UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

OR

¨  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to                 .

Commission file number: 1-6311

 

 

Tidewater Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware    72-0487776

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

601 Poydras St., Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(504) 568-1010

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x             Accelerated filer ¨             Non-accelerated filer ¨             Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨  No x

51,539,254 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock $.10 par value per share were outstanding on October 17, 2008. Registrant has no other class of common stock outstanding.


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and par value data)

 

ASSETS

    
 
September 30,
2008
   March 31,

2008

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 144,552    270,205

Trade and other receivables, net

     337,385    308,813

Marine operating supplies

     54,684    46,369

Other current assets

     11,852    5,208

Total current assets

     548,473    630,595

Investments in, at equity, and advances to unconsolidated companies

     28,695    27,433

Properties and equipment:

     

Vessels and related equipment

     3,082,637    2,867,391

Other properties and equipment

     83,111    82,357
     3,165,748    2,949,748

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     1,293,424    1,270,710

Net properties and equipment

     1,872,324    1,679,038

Goodwill

     328,754    328,754

Other assets

     88,732    85,960

Total assets

   $ 2,866,978    2,751,780
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

           

Current liabilities:

     

Current maturities on capitalized lease obligations

        10,059

Accounts payable

     84,377    93,147

Accrued expenses

     54,838    54,497

Accrued property and liability losses

     6,085    6,271

Other current liabilities

     52,295    34,930

Total current liabilities

     197,595    198,904

Long-term debt

     300,000    300,000

Deferred income taxes

     196,279    189,605

Accrued property and liability losses

     10,239    12,530

Other liabilities and deferred credits

     120,545    120,657

Commitment and contingencies (Note 5)

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock of $.10 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, issued 51,539,804 shares at September and 52,318,806 shares at March

     5,154    5,232

Other stockholders’ equity

     2,037,166    1,924,852

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,042,320    1,930,084

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,866,978    2,751,780
 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

      

 

Quarter Ended

September 30,

 

 

  Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

       2008     2007     2008     2007  

Revenues:

        

Vessel revenues

   $ 344,637     297,368     673,008     590,259  

Other marine revenues

     2,192     21,678     13,875     34,269  
       346,829     319,046     686,883     624,528  

Costs and expenses:

        

Vessel operating costs

     175,371     142,307     352,099     280,847  

Costs of other marine revenues

     1,315     19,485     11,744     31,232  

Depreciation and amortization

     30,657     29,836     61,278     58,033  

General and administrative

     35,315     30,680     70,423     62,192  

Gain on sales of assets

     (5,851 )   (2,102 )   (16,238 )   (9,032 )
       236,807     220,206     479,306     423,272  
     110,022     98,840     207,577     201,256  

Other income (expenses):

        

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     2,487     141     1,297     (384 )

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

     3,798     3,725     7,994     7,111  

Interest income and other, net

     1,425     4,061     3,324     9,702  

Interest and other debt costs

     (108 )   (1,336 )   (428 )   (4,178 )
       7,602     6,591     12,187     12,251  

Earnings before income taxes

     117,624     105,431     219,764     213,507  

Income taxes

     22,193     18,965     39,557     39,499  

Net earnings

   $ 95,431     86,466     180,207     174,008  
   

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.86     1.57     3.51     3.13  
   

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.85     1.56     3.49     3.11  
   

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     51,246,848     55,111,678     51,394,460     55,593,382  

Incremental common shares from stock options

     239,236     447,266     267,346     447,033  

Adjusted weighted average common shares

     51,486,084     55,558,944     51,661,806     56,040,415  
   

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ .25     .15     .50     .30  
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

      

 

Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

       2008     2007  

Operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 180,207     174,008  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     61,278     58,033  

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes

     (4,890 )   (13,399 )

Gain on sales of assets

     (16,238 )   (9,032 )

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated companies, net of dividends

     (1,574 )   (6,620 )

Compensation expense - stock-based

     6,152     6,049  

Excess tax benefits on stock options exercised

     (1,438 )   (15,102 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, net:

    

Trade and other receivables

     (23,522 )   (9,185 )

Marine operating supplies

     (8,315 )   4,547  

Other current assets

     (6,644 )   (3,281 )

Accounts payable

     (9,442 )   (4,804 )

Accrued expenses

     341     7,777  

Accrued property and liability losses

     (187 )   (106 )

Other current liabilities

     19,143     27,003  

Other, net

     2,032     4,583  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     196,903     220,471  

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales of assets

     20,638     58,714  

Additions to properties and equipment

     (259,845 )   (216,453 )

Other

     312      

Net cash used in investing activities

     (238,895 )   (157,739 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Principal payments on capitalized lease obligations

     (10,059 )   (2,527 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     4,347     43,419  

Cash dividends

     (25,753 )   (16,806 )

Stock repurchases

     (53,634 )   (174,743 )

Excess tax benefits on stock options exercised

     1,438     15,102  

Net cash used in financing activities

     (83,661 )   (135,555 )

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (125,653 )   (72,823 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     270,205     393,806  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 144,552     320,983  
   

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 6,970     8,839  

Income taxes

   $ 29,833     29,297  

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Capitalized leases

   $     33,876  
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) Interim Financial Statements

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented herein have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated as required by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the respective full years. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Tidewater Inc. and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The company uses the equity method to account for equity investments in which the company exercises significant influence but does not exercise control and is not the primary beneficiary.

(2) Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the company expended $61.1 million to repurchase and cancel 950,000 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

 

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Dividend Program

In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of its dividend from $0.15 per share to $ 0.25 per share, a 67 % increase. On July 31, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. Future dividends are subject to declaration by the company’s Board of Directors.

(3) Income Taxes

The effective tax rate applicable to pre-tax earnings, for the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008, was 18.9% and 18%, respectively. The effective tax rate applicable to pre-tax earnings for the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 2007 was 18% and 18.5%, respectively.

On January 9, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana rendered a summary judgment in the company’s favor concerning the disallowance by the IRS of the company’s tax deduction for foreign sales corporation commissions for fiscal years 1999 and 2000. On March 6, 2008, the IRS appealed the district court’s decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the ultimate resolution of this matter can not be predicted, it is reasonably possible that the dispute will be resolved within the next twelve months. The company has approximately $28.5 million of tax liabilities recorded at September 30, 2008, with respect to this issue, which includes liabilities recorded for similar deductions taken in years subsequent to fiscal 2000 that would be reversed should these deductions ultimately be allowed.

Penalties and interest related to FIN 48 liabilities are recorded as income tax expense for financial statement purposes.

Included in other current liabilities at September 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008 are taxes payable (primarily income) of $38.3 million and $22.1 million, respectively.

(4) Employee Benefit Plans

The company has a defined benefit pension plan that covers certain U.S. citizen employees and employees who are permanent residents of the United States. Benefits are based on years of service and employee compensation. In addition, the company also offers a supplemental retirement plan (supplemental plan) that provides pension benefits to certain employees in excess of those allowed under the company’s tax-qualified pension plan. The company contributed $0.4 million and $3.1 million to the defined benefit pension plan during the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008 and expects to contribute an additional $0.9 million to the plan during the remainder of the current fiscal year. The company contributed $0.3 million and $0.7 million to the defined benefit pension plan during the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007.

Qualified retired employees currently are covered by a program that provides limited health care and life insurance benefits. Costs of the program are based on actuarially determined amounts and are accrued over the period from the date of hire to the full eligibility date of employees who are expected to qualify for these benefits.

 

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The net periodic benefit cost for the company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan and the supplemental plan (referred to collectively as “Pension Benefits”) and the postretirement health care and life insurance plan (referred to collectively as “Other Benefits”) is comprised of the following components:

 

    
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
 
  Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

(In thousands)

     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Pension Benefits:

        

Service cost

   $ 265     297     530     594  

Interest cost

     1,150     1,052     2,300     2,104  

Expected return on plan assets

     (635 )   (638 )   (1,270 )   (1,276 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     3     6     6     12  

Recognized actuarial loss

     400     488     800     976  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,183     1,205     2,366     2,410  
   

Other Benefits:

        

Service cost

   $ 281     342     562     684  

Interest cost

     514     458     1,028     916  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (496 )   (547 )   (992 )   (1,094 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     268     339     536     678  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 567     592     1,134     1,184  
   

(5) Commitments and contingencies

The company previously indicated that it believed it had sufficient financial capacity to support a $1.0 billion annual investment in acquiring or building new vessels for the intermediate term, assuming customer demand, acquisition and shipyard economics and other considerations justified such an investment. At present, due to the financial market uncertainties, it is unclear whether adequate capital and liquidity will be available to supplement cash generated by the company to fully implement the continuation of its fleet replacement program at this level, or, if available, on terms and pricing as advantageous as the company has enjoyed historically. The company continues to evaluate its fleet renewal program, whether through new construction or acquisitions, relative to other investment opportunities and uses of cash, including the current share repurchase authorization, and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. At September 30, 2008, the company had approximately $145.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, at September 30, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility was available for future financing needs.

Vessel Commitments

As of September 30, 2008, the company has commitments to build 57 vessels at a total cost of approximately $1.2 billion, which includes contract costs and other incidental costs. The company is committed to the construction of 23 anchor handling towing supply vessels ranging between 6,500 to 13,600 brake horsepower (BHP), 28 platform supply vessels, 4 crewboats, and 2 offshore tugs. Scheduled delivery of the vessels is expected to begin in October 2008 with delivery of the final vessel in July 2012. As of September 30, 2008, $377.9 million has been expended on these vessels.

The company’s vessel construction program has been designed to replace over time the company’s aging fleet of vessels with fewer, larger and more efficient vessels, while also opportunistically revamping the size and capabilities of the company’s fleet. The majority of the company’s older vessels, its supply and towing-supply vessels, were constructed between 1976 and 1983. As such, most vessels of this class exceed 25 years of age and could require replacement within the next several years, depending on the strength of the market during this time frame. In addition to age, market conditions also help determine when a vessel is no longer economically viable. The company anticipates using future operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity or new borrowings or lease arrangements to fund this fleet renewal and modernization program over the next several years.

 

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The company has recently experienced some delays in the expected deliveries of equipment for vessels under construction (as has the offshore supply vessel industry in general). Further delays are possible. Certain of the company’s vessels under construction are committed to work under customer contracts that provide for the payment of liquidated damages by the company or its subsidiaries in certain cases of late delivery. Delays in the expected deliveries of any of these vessels could result in penalties being imposed by our customers. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these penalties, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Internal Investigation

In its Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the company reported that special counsel which had been previously engaged by the company’s Audit Committee to conduct an internal investigation into certain FCPA matters had substantially completed its investigation and reported its findings to the Audit Committee. The substantive areas of the internal investigation have been reported in earlier periodic filings of the company. The company further reported in its Form 10-K that the company has been diligently responding to special counsel’s observations and recommendations to upgrade its overall compliance posture and implement a more robust company-wide FCPA compliance and training program.

During the course of the investigation, special counsel has been periodically providing the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission with informational updates. As part of its continuing cooperation with these agencies, the company entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll certain statutes of limitations for a nine-month period ending on October 10, 2008. The company subsequently entered into a superseding agreement with the Department of Justice (also effective as of January 10, 2008) to reflect the current scope of special counsel’s investigation and to extend the tolling period through June 1, 2009. In addition, the company has entered into a similar agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll relevant statutes of limitations through June 1, 2009. Both agreements expressly provide that they do not constitute an admission by the company of any facts or of any wrongdoing. The company is unable to predict whether either agency will separately pursue legal or administrative action against the company or any of its employees, what potential remedies or sanctions, if any, these agencies may seek, and what the time frame for resolution of this matter may be. From time to time, these agencies have requested certain documents and information from the company. The company has been voluntarily cooperating with those requests and expects to have additional meetings with the agencies as the limited remaining investigative work is completed or as otherwise warranted. In the meantime, however, after considering the findings reported by special counsel, management is in the process of implementing disciplinary measures against employees of the company and its subsidiaries implicated by the findings of the investigation.

Based on the findings of the investigation reported to the company and the Audit Committee to date, the company has not concluded that any potential liability that may result from an investigation or enforcement action by the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission is both probable and reasonably estimable, and, thus, no accrual has been recorded as of September 30, 2008. Should additional information be obtained that any potential liability is probable and reasonably estimable the company will record such liability at that time. While uncertain, ultimate resolution with one or both of these agencies could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or cash flows.

The company continues to operate approximately 16 vessels in Nigerian offshore waters, either under valid permits, extensions of valid permits, or under temporary arrangements not objected to by the Nigerian government where the underlying permits have expired. Over the past year, the company has, from time to time, experienced difficulty in extending the term of previously issued permits or obtaining new permits. Unless a workable permanent solution is developed and implemented, the company is concerned that the existing arrangements may, from time to time, be difficult to further renew or extend, and the company may have to remove vessels from Nigerian waters for redeployment elsewhere. The company continues to work diligently with the United States government and the Nigerian authorities in an effort to find a workable solution to these matters and with its foreign subsidiaries and appropriate third parties to continue to implement its more robust FCPA compliance and training program in Nigeria. For the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008, approximately 7% and 7.4%, respectively, of the company’s revenues were generated

 

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through its Nigerian operations, and the company currently believes that a substantial majority, if not all, of these revenues could be replaced in a reasonable time frame if redeployment of these vessels becomes necessary.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund

Certain current and former subsidiaries of the company are, or have been, participating employers in an industry-wide multi-employer retirement fund in the United Kingdom, the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF). The company has been informed of a fund deficit that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries. The amount of the company’s share of the fund’s deficit will depend ultimately on a number of factors, including an updated calculation of the total fund deficit, the number of then participating solvent employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among such participating employers. At September 30, 2008, $4.5 million remains payable to MNOPF in additional contributions based on current assessments, all of which is fully accrued. In the future the fund’s trustee may claim that the company owes additional amounts for various reasons, including the results of future fund valuation reports and whether other assessed parties have the financial capability to contribute to the respective allocations, failing which, the company and other solvent participating employers could be asked for additional contributions.

Legal Proceedings

Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

(6) Financial Instruments

On April 1, 2008, the company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157), for financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring the use of observable market data when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on active market data. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 had no impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2008.

The company’s primary financial instruments required to be measured and recorded at fair value consist of investments held by participants in a supplemental executive retirement plan, a deferred supplemental savings plan and a multinational savings plan. These investments are valued based on quoted market prices and are carried at $28.3 million at September 30, 2008.

The company also periodically enters into certain foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives which are recorded at fair value. The derivative instruments are valued using quoted prices and quotes obtainable from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. The company currently has four foreign exchange derivatives outstanding and considers these derivatives to be immaterial to the financial statements at September 30, 2008.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “ The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ” (SFAS No. 159). This statement provides companies an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS No.159 became applicable to the company on April 1, 2008. The company has chosen not to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 159 for its existing financial instruments.

 

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(7) Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB that are adopted by the company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “ The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles “ (SFAS No. 162), which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. SFAS No. 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles . The company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 162 to change its current practice nor does the company anticipate an effect on its results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “ Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161), which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk related to contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Early adoption has been encouraged by FASB. The company is currently assessing SFAS No. 161.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “ Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, SFAS No. 160 requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years and will be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including any that arose before the effective date. Early adoption is prohibited. The company is assessing SFAS No. 160 and has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “ Business Combinations ” (SFAS No. 141R), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited.

 

10


(8) Segment and Geographic Distribution of Operations

The company follows SFAS No. 131, “ Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information ” and operates in two business segments: United States and International. The following table provides a comparison of revenues, operating profit, depreciation and amortization, and additions to properties and equipment for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned and operated by the company while other marine services relate to the activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related businesses.

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Six Months Ended
September 30,
 

(In thousands)

     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Revenues:

        

Vessel revenues:

        

United States

   $ 40,002     43,183     80,104     86,255  

International

     304,635     254,185     592,904     504,004  
     344,637     297,368     673,008     590,259  

Other marine revenues

     2,192     21,678     13,875     34,269  
   $ 346,829     319,046     686,883     624,528  
   

Marine operating profit:

        

Vessel activity:

        

United States

   $ 10,994     9,815     20,283     20,180  

International

     107,086     94,770     194,348     190,680  
     118,080     104,585     214,631     210,860  

Gain on sales of assets

     5,851     2,102     16,238     9,032  

Other marine services

     784     2,043     1,888     2,778  

Operating profit

   $ 124,715     108,730     232,757     222,670  

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

     3,798     3,725     7,994     7,111  

Interest and other debt costs

     (108 )   (1,336 )   (428 )   (4,178 )

Corporate general and administrative

     (10,778 )   (9,904 )   (21,346 )   (21,001 )

Other income

     (3 )   4,216     787     8,905  

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 117,624     105,431     219,764     213,507  
   

Depreciation and amortization:

        

Marine equipment operations

        

United States

   $ 4,135     4,527     8,630     8,896  

International

     26,174     24,914     51,945     48,418  

General corporate depreciation

     348     395     703     719  
   $ 30,657     29,836     61,278     58,033  
   

Additions to properties and equipment:

        

Marine equipment operations

        

United States

   $ 8,670     8,916     14,574     24,497  

International

     121,488     106,042     245,147     214,960  

General corporate

     30     818     124     10,872  
   $ 130,188     115,776     259,845     250,329  
   

 

11


The following table provides a comparison of total assets at September 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008:

 

(In thousands)    September 30,
2008
   March 31,
2008

Total assets:

     

Marine:

     

United States

   $ 544,075    523,723

International

     2,175,224    1,953,650
     2,719,299    2,477,373

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated Marine companies

     28,695    27,433
     2,747,994    2,504,806

General corporate

     118,984    246,974
   $ 2,866,978    2,751,780
 

(9) Debt

Revolving Credit Agreement

At September 30, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. The company’s revolving credit agreement matures in May 2010.

Senior Debt Notes

At September 30, 2008, the company had $300.0 million of debt outstanding which represents senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years and an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years. The notes can be retired prior to maturity without penalty. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 4.35%. The fair value of this debt at September 30, 2008 was estimated to be $275.3 million.

Debt Costs

The company is capitalizing a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized, for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $3.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007, was approximately $1.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007 was approximately $2.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

 

12


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tidewater Inc.

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three-month and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and of cash flows for the six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated May 29, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 , in 2008. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

October 24, 2008

 

13


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Forward Looking Information and Cautionary Statement

In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the company notes that this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the information incorporated herein by reference contain certain forward-looking statements which reflect the company’s current view with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and the company’s future results of operations could differ materially from its historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks are discussed in this report, and include, without limitation, fluctuations in worldwide energy demand and oil and gas prices; fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for offshore exploration, development and production; changing customer demands for different vessel specifications which may make some of our older vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; instability of global financial markets and lack of available credit; acts of terrorism; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, especially in higher risk countries of operations; foreign currency fluctuations; and enforcement of laws related to the environment, labor and foreign corrupt practices.

Forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified by the use of such terminology as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “believe,” “think,” “could,” “continue,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” and similar expressions contained in this report, are predictions and not guarantees of future performance or events. Any forward-looking statements are based on current industry, financial and economic information, which the company has assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and possibly abrupt changes. The company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk factors listed above and discussed in Items 1, 1A, 2 and 7 included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 30, 2008 and elsewhere in the Form 10-Q. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Management disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, future events or developments.

In addition, in certain places in this report, we refer to published reports of analysts that purport to describe trends or developments in energy production and drilling and exploration activity. The company does so for the convenience of our stockholders and in an effort to provide information available in the market that will assist the company’s investors in a better understanding of the market environment in which the company operates. However, the company specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such information and undertakes no obligation to update such information.

Overview

The company provides services and equipment to the global offshore energy industry through the operation of a diversified fleet of marine service vessels. Revenues, net earnings and cash flows from operations are dependent upon the activity level of the vessel fleet and vessel day rates, which are, among other things, dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and ultimately the supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. The following information contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and related disclosures and the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008.

General Market Conditions and Results of Operations

The current global financial crisis, which has contributed, among other things, to significant reductions in available capital and liquidity from banks and other providers of credit, has raised well-publicized concerns that the worldwide economy may enter into a prolonged recessionary period. The company is assessing the impact of various scenarios and sensitivities the financial crisis might have on the global economy, including

 

14


the demand for crude oil and natural gas, and the resulting impact, if any, on plans of exploration and production companies, in order to determine how the crisis may affect the company and the demand for its vessels in the global offshore vessel industry. Among other things, the company is uncertain as to whether the current global financial crisis will adversely affect the ability of shipyards to meet their scheduled deliveries of new vessels or the ability of the company to renew its fleet through new vessel construction or acquisitions. Also unknown is the potential effect that the crisis may have on the company’s more highly-leveraged competitors, including such companies’ ability to continue to fund their construction commitments. At present, the financial and commodity markets are too volatile to assess the current situation with a high degree of confidence. The company operates in a highly competitive business environment that has many risks. Critical risk factors that affect, or may affect, the company and the offshore marine service industry include the absolute level and volatility of crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in the level of capital spending by the company’s customers, the number of available drilling rigs (as discussed below) and the potential overcapacity in the offshore vessel market. A full discussion on each of these risk factors (in addition to several other risk factors) is disclosed in Item 1A in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008. For the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, the company did not experience any significant negative effects from the current financial crisis and credit market tightening.

Given the foregoing uncertainties, the company is in the process of re-assessing its stated strategy and investment plans. All statements made herein of the previously stated plans or the “current” plan or expectation of such should be considered in the light of the potential effects discussed in the preceding paragraph. While the magnitude of any change in plans, including investment plans, cannot be predicted at this time, it is likely that some adjustments will be necessary due to an economic slowdown, changes in expectations in regard to commodity prices, or the lack of liquidity in financial markets.

The company’s offshore service vessels provide a diverse range of services and equipment to the energy industry. The company’s revenues and operating profit are primarily driven by the company’s fleet size, vessel utilization and day rates because a sizeable portion of the company’s operating costs (including depreciation) do not change proportionally with changes in revenue. Operating costs primarily consist of crew costs, repair and maintenance, insurance and loss reserves, fuel, lube oil and supplies and vessel operating lease expense. Fleet size, fleet composition, geographic areas of operation and the supply and demand for marine personnel are the major factors which affect overall crew costs. The timing and amount of repair and maintenance costs are influenced by customer demands, vessel age and drydockings to satisfy safety and inspection requirements mandated by regulatory agencies. A certain number of drydockings are required over a given period to meet regulatory requirements. Drydocking costs are incurred only if economically justified, taking into consideration the vessel’s age, physical condition and future marketability. If a required drydocking is not performed, the company will either stack or sell the vessel as it is not permitted to work without the proper certifications. When the company takes a productive vessel out of service for drydocking, the company not only incurs the drydocking cost but also continues to incur operating costs and depreciation on the vessel and loses revenue from that vessel during the drydock period. In any given period, downtime associated with drydockings and major repairs and maintenance can have a significant effect on the company’s revenues. In the current environment of record dayrates in international markets, drydockings have taken on an increasing importance to the company and its financial performance. Our older vessels, for which demand remains strong, require more frequent repair and drydockings, while some of the newer vessels built over the last eight years are now experiencing their first and second required regulatory drydockings. The combination of these factors has led to increased levels of expenditures for drydockings and incremental volatility in operating revenues, thus making period-to-period comparisons more difficult. Although the company attempts to efficiently manage its fleet drydocking schedule to minimize the disruptive effect, recent inflation in shipyard pricing and the heavy workloads at the shipyards are resulting in increased drydocking costs, increased days off hire at shipyards, and therefore, increased loss of revenue. The company does not see the shipyard situation improving in the foreseeable future and expects that the timing of drydockings in the future will result in continued quarterly volatility in repair and maintenance costs and loss in revenue. Fuel and lube costs can also fluctuate in any given period depending on the number of vessel mobilizations that occur in any given period.

The company also incurs vessel operating costs which are aggregated under the “other” vessel operating cost heading. These costs consist of brokers’ commissions, training costs and other type costs. Brokers’

 

15


commission costs are primarily incurred in the company’s international operations where brokers assist in obtaining work for the company’s vessels. Brokers are paid a percentage of day rates and, accordingly, as revenues increase so do commissions paid to brokers. Other type costs include, but are not limited to, satellite communication fees, agent fees, port fees, canal transit fees, vessel certification fees and temporary vessel importation fees.

The following table compares revenues and operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expense, depreciation expense and gain on sales of assets) for the company’s vessel fleet and the related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned and operated by the company while other marine revenues relate to third-party activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related activities.

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
     Six Months Ended
September 30,
     Quarter
Ended
June 30,
(In thousands)    2008    %      2007    %      2008    %      2007    %      2008    %        

Revenues:

                               

Vessel revenues:

                               

United States

   $ 40,002    12 %    43,183    14 %    80,104    12 %    86,255    14 %    40,102    12 %  

International

     304,635    88 %    254,185    80 %    592,904    86 %    504,004    81 %    288,269    85 %    
     344,637    99 %    297,368    93 %    673,008    98 %    590,259    95 %    328,371    97 %  

Other marine revenues

     2,192    1 %    21,678    7 %    13,875    2 %    34,269    5 %    11,683    3 %    
   $ 346,829    100 %    319,046    100 %    686,883    100 %    624,528    100 %    340,054    100 %  
 

Operating costs:

                               

Vessel operating costs:

                               

Crew costs

   $ 92,086    27 %    76,694    24 %    185,238    27 %    152,939    24 %    93,152    27 %  

Repair and maintenance

     32,702    9 %    25,402    8 %    68,550    10 %    49,960    8 %    35,848    11 %  

Insurance and loss reserves

     5,608    2 %    4,539    1 %    11,081    2 %    10,577    2 %    5,473    2 %  

Fuel, lube and supplies

     18,609    5 %    12,169    4 %    33,775    5 %    23,485    4 %    15,166    4 %  

Vessel operating leases

     1,749    1 %    965    <1 %    3,498    1 %    1,731    <1 %    1,749    1 %  

Other

     24,617    7 %    22,538    7 %    49,957    7 %    42,155    7 %    25,340    7 %    
     175,371    51 %    142,307    45 %    352,099    51 %    280,847    45 %    176,728    52 %  

Costs of other marine revenues

     1,315    <1 %    19,485    6 %    11,744    2 %    31,232    5 %    10,429    3 %    
   $ 176,686    51 %    161,792    51 %    363,843    53 %    312,079    50 %    187,157    55 %  
 

The following table subdivides vessel operating costs presented above by the company’s United States and International segments and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
     Six Months Ended
September 30,
     Quarter
Ended
June 30,
(In thousands)    2008    %      2007    %      2008    %      2007    %      2008    %        

Vessel operating costs:

                               

United States:

                               

Crew costs

   $ 14,757    4 %    16,019    5 %    29,845    4 %    32,855    5 %    15,088    4 %  

Repair and maintenance

     3,377    1 %    3,752    1 %    7,329    1 %    7,685    1 %    3,952    1 %  

Insurance and loss reserves

     1,773    1 %    1,713    1 %    3,618    1 %    4,008    1 %    1,845    1 %  

Fuel, lube and supplies

     811    <1 %    981    <1 %    1,489    <1 %    1,697    <1 %    678    <1 %  

Vessel operating leases

     787    <1 %    444    <1 %    1,574    <1 %    513    <1 %    787    <1 %  

Other

     1,065    <1 %    2,396    1 %    2,504    <1 %    4,144    1 %    1,439    <1 %    
     22,570    7 %    25,305    8 %    46,359    7 %    50,902    8 %    23,789    7 %  

International:

                               

Crew costs

   $ 77,329    22 %    60,675    19 %    155,393    23 %    120,084    19 %    78,064    23 %  

Repair and maintenance

     29,325    8 %    21,650    7 %    61,221    9 %    42,275    7 %    31,896    9 %  

Insurance and loss reserves

     3,835    1 %    2,826    1 %    7,463    1 %    6,569    1 %    3,628    1 %  

Fuel, lube and supplies

     17,798    5 %    11,188    4 %    32,286    5 %    21,788    3 %    14,488    4 %  

Vessel operating leases

     962    <1 %    521    <1 %    1,924    <1 %    1,218    <1 %    962    <1 %  

Other

     23,552    7 %    20,142    6 %    47,453    7 %    38,011    6 %    23,901    7 %    
       152,801    44 %    117,002    37 %    305,740    45 %    229,945    37 %    152,939    45 %    

Total operating costs

   $ 175,371    51 %    142,307    45 %    352,099    51 %    280,847    45 %    176,728    52 %  
 

As a result of the uncertainty of a certain customer to make timely payments on vessel charter hire, the company has deferred the recognition of approximately $6.0 million of billings as of September 30, 2008 ($5.7 million of billings as of March 31, 2008), which would otherwise have been recognized as revenue. The

 

16


company will recognize the amounts as revenue as cash is collected or at such time as the uncertainty has been significantly reduced.

The company’s consolidated net earnings for the first half of fiscal 2009 increased approximately 4%, or $6.2 million, compared to the net earnings achieved during the first half of fiscal 2008 primarily due to higher average day rates. The company’s United States (U.S.) revenues decreased approximately 7%, or $6.2 million, during the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, while the company’s international revenues increased $88.9 million, or approximately 18%, during the same comparative period. Domestic-based vessel operating costs decreased approximately 9%, or $4.5 million, during the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, while the company’s international-based vessel operating costs increased approximately 33%, or $75.8 million, during the same comparative period. A significant portion of the company’s operations are conducted internationally. For the first half of fiscal 2009, revenues generated from international operations as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 87%.

The company’s U.S.-based revenues for the first half of fiscal 2009 decreased as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008 primarily due to a decrease in the number of vessels operating in the U.S.-based portion of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and lower utilization on the U.S.-based vessels resulting from lower demand for the company’s vessels in the GOM offshore vessel market as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008, despite increases in average day rates. Demand for vessels in the shallow water GOM offshore vessel market diminished as repair work on the offshore energy infrastructure that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively, was completed and numerous drilling rigs have relocated to international areas. During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, vessel day rates trended higher as the supply/demand fundamentals in the GOM offshore vessel market tightened due to an increase in exploration and production (E&P) drilling activity in the GOM resulting from high natural gas prices, which reached the $13.00 per Mcf range in July 2008 and which have since deflated to the $7.00 per Mcf range. In September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the Louisiana and Texas coasts. The U.S. Minerals Management Service reported that the damage caused by the two storms to the energy industry infrastructure in the U.S. GOM and along the U.S. Gulf Coast was not as extensive as the damage caused by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita in calendar year 2005 and indicated that the damage that was sustained would take several months to repair. The market for offshore support vessels was already tight prior to the two storms and drilling operators discovered a shortage in available-for-work offshore vessels currently in the U.S. GOM. The GOM supply boat market has a significant number of vessels stacked that could resume active status, but only after expenditures to drydock and re-certify the vessels. Prior to the storms, all of the company’s available-for-work U.S.-based vessels were working at relatively full utilization and, since the storms, two of the company’s stacked vessels are each undergoing a drydock and recertification in order to meet increased post-hurricane market demand.

While the repair work in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to keep U.S-based vessel demand high for the near term, the number of operating drilling rigs in the U.S. market is generally the primary driver of the company’s expected activity levels and future profitability in the U.S. market. At present, the offshore rig count in the GOM remains at historically low levels. The strength of the international drilling market has attracted offshore rigs from the U.S. market over the past few years. Over the longer term, the company’s U.S.-based fleet should be affected more by the active offshore rig count in the United States than by any other single outside influence. In addition, consolidation could result in the absorption of an oil and gas company with which the company has a strong commercial relationship into another company with which the company does not have such a relationship.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, both the current U.S. President and U.S. Congress allowed the moratorium on offshore drilling in federal waters along the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic coasts to expire effective October 1, 2008. Although the lifting of the moratorium will not result in immediate drilling, the prospects for the future of offshore drilling in the new regions of the U.S. could be promising; however, in January 2009, a new U.S. President will take office, and it is not known at this time how current energy policies in the U.S. will be affected by the new leadership and ultimately how current commodity prices and new energy policies, if any, will impact the offshore energy industry.

 

17


The deepwater offshore energy market is a growing segment of the energy market. Worldwide rig construction continues as rig owners capitalize on the high worldwide demand for drilling. Reports published during the most recently completed quarter suggest that over the next four years, the worldwide moveable drilling rig count will increase as new-build rigs currently on order and under construction stand at approximately 190 rigs which will supplement the current approximate 725 movable rigs worldwide. In addition, investment is also being made in the floating production market where approximately 80 new floating production units are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered over the next five years to supplement the current approximate 300 floating production units worldwide.

Approximately 740 new-build vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered to the worldwide offshore vessel market over the next four years as reported by ODS-Petrodata. The current worldwide fleet of these classes of vessels approximates 2,000 vessels. An increase in vessel capacity could result in increased competition in the company’s industry which may have the effect of lowering charter rates. However, the worldwide offshore marine vessel industry has a large number of aging vessels that are nearing or exceeding original expectations of estimated economic lives. These older vessels could potentially retire from the market within the next few years if the cost of extending the vessels’ lives is not economically justifiable. Although the future attrition rate of these aging vessels cannot be accurately predicted, the company believes that the retirement of a portion of these aging vessels may offset, or at least in part, mitigate the potential effects of new-build vessels being delivered into the market. Additional vessel demand should be created with the addition of new drilling rigs and floating production units over the next few years, which should help minimize the effects of 740 new-build vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) being added to the offshore support vessel fleet. It is unknown at this time how the global financial crisis will influence the ultimate delivery of new drilling rigs, floating production units and vessels currently under construction.

Commodity prices, and particularly the price of crude oil and natural gas, are critical factors in E&P companies’ decisions to retain their drilling rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico market or mobilize the rigs to more profitable international markets. Crude oil and natural gas markets witnessed positive record breaking pricing in mid-July 2008. Even before the current financial crisis caused extreme uncertainty in the market, prices for these two commodities had fallen from their respective peaks earlier in the year due to a U.S. economic slowdown, which had begun to reduce demand for oil and gas. Inventory levels for natural gas have risen higher than expected during the summer injection season and are expected to approach full capacity at the end of the season as was the case during calendar years 2006 and 2007. Production shut-ins in the offshore drilling market caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike eased some of the production growth in natural gas but were insufficient to offset strong land-based natural gas drilling. High inventory levels for natural gas generally do not bode well for future increases in natural gas pricing. The company’s U.S. results of operations are primarily driven by natural gas exploration and production and, given the relative uncertainty of natural gas pricing, it is unknown how U.S.-based vessel demand will be affected after the post-hurricane offshore vessel demand surge wanes.

While all of these factors create uncertainty as to the immediate future activity level of the U.S. vessel market, the company’s assets are highly mobile. Should the U.S. market weaken, the company has the ability to redeploy some of its vessels to international markets where the vessels may benefit from stronger average day rates and statutory income tax rates that are typically lower than in the United States. The company will continue to assess the demand for vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and in the various international markets and consider relocating additional vessels to international areas. The cost of mobilizing vessels to a different market are sometimes for the account of the company and sometimes for the account of a contracting customer.

The strength in the company’s international-based revenues during the first half of fiscal 2009 can be attributed to higher average day rates and an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally. Average day rates for the total international-based fleet increased approximately 20% during the first half of fiscal 2009 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008. The company’s international results of operations are primarily dependent on the supply and demand relationship of crude oil. Even before the financial crisis caused extreme uncertainty in the market, crude oil prices were retreating to the $90 per barrel and below range after reaching an all time closing high of approximately $147 per barrel in mid-July 2008. Falling oil prices prompted the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to announce in September 2008 that it would cut oil production by one half million barrels per day in an attempt to stabilize oil prices. At

 

18


present, it is unknown whether crude oil prices will stabilize at levels that will continue to support significant levels of exploration and production spending by oil and gas companies. In addition, even if price levels do support high levels of spending, it is uncertain if E&P companies will be able to increase their level of capital expenditures because of recent reductions in available capital and liquidity. Given the current level of uncertainty in the energy markets, it is unknown how international-based vessel demand will be affected.

Marine operating profit and other components of earnings before income taxes and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 consist of the following:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
    Six Months Ended
September 30,
    Quarter
Ended
June 30,
(In thousands)    2008      %     2007      %     2008      %     2007      %     2008      %        

Marine operating profit:

                           

Vessel activity:

                           

United States

   $ 10,994      3 %   9,815      3 %   20,283      3 %   20,180      3 %   9,289      3 %  

International

     107,086      31 %   94,770      30 %   194,348      28 %   190,680      31 %   87,262      26 %    
     118,080      34 %   104,585      33 %   214,631      31 %   210,860      34 %   96,551      28 %  

Gain on sales of assets (A)

     5,851      2 %   2,102      1 %   16,238      2 %   9,032      1 %   10,387      3 %  

Other marine services

     784      <1 %   2,043      1 %   1,888      <1 %   2,778      <1 %   1,104      <1 %    

Operating profit

     124,715      36 %   108,730      34 %   232,757      34 %   222,670      36 %   108,042      32 %    

Equity in net earnings of
unconsolidated companies

     3,798      1 %   3,725      1 %   7,994      1 %   7,111      1 %   4,196      1 %  

Interest and other debt costs

     (108 )    (<1 %)   (1,336 )    (<1 %)   (428 )    (<1 %)   (4,178 )    (1 %)   (320 )    (<1 %)  

Corporate G&A

     (10,778 )    (3 %)   (9,904 )    (3 %)   (21,346 )    (3 %)   (21,001 )    (3 %)   (10,568 )    (3 %)  

Other income

     (3 )    (<1 %)   4,216      1 %   787      <1 %   8,905      1 %   790      <1 %    

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 117,624      34 %   105,431      33 %   219,764      32 %   213,507      34 %   102,140      30 %  
 

 

(A)

The timing of dispositions of vessels is very difficult to predict, therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.

United States-based Operations

U.S.-based vessel revenues, for both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, decreased approximately 7%, or $3.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, due primarily to lower utilization rates as a result of weakness in the GOM market during the comparative periods (despite increases in average day rates) and to fewer vessels operating in the GOM (due to the transfer of vessels to international markets).

Revenues on the active towing supply/supply class of vessels, the company’s major income producing vessel class in the domestic market, decreased approximately 14% and 22%, or $3.1 million and $10.3 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Revenues on the company’s deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 8% and 22%, or $1.3 million and $5.9 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. The company’s crew/utility class of vessels experienced a decrease in revenues of approximately 21% and 14%, or $1.4 million and $1.7 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008.

Average day rates on the U.S-based towing supply/supply vessels increased approximately 9% and 3% during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, while utilization rates on this same class of vessel decreased approximately 9 and 10 percentage points, respectively, during the same comparative periods. Average day rates on the company’s U.S.-based deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 8% and 6% during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization rates on the deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 3 percentage points for both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization rates on the company’s U.S-based crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 13 and 12 percentage points during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Average day rates for

 

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the crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 4% and 2%, respectively, during the same comparative periods.

U.S.-based operating profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, increased approximately $1.2 million, or 12%, as compared to the same period in fiscal year 2008 primarily due to lower vessel operating costs and depreciation expense due to the transfer of vessels to international operating areas. U.S.-based operating profit, for the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was comparable to the U.S.-based operating profit earned during fiscal year 2008.

Current quarter U.S.-based vessel revenue was comparable to the previous quarter as a result of higher day rates offset by fewer vessels operating in the GOM. Current quarter operating profit increased approximately 18%, or $1.7 million, due to lower vessel operating costs and depreciation expense.

International-based Operations

International-based vessel revenues increased approximately 20% and 18%, or $50.5 million and $88.9 million, for the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, due primarily to higher average day rates on all vessel classes operating in international markets and to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally.

Revenues on the company’s international deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 19% and 7%, or $10.8 million and $8.1 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Revenues on the international towing supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 23% and 25%, or $36.2 million and $75.7 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. The company’s crew/utility class of vessels also experienced an increase in revenues of approximately 4% and 3%, or $1.1 million and $1.5 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Revenues on the company’s offshore tug class of vessels increased approximately 11% and 8%, or $1.5 million and $2.3 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008.

Average day rates on the international deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 20% and 13%, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, while utilization rates on this same class of vessel decreased approximately 6 and 9 percentage points during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Average day rates for the company’s international towing supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 23%, during both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization rates on the international towing supply/supply class of vessels, decreased approximately 1 percentage point, during both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Average day rates on the company’s international-based crew/utility class of vessels increased approximately 13% and 10%, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Utilization rates for the crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 9 and 5 percentage points during the same comparative periods, respectively. Average day rates on the international offshore tugs increased approximately 28% and 27%, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Utilization rates on the international offshore tugs increased approximately 1 percentage point during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 but decreased approximately 5 percentage points during the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008.

International-based vessel operating profit increased approximately 13% and 2%, or $12.3 million and $3.7 million, for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008 primarily due to higher revenues. Higher international-based revenues earned during the current fiscal year periods were partially offset by increases in vessel operating costs (primarily crew costs due to basic inflationary increases in labor costs around the world, repair and maintenance costs,

 

20


fuel, lube and supplies, and other type costs) and higher depreciation expense resulting from an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally, including newly-constructed vessels added to the international-based fleet over the past year.

While international-based vessel revenues improved during the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to the same period during fiscal 2008, the revenue line was negatively impacted by an increased number of maintenance days on several of the company’s larger deepwater class of vessels during the six-month period ended September 30, 2008 resulting from a higher level of drydockings performed during the period. The increased number of maintenance days negatively impacted the utilization statistics and average day rates of the company’s deepwater class of vessels during the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008.

Current quarter international-based vessel revenues increased approximately 6%, or $16.4 million, as compared to the previous quarter, due to an increase in average day rates. International-based vessel operating profit for the current quarter increased approximately 23%, or $19.8 million, as compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to an increase in vessel revenues.

Other Items

Insurance and loss reserves, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, increased approximately 24% and 5%, or $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008, due to higher premiums and loss reserves recorded in the current fiscal year as compared to fiscal 2008.

Gain on sales of assets for the first half of fiscal 2009 increased approximately 80%, or $7.2 million, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to a higher number of vessels sold during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 and due to larger gains earned on the mix of vessels sold. Dispositions of vessels can vary from quarter to quarter; therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from period to period.

Vessel Class Statistics

Vessel utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a lesser extent by drydocking requirements. Vessel day rates are primarily determined by vessel demand, primarily from offshore exploration, development and production companies and contract drillers, relative to the available supply of offshore service vessels. Suitability of equipment and quality of service provided also influence vessel day rates. Vessel utilization rates are calculated by dividing the number of vessel days worked during a reporting period by the number of vessel days available to work in the reporting period. Average day rates are calculated by dividing aggregate vessel revenue earned during a reporting period by the number of days the vessels worked in the reporting period. Vessel utilization and average day rates are calculated only on vessels in service and, as such, do not include vessels withdrawn from service or joint venture vessels. The following tables compare day-based utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class and in total for the quarters and the six month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the quarter ended June 30, 2008:

 

21


     Quarter Ended
September 30,
       

Six Months Ended

September 30,

       

Quarter

Ended
June 30,

    
       2008     2007           2008    2007           2008       
UTILIZATION:                       

United States-based fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

     98.0 %   95.1       96.3    93.4       94.9   

Towing-supply/supply

     48.0     56.6       48.9    58.9       49.8   

Crew/utility

     75.5     88.5       76.4    88.4       77.3   

Total

     61.4 %   69.1       62.2    69.7       63.0   

International-based fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

     85.8 %   91.8       84.7    94.1       83.6   

Towing-supply/supply

     75.7     76.9       76.5    77.1       77.2   

Crew/utility

     79.5     89.0       82.8    87.5       86.1   

Offshore tugs

     60.4     59.8       56.7    61.5       53.4   

Other

     59.0     48.3       48.8    51.4       41.8   

Total

     75.8 %   78.3       76.2    78.6       76.6   

Worldwide fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

     88.0 %   92.5       87.0    94.0       85.9   

Towing-supply/supply

     72.2     74.1       72.9    74.5       73.6   

Crew/utility

     78.9     88.9       81.8    87.7       84.7   

Offshore tugs

     60.4     59.8       56.7    61.5       53.4   

Other

     59.0     48.3       48.8    51.4       41.8   

Total

     74.0 %   77.0         74.4    77.4         74.8     
AVERAGE VESSEL DAY RATES:                       

United States-based fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

   $ 25,233     23,382       24,862    23,394       24,514   

Towing-supply/supply

     12,867     11,856       12,234    11,907       11,633   

Crew/utility

     6,017     6,270       6,015    6,136       6,010   

Total

   $ 13,510     12,254       13,164    12,126       12,835   

International-based fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

   $ 26,831     22,423       25,820    22,805       24,728   

Towing-supply/supply

     12,375     10,080       12,015    9,781       11,660   

Crew/utility

     5,184     4,584       5,071    4,624       4,965   

Offshore tugs

     8,302     6,511       8,614    6,781       8,931   

Other

     10,597     4,419       10,233    5,074       9,893   

Total

   $ 12,048     9,768       11,631    9,662       11,221   

Worldwide fleet:

                      

Deepwater vessels

   $ 26,517     22,615       25,615    22,913       24,679   

Towing-supply/supply

     12,416     10,267       12,034    10,020       11,658   

Crew/utility

     5,305     4,852       5,206    4,854       5,114   

Offshore tugs

     8,302     6,511       8,614    6,781       8,931   

Other

     10,597     4,419       10,233    5,074       9,893   

Total

   $ 12,201     10,064       11,795    9,958       11,396   
 

 

22


The following table compares the average number of vessels by class and by geographic distribution for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008:

 

     Quarter Ended
September 30,
  

Six Months Ended

September 30,

   Quarter
Ended
June 30,
       2008    2007    2008    2007           2008

United States-based fleet:

                                                

Deepwater vessels

   7          7             7          7             8    

Towing-supply/supply

   33          35             33          36             34    

Crew/utility

   13              13                   13              13                   13        

Total

   53              55                   53              56                   55        

International-based fleet:

                                                

Deepwater vessels

   32          30             32          30             31    

Towing-supply/supply

   224          221             225          219             226    

Crew/utility

   70          68             70          71             70    

Offshore tugs

   33          38             34          37             36    

Other

   3              5                   4              5                   5        

Total

   362              362                   365              362                   368        

Owned or chartered vessels included in
marine revenues

   415          417             418          418             423    

Vessels withdrawn from service

   16          24             18          25             19    

Joint-venture and other

   14              14                   14              14                   14        

Total

   445          455             450          457             456    
 

Included in total owned or chartered vessels are vessels that were stacked by the company. The company considers a vessel to be stacked if its crew is removed from the vessel and limited maintenance is being performed on the vessel. This action is taken to reduce operating costs when management does not foresee adequate marketing possibilities in the near future. Vessels are categorized as stacked when market conditions warrant and vessels are removed from this category when sold or otherwise disposed of or when a vessel is returned to active service. As economically practical marketing opportunities arise, the stacked vessels can be returned to service by performing any necessary maintenance on the vessel and returning fleet personnel to operate the vessel. Although not currently fulfilling charters, stacked vessels are considered to be in service and are included in the calculation of the company’s utilization statistics. The company had 47, 51 and 51 stacked vessels at September 30, 2008 and 2007 and at June 30, 2008, respectively.

Vessels withdrawn from service represent those vessels that management has determined are unlikely to return to active service and are currently marketed for sale. Vessels withdrawn from service are not included in the company’s utilization statistics.

The following is a summary of net properties and equipment at September 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008:

 

     September 30, 2008          March 31, 2008        
      

Number

Of Vessels

  

Carrying

Value

          

Number

Of Vessels

  

Carrying

Value

       
        (In thousands )           (In thousands )  

Vessels in active service

   360    $ 1,408,415        367    $ 1,375,194    

Stacked vessels

     47      11,290          53      14,103    

Vessels withdrawn from service

     12      1,665          20      2,788    

Marine equipment under construction

        408,586             243,205    

Other property and equipment

          42,368                 43,748      

Totals

   419    $ 1,872,324        440    $ 1,679,038    
 

 

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During the first half of fiscal 2009, the company took delivery of three anchor handling towing supply vessels and one offshore tug and sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers seven anchor handling towing supply vessels, seven platform supply vessels, one crewboat, two utility vessels, six offshore tugs and two other type vessels.

During fiscal 2008, the company took delivery of seven anchor handling towing supply vessels, five platform supply vessels, four crewboats and three offshore tugs and sold to third party operators six anchor handling towing supply vessels, nine platform supply vessels, one crewboat, six utility vessels and four offshore tugs.

General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated general and administrative expenses and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

    

Quarter Ended

September 30,

         

Six Months Ended

September 30,

         

Quarter

Ended

June 30,

(In thousands)

     2008       %    2007       %         2008       %    2007       %         2008       %     

Personnel

   $ 20,567    6 %    16,885    5 %       41,106    6 %    35,139    6 %       20,539    6 %   

Office and property

     5,183    1 %    3,928    1 %       10,112    1 %    7,920    1 %       4,929    1 %   

Sales and marketing

     1,899    1 %    1,752    1 %       4,052    1 %    3,461    1 %       2,153    1 %   

Professional services

     4,568    1 %    5,245    2 %       9,388    1 %    10,853    2 %       4,820    1 %   

Other

     3,098    1 %    2,870    1 %         5,765    1 %    4,819    1 %         2,667    1 %     
   $ 35,315    10 %    30,680    10 %       70,423    10 %    62,192    10 %       35,108    10 %   
 

General and administrative expenses, for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, were approximately 15% and 13% higher as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008 due to the amortization of restricted stock and phantom stock awards granted during the last two fiscal years; higher salary expense; and general cost increases related to a higher volume of business activity especially in the company’s international markets. General and administrative expenses, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, were comparable to the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Matters

The company’s current ratio, level of working capital and amount of cash flows from operations for any year are directly related to fleet activity and vessel day rates. Vessel activity levels and vessel day rates, are, among other things, dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and ultimately the supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. Variations from year-to-year in these items are primarily the result of market conditions. Cash from operations, in combination with the company’s senior unsecured debt and available line of credit, provide the company, in management’s opinion, with adequate resources to satisfy its current liquidity requirements. At September 30, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. The company’s revolving credit agreement matures in May 2010.

In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of its dividend from $0.15 per share to $ 0.25 per share, a 67 % increase. On July 31, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. Future dividends are subject to declaration by the company’s Board of Directors.

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

 

24


In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the company expended $61.1 million to repurchase and cancel 950,000 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for any period will fluctuate according to the level of business activity for the applicable period. For the six months ended September 30, 2008, net cash from operating activities was $196.9 million compared to $220.5 million as of September 30, 2007. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended September 30, 2008, include net earnings of $180.2 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $43.3 million and changes in working capital balances of $26.6 million.

Significant components of cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended September 30, 2007, include net earnings of $174.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $20.0 million and changes in working capital balances of $26.5 million.

Investing Activities

Investing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2008, used $238.9 million of cash, which is attributed to $259.8 million of additions to properties and equipment, offset by approximately $20.6 million in proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $31.1 million in capitalized major repair costs, $227.9 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels and $0.8 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

Investing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2007, used $157.7 million of cash, which is attributed to $216.4 million of additions to properties and equipment, offset by approximately $58.7 million in proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $29.0 million in capitalized major repair costs, $4.8 million for vessel enhancements, $170.1 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels, $10.9 million for the construction of an aircraft and $1.6 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

 

Financing Activities

Financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2008, used $83.7 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $53.6 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $25.7 million used for quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.25 per common share, and $10.1 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $4.3 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from the exercising of stock options and a $1.4 million tax benefit on stock options exercised during the quarter.

Financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2007, used $135.5 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $174.7 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $16.8 million used for

 

25


quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.15 per common share, and $2.5 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $43.4 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from the exercising of stock options and a $15.1 million tax benefit on stock options exercised.

Vessel Construction and Acquisition Expenditures

As of September 30, 2008, the company is constructing 23 anchor handling towing supply vessels, varying in size from 6,500 brake horsepower (BHP) to 13,600 BHP, for a total capital commitment of approximately $454.9 million. Six different international shipyards are constructing the vessels. Six of the anchor handling towing supply vessels are large deepwater class vessels. Scheduled deliveries for the 23 vessels will begin in November 2008 with the last vessel scheduled for delivery in January 2012. As of September 30, 2008, the company had expended $169.7 million for the construction of these vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of six 230-foot, eight 240-foot, two 260-foot and twelve 280-foot platform supply vessels for a total aggregate investment of approximately $651.3 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyards, LLC, is constructing the two 260-foot deepwater class vessels. One international shipyard is constructing the six 230-foot vessels, while two different international shipyards are constructing the eight 240-foot deepwater class vessels. The six 230-foot vessels are scheduled for delivery beginning in January 2009 with final delivery of the sixth vessel in January 2010. Expected delivery for the eight 240-foot deepwater class vessels will begin in January 2009 with delivery of the eighth 240-foot vessel in September 2009. The twelve 280-foot deepwater class vessels are being constructed at an international shipyard, and are expected to be delivered to the market beginning in November 2010 with final delivery of the twelfth 280-foot vessel in July of 2012. As of September 30, 2008, $181.0 million has been expended on these 28 vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of two 175-foot, fast, crew/supply boats and two water jet crewboats for an aggregate cost of approximately $21.7 million. Two separate international shipyards are constructing these vessels. The two water jet crewboats are expected to be delivered in February 2009. The two fast, crew/supply vessels are expected to be delivered in June and September of 2009. As of September 30, 2008, the company had expended $10.9 million for the construction of these four vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of two offshore tugs for an aggregated cost of approximately $28.4 million. The offshore tugs are being constructed at an international shipyard and are expected to be delivered to the company in July and August of 2009. As of September 30, 2008, $16.3 million has been expended on these two offshore tugs.

The table below summarizes the various vessel commitments by vessel class and type as of September 30, 2008:

 

     U. S. Built         International Built      
Vessel class and type   

Number

of

Vessels

  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

09/30/08

         

Number

of

Vessels

  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

09/30/08

     
          (In thousands)              (In thousands)    

Deepwater vessels:

                      

Anchor handling towing supply

               6    $173,893    $85,180  

Platform supply vessels

   2    $63,604    $19,563       20    $513,368    $130,818  

Replacement Fleet:

                      

Anchor handling towing supply

               17    $280,997    $84,507  

Platform supply vessels

               6    $74,336    $30,594  

Crewboats and offshore tugs:

                      

Crewboats

               4    $21,703    $10,950  

Offshore tugs

                 2    $28,362    $16,333    

Totals

   2    $63,604    $19,563       55    $1,092,659    $358,382  
 

 

26


The table below summarizes by vessel class and vessel type the number of vessels expected to be delivered by quarter of the various vessel commitments as discussed above:

 

       Quarter Period Ended
Vessel class and type      12/08      03/09      06/09      09/09      12/09    Thereafter

Deepwater vessels:

                             

Anchor handling towing supply

               1      1      1    3  

Platform supply vessels

          3      2      3      1    13  

Replacement Fleet:

                             

Anchor handling towing supply

     5      3      1           2    6  

Platform supply vessels

          2      1      1      1    1  

Crewboats and offshore tugs:

                             

Crewboats

          2      1      1          

Offshore tugs

                    2            

Totals

     5      10      6      8      5    23  
 

To date, the company has financed its vessel commitment programs from its current cash balances, its operating cash flows, its $300 million senior unsecured notes, its revolving credit facility and various capitalized and operating lease arrangements. Of the total $1.2 billion of capital commitments for vessels currently under construction, the company has expended $377.9 million as of September 30, 2008. Based on the company’s current operating outlook, we believe that commitments existing as of September 30, 2008, can be met with available cash on hand, future operating cash flows, and funds available under the existing revolving credit facility.

Interest and Debt Costs

The company is capitalizing a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized, for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $3.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007, was approximately $1.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007 was approximately $2.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

Other Liquidity Matters

The company previously indicated that it believed it had sufficient financial capacity to support a $1.0 billion annual investment in acquiring or building new vessels for the intermediate term, assuming customer demand, acquisition and shipyard economics and other considerations justified such an investment. At present, it is unclear whether adequate capital and liquidity will be available to supplement cash generated by the company to fully implement the continuation of its fleet replacement program at this level, or, if available, on terms and pricing as advantageous as the company has enjoyed historically. The company continues to evaluate its fleet renewal program, whether through new construction or acquisitions, relative to other investment opportunities and uses of cash, including the current share repurchase authorization, and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. At September 30, 2008, the company had approximately $145.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, at September 30, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility was available for future financing needs.

Vessel Construction. The company’s vessel construction program has been designed to replace over time the company’s aging fleet of vessels with fewer, larger and more efficient vessels, while also opportunistically revamping the size and capabilities of the company’s fleet. The majority of the company’s older vessels, its supply and towing-supply vessels, were constructed between 1976 and 1983. As such, most vessels of this class exceed 25 years of age and could require replacement within the next several years, depending on the strength of the market during this time frame. In addition to age, market conditions also help determine when a vessel is no longer economically viable. The company anticipates using future operating cash flows, existing

 

27


borrowing capacity or new borrowings or lease arrangements to fund this fleet renewal and modernization program over the next several years.

The company has recently experienced some delays in the expected deliveries of equipment for vessels under construction (as has the offshore supply vessel industry in general). Further delays are possible. Certain of the company’s vessels under construction are committed to work under customer contracts that provide for the payment of liquidated damages by the company or its subsidiaries in certain cases of late delivery. Delays in the expected deliveries of any of these vessels could result in penalties being imposed by our customers. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these penalties, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund. Certain current and former subsidiaries of the company are, or have been, participating employers in an industry-wide multi-employer retirement fund in the United Kingdom, the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF). The company has been informed of a fund deficit that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries. The amount of the company’s share of the fund’s deficit will depend ultimately on a number of factors, including an updated calculation of the total fund deficit, the number of then participating solvent employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among such participating employers. At September 30, 2008, $4.5 million remains payable to MNOPF in additional contributions based on current assessments, all of which is fully accrued. In the future the fund’s trustee may claim that the company owes additional amounts for various reasons, including the results of future fund valuation reports and whether other assessed parties have the financial capability to contribute to the respective allocations, failing which, the company and other solvent participating employers could be asked for additional contributions.

Legal Proceedings. Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Internal Investigation

A full discussion on the company’s internal investigation on its Nigerian operations is contained in Item 1 of this        

Form 10-Q.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In March 2006, the company entered into an agreement to sell five of its vessels that were under construction at the time to Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC (BOAL&C), an unrelated third party, for $76.5 million and simultaneously enter into bareboat charter arrangements with BOAL&C upon the vessels’ delivery to the market. Construction on these five vessels was completed at various times between March 2006 and March 2008, at which time the company sold the respective vessel and simultaneously entered into bareboat charter arrangement.

The company accounted for all five transactions as sale/leaseback transactions with operating lease treatment. Accordingly, the company did not record the assets on its books and the company is expensing periodic lease payments. For the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, the company expensed approximately $1.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively on these bareboat charter arrangements as compared to $1.0 million and $1.7 million for the quarter and six-month period September 30, 2007.

The charter hire operating lease terms on the first two vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in calendar year 2014. The company has the option to extend the respective charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2017. The charter hire operating lease terms on the third and fourth vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in 2015 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases

 

28


through calendar year 2018. The charter hire operating lease terms on the fifth vessel sold to BOAL&C expires in 2016 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2019.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008, describes the accounting policies that are critical to reporting the company’s financial position and operating results and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the discussion contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, regarding these critical accounting policies.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. In such evaluation, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group are compared to the carrying amount of the asset group to determine if a write-down may be required. The company estimates cash flows based upon historical data adjusted for the company’s best estimate of future market performance that is based on industry trends. If impairment exists, the carrying value of the asset group is reduced to its estimated fair value. Vessels with similar operating and marketing characteristics are grouped for asset impairment testing.

Although the company believes its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, deviations from the assumptions and estimates could produce materially different results. Management estimates may vary considerably from actual outcomes due to future adverse market conditions or poor operating results that could result in the inability to recover the current carrying value of an asset group, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. As the company’s fleet continues to age, management closely monitors the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment analysis to properly identify evolving trends and changes in market conditions that could impact the results of the impairment evaluation.

In addition to the periodic review of long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances warrant, the company also performs a review of its stacked vessels and vessels withdrawn from service every six months. This review considers items such as the vessel’s age, length of time stacked and likelihood of a return to active service, among others. The company records an impairment charge when the carrying value of a vessel withdrawn from service or stacked vessel that is unlikely to return to service exceeds its estimated fair value.

Effects of Inflation

Day-to-day operating costs are generally affected by inflation. However, because the energy services industry requires specialized goods and services, general economic inflationary trends may not affect the company’s operating costs. The major impact on operating costs is the level of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy exploration and production companies. As the spending increases, prices of goods and services used by the energy industry and the energy services industry will increase. Future increases in vessel day rates may shield the company from the inflationary effects on operating costs.

Due to the increase in business activity resulting from strong global oil and gas fundamentals, the competitive market for experienced crew personnel has exerted upward pressure on wages in the labor markets which increased the company’s operating expenses.

In addition, strong fundamentals have also increased the activity levels at shipyards worldwide, which led to increased pricing for both repair work and new construction work at shipyards. Also, the commodity price of steel has increased dramatically due to increased worldwide demand for the metal. The price of steel is high by historical standards and although prices moderated some since calendar year 2005, availability of iron ore,

 

29


the main component of steel, is tighter today than in 2005 when prices for iron ore increased dramatically. If the price of steel continues to rise, the cost of new vessels will result in higher capital expenditures and depreciation expenses which will reduce the company’s future operating profits, unless day rates increase commensurately.

Environmental Matters

During the ordinary course of business, the company’s operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with existing governmental regulations that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had, nor is expected to have, a material effect on the company. Further, the company is involved in various legal proceedings that relate to asbestos and other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based on current information, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any hazardous materials aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas in an attempt to ensure containment if accidents occur. In addition, the company has established operating policies that are intended to increase awareness of actions that may harm the environment.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk refers to the potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency fluctuations and exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices including the correlation among these factors and their volatility. The company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk and foreign currency fluctuations and exchange risk.

Interest Rate Risk . Changes in interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the company’s financial instruments, interest income and interest expense. The company’s financial instruments that are exposed to interest rate risk are its cash equivalents and long-term borrowings. Due to the short duration and conservative nature of the cash equivalent investment portfolio, the company does not expect any material loss with respect to its investments. The book value for cash equivalents is considered to be representative of its fair value.

At September 30, 2008, the company had $300.0 million of debt outstanding which represents senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years and an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years. The notes can be retired prior to maturity without penalty. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 4.35%. The fair value of this debt at September 30, 2008 was estimated to be $275.3 million. Because the debt outstanding at September 30, 2008 bears interest at fixed rates, interest expense would not be impacted by changes in market interest rates. A 100 basis-point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of this debt at September 30, 2008 of approximately $14.6 million and a 100 basis-point decrease in market interest rates would result in an increase in the estimated fair value of this debt at September 30, 2008 of approximately $5.9 million.

Foreign Exchange Risk . The company’s financial instruments that can be affected by foreign currency fluctuations and exchange risks consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The company periodically enters into spot and forward derivative financial instruments as a hedge against foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and currency commitments. Spot derivative financial instruments are short-term in nature and settle within two business days. The fair value approximates the carrying value due to the short-term nature of this instrument, and as a result, no gains or losses are recognized. Forward derivative financial instruments are generally longer-term in nature but generally do not exceed one year. The accounting for gains or losses on forward contracts is dependent on the nature of the risk being hedged and the effectiveness of the hedge. The company enters into derivative instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its risk management objectives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

 

30


The company had no outstanding currency spot contracts at September 30, 2008.

At September 30, 2008, the company also had four Euro forward contracts outstanding at September 30, 2008 totaling $1.5 million that hedged the company’s foreign exchange exposure relating to the construction commitment of two crewboats at an international shipyard that totaled a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $3.4 million. At September 30, 2008, the combined change in fair value of these four forward contracts was approximately $0.1 million, all of which was recorded as a decrease to earnings during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, because the forward contracts do not qualify as hedge instruments. All changes in fair value of the forward contracts are recorded in earnings.

Because of its significant international operations, the company is exposed to currency fluctuations and exchange risk on all charter hire contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The company does not hedge against any foreign currency rate fluctuations associated with foreign currency contracts that arise in the normal course of business. To minimize the financial impact of these items the company attempts to contract a significant majority of its services in United States dollars. The company continually monitors the currency exchange risks associated with all contracts not denominated in U.S. dollars.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CEO and CFO Certificates

Included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “Certifications” of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The first form of certification is required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This section of the Quarterly Report contains the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘Exchange Act”)) are designed with the objective of ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its chief executive and chief financial officers, or person performing similar functions, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The company evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2008. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer along with the company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of September 30, 2008 the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the reports the company files and submits under the Exchange Act.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

31


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the company expended $61.1 million to repurchase and cancel 950,000 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

 

32


The following table summarizes the stock repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and the approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program:

 

     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
  

Average
Price Paid

Per Share

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
                     
           

July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008

      $       $ 200,000,000

August 1, 2008 – August 31, 2008

                200,000,000

September 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008

                200,000,000
           
                   
           

Total

      $      
           
                   

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the company was held on July 31, 2008. A total of 45,595,735 of the company’s shares were present or represented by proxy at the meeting. This represented more than 88.6% of the eligible voting shares. At the meeting, the company’s shareholders took the following actions:

 

1.

Elected the following three directors for terms to expire at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with votes as indicated opposite each director’s name:

 

   

Name

   For         Withheld
 

M. Jay Allison

   42,044,212       3,551,523
 

James C. Day

   42,747,512       2,848,223
 

Richard T. du Moulin

   42,697,538       2,898,197
 

J. Wayne Leonard

   42,699,618       2,896,116
 

Richard A. Pattarozzi

   42,325,376       3,270,359
 

Nicholas Sutton

   42,612,519       2,983,216
 

Cindy B. Taylor

   44,511,930       1,083,805
 

Dean E. Taylor

   42,541,362       3,054,373
 

Jack E. Thompson

   42,693,206       2,902,528

 

  

The directors whose term of office as a director continued after the meeting are:

 

  

  Jon C. Madonna

  

  William C. O’Malley

 

2.

A proposal to approve the terms of the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan was approved with 37,474,528 votes cast for, 1,450,904 votes against, 676,765 abstentions, and 5,993,537 non-votes.

 

3.

The selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 was ratified with 45,406,271 votes cast for, 156,128 votes against, and 33,336 abstentions, and 0 non-votes.

 

33


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The information required by this Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this quarterly report on

Form 10-Q.

 

34


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    

TIDEWATER INC.

    

(Registrant)

Date: October 27, 2008

    

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

    

Dean E. Taylor

    

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: October 27, 2008

    

/s/ Quinn P. Fanning

    

Quinn P. Fanning

    

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 27, 2008

    

/s/ Craig J. Demarest

    

Craig J. Demarest

    

Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller

 

35


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

   
10.1*+  

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Dean Taylor dated effective as of September 26, 2007.

10.2*+  

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Dean Taylor dated effective as of June 1, 2008.

10.3*+  

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Stephen Dick dated effective as of June 1, 2008.

10.4*+  

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Jeffrey Platt dated effective as of June 1, 2008.

10.5*+  

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Joseph Bennett dated effective as of June 1, 2008.

10.6*+  

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Bruce D. Lundstrom dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

10.7*+  

Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Quinn P. Fanning dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

10.8*+  

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Agreement for the Grant of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options and Restricted Stock Under the Tidewater Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan between Tidewater Inc. and Quinn P. Fanning dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

15*  

Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information

31.1*  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.                

31.2*  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.            

32.1*  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.            

32.2*  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.            

 

 

*

Filed herewith.

+

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

36

EXHIBIT 10.1

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change of Control Agreement (“the Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Dean E. Taylor (the “Employee”) is dated effective as of September 26, 2007 (the “Effective Date”).

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

 

2


(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Company,

 

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even if the Employee does not hold an equivalent position with the ultimate parent corporation that either directly or indirectly controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A Defined . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

 

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ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2007, provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2008 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Company.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a

 

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salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one-half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group

 

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life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control .

(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the

 

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Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the aggregate amount of bonuses paid or due the Employee for services rendered during such three fiscal years shall be added to the balance of the Employee’s bonus bank (less the amount, if any, to be paid from the bonus bank for the most recent fiscal year bonus) and then such amount shall be divided by three;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank for such year assuming achievement at the target levels), by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (i) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount, plus or minus any deductions from or additions to the bonus bank for such fiscal year, or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (ii) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed

 

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fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank based on such level of achievement); provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) Savings Plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitations described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the third anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee,

 

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then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of employment ( e.g. $15,500 in 2007). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination, and shall be reimbursed by the Company during the seventh month after the date of termination. Reimbursement for the continuation of disability and life insurance benefits shall not be made until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. On such date the Employee shall be reimbursed for all expenses paid for such coverage during the preceding six months. The reimbursement of the cost of disability and life insurance and the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) , the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent of the additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan, the SERP and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control. The level of compensation used to calculate the payment provided in this Section 3.3(a)(vi) shall be based on actual final average pay;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the

 

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Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans and, in all cases, be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base Salary (determined in accordance with Section 3.2(a) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; and

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his accrued benefits under the Pension Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount in cash equal to the unvested but accrued benefits under such plans (calculated as the present value of the actuarial equivalent thereof in the case of any qualified defined benefit plan).

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits . After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment if permitted under Section 409A.

(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

 

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(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company, subject to any requirement under Section 409A that, if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation such payment must be delayed for six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision . (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the Employee’s termination of employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in a Change of Control or any Person affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, but excluding any payment to be made pursuant to this Section 3.6, being hereinafter referred to as the “Initial Payments”) will be subject (in whole or in part) to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Employee an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Employee, after deduction of (i) any Excise Tax on the Initial Payments, (ii) any federal, state and local income and employment taxes on the Gross-Up Payment, (iii) any Medicare tax on the Gross-Up Payment, and (iv) the Excise Tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Initial Payments.

(b) For purposes of determining whether any of the Initial Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) all of the Initial Payments shall be treated as “parachute payments” (within the meaning of the Code) unless, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor (the “Auditor”), such payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, (ii) all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of the Code shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax unless, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of the Code) in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the

 

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meaning set forth in the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, and (iii) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of the Code. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Employee’s residence on the date of termination of the Employee’s employment (or if there is no date of termination, then the date on which the Gross-Up Payment is calculated for purposes of this Section 3.6), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

(c) In the event that the Excise Tax is finally determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall repay to the Company, within ten business days following the time that the amount of such reduction in the Excise Tax is finally determined, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to such reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income and employment taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by the Employee, to the extent that such repayment results in a reduction in the Excise Tax and a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the Employee’s taxable income and wages for purposes of federal, state and local income and employment taxes, plus interest on the amount of such repayment at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Employee with respect to such excess) by the end of the year following the year in which the Employee remits the related taxes, but no earlier than six months following the date of termination of employment. The Employee and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Initial Payments.

(d) The Gross-Up Payment provided in this Section 3.6 shall be made on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (the “Payment Date”). In the event that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment so made exceeds the amount subsequently determined to have been due, then the Employee shall repay such amount to the Company on the tenth business day after demand by the Company (together with interest at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). At the time that any Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(a) (and at the time that any additional Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(c)), the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which any such payment was calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinion or advice which is in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any

 

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contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

 

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3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a “specified employee” under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement or gross-up payments, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

 

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If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: General Counsel

If to the Employee, to:

Dean E. Taylor

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment, Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

 

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4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Richard T. du Moulin

  Richard T. du Moulin
  Chairman, Compensation Committee
  Tidewater Inc. Board of Directors
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

Dean E. Taylor

 

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EXHIBIT 10.2

TIDEWATER INC.

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 1 to the Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Dean E. Taylor (the “Employee”) dated September 26, 2007 (the “Agreement”) is dated effective as of June 1, 2008.

WHEREAS, the Company and Employee wish to amend the Agreement to comply with the final regulations under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and to address the payment of the bonus bank balance upon a termination of employment in connection with a change of control.

NOW THEREFORE, the Company and the Employee hereby amend the Agreement as follows:

I.

Section 1.12 shall be added to the Agreement to read as follows:

1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the board of directors of the Company, its compensation committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

II.

Sections 3.3(a)(ii) and (iii) of the Agreement shall be amended in their entirety to read as follows:

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank for such year assuming achievement at the target levels), by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);


(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount, plus or minus any deductions from or additions to the bonus bank for such fiscal year, or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank based on such level of achievement) and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) Savings Plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

III.

The following sentence shall be added to the end of Section 3.3(a)(viii):

The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

IV.

Section 3.4 shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section

 

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409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

V.

Section 3.7 shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee under Section 409A and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

VI.

Section 3.9 shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

 

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VII.

Section 3.11 shall be amended to capitalize and remove the quotation marks from the term “specified employee,” so that it reads Specified Employee.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement to be executed as of June 1, 2008.

 

Tidewater Inc.
By:  

/s/ Richard T. du Moulin

  Richard T. du Moulin
  Chairman of the
  Compensation Committee
Employee:
 

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This is an amendment and restatement dated effective as of June 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) of the Change of Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Stephen W. Dick (the “Employee”) dated effective as of November 20, 2003.

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

 

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(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Post-Transaction Corporation.

 

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(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the Board, its Compensation Committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

 

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ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2008; provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2009 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement. After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Post-Transaction Corporation.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the

 

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Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus in accordance with Section 409A.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates other than the Tidewater Retirement Plan, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare

 

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benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control.

 

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(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11 hereof,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the greater of (1) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years or (2) the target Bonus for which the Employee is eligible for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs, as such target bonus has been established by the Company for such year. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the Employee’s bonus bank balance shall be excluded;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus, by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals

 

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or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus plus (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitation described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the second anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee, then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of

 

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employment (e.g. $15,500 in 2008). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination. The shall reimburse the Employee for all expenses paid by the Employee for such coverage on the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. The reimbursement of the cost of disability insurance, life insurance, the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans” or individually, a “Supplemental Plan”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent (based on the definition of this term in Section 1.02 of the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan) of the additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Pension Plan, the SERP and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, (a) full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control and (b) compensation credit for each of such three years, with the compensation for each year being calculated by dividing the amount that the Employee will be entitled to receive under Section 3.3(a)(i) hereof by three;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans and, in all cases, be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base

 

10


Salary (determined in accordance with Section 3.2(a) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; notwithstanding any Supplemental Savings Plan provision regarding accrual of benefits, such contribution shall be treated for all purposes as increasing the benefit of the Employee under the Supplemental Savings Plan;

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his benefits under the Tidewater Pension Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment, an amount in cash equal to the present value of the actuarial equivalent of any such unvested defined benefit plan benefit and the unvested account balance of any such defined contribution plan benefit as of the date of termination of employment; notwithstanding the provisions of such plans regarding benefits;

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits. After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment, if permitted under Section 409A. The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company

 

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other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section 409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision. (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the termination of the Employee’s employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in the Change of Control or any Person Affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, being hereinafter called “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or in part), to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by reason of section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof shall first be reduced, and the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof shall thereafter be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Employee would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments); provided, however, that the Employee may elect to have the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof reduced (or eliminated) prior to any reduction of the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof.

(b) For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Employee shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to

 

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constitute a “payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account, (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm (the “Auditor”) which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the meaning set forth in section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.

(c) At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be

 

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required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a Specified Employee under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

 

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ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: Bruce D. Lundstrom

 

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If to the Employee, to:

Stephen W. Dick

Tidewater Inc.

2000 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. S.

Suite 1280

Houston, Texas 77042

or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment; Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

 

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4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
  President and Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Stephen W. Dick

Stephen W. Dick

 

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EXHIBIT 10.4

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This is an amendment and restatement dated effective as of June 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) of the Change of Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Jeffrey M. Platt (the “Employee”) dated effective as of November 20, 2003, as previously amended effective July 7, 2006.

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

 

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(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Post-Transaction Corporation.

 

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(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the Board, its Compensation Committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

 

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ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2008; provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2009 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement. After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Post-Transaction Corporation.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the

 

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Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus in accordance with Section 409A.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates other than the Tidewater Pension Plan, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare

 

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benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

 

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3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control.

(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11 hereof,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the greater of (1) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years or (2) the target Bonus for which the Employee is eligible for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs, as such target bonus has been established by the Company for such year. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the Employee’s bonus bank balance shall be excluded;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus, by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals

 

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or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus plus (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitation described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the second anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee, then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of

 

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employment (e.g. $15,500 in 2008). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination. The shall reimburse the Employee for all expenses paid by the Employee for such coverage on the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. The reimbursement of the cost of disability insurance, life insurance, the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans” or individually, a “Supplemental Plan”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent (based on the definition of this term in Section 1.02 of the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan) of the additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Pension Plan, the SERP and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, (a) full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control and (b) compensation credit for each of such three years, with the compensation for each year being calculated by dividing the amount that the Employee will be entitled to receive under Section 3.3(a)(i) hereof by three;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan, the Company’s Retirement Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans. In the case of the Retirement Plan, the

 

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additional benefit shall be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base Salary and Annual Bonus determined in accordance with Section 3.2(a) and (b) and in all other cases, be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base Salary (determined in accordance with Section 3.2(a) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; notwithstanding any Supplemental Savings Plan or Retirement Plan provision regarding accrual of benefits, such contribution shall be treated for all purposes as increasing the benefit of the Employee under the Supplemental Savings Plan;

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his benefits under the Tidewater Retirement Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment, an amount in cash equal to the present value of the actuarial equivalent of any such unvested defined benefit plan benefit and the unvested account balance of any such defined contribution plan benefit as of the date of termination of employment; notwithstanding the provisions of such plans regarding benefits;

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits. After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment, if permitted under Section 409A. The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

 

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(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section 409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision . (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the termination of the Employee’s employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in the Change of Control or any Person Affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, being hereinafter called “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or in part), to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by reason of section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof shall first be reduced, and the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof shall thereafter be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Employee would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments); provided, however, that the Employee may elect to have the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof reduced (or eliminated) prior to any reduction of the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof.

 

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(b) For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Employee shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to constitute a “payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account, (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm (the “Auditor”) which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the meaning set forth in section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.

(c) At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,

 

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defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a Specified Employee under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

 

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ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors.

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: Bruce D. Lundstrom

 

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If to the Employee, to:

Jeffrey M. Platt

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment; Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

 

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4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
  President and Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Jeffrey M. Platt

Jeffrey M. Platt

 

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EXHIBIT 10.5

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This is an amendment and restatement dated effective as of June 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) of the Change of Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Joseph M. Bennett (the “Employee”) dated effective as of October 1, 1999.

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

 

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(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Post-Transaction Corporation.

 

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(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the Board, its Compensation Committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

 

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ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2008; provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2009 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement. After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Post-Transaction Corporation.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the

 

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Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus in accordance with Section 409A.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates other than the Tidewater Retirement Plan, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare

 

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benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

 

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3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control .

(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11 hereof,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the greater of (1) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years or (2) the target Bonus for which the Employee is eligible for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs, as such target bonus has been established by the Company for such year. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the Employee’s bonus bank balance shall be excluded;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus, by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals

 

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or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus plus (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitation described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the second anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee, then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of

 

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employment (e.g. $15,500 in 2008). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination. The shall reimburse the Employee for all expenses paid by the Employee for such coverage on the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. The reimbursement of the cost of disability insurance, life insurance, the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans” or individually, a “Supplemental Plan”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent (based on the definition of this term in Section 1.02 of the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan) of the additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Pension Plan, the SERP and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, (a) full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control and (b) compensation credit for each of such three years, with the compensation for each year being calculated by dividing the amount that the Employee will be entitled to receive under Section 3.3(a)(i) hereof by three;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans and, in all cases, be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base

 

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Salary (determined in accordance with Section 3.2(a) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; notwithstanding any Supplemental Savings Plan provision regarding accrual of benefits, such contribution shall be treated for all purposes as increasing the benefit of the Employee under the Supplemental Savings Plan;

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his benefits under the Tidewater Pension Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment, an amount in cash equal to the present value of the actuarial equivalent of any such unvested defined benefit plan benefit and the unvested account balance of any such defined contribution plan benefit as of the date of termination of employment; notwithstanding the provisions of such plans regarding benefits;

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits . After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment, if permitted under Section 409A. The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company

 

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other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section 409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision . (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the termination of the Employee’s employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in the Change of Control or any Person Affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, being hereinafter called “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or in part), to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by reason of section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof shall first be reduced, and the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof shall thereafter be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and employment taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Employee would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments); provided, however, that the Employee may elect to have the noncash payments and benefits under Sections 3.3(a) and 3.9 hereof reduced (or eliminated) prior to any reduction of the cash payments under Section 3.3(a) hereof.

(b) For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Employee shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to

 

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constitute a “payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account, (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm (the “Auditor”) which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the meaning set forth in section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.

(c) At the time that payments are made under this Agreement, the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which such payments were calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinions or advice which are in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be

 

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required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a Specified Employee under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

 

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(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: Bruce D. Lundstrom

 

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If to the Employee, to:

Joseph M. Bennett

Tidewater Inc.

2000 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. S.

Suite 1280

Houston, Texas 77042

or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment; Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

 

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4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
  Chairman, President and
  Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Joseph M. Bennett

Joseph M. Bennett

 

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EXHIBIT 10.6

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement (“the Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Bruce D. Lundstrom (the “Employee”) is dated effective as of July 31, 2008 and amends and restates the original agreement dated effective as of September 26, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), which was previously amended effective as of June 1, 2008.

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the


Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the

 

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combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties

 

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and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Company, even if the Employee does not hold an equivalent position with the ultimate parent corporation that either directly or indirectly controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A Defined . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

 

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1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the board of directors of the Company, its compensation committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2007, provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2008 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Company.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be

 

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equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one-half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates other than the Tidewater Pension Plan, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

 

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(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

 

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3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control .

(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the aggregate amount of bonuses paid or due the Employee for services rendered during such three fiscal years shall be added to the balance of the Employee’s bonus bank (less the amount, if any, to be paid from the bonus bank for the most recent fiscal year bonus) and then such amount shall be divided by three;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank for such year assuming achievement at the target levels), by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall

 

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pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount, plus or minus any deductions from or additions to the bonus bank for such fiscal year, or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank based on such level of achievement) and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) Savings Plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitations described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the third anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the

 

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Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee, then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of employment ( e.g. $15,500 in 2007). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination, and shall be reimbursed by the Company during the seventh month after the date of termination. Reimbursement for the continuation of disability and life insurance benefits shall not be made until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. On such date the Employee shall be reimbursed for all expenses paid for such coverage during the preceding six months. The reimbursement of the cost of disability and life insurance and the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) , the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent of the

 

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additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan and the SERP, if the Employee is covered by such plans, and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control. The level of compensation used to calculate the payment provided in this Section 3.3(a)(vi) shall be based on actual final average pay;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan, the Company’s Retirement Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans. The additional benefit shall be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base Salary and Annual Bonus, if applicable, (determined in accordance with Sections 3.2(a) and (b) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; and

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his accrued benefits under the Tidewater Retirement Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount in cash equal to the present value of the actuarial equivalent of any such unvested defined benefit plan benefit and the unvested account balance of any such defined contribution plan benefit as of the date of termination of employment; notwithstanding the provisions of such plans regarding benefits. The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits . After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment if permitted under Section 409A.

 

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(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section 409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision . (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the Employee’s termination of employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or

 

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agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in a Change of Control or any Person affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, but excluding any payment to be made pursuant to this Section 3.6, being hereinafter referred to as the “Initial Payments”) will be subject (in whole or in part) to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Employee an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Employee, after deduction of (i) any Excise Tax on the Initial Payments, (ii) any federal, state and local income and employment taxes on the Gross-Up Payment, (iii) any Medicare tax on the Gross-Up Payment, and (iv) the Excise Tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Initial Payments.

(b) For purposes of determining whether any of the Initial Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) all of the Initial Payments shall be treated as “parachute payments” (within the meaning of the Code) unless, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor (the “Auditor”), such payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, (ii) all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of the Code shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax unless, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of the Code) in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the meaning set forth in the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, and (iii) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of the Code. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Employee’s residence on the date of termination of the Employee’s employment (or if there is no date of termination, then the date on which the Gross-Up Payment is calculated for purposes of this Section 3.6), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

(c) In the event that the Excise Tax is finally determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall repay to the Company, within ten business days following the time that the amount of such reduction in the Excise Tax is finally determined, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to such reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income and employment taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by the Employee, to the extent that such repayment results in a reduction in the Excise Tax and a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the Employee’s taxable income and wages for purposes of federal, state and local income and employment taxes, plus interest on the amount of such repayment at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions

 

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payable by the Employee with respect to such excess) by the end of the year following the year in which the Employee remits the related taxes, but no earlier than six months following the date of termination of employment. The Employee and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Initial Payments.

(d) The Gross-Up Payment provided in this Section 3.6 shall be made on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (the “Payment Date”). In the event that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment so made exceeds the amount subsequently determined to have been due, then the Employee shall repay such amount to the Company on the tenth business day after demand by the Company (together with interest at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). At the time that any Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(a) (and at the time that any additional Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(c)), the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which any such payment was calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinion or advice which is in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee under Section 409A and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be

 

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entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a Specified Employee under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement or gross-up payments, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

 

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(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

If to the Employee, to:

Bruce D. Lundstrom

Tidewater Inc.

2000 W. Sam Houston Parkway S.

Suite 1280

Houston, TX 77042

 

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or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment, Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
 

President, Chief Executive Officer

and Chairman of the Board

EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Bruce D. Lundstrom

Bruce D. Lundstrom

 

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EXHIBIT 10.7

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change of Control Agreement (“the Agreement”) between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Quinn P. Fanning (the “Employee”) is dated effective as of July 31, 2008 (the “Effective Date”).

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1 Affiliate Defined . “Affiliate” (and variants thereof) shall mean a Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another specified Person, either directly or indirectly.

1.2 Beneficial Owner Defined . “Beneficial Owner” (and variants thereof), with respect to a security, shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.

1.3 Cause Defined . “Cause” shall mean:

(a) the willful and continued failure of the Employee to perform substantially the Employee’s duties with the Company or its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Employee has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties, or

(b) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Employee, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company or its Affiliates shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates. The cessation of employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless his action or inaction meets the foregoing standard and until there shall have been delivered to the Employee a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Employee and the Employee is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Employee is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


1.4 Change of Control Defined . “Change of Control” shall mean:

(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following shall not constitute a Change of Control:

(i) any acquisition (other than a Business Combination which constitutes a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof) of Common Stock directly from the Company,

(ii) any acquisition of Common Stock by the Company or its subsidiaries,

(iii) any acquisition of Common Stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or

(iv) any acquisition of Common Stock by any corporation pursuant to a Business Combination which does not constitute a Change of Control under Section 1.4(c) hereof; or

(b) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual’s initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board; or

(c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination,

(i) the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the Company’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, and more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation (as defined in Section 1.10 hereof), and

 

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(ii) except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, no Person (excluding the Post-Transaction Corporation and any employee benefit plan or related trust of either the Company, the Post-Transaction Corporation or any subsidiary of either corporation) Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, and

(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Post-Transaction Corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

1.5 Code Defined . “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

1.6 Company Defined . “Company” shall mean Tidewater Inc. (as heretofore defined), and shall include any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the Company which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

1.7 Disability Defined . “Disability” shall mean a condition that would entitle the Employee to receive benefits under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy in effect at the time either because he is totally disabled or partially disabled, as such terms are defined in the Company’s policy in effect as of the Effective Date or as similar terms are defined in any successor policy. If the Company has no long-term disability plan in effect, “Disability” shall occur if (a) the Employee is rendered incapable because of physical or mental illness of satisfactorily discharging his duties and responsibilities to the Company for a period of 90 consecutive days, (b) a duly qualified physician chosen by the Company and acceptable to the Employee or his legal representatives so certifies in writing, and (c) the Board determines that the Employee has become disabled.

1.8 Good Reason Defined . Any act or failure to act by the Company or its Affiliates specified in this Section 1.8 shall constitute “Good Reason” unless the Employee shall otherwise agree in writing:

(a) Any failure of the Company or its Affiliates to provide the Employee with the position, authority, duties and responsibilities at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control if after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position with the Company,

 

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even if the Employee does not hold an equivalent position with the ultimate parent corporation that either directly or indirectly controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

(b) The assignment to the Employee of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement, or any other action that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(c) Any failure by the Company or its Affiliates to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied within 10 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Employee to the Company;

(d) The Company or its Affiliates requiring the Employee to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ii) hereof or requiring the Employee to travel on business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(e) Any purported termination of the Employee’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(f) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Sections 4.1 (c) and (d) of this Agreement.

1.9 Person Defined . “Person” shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that “Person” shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.

1.10 Post-Transaction Corporation Defined . Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination (as defined in Section 1.4(c) hereof), “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the Company after the Change of Control. If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean the corporation resulting from the Business Combination unless, as a result of such Business Combination, an ultimate parent corporation controls the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly, in which case, “Post-Transaction Corporation” shall mean such ultimate parent corporation.

1.11 Section 409A Defined . “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

1.12 Specified Employee . “Specified Employee” shall mean the Employee if the Employee is a key employee under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) because of action taken by the board of directors of the Company, its compensation committee, or by operation of law or such regulation.

 

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ARTICLE II

STATUS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

Notwithstanding any provisions thereof, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between the Company and the Employee that provide for severance benefits in the event of or following a Change of Control of the Company, as defined therein, and is effective as of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFIT

3.1 Employment Term and Capacity after Change of Control . (a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in effect through December 31, 2008, provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2009 and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than March 31 of the preceding year, the Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change of Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect through the second anniversary of the Change of Control (such period following a Change of Control being referred to herein as the “Employment Term”), subject to any earlier termination of Employee’s status as an employee pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) After a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, (i) the Employee’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control and (ii) the Employee’s service shall be performed during normal business hours at the Company’s principal executive office, at its location at the time of the Change of Control, or the location where the Employee was employed immediately preceding the Change of Control or any relocation of the Company’s principal executive office to a location that is not more than 35 miles from such current location. Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities after a Change of Control shall not be considered commensurate in all material respects with Employee’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities prior to a Change of Control unless after the Change of Control Employee holds an equivalent position in the Company.

3.2 Compensation and Benefits . During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Base Salary . The Employee shall receive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”), which shall be paid in at least monthly installments. The Base Salary shall initially be equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary that was paid or is payable to the Employee, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred by the Employee, by the Company

 

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and its Affiliates with respect to any month in the 12-month period ending with the month that immediately precedes the month in which the Change of Control occurs. During the Employment Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at such time as the Company undertakes a salary review of his peer executives (but at least annually), and, to the extent that salary increases are granted to his peer executives of the Company (or have been granted during the immediately preceding 12-month period to his peer executives of any Affiliate of the Company), the Employee shall be granted a salary increase commensurate with any increase granted to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Employee under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Employment Term (whether or not any increase in Base Salary occurs) and, if any increase in Base Salary occurs, the term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so increased from time to time.

(b) Annual Bonus . In addition to Base Salary, the Employee shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in cash in an amount at least equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to the Employee with respect to the three fiscal years that immediately precede the year in which the Change of Control occurs under the Company’s annual bonus plan, or any comparable bonus under a successor plan. Each such Bonus shall be paid no later than two and one-half months following the end of the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless the Employee shall elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus.

(c) Fringe Benefits . The Employee shall be entitled to fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, automobile allowance, reimbursement for membership dues, and air travel) commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(d) Expenses . The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in accordance with the most favorable agreements, policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(e) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans . The Employee shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates other than the Tidewater Pension Plan, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliates for the Employee under any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

 

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(f) Welfare Benefit Plans . The Employee and/or the Employee’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, medical, prescription drug, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Employee with benefits, in each case, less favorable than the most favorable of any agreements, plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(g) Office and Support Staff . The Employee shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, commensurate with those provided to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(h) Vacation . The Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable agreements, plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its Affiliates as in effect for the Employee at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to his peer executives of the Company and its Affiliates.

(i) Indemnification . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors with rights to indemnification from the Company (or from any other party to such agreement), the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to indemnification as are provided to the Board of Directors pursuant to such agreement. Otherwise, the Employee shall be entitled to indemnification rights on terms no less favorable to Employee than those available under the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or resolutions of the Company at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company. Such indemnification rights shall be with respect to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings to which the Employee is or is threatened to be made a party that arise out of or are connected to his services at any time prior to the termination of his employment, without regard to whether such claims, actions, suits or proceedings are made, asserted or arise during or after the Employment Term.

(j) Directors and Officers Insurance . If in connection with any agreement related to a transaction that will result in a Change of Control of the Company, an undertaking is made to provide the Board of Directors of the Company with continued coverage following the Change of Control under one or more directors and officers liability insurance policies, then the Employee shall, by virtue of this Agreement, be entitled to the same rights to continued coverage under such directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Company shall agree to cover Employee under any directors and officers liability insurance policies as are provided generally at any time after the Change of Control to his peer executives of the Company.

 

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3.3 Obligations upon Termination after a Change of Control .

(a) Termination by Company for Reasons other than Death, Disability or Cause or by Employee for Good Reason . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability, or the Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, and any such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, then, subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.11,

(i) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) the amount of Base Salary in effect pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof at the date of termination, plus (y) the average of the annual bonuses paid or to be paid to the Employee with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years. For purposes of calculating the annual bonuses paid or to be paid with respect to the preceding three fiscal years, (a) amounts deferred by the Employee from such bonuses into the 401(k) Savings Plan, Supplemental Savings Plan or similar plan of the Company shall be included, and (b) the aggregate amount of bonuses paid or due the Employee for services rendered during such three fiscal years shall be added to the balance of the Employee’s bonus bank (less the amount, if any, to be paid from the bonus bank for the most recent fiscal year bonus) and then such amount shall be divided by three;

(ii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (x) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, assuming the achievement at the target level of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank for such year assuming achievement at the target levels), by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in such year through the date of termination by 365 and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to the fiscal year in which termination occurs, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iii) if, at the date of termination, the Company shall not yet have paid to the Employee (or deferred in accordance with any effective deferral election by the Employee) an annual bonus with respect to a completed fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount determined as follows: (x) (1) if the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have already

 

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determined the amount of such annual bonus, the greater of such amount, plus or minus any deductions from or additions to the bonus bank for such fiscal year, or the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof shall be paid, and (2) if the Compensation Committee shall not have already determined the amount of such annual bonus, the amount to be paid shall be the greater of the amount provided under Section 3.2(b) hereof or the annual bonus that the Employee would have earned with respect to such completed fiscal year, based solely upon the level of achievement of the objective performance goals established with respect to such bonus and the elimination of any subjective performance goals or evaluations otherwise applicable with respect to such bonus (including any amount that would be credited to the bonus bank based on such level of achievement) and (y) any bonus bank balance that the Employee would have been entitled to receive in the event of a termination by the Company without “Cause” under the terms of the Bonus plan in which the Employee participates; provided, however, that, if the Employee has in effect a 401(k) Savings Plan deferral election with respect to any percentage of the annual bonus which would otherwise become payable with respect to such completed fiscal year, such lump sum payment shall be reduced by an amount equal to such percentage times the lump sum payment (which reduction amount shall be deferred in accordance with such election);

(iv) subject to the timing of payment limitations described in this Section 3.3(a)(iv), for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of termination of employment (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall reimburse the Employee for the cost to continue on behalf of the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance, disability, medical, dental and hospitalization benefits (including any benefit under any individual benefit arrangement that covers medical, dental or hospitalization expenses not otherwise covered under any general Company plan) provided (x) to the Employee at any time during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y) to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.3(a)(iv) during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the Employee and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods referred to in clauses (x) or (y) above ; provided, however, in the event of the disability of the Employee during the Continuation Period, disability benefits shall not be paid for the Continuation Period but shall instead commence immediately following the end of the Continuation Period. In addition, if Employee has reached age 52 and has completed seven years of service at the time of a Change of Control, Employee shall automatically become vested in the post-retirement benefits provided under the Tidewater Group Welfare Benefits Plan (the “GWB Plan”) and be entitled to receive, following termination of employment with the Company, all benefits that would be payable to Employee under the GWB Plan or any successor plan of the Company or its Affiliates had the Employee retired from employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates on the later of the third anniversary of the Change of Control or the Employee’s date of retirement (as defined in the GWB Plan) from employment with the Company. The Company’s obligation hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to the extent that the Employee obtains any such benefits pursuant to a subsequent employer’s benefit plans, in which case the Company may reduce the

 

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coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the Employee hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Employee than the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. The Employee will be eligible for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at the end of the Continuation Period or earlier cessation of the Company’s obligation under the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3(a)(iv) (or, if the Employee shall not be so eligible for any reason, the Company will provide equivalent coverage). Notwithstanding this subparagraph (iv), if any benefits provided to the Employee by the Company under this subparagraph (iv) are taxable to the Employee, then, with the exception of medical insurance benefits, the value of the aggregate amount of such taxable benefits provided to the Employee pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) during the six month period following the date of termination of employment shall be limited to the amount specified by Internal Revenue Code §402(g)(1)(B) for the year of the date of termination of employment ( e.g. $15,500 in 2007). The Employee shall pay the cost of any benefits that exceed the amount specified in the prior sentence during the six month period following the date of termination, and shall be reimbursed by the Company during the seventh month after the date of termination. Reimbursement for the continuation of disability and life insurance benefits shall not be made until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment. On such date the Employee shall be reimbursed for all expenses paid for such coverage during the preceding six months. The reimbursement of the cost of disability and life insurance and the reimbursement of the cost of taxable medical, dental and hospitalization benefits after the end of the period during which the Employee would be entitled to continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan under Section 4980B of the Code (COBRA), and the reimbursement of any other taxable benefits provided under this subparagraph (iv), shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(v) the Employee shall immediately become fully (100%) vested in his benefit (as such benefit may be increased pursuant to Sections 3.3(a) (vii) and 3.3(a)(viii) hereof) under each supplemental or excess retirement plan of the Company in which the Employee was a participant, including, but not limited to the Tidewater Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) , the Supplemental Savings Plan and any successor plans (collectively, the “Supplemental Plans”);

(vi) the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the then present value of the actuarial equivalent of the additional benefits, if any, to which the Employee would be entitled under the Tidewater Inc. Pension Plan and the SERP, if the Employee is covered by such plans, and any other qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plan maintained by the Company and covering

 

10


the Employee, regardless of the vesting requirements thereof, after giving the Employee, for purposes of calculating the benefits due Employee under such plans, full service credit for a three-year period following the Change of Control. The level of compensation used to calculate the payment provided in this Section 3.3(a)(vi) shall be based on actual final average pay;

(vii) the Company shall pay to the Employee in a lump sum in cash on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount equal to the amount of employer contributions that would have been made on the Employee’s behalf if the Employee had continued to participate in the Company’s Savings Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Savings Plan, the Company’s Retirement Plan and any other qualified or non-qualified defined contribution plan maintained by the Company until the third anniversary of the Change of Control. Such contribution shall, in the case of a qualified plan, be calculated as if the Employee were fully vested and participating to the maximum extent permitted by such plan and, in the case of a non-qualified plan, be calculated on the same basis as the Employee was participating in such plans. The additional benefit shall be calculated on the basis of the Employee’s Base Salary and Annual Bonus, if applicable, (determined in accordance with Sections 3.2(a) and (b) hereof) at the time of the Change of Control or at the date of termination, whichever is greater; and

(viii) to the extent that Employee is not fully vested in his accrued benefits under the Tidewater Retirement Plan, the Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company, at the time of termination of employment, the Company shall pay to the Employee in cash in a lump sum on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment an amount in cash equal to the present value of the actuarial equivalent of any such unvested defined benefit plan benefit and the unvested account balance of any such defined contribution plan benefit as of the date of termination of employment; notwithstanding the provisions of such plans regarding benefits. The use of the phrase “date of termination” in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as the “date of a separation from service” under Section 409A.

The payments and benefits provided in this Section 3.3(a) and under all of the Company’s employee benefit and compensation plans shall be without regard to any amendment made after any Change of Control to any such plan, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the computation of payments and benefits due the Employee under such plan or the time or manner of payment of such payments and benefits . After a Change of Control no discretionary power of the Board or any committee thereof shall be used in a way (and no ambiguity in any such plan shall be construed in a way) which adversely affects in any manner any right or benefit of the Employee under any such plan. No acceleration of payments and benefits provided herein shall be permitted, except that the Company may accelerate payment if permitted under Section 409A.

(b) Death . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of the Employee’s death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee’s legal representatives (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

 

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(c) Disability . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by reason of Employee’s Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee (other than those already accrued to the Employee), other than the obligation to make any payments due pursuant to employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(d) Cause . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee’s status as an employee is terminated by the Company for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

(e) Voluntary Termination . If, after a Change of Control and during the Employment Term, the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Employee other than for obligations imposed by law and obligations imposed pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

3.4 Accrued Obligations and Other Benefits . It is the intent of this Agreement that upon termination of employment for any reason following a Change of Control the Employee be entitled to receive promptly, and in addition to any other benefits specifically provided, (a) the Employee’s Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (c) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Employee is entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy, practice or agreement of the Company or its Affiliates, subject to any requirement under Section 409A, that if such payment or benefit constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation paid to a Specified Employee on account of a separation from service, then such payment must be delayed until the first business day that is more than six months following termination of employment.

3.5 Stock Options and Restricted Stock . The foregoing benefits are intended to be in addition to the value of any options to acquire Common Stock of the Company or restricted stock the exercisability or vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to the terms of any stock option, incentive or other similar plan heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company.

3.6 Excise Tax Provision . (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, if a Change of Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, in the event that any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Employee in connection with the Change of Control or the Employee’s termination of employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any Person whose actions result in a Change of Control or any Person affiliated with the Company or such Person) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 3.3(a) hereof, but excluding any payment to be made pursuant to this Section 3.6, being hereinafter referred to as the “Initial Payments”) will be

 

12


subject (in whole or in part) to an excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Employee an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Employee, after deduction of (i) any Excise Tax on the Initial Payments, (ii) any federal, state and local income and employment taxes on the Gross-Up Payment, (iii) any Medicare tax on the Gross-Up Payment, and (iv) the Excise Tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Initial Payments.

(b) For purposes of determining whether any of the Initial Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) all of the Initial Payments shall be treated as “parachute payments” (within the meaning of the Code) unless, in the opinion of tax counsel (“Tax Counsel”) reasonably acceptable to the Employee and selected by the accounting firm which was, immediately prior to the Change of Control, the Company’s independent auditor (the “Auditor”), such payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, (ii) all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of the Code shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax unless, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of the Code) in excess of the “Base Amount” (within the meaning set forth in the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, and (iii) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of the Code. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Employee’s residence on the date of termination of the Employee’s employment (or if there is no date of termination, then the date on which the Gross-Up Payment is calculated for purposes of this Section 3.6), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

(c) In the event that the Excise Tax is finally determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment, the Employee shall repay to the Company, within ten business days following the time that the amount of such reduction in the Excise Tax is finally determined, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to such reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income and employment taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by the Employee, to the extent that such repayment results in a reduction in the Excise Tax and a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the Employee’s taxable income and wages for purposes of federal, state and local income and employment taxes, plus interest on the amount of such repayment at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Employee with respect to such excess) by the end of the year following the year in which the Employee remits the related taxes, but no earlier than six months following the date of termination of employment. The Employee and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Initial Payments.

 

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(d) The Gross-Up Payment provided in this Section 3.6 shall be made on the first business day that is more than six months following the date of termination of employment (the “Payment Date”). In the event that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment so made exceeds the amount subsequently determined to have been due, then the Employee shall repay such amount to the Company on the tenth business day after demand by the Company (together with interest at 120% of the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code). At the time that any Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(a) (and at the time that any additional Gross-Up Payment is made pursuant to Section 3.6(c)), the Company shall provide the Employee with a written statement setting forth the manner in which any such payment was calculated and the basis for such calculations including, without limitation, any opinions or other advice the Company has received from Tax Counsel, the Auditor or other advisors or consultants (and any such opinion or advice which is in writing shall be attached to the statement).

3.7 Legal Fees . The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Employee or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest by the Employee about the amount or timing of any payment pursuant to this Agreement) or which the Employee may reasonably incur in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided under this Agreement; provided that if the Employee is a Specified Employee under Section 409A and if the payment of legal fees under this Section 3.7 is paid on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A, no payment of legal fees may be made hereunder until the first date that is more than six months following “separation from service” and; provided further that the payment of or reimbursement for legal fees under this Section 3.7 shall comply with the requirement that non-qualified deferred compensation be paid on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, which requires that (1) the amount of benefits or reimbursements provided during one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits or reimbursements to be provided in any other calendar year, (2) the reimbursement of any eligible expense shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, and (3) the right to reimbursement or benefits hereunder is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3.8 Set-Off; Mitigation . After a Change of Control, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company or its Affiliates may have against the Employee or others; except that to the extent the Employee accepts other employment in connection with which he is provided health insurance benefits, the Company shall only be required to provide health insurance benefits to the extent the benefits provided by the Employee’s employer are less favorable than the benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled hereunder. It is the intent of this Agreement that in no event shall the Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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3.9 Outplacement Assistance . Upon any termination of employment of the Employee other than for Cause within three years following a Change of Control, the Company shall provide to the Employee outplacement assistance by a reputable firm specializing in such services for the period beginning with the termination of employment and ending at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the termination of employment occurred; provided that all such payments by the Company for such services shall be made no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the year in which the separation from service occurs.

3.10 Certain Pre-Change-of-Control Terminations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Employee with Good Reason, if (i) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and such termination was at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company the consummation of which would constitute a Change of Control, (ii) the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change of Control (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs) and the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of such Person, or (iii) the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason and such termination or the act, circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control and occurred after discussions with such Person regarding a possible Change-of-Control transaction commenced and such discussions produced (whether before or after such termination) either a letter of intent with respect to such a transaction or a public announcement of the pending transaction (whether or not a Change of Control actually occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, if the Employee takes the position that such sentence applies and the Company disagrees, the Company shall have the burden of proof in any such dispute.

3.11 No Longer a Specified Employee . If and to the extent that the Employee is not a Specified Employee under Section 409A at the time of a separation from service hereunder, the six-month waiting period for payment of benefits provided herein shall not be applicable and payment shall be made in a lump sum five business days following the date of termination of employment or in the case of reimbursement or gross-up payments, within the time periods provided in Sections 3.3(a)(iv) or 3.6 in compliance with Section 409A.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Binding Effect; Successors .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any of its successors or assigns.

(b) This Agreement is personal to the Employee and shall not be assignable by the Employee without the consent of the Company (there being no obligation to give such consent) other than such rights or benefits as are transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

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(c) The Company shall require any successor to or assignee of (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or businesses of the Company (i) to assume unconditionally and expressly this Agreement and (ii) to agree to perform or to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as would have been required of the Company had no assignment or succession occurred, such assumption to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(d) The Company shall also require all entities that control or that after the transaction will control (directly or indirectly) the Company or any such successor or assignee to agree to cause to be performed all of the obligations under this Agreement, such agreement to be set forth in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Employee.

(e) The obligations of the Company and the Employee which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the term of the Agreement shall survive such expiration.

4.2 Notices . All notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt of delivery by: (a) hand (against a receipt therefor), (b) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) a nationally recognized overnight courier service (against a receipt therefor) or (d) telecopy transmission with confirmation of receipt. All such notices must be addressed as follows:

If to the Company, to:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan-American Life Center

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

If to the Employee, to:

Quinn P. Fanning

Tidewater Inc.

2000 W. Sam Houston Parkway S.

Suite 1280

Houston, TX 77042

or such other address as to which any party hereto may have notified the other in writing.

 

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4.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Louisiana without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

4.4 Withholding . The Employee agrees that the Company has the right to withhold, from the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement, all amounts required to be withheld under applicable income and/or employment tax laws, or as otherwise stated in documents granting rights that are affected by this Agreement.

4.5 Amendment, Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.

4.6 Severability . If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, Employee and the Company intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.7 Waiver of Breach . The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

4.8 Remedies Not Exclusive . No remedy specified herein shall be deemed to be such party’s exclusive remedy, and accordingly, in addition to all of the rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement, the parties shall have all other rights and remedies provided to them by applicable law, rule or regulation.

4.9 Company’s Reservation of Rights . Employee acknowledges and understands that the Employee serves at the pleasure of the Board and that the Company has the right at any time to terminate Employee’s status as an employee of the Company, or to change or diminish his status during the Employment Term, subject to the rights of the Employee to claim the benefits conferred by this Agreement.

4.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

4.11 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be construed and interpreted accordingly.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Quinn P. Fanning

Quinn P. Fanning

 

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Exhibit 10.8

STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

FOR THE GRANT OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS, NON-QUALIFIED

STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNDER THE

TIDEWATER INC. 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of July 30, 2008, by and between Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Tidewater”), and Quinn P. Fanning (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Employee is a key employee of Tidewater or one of its subsidiaries and Tidewater considers it desirable and in its best interest that the Employee be given an added incentive to advance the interests of Tidewater by possessing an option to purchase shares of the common stock of Tidewater, $.10 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) and restricted shares of Common Stock in accordance with the Tidewater Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders of Tidewater at the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. Tidewater and its subsidiaries shall be collectively referred to herein as the “Company.”

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows:

I.

Stock Options

1.1 Grant of Options . Tidewater hereby grants to the Employee effective July 30, 2008 (the “Date of Grant”) the right, privilege and option to purchase 20,652 shares of Common Stock (the “Option”) at an exercise price of $61.82 per share (the “Exercise Price”). The Option shall be exercisable at the times specified in Section 1.2 below. With respect to 16,701 of the shares subject to the Option, the Option is intended to be a non-qualified stock option and with respect to 4,851 of the shares subject to the Option, the Option is intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option may be treated as a non-qualified stock option in the event of the acceleration of vesting or if the Option is exercised after the time period permitted for incentive stock options.

1.2 Time of Exercise .

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the other provisions of this Section I, the Option shall be vested and exercisable in the amounts and on the dates provided below, if the Employee continues to be employed by the Company on such date:

 

Date Exercisable

   Incentive Stock
Option Shares
   Non-Qualified
Stock Option
Shares

July 30, 2009

   1,617    5,267

July 30, 2010

   1,617    5,267

July 30, 2011

   1,617    5,267


(b) The Option shall terminate ten years following the Date of Grant and may terminate earlier in the event of termination of the Employee’s employment as provided below or a Change of Control of Tidewater as provided in the Plan. During Employee’s lifetime, the Option may be exercised only by the Employee or the Employee’s curator if the Employee has been interdicted.

(c) If the Employee’s employment with the Company terminates, other than as a result of death, disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code (“Disability”) or retirement, the Option may be exercised, but only to the extent otherwise exercisable on the date of termination of employment, within 90 days following termination of employment, but in no event later than ten years after the Date of Grant.

(d) If the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated because of Disability or because of retirement, the Option may be exercised, but only to the extent otherwise exercisable on the date of termination of employment, within two years from the date of termination of employment, but in no event later than ten years after the Date of Grant. In the case of an incentive stock option, however, the Option will not be treated as an incentive stock option for tax purposes if it is exercised later than three months following the date of termination of employment as a result of retirement or later than one year following the date of termination of employment as a result of Disability.

(e) In the event of the Employee’s death, the Option may be exercised by the Employee’s estate, or by the person to whom such right devolves from him by reason of the Employee’s death, but only to the extent otherwise exercisable on the date of death, within two years from the date of death, but in no event later than ten years after the Date of Grant.

(f) The Option shall become fully exercisable upon a Change of Control of Tidewater as provided in the Plan.

(g) Any portion of the Option that is not exercisable at the time of termination of employment shall be terminated upon termination of employment. Any portion of the Option that is exercisable but not exercised within the permitted time period following termination of employment provided in this Section I, shall be terminated upon expiration of such permitted time period.

1.3 Method of Exercise of Option .

(a) The Employee may exercise all or a portion of the Option by delivering to the Company a signed written notice of his intention to exercise the Option, specifying therein the number of shares to be purchased. Upon receiving such notice, and after the Company has received full payment of the Exercise Price in accordance with the Plan, including as provided in Section 1.3(b) below, the appropriate officer of the Company shall cause the transfer of title of the shares purchased to Employee on Tidewater’s stock records and cause to be issued to Employee a stock certificate for the number of shares being acquired. Employee shall not have any rights as a shareholder until the stock certificate is issued to him.

 

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(b) As permitted in the Plan, the Committee has authorized the use of the net exercise procedure described in the Plan for the exercise of the non-qualified stock options, but not for the exercise of the incentive stock options granted pursuant to this Agreement.

1.4 Non-Transferability . Unless permitted by the Committee in an amendment to this Agreement as provided in the Plan, the Option granted hereby may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any manner, by operation of law or otherwise, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

II.

Restricted Stock

2.1 Grant of Restricted Stock . Tidewater hereby grants to Employee a restricted stock award effective on the Date of Grant of 6,644 shares of Common Stock (the “Restricted Stock”) subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement.

2.2 Award Restrictions .

(a) The period during which the restrictions imposed on the Restricted Stock by the Plan and this Agreement are in effect is referred to herein as the “Restricted Period.” During the Restricted Period, the Employee shall be entitled to all rights of a stockholder of Tidewater, including the right to vote the shares and to receive dividends thereon; provided, however, that the Restricted Stock, the right to vote the Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends thereon may not be sold, assigned, transferred, exchanged, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered during the Restricted Period.

(b) The period during which the performance of the Company is measured for purposes of determining vesting of the Restricted Stock is referred to herein as the “Performance Period.” The Performance Period shall consist of the four fiscal year period that begins April 1, 2008 and ends March 31, 2012.

(c) The Restricted Period for the Restricted Stock shall end and the shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested and freely transferable as set forth below:

(i) With respect to 25% of the shares of Restricted Stock granted, the later of May 1, 2009, or the date on which Tidewater’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), provided that the EVA, as defined in Section 2.2(d) below, for the portion of the Performance Period beginning April 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2009 is $5 million or more above the EVA for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008;

(ii) With respect to 50% of the shares of Restricted Stock granted (including shares that previously vested), the later of May 1, 2010, or the date on which Tidewater’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010 is filed with the SEC, provided that the cumulative EVA, as defined in Section 2.2(d) below, for the portion of the Performance

 

3


Period beginning April 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2010 is $10 million or more above twice the EVA for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008;

(iii) With respect to 75% of the shares of Restricted Stock granted (including shares that previously vested), the later of May 1, 2011, or the date on which Tidewater’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 is filed with the SEC, provided that the cumulative EVA, as defined in Section 2.2(d) below, for the portion of the Performance Period beginning April 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2011 is $15 million or more above three times the EVA for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008; and

(iv) On March 5, 2012 with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock that remain unvested as of such date;

provided, however , that if the employment of the Employee terminates for any reason other than death or Disability, any shares of Restricted Stock, with respect to which the Restricted Period has not ended as of the date of termination of employment, will be immediately forfeited.

(d) “EVA” equals net operating profit after taxes (“NOPAT”), less a charge for capital employed. NOPAT equals revenues less operating expenses (including depreciation) and taxes on operating profit. The capital charge will be 9% for each fiscal year in the Performance Period. Examples of the calculation of the satisfaction of the EVA performance criteria are attached as Appendix A.

(e) Certain adjustments to NOPAT will be made in determining EVA. Accordingly, the following items reported in the Company’s consolidated statement of earnings will be added to or subtracted from NOPAT as reported in order to determine EVA for purposes of the Plan:

(i) Cumulative effect of accounting changes.

(ii) Extraordinary items, as that term is defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion #30.

(iii) Discontinued operations; and

(iv) Unusual or infrequently occurring items (less the amount of related income taxes), as that term is used in Accounting Principles Board Opinion #30.

(f) Prior to any vesting of Restricted Stock hereunder as a result of EVA performance, the Committee shall certify in writing, by resolution or otherwise, the EVA level achieved and the percentage of shares of Restricted Stock vesting.

(g) To the extent the Restricted Stock has not otherwise become fully vested and freely transferable, the Restricted Period shall end and the Restricted Stock will become fully vested and freely transferable by the Employee or his estate upon the death of the Employee or upon a determination by the Committee that the Employee has become Disabled.

 

4


(h) The shares of Restricted Stock shall also become fully vested and the Restricted Period shall end in the event of a Change of Control of Tidewater as provided in the Plan.

III.

Book Entry

3.1 The Company’s Stock Issuance Records . A book entry in the Company’s stock issuance records shall reflect the Restricted Stock as registered in the name of the Employee and that during the Restricted Period the transferability of shares of Restricted Stock is restricted in accordance with the terms and conditions (including conditions of forfeiture) contained in the Plan and this Agreement and that copies of the Plan and Agreement are on file in the office of the Secretary of Tidewater.

3.2 Removal of Restrictions . Upon termination of the Restricted Period with respect to all or a portion of the Restricted Stock, Tidewater shall cause the restrictions on transfer reflected in the book entry with respect to such shares to be removed and upon the Participant’s request, shall cause a stock certificate without a restrictive legend covering the vested Restricted Stock to be issued in the name of the Employee or his nominee. Upon removal of the restrictive legend from the book entry or upon receipt of a stock certificate without a restrictive legend, the Employee is free to hold or dispose of such shares, subject to applicable securities laws.

IV.

Defined Terms

The definition of all capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall be as provided in the Plan.

V.

Recovery Right of the Company

The Company has the right to recover any Options or shares of Restricted Stock issued under the Plan, if the grant, vesting or value of such awards was based on the achievement of financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement and the effect of the restatement was to decrease the financial results such that such grant would not have been earned or would have had a lesser value. The Employee accepts the Options and the Restricted Stock subject to such recovery rights of the Company and in the event the Company exercises such rights, the Employee shall promptly return the Options (or the shares acquired upon exercise) and the Restricted Stock to the Company upon demand. If the Employee no longer holds the shares subject to the Options or the Restricted Stock at the time of demand by the Company, the Employee shall pay to the Company, without interest, all cash, securities or other assets received by the Employee upon the sale or transfer of such shares. The Company may, if it chooses, effect such recovery by withholding from other amounts due to the Employee by the Company.

 

5


VI.

Withholding Taxes

6.1 Options . At any time that the Employee is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with the exercise of an Option, the Employee may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by electing (the “Election”) to deliver currently owned shares of Common Stock or to have the Company withhold from the distribution shares of Common Stock, in each case having a value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld. Notwithstanding the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall not have the right to disapprove of an Election. The value of the shares to be delivered or withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (the “Tax Date”). Each Election must be made prior to the Tax Date.

6.2 Restricted Stock . At any time that the Employee is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under the applicable income tax laws in connection with the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock, unless the Employee has previously provided the Company with payment of all applicable withholding taxes, the Company shall withhold from the shares of Restricted Stock on which the restrictions are lapsing shares with a value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld. The value of the shares to be withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Tax Date.

VII.

No Contract of Employment Intended

Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Employee any right to continue in the employment of the Company, or to interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate the Employee’s employment relationship with the Company at any time.

VIII.

Binding Effect

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and successors.

IX.

Amendment, Modification or Termination

The Committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Option at any time prior to exercise and any Restricted Stock at any time prior to vesting in any manner not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment, modification or termination may materially impair the rights of an Employee hereunder without the consent of the Employee.

 

6


X.

Inconsistent Provisions

The Options and Restricted Stock granted hereby are subject to the provisions of the Plan, as in effect on the date hereof and as it may be amended. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2(h) hereof, in the event any provision of this Agreement conflicts with such a provision of the Plan, the Plan provision shall control. The Employee acknowledges that a copy of the Plan was distributed to the Employee and that the Employee was advised to review such Plan prior to entering into this Agreement. The Employee waives the right to claim that the provisions of the Plan are not binding upon the Employee and the Employee’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and successors.

XI.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana.

XII.

Severability

If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect as written, the Employee and Tidewater intend for any court construing this Agreement to modify or limit such provision so as to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

XIII.

Entire Agreement; Modification

The Plan and the Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein. The Agreement may not be modified without the approval of the Committee and the Employee, except as provided in the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time in the manner provided therein, or in this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time. Any oral or written agreements, representations, warranties, written inducements, or other communications with respect to the subject matter contained herein made prior to the execution of the Agreement shall be void and ineffective for all purposes.

XIV.

Section 83(b) Election

The Employee has reviewed with the Employee’s own tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Employee is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the

 

7


Company or any of its agents. The Employee understands that the Employee (and not the Company) shall be responsible for the Employee’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Employee understands that the Employee may elect to be taxed at the time the shares of Restricted Stock are granted by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the IRS within thirty days from the Date of Grant and providing a copy to the Company. The Employee acknowledges that it is the Employee’s sole responsibility and not the Company’s to file timely the election under Section 83(b), even if the Employee requests the Company or its representatives to make this filing on the Employee’s behalf.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
   

Dean E. Taylor

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

   

Quinn P. Fanning

 

8


APPENDIX A

Examples of Vesting Calculation

 

Scenario 1    FY2008 EVA is $168 million. In FY2009, EVA is $190 million (Restriction lapses on first 25% of restricted stock award because EVA improvement is greater than +$5 million at a net +$22 million). In FY2010, EVA is $192 million (Restriction lapses on the second 25% of restricted stock award because the cumulative EVA improvement is greater than +$10 million over FY2008 EVA at +$46 million). In FY2011, EVA is $185 million (Restriction on the third 25% lapses because cumulative EVA improvement is greater than + $15 million over FY2008 EVA at + $63 million). In FY2012, restriction lapses on the final 25% of restricted stock award.
Scenario 2    FY2008 EVA is $168 million. In FY2009, EVA is $190 million (Restriction lapses on first 25% of restricted stock award because EVA improvement is greater than +$5 million at a net $22 million). In FY2010, EVA is $150 million (Restriction on the second 25% of restricted stock is maintained and the award rolls to year three as cumulative EVA improvement did not exceed +$10 million over FY2008 EVA at + $4 million). In FY2011, EVA is $184 million (Restriction on the second and third 25% lapses because cumulative EVA improvement is greater than + $15 million over FY2008 EVA at +$20 million). In FY2012, restriction lapses on the final 25% of restricted stock.
Scenario 3    FY2008 EVA is $168 million. In FY2009, EVA is $190 million (Restriction lapses on first 25% of restricted stock award because EVA improvement is greater than +$5 million at a net $22 million). In FY2010, EVA is $150 million (Restriction on the second 25% of restricted stock is maintained and the award rolls to year three as cumulative EVA improvement did not exceed +$10 million over FY2008 EVA at + $4 million). In FY2011, EVA is $140 million (Restriction on the second and third 25% of restricted stock is maintained and the awards roll to year four as cumulative EVA improvement did not exceed +$15 million over FY2008 EVA at - $24 million). In FY2012, restriction lapses on the final 75% of restricted stock.

 

A-1

EXHIBIT 15

October 24, 2008

Tidewater Inc.:

We have reviewed, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the unaudited interim financial information of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, as indicated in our report dated October 24, 2008; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.

We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-32729, No. 333-66054, and No. 333-136407 on Form S-8.

We also are aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF

1934, AS ADOPTED

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

I, Dean E. Taylor, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Tidewater Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: October 27, 2008     /s/ Dean E. Taylor
    Dean E. Taylor
   

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF

1934, AS ADOPTED

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

I, Quinn P. Fanning, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Tidewater Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: October 27, 2008     /s/ Quinn P. Fanning
    Quinn P. Fanning
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certifies that, to my knowledge, the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the period covered by such report.

 

 

Date: October 27, 2008     /s/ Dean E. Taylor
    Dean E. Taylor
   

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned, who is the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifies that, to my knowledge, the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the period covered by such report.

 

 

Date: October 27, 2008     /s/ Quinn P. Fanning
    Quinn P. Fanning
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer