensation can be used to
purchase shares of our Common Stock or may be retained by us and earn interest. We may match
certain of the executives deferred compensation that is used to purchase Common Stock, and any
matching portion will vest over time based on the individual officers years of service. Our
executives benefits and participation in the Current EDC Plan are described in Deferred
Compensation on page 35 of this proxy statement.
Perquisites
We provide our executives with perquisites and other personal benefits that we and the
Compensation Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program.
Executives are provided with the following benefits as a supplement to their other compensation:
|
|
|
Use of vehicle:
We provide each of Messrs. Streeter and Leech with a company
vehicle for use for travel to and from the office and business-related events. We pay
for all maintenance, insurance and gasoline for such vehicles; and
|
|
|
|
|
Use of club membership:
We pay for the monthly membership fees for certain
golf or social clubs for Messrs. Streeter and Leech. We encourage management to belong
to a golf or social club so that they have an appropriate entertainment forum for
customers and vendors.
|
Benefits
Our executive officers participate in our other benefit plans on the same terms as other
employees. These plans include a defined contribution plan, our 401(k) plan, for which we match up
to 100% of the first 5% of salary
23
contributed by the employee, medical, dental, term life
insurance, and our employee stock purchase plan. Messrs. Streeter, Leech and Kneen will also be
provided with medical coverage from the date of retirement until they attain age 65.
In addition, the Company entered into an agreement in January 2000 to reimburse Messrs.
Streeter and Leech for premiums paid under two life insurance policies since their inception in
1990, provided they continue their employment with the Company until their retirement date as
defined in the agreement. The annual premium amount for each policy is approximately $20,000, and
the aggregate amount of premiums paid under each of the policies since 1990 for Messrs. Streeter
and Leech is $329,000 and $314,000, respectively.
Indemnification Agreements
On February 24, 2010 we entered into indemnification agreements with each of our top four
executives and our independent directors. These agreements provide for us to, among other things,
indemnify the individual to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against certain
liabilities that may arise by reason of his or her relationship with us, provided he or she was
acting in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our
best interests. The agreements further provide for us to advance reasonable expenses incurred by
the individual in connection with proceedings covered by the agreement. In addition, we have agreed
to use all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a directors and officers liability
insurance policy covering our directors and officers for losses from wrongful acts and omissions.
The indemnification rights provided for in the indemnification agreements are in addition to the
indemnification rights provided under our governing documents.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for our directors and executives, which are
incorporated in our Governance & Nominating Policy and can be found on our website,
www.gulfmark.com
and can be accessed by first selecting Investor Relations and then
selecting Corporate Governance. The guidelines require our directors and executive officers to
hold the following values in the form of our Common Stock (the directors annual base compensation
or the executives base salary is multiplied by the appropriate multiple):
|
|
|
6x for the chief executive officer,
|
|
|
|
|
5x for all directors,
|
|
|
|
|
3x for the executive vice presidents, and
|
|
|
|
|
2x for all other named executive officers.
|
Ownership of the guideline amounts must be maintained for as long as the director or executive
officer is subject to the guidelines, subject to a three year phase in from the date of appointment
of the director or executive officer. All of our named executive officers and directors are in
compliance with the stock ownership guidelines.
2010 Executive Compensation
Determination of 2010 Base Salary
In recommending base salaries for 2010, the Compensation Committee considered our overall
salary increases that were established based on industry information and current economics. During
the first quarter of 2010, the Compensation Committee approved base salaries for Messrs. Streeter,
Kneen and Leech. The President and Chief Executive Officer established Messrs. Rubio and Darlings
2010 base salaries. Relevant industry and market data were considered and executive compensation
benchmark data derived from executive compensation surveys and information relating to our Broad
Peer Group were reviewed when making salary determinations. Based
on the analysis of this information and the goals and objectives described above in Compensation
Program Components and Underlying Philosophy Base Salary, the Compensation Committee and our
President and Chief Executive Officer determined the following 2010 base salaries were reasonable:
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 Base
|
Name
|
|
Title
|
|
Salary
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
$
|
610,275
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary
|
|
$
|
293,550
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
Executive Vice President Operations
|
|
$
|
323,935
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
Vice President Controller and Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary
|
|
$
|
200,000
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
Vice President Human Resources
|
|
$
|
194,250
|
|
2010 Company Performance
At the beginning of 2010, the Compensation Committee established a Bonus Target Percentage of
100% for each of Messrs. Leech and Kneen. Our President and Chief Executive Officer established a
Bonus Target Percentage of 50% for each of Messrs. Rubio and Darling. The Compensation Committees
Company-wide performance goals for 2010 were to:
|
|
|
Achieve operating income of $70.0 million;
|
|
|
|
|
Attain return on investment of 10% ;
|
|
|
|
|
Meet or exceed the rolling twelve months average Direct Peer Group EBITDA
margin; and
|
|
|
|
|
Attain lost time incident frequency (LTIF) of less than 0.65 per million man
hours.
|
The Compensation Committee also approved the individual performance evaluation criteria
recommended by the President and Chief Executive Officer for the named executive officers other
than himself. The goals and objectives for all named executive officers includes the specific
Company-wide goals listed above as well as individual performance goals specific to his area of
expertise and oversight, such as the implementation of a new corporate wide initiative, system or
policy. The individual objectives for all other named executive officers are set by his direct
supervisor.
In early 2011, the Compensation Committee reviewed our actual performance relative to the set
Company-wide performance goals for 2010, which were:
|
|
|
Actual operating income of $66.2 million compared to the goal of $70.0 million;
|
|
|
|
|
Return on investment of 5% versus the goal of 10%;
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA margin for the period September 30, 2009 to October 1, 2010 of 32%
compared to Direct Peer Group EBITDA margin of 26%; and
|
|
|
|
|
LTIF of 0.28 for all of the regions compared to the goal of 0.65.
|
As not all of our Company-wide performance goals were attained, the Compensation Committee set
the Company-Wide Performance Multiplier at 70%. The Compensation Committee also considered, among
other factors, individual performance and the competitive market in the industry during 2010 and
determined that, to reward individual achievement, maintain a competitive compensation package and
retain high quality employees, we needed to pay competitive annual incentive bonuses for 2010, as
further described below.
Chief Executive Officer Annual Cash Incentive Bonus
Based on the policies described above, the Compensation Committee reviewed all elements of Mr.
Streeters total compensation for 2010, including his base salary, annual cash incentive bonus and
long-term incentive award. Mr. Streeter was also subject to individual objectives, which included
working with the Board to ensure a proper succession process is identified and planning in place
for key organizational positions, and developing a plan to expand cash flow and earnings through
the strength of our balance sheet. Mr. Streeter worked closely with the board during 2010
regarding implementation of a succession process for key organizational
positions and developed and submitted to the Board a plan to further expand cash flow and
earnings. Based on the Compensation Committees review, the Compensation Analysis conducted by
Longnecker and other subjective factors, they found Mr. Streeters total compensation to be
reasonable and below the median market range. Having
25
reviewed the contribution that Mr. Streeter
made to our performance in 2010, the Compensation Committee believed that he continued to
demonstrate the integrity, planning and leadership qualities that the executive compensation
program was designed to foster and reward. In light of the foregoing, the Compensation Committee
concluded that Mr. Streeters Bonus Target Percentage should be 100%, his Individual Performance
Multiplier should be 100%, and, based upon our Company-Wide Performance Multiplier of 70% and Mr.
Streeters individual performance, he should receive an annual cash incentive bonus for his 2010
performance in the amount of $427,195.
Annual Cash Incentive Bonus of Other Named Executive Officers
The Compensation Committee reviewed all elements of total compensation for Messrs. Kneen and
Leech for 2010 in the same manner as it reviewed the total compensation for our President and Chief
Executive Officer. Our President and Chief Executive Officer reviewed all elements of total
compensation for Messrs. Rubio and Darling in the same manner as the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee also considered recommendations from the President and Chief Executive
Officer regarding total compensation for Messrs. Kneen, Leech, Rubio and Darling. In addition to
the financial goals and objectives listed above, individual objectives for each named executive
officer were reviewed, evaluated and considered by the Compensation Committee, or our President and
Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate.
Mr. Kneen
Individual objectives applicable to Mr. Kneen for 2010 included: overall reduction of
corporate general and administrative (G&A) costs; establishment of a centralized cash management
system; and finalization of a global finance succession plan. During 2010, overall corporate G&A
costs decreased by 9.3%, and Mr. Kneen oversaw the establishment of a centralized cash management
system. Mr. Kneen also prepared and finalized the global finance succession plan. In light of the
foregoing, the Compensation Committee concluded that Mr. Kneens Individual Performance Multiplier
should be 130%, and, based upon our Company-Wide Performance Multiplier of 70% and Mr. Kneens
individual performance, he should receive an annual cash incentive bonus for his 2010 performance
in the amount of $267,135.
Mr. Leech
Individual objectives applicable to Mr. Leech for 2010 included: leading and successfully
deploying a vessel maintenance system in the Gulf of Mexico; establishing a centralized purchasing
system in South East Asia; and ensuring the remaining new vessel construction program was completed
on time and within budget. During 2010, Mr. Leechs successfully deployed the vessel maintenance
system in the Gulf of Mexico and established the centralized purchasing system in South East Asia.
Through his efforts, our new vessel construction program was completed on time and within budget.
In light of the foregoing, the Compensation Committee concluded that Mr. Leechs Individual
Performance Multiplier should be 120%, and, based upon our Company-Wide Performance Multiplier of
70% and Mr. Leechs individual performance, he should receive an annual cash incentive bonus for
his 2010 performance in the amount of $272,125.
Mr. Rubio
Individual objectives applicable to Mr. Rubio for 2010 included: assisting in the
implementation and validation of SAP payroll in Norway; standardizing the variance reporting in
Business, Planning and Consolidation reporting module of SAP; and implementing consolidations,
initial phase of the Governance, Risk and Compliance module of SAP, electronic banking and XBRL.
During 2010, Mr. Rubio oversaw the implementation and validation of SAP payroll in Norway and,
through his efforts, was able to standardize the variance reporting for the Business, Planning and
Consolidation reporting module of SAP. He was also instrumental in implementing the initial phase
of the Governance, Risk and Compliance module of SAP, electronic banking and XBRL during 2010. In
light of the foregoing, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Mr. Rubios
Individual Performance Multiplier
should be 153%, and, based upon our Company-Wide Performance Multiplier of 70% and Mr. Rubios
individual performance, he should receive an annual cash incentive bonus for his 2010 performance
in the amount of $120,000.
26
Mr. Darling
Individual objectives applicable to Mr. Darling for 2010 included: completing the
implementation of SAP human capital management system in Norway; commencement of the global
implementation of an automated Talent Management system; and finalization and design and
development of a human resources metric dashboard to measure human resources effectiveness. During
2010, Mr. Darling oversaw the completion of SAP human capital management system implementation in
Norway as well as the automated Talent Management system. Mr. Darling completed the design and
development of the human resources metric dashboard and is currently working on the implementation
of such product. In light of the foregoing, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that Mr. Darlings Individual Performance Multiplier should be 144%, and, based upon our
Company-Wide Performance Multiplier of 70% and Mr. Darlings individual performance, he should
receive an annual cash incentive bonus for his 2010 performance in the amount of $111,000.
2010 Grants of Long-Term Incentive Awards
The Compensation Committee believes long-term incentive awards provide an effective means of
executive retention and an incentive to build stockholder value. The determination of the number of
shares granted is based on market compensation data as well as the executives responsibility and
ability to influence the management and our performance.
Based on the performance of our Common Stock and the Compensation Committees review of
competitive practices, our financial achievements and individual performance, the Compensation
Committee determined awards under our 2010 Omnibus Incentive Equity Plan in the form of restricted
stock to our named executive officers for performance in 2010 were reasonable.
For 2010, the Compensation Committee set the Target Equity Award Percentage at 100% for each
of Messrs. Streeter, Leech and Kneen. On January 24, 2011, the Compensation Committee, using its
Committee Discretionary Adjustment calculated the number of shares to be awarded to Mr. Streeter to
be 17,479 shares of restricted stock, which represented a downward adjustment of 42%; for Mr. Leech
to be 11,134 shares of restricted stock, which represented a downward adjustment of 35%; and for
Mr. Kneen to be 16,515 shares of restricted stock, which represented an upward adjustment of 3%.
For 2010, our President and Chief Executive Officer set the Target Equity Award Percentage at
65% for each of Messrs. Rubio and Darling. On March 24, 2011, the President and Chief Executive
Officer awarded Mr. Rubio 5,958 shares of restricted stock and Mr. Darling 5,686 shares of
restricted stock.
Present Company policy is to issue restricted stock awards to all of our U.S. employees at the
same time in March, therefore, all restricted stock awards, including those for our top three named
executive officers, were granted on March 24, 2011, when the average of the high and low stock
price was at $43.51 per share. The value of restricted stock used by the Compensation Committee to
determine the number of restricted shares to award for Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech on
January 24, 2011, was $610,279, $576,621, and $388,744, respectively. The value of the restricted
stock granted to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table
is higher because of the increase in our share price from January 24, 2011, to March 24, 2011.
The terms of the restricted stock grants are described in the Outstanding Equity Awards at
Year-End table on page 33 of this proxy statement. No stock options were granted to any named
executive officer in 2010.
27
Allocation of Short and Long-Term Compensation
The Compensation Committee chose to allocate the compensation program for our executive
officers and key employees between equity-based and non-equity-based compensation in order to
balance the policies of supporting long-term performance measures while rewarding yearly
performance goals. In 2010, the percentage of
short-term to long-term benefits given to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, Leech, Rubio and Darling is
listed below based on the 2010 Summary Compensation Table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Short-Term Benefits
(1)
|
|
|
Long-Term Benefits
(2)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
53
|
%
|
|
|
47
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
|
59
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
(1)
Short-Term Benefits include salary, bonus, non-equity incentive plan
awards, insurance premiums paid, club dues, and personal use of our vehicles.
(2)
Long-Term Benefits include stock awards, matching amounts under the Current EDC
Plan and retirement contributions.
Determination of 2011 Annual Base Salary and Incentive Bonus Potential
In early 2011, the Compensation Committee also considered whether adjustments should be made
to the base salaries and incentive bonus potential under the Incentive Base Compensation Plan for
the named executive officers for 2011. The Compensation Committee adjusted each of Messrs.
Streeter, Kneen and Leechs base salary and incentive bonus potential based on individual
performance, competitive norms, current market conditions and the other factors discussed under
Compensation Components and Underlying Philosophy Base Salary and Compensation Components and
Underlying Philosophy Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation above. The President and Chief
Executive Officer determined that Mr. Rubios and Mr. Darlings 2011 compensation should be
adjusted as set forth below based on the same factors used to determine the compensation of the
other named executive officers. The following table sets forth the 2011 base salaries and the
target incentive bonus potential (as a percentage of base salary) for the named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 Base
|
|
Target 2011 Incentive Bonus
|
|
Name
|
|
Title
|
|
Salary
|
|
(as a % of Base Salary)
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
$
|
630,109
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
|
303,090
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
Executive Vice President Operations
|
|
|
334,462
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Richard M. Safier
|
|
Vice President General Counsel and
Secretary
|
|
|
245,000
|
(2)
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
Vice President Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer
|
|
|
213,000
|
|
|
|
65
|
%
|
David E. Darling
|
|
Vice President Human Resources
|
|
|
206,876
|
|
|
|
65
|
%
|
(1)
The President and Chief Executive Officer has an unlimited incentive bonus
potential as the Compensation Committee believes there should be flexibility to award amounts in
excess of base salary given
28
attainment of significant achievements above the corporate and
individual goals and objectives established for the year.
(2)
Mr. Safier was employed on March 15, 2011. His annual base salary is $245,000,
but he will receive only $194,000 in 2011.
Tax Considerations
Tax regulations limit the deductibility of executive compensation paid to each of our five
highest paid executive officers. Compensation paid to any one executive in excess of $1,000,000
will not be deductible unless it is performance-based and paid under a plan that has been approved
by stockholders consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the application of this legislation when reviewing
executive compensation; however, the limitation on deductibility of executive compensation has not
had a material impact on us to date, and the decision has been to retain the flexibility of the
current approach in setting goals and applying discretion where and when required.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with the management of GulfMark
Offshore, Inc. (the Company) the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in its proxy
statement. Based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the
Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Companys Proxy Statement.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board:
David J. Butters Chairman of the Compensation Committee
Peter I. Bijur Compensation Committee Member
Sheldon S. Gordon Compensation Committee Member
Rex C. Ross Compensation Committee Member
29
2010 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
Option
|
|
Incentive Plan
|
|
Compensation
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
|
|
Bonus
|
|
Awards
(1)
|
|
Awards
|
|
Compensation
(2)
|
|
Earnings
(3)
|
|
Compensation
(4)
|
|
Total
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
$
|
610,275
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
760,511
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
427,195
|
|
|
$
|
290
|
|
|
$
|
167,190
|
|
|
$
|
1,965,461
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
592,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
681,990
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
243
|
|
|
|
219,320
|
|
|
|
1,843,803
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
575,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,184,898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700,000
|
|
|
|
1,584
|
|
|
|
200,757
|
|
|
|
2,662,239
|
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
293,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
718,568
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101,643
|
|
|
|
1,380,896
|
|
Executive Vice
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
285,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
483,955
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,084
|
|
|
|
1,153,039
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
128,333
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
243,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
192,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,456
|
|
|
|
586,582
|
|
Financial Officer and
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
323,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484,440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
272,125
|
|
|
|
207
|
|
|
|
97,261
|
|
|
|
1,177,968
|
|
Executive Vice
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
314,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
262,302
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
125,946
|
|
|
|
902,927
|
|
President Operations
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
305,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
523,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
1,245
|
|
|
|
115,162
|
|
|
|
1,344,457
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,940
|
|
|
|
633,173
|
|
VP Controller
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
175,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,033
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,695
|
|
|
|
455,728
|
|
and Chief Accounting
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
144,467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,059
|
|
|
|
402,626
|
|
Officer and Assistant
Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
194,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
247,398
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111,000
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
52,826
|
|
|
|
605,621
|
|
Vice President -
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
170,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132,305
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,466
|
|
|
|
406,146
|
|
Human Resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Awards are valued using an average of the high and low stock price on the
grant date of the Common Stock, March 24, 2011, which was $43.51 per share. The number of shares to
be awarded to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech was calculated by the Compensation Committee on
January 24, 2011, using an average of the high and low stock price on that date, or $34.92 per
share. The Compensation Committees policy is to make compensation decisions for our top three
named executive officers, including the number of restricted shares to be awarded, during their
January meeting; however, it is presently Company policy to grant compensation awards to all
employees in March. The value of restricted stock used by the Compensation Committee to determine
the number of restricted shares to award for Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, and Leech on January 24,
2011, was $610,279, $576,621, and $388,744, respectively. The value of the restricted stock
granted to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech reflected in the table is higher because of the
increase in our share price from January 24, 2011 to March 24, 2011.
(2)
Represents cash amounts for 2010 which are paid in 2011 under the Incentive Base
Compensation Plan. The calculation is based on factors identified by the Compensation Committee
and discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 16 to 29 of this proxy
statement.
(3)
Represents deferred compensation earnings on salary and other incentive awards
that the individual elects to defer where the earnings exceed a market rate specified by SEC rules.
(4)
All Other Compensation includes the following:
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matching
|
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
401(k)
|
|
|
Policy
|
|
|
Club
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Contributions
|
|
|
Premiums
|
|
|
Dues
|
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
EDC Match
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
$ 12,250
|
|
|
|
$ 5,196
|
|
|
|
$ 1,180
|
|
|
|
$ 4,523
|
|
|
|
$ 144,041
|
|
|
|
$ 167,190
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
12,250
|
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,033
|
|
|
|
101,643
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
12,250
|
|
|
|
4,631
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,790
|
|
|
|
78,590
|
|
|
|
97,261
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
9,887
|
|
|
|
552
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,501
|
|
|
|
53,940
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
12,250
|
|
|
|
1,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,544
|
|
|
|
52,826
|
|
AGREEMENTS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT
Our agreements with Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, Leech and Safier. Mr. Streeters agreement became
effective December 31, 2006, and was amended and restated effective October 14, 2009. It entitles
Mr. Streeter to be employed as President of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries and to
receive a minimum annual salary of $630,109. Mr. Kneens agreement became effective October 14,
2009, and entitles him to be employed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
the Company and certain of our subsidiaries and to receive a minimum annual salary of $303,090.
Mr. Leechs agreement became effective December 31, 2006, and was amended and restated effective
October 14, 2009. His agreement entitles him to be employed as Executive Vice President-Operations
of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries and to receive a minimum annual salary of $334,462.
Mr. Safiers agreement became effective March 15, 2011, and entitles him to be employed as Vice
President General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries and to
receive a minimum annual salary of $245,000. The current terms of the agreements for Messrs.
Streeter, Kneen and Leech expire on December 31, 2011, and for Mr. Safier expires on March 15,
2012, provided that all four employment agreements will be automatically renewed for additional
terms of one year each unless 120 days notice is given by us or the executive prior to termination
of the then-current term.
The employment agreements each provide that the executive will be eligible to participate in
the Companys bonus and other benefit plans and in the case of Messrs. Streeter and Leech, be
reimbursed for a country club membership and the use of a company vehicle.
Our agreements with Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, Leech and Safier further provide for certain
severance payments and other termination benefits to the executives. Those payments and benefits
are described in Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control beginning on page 35 of
this proxy statement.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table provides information concerning grants of restricted stock in 2011 based on
2010 compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
Exercise or
|
|
|
Date Fair
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Base Price
|
|
|
Value of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under
|
|
Shares of
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
of Option
|
|
|
Stock and
|
|
|
|
Approval
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
|
|
|
Stock or
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Awards
|
|
|
Options
|
|
Name
|
|
Date
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
|
Threshold
|
|
|
Target
|
|
|
Maximum
|
|
|
Units
(1)(2)
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
($/Sh)
|
|
|
Awards
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
1/24/2011
|
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$ 610,275
|
|
|
|
$ 915,413
|
|
|
|
17,479
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$ 760,511
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
1/24/2011
|
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
293,550
|
|
|
|
440,025
|
|
|
|
16,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
718,568
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
1/24/2011
|
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323,935
|
|
|
|
485,902
|
|
|
|
11,134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484,440
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
5,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,233
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
3/24/2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,125
|
|
|
|
145,688
|
|
|
|
5,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
247,398
|
|
31
(1)
Our restricted stock is issued under our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan and
vesting is subject to continued employment with the Company and, while previous performance is
considered in making the award, once awarded, the restricted stock is not tied to any level of
performance requirements.
(2)
Restrictions on the restricted stock awarded lapse over three years, 1/3 per
year. If declared, dividends will be paid on restricted stock awards prior to vesting.
The following table provides information concerning grants of restricted stock in 2010 based
on 2009 compensation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
Exercise or
|
|
|
Date Fair
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Base Price
|
|
|
Value of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under
|
|
|
Shares of
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
of Option
|
|
|
Stock and
|
|
|
|
Approval
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
|
|
|
Stock or
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Awards
|
|
|
Options
|
|
Name
|
|
Date
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
|
Threshold
|
|
|
Target
|
|
|
Maximum
|
|
|
Units
(1)(2)
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
($/Sh)
|
|
|
Awards
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
1/23/2010
|
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$ 592,250
|
|
|
$
|
888,375
|
|
|
|
24,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
681,990
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
1/23/2010
|
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
285,000
|
|
|
|
427,500
|
|
|
|
17,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
483,955
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
1/23/2010
|
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
314,500
|
|
|
|
471,750
|
|
|
|
9,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
262,301
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,500
|
|
|
|
131,250
|
|
|
|
4,939
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,033
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
3/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
|
|
127,500
|
|
|
|
4,700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132,305
|
|
(1)
Our restricted stock is issued under our 1997 Incentive Equity Plan and
vesting is subject to continued employment with the Company and, while previous performance is
considered in making the award, once awarded, the restricted stock is not tied to any level of
performance requirements.
(2)
Restrictions on the restricted stock awarded lapse over three years, 1/3 per
year. If declared, dividends will be paid on restricted stock awards prior to vesting.
32
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR-END
The following table provides information concerning unexercised options and restricted stock
that have not vested for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
Market or
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards:
|
|
|
Payout
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Value of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unearned
|
|
|
Unearned
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares,
|
|
|
Shares,
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or
|
|
Market Value
|
|
|
Units or
|
|
|
Units or
|
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of
|
|
of Shares or
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
Stock That
|
|
Units of Stock
|
|
|
Rights
|
|
|
Rights
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Unearned
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
|
Have Not
|
|
That Have
|
|
|
That Have
|
|
|
That Have
|
|
Name
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Date
|
|
|
Vested
|
|
Not Vested
(1)
|
|
|
Not Vested
|
|
|
Not Vested
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
16.27
|
|
|
|
2/27/11
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.44
|
|
|
|
2/27/12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,617
|
(2)
|
|
|
413,957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,874
|
(3)
|
|
|
1,455,370
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,227
|
(4)
|
|
|
736,501
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
(5)
|
|
|
121,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,830
|
(3)
|
|
|
298,832
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,192
|
(4)
|
|
|
522,637
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
36,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.27
|
|
|
|
2/27/11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.44
|
|
|
|
2/27/12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,426
|
(2)
|
|
|
195,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,133
|
(3)
|
|
|
642,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,318
|
(4)
|
|
|
283,267
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
(6)
|
|
|
30,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,933
|
(3)
|
|
|
149,963
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,939
|
(4)
|
|
|
150,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,816
|
(3)
|
|
|
85,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,925
|
(7)
|
|
|
88,920
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,700
|
(4)
|
|
|
142,880
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Value based on the market value of the Common Stock on December 31, 2010
which was $30.40 per share.
(2)
Restricted stock award vests on January 25, 2011.
(3)
Restricted stock award vests 1/2 on each of March 13, 2011 and 2012.
(4)
Restricted stock award vests 1/3 on each of March 24, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
(5)
Restricted stock award vests on June 9, 2011.
(6)
Restricted stock award vests on June 15, 2011.
(7)
Restricted stock award vests on July 1, 2011.
33
2010 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The table below provides information on stock option exercises and sales of vested stock
options by our named executive officers during 2010, including the number of shares acquired upon
exercise and the value realized, before payment of any applicable withholding tax and broker
commissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired
|
|
|
Value Realized in
|
|
|
Acquired
|
|
|
Value Realized on
|
|
Name
|
|
on Exercise
|
|
|
Exercise
(1)
|
|
|
on Vesting
|
|
|
Vesting
(1)
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
$ 1,607,422
|
|
|
|
49,735
|
|
|
|
$ (2,158
|
)
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,915
|
|
|
|
58,931
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
519,111
|
|
|
|
23,873
|
|
|
|
(18,925
|
)
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,383
|
|
|
|
(19,722
|
)
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
16,894
|
|
(1)
Value realized represents the difference between the fair market value of
the shares at the time of exercise or vesting, as appropriate, and the exercise price or fair
market value of the shares at the time of grant.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The table below provides information relating to our equity compensation plans as of December
31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
Weighted-Average
|
|
for Future Issuance
|
|
|
to be Issued upon
|
|
Exercise Price of
|
|
Under Compensation
|
|
|
Exercise of
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
Plans (Excluding
|
|
|
Outstanding Options,
|
|
Options, Warrants
|
|
Securities Reflected in
|
Plan Category
|
|
Warrants and Rights
|
|
and Rights
|
|
First Column)
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
(1)
|
|
|
299,650
|
|
|
$
|
17.92
|
|
|
|
1,022,294
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
(2)
|
|
|
266,874
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Related to the Amended and Restated 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan, the 1997 Incentive Equity Plan, the 2005 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan and the
2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
(2)
Related to the shares held in the rabbi trust under the Current EDC Plan. As
Common Stock is purchased by the trustee from amounts received through deferred compensation and
Company match, there is no weighted-average exercise price or any securities available for future
issuance.
34
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
2010 Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan Compensation
Under our Current EDC Plan each officer may elect to defer up to 50% of any salary and a
minimum of 10% of bonus paid by us for distribution after retirement or resignation from the
Company. Under the Current EDC Plan, deferred compensation can be used to purchase Common Stock or
may be retained by the Company and earn interest at Prime plus 2%. The first 7.5% of compensation
deferred must be used to purchase Common Stock and may be matched by the Company. The matching
portion vests prorata over five years based on the individual officers years of service with the
Company. We have established a rabbi trust to fund the Common Stock portion of benefits under
the Current EDC Plan. The funds provided to the trust are invested by an independent trustee in
our Common Stock, which is purchased by the trustee on the open market or from us from shares held
as treasury shares. The assets of the trust are available to satisfy the claims of all our general
creditors in the event of our bankruptcy or insolvency. Distributions from the Current EDC Plan
are made according to the officers election in Common Stock for that portion deferred in Common
Stock and in cash for that portion retained by the Company. Total compensation in 2010 which has
been deferred by the officers, including any matching under the Current EDC Plan, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
balance at
|
|
|
Executive
|
|
|
Our
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Balance at
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Contributions
|
|
|
Contributions
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Withdrawals/
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Name
|
|
2009
|
|
|
in 2010
|
|
|
in 2010
|
|
|
in 2010
(1)
|
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
$
|
1,533,648
|
|
|
$
|
80,975
|
|
|
$
|
144,041
|
|
|
$
|
128,165
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
1,886,829
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
|
|
|
156,476
|
|
|
|
52,016
|
|
|
|
89,033
|
|
|
|
22,087
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
319,612
|
|
John E. (Gene) Leech
|
|
|
1,086,487
|
|
|
|
44,295
|
|
|
|
78,590
|
|
|
|
88,053
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,297,425
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio
|
|
|
181,898
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
43,501
|
|
|
|
17,881
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
258,280
|
|
David E. Darling
|
|
|
39,539
|
|
|
|
19,425
|
|
|
|
39,544
|
|
|
|
7,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,772
|
|
(1)
Aggregate earnings, which include interest, are included under the Change
in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary
Compensation Table only to the extent they exceed the market rate specified by SEC rules, as shown
in footnote 3 to the Summary Compensation Table.
At December 31, 2010, we had a total deferred compensation liability of $3,867,920 to the
above named executive officers under the Current EDC Plan.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL
The following describes the amounts potentially payable to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech,
our named executive officers for fiscal year 2010, upon termination of employment or if we undergo
a change of control under their employment agreements and our stock plans and other compensation
programs. The amounts set forth in this section are estimates that are based on a number of
assumptions. Actual amounts payable to our named executive officers could be materially different.
The following discussion is based on each named executive officers employment agreement, salary
level and restricted stock and stock option holdings as of December 31, 2010, and the benefits paid
to the named executive officer during 2010 and assumes the termination or change of control occurs
on December 31, 2010. In addition, it assumes a price per share of our Common Stock of $30.40,
which was the closing price per share on December 31, 2010, as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange.
On March 15, 2011, Mr. Safier joined the Company as our Vice President General Counsel and
Secretary, and entered into an Employment Agreement and a Change of Control Agreement effective the
date thereof under terms similar to those of Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech with the exclusion
of any Gross-Up Payment as described below. Under Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leechs respective
employment agreements, each executive is entitled to receive termination benefits in the event he
terminates his agreement with us for good reason or is terminated without cause by us, either
during the term of his agreement or during a change of
35
control period, defined as the period
beginning on the six month anniversary of a change of control and ending on the twelve month
anniversary of a change of control.
The terms cause, good reason, and change of control are defined in the executives
employment agreements and have the meanings generally described below. You should refer to the
individual agreements for the actual definitions.
Good reason is defined in the employment agreements as:
|
|
|
a significant reduction in the duties or responsibility of the executive or the
assignment to him of duties materially inconsistent with his position;
|
|
|
|
|
relocation of more than 75 miles from his present business address; or
|
|
|
|
|
material breach by us of his employment agreement.
|
Cause is defined in the agreements as:
|
|
|
the willful and continued failure by the executive to perform his duties;
|
|
|
|
|
the executive being convicted of or entering a plea of nolo contendere to the
charge of a felony;
|
|
|
|
|
the commission by the executive of a material act of dishonesty or breach of
trust resulting or intending to result in personal benefit or enrichment to the
executive at the expense of the Company; or
|
|
|
|
|
an unauthorized absence from employment.
|
Change-of-Control generally means that:
|
|
|
the majority of the Board of Directors consists of individuals other than those
serving as of the date of the named executives employment agreement or those that were
not elected by at least 50% of those directors;
|
|
|
|
|
there has been a merger of the Company in which at least 50% of the combined
post-merger voting power of the surviving entity does not consist of the Companys
pre-merger voting power;
|
|
|
|
|
at least 20% of our Common Stock has been acquired by one person or persons
acting as a group; or
|
|
|
|
|
the Company is liquidating or selling all or substantially all of its assets.
|
If Mr. Streeters employment terminates as described above, he will be entitled to receive a
payment equal to two-and-a-half times the sum of his annual base salary as then in effect and the
prior years annual bonus, and all stock options and restricted stock not then vested or
exercisable, as the case may be, will immediately vest and become fully exercisable. If Mr. Kneens
or Mr. Leechs employment terminates, he will be entitled to receive a payment equal to two times
the sum of his annual base salary as then in effect and the prior years annual bonus, and all
stock options and restricted stock not then vested or exercisable, as the case may be, will
immediately vest and become fully exercisable. Each of Messrs. Streeter, Kneen and Leech will also
receive his annual base salary through the date of termination, a portion of the prior years
annual bonus, any compensation previously deferred, and any accrued vacation pay.
If any payment or distribution to Messrs. Streeter, Kneen, or Leech would be subject to the
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, or any successor provision thereto, or any interest
or penalties are incurred by him for the excise tax, then he is entitled to receive an additional
payment (a Gross-Up Payment) in an amount such that after payment of all taxes (including any
interest or penalties imposed), including any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed
with respect thereto) and any excise tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, he retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the excise tax imposed upon the payments.
36
Additionally, if Messrs. Streeter, Leech or Kneen is terminated during a change of control
period, he and his family will receive, for the remainder of his employment agreement, welfare
benefit plans at least equal to those provided during his employment. For six months after
termination, we will promptly reimburse him for reasonable expenses incurred for outplacement
services and/or counseling. Messrs. Streeter or Leech may also use, at his full expense, the
Company automobile for six months after termination or until he is employed elsewhere.
Bruce A. Streeter
The following table describes the potential payments upon termination, a change of control of
the Company or the death or disability of Mr. Streeter, our President and Chief Executive Officer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Benefits and Payments
|
|
Executive for
|
|
|
without
|
|
|
Upon Change
|
|
|
Death or
|
|
Upon Termination
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
Cause
|
|
|
of Control
|
|
|
Disability
|
|
|
Compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base Salary ($610,275)
|
|
$
|
1,525,688
|
|
|
$
|
1,525,688
|
|
|
$
|
1,525,688
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Bonus ($350,000)
|
|
|
875,000
|
|
|
|
875,000
|
|
|
|
875,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Up Payment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical Benefits
|
|
|
56,017
|
|
|
|
56,017
|
|
|
|
56,017
|
|
|
|
56,017
|
|
Vacation
|
|
|
58,680
|
|
|
|
58,680
|
|
|
|
58,680
|
|
|
|
58,680
|
|
Automobile
|
|
|
9,403
|
|
|
|
9,403
|
|
|
|
9,403
|
|
|
|
9,403
|
|
Long-term incentives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options: Unvested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock: Unvested
|
|
|
2,605,827
|
|
|
|
2,605,827
|
|
|
|
2,605,827
|
|
|
|
2,605,827
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,130,615
|
|
|
$
|
5,130,615
|
|
|
$
|
5,130,615
|
|
|
$
|
2,729,927
|
|
Quintin V. Kneen
The following table describes the potential payments upon termination, a change of control of
the Company or the death or disability of Mr. Kneen, our Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Benefits and Payments
|
|
Executive for
|
|
|
without
|
|
|
Upon Change
|
|
|
Death or
|
|
Upon Termination
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
Cause
|
|
|
of Control
|
|
|
Disability
|
|
|
Compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base Salary ($293,550)
|
|
$
|
587,100
|
|
|
$
|
587,100
|
|
|
$
|
587,100
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Bonus ($300,000)
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Up Payment
|
|
|
663,280
|
|
|
|
663,280
|
|
|
|
663,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical Benefits
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
Vacation
|
|
|
22,581
|
|
|
|
22,581
|
|
|
|
22,581
|
|
|
|
22,581
|
|
Automobile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term incentives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options: Unvested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock: Unvested
|
|
|
942,461
|
|
|
|
942,461
|
|
|
|
942,461
|
|
|
|
942,461
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,839,422
|
|
|
$
|
2,839,422
|
|
|
$
|
2,839,422
|
|
|
$
|
989,042
|
|
37
John E. Leech
The following table describes the potential payments upon termination, a change of control of
the Company or the death or disability of Mr. Leech, our Executive Vice President Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Benefits and Payments
|
|
Executive for
|
|
|
without
|
|
|
Upon Change
|
|
|
Death or
|
|
Upon Termination
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
Cause
|
|
|
of Control
|
|
|
Disability
|
|
|
Compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base Salary ($323,935)
|
|
$
|
647,870
|
|
|
$
|
647,870
|
|
|
$
|
647,870
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Bonus ($200,000)
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Up Payment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical Benefits
|
|
|
166,081
|
|
|
|
166,081
|
|
|
|
166,081
|
|
|
|
166,081
|
|
Vacation
|
|
|
31,148
|
|
|
|
31,148
|
|
|
|
31,148
|
|
|
|
31,148
|
|
Automobile
|
|
|
13,225
|
|
|
|
13,225
|
|
|
|
13,225
|
|
|
|
13,225
|
|
Long-term incentives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options: Unvested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock: Unvested
|
|
|
1,121,061
|
|
|
|
1,121,061
|
|
|
|
1,121,061
|
|
|
|
1,121,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,379,385
|
|
|
$
|
2,379,385
|
|
|
$
|
2,379,385
|
|
|
$
|
1,331,515
|
|
Samuel R. Rubio and David E. Darling
Mr. Rubio and Mr. Darling do not have employment agreements. Their rights under a change of
control are governed by our Severance Benefits policy applicable to all employees of the Company
and are contingent on an equal position not being made available within nine months of the change
of control event. Mr. Rubio would receive twelve months salary, or $200,000, if the conditions of
the change of control event are satisfied under the policy. All employee equity based plans
currently provide for immediate vesting of all options and restricted stock on a change of control,
which would result in 10,872 shares of restricted stock vesting with a value of $330,509 at
December 31, 2010, based on the closing price per share of $30.40. Therefore, the total amount Mr.
Rubio would receive under a change of control, assuming such change of control occurred on December
31, 2010, would be $530,509. Mr. Darling would receive twelve months salary, or $194,250, if the
conditions of the change of control event are satisfied under the policy. All employee equity
based plans currently provide for immediate vesting of all options and restricted stock on a change
of control, which would result in 10,441 shares of restricted stock vesting with a value of
$317,406 at December 31, 2010, based on the closing price per share of $30.40. Therefore, the
total amount Mr. Darling would receive under a change in control, assuming such change of control
occurred on December 31, 2010, would be $511,656.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
We have reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of GulfMark Offshore, Inc.,
(the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2010 with management and have discussed with UHY
LLP (UHY), our independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2010, the matters required to
be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standard No. 114,
The Auditors Communication with Those
Charged with Governance
, as amended or supplemented with respect to those statements, and the
requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
We have received the written disclosures and the letter from UHY required by applicable
requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding UHYs Communications with
the audit committee concerning independence, and have discussed with UHY its independence in
connection with its audit of our most recent financial statements.
38
We also reviewed and discussed such other matters as we deemed appropriate, including the
Companys compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules adopted or
proposed to be adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Based on the foregoing review and discussion, and relying on the representation of Company
management and the independent registered public accounting firms report, we recommended to the
Board that such audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Brian R. Ford, Chairman of Audit Committee
Sheldon S. Gordon, Audit Committee Member
Peter I. Bijur, Audit Committee Member
Robert OConnell, Audit Committee Member
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who own
more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater
than 10% stockholders are required by the regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a)
forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received, or written representations
from certain reporting persons that no Form 5 reports were required for those persons, we believe
that all filing requirements applicable to our officers and directors and greater than 10% owners
were complied in 2010, except for a Form 5 filed by Mr. Rubio for shares sold in June 2010.
39
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF THE GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
2011 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Board is proposing for stockholder approval the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP). The purpose of the ESPP is to provide our eligible employees and
the eligible employees of our subsidiaries with an opportunity to be compensated through the
benefits of stock ownership and acquire an interest in us through the purchase of our Common Stock.
It is our intention that the ESPP qualify as an employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of
the Code. If the ESPP is approved by stockholders at the Meeting, shares of our Common Stock will
be taken from the ESPP beginning with the July 1, 2011, offering period, and the current GulfMark
Offshore, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase plan approved by the stockholders on April 10, 2002, as
amended by the Board on March 17, 2010 (the Old ESPP) will be terminated by the Board following
the distribution of our Common Stock for the offering period beginning April 1, 2011 and ending
June 30, 2011. The Board proposes to replace the Old ESPP with the ESPP because the Old ESPP was
nearing the end of its 10-year term and to:
|
|
|
clarify the application of the ESPP to our non-U.S. employees;
|
|
|
|
|
change the limit on the number of shares available for purchase by an individual
employee during each offering period in accordance with recently revised Treasury
regulations;
|
|
|
|
|
make changes to the ESPPs administrative rules; and
|
|
|
|
|
roll over the shares available from the Old ESPPs remaining pool of 269,934 shares of
Common Stock, less the number of shares purchased during the June 30, 2011 offering period,
to the ESPP.
|
The following summary describes the material features of the ESPP but is not intended to be
complete, and therefore the summary is qualified in its entirety by the ESPP, a copy of which is
attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Shares Available and Administration
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased under the ESPP is 269,934
shares of Common Stock, less the number of shares purchased during the June 30, 2011 offering
period, which may be authorized and unissued or treasury shares, and which is the same number of
shares as remain available under the Old ESPP. No additional shares of Common Stock will be
reserved for issuance under the Old ESPP. The ESPP will be administered by a committee of one or
more members of the Board (ESPP Committee). The ESPP Committee will administer and interpret the
ESPP, and make all other policy decisions relating to the operation of the ESPP. All
determinations, decisions or actions of the ESPP Committee in connection with the construction,
interpretation, administration or application of the ESPP will be final and binding on all
participants and all persons claiming through any participant.
Eligibility
Generally, any of our employees or any employees of our subsidiaries designated by the ESPP
Committee will be eligible to participate in the ESPP for the current offering period if he or she
has been employed for at least 30 days before the commencement of the offering period. An eligible
employee may elect to participate in the ESPP by filing an enrollment form with us at least five
business days prior to the beginning of such offering period. Non-U.S. employees who are
prohibited by applicable non-U.S. law from participating in the ESPP are not eligible to
participate in the ESPP.
Offering Period
The ESPP will make shares available for purchase four times a year and will utilize
three-month accumulation periods. Employees can elect to have up to 15% of their salary withheld
for the purpose of purchasing Common Stock beginning January 1 for making purchases on March 31,
beginning April 1 for making purchases on June 30, beginning July 1 for making purchases on
September 30 and October 1 for making purchases on December 31.
40
On the last date of each offering period, a participant is deemed to have elected to purchase
a number of whole shares determined by dividing the amount to be withheld and applied for the
offering period by the purchase price per share of Common Stock. The purchase price is the
lower of (i) 85% of the closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE as of the last trading day
before the commencement of the offering period or (ii) 85% of the closing price of the Common Stock
on the NYSE as of the last trading day in the offering period. The closing price of the Common
Stock on April 26, 2011, was $42.01 per share.
Participation
No participant may purchase more than 1,000 shares of Common Stock during any offering period.
In addition, no participant will be granted a right to purchase Common Stock during an offering
period (i) if, immediately after the grant, the participant would own stock and options possessing
five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our stock or any
stock of our subsidiary, or (ii) that causes his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee
stock purchase plans to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of the
stock for each calendar year in which such grant is outstanding at any time.
A participant may withdraw from the ESPP if notice is given at least five business days prior
to the end of the offering period. All of the participants payroll deductions credited to his or
her account will be repaid promptly after receipt of the notice of withdrawal, and no further
payroll deductions will be made during that offering period. A participants withdrawal will not
have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any subsequent offering period.
Upon termination of the participants employment for any reason prior to the end of any
offering period, the payroll deductions credited to the participants ESPP account will be returned
to the participant in the same manner as if the participant had withdrawn from the ESPP. In the
event of the participants death, the payroll deductions credited to the participants ESPP account
and not yet used to purchase Common Stock will be paid to a beneficiary designated by him or her
or, if none, to the participants estate.
If the total number of shares for which rights to purchase Common Stock are granted to all
eligible employees exceeds the number of shares then available under the ESPP, we will make a pro
rata allocation of the shares available. A participant has no rights as a stockholder for any
shares of Common Stock he or she may have a right to purchase under the ESPP until such shares have
been purchased. Neither payroll deductions credited to a participants account nor any right to
purchase or to receive Common Stock under the ESPP may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of by a participant other than by beneficiary designation or the laws of descent
and distribution. We may treat any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, or other disposition as
an election to withdraw funds. The Board may at any time amend, suspend or terminate the ESPP. No
amendment can be made prior to approval of our stockholders if such amendment would increase the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the ESPP.
We are not required to issue any shares of Common Stock under the ESPP until the participant
has satisfied all applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations.
Lederal Income Tax Consequences
The statements in the following paragraphs of the principal U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the benefits under the ESPP are based on statutory authority and judicial and
administrative interpretations, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, which are subject to change
at any time (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion is limited to the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States. The law
is technical and complex, and the discussion below represents only a general summary. The following
is not considered as tax advice to any persons who may be participants in the ESPP and any such
persons are advised to consult their own tax counsel.
The amounts withheld from a participants pay under the ESPP will be taxable income to the
participant and must be included in the participants gross income for federal income tax purposes
in the year which such amounts otherwise would have been received. A U.S. participant will not be
required to recognize any income for federal income tax purposes either at the time the U.S.
participant is granted an option (which will be on the first day of the
41
offering period) or by virtue of the exercise of the option (which will take place on the last
day of such offering period). The federal income tax consequences of a sale or disposition of
shares acquired under the ESPP depend in part on the length of time the shares are held by a U.S.
participant before such sale or disposition.
If a U.S. participant sells or otherwise disposes of shares acquired under the ESPP (other
than any transfer resulting from death) within two years after the date on which the option to
purchase such shares is granted to him or her (the Two-Year Period), the U.S. participant must
recognize ordinary income in the year of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of (i)
the fair market value of the shares on the date such shares are exercised over (ii) the option
price. The amount of ordinary income recognized by the U.S. participant will be added to the U.S.
participants basis in such shares. Any gain realized on a sale in excess of the U.S. participants
basis (after increasing such basis in such shares by the amount of the ordinary income recognized)
will be taxed as capital gain, and any loss realized (after increasing such basis in such shares by
the ordinary income recognized) will be a capital loss.
If a U.S. participant sells shares acquired under the ESPP after holding such shares for the
Two-Year Period or the U.S. participant dies, the U.S. participant or the U.S. participants estate
must include in ordinary income in the year of sale (or the taxable year ending upon death) an
amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date the
option was granted over the option price, or (ii) the excess of the fair market value of the shares
at the time of sale of the shares or on the date of death over the option price. Except in the case
of a transfer as a result of death, the amount of ordinary income recognized by the U.S.
participant will be added to the U.S. participants basis in such shares. Any gain realized upon
the sale in excess of such basis will be taxed as a long-term capital gain. Any loss realized will
be treated as long-term capital loss.
Taxation rules for non-U.S. participants vary by country of residence and the paragraphs above
referencing the taxation of U.S. residents under the ESPP may not apply to foreign employees. We
are obligated to comply with all local taxation regulations as applied to non-U.S. participants.
Due to the differences, if any, in the tax regulations applicable to non-U.S. participants, the
ESPP may not be as beneficial to non-U.S. participants. We will not receive any income tax
deduction as result of issuing shares pursuant to the ESPP, except upon sale or disposition of
shares by a participant within the Two-Year Period. In such an event, we will be entitled to a
deduction equal to the amount included as ordinary income to the participant for the sale or
disposition of such shares.
New Plan Benefit
To date, no shares have been made available under the ESPP. It is not presently possible to
determine the benefits or amounts that will be received by our named executive officers or our
other employees pursuant to the ESPP.
Required Vote
Assuming the existence of a quorum, approval and adoption of the ESPP by stockholders requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal.
Abstentions will be treated as a vote against the ESPP and broker non-votes will be disregarded and
will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
THE BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE ESPP AND RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
ESPP. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BY SIGNED BUT UNMARKED PROXIES WILL
BE VOTED FOR THE ESPP.
42
PROPOSAL 3
APPROVAL OF THE GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
2011 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
The Board is proposing for stockholder approval the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Non-Employee
Director Share Incentive Plan (the 2011 Director Plan). The 2011 Director Plan is intended to
provide incentives which will attract, retain and motivate highly competent persons as our
non-employee directors and to assist in further aligning the interests of the non-employee
directors with those of our other stockholders by providing non-employee directors with
opportunities to acquire shares of Common Stock. If the 2011 Director Plan is approved by
stockholders at the Meeting, no further awards will be made to non-employee directors under the
GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan (the Old Director Plan), which will be
terminated by the Board following approval of the 2011 Director Plan.
The Board proposes to replace the Old Director Plan with the 2011 Director Plan in order to
(1) change the annual stock award grant from a numerical number of shares (as was in the Old
Director Plan) to a number of shares equal to a monetary amount, and (2) increase the number of
shares reserved for issuance to non-executive directors to align their interests with those of our
stockholders under the 2011 Director Plan.
The following summary describes the material features of the 2011 Director Plan but is not
intended to be complete, and therefore the summary is qualified in its entirety by the 2011
Director Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B.
Eligibility for Participation
Each member of the Board who is not our employee or an employee of any of our subsidiaries (a
non-employee director) will participate in the 2011 Director Plan. There are currently eight
non-employee directors, seven of whom have been nominated for re-election at the Meeting.
Types of Benefits
The 2011 Director Plan provides for benefits in the form of stock awards and, in the
discretion of the Board, also in the form of stock options (collectively, the Benefits).
Shares Available
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered to non-employee directors
and their beneficiaries under the 2011 Director Plan is 150,000 shares of Common Stock, which may
be authorized and unissued or treasury shares. The Old Director Plan currently has 37,000 shares
available for issuance and those shares will be rolled over in the 2011 Director Plan, resulting in
a net increase of shares reserved for issuance under the 2011 Director Plan of 113,000 shares.
Any shares covered by stock options or that are the subject of restricted stock awards granted
under the 2011 Director Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, or expire are considered undelivered
for the purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available under the
2011 Director Plan. If any stock option is exercised by tendering shares of Common Stock to us as
full or partial payment in connection with the exercise of a stock option under the 2011 Director
Plan, only the number of shares of Common Stock issued net of the shares tendered will be deemed
delivered to determine the maximum number of share of Common Stock available for delivery under the
2011 Director Plan.
Administration
The 2011 Director Plan will be administered by the Board or a committee of the Board (and
therefore references to the Board in this summary include references to the committee). The Board
may establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the
2011 Director Plan, including
43
determinations, interpretations and actions in connection with the 2011 Director Plan, all
which will be binding on all participants and their legal representatives.
Annual Restricted Stock Awards for Non-employee Directors
The 2011 Director Plan provides that each non-employee director will receive a grant of stock
awards annually. On the date each non-employee director is appointed by the Board or first elected
as a director at our annual meeting of stockholders, such non-employee director will be granted a
number of shares equal to $160,000 divided by the fair market value of a share on the date of
grant. In addition, on the date of each annual meeting of our stockholders during the term of the
2011 Director Plan (commencing with this Annual Meeting if the 2011 Director Plan is approved by
our stockholders), each non-employee director in office immediately following such annual meeting
will be granted a number of shares equal to $100,000 divided by the fair market value of a share on
the date of grant.
The shares of restricted stock vest and all restrictions lapse one year from the date of
grant. If a non-employee directors service as a director terminates due to death, disability, or
failure to be nominated by us for re-election or failure to be re-elected by the stockholders
following our nomination, all unvested restricted stock awards will vest and all restrictions on
the shares attributable to such restricted stock award, including the risk of forfeiture, will
lapse. If a non-employee directors service as a director terminates for any other reason than
described above, all unvested restricted stock will be forfeited.
Stock Options
On the date of each annual meeting of our stockholders during the term of the 2011 Director
Plan (commencing with this Annual Meeting if the 2011 Director Plan is approved by our
stockholders), each non-employee director in office immediately following such annual meeting may
be granted a stock option to purchase from zero to 6,000 shares of Common Stock, the actual amount
to be determined by the Board. The exercise price per share will equal the fair market value of a
share on the date of grant. The exercise price may be paid in cash or, in the discretion of the
Board, by the delivery of shares of Common Stock then owned by the non-employee director, by the
withholding of shares of Common Stock for which a stock option is exercisable, or by a combination
of these methods. The Board may prescribe any other method of paying the exercise price that it
determines to be consistent with applicable law and the purpose of the 2011 Director Plan. In
determining which methods a non-employee director may utilize to pay the exercise price, the Board
may consider such factors as it determines are appropriate. Each stock option is exercisable at any
time following the earlier of the first anniversary of, or the first annual meeting of our
stockholders after the date of grant, provided that the non-employee director continues to serve as
our director on such anniversary. Prior to the first anniversary, however, a stock option will
become immediately exercisable in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2011
Director Plan), or termination of the non-employee directors service as a result of disability or
death. Each stock option terminates on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant unless terminated
earlier under the terms of the 2011 Director Plan.
If a non-employee director ceases to serve as our director (except in the case of accelerated
vesting of stock options upon a non-employee directors death or disability or a Change in
Control), any outstanding stock option previously granted under the 2011 Director Plan will
terminate and become null and void for options that are not then exercisable. Any portion of a
non-employee directors stock options that are vested but have not been exercised may, subject to
certain exceptions, be exercised:
|
|
|
within three months after the date of termination of service as a
director in the case of termination by reason of our failure to nominate such
director for re-election, or failure of such director to be re-elected by
stockholders after our nomination, or
|
|
|
|
|
within one year in the case of termination of service as a director
by reason of death or disability.
|
Stock options held by a non-employee director that have a remaining term of less than one year
on the date of the non-employee directors death will automatically be extended to the first
anniversary of the date of death; however, the term of any option cannot exceed 10 years from the
date of its grant.
44
Adjustments and Change in Control
The 2011 Director Plan contains provisions for equitable adjustment of stock options and stock
awards (including any unvested stock award) in the event of a merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up,
spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, dividend in kind or other like change in
capital structure or distribution (other than normal cash dividends) to our stockholders. In
addition, under any such circumstances the Board has the authority to adjust, in an equitable
manner, the number and kind of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2011 Director
Plan, the number and kind of stock options and restricted stock awards that may be granted under
the 2011 Director Plan, and the exercise price applicable to outstanding stock options.
If there is a Change in Control (as defined in the 2011 Director Plan), all outstanding
restricted stock awards (including all unvested stock awards) immediately become vested and any
outstanding stock options immediately become exercisable. In the event of a Change in Control, the
Board, in its discretion, may cause each outstanding stock option to terminate, and each option
holder will have the right to receive the excess of the fair market value of shares of Common Stock
subject to his or her stock options over its exercise price, payable in cash or other property as
determined by the Board.
Nontransferability
Shares of restricted stock that are the subject of awards under the 2011 Director Plan are
generally non-transferrable during the one-year restriction period. The 2011 Director Plan
provides that stock options may be transferred generally only by the will of the non-employee
director or under applicable inheritance laws. At the discretion of the Board, a stock option may
be transferred solely to the non-employee directors spouse, siblings, parents, children and/or
grandchildren, or to trusts for the benefit of such persons, or to partnerships, corporations,
limited liability companies or other entities owned solely by such persons, including trusts for
such persons, subject to any restriction included in the award of the stock option.
Other provisions
The award of any Benefit under the 2011 Director Plan also may be subject to such other
provisions as the Board determines appropriate.
Amendments
The Board may amend the 2011 Director Plan from time to time or suspend or terminate the 2011
Director Plan at any time. No amendment will have a material adverse effect on an outstanding stock
option or restricted stock award without the consent of the holder. No amendment of the 2011
Director Plan may be made without approval of our stockholders if required by applicable law or by
any listing agreement to which we are a party with a national securities exchange or other market
system.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The statements in the following paragraphs of the principal U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the benefits under the 2011 Director Plan are based on statutory authority and
judicial and administrative interpretations as of the date of this Proxy Statement, which are
subject to change at any time (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion is limited to the
U.S. federal income tax consequences to individuals who are citizens or residents of the United
States. The law is technical and complex, and the discussion below represents only a general
summary. The following is not considered as tax advice to any persons who may be participants in
the 2011 Director Plan and any such persons are advised to consult their own tax counsel.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. Non-employee directors generally will recognize ordinary income for
stock awards at the time the shares of Common Stock that are the subject of the award vest, in an
amount equal to the shares fair market value at such time. If the non-employee director makes a
written election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code) filed with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days after the exercise of the option (a
Section 83(b) Election), however, he or she will recognize
45
ordinary income as of the date of the award, in an amount equal to the fair market value of
the shares of Common Stock as of that date. We generally will be allowed a deduction for federal
income tax purposes in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the employee, provided
that such amount constitutes an ordinary and necessary business expense and is reasonable and the
limitations of Section 280G of the Code do not apply.
STOCK OPTIONS. Stock options granted under the 2011 Director Plan are options that do not
qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422(b) of the Code. A non-employee director who
receives a stock option will not recognize any taxable income upon grant. The non-employee director
generally will recognize ordinary income upon exercise in an amount equal to the excess of the fair
market value of the shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise over the exercise price. As a
result of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain
circumstances, the timing of income recognition may be deferred (the Deferral Period). Absent a
Section 83(b) Election, recognition of income by the non-employee director will be deferred until
the expiration of the Deferral Period, if any. A non-employee directors tax basis in the shares of
Common Stock received upon exercise of a stock option will be equal to the amount of cash paid on
exercise, plus the amount of ordinary income received by such non-employee director as a result of
the exercise of the stock option. The holding period for the shares of Common Stock would begin
just after the transfer of the shares or just after the Deferral Period, if any. We generally will
be allowed a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income included by the
non-employee director for his or her stock option, provided that such amount constitutes an
ordinary and necessary business expense and is reasonable and the limitations of Section 280G of
the Code do not apply. If a non-employee director exercises a stock option by delivering shares of
Common Stock, other than shares previously acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock
option which are delivered prior to the expiration of the holding periods specified in section
422(a) of the Code, the non-employee director will not recognize gain or loss for the exchange of
such shares, even if their then fair market value is different from the non-employee directors tax
basis. The non-employee director, however, will be taxed as described above for the exercise of the
stock option as if he or she had paid the exercise price in cash, and we will generally be entitled
to an equivalent tax deduction.
If the Board permits a non-employee director to transfer a stock option to a member or members
of the non-employee directors immediate family (or to a trust for the benefit of such persons) or
other entity owned by such persons, and such transfer is made and constitutes a completed gift for
gift tax purposes (which determination may depend on a variety of factors including whether the
stock option has vested), then such transfer will be subject to federal gift tax except, generally,
to the extent protected by the non-employee directors annual gift-tax exclusion, by his or her
lifetime unified credit or by the marital deduction. The amount of the non-employee directors gift
is the value of the stock option at the time of the gift. If the transfer of the stock option
constitutes a completed gift and the non-employee director retains no interest in or power over the
stock option after the transfer, the stock option generally will not be included in his or her
gross estate for federal estate tax purposes. The transfer of the stock option will not cause the
transferee to recognize taxable income at the time of the transfer. If the transferee exercises the
stock option while the transferor is alive, the transferor will recognize ordinary income as
described above as if the transferor had exercised the stock option. If the transferee exercises
the stock option after the death of the transferor, the transferors estate or the transferee will
recognize ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
REGULATION. The Plan is neither qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code,
nor subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended (ERISA).
New Plan Benefit
As discussed above, on the date of each annual meeting of our stockholders during the term of
the 2011 Director Plan (commencing with this Annual Meeting), each non-employee director in office
immediately following such annual meeting will be granted a number of shares equal to $100,000
divided by the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. The following table sets forth
the number of shares subject to awards granted under the 2011 Director Plan to the below
individuals and groups. All such awards are subject to stockholder approval of the 2011 Director
Plan, and if such approval is not obtained, no awards will be granted.
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Position
|
|
Dollar Value ($)
|
|
Number of Shares Subject to Awards
|
|
Bruce A. Streeter, CEO and CFO
|
|
Not applicable
|
|
None
|
|
Executive Group
|
|
Not applicable
|
|
None
|
|
Non-Executive Director Group
|
|
$
|
700,000
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group
|
|
Not applicable
|
|
None
|
|
(1)
The number of shares will be determined by the fair market value of a share on
the date of grant.
Any stock options under the 2011 Director Plan will be granted at the discretion of our Board
of Directors. Therefore, the benefits and amounts that will be received or allocated under the
2011 Director Plan for stock options are not presently determinable.
Required Vote
Assuming the existence of a quorum, approval and adoption of the 2011 Director Plan by
stockholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to
vote on the proposal. Abstentions will be treated as a vote against the 2011 Director Plan and
broker non-votes will be disregarded and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
THE BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE 2011 DIRECTOR PLAN AND RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE 2011 DIRECTOR PLAN. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BY
SIGNED BUT UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE 2011 DIRECTOR PLAN.
47
PROPOSAL 4
AMEND THE GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Board is proposing for stockholder approval amendments to the GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan). The purpose of the Deferred
Compensation Plan is primarily to provide deferred compensation for a select group of management or
highly compensated employees, within the meaning of ERISA, and to our non-employee directors. GM
Offshore, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, previously established the GM Offshore, Inc. Executive
Nonqualified Excess Plan (as previously defined, the Current EDC Plan) for the benefit of our
eligible employees and directors and the eligible employees and directors of certain of our
affiliates that adopted the Current EDC Plan. If approved by stockholders at the Meeting, we
desire to amend, restate, and continue, without gap or lapse in time or coverage of, the Current
EDC Plan, for the benefit of our eligible employees and directors and the eligible employees and
directors of certain of our affiliates as described below.
The Board proposes to amend the Current EDC Plan to streamline and clarify certain
administrative provisions and to obtain stockholder approval as required under New York Stock
Exchange rules. The following summary describes the material features of the Deferred Compensation
Plan but is not intended to be complete, and therefore the summary is qualified in its entirety by
the Deferred Compensation Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix C.
Administration
We are the Plan Administrator and the named fiduciary of the Deferred Compensation Plan
for purposes of ERISA. The Deferred Compensation Plan will be administered by a Committee of one
or more members of the Board (Deferred Compensation Committee). The Deferred Compensation
Committee will supervise the administration and enforcement of the Deferred Compensation Plan and
make all other policy decisions relating to the operation of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Eligibility
Any individual who is our employee and on active payroll and who is a member of a select group
of management or a highly compensated employee, as determined by the Deferred Compensation
Committee in its sole discretion, as well as all our non-employee directors are eligible to
participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (the EDC Participants). Such EDC Participants may
participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan by making an annual election to make Participating
Deferrals (as defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan), which for an employee is deferral of 1%
to 50% of his or her base salary for the plan year and/or 1% to 100% of his or her bonus earned
during the plan year, and for non-employee directors is deferral from 5% to 100% of his or her
directors fees for the plan year.
Deferral Elections
Once an EDC Participant chooses his or her Participating Deferrals for the year, he or she
must indicate the applicable time and form of payment for the deferred pay, which also applies to
the net income (or net loss) allocated with respect thereto. An EDC Participant generally must
elect to have his or her Deferred Compensation Plan balance paid or commence to be paid upon the
earliest to occur of (1) separation from service, (2) a specified date, (3) disability, (4) death,
or (5) the occurrence of a change in control event.
Company Matching
We will make a matching deferral on the EDC Participants behalf in an amount equal to the EDC
Participants deferred amount up to 7 1/2% of the EDC Participants base salary and bonus (or
directors fees in the case of a non-employee director EDC Participant), which will be credited to
the EDC Participants account in one or more installments, as determined by the Deferred
Compensation Committee. We may also credit an EDC
48
Participants account with discretionary deferrals in such amount, if any, as the Deferred
Compensation Committee will determine in its sole discretion.
Our matching deferrals vest over a five-year period, 20% each year. An EDC Participant will
become 100% vested in the amount we matched upon (1) attainment of age 55 plus two years of service
or attainment of age 65, (2) disability, or (3) death. If a change in control event occurs, an EDC
Participant who has not incurred a separation from service prior to the date of the Change in
Control will become 100% vested in the amount we matched.
Deemed Investment of Funds
The EDC Participants accounts will be deemed to be credited with earnings and losses in
accordance with such accounts deemed investments. Until the Deferred Compensation Committee
prospectively establishes different procedures, 100% of our matching deferrals will be deemed to be
invested in shares of Common Stock and the EDC Participants deferrals for the first 7 1/2% of
salary and bonus (or non-employee directors fees) will also be deemed invested in shares of Common
Stock. In accordance with procedures established by the Deferred Compensation Committee, for the
portion of the EDC Participants deferred amount that is in excess of 7 1/2% of salary and bonus
(or directors fees) for the plan year, an EDC Participant may direct that his or her account be
deemed to be investing in Common Stock or in an account bearing a fixed rate of interest, or a
combination of both. If an EDC Participant makes no investment selections, his or her entire
deferred amount will be deemed to be invested in Common Stock. Until such time as the Deferred
Compensation Committee may specify a different rate of interest, the fixed interest rate used to
determine the rate of return for the portion of an EDC Participants account invested in the fixed
rate investment option will be the United States Prime Rate as listed in the Eastern print edition
of
The Wall Street Journal
as of the date of crediting the deemed earnings under the Deferred
Compensation Plan, plus two percentage points.
Rabbi Trust
We have established a rabbi trust to fund the Common Stock portion of the benefits under the
Deferred Compensation Plan. The funds provided to the trust are invested by an independent trustee
in our Common Stock, which is purchased by the trustee on the open market. The assets of the trust
are available to satisfy the claims of all our general creditors in the event of our bankruptcy or
insolvency.
Purchase of Shares
The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that the trustee is authorized to
purchase in the open market for the Deferred Compensation Plan is 250,000 shares, subject to
appropriate adjustments in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, or similar change in
capitalization affecting the Common Stock. Common Stock held in the rabbi trust are shares of
Common Stock purchased by the trustee on the New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which
the shares are subsequently traded.
Payment of Benefits
An EDC Participants benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan will be distributed in whole
shares of Common Stock and cash, depending on the deemed investment of the EDC Participants
account as of the date of distribution.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The statements in the following paragraphs of the principal U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan are based on statutory authority
and judicial and administrative interpretations, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, which are
subject to change at any time (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion is limited to the
U.S. federal income tax consequences to individuals who are citizens or residents of the United
States. The law is technical and complex, and the discussion below represents only a general
summary. The following is not be considered as tax advice to any persons who may be EDC
Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan and any such persons are advised to consult their
own tax counsel.
49
The Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan for
Federal income tax purposes. EDC Participants are not subject to federal income tax on the amounts
they elect to defer under the Deferred Compensation Plan, and such amounts reduce the current cash
compensation that the EDC Participants would otherwise be paid by us and be taxed on currently.
EDC Participants are also not subject to federal income tax on matching deferrals or any
discretionary deferrals credited to the EDC Participants accounts under the Deferred Compensation
Plan by us, nor are EDC Participants subject to federal income tax on deemed interest credited to
their accounts for any portion of such accounts deemed invested in the Deferred Compensation Plans
fixed interest deemed investment option or on increases in the value of Common Stock for any
portion of such accounts deemed invested in Common Stock. The amount of cash or the value of
Common Stock actually distributed to EDC Participants from the Deferred Compensation Plan, whether
attributable to the EDC Participants deferrals or us, and whether representing the original
deferral amount or fixed interest on or appreciation for the original deferred amount, is ordinary
gross income to the EDC Participant received for the performance of services as an employee or as a
non-employee director.
We will receive no federal income tax deduction from the Deferred Compensation Plan until
distributions from the Deferred Compensation Plan are made to EDC Participants and then, provided
that the limitations of Section 162(m) or Section 280G of the Code do not apply, we will receive a
deduction for the payment of compensation equal to the amount of cash or the value of Common Stock
we distribute to the EDC Participant and includable by the EDC Participant in his or her gross
income.
The Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to the
requirements of Section 409A of the Code. We intend for the Deferred Compensation Plan to comply
with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code both as to the Deferred Compensation Plans form
and its operation. However, if the requirements of Section 409A of the Code were not complied with
respect to an EDC Participant, he or she would generally be required to include immediately as of
the date of such noncompliance (or, in the case of our deferrals, as of the date the amount became
vested, if later) in his or her gross income for federal income tax purposes the total amount
credited to the EDC Participants account in the Deferred Compensation Plan at the time of such
noncompliance (or, if later, vesting) attributable to both the EDC Participants and our deferrals,
and including deemed interest or appreciation in the value of Common Stock, and would be required
to pay an additional tax equal to 20% of the amount included in his or her gross income plus an
amount equal to notional interest at the interest rate charged by the Internal Revenue Service on
underpayments of federal income tax, plus 1% from the date the amount was deferred (or, in the case
our deferrals became vested, if later) to the date of the violation and inclusion in gross income.
Although, subject to the Deferred Compensation Plans compliance with Section 409A of the
Code, an EDC Participants and our deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are generally not
treated as gross income of the EDC Participant for federal income tax purposes until such amounts
are actually distributed from the Deferred Compensation Plan, in the case of an EDC Participant who
is our employee, the EDC Participants and our Deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are
subject to both the employee and employer portions of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
taxes at the later of the time such amounts are deemed deferred or, in the case of our deferrals,
become vested. Distributions from the Deferred Compensation Plan to employee EDC Participants,
including the portion of any distribution attributable to deemed fixed interest or appreciation in
the value of Common Stock, are generally not subject to FICA tax. However, deferrals for
non-employee directors are not subject to FICA tax when they are made or deemed to be made, and
distributions from the Deferred Compensation Plan to non-employee directors may be subject to
Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) tax at the time of distribution.
New Plan Benefit
Under the Current EDC Plan, 14 of our employees and our seven nominated non-executive
directors are eligible to participate. As participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan is based
on the election of each EDC Participant, it is not presently possible to determine the benefits or
amounts that will be received by our named executive officers, our other employees, or our
directors pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan. As of December 31, 2010, the aggregate
balance of the Current EDC Plan for our named executive officers is $3,867,920 and for our
directors is $4,826,954.
50
Why a Stockholder Vote is Required
Although no new shares will be issued as part of the Deferred Compensation Plan as the trustee
will purchase Common Stock on the open market, the plan is considered an equity compensation plan
under the New York Stock Exchange rules because of the requirement that the first seven and one
half percent of compensation that is deferred by the EDC Participant must be invested in our Common
Stock and matched by us in Common Stock. As the Deferred Compensation Plan is an equity
compensation plan it is required to be approved by our stockholders.
If our stockholders do not approve the amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plan, then the
trust will not be required to purchase Common Stock for the first seven and one half percent of
compensation that is deferred by the EDC Participant and which may be matched by us, and the
Deferred Compensation Plan will be amended to provide for alternative investment options.
The Compensation Committee believes this result would be a much less attractive alternative
from the perspective of our stockholders because without the requirement to purchase shares of
Common Stock, the plan will not as closely align the interests of the EDC Participants with those
of our stockholders.
Required Vote
Assuming the existence of a quorum, approval and adoption of the amendments to the Deferred
Compensation Plan by stockholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will be treated as a vote against the
amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plan and broker non-votes will be disregarded and will have
no effect on the outcome of the vote.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BY SIGNED BUT UNMARKED
PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN.
51
PROPOSAL 5
APPROVAL BY A STOCKHOLDER NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE OF THE COMPENSATION
PAID BY US TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS A SAY ON
PAY PROPOSAL
As required under the newly-enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act), our Board is submitting a Say on Pay proposal to stockholder for
consideration. This proposal provides stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote
on our executive compensation program. Our overall compensation program is intended to ensure that
the compensation and incentive opportunities provided to our executives and employees remain
competitive and provide the motivation to deliver efforts that lead to returning value to our
stockholders. The primary objective of our executive compensation program is to provide
competitive pay opportunities that are commensurate with our performance, that recognize individual
initiative and achievements and that enable us to retain and attract qualified executive officers
who are focused on our goals and long-term success.
The Board invites you to review carefully the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning
on page 16 and the tabular and other disclosures on compensation under the discussion of our
executive compensation program beginning on page 30. Based upon that review, the Board recommends
that the stockholders approve the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Companys named
executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation
disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including the compensation discussion and analysis, the
compensation tables and any related material disclosed in this
proxy statement, is hereby APPROVED.
While the vote does not bind the Board to any particular action, the Board values the input of
our stockholders, and will take into account the outcome of this vote in considering future
compensation arrangements.
Assuming the existence of a quorum, non-binding approval of the compensation paid to our named
executive officers by stockholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will be treated as a vote against this
proposal and broker non-votes will be disregarded and have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION PAID BY US TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
52
PROPOSAL 6
ESTABLISHMENT BY A STOCKHOLDER NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE OF THE FREQUENCY
OF SUBMISSION TO STOCKHOLDERS OF ADVISORY SAY ON PAY PROPOSALS
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, we are also required to seek a non-binding advisory stockholder vote
regarding the frequency of submission to stockholders of a Say on Pay advisory vote such as that
set forth in Proposal 5. As discussed in Proposal 5, the Board values the input of our
stockholders regarding our executive compensation program. Stockholders can advise the Board on
whether such votes should occur every year, every two years, or every three years, or may abstain
from voting on this proposal. Although this vote is advisory and non-binding, our Board will
review voting results and give serious consideration to the outcome of such voting. A vote on the
frequency of submission to stockholders of a Say on Pay advisory vote must occur at least once
every six years.
Our Board recognizes the importance of receiving regular input from our stockholders on
important issues such as our executive compensation program. Therefore, our Board recommends that
the advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation be held every year.
Assuming the existence of a quorum, non-binding approval of the frequency of holding Say on
Pay stockholder advisory votes requires the vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be disregarded
and have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
Please mark on the Proxy Card your preference as to the frequency of holding Say on Pay
stockholder advisory votes as either every year, every two years, or every three years or mark
abstain. You are not voting to approve or disapprove the Boards recommendation on this item.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ONE YEAR AS THE FREQUENCY FOR VOTING ON SAY ON PAY PROPOSALS.
53
PROPOSAL 7
RATIFICATION OF OUR INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
UHY, and its predecessor UHY Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp LLP, have served as our principal
independent registered public accounting firm since the year ended December 31, 2005, after
replacing Ernst & Young LLP. As a result of a competitive request for proposal process
undertaken by the Audit Committee, we dismissed UHY as our independent registered public accounting
firm and engaged KPMG LLP for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decision to change our
independent registered accounting firm was made by the Audit Committee on March 14, 2011 and was
subsequently ratified and approved by the Board of Directors on March 17, 2011. As a result, we
are asking our stockholders to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent auditor.
Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the
selection of KPMG LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.
Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different
registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change
would be in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders.
KPMG LLP will have representatives present at the Annual Meeting who will have the opportunity
to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
UHYs reports on the Companys financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, did
not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were such reports qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the year ended December
31, 2010, there were no disagreements with UHY on any matter of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which if not resolved to the
satisfaction of UHY, would have caused it to make a reference to the subject matter of the
disagreement(s) in connection with its reports covering such periods.
UHY also provided tax and other services to the Company in 2010 and 2009. Other services
included costs related to financial accounting and reporting consultations.
Audit fees billed for the last two years for professional services rendered by UHY, our
principal accountant, are set forth on the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
Audit Fees
(1)
|
|
$
|
799,818
|
|
|
$
|
956,445
|
|
Audit-Related Fees
(2)
|
|
|
30,037
|
|
|
|
45,496
|
|
Tax Fees
(3)
|
|
|
8,284
|
|
|
|
7,996
|
|
All Other Fees
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
838,139
|
|
|
$
|
1,014,110
|
|
(1)
Relates to services rendered in connection with auditing our annual consolidated
financial statements and our internal controls over financial reporting for each applicable year
and reviewing our quarterly financial statements. Also, includes services rendered in connection
with statutory audits and financial statement audits of our subsidiaries and expenses.
(2)
Relates to employee benefit plan consultations, 401(k) plan audits, and due
diligence procedures.
(3)
Relates to foreign tax compliance and consultation services.
(4)
Relates to financial accounting and reporting consultation.
54
The Audit Committee approves all audit and tax services provided by our independent auditor
prior to the engagement of the independent auditor with respect to such services. The Audit
Committees pre-approval policy provides for pre-approval of specifically described audit related
and other services by the Chairman of the Audit Committee with respect to the permitted services.
None of the services described above were approved by the Audit Committee under the de minimis
exception provided by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under
Regulation S-X.
Required Vote for Ratification of Our Independent Public Accountants
Ratification of KPMG LLP as our registered independent public accounting firm will require the
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Broker non-votes will be counted as a
for vote for this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as an against vote for this
proposal.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF KPMG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
PROPOSALS BY STOCKHOLDERS AND STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
We anticipate that our 2012 Annual Meeting will be held in the first week of June 2012. Any
stockholder wishing to present a proposal for consideration at the meeting must submit it so that
notice will be received by us no earlier than close of business on February 9, 2012, and no later
than the close of business on March 15, 2012. Such proposal must comply with the proxy rules
promulgated by the SEC in order to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy related to
the meeting and should be sent to our Secretary at our principal executive offices at the address
set forth on the cover of this Proxy Statement. If notice of any stockholder proposal not eligible
for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy is given to us after March 15, 2012, then
proxy holders will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority on such stockholder
proposal when the matter is raised at such meeting. In no event will the public announcement of an
adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time
period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
For more information regarding stockholder proposal deadlines, please see Section 1.13(a)(2)
of our Bylaws.
Except as described below, the Board does not have a formal process for stockholders or
interested parties to send communications to the Board or non-management directors as a group. Due
to the infrequency of stockholder or interested party communications to the Board, the Board does
not believe that a formal process is necessary. The Board will review periodically whether a more
formal policy should be adopted. Written communications to the Board may be sent to our executive
offices at GulfMark Offshore, Inc., 10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77042, and we
will promptly circulate such communications to all members of the Board (or to those particular
directors to whom such communication is specifically addressed). Such communications will be
screened to the extent necessary in order to ascertain the intended recipients or appropriate
recipients among the members of the Board. Director nominations and other matters a stockholder
proposes for consideration at the meeting must be timely submitted, comply with the requirements
set forth in our Bylaws, and be sent to the Secretarys attention at our executive office address
set forth above.
The Board has established several methods of communicating concerns to our Board. Concerns
regarding financial statements, accounting practices, or internal controls should be addressed to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee, in care of the Secretary, GulfMark Offshore, Inc., 10111
Richmond Avenue, Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77042. Concerns regarding governance practices, ethics
and code of conduct should be addressed to the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee,
in care of the Secretary, GulfMark Offshore, Inc., 10111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 340, Houston, Texas
77042. The interested party may alternatively anonymously submit such communications through the
Global Compliance Online Reporting System. The Global Compliance Online Reporting System may be
accessed on the internet at
https://gulfmark.alertline.com
. The interested party should click on
Submit a Complaint, enter the number 6032 in the company ID block, and complete the rest of the
form
55
as appropriate. The communication process is also further detailed on our website,
www.gulfmark.com
, along with other of our corporate governance guidelines, and is available in
print to any stockholder who requests it.
OTHER BUSINESS
Neither the Board nor the Company know of any other business that will be brought before the
meeting. If, however, any other matters are properly presented, it is the intention of the persons
named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the shares covered thereby as, in their discretion,
they may deem advisable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By order of the Board of Directors
|
|
/s/ Richard M. Safier
|
|
|
Richard M. Safier
|
|
|
Secretary
|
|
|
Houston, Texas
Date: April 29, 2011
56
APPENDIX A
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
SECTION 1.
PURPOSE OF PLAN.
The Board adopted the Plan effective as of July 1, 2011 to provide Eligible Employees with an
opportunity to increase their interest in the success of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (the Company) by
purchasing Stock from the Company on favorable terms and paying for such purchases through regular
payroll deductions. The Plan is intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under § 423 of the
Code.
SECTION 2.
ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN.
(a)
Committee Composition
. The Committee shall administer the Plan. The Committee shall
consist exclusively of one or more members of the Board, who shall be appointed by the Board.
(b)
Committee Responsibilities
. The Committee shall interpret the Plan and make all other
policy decisions relating to the operation of the Plan. The Committee may adopt such rules,
guidelines and forms as it deems appropriate to implement the Plan. The Committees determinations
under the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons.
SECTION 3.
STOCK OFFERED UNDER PLAN.
(a)
Authorized Shares
. The number of shares of Stock available for purchase under the Plan
shall be 269,934 (subject to adjustment pursuant to Subsection (b) below).
(b)
Anti-Dilution Adjustments
. The aggregate number of shares of Stock offered under the
Plan, the 1,000-share limitation described in Section 8(c), and the price of shares that any
Participant has elected to purchase, shall be adjusted proportionately for any increase or decrease
in the number of outstanding shares of Stock resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of
shares or the payment of a stock dividend, any other increase or decrease in such shares effected
without receipt or payment of consideration by the Company, the distribution of the shares of a
Subsidiary to the Companys stockholders, or any similar event.
(c)
Reorganizations
. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, immediately prior to
the effective time of a Corporate Reorganization, the Offering Period then in progress shall
terminate and shares shall be purchased pursuant to Section 8, unless the Plan is continued or
assumed by the surviving corporation or its parent corporation. The Plan shall in no event be
construed to restrict in any way the Companys right to undertake a dissolution, liquidation,
merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or other reorganization.
1
SECTION 4.
ENROLLMENT AND PARTICIPATION.
(a)
Offering Periods
. Under the Plan, four Offering Periods shall commence in each calendar
year, consisting of the three-month periods commencing on each January 1, April 1, July 1, and
October 1, except that the Committee may determine that the first Offering Period applicable to the
Eligible Employees of a new Participating Company shall commence on any date specified by the
Committee.
(b)
Enrollment
. In the case of any individual who qualifies as an Eligible Employee on the
first day of any Offering Period, he or she may elect to become a Participant on such day by filing
the prescribed enrollment form with the Company. The enrollment form shall be filed at the
prescribed location at least five business days prior to such day.
(c)
Duration of Participation
. Once enrolled in the Plan, a Participant shall continue to
participate in the Plan until he or she:
(i) Reaches the end of the Offering Period in which his or her employee contributions
were discontinued under Sections 5(c) or 9(b);
(ii) Withdraws from the Plan under Section 6(a); or
(iii) Ceases to be an Eligible Employee.
A Participant whose employee contributions were discontinued automatically under Section 9(b) shall
automatically resume participation at the beginning of the earliest Offering Period ending in the
next calendar year, if he or she then is an Eligible Employee. In all other cases, a former
Participant may again become a Participant, if he or she then is an Eligible Employee, by following
the procedure described in subsection (b) above.
SECTION 5.
EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a)
Commencement of Payroll Deductions
. A Participant may purchase shares of Stock under the
Plan only by means of regular payroll deductions. Payroll deductions shall commence as soon as
reasonably practicable after the Company has received the prescribed enrollment form.
(b)
Amount of Payroll Deductions
. An Eligible Employee shall designate on the prescribed
enrollment form the portion of his or her Compensation that he or she elects to have withheld for
the purchase of Stock. Such portion shall be a whole percentage of the Eligible Employees
Compensation, but not less than 1% nor more than 15%.
(c)
Reducing Withholding Rate or Discontinuing Payroll Deductions
. If a Participant wishes to
reduce his or her rate of payroll withholding, such Participant may do so by filing a new
enrollment form with the Company at the prescribed location at any time. The new withholding rate
shall be effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such form. The
new withholding rate may be 0% or any whole percentage of the Participants Compensation, but not
more than his or her old withholding rate. No Participant
2
shall make more than one election under this subsection (c) during any Offering Period. (In
addition, employee contributions may be discontinued automatically pursuant to Section 9(b)).
(d)
Increasing Withholding Rate
. If a Participant wishes to increase his or her rate of
payroll withholding, such Participant may do so by filing a new enrollment form with the Company at
the prescribed location at any time. The new withholding rate may be effective on the first day of
any Offering Period, provided that the Participant has filed the enrollment form with the Company
at the prescribed location at least five business days prior to the first day of such Offering
Period. The new withholding rate may be any whole percentage of the Participants Compensation,
but not less than 1% nor more than 15%. An increase in a Participants rate of payroll withholding
may not take effect during an Offering Period.
SECTION 6.
WITHDRAWAL FROM PLAN.
(a)
Withdrawal
. A Participant may elect to withdraw from the Plan by filing the prescribed
form with the Company at the prescribed location, at least five business days before the end of the
Offering Period. As soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, payroll deductions shall cease and
the entire amount credited to the Participants Plan Account shall be refunded to him or her in
cash, without interest. No partial withdrawals shall be permitted.
(b)
Re-Enrollment After Withdrawal
. A former Participant who has withdrawn from the Plan
shall not be a Participant again until he or she re-enrolls in the Plan under Section 4(b).
Re-enrollment may be effective only at the commencement of an Offering Period.
SECTION 7.
CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS.
(a)
Termination of Employment
. Termination of employment as an Eligible Employee for any
reason, including death, shall be treated as an automatic withdrawal from the Plan under Section
6(a). (A transfer of employment from one Participating Company to another shall not be treated as
a termination of employment.)
(b)
Leave of Absence
. For purposes of the Plan, employment shall not be deemed to terminate
when the Participant goes on a military leave, sick leave, or another
bona fide
leave of absence,
as long as (except in the case of
bona fide
military leave) the leave was approved by the Company
in writing. Employment, however, shall in any event be deemed to terminate when the approved leave
ends or 90 days after the Participant goes on a leave, unless a contract or statute guarantees his
or her right to return to work, or unless the Participant immediately returns to work.
(c)
Death
. In the event of the Participants death, the cash credited to his or her Plan
Account and not yet used to purchase Stock shall be paid to a beneficiary designated by him or her
for this purpose on the prescribed form or, if none, to the Participants estate. Such form shall
be valid only if it was filed with the Company at the prescribed location before the Participants
death.
3
SECTION 8.
PLAN ACCOUNTS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES.
(a)
Plan Accounts
. The Company shall maintain a Plan Account on its books in the name of each
Participant. Whenever an amount is deducted from the Participants Compensation under the Plan,
such amount shall be credited to the Participants Plan Account. Amounts credited to Plan Accounts
shall not be trust funds and may be commingled with the Companys general assets and applied to
general corporate purposes. No interest shall be credited to Plan Accounts.
(b)
Purchase Price
. The Purchase Price for each share of Stock purchased at the close of an
Offering Period shall be the lower of:
(i) 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the last trading day before the
commencement of such Offering Period; or
(ii) 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the last trading day in such
Offering Period.
(c)
Number of Shares Purchased
. As of the last day of each Offering Period, each Participant
shall be deemed to have elected to purchase the number of shares of Stock calculated in accordance
with this subsection (c), unless the Participant has previously elected to withdraw from the Plan
in accordance with Section 6(a). The amount then in the Participants Plan Account shall be
divided by the Purchase Price, and the resulting number of shares shall be purchased from the
Company with the funds in the Participants Plan Account. The foregoing notwithstanding, no
Participant shall purchase more than 1,000 shares of Stock with respect to any Offering Period.
Purchases of Stock under the Plan shall also be limited to the extent necessary to avoid exceeding
the limits set forth in Sections 3(a) and 9(b).
(d)
Available Shares Insufficient
. In the event that the aggregate number of shares that all
Participants elect to purchase during an Offering Period exceeds the maximum number of shares
remaining available for issuance under Section 3, the number of shares to which each Participant is
entitled shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares available for issuance by a
fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares that such Participant has elected to
purchase, and the denominator of which is the number of shares that all Participants have elected
to purchase.
(e)
Issuance of Stock
. The shares of Stock purchased by a Participant under the Plan may be
registered in the name of such Participant, or jointly in the name of such Participant and his or
her spouse as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, or as community property (with or
without the right of survivorship). The Committee may require that such shares must be held for
the Participants benefit by a broker designated by the Committee until the expiration of the
holding period described in § 423(a)(1) of the Code. (The preceding sentence shall apply whether
or not the Participant is required to pay income tax in the United States.)
(f)
Tax Withholding
. To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign
law, a Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any
withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. The
4
Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Stock under the Plan until such
obligations are satisfied.
(g)
Unused Cash Balances
. An amount remaining in the Participants Plan Account that
represents the Purchase Price for any fractional share shall be carried over in the Participants
Plan Account to the next Offering Period. Any amount remaining in the Participants Plan Account
that represents the Purchase Price for whole shares that could not be purchased by reason of
subsection (c) above, Section 3, or Section 9(b), shall be refunded to the Participant in cash,
without interest.
(h)
Stockholder Approval
. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no shares of Stock
shall be purchased under the Plan unless and until the Companys stockholders have approved the
Plans adoption.
SECTION 9.
LIMITATIONS ON STOCK OWNERSHIP.
(a)
Five Percent Limit
. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no Participant shall
be granted a right to purchase Stock under the Plan if such Participant, immediately after his or
her election to purchase such Stock, would own stock possessing more than 5% of the total combined
voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary of the
Company. For purposes of this Subsection (a), the following rules shall apply:
(i) Ownership of stock shall be determined after applying the attribution rules of §
424(d) of the Code;
(ii) Each Participant shall be deemed to own any Stock that he or she has a right or
option to purchase under this or any other plan; and
(iii) Each Participant shall be deemed to have purchased 1,000 shares of Stock under
this Plan with respect to each Offering Period.
(b)
Dollar Limit.
Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no Participant shall
purchase Stock with a Fair Market Value in excess of $25,000 per calendar year (under this Plan and
all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary of the Company).
For purposes of this subsection (b), the Fair Market Value of Stock shall be determined in each
case as of the beginning of the Offering Period in which such Stock is purchased. Stock purchased
under employee stock purchase plans not described in §423 of the Code shall be disregarded. If a
Participant is precluded by this subsection (b) from purchasing additional Stock under the Plan,
then his or her employee contributions shall automatically be discontinued and shall automatically
resume at the beginning of the earliest Offering Period ending in the next calendar year (if he or
she then is an Eligible Employee).
SECTION 10.
RIGHTS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
The rights of any Participant under the Plan, or any Participants interest in any Stock
before the Stock is purchased by the Participant or funds to which he or she may be entitled under
the Plan, shall not be transferable by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation
5
of law, or in any other manner other than by beneficiary designation or the laws of descent
and distribution. If a Participant in any manner attempts to transfer, assign or otherwise
encumber his or her rights or interest under the Plan, other than by beneficiary designation or the
laws of descent and distribution, then such act shall be treated as an election by the Participant
to withdraw from the Plan under Section 6(a).
SECTION 11.
NO ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.
Nothing in the Plan or in any right granted under the Plan shall confer upon the Participant
any right to continue in the employ of a Participating Company for any period of specific duration
or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Participating Companies or of
the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her
employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.
SECTION 12.
NO RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.
A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Stock that
he or she may have a right to purchase under the Plan until such shares have been purchased on the
last day of the applicable Offering Period.
SECTION 13.
SECURITIES LAW REQUIREMENTS.
Shares of Stock shall not be issued under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of such
shares comply with (or are exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including (without
limitation) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws and regulations, and the regulations of any stock exchange or
other securities market on which the Companys securities may then be traded.
SECTION 14.
AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUANCE.
(a)
General Rule
. The Board shall have the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at
any time, and no particular time or form of notice shall be required for such amendment,
suspension, or termination to be effective. Except as provided in Section 3, any increase in the
aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be subject to the
approval of the Companys stockholders. In addition, any other amendment of the Plan shall be
subject to the approval of the Companys stockholders to the extent required by any applicable law
or regulation. The Plan shall terminate automatically 10 years after its adoption by the Board,
unless (a) the Plan is extended by the Board and (b) the extension is approved within 12 months
(either before or after the Boards action) by a vote of the stockholders of the Company.
(b)
Impact on Purchase Price
. This Subsection (b) shall apply in the event that (i) the
Companys stockholders during an Offering Period approve an increase in the number of shares of
Stock that may be issued under Section 3 and (ii) the aggregate number of shares to be purchased at
the close of such Offering Period exceeds the number of shares that remained available under
Section 3 before such increase. In such event, the Purchase Price for each share of Stock
purchased at the close of such Offering Period shall be the lower of:
6
(i) The higher of (A) 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the last trading
day before the commencement of the applicable Offering Period or (B) 85% of the Fair Market
Value of such share on the last trading day before the date when the Companys stockholders
approve such increase; or
(ii) 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the last trading day in such
Offering Period.
SECTION 15.
SUBPLANS FOR FOREIGN EMPLOYEES.
To the extent required or advisable to comply with any non-U. S. law (including non-U. S tax
law), the Committee may modify the Plans terms for offerings to Eligible Employees who are
residents of a foreign jurisdiction (without regard to whether they are also citizens of the United
States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)); provided,
however, that no such modification shall result in any such Eligible Employees having any greater
right or privilege under the Plan than any Eligible Employee who is not a resident of a foreign
jurisdiction (but may provide for any such foreign residents having lesser rights or privileges).
The Company shall endeavor to record the rules of any such subplans in written Appendixes to the
Plan.
SECTION 16.
DEFINITIONS.
(a)
Board
means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.
(b)
Code
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c)
Committee
means a committee of the Board, as described in Section 2.
(d)
Company
means Gulfmark Offshore, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(e)
Compensation
means (i) the total compensation paid in cash to a Participant by a
Participating Company, including salaries, wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, commissions,
overtime pay and shift premiums, plus (ii) any pre-tax contributions made by the Participant under
§ 401(k) or § 125 of the Code. Compensation shall exclude all taxable non-cash items, moving or
relocation allowances, cost-of-living equalization payments, car allowances, tuition
reimbursements, imputed income attributable to cars or life insurance, severance pay, fringe
benefits, contributions or benefits received under employee benefit plans, income attributable to
the exercise of stock options, and similar items. Where there is any doubt, the Committee shall
determine whether a particular item is included in Compensation.
(f)
Corporate Reorganization
means:
(i) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another
entity or any other corporate reorganization; or
(ii) The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
Companys assets or the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
7
(g)
Eligible Employee
means any employee of a Participating Company who meets both of the
following requirements:
(i) His or her customary employment is for more than five months per calendar year and
for more than 20 hours per week; and
(ii) He or she has been an employee of a Participating Company for not less than 30
days, or such other period not in excess of 24 months as the Committee may determine before
the beginning of the applicable Offering Period.
The foregoing notwithstanding, an individual shall not be considered an Eligible Employee if
he or she is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction (without regard to whether he or she is also a
citizen of the United States or a resident alien (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of
the Code)) and his or her participation in the Plan is prohibited by the law of such foreign
jurisdiction or if compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would cause the Plan to
fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
(h)
Exchange Act
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(i)
Fair Market Value
means the price at which Stock was last sold in the principal U.S.
market for Stock on the applicable date or, if the applicable date was not a trading day, on the
last trading day prior to the applicable date. If Stock is no longer traded on a public U.S.
securities market, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good faith on such
basis as it deems appropriate. The Committees determination shall be conclusive and binding on
all persons.
(j)
Offering Period
means a period with respect to which the right to purchase Stock may be
granted under the Plan, as determined pursuant to Section 4(a).
(k)
Participant
means an Eligible Employee who participates in the Plan, as provided in
Section 4.
(l)
Participating Company
means (i) the Company and (ii) each present or future Subsidiary
designated by the Committee as a Participating Company. The Company shall endeavor to maintain a
current list of all Participating Companies as an Appendix to the Plan.
(m)
Plan
means this Gulfmark Offshore, Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as it may be
amended from time to time.
(n)
Plan Account
means the account established for each Participant pursuant to Section
8(a).
(o)
Purchase Price
means the price at which Participants may purchase Stock under the Plan,
as determined pursuant to Section 8(b).
(p)
Stock
means the Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company.
8
(q)
Subsidiary
means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of
corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last
corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
9
APPENDIX A
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
GulfMark Offshore N.S. Ltd.
Gulf Norge A.S.
GulfMark Americas, Inc.
Gulf Marine Do Brasil LTDA
Gulf Marine Far East Pte. Ltd.
10
APPENDIX B
2011 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
1. PURPOSE. The GulfMark Offshore Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (the
Plan) is intended (i) to provide incentives that will attract, retain, and motivate highly
competent persons as non-employee directors of GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC. (the Company), and (ii) to
assist in aligning the interests of the Companys non-employee directors with those of its other
stockholders, by providing non-employee directors with awards of, and opportunities to acquire,
shares of the Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (Common Stock).
2. ADMINISTRATION. The Plan will be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company
(the Board) or a committee appointed by the Board consisting of at least two non-employee members
(and references herein to the Board shall be deemed to include references to any such committee,
except as the context otherwise requires). The Board is authorized, subject to the provisions of
the Plan, to establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the proper
administration of the Plan and to make such determinations and interpretations and to take such
action in connection with the Plan and any Restricted Stock Award or Stock Option granted hereunder
as it deems necessary or advisable. All determinations and interpretations made by the Board shall
be binding and conclusive on all participants and their legal representatives.
The Board may employ such legal or other counsel, consultants and agents as it may deem desirable
for the administration of the Plan and may rely upon any opinion or computation received from any
such counsel, consultant, or agent. Expenses incurred by the Board in the engagement of such
counsel, consultant or agent shall be paid by the Company.
3. PARTICIPANTS. Each member of the Board who is not a current employee of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company (a Non-Employee Director) shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
4. TYPE OF BENEFITS. Benefits under the Plan (a) shall be granted as Restricted Stock Awards
and (b) if the Board so elects, in its discretion, may be granted as Stock Options. Such awards
may be evidenced by agreements (which need not be identical) in such forms as the Board may from
time to time approve; provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the provisions
of this Plan and any such agreement, the provisions of this Plan shall prevail.
5. COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5 and any adjustments made in accordance with
Section 8 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered to
Non-Employee Directors and their beneficiaries under the Plan
1
shall be 150,000 shares of Common Stock, which may be authorized and unissued or treasury
shares. Any shares of Common Stock covered by a Stock Option granted under the Plan that is
forfeited, is cancelled, or expires, and any shares of Common Stock attributable to an Unvested
Restricted Stock Award that are forfeited, shall be deemed not to have been delivered for purposes
of determining the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for delivery under the Plan.
(b) If any Stock Option is exercised by tendering shares of Common Stock to the Company as
full or partial payment in connection with the exercise of a Stock Option under the Plan, only the
number of shares of Common Stock issued net of the shares of Common Stock tendered shall be deemed
delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for
delivery under the Plan.
6. STOCK OPTIONS.
(a) GRANT. On the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company during the term
of the Plan commencing with the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each Non-Employee Director in
office immediately following such Annual Meeting may be granted a stock option to purchase up to
6,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustments made in accordance with Section 8 hereof) (a
Stock Option), the actual amount to be determined by the Board. Stock Options are not intended
to constitute incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Any Non-Employee Director entitled to receive Stock Options
pursuant to the Plan may elect to decline such Stock Options.
(b) EXERCISE PRICE. Each Stock Option granted hereunder shall have a per-share exercise price
equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 12 hereof) of a share of Common Stock on the
date of grant (subject to adjustments made in accordance with Section 8 hereof).
(c) PAYMENT OF EXERCISE PRICE. The option exercise price may be paid in cash or, in the
discretion of the Board, by the delivery of shares of Common Stock then owned by the Non-Employee
Director (to be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise) by the withholding of
shares of Common Stock for which a Stock Option is exercisable, or by a combination of these
methods. The Board may prescribe any other method of paying the exercise price that it determines
to be consistent with applicable law and the purpose of the Plan including, without limitation, in
lieu of the exercise of a Stock Option by delivery of shares of Common Stock then owned by a
Non-Employee Director, providing the Company with a notarized statement attesting to the number of
shares owned, in which case upon verification by the Company, the Company would issue to the
Non-Employee Director only the number of incremental shares to which the Non-Employee Director is
entitled upon exercise of the Stock Option. In determining which methods a Non-Employee Director
may utilize to pay the exercise price, the Board may consider such factors as it determines are
appropriate.
2
(d) EXERCISE PERIOD.
(i) GENERAL. Each Stock Option granted to a Non-Employee Director hereunder shall become
exercisable at any time following the earlier to occur of (a) the first anniversary of the date of
grant or (b) the date of the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company that occurs
after the date of grant, provided that the Non-Employee Director continues to serve as a director
of the Company on such date; provided, however, that any such Stock Option granted to a
Non-Employee Director shall become immediately exercisable in the event of (A) a Change in Control
of the Company (as defined in Section 8(b) hereof), as and to the extent provided in Section 8(b)
hereof, (B) the termination of the service of a Non-Employee Director as a director as a result of
disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), or (C) the death of the Non-Employee
Director. Each Stock Option shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant unless
terminated earlier pursuant to the Plan or later pursuant to Section 6(d)(iii) hereof.
(ii) TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. If a Non-Employee Directors service as a director of the
Company is terminated, any Stock Option previously granted to such Non-Employee Director shall, to
the extent then exercisable but not theretofore exercised, terminate and become null and void;
provided, however, that, if the service of a Non-Employee Director holding an outstanding Stock
Option is terminated by reason of (A) such a Non-Employee Directors disability (as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or death, or (B) the failure of such Non-Employee Director to be
either nominated for re-election by the Company when he or she is otherwise eligible to serve as a
Non-Employee Director, or to be re-elected by Stockholders following nomination by the Company,
such Stock Option shall, to the extent that the tenth anniversary of the date of grant has not yet
occurred, remain exercisable at any time up to and including three months after the date of such
termination of service, and up to and including one year after the date of termination of service
in the case of termination by reason of disability or death.
(iii) EXTENSION OF TERM. The term of exercise of any outstanding Stock Option held by a
former Non-Employee Director whose service as a director terminated on account of disability (as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or on account of the failure of such former Non-Employee
Director to be either nominated for re-election by the Company when he or she is otherwise eligible
to serve as a Non-Employee Director, or to be re-elected by Stockholders following nomination by
the Company, and that have a remaining term of less than one (1) year on the date of such
Non-Employee Directors death shall automatically be extended to the earlier of the first
anniversary of the date of death or the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.
7. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS.
(a) Each Non-Employee Director who is appointed by the Board of Directors or first elected as
a director of the Company at the Annual Meeting referred to in
3
Section 7(b) below shall receive a Restricted Stock Award in a number of shares equal to
$160,000 divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the grant date of the
Restricted Stock Award.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) above, on the date of each Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company during the term of the Plan, each Non-Employee Director in office
immediately following such Annual Meeting shall receive a restricted stock award of Common Stock (a
Restricted Stock Award) in a number of shares equal to $100,000 divided by the Fair Market Value
of a share of Common Stock on the grant date of the Restricted Stock Award.
(c) Except as provided in Section 7(d) or (e), shares of Common Stock attributable to
Restricted Stock Awards granted under this Section 7 shall be forfeited by the Non-Employee
Director if his or her service as a director of the Company terminates for any reason before the
first anniversary of the Restricted Stock Awards grant date (the Vesting Date). The
Non-Employee Director shall promptly return to the Company, without compensation, any shares of
Common Stock forfeited under this Section 7(c). (Restricted Stock Awards whose shares are subject
to forfeiture under this Section 7(c) shall be referred to in this Plan as Unvested Restricted
Stock Awards).
(d) In the event of the death or disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) of a
Non-Employee Director, all Unvested Restricted Stock Awards of the Non-Employee Director shall
immediately vest and all restrictions thereon and on the shares attributable to them, including the
risk of forfeiture with respect to such shares, shall lapse.
(e) In the event a Non-Employee Directors service terminates due to the failure of the
Company to nominate the Non-Employee Director for re-election or the failure of such Non-Employee
Director to be re-elected by the Stockholders following nomination by the Company and the
Non-Employee Director completes his elected or appointed term of service, all Unvested Restricted
Stock Awards shall vest and all restrictions on the shares attributable to such Restricted Stock
Award, including the risk of forfeiture with respect to such shares, shall lapse immediately prior
to the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company at which such Non-Employee
Director was not re-elected.
8. ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS CHANGE IN CONTROL.
(a) If there shall be any change in the Common Stock, through merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up,
spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, dividend in kind or other like change in
capital structure or distribution (other than normal cash dividends) to stockholders of the
Company, an adjustment shall be made to each outstanding Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award
(including any Unvested Restricted Stock Award) such that each such Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Award shall thereafter be exercisable or vested and deliverable for such property as would
have been received in respect of the
4
Common Stock subject to such Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award had such Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Award been exercised or vested and delivered in full immediately prior to such
change or distribution, and such an adjustment shall be made successively each time any such change
shall occur. In addition, in the event of any such change or distribution, in order to prevent
dilution or enlargement of a Non-Employee Directors rights under the Plan, the Board will have
authority to adjust, in an equitable manner, the number and kind of shares that may be issued under
the Plan, the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding Stock Option and Restricted Stock
Awards (including Unvested Restricted Stock Awards), and the exercise price applicable to
outstanding Stock Options.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, if there is a Change in Control of the
Company, all then outstanding Stock Options shall immediately become exercisable and all shares
attributable to Unvested Restricted Stock Awards shall immediately become vested, as the case may
be. For purposes of this Section 8(b), a Change in Control of the Company shall be deemed to
have occurred upon any of the following events:
(i) Change in Board Composition. Individuals who constitute the members of the Board as of
the date hereof (the Incumbent Directors) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
of members of the Board; provided that any individual becoming a director of the Company subsequent
to the date hereof shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such individuals appointment,
election or nomination was approved by a vote of at least 50% of the Incumbent Directors; provided
further that any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual
or threatened election contest relating to the election of members of the Board or other actual or
threatened solicitation of proxies or contests by or on behalf of a person (within the meaning of
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act))
other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual
or threatened contest or solicitation, shall not be considered an Incumbent Director;
(ii) Business Combination. Consummation of (i) a reorganization, merger, consolidation, share
exchange or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the
disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, whether in one or a series of
related transactions, or (ii) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company
(either, a Business Combination), excluding, however, any Business Combination pursuant to which:
(A) individuals who were the beneficial owners (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act), respectively, of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the
Outstanding Stock) and the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors of the Company (the Outstanding Company Voting
Securities) immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, upon consummation of
such Business Combination, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of
common stock (or similar securities or interests in the case of an entity other than a corporation)
and more
5
than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities (or interests)
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or in the selection of any other similar
governing body in the case of an entity other than a corporation) of the Surviving Corporation (as
defined below) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Outstanding Stock
and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, immediately prior to the consummation of such Business
Combination (that is, excluding any outstanding voting securities of the Surviving Corporation that
such beneficial owners hold immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination as a
result of their ownership prior to such consummation of voting securities of any company or other
entity involved in or forming part of such Business Combination other than the Company); (B) no
person (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an
employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company) or group (as such term is
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of either
(x) the then outstanding shares of common stock (or similar securities or interests in the case of
an entity other than a corporation) of the Surviving Corporation, or (y) the combined voting power
of the then outstanding securities (or interests) entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors (or in the selection of any other similar governing body in the case of an entity other
than a corporation); and (C) individuals who were Incumbent Directors at the time of the execution
of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination
constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or of any similar
governing body in the case of an entity other than a corporation) of the Surviving Corporation;
where for purposes of this subsection (b), the term Surviving Corporation means the entity
resulting from a Business Combination or, if such entity is a direct or indirect subsidiary of
another entity, the entity that is the ultimate parent of the entity resulting from such Business
Combination;
(iii) Stock Acquisition. Any person (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company,
any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the
Company) or group becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of either (x) the Outstanding Stock
or (y) the Outstanding Company Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this
subsection (iii), no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of any
acquisition directly from the Company; or
(iv) Liquidation. Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Company (or, if no such approval is required, the consummation of such a
liquidation or dissolution);
A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state
of the Companys incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially
the same proportions by the persons who held the Companys securities immediately before such
transaction.
6
(c) The Board, in its discretion, may determine that, upon the occurrence of a Change in
Control of the Company, each Stock Option outstanding hereunder shall terminate within a specified
number of days after notice to the holder, and such holder shall receive, with respect to each
share of Common Stock subject to such Stock Option, an amount equal to the excess of the Fair
Market Value of such shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the occurrence of such Change in
Control over the exercise price per share of such Stock Option, such amount to be payable in cash,
in one or more kinds of property (including the property, if any, payable in the transaction
constituting the Change in Control) or in a combination thereof, as the Board, in its discretion,
shall determine. The provisions contained in the preceding sentence shall be inapplicable to a
Stock Option granted within six (6) months before the occurrence of a Change in Control if the
holder of such Stock Option is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act and no exception from liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act is otherwise
available to such holder.
9. NONTRANSFERABILITY. Neither any Stock Option nor any Shares of Common Stock attributable
to an Unvested Restricted Stock Award shall be transferable and Stock Options shall be exercisable
during the Non-Employee Directors lifetime only by the Non-Employee Director; provided, however, a
Stock Option may be transferred by the Non-Employee Directors will or by the laws of descent and
distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the discretion of the Board, an award of a Stock
Option may permit the transferability of any such Stock Option by any Non-Employee Director solely
to the Non-Employee Directors spouse, siblings, parents, children and/or grandchildren, or to
trusts for the benefit of such persons, or to partnerships, corporations, limited liability
companies or other entities owned solely by such persons, including trusts for such persons,
subject to any restriction included in the award of the Stock Option.
10. OTHER PROVISIONS. Any award under the Plan may be subject to such other provisions
(whether or not applicable to an award granted to any other Non-Employee Director) as the Board
determines appropriate.
11. ISSUANCE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES AND RELATED MATTERS. The Company may endorse such legend
or legends upon the certificates for shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan and may issue
such stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent in respect of such shares as the Board, in
its sole discretion, determines to be necessary or appropriate to (i) prevent a violation of, or to
perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the Securities Act) or (ii) implement the provisions of the Plan and any agreement between the
Company and the Non-Employee Director. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company
shall have no obligation to deliver any shares of Common Stock under the Plan unless such delivery
would comply with all applicable laws (including, without limitation the Securities Act), and the
applicable requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity.
12. FAIR MARKET VALUE. For purposes of this Plan, Fair Market Value means (i) during such
time as the Common Stock is listed upon the New York Stock
7
Exchange or any other exchange, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by such
stock exchange on the day for which such value is to be determined or, if no sale of the Common
Stock shall have been made on any such stock exchange that day, on the next preceding day on which
there was a sale of such Common Stock, or (ii) during any such time as the Common Stock is not
listed upon an established stock exchange, the mean between dealer bid and ask prices of the
Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the day for which such value is to be determined, as
reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
13. TENURE. A Non-Employee Directors right, if any, to continue to serve as a director of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall not be enlarged or otherwise affected by
his or her designation as a participant under this Plan.
14. NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered
pursuant to the Plan. The Board shall determine whether cash or other property shall be issued or
paid in lieu of fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be
forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Board may amend the Plan from time to time or suspend or
terminate the Plan at any time. However, no amendment shall have a material adverse effect on an
outstanding Stock Option or Unvested Restricted Stock Award without the consent of the holder. No
amendment of the Plan may be made without approval of the stockholders of the Company if required
by applicable law or by any listing agreement to which the Company is a party with a national
securities exchange or other market system.
16. GOVERNING LAW. This Plan, any Restricted Stock Award and any Stock Option granted
hereunder, and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware (regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under
applicable Delaware principles of conflict of laws).
17. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall be effective upon its adoption by the
Board on March 17, 2011, but only if the Plan is approved by a vote of the stockholders of the
Company at the Companys 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Effective Date). If the Plan is
not approved by the Companys stockholders at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Plan
shall be of no force or effect. If the Plan is approved by the Companys stockholders at the
Companys 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, then it shall terminate automatically with respect
to any new grants of Stock Options or Restricted Stock Awards immediately following the Restricted
Stock Awards and any awards of Stock Options granted on the date of the Companys 2020 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (the Termination Date), unless the Plan has been terminated sooner in
accordance with its terms. The Plan shall remain in existence with respect to outstanding Stock
Options and Restricted Stock Awards as long as any Stock Option, Restricted Stock Award, or share
of Common Stock
8
attributable to a Stock Option or Restricted Stock Award remains outstanding and subject to
any requirement of the Plan.
18. SECTION 409A. Awards under this Plan must, by the Plans terms, be structured, and shall
be administered, in such a way that they are exempt from the application of the requirements of
section 409A of the Code (Section 409A).
9
APPENDIX C
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.01 Definitions
|
|
|
1
|
|
1.02 Number and Gender
|
|
|
5
|
|
1.03 Headings
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE II PARTICIPATION
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.01 Eligibility
|
|
|
5
|
|
2.02 Commencement of Participation
|
|
|
5
|
|
2.03 Cessation of Participation Upon Committee Determination
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE III PARTICIPANT DEFERRALS
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.01 Amount of Participant Deferrals
|
|
|
6
|
|
3.02 Participant Deferral Elections
|
|
|
6
|
|
3.03 Period of Effectiveness of Participant Deferral Elections
|
|
|
7
|
|
3.04 Changes to Participant Deferral Election
|
|
|
7
|
|
3.05 Cancellation of Participant Deferral Election
|
|
|
7
|
|
3.06 Time and Form of Payment Specified in Participant Deferral Election
|
|
|
7
|
|
3.07 Irrevocable Change of Election of Time and/or Form of Payment for Grandfathered Amounts
|
|
|
11
|
|
3.08 Change of Time and Form of Payment for Amounts Other Than Grandfathered Amounts
|
|
|
11
|
|
3.09 Credits of Participant Deferrals
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE IV COMPANY DEFERRALS
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.01 Company Matching Deferrals
|
|
|
11
|
|
4.02 Company Discretionary Deferrals
|
|
|
11
|
|
4.03 Time and Form of Payment Elections for Company Deferrals
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE V VALUATION OF ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VI DEEMED INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.01 Deemed Investments and Procedures
|
|
|
12
|
|
6.02 Gauge for Determining Benefits Deemed Invested in Company Common Stock
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VII DETERMINATION OF VESTED INTEREST AND FORFEITURES
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.01 Vested Interest
|
|
|
14
|
|
-i-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
7.02 Forfeitures
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VIII ACCELERATED DISTRIBUTIONS
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.01 In-Service Withdrawals, Loans and Accelerated Distributions Generally Prohibited
|
|
|
15
|
|
8.02 Accelerated Distributions to Pay FICA Taxes
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE IX PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.01 Amount of Benefit
|
|
|
16
|
|
9.02 Time and Form of Payment of Grandfathered Amounts
|
|
|
16
|
|
9.03 Time and Form of Payment of Amounts Other Than Grandfathered Amounts
|
|
|
16
|
|
9.04 Medium of Payment
|
|
|
16
|
|
9.05 Accelerated Pay-Out of Certain Amounts, Including Grandfathered Amounts
|
|
|
17
|
|
9.06 Designation of Beneficiaries
|
|
|
17
|
|
9.07 Payment of Benefits
|
|
|
17
|
|
9.08 Unclaimed Benefits
|
|
|
18
|
|
9.09 Statutory Benefits
|
|
|
18
|
|
9.10 Payment to Alternate Payee Under Domestic Relations Order
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE X ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.01 Plan Administrator
|
|
|
18
|
|
10.02 Resignation and Removal
|
|
|
18
|
|
10.03 Records and Procedures
|
|
|
18
|
|
10.04 Self-Interest of Committee
|
|
|
19
|
|
10.05 Compensation and Bonding
|
|
|
19
|
|
10.06 Committee Powers and Duties
|
|
|
19
|
|
10.07 Reliance on Documents, Instruments, etc
|
|
|
20
|
|
10.08 Claims Review Procedures; Claims Appeals Procedures
|
|
|
20
|
|
10.09 Company to Supply Information
|
|
|
21
|
|
10.10 Indemnity
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XI ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS
|
|
|
22
|
|
11.01 Payment of Expenses
|
|
|
22
|
|
11.02 Trust Fund Property
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XII ADOPTION OF PLAN BY OTHER EMPLOYERS
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.01 Adoption Procedure
|
|
|
23
|
|
12.02 No Joint Venture Implied
|
|
|
23
|
|
12.03 Responsibility for Benefits
|
|
|
24
|
|
-ii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
ARTICLE XIII NATURE OF THE PLAN AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.01 Nature of the Plan
|
|
|
24
|
|
13.02 Maintenance of the Trust
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XIV MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.01 Plan Not Contract of Employment
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.02 Alienation of Interest Forbidden
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.03 Withholding
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.04 Amendment and Termination
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.05 Severability
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.06 Compliance With Section 409A
|
|
|
25
|
|
14.07 Governing Law
|
|
|
26
|
|
-iii-
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.01
Definitions.
The words and phrases defined in this Article shall have the meaning set
out in the definition unless the context in which the word or phrase appears reasonably requires a
broader, narrower or different meaning.
Account(s)
means all ledger accounts pertaining to a Participant or former
Participant which are maintained by the Committee or Plan recordkeeper to reflect the
Companys obligation to the Participant or former Participant under the Plan. The Committee
or Plan recordkeeper shall establish the following subaccounts and any additional
subaccounts that the Committee considers necessary to reflect the entire interest of the
Participant or former Participant under the Plan. Each of the subaccounts listed below and
any additional subaccounts established by the Committee shall reflect credits and debits
made to such subaccounts for earnings, losses, distributions and forfeitures.
(a)
Participant Deferral Account
the Participants or former Participants
deferrals, if any, made pursuant to Section 3.01.
(b)
Company Matching Deferral Account
the credits on behalf of a Participant
or former Participant made pursuant to Section 4.01.
(c)
Company Discretionary Deferral Account
the credits on behalf of a
Participant or former Participant, if any, made pursuant to Section 4.02.
The Committee or Plan recordkeeper shall also maintain records that reflect a
Participants or former Participants Grandfathered Amounts.
Affiliate
means any entity which is a member of the same controlled group of
corporations within the meaning of section 414(b) of the Code, or which is a trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) which is under common control (within the meaning of
section 414(c) of the Code), or which is a member of an affiliated service group (within the
meaning of section 414(m) of the Code), with the Sponsor.
Annual Incentive Plan
means the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan,
as amended from time to time, or any successor annual bonus program.
Base Salary
means a Participants base salary
including
any portion thereof that such
Participant could have received in cash in lieu of (a) Participant Deferrals pursuant to
Section 3.01 or (b) elective contributions made on his behalf by the Company pursuant to a
qualified cash or deferred arrangement described in section 401(k) of the
1
Code and any elective contributions under a cafeteria plan described in section 125 of
the Code.
Board
means the Board of Directors of the Sponsor.
Bonus
means a Participants annual incentive bonus earned under the Annual Incentive
Plan for services rendered or labor performed by him during the applicable Plan Year. A
Participants Bonus shall be determined by
including
any portion thereof that such Employee
could have received in cash in lieu of (a) any Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section
3.01 or (b) elective contributions made on his behalf by the Company pursuant to a qualified
cash or deferred arrangement (as defined in section 401(k) of the Code) or pursuant to a
plan maintained under section 125 of the Code.
Change in Control Event
means the occurrence of a change in control event within
the meaning of Department of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(5) with respect to
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
Code
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Committee
means the committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
Company
means the Sponsor or an Employer.
Company Common Stock
means the Class A Common Stock of the Sponsor.
Company Deferrals
means, collectively or individually, any of the deferrals made by
the Company pursuant to Sections 4.01 and 4.02.
Company Discretionary Deferrals
means credits, if any, to a Participants Account
pursuant to Section 4.02.
Company Matching Deferrals
means credits to a Participants Account pursuant to
Section 4.01.
Directors Fees
means the total cash fees and retainers paid to a Non-Employee
Director for serving on the Board and any committee of the Board.
Disability
means either (1) the inability of the Participant or former Participant to
engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for
a continuous period of not less than 12 months or (2) the receipt of income replacement
benefits by the Participant or former Participant under an accident or health plan covering
employees of the Company for a period of not less than three months by reason of a medically
determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be
expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. The existence of a
Disability shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
2
Domestic Relations Order
has the meaning ascribed to that term in section 414(p) of
the Code.
Elected Qualifying Distribution Event
means a distribution event described in Section
3.06(b) to the extent that the Participant has elected that some or all of his Vested
Interest in his Account will be paid due to the occurrence of such event.
Eligible Employee
means any individual who is employed by the Company on the active
payroll and who is a member of a select group of management or a highly compensated
employee, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
Employer
means any Affiliate that adopts the Plan pursuant to the provisions of
Article XII.
Entry Date
means the first day of each Plan Year.
FICA
means the Federal Insurance Contributions Act.
Fixed Date
means a specified calendar date.
Fixed Interest Rate
means the rate of interest specified by the Board. Until the
Board of Directors prospectively specifies a different rate of interest, the
Fixed Interest
Rate
shall be the United States Prime Rate as listed in the Eastern print edition of the
Wall Street Journal as of the date of the crediting of the deemed earnings under the Plan,
plus two percentage points.
Grandfathered Amounts
means amounts credited under the Plan that were earned and
vested as of December 31, 2004 within the meaning of Section 409A, and earnings and losses
thereon.
Non-Employee Director
means a non-employee director of the Sponsor.
Normal Retirement Age
means the Participants or former Participants (1) attainment
of age 55 and completion of five Years of Service or (2) attainment of age 65.
Participant
means each Eligible Employee who has met the eligibility requirements for
participation in the Plan specified in Article II.
Participant Deferral
means any deferral made by a Participant pursuant to Section
3.01.
Pay
means, in the case of a Participant who is an Eligible Employee, the sum of the
Participants Base Salary and Bonus.
Pay
means, in the case of a Participant who is a
Non-Employee Director, the Participants Directors Fees.
Plan
means the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended from
time to time.
3
Plan Year
means the twelve-consecutive month period commencing January 1 of each
year.
Qualifying Distribution Event
means a distribution event described in Section
3.06(b).
Reference Investment Alternatives
means the reference investment alternatives
designated from time to time for the deemed investment of Accounts pursuant to Article VI.
Section 409A
means section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury rules and
regulations issued thereunder.
Seniority Date
means the date on which the Participant or former Participant has both
attained the age of 55 and has completed five Years of Service.
Separation From Service
has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 409A.
Specified Employee
has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 409A. In
accordance with Section 409A, the determination of whether an individual is a Specified
Employee is made as of the date of the individuals Separation From Service.
Sponsor
means GulfMark Offshore, Inc., a Delaware corporation or its successor by
merger or otherwise.
Termination of Employment
means, with respect to each Participant or former
Participant other than a Non-Employee Director, the termination of such Participants or
former Participants employment with the Company and all Affiliates for any reason
whatsoever.
Termination of Employment
means, with respect to each Participant or former
Participant who is a Non-Employee Director, the cessation of such Participants or former
Participants serving on the Board for any reason whatsoever.
Trust
means the trust, if any, established under the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement
means the agreement, if any, entered into between the Company and the
Trustee pursuant to Article XIII, as amended from time to time.
Trust Fund
means the funds and properties, if any, held pursuant to the provisions of
the Trust Agreement, together with all income, profits, and increments thereto.
Trustee
means the trustee or trustees qualified and acting under the Trust Agreement
at any time.
Vested Interest
means the portion of a Participants or former Participants Accounts
which, pursuant to the Plan, is nonforfeitable.
4
Year of Service
means for purposes of the Plan, in the case of a Participant other
than a Non-Employee Director, a period of 365 days of service with the Company and its
Affiliates, commencing on the Participants date of hire. as an employee.
Year of Service
means for purposes of the Plan, in the case of a Participant who is a Non-Employee Director,
a period of 365 days of service on the Board as a Non-Employee Director.
1.02
Number and Gender.
Wherever appropriate herein, words used in the singular shall be
considered to include the plural and words used in the plural shall be considered to include the
singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, shall be deemed to include the
feminine gender.
1.03
Headings.
The headings of Articles and Sections herein are included solely for
convenience, and if there is any conflict between such headings and the text of the Plan, the text
shall control.
ARTICLE II
PARTICIPATION
2.01
Eligibility.
Each Eligible Employee shall be eligible to become a Participant for a Plan
Year by electing to make Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section 3.01. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan, in the case of an Eligible Employee who is not a Participant on the date of
the adoption of this Agreement, such person shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan until
the Committee selects him or her for participation in the Plan.
Each Non-Employee Director shall be eligible to become a Participant for a Plan Year by
electing to make Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section 3.01. Any Non-Employee Director may
elect to make Participant Deferrals beginning on an ensuing Entry Date by effecting, prior to such
Entry Date and within the time period prescribed by the Committee, the Participant Deferral
election in the form prescribed by the Committee.
2.02
Commencement of Participation.
Prior to each Entry Date, the Committee shall notify
those Eligible Employees who are determined by the Committee to be eligible to participate in the
Plan as of such Entry Date. Any such Eligible Employee may elect to make Participant Deferrals
beginning on such Entry Date by effecting, prior to such Entry Date and within the time period
prescribed by the Committee, the Participant Deferral election in the form prescribed by the
Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Eligible Employee who first becomes an Eligible
Employee on a date other than the first day of a Plan Year may elect to make Participant Deferrals
commencing on the date the Committee selects him for participation in the Plan by effecting, prior
to or within 30 days after the date he first becomes eligible to participate and within the time
period prescribed by the Committee, the Participant Deferral election in the form prescribed by the
Committee. Any Non-Employee Director may elect to make Participant Deferrals beginning on an
ensuing Entry Date by effecting, prior to such Entry Date and within the time period prescribed by
the Committee, the Participant Deferral election in the form prescribed by the Committee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Non-Employee Director who first becomes a Non-Employee Director on
a date other than the first day of a Plan Year may elect to make Participant Deferrals commencing
on the date he first becomes a Non-
5
Employee Director by effecting, prior to or within 30 days after the date he first becomes
eligible to participate and within the time period prescribed by the Committee, the Participant
Deferral election in the form prescribed by the Committee.
2.03
Cessation of Participation Upon Committee Determination.
Notwithstanding any provision
herein to the contrary, the Committee may determine that an Eligible Employee who has become a
Participant of the Plan shall cease to be entitled to make Participant Deferrals hereunder or
receive credits under Article IV effective as of the first day of the Plan Year that commences
subsequent to the determination. Any such Committee determination shall be communicated to the
affected individual prior to the effective date of such action. Any such Eligible Employee may
again become entitled to make Participant Deferrals hereunder and to receive credits under Article
IV beginning on any subsequent Entry Date selected by the Committee in its sole discretion.
ARTICLE III
PARTICIPANT DEFERRALS
3.01
Amount of Participant Deferrals.
A Participant who is an Eligible Employee and who meets
the eligibility requirements of Article II may, prior to the applicable Plan Year:
(a) elect to defer an integral percentage of from 1% to 50% of his Base Salary for the
Plan Year; and/or
(b) elect to defer an integral percentage of from 1% to 100% of his Bonus earned during
the Plan Year.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to an Eligible Employee who first becomes a
Participant on a date other than an Entry Date, any such Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section
3.01(a) for such Plan Year shall apply only for the portion of such Plan Year commencing with the
date he first becomes a Participant and ending on the last day of such Plan Year. An Eligible
Employee who first becomes a Participant during a Plan Year may not elect to defer any portion of
his Bonus earned during such Plan Year.
A Participant who is a Non-Employee Director may, prior to the applicable Plan Year, elect to
defer an integral percentage of from 5 to 100% of his Directors Fees for the Plan Year.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to a Non-Employee Director who first becomes a
Participant on a date other than an Entry Date, any such Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section
3.01 for such Plan Year shall apply only for the portion of such Plan Year commencing with the date
he first makes a Participant Deferral election and ending on the last day of such Plan Year.
3.02
Participant Deferral Elections.
Pay for a Plan Year that is not deferred pursuant to an
election under Section 3.01 shall be received by such Participant in cash. A Participants election
to defer an amount of his Pay pursuant to this Section shall be made by effecting, in the form
prescribed by the Committee, a Participant Deferral election pursuant to which the Participant
authorizes the Company to reduce his Pay in the elected amount and the Company, in consideration
thereof, agrees to credit an equal amount to his Participant Deferral Account
6
maintained under the
Plan. The reduction in a Participants Pay pursuant to his Participant
Deferral election shall be effected by Pay reductions each payroll period as determined by the
Committee following the effective date of such election. Participant Deferrals made by a
Participant shall be credited to his Participant Deferral Account as of a date determined in
accordance with procedures established from time to time by the Committee;
provided, however
, that
such Participant Deferrals shall be credited to his Participant Deferral Account no later than 30
days after the date upon which the Pay deferred would have been received by such Participant in
cash had he not elected to defer such amount pursuant to Section 3.01.
3.03
Period of Effectiveness of Participant Deferral Elections.
A Participant Deferral
election pursuant to Section 3.01 shall become effective as of the Entry Date (or later initial
eligibility date, if applicable) which is on or after the date the election is effected by the
Participant. With respect to an Eligible Employee who first becomes a Participant on other than an
Entry Date, any such Participant Deferrals pursuant to Section 3.01(a) shall apply only to Base
Salary earned during such Plan Year commencing after his deferral election for such Plan Year. A
Participant Deferral election pursuant to Section 3.01(b) shall become effective as of the first
day of the Plan Year following the date the election is effected by the Participant. A Participant
Deferral election shall remain in force and effect for the entire (or partial, if applicable) Plan
Year to which such election relates. A Participant Deferral election shall be made for each Plan
Year, or partial Plan Year, in which the Participant is eligible to participate.
3.04
Changes to Participant Deferral Election.
A Participant who makes a Participant Deferral
election may change his election for future Participant Deferrals, as of the Entry Date of any
subsequent Plan Year, by effecting such change in the annual election
prior
to the Entry Date of
such Plan Year, in the form and within the time period prescribed by the Committee. Any such
change shall be effective as of the Entry Date of such Plan Year.
3.05
Cancellation of Participant Deferral Election.
A Participant who has made a Participant
Deferral election may cancel his election for future Participant Deferrals, as of the Entry Date of
any subsequent Plan Year, by effecting such cancellation in the annual election
prior
to the Entry
Date of such Plan Year, in the form and within the time period prescribed by the Committee. Any
such change shall be effective as of the Entry Date of such Plan Year. A Participant who so
cancels his Participant Deferral election may again make a new Participant Deferral election for a
subsequent Plan Year, if he satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in Article II, by
effecting a new Participant Deferral election
prior
to the Entry Date of such Plan Year, in the
form and within the time period prescribed by the Committee.
3.06
Time and Form of Payment Specified in Participant Deferral Election.
(a)
General
. A Participant Deferral election made under Section 3.01 shall indicate the
applicable time and form of payment, as provided in this Section 3.06 for the Pay deferred under
the election for such Plan Year and the net income (or net loss) allocated with respect thereto.
Except as otherwise specified in the Participants Participant Deferral election, such time and
form of payment election for such Plan Year shall also apply to any Company Deferrals for such Plan
Year and the earnings and losses allocated with respect thereto. Each Participants Accounts shall
be divided into subaccounts to reflect the Participants various elections respecting time and form
of payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the portion
7
of a Participants Account attributable to Grandfathered Amounts, such portion shall be allocated to a subaccount which shall be payable at the time and in the form provided under the Plan as
in effect immediately prior to January 1, 2005 and the Participants distribution elections with
respect to such Grandfathered Amounts. The Committee is authorized to establish written guidelines
concerning limitations on the number of subaccounts respecting time and form of payment that may be
maintained under the Plan for any given Participant. Any such written guidelines shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in the Plan. Once an election as to time and form of payment has
been made for a Plan Year, the election may not be changed by the Participant or former Participant
except as specified in Sections 3.07 and 3.08.
(b)
Distribution Events
. In accordance with procedures established by the Committee, a
Participant may elect to have specified portions of his Vested Interest in his Account balance paid
or commence to be paid upon the earliest to occur of (1) his Separation From Service other than by
reason of his death, (2) a specified date, (3) the occurrence of his Disability, (4) his death or
(5) the occurrence of a Change in Control Event.
A Participant must specify whether a portion of his Plan benefit will generally be payable
upon his Separation From Service or rather will be payable at a specified time.
(c)
Payments Upon Separation From Service Other Than Due to Change in Control Event
. In
accordance with procedures established by the Committee, a Participant may specify that a
designated portion of his Plan benefit will be paid due to his Separation From Service. If a
Participant elects that a designated portion of his Plan benefit will be paid upon his Separation
From Service and he incurs a Separation From Service prior to his Seniority Date, subject to
Sections 3.06(f), 3.06(g) and 3.06(h), the Participants Vested Interest in such portion of his
Plan benefit will be paid in the form of a single sum as soon as reasonably practical after he
occurs a Separation From Service if he is not a Specified Employee or on the date that is the First
day of the seventh month following his Separation From Service if he is a Specified Employee. If a
Participant elects that a designated portion of his Plan benefit will be paid upon his Separation
From Service and he incurs a Separation From Service on or after his Seniority Date, subject to
Sections 3.06(f), 3.06(g) and 3.06(h), his Vested Interest in such portion of his Plan benefit will
be paid in the form of a single sum or in a designated number of annual installments not in excess
of ten, as selected by the Participant. Such payment(s) will be made or will commence on the date
as soon as reasonably practical after the Participant incurs a Separation From Service if he is not
a Specified Employee or on the date that is the first day of the seventh month following the date
of his Separation From Service if he is a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
following the Participants Separation From Service the Participant dies, the Participants Vested
Interest in the remaining Plan benefits that were to have been distributed to him due to his
Separation From Service will be paid to his Beneficiary in the form of a single sum as soon as
reasonably practical after the Participants death.
(d)
Payments Upon a Fixed Date
. In accordance with procedures established by the Committee, a
Participant may specify that a designated portion of his Vested Interest in his Plan benefit will
be paid or commence to be paid upon a Fixed Date. If a Participant elects that a designated portion
of his Plan benefit will be paid or commence to be paid upon a Fixed Date, subject to Sections
3.06(f), 3.06(g) and 3.06(h), his Vested Interest in such portion of his Plan
8
benefit will be paid
in the form of a single sum or in a designated number of annual installments
not in excess of five, as selected by the Participant. If such payments are to be made in
installments, payments subsequent to the initial installment payment will be made on the
anniversaries of the date the initial installment payment is scheduled to be paid. The specified
time of payment must be at least two years from the date of the deferral election and may not be
later than the date on which the Participant will attain (or would attain if he survived) the age
of 65. If on the date(s) of such payment(s) to the Participant he has not attained a 100 percent
Vested Interest in the amounts subject to the payment election, the remaining amount, to the extent
that the Participant subsequently attains a Vested Interest therein, will be paid in a single sum
on the date of the Participants Separation From Service if he is not a Specified Employee or on
the date that is six months following his Separation From Service if he is a Specified Employee.
(e)
Payments Upon Separation From Service Due to a Change in Control Event
. If a Participant
elects that a designated portion of his Plan benefit will be paid upon his Separation From Service
and he incurs a Separation From Service on or after his Seniority Date, subject to Sections
3.06(f), 3.06(g) and 3.06(h), his Vested Interest in such portion of his Plan benefit will be paid
in the form of a single sum or in a designated number of annual installments not in excess of ten,
as selected by the Participant. Such payment(s) will be made or will commence on the date on which
the Participant incurs a Separation From Service if he is not a Specified Employee or on the date
that is the first day of the seventh month following the date of his Separation From Service if he
is a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if following the Participants Separation
From Service the Participant dies, the Participants Vested Interest in the remaining Plan benefits
that were to have been distributed to him due to his Separation From Service will be paid to his
Beneficiary in the form of a single sum as soon as reasonably practical after the Participants
death.
(f)
Payments Upon Change in Control Event.
In accordance with procedures established by the
Committee, upon his initial enrollment in the Plan a Participant may elect that his applicable
Vested Interest in the Participants Account will be distributed due to the occurrence of a Change
in Control Event if the Change in Control Event occurs before (1) the Participant has incurred a
Separation From Service (to the extent that the Participant elected that his Vested Interest would
be distributed due to his Separation From Service), (2) the Participant has incurred a Disability
(to the extent that the Participant elected that his Vested Interest would be distributed due to
his Disability), (3) the death of the Participant and (4) the Fixed Date specified by the
Participant for the initial payment or commencement of payment of the benefits (to the extent that
the Participant elected that his Vested Interest would be distributed on a Fixed Date or dates).
For purposes of this Section 3.06(f), the applicable Vested Interest in the Participants Account
is that portion of the Participants Vested Interest in his Account with respect to which an
Elected Qualifying Distribution Event has not occurred prior to the occurrence of a Change in
Control Event. A distribution due to the occurrence of a Change in Control Event will be paid in
the form of a single sum on the date on which the Change in Control Event occurs.
9
(g)
Payments Upon Disability.
In accordance with procedures established by the Committee,
upon his initial enrollment in the Plan a Participant may elect that the applicable Vested Interest
in the Participants Account will be distributed due to his Disability if such Disability occurs
before (1) the Participant has otherwise incurred a Separation From Service (to the extent that the
Participant elected that his Vested Interest would be distributed due to his Separation From
Service), (2) the occurrence of a Change in Control Event (to the extent that the Participant
elected that his Vested Interest would be distributed due to the occurrence of a Change in Control
Event), (3) the death of the Participant (to the extent that the Participant elected that his
Vested Interest would be distributed due to his death) and (4) the Fixed Date specified by the
Participant for the initial payment or commencement of payment of the benefits (to the extent that
the Participant elected that his Vested Interest in his Account would be distributed on a Fixed
Date or a Fixed Date and anniversaries thereof). For purposes of this Section 3.06(g), the
applicable Vested Interest in the Participants Account is that portion of the Participants
Vested Interest in his Account with respect to which an Elected Qualifying Distribution Event has
not occurred prior to the Participants incurring a Disability. A distribution due to the
Disability of the Participant will be paid in the form of a single sum or in a designated number of
annual installments not in excess of ten, as selected by the Participant. Such payment(s) will be
made or will commence as soon as reasonably practicable after the date on which the Committee has
determined that the Participant has incurred a Disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
following the date on which the Participant incurs a Disability the Participant dies, the
Participants Vested Interest in the remaining Plan benefits that were to have been distributed to
him due to his Disability will be paid to his Beneficiary in the form of a single sum as soon as
reasonably practicable after his death.
(h)
Payments Upon Death Prior to Separation From Service.
In accordance with procedures
established by the Committee, a Participant may elect that if the Participant dies before he has
otherwise incurred an Elected Qualifying Distribution Event that is Separation From Service or a
Disability or the occurrence of the first date of a scheduled payment in the case of an Elected
Qualifying Distribution Event that is a Fixed Date of payment, the applicable Vested Interest in
the Participants Account will be distributed to the Participants Beneficiary in the form of a
single sum or in a designated number of annual installments not in excess of ten, as selected by
the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that a Participant has elected that
his Vested Interest in his Account will be paid due to the occurrence of a Change in Control Event,
upon the occurrence of the Change in Control Event prior to the date of the Participants death and
prior to the date of payment of such portion of the Participants benefit, such portion of the
Participants benefit will be paid to his Beneficiary in a single sum as soon as reasonably
practicable after his death. For purposes of this Section 3.06(h), the applicable Vested Interest
in the Participants Account is that portion of the Participants Vested Interest in his Account
with respect to which an Elected Qualifying Distribution Event has not occurred prior to the
Participants death.
(i)
Installment Payments.
If the Participant elects to receive an installment form of payment
upon a qualifying distribution event, the payment of each annual installment shall be made on the
anniversary of the scheduled date of the first installment payment, and the amount of the annual
installment shall be adjusted on such anniversary for credits or debits to the Participants
Account pursuant to Article VI of the Plan. Such adjustment shall be made by dividing the Account
balance on such date (to the extent subject to the election) by the number of
10
annual installments remaining to be paid hereunder, provided that the last annual installment
due under the Plan shall be the entire amount credited to the Participants Account balance on the
date of payment (to the extent subject to the election).
3.07
Irrevocable Change of Election of Time and/or Form of Payment for Grandfathered Amounts.
In accordance with procedures established by the Committee, a Participant or former Participant
may, with the consent of the Committee, make an election to change the time and/or form of payment
he previously selected for all or a portion of the Grandfathered Amounts credited to his Account.
Any such change election must be made no later than 12 months before the date on which such amounts
were scheduled to be paid or commence to be paid under the Participants or former Participants
original election. In addition, any such change election may not provide for a payment or
commencement of payment that is earlier than 12 months after the date on which the change election
is made. For purposes of calculating the 12-month period, such period will commence on the first
day of the month immediately following the month in which the election is made.
3.08
Change of Time and Form of Payment for Amounts Other Than Grandfathered Amounts.
In
accordance with procedures established by the Committee, a Participant or former Participant may
make an election to change the time and/or form of payment he previously selected for the amounts
credited to his Account other than Grandfathered Amounts. Any such change election must be made no
later than 12 months before the date on which such amounts were scheduled to be paid or commence to
be paid under the Participants or former Participants original election. In addition, any such
change election may not provide for a payment or commencement of payment that is earlier than five
years after the date on which the amounts were originally scheduled to be paid or commence to be
paid. For purposes of this Section 3.08, installment payments shall be treated as a single
payment.
3.09
Credits of Participant Deferrals.
Participant Deferrals made on a Participants behalf
for a Plan Year pursuant to Section 3.01 shall be credited to such Participants Participant
Deferral Account in one or more installments, as determined by the Committee, as of a date or dates
within the Plan Year.
ARTICLE IV
COMPANY DEFERRALS
4.01
Company Matching Deferrals
. Each Plan Year during which an individual is a Participant
the Company shall make a Company Matching Deferral on the Participants behalf in an amount equal
to 7 1/2% of the Pay that is subject to the Participants Participant Deferral election for the
Plan Year.
Company Matching Deferrals made on a Participants behalf for a Plan Year pursuant to this
Section 4.01 shall be credited to such Participants Company Matching Deferral Account in one or
more installments, as determined by the Committee, as of a date or dates within the Plan Year.
4.02
Company Discretionary Deferrals.
As of any date selected by the Company, the Company may
credit a Participants Company Discretionary Deferral Account with
11
Company Discretionary Deferrals in such amount, if any, as the Company shall determine in its
sole discretion. Such credits may be made on behalf of some Participants but not others, and such
credits may vary in amount among individual Participants.
Company Discretionary Deferrals made on a Participants behalf for a Plan Year pursuant to
this Section 4.02 shall be credited to the Participants Company Discretionary Deferrals Act in one
or more installments, as determined by the Committee, as of a date or dates within the Plan Year.
4.03
Time and Form of Payment Elections for Company Deferrals.
Except as specified in a
Participants Participant Deferral election, the Participants time and form of payment election in
effect pursuant to Section 3.06 for a given Plan Year shall apply to the Participants Company
Deferrals for such Plan Year. Such election shall be made in accordance with the same procedures
as apply to Participant Deferral elections under Section 3.06. To the extent permitted under
procedures established by the Committee, a Participant who had made a time and form of payment
election pursuant to this Section 4.03 may change his election for future Company Deferrals as of
the Entry Date of any subsequent Plan Year, by effecting a new election
prior
to the Entry Date of
such Plan Year, in the form and within the time period prescribed by the Committee. Each
Participants Accounts shall be divided into subaccounts to reflect the Participants various
elections respecting time and form of payment. Once an election as to time and form of payment has
been made for a Plan Year, the election may not be changed by the Participant or former Participant
except as specified in Section 3.07, or Section 3.08, as applicable.
ARTICLE V
VALUATION OF ACCOUNTS
All amounts allocated to the Accounts of a Participant shall be deemed to be invested as of
the date of such allocation, and the balance of each Account shall reflect the result of daily
pricing of the assets in which such Account is deemed to be invested from the time of such
allocation until the time of distribution.
ARTICLE VI
DEEMED INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
6.01
Deemed Investments and Procedures.
Participants and former Participants Accounts shall be deemed to be credited with earnings
and losses. For the purpose of determining the earnings or losses to be credited to the
Participants or former Participants Accounts under the Plan, the Committee shall assume that the
Participants or former Participants Accounts are invested in the Reference Investment
Alternatives in the proportions selected or deemed selected by the Participant or former
Participant in accordance with procedures established by the Committee. This amount accrued by the
Committee as additional deferred compensation shall be a part of the Companys obligation to the
Participant or former Participant. The determination of deemed earnings and losses on amounts
deemed credited to the Participants or former Participants Account shall in no way affect the
ability of the general creditors of the Company to reach the assets of the
12
Company (including any rabbi trust maintained in connection with the Plan) in the event of the
insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or place the Participants or former Participants in a
secured position ahead of the general creditors of the Company. Although a Participants or former
Participants investment selections made in accordance with the terms of the Plan and such
procedures as may be established by the Committee shall be relevant for purposes of determining the
Companys obligation to the Participant or former Participant under the Plan, there is no
requirement that any assets of the Company (including those held in any rabbi trust) shall be
invested in accordance with the Participants or former Participants investment selections.
Each Participant or former Participant shall designate, in accordance with the procedures
established from time to time by the Committee, the manner in which the amounts allocated to his
Accounts shall be deemed to be invested from among the Reference Investment Alternatives made
available from time to time for such purpose by the Committee. In accordance with procedures of the
Committee, such Participant or former Participant may designate one of such Reference Investment
Alternatives for the deemed investment of certain amounts allocated to his Accounts or he may split
the deemed investment of certain amounts allocated to his Accounts among such Reference Investment
Alternatives in such increments as the Committee may prescribe. If a Participant or former
Participant fails to make a proper designation, then his Accounts shall be deemed to be invested in
the Reference Investment Alternative designated in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner by the
Committee from time to time.
A Participant may change his deemed investment designation for certain future deferrals to be
allocated to his Accounts. Any such change shall be made in accordance with the procedures
established by the Committee, and the frequency of such changes may be limited by the Committee.
A Participant or former Participant may elect to convert his deemed investment designation
with respect to the amounts already allocated to his Accounts. Any such conversion shall be made in
accordance with the procedures established by the Committee, and the frequency of such conversions
may be limited by the Committee.
The following procedures shall apply until the Committee prospectively establishes different
procedures. 100 percent of the Participants or former Participants Company Matching Deferral
Account and Company Discretionary Deferral Account shall be deemed to be invested in shares of
Company Common Stock. 100 percent of the Participants or former Participants Participant Deferral
Account shall be deemed to be invested in shares of Company Common Stock to the extent that the
Deferral Account is attributable to Participant Deferrals with respect to the first 7
1
/
2
percent of
the Participants Pay for a Plan Year. In accordance with procedures established by the Committee,
with respect to the portion of the Participants or former Participants Deferral Account that is
attributable to Participant Deferrals with respect to a Participants Pay in excess of 7
1
/
2
percent
of his Pay for a Plan Year, a Participant or former Participant may direct that his Deferral
Account is deemed to be invested in Company Common Stock or at a Fixed Rate, or in a combination of
both in increments of one percent that total 100 percent. If a Participant or former Participant
makes no investment selections, his entire Deferral Account shall be deemed to be invested in
Company Common Stock.
13
6.02
Gauge for Determining Benefits Deemed Invested in Company Common Stock
.
To the extent that Participant Deferrals and Company Deferrals are to be deemed invested in
Company Common Stock, such deferrals shall be deemed to be credited in units equal to the number
of Common Shares and fractions thereof that could have been purchased at a price equal to the
closing sale price of a Common Share on the date that which the credit is made as reported by the
principal national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed, if the Common
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, or the average of the bid and asked price of a
Common Share on such date as reported in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation National Market System (or successor system) listing if the Common Shares are not then
listed on a national securities exchange, provided that if no such closing price or quotes are so
reported on such date or if, in the discretion of the Committee, another means of determining the
fair market value of the Common Shares shall be necessary and advisable, the Committee may provide
for another means of determining such value. The value of each unit credited to an Account and
therefore the ultimate value of the deferred compensation payable to each Participant will increase
or decrease in proportion to the change in the value of a Common Share between the date of the
initial crediting of a unit and the date that the unit is valued for distribution under the Plan.
ARTICLE VII
DETERMINATION OF VESTED INTEREST AND FORFEITURES
7.01
Vested Interest.
A Participant or former Participant shall have a 100% Vested Interest
in amounts credited to his Participant Deferral Account at all times. A Participant or former
Participant shall have a Vested Interest in the amounts credited to his Company Matching Deferral
Account and Company Discretionary Deferral Account equal to his nonforfeitable interest specified
below.
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Vesting Service
|
|
Vested Interest
|
Less than one year
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
One year but less than two years
|
|
|
20
|
%
|
Two years but less than three years
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
Three years but less than four years
|
|
|
60
|
%
|
Four years but less than five years
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
Five years or more
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Further, a Participant or former Participant shall have a 100% Vested Interest in amounts
credited to his Company Matching Deferral Account and Company Discretionary Deferral Account upon
such Participants or former Participants (1) attainment of Normal Retirement Age prior to his
Separation From Service, (2) incurrence of a Disability before he has otherwise incurred a
Separation From Service or (3) death before he has otherwise incurred a Separation From Service. If
a Change in Control Event occurs, a Participant who has not incurred a Separation From Service
prior to the date of the Change in Control shall have a 100% Vested Interest in amounts credited to
his Company Matching Deferral Account and Company
14
Discretionary Deferral Account upon the occurrence of the Change in Control.
7.02
Forfeitures.
A Participant or former Participant who incurs a Termination of Employment
with a Vested Interest in amounts credited to his Company Matching Deferral Account and Company
Discretionary Deferral Account that is less than 100% (determined after giving effect to any
provision in Section 7.01 that may provide for an increase in such Participants Vested Interest
upon a Termination of Employment) shall forfeit to the Company the nonvested portion of amounts
credited to his Company Matching Deferral Account and Company Discretionary Deferral Account as of
the date of such Termination of Employment.
ARTICLE VIII
ACCELERATED DISTRIBUTIONS
8.01
In-Service Withdrawals, Loans and Accelerated Distributions Generally Prohibited.
Except
for any Fixed Date distributions elected by a Participant pursuant to Section 3.06 or Section 4.05
or distribution elections made under the provisions of the Plan as in effect prior to January 1,
2005 with respect to Grandfathered Amounts (as such elections may be changed pursuant to Section
3.07 or Section 3.08), distributions under Section 9.05 or distributions under Section 8.02 to pay
FICA taxes, there shall be no accelerated distributions under the Plan (determined in accordance
with Section 409A) and Participants shall not be permitted to make withdrawals from, or receive
distributions under, the Plan while they are employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Participants
shall not, at any time, be permitted to borrow under the Plan. Except as provided in Section
14.04, all benefits under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of Article IX.
8.02
Accelerated Distributions to Pay FICA Taxes.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Plan to the contrary and irrespective of the distribution election made by a Participant, the
payment of a Participants or former Participants Plan benefit may be accelerated to the extent
necessary to pay the FICA taxes attributable to the Participants or former Participants Plan
benefit and to pay the income tax at source on wages imposed under section 3401 of the Code or the
corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of
the payment of the FICA amount, and to pay the additional income tax at source on wages
attributable to the pyramiding section 3401 wages and taxes. The total payment under the
acceleration provisions of this Section 8.02 shall not exceed the aggregate of the FICA amount and
the income tax withholding related to such FICA amount.
15
ARTICLE IX
PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
9.01
Amount of Benefit.
Upon the occurrence of an Elected Qualifying Distribution Event, the
Participant (or, in the event of the death of the Participant while employed by the Company or an
Affiliate, the Participants Beneficiary) or former Participant shall be entitled to a benefit
equal in value to the Participants or former Participants Vested Interest in the balance in his
applicable Accounts or subaccounts as of the date the payment of such benefit is to commence
pursuant to Section 9.02 and/or Section 9.03 (adjusted for subsequent deemed investment gains or
losses in the case of benefits paid in the form of installments).
9.02
Time and Form of Payment of Grandfathered Amounts.
Payment of a Participants or former
Participants Grandfathered Amounts under Section 9.01 shall be made or shall commence, with
respect to such Participants or former Participants Accounts, or with respect to such
Participants or former Participants subaccounts established pursuant to Section 3.06 and/or
Section 4.05 separately and respectively, in accordance with the terms of the Plan as in effect
prior to January 1, 2005 and the Participants distribution elections made with respect to the
Grandfathered Amounts.
9.03
Time and Form of Payment of Amounts Other Than Grandfathered Amounts.
Payment of a
Participants or former Participants benefit under Section 9.01 that is not attributable to
Grandfathered Amounts shall be made or shall commence, with respect to such Participants or former
Participants Accounts, or with respect to such Participants or former Participants subaccounts
established pursuant to Section 3.06 and/or Section 4.05 separately and respectively, in accordance
with the Participants or former Participants distribution elections made pursuant to Section 3.06
and/or Section 4.05.
9.04
Medium of Payment.
A Participant or former Participants benefit under the Plan shall be
distributed in whole shares of Company Common Stock to the extent that his Account is deemed to be
credited with units equivalent to whole shares of Common Stock. A Participants or former
Participants benefit under the Plan shall be distributed in cash to the extent that his Account is
not deemed to be credited with units equivalent to whole shares of Company Common Stock. The value
of any fractional units equivalent to fractional shares of Company Common Stock deemed credited to
the Participants Account shall be distributed in cash. For purposes of determining the value of a
fractional unit equivalent to a fractional share of Company Common Stock the value of a whole share
of Company Common Stock shall be equal to the closing sale price of a Common Share on the date on
which the distribution is made as reported by the principal national securities exchange on which
the Common Shares are then listed, if the Common Shares are listed on a national securities
exchange, or the average of the bid and asked price of a Common Share on such date as reported in
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation National Market System (or
successor system) listing if the Common Shares are not then listed on a national securities
exchange, provided that if no such closing price or quotes are so reported on such date or if, in
the discretion of the Committee, another means of determining the fair market value of the Common
Shares shall be necessary and advisable, the Committee may provide for another means of determining
such value.
16
9.05
Accelerated Pay-Out of Certain Amounts, Including Grandfathered Amounts.
Notwithstanding
any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Participant or former Participant has
incurred a Separation From Service and the aggregate amount of the Participants or former
Participants Account balances under the Plan (including Grandfathered Amounts) does not exceed the
Cashout Amount (as defined below), in its discretion the Sponsor may cause the amounts credited to
the Participants or former Participants Account to be distributed to him immediately in the form
of a single lump sum payment;
provided, however
, that no such payment shall be made to a
Participant or former Participant prior to the date that is the first day of the seventh month
after the date of the Participants or former Participants Separation From Service if he is a
Specified Employee; and
provided further
that the payment results in the termination and
liquidation of the entirety of the Participants or former Participants interest under the Plan
and all arrangements that are treated as having been deferred under a single nonqualified deferred
compensation plan together with the Plan under Department of Treasury Regulation section
1.409A-1(c)(2). No distribution shall be made pursuant to this Section 9.05 unless, prior to the
distribution, the Sponsor determines in writing to cause the distribution. For purposes of this
Section 9.05, the term
Cashout Amount
means the applicable dollar amount under section
402(g)(1)(B) of the Code in effect during the Plan Year.
9.06
Designation of Beneficiaries.
(a) Each Participant or former Participant shall have the right to designate the
beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive payment of his benefit in the event of his death.
Each such designation shall be made by executing the beneficiary designation form prescribed
by the Committee and filing same with the Committee or its designee. Any such designation
may be changed at any time by execution of a new designation in accordance with this
Section.
(b) If no such designation is on file with the Committee at the time of the death of
the Participant or former Participant or such designation is not effective for any reason as
determined by the Committee, then the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive
such benefit shall be as follows:
(i) If a Participant or former Participant leaves a surviving spouse, his
benefit shall be paid to such surviving spouse;
(ii) If a Participant or former Participant leaves no surviving spouse, his
benefit shall be paid to such Participants or former Participants executor or
administrator, or to his heirs at law if there is no administration of such
Participants or former Participants estate.
9.07
Payment of Benefits.
To the extent the Trust Fund has sufficient assets, the Trustee
shall pay benefits to Participants or former Participants or their respective beneficiaries, except
to the extent the Company pays the benefits directly and provides adequate evidence of such payment
to the Trustee. To the extent the Trustee does not or cannot pay benefits out of the Trust Fund,
the benefits shall be paid by the Company. Any benefit payments made to a Participant, or former
Participant, or for his benefit pursuant to any provision of the Plan shall be debited to such
Participants or former Participants Accounts.
17
9.08
Unclaimed Benefits.
In the case of a benefit payable on behalf of a Participant or
former Participant, if the Committee is unable, after reasonable efforts, to locate the
Participant, the former Participant or the beneficiary to whom such benefit is payable, upon the
Committees determination thereof, such benefit shall be forfeited to the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if subsequent to any such forfeiture the Participant, the former Participant or
beneficiary to whom such benefit is payable makes a valid claim for such benefit, such forfeited
benefit (without any adjustment for earnings or loss) shall be restored to the Plan by the Company
and paid in accordance with the Plan.
9.09
Statutory Benefits.
If any benefit obligations are required to be paid under the Plan to
a Participant or former Participant in conjunction with severance of employment under the laws of
the country where the Participant or former Participant is employed or under federal, state or
local law, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law the benefits paid to a Participant or
former Participant pursuant to the provisions of the Plan will be deemed to be in satisfaction of
any statutorily required benefit obligations.
9.10
Payment to Alternate Payee Under Domestic Relations Order.
Plan benefits that are
awarded to an Alternate Payee in a Domestic Relations Order shall be paid to the Alternate Payee at
the time and in the form directed in the Domestic Relations Order. The Domestic Relations Order
may provide for an immediate lump sum payment to an Alternate Payee. A Domestic Relations Order
may not otherwise provide for a time or form of payment that is not permitted under the Plan. A
Domestic Relations Order may not award an Alternate Payee benefits in excess of the applicable
Participants or former Participants Vested Interest (determined as of the date the Domestic
Relations Order is entered). Unless a Domestic Relations Order provides otherwise, the Domestic
Relations Order shall be deemed to apply to the Participants Vested Interest in his subaccounts on
a pro-rata basis.
ARTICLE X
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
10.01
Plan Administrator.
The Sponsor shall be the Plan Administrator and the named
fiduciary for purposes of ERISA.
10.02
Resignation and Removal.
The members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of
the Board; they may be officers, directors, or Employees of the Company or any other individuals.
At any time during his term of office, any member of the Committee may resign by giving written
notice to the Board, such resignation to become effective upon the appointment of a substitute or,
if earlier, the lapse of thirty days after such notice is given as herein provided. At any time
during its term of office, and for any reason, any member of the Committee may be removed by the
Board.
10.03
Records and Procedures.
The Committee shall keep appropriate records of its proceedings
and the administration of the Plan and shall make available for examination during business hours
to any Participant, former Participant or the beneficiary of any Participant or former Participant
such records as pertain to that individuals interest in the Plan. The Committee shall designate
the individual or individuals who shall be authorized to sign for the
18
Committee and, upon such designation, the signature of such individual or individuals shall
bind the Committee.
10.04
Self-Interest of Committee.
No member of the Committee shall not have any right to vote
or decide upon any matter relating solely to himself under the Plan or to vote in any case in which
his individual right to claim any benefit under the Plan is particularly involved. In any case in
which any Committee member is so disqualified to act, the other members of the Committee shall
decide the matter in which the Committee member is disqualified.
10.05
Compensation and Bonding.
The members of the Committee shall not receive compensation
with respect to their services on the Committee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the
members of the Committee shall not be required to furnish bond or security for the performance of
their duties hereunder.
10.06
Committee Powers and Duties.
The Committee shall supervise the administration and
enforcement of the Plan according to the terms and provisions hereof and shall have all powers
necessary to accomplish these purposes, including, but not by way of limitation, the right, power,
and authority:
(a) to make rules, regulations, and bylaws for the administration of the Plan that are
not inconsistent with the terms and provisions hereof, and to enforce the terms of the Plan
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Committee;
(b) to construe in its discretion all terms, provisions, conditions, and limitations of
the Plan;
(c) to correct any defect or to supply any omission or to reconcile any inconsistency
that may appear in the Plan in such manner and to such extent as it shall deem in its
discretion expedient to effectuate the purposes of the Plan;
(d) to employ and compensate such accountants, attorneys, investment advisors, and
other agents, employees, and independent contractors as the Committee may deem necessary or
advisable for the proper and efficient administration of the Plan;
(e) to determine in its discretion all questions relating to eligibility;
(f) to determine whether and when a Participant has incurred a Separation From Service
or Termination of Employment, and the reason for such termination;
(g) to make a determination in its discretion as to the right of any individual to a
benefit under the Plan and to prescribe procedures to be followed by distributees in
obtaining benefits hereunder;
(h) to receive and review reports from the Trustee as to the financial condition of the
Trust Fund, including its receipts and disbursements; and
(i) to establish or designate Reference Investment Alternatives as deemed investment
options as provided in Article VI.
19
10.07
Reliance on Documents, Instruments, etc.
The Committee may rely on any certificate
statement or other representation made on behalf of the Company, any Employee or any Participant,
which the Committee in good faith believes to be genuine, and on any certificate, statement, report
or other representation made to it by any agent or any attorney, accountant or other expert
retained by it or the Company in connection with the operation and administration of the Plan.
10.08
Claims Review Procedures; Claims Appeals Procedures.
(a)
Claims Review Procedures
.
When a benefit is due, the Participant, or the
person entitled to benefits under Section 9.01, should submit a claim to the office
designated by the Committee to receive claims. Under normal circumstances, the Committee
will make a final decision as to a claim within 90 days after receipt of the claim. If the
Committee notifies the claimant in writing during the initial 90-day period, it may extend
the period up to 180 days after the initial receipt of the claim. The written notice must
contain the circumstances necessitating the extension and the anticipated date for the final
decision. If a claim is denied during the claims period, the Committee must notify the
claimant in writing, and the written notice must set forth in a manner calculated to be
understood by the claimant:
(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;
(2) specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based;
(3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the
claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information
is necessary; and
(4) an explanation of the Plan claims review procedures and time limits, including a
statement of the claimants right to bring a civil action under section 502(a) of
ERISA.
If a decision is not given to the Participant within the claims review period, the claim is treated
as if it were denied on the last day of the claims review period.
(b)
Claims Appeals Procedures
. For purposes of this Section the Participant or
the person entitled to Benefits under Section 9.01 is referred to as the claimant. If a
claimants claim made pursuant to Section 10.08(a) is denied and he wants a review, he must
apply to the Committee in writing. That application can include any arguments, written
comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim for benefits. In
addition, the claimant is entitled to receive on request and free of charge reasonable
access to and copies of all information relevant to the claim. For this purpose, relevant
means information that was relied on in making the benefit determination or that was
submitted, considered or generated in the course of making the determination, without regard
to whether it was relied on, and information that demonstrates compliance with the Plans
administrative procedures and safeguards for assuring and verifying that Plan provisions are
applied consistently in making benefit determinations. The Committee must take into account
all comments, documents, records, and other
20
information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether
the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. The
claimant may either represent himself or appoint a representative, either of whom has the
right to inspect all documents pertaining to the claim and its denial. The Committee can
schedule any meeting with the claimant or his representative that it finds necessary or
appropriate to complete its review.
The request for review must be filed within 90 days after the denial. If it is not, the
denial becomes final. If a timely request is made, the Committee must make its decision,
under normal circumstances, within 60 days of the receipt of the request for review.
However, if the Committee notifies the claimant prior to the expiration of the initial
review period, it may extend the period of review up to 120 days following the initial
receipt of the request for a review. All decisions of the Committee must be in writing and
must include the specific reasons for its action, the Plan provisions on which its decision
is based, and a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of
charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information
relevant to the claimants claim for benefits, and a statement of the claimants right to
bring an action under section 502(a) of ERISA If a decision is not given to the claimant
within the review period, the claim is treated as if it were denied on the last day of the
review period.
Within 60 days of receipt by a claimant of a notice denying a claim under the preceding
paragraph, the claimant or his or her duly authorized representative may request in writing
a full and fair review of the claim by the Committee. The Committee may extend the 60-day
period where the nature of the benefit involved or other attendant circumstances make such
extension appropriate. In connection with such review, the claimant or his or her duly
authorized representative may review pertinent documents and may submit issues and comments
in writing. The Committee shall make a decision promptly, and not later than 60 days after
the Plans receipt of a request for review, unless special circumstances (such as the need
to hold a hearing) require an extension of time for processing, in which case a decision
shall be rendered as soon as possible, but not later than 120 days after receipt of a
request for review. The decision on review shall be in writing and shall include specific
reasons for the decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant,
and specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based.
10.09
Company to Supply Information
. The Company shall supply full and timely information to
the Committee, including, but not limited to, information relating to each Participants Base
Salary, Bonus, age, death, Disability and such other pertinent facts as the Committee may
require. The Company shall advise the Trustee of such of the foregoing facts as are deemed
necessary for the Trustee to carry out the Trustees duties under the Plan and the Trust Agreement.
When making a determination in connection with the Plan, the Committee shall be entitled to rely
upon the aforesaid information furnished by the Company.
10.10
Indemnity.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify and
save harmless the Board, and each member of the Committee against any and all expenses, liabilities
and claims (including legal fees incurred to investigate or defend against
21
such liabilities and claims) arising out of their discharge in good faith of responsibilities
under or incident to the Plan. Expenses and liabilities arising out of willful misconduct shall
not be covered under this indemnity. This indemnity shall not preclude such further indemnities as
may be available under insurance purchased by the Company or provided by the Company under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, as such indemnities
are permitted under applicable law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the
extent that any payment made pursuant to this Section 10.10 is not exempt from Section 409A
pursuant to the application of Department of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(10) or other
applicable exemption (a
409A Payment"
) the following provisions of this Section 10.10 shall apply
with respect to such 409A Payment. The Company shall make a 409A Payment due under this Section
10.10 by the last day of the taxable year of the indemnitee following the taxable year in which the
applicable legal fees and expenses were incurred. The legal fees or expenses that are subject to
reimbursement pursuant to this Section 10.10 shall not be limited as a result of when the fees or
expenses are incurred. The amounts of legal fees or expenses that are eligible for reimbursement
pursuant to this Section 10.10 during a given taxable year of the indemnitee shall not affect the
amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year. The right to
reimbursement pursuant to this Section 10.10 is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another
benefit.
ARTICLE XI
ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS
11.01
Payment of Expenses.
All expenses incident to the administration of the Plan and Trust,
including but not limited to, legal, accounting, Trustee fees, and expenses of the Committee, may
be paid by the Company and, if not paid by the Company, shall be paid by the Trustee from the Trust
Fund, if any.
11.02
Trust Fund Property.
All income, profits, recoveries, contributions, forfeitures and
any and all moneys, securities and properties of any kind at any time received or held by the
Trustee, if any, shall be held for investment purposes as a commingled Trust Fund pursuant to the
terms of the Trust Agreement. The Committee shall maintain one or more Accounts in the name of
each Participant or former Participant, but the maintenance of an Account designated as the Account
of a Participant or former Participant shall not mean that such Participant or former Participant
shall have a greater or lesser interest than that due him by operation of the Plan and shall not be
considered as segregating any funds or property from any other funds or property contained in the
commingled fund. No Participant or former Participant shall have any title to any specific asset
in the Trust Fund, if any.
22
ARTICLE XII
ADOPTION OF PLAN BY OTHER EMPLOYERS
12.01
Adoption Procedure.
(a) With the written approval of the Committee, any entity that is an Affiliate may
adopt the Plan by appropriate action of its board of directors or noncorporate counterpart,
as evidenced by a written instrument executed by an authorized officer of such entity or an
executed adoption agreement (approved by the board of directors or noncorporate counterpart
of the Affiliate), agreeing to be bound by all the terms, conditions and limitations of the
Plan except those, if any, specifically described in the adoption instrument, and providing
all information required by the Committee. The Committee and the adopting Affiliate may
agree to incorporate specific provisions relating to the operation of the Plan that apply to
the adopting Affiliate only and shall become, as to such adopting Affiliate and its
employees, a part of the Plan.
(b) The provisions of the Plan may be modified so as to increase the obligations of an
adopting Affiliate
only
with the consent of such Affiliate, which consent shall be
conclusively presumed to have been given by such Affiliate unless the Affiliate gives the
Company written notice of its rejection of the amendment within 30 days after the adoption
of the amendment.
(c) The provisions of the Plan shall apply separately and equally to each adopting
Affiliate and its employees in the same manner as is expressly provided for the Company and
its employees, except that the power to appoint or otherwise affect the Committee and the
power to amend or terminate the Plan shall be exercised by the Company. The Committee shall
act as the agent for each Affiliate that adopts the Plan for all purposes of administration
thereof.
(d) Any adopting Affiliate may, by appropriate action of its board of directors or
noncorporate counterpart, terminate its participation in the Plan. Moreover, the Committee
may, in its discretion, terminate an Affiliates participation in the Plan at any time.
(e) The Plan will terminate with respect to any Affiliate that has adopted the Plan
pursuant to this Section if the Affiliate ceases to be an Affiliate or revokes its adoption
of the Plan by resolution of its board of directors or noncorporate counterpart evidenced by
a written instrument executed by an authorized officer of the Affiliate. If the Plan
terminates with respect to any Affiliate, the employees of that Affiliate will no longer be
eligible to be Participants in the Plan.
(f) For purposes of the Code and ERISA, the Plan as adopted by the Affiliates shall
constitute a single plan rather than a separate plan of each Affiliate.
12.02
No Joint Venture Implied
. The document which evidences the adoption of the Plan by an
Affiliate shall become a part of the Plan. However, neither the adoption of the Plan
23
by an Affiliate nor any act performed by it in relation to the Plan shall ever create a joint
venture or partnership relation between it and any other Affiliate.
12.03
Responsibility for Benefits
. Each entity that maintains the Plan shall be financially
responsible to pay the portion of a Participants Plan benefit that was accrued in consideration
for the Participants services provided to such entity, as adjusted by deemed earnings and losses
thereon.
ARTICLE XIII
NATURE OF THE PLAN
AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST
13.01
Nature of the Plan.
The Company intends and desires by the adoption of the Plan to
recognize the value to the Company of the past and present services of employees covered by the
Plan and to encourage and assure their continued service with the Company by making more adequate
provision for their future retirement security. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded,
unsecured plan of deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated
employees of the Company. Plan benefits herein provided are a contractual obligation of the
Company which shall be paid out of the Companys general assets. Nevertheless, subject to the
terms hereof and of the Trust Agreement, the Company may transfer money or other property to the
Trustee to provide Plan benefits hereunder, and the Trustee shall pay Plan benefits to
Participants, former Participants and their beneficiaries out of the Trust Fund.
13.02
Maintenance of the Trust.
The Company, in its sole discretion, may maintain a Trust.
In such event, the Company shall remain the owner of all assets in the Trust Fund and the assets
shall be subject to the claims of the Companys creditors if the Company ever becomes insolvent.
For purposes hereof, the Company shall be considered insolvent if (a) the Company is unable to
pay its debts as they become due or (b) the Company is subject to a pending proceeding as a debtor
under the United States Bankruptcy Code (or any successor federal statute). The chief executive
officer of the Company and its board of directors shall have the duty to inform the Trustee in
writing if the Company becomes insolvent. Such notice given under the preceding sentence by any
party shall satisfy all of the parties duty to give notice. When so informed, the Trustee shall
suspend payments to the Participants and former Participants and hold the assets for the benefit of
the Companys general creditors. If the Company subsequently alleges that it is no longer
insolvent or if the Trustee receives a written allegation from a third party that the Company is
insolvent, the Trustee shall suspend payments to the Participants and former Participants and hold
the Trust Fund for the benefit of the Companys general creditors, and shall determine in
accordance with the Trust Agreement whether the Company is insolvent. If the Trustee determines
that the Company is not insolvent, the Trustee shall resume payments to the Participants and former
Participants. No Participant, former Participant or beneficiary shall have any preferred claim to,
or any beneficial ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust Fund, and, upon commencement of
participation in the Plan, each Participant and former Participant shall have agreed to waive his
priority credit position, if any, under applicable state law with respect to the assets of the
Trust Fund.
24
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
14.01
Plan Not Contract of Employment.
The adoption and maintenance of the Plan shall not be
deemed to be a contract between the Company and any individual or to be consideration for the
employment of any individual. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to (a) give any individual
the right to be retained in the employ of the Company, (b) restrict the right of the Company to
discharge any individual at any time, (c) give the Company the right to require any individual to
remain in the employment of or affiliation with the Company, or (d) restrict any individuals right
to terminate his employment at any time.
14.02
Alienation of Interest Forbidden.
The interest of a Participant, former Participant or
his beneficiary or beneficiaries hereunder may not be sold, transferred, assigned, or encumbered in
any manner, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and any attempt so to anticipate, alienate, sell,
transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge the same shall be null and void; neither shall the
benefits hereunder be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or
torts of any individual to whom such benefits or funds are payable, nor shall they be an asset in
bankruptcy or subject to garnishment, attachment or other legal or equitable proceedings. The
provisions of this Section 14.02 shall not apply to a Domestic Relations Order.
14.03
Withholding.
All credits to a Participants or former Participants Accounts and
payments provided for hereunder shall be subject to applicable withholding and other deductions as
shall be required of the Company under any applicable local, state, federal or foreign law.
14.04
Amendment and Termination.
The Board, may from time to time, in its discretion, amend,
in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the Plan on behalf of any Company;
provided,
however
, that no amendment may be made that would impair the rights of a Participant or former
Participant with respect to amounts already credited to his Accounts. The Board may terminate the
Plan at any time. If the Plan is terminated, (a) the Grandfathered Amounts credited to a
Participants or former Participants Account shall be paid to such Participant, or former
Participant, or his designated beneficiary in the manner specified by the Committee, which may
include the payment of a single lump sum payment in full satisfaction of all of such Participants,
former Participants or beneficiarys benefits hereunder, and (b) any other amounts credited to the
Participants or former Participants Account shall be paid to such Participant, or former
Participant, or his designated beneficiary at the time(s) and in the form(s) elected by the
Participant or former Participant under Sections 3.06 and 4.05 (as such elections may have been
changed pursuant to Section 3.07 or 3.08).
14.05
Severability.
If any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any
reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof; instead,
each provision shall be fully severable and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if said
illegal or invalid provision had never been included herein.
14.06
Compliance With Section 409A.
Except with respect to Grandfathered Amounts, the Plan is
intended to comply with Section 409A and the Plan shall be interpreted and operated in a manner
consistent with this intention. Where the Plan provides that a distribution shall be made as soon
as reasonably practicable following a specified event the distribution shall
25
be made no later than the later of the end of the Participants or former Participants
taxable year in which the specified event occurs or the fifteenth day of the third calendar month
following the occurrence of the specified event, unless the Company can demonstrate that a further
delay qualifies for a timeliness exception under Department of Treasury Regulations (for example,
the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Company and its affiliates to continue as a going
concern pursuant to Department of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(d)). Where the Plan
provides that a distribution will be made on a particular date (such as the first day of the
seventh month following a Specified Employees Separation From Service or a Fixed Date selected by
the Participant under a Fixed Date election) nothing in the Plan shall be construed as preventing
the application of the deemed timeliness rules set forth in Department of Treasury Regulation
Section 1.409A-3(d). With the exception of Fixed Date elections made in advance of deferrals a
Participant or former Participant shall not be permitted to select the taxable year during which a
distribution will be made to him.
14.07
Governing Law.
All provisions of the Plan shall be construed in accordance with the
laws of Texas, except to the extent preempted by federal law and except to the extent that the
conflicts of law provisions of the State of Texas would require the application of the relevant law
of another jurisdiction, in which event the relevant law of the State of Texas will nonetheless
apply, with venue for litigation being in Houston, Texas.
26
ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
June
7, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
|
|
|
INTERNET
-
Access
www.voteproxy.com
and follow the on-screen
instructions. Have your proxy card available when you access the web
page, and use the Company Number and Account Number shown on your
proxy card. Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the
meeting.
Vote online until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.
MAIL
-
Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon as possible.
IN
PERSON
-
You may vote your shares in person by
attending the Annual Meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPANY
NUMBER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACCOUNT
NUMBER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting of
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.
to Be Held on June 7, 2011.
The Proxy Statement dated April 29, 2011, Form of Proxy, and the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010
Annual Report to Stockholders for
the year ended December 31, 2010 are available at http://www.proxydocs.com/GLF
¯
Please detach along perforated line and mail
in the envelope provided
IF
you are not voting via the Internet.
¯
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
|
20833330403000000000 5
|
|
|
060711
|
|
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSALS
2 THROUGH 5 AND 7.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ONE
YEAR ON PROPOSAL 6.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. To elect a Board of eight (8) directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
FOR
ALL NOMINEES
|
|
NOMINEES:
O Peter I. Bijur
O David J. Butters
O Brian R. Ford
O Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
O Sheldon S. Gordon
O Robert B. Millard
O Rex C. Ross
O Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instruction below)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INSTRUCTIONS
:
|
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark
FOR
ALL EXCEPT
and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as
shown here:
l
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To change the address on your account, please check the box at
right and indicate your new address in the address space above.
Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the
account may not be submitted via this method.
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
2.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve, by a stockholder
non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid by us to
our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a
Say-on-Pay proposal.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year
|
|
2 years
|
|
3 years
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
6.
|
|
To establish, by a stockholder non-binding advisory
vote, the frequency of submission to stockholders of
advisory Say-on-Pay proposals.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
7.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP
as the Companys independent public accountants for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Board of Directors has approved and recommends that you vote FOR all
of the proposals that are discussed in more detail in the attached proxy
statement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2011,
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments of the meeting. Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLEASE MARK, SIGN DATE AND RETURN USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
of Stockholder
|
|
Date:
|
|
Signature of Stockholder
|
|
Date:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
|
|
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held
jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
|
|
|
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
June 7, 2011
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Stockholders Meeting of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. to Be Held on June 7, 2011.
The Proxy Statement dated April 29, 2011, Form of Proxy, and
the GulfMark Offshore, Inc. 2010 Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2010
are available at http://www.proxydocs.com/GLF
Please sign, date and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
¯
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.
¯
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
n
|
|
20833330403000000000 5
|
|
|
060711
|
|
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSALS
2 THROUGH 5 AND 7.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ONE YEAR ON
PROPOSAL 6.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. To elect a Board of eight (8) directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
FOR ALL NOMINEES
|
|
NOMINEES:
O Peter I. Bijur
O David J. Butters
O Brian R. Ford
O Louis S. Gimbel, 3
rd
O Sheldon S. Gordon
O Robert B. Millard
O Rex C. Ross
O Bruce A. Streeter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instruction below)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INSTRUCTIONS
:
|
To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee(s), mark
FOR
ALL EXCEPT
and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as
shown here:
l
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To change the address on your account, please check the box at
right and indicate your new address in the address space above.
Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the
account may not be submitted via this method.
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
2.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. 2011 Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve the GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to approve, by a stockholder
non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid by us to
our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a
Say-on-Pay proposal.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
1 year
|
|
2 years
|
|
3 years
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.
|
|
To establish, by a stockholder non-binding advisory
vote, the frequency of submission to stockholders of
advisory Say-on-Pay proposals.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.
|
|
To vote on a proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP
as the Companys independent public accountants for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Board of Directors has approved and recommends that you vote FOR all
of the proposals that are discussed in more detail in the attached proxy
statement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2011,
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments of the meeting. Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLEASE MARK, SIGN DATE AND RETURN USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
of Stockholder
|
|
Date:
|
|
Signature of Stockholder
|
|
Date:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
|
|
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held
jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
|
|
|
GULFMARK OFFSHORE, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
June 7, 2011
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (GulfMark) hereby appoints Peter I.
Bijur and Sheldon S. Gordon, or either of them, as proxies, each with power to act without the
other and with full power of substitution, for the undersigned to vote the number of shares of
Common Stock of GulfMark that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of GulfMark to be held in Gramercy North room, The Peninsula
Hotel, 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street, New York, New York 10019, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 8:00
A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, on the following
matters that are more particularly described in the Proxy Statement dated April 29, 2011:
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)