Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨
Check the appropriate box:
|
| | | | |
¨ | | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
¨ | | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
þ | | Definitive Proxy Statement |
¨ | | Definitive Additional Materials |
¨ | | Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) |
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
þ | | No fee required. |
¨ | | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
| | 1) | | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | 2) | | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | 3) | | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| | 4) | | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
| | 5) | | Total fee paid: |
¨ | | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
¨ | | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 240.0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
| | 1) | | Amount previously paid: |
| | 2) | | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
| | 3) | | Filing party: |
| | 4) | | Date filed: |
OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000
March 29, 2019
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Oceaneering International, Inc. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., local time, in the Atrium of our corporate offices at 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041.
On the following pages, you will find the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement giving information concerning the matters to be acted on at the meeting. Our Annual Report to Shareholders describing Oceaneering’s operations during the year ended December 31, 2018 is enclosed.
We hope you will be able to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you plan to attend, please take the time to vote. In addition to using the enclosed paper proxy card to vote, which you may sign, date and return in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, you may vote your shares via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions included in this package.
Thank you for your interest in Oceaneering.
|
| | |
| | |
John R. Huff | | Roderick A. Larson |
Chairman of the Board | | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Enclosures
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on May 9, 2019.
The accompanying Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available under the Filings & Reports tab in the Investor Relations section of our Web site (www.oceaneering.com).
The following information applicable to the Annual Meeting may be found in the Proxy Statement and/or the accompanying proxy card:
| |
• | the date, time and location of the meeting; |
| |
• | a list of the matters intended to be acted on and our recommendations regarding those matters; |
| |
• | any control/identification numbers that you need to access your proxy card; and |
| |
• | information about attending the meeting and voting in person. |
OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held May 9, 2019
To the Shareholders of Oceaneering International, Inc.:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Oceaneering International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Oceaneering”), will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., local time, in the Atrium of our corporate offices at 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041 for the following purposes:
| |
• | elect three Class III directors as members of the Board of Directors of Oceaneering to serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified (Proposal 1); |
| |
• | cast an advisory vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of Oceaneering’s named executive officers (Proposal 2); |
| |
• | ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of Oceaneering for the year ending December 31, 2019 (Proposal 3); and |
| |
• | transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
The Board of Directors recommends votes in favor of Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
The close of business on March 21, 2019 is the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Our Board welcomes your personal attendance at the meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please submit a proxy as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the meeting. You may submit your proxy by filling in, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Please refer to page 1 of the Proxy Statement and the proxy card for instructions for proxy voting via the Internet or by telephone.
|
| |
| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| |
| David K. Lawrence Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
March 29, 2019
|
| | |
| YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT | |
| WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND MAIL YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, OR VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND ON YOUR PROXY CARD. | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
PROXIES AND VOTING AT THE MEETING
Only shareholders of record of Oceaneering International, Inc. (“Oceaneering”) at the close of business on March 21, 2019 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. As of that date, 98,928,299 shares of our Common Stock, $0.25 par value per share (“Common Stock”), were outstanding. Each of those outstanding shares is entitled to one vote at the meeting. We are initially sending this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy to our shareholders on or about March 29, 2019. The requirement for a quorum at the meeting is the presence in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. There is no provision for cumulative voting.
Solicitation of Proxies
The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of our Board of Directors (our “Board”) for use at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the time and place set forth in the accompanying notice. We will pay all costs of soliciting proxies. We will solicit proxies primarily by mail. In addition to solicitation by mail, our officers, directors and employees may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, facsimile and electronic transmissions, for which such persons will receive no additional compensation. We have retained Georgeson Inc. to solicit proxies at a fee estimated at $10,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses. We will reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy material to beneficial owners of our Common Stock.
The persons named as proxies were designated by our Board and are officers of Oceaneering. All properly executed proxies will be voted (except to the extent that authority to vote has been withheld), and where a choice has been specified by the shareholder as provided in the proxy, the proxy will be voted in accordance with the specification so made. Proxies submitted without specified choices will be voted as follows:
•FOR Proposal 1 to elect the director nominees proposed by our Board;
•FOR Proposal 2 to cast an advisory vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of Oceaneering’s named executive officers; and
•FOR Proposal 3 to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of Oceaneering for the year ending December 31, 2019.
Methods of Voting
Voting by Mail – You may sign, date and return your proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. If you return your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, the designated proxies will vote as recommended by our Board.
Voting via the Internet or by Telephone – If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by proxy by using the toll-free number or at the Internet address listed on the proxy card.
The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to verify your vote through the use of a voter control number that is provided on each proxy card. The procedures also allow you to vote your shares and to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. Please see your proxy card for specific instructions.
If you hold shares through a brokerage firm, bank or other custodian, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone only if the custodian offers that option.
Revocability of Proxies
If you are a shareholder of record, and you vote by proxy by mail, the Internet or telephone, you may later revoke your proxy instructions by:
| |
• | sending a written statement to that effect to our Corporate Secretary at 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000, the mailing address for the executive offices of Oceaneering, provided that we receive the statement before the Annual Meeting; |
| |
• | submitting a signed proxy card, prior to the Annual Meeting, with a later date; |
| |
• | voting at a later time, but prior to the Annual Meeting, via the Internet or by telephone; or |
| |
• | voting in person at the Annual Meeting. |
If you have shares held through a brokerage firm, bank or other custodian, and you vote by proxy, you may later revoke your proxy instructions only by informing the custodian in accordance with any procedures it sets forth.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation divides our Board into three classes, each consisting as nearly as possible of one-third of the members of the whole Board. There are currently three directors of each class. The members of each class serve for three years following their election, with one class being elected each year.
Three Class III directors are to be elected at the 2019 Annual Meeting. In accordance with our Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. However, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that, in an uncontested election of directors, any director nominee who does not receive a “for” vote by a majority of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote and actually voting on the matter shall promptly tender his or her resignation to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board, subject to acceptance by the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board with respect to the director’s resignation and the Board will consider the recommendation and take appropriate action within 120 days from the date of the certification of the election results. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” marked on proxy cards will not be counted in the election.
Each Class III director will serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified. The directors of Classes I and II will continue to serve their terms of office, which will expire at the Annual Meetings of Shareholders to be held in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR election of the nominees for Class III directors named below. The persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote all proxies received in favor of the election of the nominees named below, except in any case where authority to vote for the directors is withheld. Although we have no reason to believe that the nominees will be unable to serve as directors, if any nominee withdraws or otherwise becomes unavailable to serve, the persons named as proxies will vote for any substitute nominee our Board designates.
Set forth below is information (ages are as of May 9, 2019) with respect to the three nominees for election as Class III directors of Oceaneering, Roderick A. Larson, M. Kevin McEvoy and Paul B. Murphy, Jr.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS
Nominees for Election
Class III Directors (2019 - 2022)
Roderick A. Larson
Mr. Larson, 52, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceaneering since May 2017. He joined Oceaneering in May 2012 as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and became President in February 2015. Mr. Larson previously held positions with Baker Hughes Incorporated from 1990 until he joined Oceaneering, serving as President, Latin America Region, from 2011, Vice President of Operations, Gulf of Mexico Region, from 2009 to 2011 and in other leadership and technical roles prior thereto. Mr. Larson has also served as a director of Newpark Resources, Inc. since March 2014. Mr. Larson has been a director of Oceaneering since May 2017.
The Board has determined that Mr. Larson is qualified to serve on our Board based on his in-depth knowledge regarding our business, derived from his service as a member of our executive management team, and over 25 years of experience in the oilfield services industry. Mr. Larson is a member of the National Petroleum Council and a director-at-large of the Petroleum Equipment and Services Association.
M. Kevin McEvoy
Mr. McEvoy, 68, served as Chief Executive Officer of Oceaneering from 2011 to May 2017 and as President from 2011 to February 2015. Mr. McEvoy’s service with Oceaneering began in 1979 with Solus Ocean Systems, Inc., which Oceaneering acquired in 1984. Since then, he held senior management positions in each of our operating groups, prior to being appointed Senior Vice President, Western Region, in 2000, Executive Vice President in 2006, Chief Operating Officer in 2010 and President and Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Mr. McEvoy has also been a director of EMCOR Group, Inc. since June 2016. Mr. McEvoy has been a director of Oceaneering since 2011.
The Board has determined that Mr. McEvoy is qualified to serve on our Board based on his thorough knowledge of Oceaneering and its businesses, which he gained through his years of service in each of our five business segments and as a member of our executive management team, as well as through his prior service on our Board. Mr. McEvoy has over 40 years of experience in offshore, diving and other subsea and marine-related activities, primarily in oilfield-related areas, with significant international exposure.
Paul B. Murphy, Jr.
Mr. Murphy, 59, has, since 2010, been Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the board of directors of Cadence Bancorporation and Chief Executive Officer of Cadence Bancorp, LLC, which formed Cadence Bank in 2009. From 1990 to 2009, Mr. Murphy was employed by Amegy Bank of Texas, where he served in senior leadership roles, including as Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to 2009 and as a director of that bank from 1994 to 2009. Mr. Murphy has also served as a director of GP Natural Resource Partners LLC, the general partner of Natural Resource Partners L.P., since March 2018. He served as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – Houston Branch from 2009 through 2015 and as a director of Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. from 2008 to November 2018. Mr. Murphy has been a director of Oceaneering since August 2012. He is the chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Board has determined that Mr. Murphy is qualified to serve on our Board based on his considerable experience as an executive officer and director of both privately owned and publicly traded companies, particularly financial institutions. Mr. Murphy’s financial background, including over 35 years of business and entrepreneurial experience in the financial services industry, allows him to provide valuable contributions to our Board. Including his service on our Board, Mr. Murphy has over 20 years of experience as a director of publicly owned companies.
Continuing Directors
Information below (ages are as of May 9, 2019) is for those directors whose terms will expire in 2020 and 2021.
Class I Directors (2017 - 2020)
William B. Berry
Mr. Berry, 66, has been a director of Continental Resources, Inc. since May 2014 and a director of Frank’s International N.V. since January 2015. Mr. Berry previously served as Executive Vice President, Exploration and Production, of ConocoPhillips from 2003 until his retirement in 2008, after more than 30 years with ConocoPhillips and its predecessor, Phillips Petroleum Company, during which he held other executive positions in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Within the past five years, Mr. Berry also served on the boards of directors of Teekay Corporation from 2011 to December 2015, Access Midstream Partners, L.P. from 2013 to June 2014 and Willbros Group, Inc. from 2008 to May 2014. Mr. Berry has been a director of Oceaneering since June 2016. He is the chairman of the Compensation Committee.
The Board has determined that Mr. Berry is qualified to serve on our Board based on his extensive experience in, and knowledge of, the energy industry, his business acumen and leadership skills derived in part from his tenure as an executive officer of a publicly traded customer of ours, his over 30 years in exploration and production, and his experience as a director of various other public companies. Mr. Berry has significant financial and operational expertise and experience.
T. Jay Collins
Mr. Collins, 72, has been a director of Pason Systems Inc. since 2012 and Murphy Oil Corporation since 2013. He previously served as Oceaneering’s Chief Executive Officer from 2006 to 2011, President from 1998 to 2011, Chief Operating Officer from 1998 until 2006, Executive Vice President – Oilfield Marine Services from 1995 to 1998, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Collins has been a director of Oceaneering since 2002. He is a member of the Audit Committee.
The Board has determined that Mr. Collins is qualified to serve on our Board based on his substantial prior experience as a member of our Board and his thorough knowledge regarding Oceaneering and its businesses, which he gained through his years of service as a member of our executive management team, as well as through his prior service on our Board. Mr. Collins has extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Including his service on our Board, Mr. Collins has over 40 years of experience with companies engaged in oilfield-related or other energy-related businesses.
Jon Erik Reinhardsen
Mr. Reinhardsen, 62, has been a director and the chairman of the board of directors of Equinor ASA (formerly Statoil ASA) since September 2017. Previously he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Geo-Services ASA (“PGS”) from 2008 through August 2017. Prior to joining PGS, he held executive positions in Alcoa Inc. and Aker Kvaerner ASA beginning in 1983. Mr. Reinhardsen has been a director of Telenor ASA since 2014. Mr. Reinhardsen previously served as a director of Cameron International Corporation from 2009 until its acquisition by Schlumberger N.V. in April 2016, Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. from 2006 to 2014, and Borregaard ASA from April 2016 to April 2018. Mr. Reinhardsen has been a director of Oceaneering since October 2016. He is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Board has determined that Mr. Reinhardsen is qualified to serve on our Board based on his extensive experience in, and knowledge of, the subsea oilfield services industry, his involvement with renewable energy, his international perspective and his experience as a director of various other public companies. Including his service on our Board, Mr. Reinhardsen has significant financial and operational expertise and experience spanning over three decades in engineering-, construction- and energy-related businesses.
Class II Directors (2018 - 2021)
Deanna L. Goodwin
Ms. Goodwin, 54, served as President, North America Region, of Technip USA, Inc. from December 2013 until her retirement in January 2017, following completion of the business combination involving Technip S.A. and FMC Technologies, Inc. Previously, Ms. Goodwin held other operational and financial leadership positions with Technip USA, Inc. and its
predecessors from 2007 and with Veritas DGC, Inc. from 1993 to 2007. She began her career as an auditor with Price Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers, in 1987. Ms. Goodwin has been a member of the supervisory board of Arcadis NV, a global design, engineering and management consulting company, since April 2016, and a director of Kosmos Energy Ltd. since June 2018. She is a CPA and a member of the Canadian Chartered Professional Accountants. Ms. Goodwin has been a director of Oceaneering since February 2018. She is a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.
The Board has determined that Ms. Goodwin is qualified to serve on our Board based on her considerable experience as an executive officer, particularly with operational and financial experience, as well as her accounting background. Ms. Goodwin’s significant operational and financial background, including over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas products and services industry, allows her to provide valuable contributions to our Board.
John R. Huff
Mr. Huff, 73, has been Chairman of Oceaneering’s Board of Directors since 1990. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Oceaneering from 1986 to 2006. Within the past five years, Mr. Huff served as a director of other publicly traded companies, including KBR, Inc. from 2007 to May 2014, Suncor Energy Inc. from 1998 to May 2018 and Hi-Crush GP LLC, the general partner of Hi-Crush Partners LP from 2012 to August 2018. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Mr. Huff has been a director of Oceaneering since 1986.
The Board has determined that Mr. Huff is qualified to serve on our Board based on his substantial prior experience as a member of our Board, including over 25 years as Chairman of our Board, his in-depth knowledge regarding Oceaneering and its businesses which he gained through 20 years as our Chief Executive Officer, and his considerable experience as an entrepreneur and a director of other, large multi-national companies, including several companies engaged in oilfield-related and other energy-related businesses. Mr. Huff has extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry as well as relationships with chief executive officers and senior management at oil and gas and oilfield service companies throughout the world. Including his service on our Board, Mr. Huff has over 50 years of experience with companies engaged in oilfield-related or other energy-related businesses.
Steven A. Webster
Mr. Webster, 67, has served as Managing Partner of AEC Partners, L.P. since May 2017 and as Co-Managing Partner of Avista Capital Partners, L.P., since he co-founded that firm in 2005. Prior to that time, Mr. Webster served as Chairman of Global Energy Partners, Ltd., an affiliate of CSFB Private Equity, from 2000 to 2005, and as the Chief Executive Officer of R&B Falcon Corporation and its predecessor, Falcon Drilling Company, from its founding in 1988 to 1999. Mr. Webster has been the chairman of the board of directors of Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. since 1993, a trust manager of Camden Property Trust since 1993 and a director of Era Group Inc. since 2013. Within the past five years, Mr. Webster previously served as a director of a number of other publicly traded companies, including Basic Energy Services, Inc. from 2000 to December 2016, Hercules Offshore, Inc. from 2005 to November 2015 and Hi-Crush GP LLC, the general partner of Hi-Crush Partners LP, from 2012 to February 2015. Mr. Webster has been a director of Oceaneering since March 2015. He is the chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Board has determined that Mr. Webster is qualified to serve on our Board based on his extensive experience in, and knowledge of, the energy industry, his business leadership skills from his tenure as chief executive officer of publicly traded companies, his over 30-year career in private equity and investment activities, and his experience as a director of various other public and private companies. Mr. Webster has over 35 years of experience in the onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration and production and oilfield services industries.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of March 21, 2019 by each director and nominee for director, each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement and all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each individual named has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares shown.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Number of Shares (1) | | Number of Shares Underlying Restricted Stock Units (2) | | Total (3) |
Stephen P. Barrett | | 20,726 |
| | 39,776 |
| | 60,502 |
|
William B. Berry | | 28,584 |
| | — |
| | 28,584 |
|
T. Jay Collins | | 31,286 |
| | — |
| | 31,286 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | 27,111 |
| | 52,450 |
| | 79,561 |
|
Deanna L. Goodwin | | 18,584 |
| | — |
| | 18,584 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 57,447 |
| | 74,539 |
| | 131,986 |
|
John R. Huff | | 125,911 |
| | — |
| | 125,911 |
|
Roderick A. Larson | | 47,864 |
| | 193,355 |
| | 241,219 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | 22,125 |
| | 39,659 |
| | 61,784 |
|
M. Kevin McEvoy | | 245,440 |
| | — |
| | 245,440 |
|
Paul B. Murphy, Jr. | | 32,584 |
| | — |
| | 32,584 |
|
Jon Erik Reinhardsen | | 28,584 |
| | — |
| | 28,584 |
|
Steven A. Webster | | 32,584 |
| | — |
| | 32,584 |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons) | | 774,087 |
| | 515,858 |
| | 1,289,945 |
|
| |
(1) | There are no outstanding stock options held by any of our directors or executive officers. Includes the following shares granted in 2019 pursuant to restricted stock award agreements, as to which the recipient has sole voting power and no current dispositive power: Mr. Berry – 10,584; Mr. Collins – 10,584; Ms. Goodwin – 10,584; Mr. Huff – 15,715; Mr. McEvoy – 10,584; Mr. Murphy – 10,584; Mr. Reinhardsen – 10,584; Mr. Webster – 10,584; and all directors and executive officers as a group – 89,803. Also includes the following share equivalents, which are fully vested but are held in trust pursuant to the Oceaneering Retirement Investment Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), as to which the indicated persons have the right to direct the plan trustee on how to vote: Mr. Barrett – 2,340; Mr. Curtis – 11,303; Mr. Lawrence – 2,513; Mr. McEvoy – 32,386; and all directors and executive officers as a group – 63,187. At withdrawal, the share equivalents in the 401(k) Plan are to be settled in shares of Common Stock. The beneficial ownership of (a) each director and executive officer represents 0.2% or less of the outstanding Common Stock and (b) all directors and executive officers as a group represents 0.8% of the outstanding Common Stock. |
| |
(2) | Includes shares of Common Stock that are represented by restricted stock units of Oceaneering that are credited to the accounts of certain individuals and are subject to vesting. The individuals have no voting or investment power over these restricted stock units. |
| |
(3) | The indicated shares of Common Stock and Common Stock underlying restricted stock units of (a) each director and executive officer represent 0.2% or less of the outstanding Common Stock and (b) all directors and executive officers as a group represent 1.3% of the outstanding Common Stock. |
Listed below are the only persons who, to our knowledge, may be deemed to be beneficial owners as of March 21, 2019 of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. This information is based on beneficial ownership reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
|
| | | | | | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | | | Percent of Class (1) |
BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 | | 11,614,045 | (2) | | 11.7 | % |
FMR LLC 245 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 | | 11,465,001 | (3) | | 11.6 | % |
The Vanguard Group 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355 | | 9,209,108 | (4) | | 9.3 | % |
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Building One 6300 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746 | | 7,934,281 | (5) | | 8.0 | % |
| |
(1) | All percentages are based on the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as of March 21, 2019. |
| |
(2) | The amount beneficially owned of 11,614,045 shares of Common Stock, as shown, is as reported by BlackRock, Inc. in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 31, 2019. The Schedule 13G/A reports that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 11,348,819 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 11,614,045 shares. |
| |
(3) | The amount beneficially owned of 11,465,001 shares of Common Stock, as shown, is as reported by FMR LLC in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019. The Schedule 13G/A reports that FMR LLC has sole voting power with respect to 661,478 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all 11,465,001 shares. The Schedule 13G/A identifies FMR LLC as a parent holding company and identifies the relevant subsidiaries of FMR LLC collectively and beneficially owning the shares being reported in the Schedule 13G/A as: FIAM LLC; Fidelity Institutional Asset Management Trust Company; FMR Co., Inc.; and Strategic Advisers LLC. The Schedule 13G/A further reports: (i) FMR Co., Inc. is the beneficial owner of 5% or greater of the Common Stock outstanding; (ii) Abigail P. Johnson is a Director, the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of FMR LLC; (iii) members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, are the predominant owners, directly or through trusts, of the voting equity of FMR LLC; (iv) the Johnson family group and other equity owners of FMR LLC have entered into a voting agreement; (v) through their ownership of voting equity and the execution of the voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC; (vi) neither FMR LLC nor Abigail P. Johnson has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act (“Fidelity Funds”) advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, which power resides with the Fidelity Funds’ boards of trustees; and (vii) Fidelity Management & Research Company carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the Fidelity Funds’ boards of trustees. The Schedule 13G/A disclaims reporting on shares, if any, beneficially owned by certain subsidiaries, affiliates or other companies whose beneficial ownership of shares is disaggregated from that of FMR LLC in accordance with SEC Release No. 34-39538 (January 12, 1998). |
| |
(4) | The amount beneficially owned of 9,209,108 shares of Common Stock, as shown, is as reported by The Vanguard Group in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019. The Schedule 13G/A reports that The Vanguard Group has sole voting power with respect to 96,887 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 9,105,166 shares, shared voting power with respect to 16,671 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 103,942 shares. The Schedule 13G/A further reports that: (i) Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 87,271 shares, or 0.09% of the Common Stock outstanding, as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts; and (ii) Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 26,287 shares, or 0.03% of the Common Stock outstanding, as a result of its serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings. |
| |
(5) | The amount beneficially owned of 7,934,281 shares of Common Stock, as shown, is reported by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019. The Schedule 13G reports that Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole voting power with respect to 7,753,773 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to |
7,934,281 shares. The Schedule 13G/A further reports that: (i) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended, furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act, and serves as investment manager or sub-adviser to certain other commingled funds, group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the “Funds”); (ii) in certain cases, subsidiaries of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP may act as an adviser or sub-adviser to certain Funds; (iii) in its role as investment advisor, sub-adviser and/or manager, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP or its subsidiaries (collectively, “Dimensional”) may possess voting and/or investment power over the shares that are owned by the Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares; however, all of the shares reported in the Schedule 13G/A are owned by the Funds; and (iv) Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
During 2018, our Board of Directors held six meetings of the full Board and 16 meetings of committees of the Board. Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board on which he or she served (during the period of service). In addition, we have a policy that directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. Last year, all of our directors attended our Annual Meeting. In 2018, the nonemployee directors met in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management present, and similar sessions are scheduled for 2019. The chairmen of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee chair these executive sessions on a rotating basis. Interested parties may communicate directly with the nonemployee directors by sending a letter to the “Board of Directors (Independent Members),” c/o Corporate Secretary, Oceaneering International, Inc., 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000.
Under rules adopted by the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), our Board of Directors must have a majority of independent directors. The director independence standards of the NYSE require a board determination that our director has no material relationship with us and has no specific relationships that preclude independence. Our Board considers relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether a director is independent. Our Board has determined that, with the exception of Messrs. Larson and McEvoy, all of our directors currently meet the NYSE independence requirements.
We have three standing committees of our Board of Directors: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Board has determined that each member of these committees is independent in accordance with the requirements of the NYSE. Our Board has also determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements that the SEC has established for service on an audit committee.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, comprised of directors Murphy (Chairman), Berry and Goodwin, held seven meetings during 2018. Effective in March 2019, Mr. Collins replaced Mr. Berry as a member of the Audit Committee.
Our Board of Directors has determined that all current members of the Audit Committee are audit committee financial experts as defined in the applicable rules of the SEC. For information relating to the background of each member of the Audit Committee, see the biographical information under “Information about Nominees for Election and Continuing Directors.”
The Audit Committee is appointed by our Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, to assist the Board in its oversight of:
| |
• | the integrity of our financial statements; |
| |
• | our compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| |
• | the independence, qualifications and performance of our independent auditors; |
| |
• | the performance of our internal audit functions; and |
| |
• | the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting. |
Our management is responsible for our internal controls and preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Our independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and internal
controls over financial reporting and issuing reports thereon. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the conduct of these activities and appointing our independent auditors. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors. As stated above and in the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee’s responsibility is one of oversight. The Audit Committee is not providing any expert or special assurance as to Oceaneering’s financial statements or any professional certification as to the independent auditors’ work.
In discharging its duties, the Audit Committee reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit, non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors and the independent auditors’ audit and non-audit fees; reviews and discusses with management (including the senior internal auditor) the independent auditors’ annual audit of our internal control over financial reporting; recommends to our Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC; meets independently with our senior compliance and internal audit personnel, independent auditors and management; reviews the general scope of our accounting, financial reporting, annual audit and our internal audit programs and matters relating to internal control systems, as well as the results of the annual audit and interim financial statements, auditor independence issues and the adequacy of the Audit Committee charter; and reviews with management and the independent auditors any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies and any published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies. A copy of the Audit Committee charter is available under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our Web site (www.oceaneering.com). Any shareholder may obtain a written copy of the charter from us upon request. The report of the Audit Committee is included in this Proxy Statement under the heading “Report of the Audit Committee.”
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee, comprised of directors Berry (Chairman), Goodwin and Reinhardsen, held four meetings during 2018.
The Compensation Committee is appointed by our Board of Directors to:
| |
• | assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to: (i) compensation of our executive officers and nonemployee directors; and (ii) employee benefit plans and practices; and |
| |
• | produce or assist management with the preparation of any reports that may be required from time to time by the rules of the NYSE or the SEC to be included in our proxy statements for our annual meetings of shareholders or annual reports on Form 10-K. |
Specific duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include: overseeing our executive and key employee compensation plans and benefit programs; reviewing and approving objectives relevant to the compensation of executives and key employees, including administration of annual bonus plans, long-term incentive plans, supplemental executive retirement plan and severance, termination and change-of-control arrangements; approving employment agreements for key executives; reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding the directors’ and officers’ indemnification and insurance matters; evaluating the performance of executives and key employees, including our Chief Executive Officer; recommending to the Board the compensation for the Board and committees of the Board; and annually evaluating its own performance and its charter.
On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee engages a recognized human resource consulting firm (the “Compensation Consultant”) to assist the Compensation Committee in its administration of compensation for our directors and executive officers. The Compensation Consultant provides to the Compensation Committee a market analysis including total direct compensation (salary, annual incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation), retirement benefits and perquisites for each of our executive officers and compensation for nonemployee directors among peer group companies and other survey data (see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – The Role of the Compensation Consultant” in this Proxy Statement). The Compensation Consultant engaged in 2018 was Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC, which has served in this capacity since 2015.
The Compensation Committee approves the forms and amounts of annual and long-term incentive program compensation for our executive officers and other key employees, and recommends to the Board the forms and amounts of compensation for nonemployee directors.
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors. A copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our Web site
(www.oceaneering.com). Any shareholder may obtain a written copy of the charter from us upon request. The report of the Compensation Committee is included in this Proxy Statement under the heading “Report of the Compensation Committee.”
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, comprised of directors Webster (Chairman), Murphy and Reinhardsen, held five meetings during 2018.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is appointed by our Board of Directors to, among other things:
| |
• | identify individuals qualified to become directors of Oceaneering; |
| |
• | recommend to our Board candidates to fill vacancies on our Board or to stand for election to the Board by our shareholders; |
| |
• | recommend to our Board a director to serve as Chairman of the Board; |
| |
• | recommend to our Board committee assignments for directors; |
| |
• | periodically assess the performance of our Board and its committees; |
| |
• | periodically review with our Board succession planning with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; |
| |
• | evaluate related-person transactions in accordance with our policy regarding such transactions; and |
| |
• | periodically review and assess the adequacy of our corporate governance policies and procedures. |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors. A copy of this charter and a copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our Web site (www.oceaneering.com). Any shareholder may obtain a written copy of each of these documents from us upon request.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee solicits ideas for potential Board candidates from a number of sources, including members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers. The Committee also has authority to select and compensate a third-party search firm to help identify candidates, if it deems it advisable to do so.
Shareholder Nominations for Board Candidates
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider nominees recommended by shareholders in accordance with our Bylaws. In assessing the qualifications of all prospective nominees to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider, in addition to criteria set forth in our Bylaws, each nominee’s personal and professional integrity, experience, skills, ability and willingness to devote the time and effort necessary to be an effective board member, and commitment to acting in the best interests of Oceaneering and its shareholders. Consideration also will be given to the Board’s diversity and having an appropriate mix of backgrounds and skills. In that regard, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that any search for potential director candidates should consider diversity as to gender, ethnic background and personal and professional experiences and that any initial list of new director candidates developed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, or by a third-party consultant engaged by or on behalf of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, to fill any vacancy in Board membership should include one or more qualified women and minority candidates.
A shareholder who wishes to recommend a nominee for director should comply with the procedures specified in our Bylaws, as well as applicable securities laws and regulations of the NYSE. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider all candidates identified through the processes described above, whether identified by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or by a shareholder, and will evaluate each of them on the same basis.
As to each person a shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, our Bylaws provide that the nomination notice must:
| |
• | include the name, age, business address, residence address (if known) and principal occupation or employment of that person, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned or owned of record by that person and any other information relating to that person that is required to be disclosed under Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the related SEC rules and regulations; and |
| |
• | be accompanied by the written consent of the person to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. |
The nomination notice must also include, as to that shareholder and any of that shareholder’s “associates” (defined to include (i) any person acting in concert with that shareholder, (ii) any person who beneficially owns shares of Common Stock owned of record or beneficially by that shareholder and (iii) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, directly or indirectly, that shareholder or any person described in the foregoing clause (i) or (ii)) on whose behalf the nomination or nominations are being made:
| |
• | the name and address of that shareholder, as they appear on our stock records and the name and address of that associate; |
| |
• | the number of shares of Common Stock which that shareholder and that associate own beneficially or of record; |
| |
• | a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding relating to any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions (including any derivative or short position, profit interest, option, hedging transaction or borrowing or lending of shares) that has been entered into or made by that shareholder or that associate, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from share price changes or to increase or decrease the voting power of that shareholder or that associate, in any case with respect to any share of Common Stock; |
| |
• | a description of all arrangements and understandings between that shareholder or that associate and each proposed nominee of that shareholder and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by that shareholder; |
| |
• | a representation by that shareholder that he or she intends to appear in person or by proxy at that meeting to nominate the person(s) named in that nomination notice; |
| |
• | a representation as to whether that shareholder or that associate, if any, intends, or is part of a group, as Rule 13d-5(b) under the Exchange Act uses that term, which intends, (i) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to the holders of shares of Common Stock having at least the percentage of the total votes of the holders of all outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote in the election of each proposed nominee of that shareholder which is required to elect that proposed nominee and/or (ii) otherwise to solicit proxies in support of the nomination; and |
| |
• | any other information relating to that shareholder and that associate that is required to be disclosed under Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the related SEC rules and regulations, in connection with solicitations of proxies for an election of a director. |
In addition, the nomination notice must include a representation that the shareholder will notify us in writing of any change in any of the information referenced above as of the record date for the meeting of shareholders to which the nomination relates promptly following the later of that record date or the date notice of that record date is first publicly disclosed. We may require any person a shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director under the provisions described above to furnish additional written information to determine the eligibility of that person to serve as a director.
To be timely for consideration at our 2020 Annual Meeting, a shareholder’s nomination notice must be received at our principal executive offices, 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000, addressed to our Corporate Secretary, not earlier than November 11, 2019 and not later than the close of business on January 10, 2020.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND BOARD RISK OVERSIGHT
We currently have a leadership structure that includes separate individuals serving as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board. Our Board believes this structure is appropriate in the existing circumstances, as Mr. Larson, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Huff, Chairman of our Board, currently serve our company in separate and distinct roles. Our Board
believes it is appropriate to retain the flexibility to combine those two positions in the future, should future circumstances result in a situation in which our Board determines that such a combination is appropriate.
The members of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include only persons whom the Board has affirmatively determined are independent. None of the chairmen of our Board committees serves as chairman of more than one of those committees. As discussed above, our Board of Directors has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are audit committee financial experts as defined in the applicable rules of the SEC. Although our Board believes the current membership and leadership structure for our Board committees are appropriate in the existing circumstances, our Board also believes it is appropriate to retain the flexibility to change Board committee memberships and leadership structure in the future, should future circumstances warrant such a change in the view of our Board.
The risk oversight role of our Board and its committees is set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines and respective committee charters. Our Board and its committees are actively involved in the oversight of risks applicable to Oceaneering through oversight of our enterprise risk management program. Our Board oversees our:
| |
• | financial- and compliance-related risks with the assistance of the Audit Committee; |
| |
• | risks associated with our Board and executive officer leadership and succession, conflicts of interest, and more generally with the adequacy of our governance policies and procedures, with the assistance of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and |
| |
• | risks associated with compensation policies and practices for executive officers and key employees with the assistance of the Compensation Committee. |
Our Compensation Committee considers, in establishing and reviewing compensation programs, whether the programs encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. Based on analyses conducted by management and discussed with the Compensation Committee, we do not believe that our compensation programs for our executives and other employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. Our Board believes that the current structure of our Audit Committee, with all members being independent and audit committee financial experts, and our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee, with all members being independent, provides for an efficient and effective means of overseeing these risks. Our Board also oversees our strategic and operations-related risks. Our Board believes that the relative levels of experience and independence of our Board members, collectively, support the Board’s ability to effectively oversee these risks.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
No member of the Compensation Committee has served as one of our officers or employees at any time. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Board. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Compensation Committee. None of our directors or executive officers are members of the same family.
CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board of Directors adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers, including our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer or Controller, and a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all our directors, officers and employees. Each is available under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our Web site (www.oceaneering.com). Any shareholder may obtain a printed copy of these codes from us upon request. Any change in or waiver of these codes of ethics will be disclosed on our Web site.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our Common Stock to file with the SEC and the NYSE initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock. Based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all our directors and executive officers complied on a timely basis with all applicable filing
requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during 2018, except that Mr. Clyde W. Hewlett, our Chief Operating Officer, filed a Form 4 that reported, after the time prescribed, a sale of Common Stock by him.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Audit Committee of Oceaneering International, Inc.’s Board of Directors was comprised of the directors named below. Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director as defined by applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Committee met seven times during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Ernst & Young LLP, Oceaneering’s independent registered public accounting firm, all of Oceaneering’s earnings releases in 2018 prior to the public release of those earnings releases. In addition, the chairman of the Committee reviewed and discussed with management the interim financial information included in Oceaneering’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, prior to their being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Ernst & Young Oceaneering’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. Members of management represented to the Committee that Oceaneering’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee discussed with Ernst & Young matters required to be discussed under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Committee also reviewed and discussed, with management and Ernst & Young, our management’s report and Ernst & Young’s report on internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Ernst & Young provided to the Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young’s independence, and the Committee discussed with Ernst & Young their independence from Oceaneering. The Committee concluded that Ernst & Young’s provision of non-audit services to Oceaneering and its affiliates is compatible with Ernst & Young’s independence.
Based on the Committee’s discussions with management and Ernst & Young and the Committee’s review of the items referred to above, the Committee recommended to Oceaneering’s Board of Directors that Oceaneering’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 be included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC.
|
| | |
| | Audit Committee |
| | Paul B. Murphy, Jr., Chairman William B. Berry Deanna L. Goodwin |
PROPOSAL 2
ADVISORY VOTE ON A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE
THE COMPENSATION OF OCEANEERING’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As required by Section 14A(a)(1) of the Exchange Act, we are providing our shareholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
In making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors considers all elements of compensation when setting each element of compensation. The Compensation Committee assesses each element of base salary, annual incentive bonus, long-term incentive compensation and retirement plan value against a combination of available information from the most recent proxy statements of a peer group of publicly traded companies and survey data from the energy and general industries.
As described in detail under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement below, our compensation program for Named Executive Officers is designed to attract, retain and motivate key executives and to deliver a competitive package that is aligned with our shareholders’ interests, while at the same time avoiding the encouragement of unnecessary or excessive risk taking. A significant portion of that compensation program is delivered through variable compensation elements that are tied to key performance objectives. Generally, at least one-half of the 2018 target total direct compensation (annual salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives) of our Named Executive Officers is performance-based and approximately 60% of the estimated grant date value of their long-term incentive awards is performance-based.
The prolonged downturn in the offshore oilfield markets we serve has continued to impact our business and financial results and, accordingly, has negatively affected the annual and long-term incentive compensation of our Named Executive Officers. Since 2016, the amounts realized by our Named Executive Officers under our performance-based annual and long-term incentive programs have ranged from zero to between threshold and target. In 2018, for the second year in a row, no payouts were made under our long-term performance unit program, as achievement of the specific financial goals established for the period of 2016-2018 was below the threshold necessary for payment under the program.
In 2018, our consolidated revenue approximated that of 2017; however, we had an operating loss in 2018 of $145 million, compared to operating income of $11 million in 2017, as increased levels of oilfield activity were more than offset by lower pricing for our services and products. Accordingly, we have continued a series of initiatives we started in 2015 to align our operations with current and anticipated activity and pricing levels, which have necessarily included workforce reductions, incurring unusual expenses and making certain accounting adjustments. Despite these challenges, notable achievements in 2018 included:
| |
• | achieving record operating performance in our Advanced Technologies segment; |
| |
• | entering into our first E-ROV contract to provide a resident, battery-powered remotely operated vehicle to support subsea inspection, maintenance and repair activities; |
| |
• | securing meaningful contracts in our Subsea Products segment, allowing us to reach a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 for the year, and ending the year with a backlog in that segment of $332 million, an increase of approximately 20% from that at December 31, 2017; |
| |
• | expanding our service offerings in Brazil by securing a contract to supply and operate three drill pipe riser systems for intervention and completion operations; |
| |
• | acquiring Ecosse Subsea, allowing us to leverage our existing ROV and Survey businesses and increase our participation in the offshore renewables market; |
| |
• | continuing to develop new robotics and automation solutions, as highlighted by our ROV advances and enhanced entertainment offerings; |
| |
• | completing a public offering of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2028 and using the net proceeds and cash on hand to repay in full an outstanding $300 million term loan due October 2019; |
| |
• | amending the credit agreement we entered into in October 2014 to, among other things, extend the maturity of our undrawn, unsecured revolving credit facility, with commitments at the $500 million level until October 2021 and thereafter at the $450 million level until January 2023; and |
| |
• | maintaining an appropriately capitalized balance sheet, with $750 million of working capital, including $354 million of cash and cash equivalents, $800 million of debt and $1.4 billion of equity at December 31, 2018. |
The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation; rather, the vote relates to the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as described in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the rules of the SEC. As an advisory vote, it is not binding. However, our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and overseeing the administration of our executive compensation program, will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our executive officers.
Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote on the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that Oceaneering’s shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in Oceaneering’s Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 2018 Summary Compensation Table and the other compensation-related tables and accompanying narrative disclosures.
In accordance with our Bylaws, the adoption of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Because abstentions are counted as present for purposes of the vote on this proposal, but are not votes “FOR” this proposal, they have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” this proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this vote.
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. The persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote such proxy FOR approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers unless a choice is set forth therein or unless an abstention or broker “non-vote” is indicated therein.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following discussion and analysis contains statements regarding future individual and company performance goals and measures. These goals and measures are disclosed in the limited context of Oceaneering’s compensation programs and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. Oceaneering cautions investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis, or “CD&A,” provides information regarding the compensation programs in place for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and three other most highly compensated executive officers during 2018. We refer to these individuals in this Proxy Statement as the “Named Executive Officers.” This CD&A also includes information regarding, among other things, the objectives of our compensation program, the achievements that the compensation program is designed to reward, the elements of the compensation program (including the reasons why we employ each element and how we determine amounts paid) and how each element fits into our overall compensation objectives. As used in this CD&A, references to the “Committee” mean the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
Executive Summary
Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and motivate key executives and to deliver a competitive package to our executive officers that is aligned with our shareholders’ interests. When considering our program, we believe it is important to note:
| |
• | the primary components of our compensation program consist of annual base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and retirement plans that are designed in the aggregate to provide opportunity that is competitive with the 50th percentile of a peer group and survey data identified by the Compensation Consultant retained by the Committee; |
| |
• | a significant portion of the program is delivered through variable compensation elements that are tied to key performance objectives of Oceaneering. Generally, at least one-half of the target total direct compensation (annual |
salary and annual and long-term incentives at target levels) is performance-based and approximately 60% of the estimated grant date value of long-term incentive awards is performance-based;
| |
• | the prolonged downturn in the offshore oilfield markets we serve has continued to impact our business and financial results and, accordingly, has negatively affected the annual and long-term incentive compensation of the Named Executive Officers; |
| |
• | annual incentive payouts for the Named Executive Officers for 2018 were approximately 47% of target amounts, reflecting achievement of positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) between threshold and target levels and attainment of health, safety, environmental protection (“HSE”) goals near target; and |
| |
• | for the second year in a row, there were no payouts to the Named Executive Officers under our long-term incentive performance unit program, as the threshold level of performance for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 was not attained for either average return on invested capital or cumulative EBITDA. |
In 2018, the Compensation Consultant assessed the competitiveness of Oceaneering’s executive compensation program relative to industry benchmarks, and the alignment of that program with Oceaneering’s compensation philosophy and objectives, and advised that:
| |
• | no change was recommended to the peer group selected by the Committee in 2017; |
| |
• | the target total direct compensation of most Oceaneering executives was below the relevant 50th percentile of the market; |
| |
• | amounts realized from our executive compensation program were generally aligned with Oceaneering’s performance, but conservative relative to peers; and |
| |
• | Oceaneering’s incentive structure for its executive officers was generally aligned with Oceaneering’s compensation philosophy and objectives and market practices. |
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain key executives, motivate them to achieve our short-term and long-term objectives without exposing us to excessive or unnecessary risk, and reward them for superior performance. We use several different compensation elements in the executive compensation program that are geared to both our short-term and long-term performance. The following principles influence the design and administration of our executive compensation program.
Compensation Should Be Related to Performance
The Committee and our Board of Directors believe that a significant portion of an executive officer’s direct compensation should be tied to overall company performance and measured against financial goals and other performance-based objectives.
Under the performance-based portions of our compensation arrangements, our basic philosophy is that, in years when performance is better than the objectives established for the relevant performance period, Named Executive Officers should be paid more than the target awards and, when our performance does not meet planned objectives, incentive award payments should be less than such targets, in the absence of special circumstances.
Compensation Programs Should Motivate Executives to Remain With Us
We believe that there is significant value to our shareholders for our executive officers to remain with our company over time. Our business success and growth depend on leadership by executives with a keen understanding of our services and products and the markets we serve and who can develop and maintain strong customer relationships over time. Also, value is built by executives who understand the unique business and technical aspects of our industry. For these reasons, a significant part of our executive compensation arrangements historically has been a combination of long-term incentive compensation arrangements, with awards that have provided for vesting over several years. In addition, to promote long-term retention, we provide our executive officers with incentives to remain focused on their duties in the event of any change of control, including some financial security in the event of a change of control. We also provide for long-term benefits through retirement plans (see “— Post-Employment Compensation Programs” below).
Incentive Compensation Should Represent a Significant Part of an Executive’s Total Direct Compensation
We believe that the portion of an executive officer’s total compensation that varies with our overall performance objectives should increase as the scope and level of the individual’s business responsibilities and role in the organization increase. We believe that, generally, at least one-half of the target total direct compensation (the sum of annual base salary and annual incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation at target levels) of our executive officers should be at risk against short- and long-term performance goals, and our Chief Executive Officer should be subject to a greater amount of such risk than other executive officers.
Incentive Compensation Should Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Performance
We strive to maintain an executive compensation program that balances short-term, or annual, results and long-term results. To reinforce the importance of this balance, we regularly provide our executive officers both annual and long-term incentives. We believe we should avoid disproportionately large short-term or annual incentives that could encourage our executive officers to take excessive and unnecessary risks. The value for participants in our long-term incentive programs generally increases at higher levels of responsibility, as executives in these leadership roles have the greatest influence on our strategic direction and results over time.
The Committee’s approach to long-term incentives is to make both service- and performance-based awards to our executive officers and other key employees. The service-based awards have consisted of restricted stock units, and the performance-based awards have consisted of performance units. The long-term incentive awards are scheduled to vest in full on the third anniversary of the award date, subject to earlier vesting as described below under “— Long-Term Incentive Compensation.” The Committee believes that performance-based awards, valued at target level, should account for approximately 60% of the total annual long-term incentive compensation of the Named Executive Officers and service-based awards should account for the balance. For this purpose, the Committee assumes a value for restricted stock units based on the grant date value computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 – Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”) and performance units based on the value at target of $100 per unit. The Committee believes that this approach promotes our philosophy of rewarding executives for growing shareholder value over time. Upon vesting, settlement of the restricted stock units will be made in shares of our Common Stock, with some shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding requirements. Upon vesting, the value of the performance units will be paid in cash.
Compensation Levels Should Be Competitive
The Committee reviews competitive compensation information as part of its process in establishing target total direct compensation and retirement plan values that are competitive. In making compensation decisions, the Committee considers all elements of compensation when setting each element of compensation. The Committee assesses each element of base salary, annual incentive bonus, long-term incentive compensation and retirement plan values against a combination of available information from the most recent proxy statements of a peer group of publicly traded companies and industry survey data.
The Role of the Compensation Committee
The Committee has the primary authority to establish compensation for the Named Executive Officers and other key employees and administers all our executive compensation programs and agreements. The Committee annually reviews corporate goals and objectives, and sets the compensation levels for our executive officers based on the Committee’s evaluation. Our Chief Executive Officer assists the Committee by providing annual recommendations regarding the compensation of our executive officers and other key employees, excluding himself. The Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying or accepting these recommendations. The Chief Executive Officer attends Committee meetings. However, the Committee also meets in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer or other members of management present.
The Committee reviews comparative compensation information compiled by a compensation consultant as described in “— The Role of the Compensation Consultant” below; however, the Committee does not base its decisions on targeting compensation to specific benchmarks. Comparative compensation is one factor used by the Committee in making its compensation decisions. Overall, however, our compensation program for the Named Executive Officers is intended to create a total compensation opportunity that, on average, is competitive with the 50th percentile in the aggregate of appropriate competitive comparative compensation for a Named Executive Officer, as discussed in “— The Role of the Compensation Consultant” below. For additional information regarding the role and responsibility of the Committee, see “Committees of the Board — Compensation Committee” above.
Impact of 2018 Say-on-Pay Vote on Executive Compensation
In approving the 2019 compensation of the Named Executive Officers, the Committee reviewed the vote on the say-on-pay proposal at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Approximately 95% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Committee believes this affirms shareholders’ support of Oceaneering’s approach to executive compensation. Accordingly, the Committee did not adopt any specific changes based on the vote. The Committee will continue to consider the outcome of Oceaneering’s say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers. The Committee expects to continue to hold say-on-pay votes every year, which is consistent with the votes cast by shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting regarding the frequency of such votes.
The Role of the Compensation Consultant
The Committee has the authority to engage a compensation consultant, legal counsel and other advisors, in its discretion, to assist the Committee in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. In 2018, the Committee continued to retain Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”) as the Compensation Consultant to: (i) review the peer group of companies used for comparison purposes in the preceding year and assess the peer group’s continued validity; (ii) conduct a review of the competitiveness of our total direct compensation, retirement benefits and perquisites of the Named Executive Officers and other key employees, relative to data disclosed in proxy statements and other filings with the SEC by the peer group of companies and survey data; (iii) conduct a pay-for-performance analysis to assess the alignment of amounts realized from our executive compensation program and performance for Oceaneering and the peer group of companies identified; (iv) assess Oceaneering’s incentive structure for executive officers and the alignment of that structure with Oceaneering’s compensation philosophy and objectives; (v) assess Oceaneering’s compensation for nonemployee directors relative to market practices, including the compensation programs of a peer group of companies; (vi) assist in assessment of potential excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, assuming a change of control occurred on December 31, 2018; and (vii) assist the Committee in its duties with respect to the compensation of our executives, other key employees and nonemployee directors for 2019. The Committee has engaged Meridian since 2015 to provide similar assistance to the Committee with respect to the compensation of our executive officers and nonemployee directors. The decision to engage the Compensation Consultant and approval of its compensation and other terms of engagement were made by the Committee without reliance on any recommendation of management. The Compensation Consultant’s only work for Oceaneering in 2018, as in 2017, was at the direction of the Committee. The Committee considered this and other factors in its recent assessment of the independence of the Compensation Consultant and concluded that the Compensation Consultant’s work for the Committee does not raise any conflict of interest.
The Compensation Consultant assessed the continuing validity of the peer group of companies used for comparison purposes in the review conducted for the Committee in 2017 and recommended no changes to the peer group for comparison purposes in its 2018 review (collectively, the “Compensation Peer Group”).
The companies included in the Compensation Peer Group were approved for inclusion by the Committee, primarily due to their operational focus broadly within the oilfield services industry and the belief that we compete with these companies for talent and for shareholder investment. The companies (besides Oceaneering) comprising the Compensation Peer Group were:
|
| | | | |
Bristow Group Inc. | | Frank’s International N.V. | | Oil States International, Inc. |
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. | | Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. | | Rowan Companies plc |
Dril-Quip, Inc. | | Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | | Superior Energy Services, Inc. |
Ensco plc | | McDermott International, Inc. | | Transocean Ltd. |
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. | | Noble Corporation plc | | Weatherford International plc |
The survey data used by the Compensation Consultant were obtained from the 2018 Total Compensation Survey for the Energy Sector conducted by Mercer, which reports pay for all segments of the energy business for a variety of executive-level positions in which over 200 organizations participated on average over the past three years (the “Compensation Survey Data”), representing a broad sample of the energy industry. The Compensation Consultant identified the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles for each of our executive officers based on position and pay rank, considering base salary and target values for annual bonus and long-term incentive compensation, individually and in the aggregate. The Compensation Consultant identified these percentiles from (i) information disclosed in relevant filings with the SEC by the companies comprising the Compensation Peer Group and (ii) the Compensation Survey Data. The Compensation Consultant provided this and other information to the Committee at the Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings in 2018 and 2019.
Compensation Benchmarking
The Compensation Consultant conducted a market analysis of Oceaneering’s executive compensation levels and the components of such compensation relative to the Compensation Survey Data and Compensation Peer Group disclosure data (discussed in “— The Role of the Compensation Consultant” above). The Compensation Consultant noted that, in the aggregate, the target total direct compensation of most Oceaneering executives, relative to the market, did not change significantly from the prior year. For the Named Executive Officers in the aggregate, target total direct compensation was below the 50th percentile of the Compensation Peer Group, reflecting executive transitions and the prolonged downturn in the offshore oilfield markets we serve. Retirement plan values were above, and perquisites were near, the median of the peer group, but neither significantly affected the market position of the Named Executive Officers’ total annual compensation values. The Committee considers the Compensation Consultant’s analysis as part of the Committee’s process in seeking to establish and maintain target total compensation that is competitive.
Pay for Performance
The Compensation Consultant also conducted an assessment of the alignment of amounts realized from our executive compensation program to Oceaneering’s performance in 2017 relative to the Compensation Peer Group in terms of actual annual bonus payments to chief executive officers in 2018 measured against (i) growth in EBITDA, (ii) return on average capital and (iii) total shareholder return, for each member of the Compensation Peer Group. The Compensation Consultant found that Oceaneering’s bonus payout was the lowest in the Compensation Peer Group, while Oceaneering’s performance was generally near or above the median for the performance measures utilized. Based on that assessment, the Committee concluded that our Named Executive Officers’ compensation and Oceaneering’s performance were aligned in favor of shareholder interests.
2018 Executive Compensation Components
For 2018, the primary components of our compensation program for Named Executive Officers were:
| |
• | annual incentive awards paid in cash; |
| |
• | long-term incentive awards comprised of restricted stock units and performance units; and |
Annual Base Salary
The Committee considers base salary levels on an annual basis, generally in late February or early March, as well as upon a promotion or significant change in job responsibility. Each year, our Chief Executive Officer recommends base salaries for the other executive officers based on historical levels of base salaries and general market movement, with adjustments he deems appropriate based on the overall performance of the executive officer, including a review of relevant individual and operational or functional group contributions and performance, over the past year. In reviewing the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and in deciding base salaries for all executive officers, the Committee considers each officer’s level of responsibility, experience, tenure, performance and the comparative compensation information provided by the Compensation Consultant. The Committee’s evaluation of each executive officer also takes into account an evaluation of Oceaneering’s overall performance. In March 2018, the Committee approved salary increases for Messrs. Hewlett, Curtis and Lawrence, effective as of January 1, 2018, of 5%, 7% and 5%, respectively; the base salaries approved for the other Named Executive Officers were unchanged from 2017 levels.
Annual Incentive Awards Paid in Cash
In late February or early March of each year, the Committee approves a performance-based annual cash bonus award program (the “Annual Cash Bonus Program”) under our shareholder-approved incentive plan for executive officers and certain other employees, currently our Second Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Plan (our “Incentive Plan”). Around that time, the Committee also approves the final bonus amounts payable under the Annual Cash Bonus Program for the immediately preceding year.
In March 2018, the Committee approved the Annual Cash Bonus Program for 2018. For each Named Executive Officer, 90% of the target bonus opportunity was determined by comparing actual results to the performance levels set by the
Committee for our EBITDA for calendar year 2018 (“2018 EBITDA”). The remaining 10% of the target bonus opportunity was based on specific HSE goals, but subject to achieving a “Gate” level of 2018 EBITDA. The cash payout opportunity under the program for each Named Executive Officer was a specified percentage of his 2018 base salary, adjusted for attainment of program goals as described below.
As recommended by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Committee in March 2018, the target amount for our 2018 EBITDA was $187 million, a goal 30% above the planned amount of 2018 EBITDA, which reflected our forecast assumptions that demand and pricing for many of our services and products would decline in 2018 from 2017 levels, and our projection that we would have lower operating income in 2018 than 2017. The executive officers in the Annual Cash Bonus Program for 2018 and their respective target awards, each as a percentage of base salary, included:
|
| | |
Name | | Target Bonus Award (as a Percentage of Base Salary) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 125% |
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 100% |
Alan R. Curtis | | 75% |
David K. Lawrence | | 70% |
Stephen P. Barrett | | 70% |
In 2018, the Annual Cash Bonus Program participation levels for our Named Executive Officers, in each case as a percentage of base salary, were generally consistent with those in 2017.
The table below notes the percentage of the EBITDA component of a Named Executive Officer’s target award payable under the Annual Cash Bonus Program for the percentage of target 2018 EBITDA achieved, with interpolation between the performance levels shown. The Committee had the discretion to award an amount less than that calculated.
|
| | | | | | |
Performance Level | | 2018 EBITDA | | % of 2018 EBITDA Target | | % of Target Payout |
Gate | | $109,300,000 | | 59% | | —% |
Threshold | | $114,900,000 | | 62% | | 25% |
Plan | | $143,600,000 | | 77% | | 50% |
Target | | $186,700,000 | | 100% | | 100% |
| | $229,800,000 | | 150% | | 123% |
Maximum | | $258,500,000 | | 138% | | 200% |
In addition, assuming attainment of 2018 EBITDA at the Gate level or higher, each Named Executive Officer would have been eligible to receive a bonus payment for attainment of the specified HSE goals, up to a maximum of 130% of such attainment.
In February 2019, the Committee approved final bonus amounts payable under the Annual Cash Bonus Program for 2018. Oceaneering achieved approximately 72% of the 2018 EBITDA target. The EBITDA and HSE components of final bonus amounts paid out at 41% and 97%, respectively, resulting in an approved payout to the Named Executive Officers equal to approximately 47% of target amounts established by the Committee in February 2018 (see the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” below).
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Each year since 2006, the Committee has used annual service-based awards of restricted stock units, which are settled in shares of our Common Stock, and performance-based awards of performance units, which are paid (if paid) in cash, as employee compensation elements for our executive officers and other employees.
The Committee established the following objectives for our long-term incentive program:
| |
• | deliver competitive economic value; |
| |
• | manage annual share utilization; |
| |
• | preserve the alignment of the executive’s financial and shareholding interest with those of our shareholders, generally; |
| |
• | attract and retain executives and other key employees; |
| |
• | focus management attention on specific performance measures that have a strong correlation with the creation of shareholder value; and |
| |
• | provide that generally at least one-half of an executive’s target total direct compensation be performance-based. |
In order to achieve these objectives in 2018, the Committee decided to continue to utilize awards of restricted stock units and performance units payable in cash. These long-term incentive awards are subject to award agreement terms approved by the Committee and vest in the normal course on the third anniversary of the grant date. The Committee expects to continue its practice of considering a balance of service-based and performance-based, long-term incentive awards in late February or early March of each year, taking into account the Compensation Consultant’s assessment of the alignment of Oceaneering’s incentive structure for executive officers with our compensation philosophy and objectives and the market generally. Long-term incentive awards to new employees or in connection with other events, such as promotions, generally are considered at the time of the next scheduled Committee meeting after the hire date or other event occasioning the consideration of the award.
Since 2006, the Committee has refrained from using annual awards of stock options as an element of employee compensation for our executive officers and other employees. Accordingly, no stock options or stock appreciation rights were awarded in 2018.
In March 2018, performance unit awards, payable in cash, and service-based restricted stock unit awards, settled in shares of our Common Stock, were granted to the Named Executive Officers. These performance unit and restricted stock unit awards are scheduled to vest in full on the third anniversary of the award date, subject to earlier vesting if the employee meets a specified age, or age and years-of-service, requirement or in the event of the termination or constructive termination of an employee’s employment in connection with a change of control of Oceaneering or due to death or disability. One-third of the 2018 performance unit and restricted stock unit awards to Mr. Hewlett vested in December 2018, as he met the applicable age and years-of-service requirements. At the notional value of $100 per performance unit for achievement of performance goals at target level, performance unit awards comprised 63% of the estimated grant-date total value of the 2018 long-term incentive awards to the Named Executive Officers.
Each restricted stock unit represents the equivalent of one share of our Common Stock but carries no voting or dividend rights. Settlement of vested restricted stock units will be made in shares of our Common Stock, with some shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding requirements, upon the third anniversary of the award date or upon termination of employment for those units vested before the third anniversary of the award date. The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units awarded to Named Executive Officers is reflected in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” and “Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Stock Option Awards” column of the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.
The performance units awarded in March 2018 are subject to Committee-approved, specific financial goals and measures based on (i) Cumulative EBITDA (as defined) and (ii) Total Shareholder Return (as defined), relative to a peer group selected by the Committee (“Relative TSR”), for the three-year period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 (the “Performance Period”), to be used as the basis for determining the final value of the performance units. Those measures were selected because of the Committee’s belief that they have a strong correlation to the creation of shareholder value. The target amount of Cumulative EBITDA during the three-year Performance Period was selected because it was three times the 2018 EBITDA then expected to be achieved. The amount of Cumulative EBITDA and Relative TSR over the Performance Period necessary to achieve the threshold, target and maximum level goals for these performance measures were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
Performance Measures | | Weight | | Threshold | | Target | | Maximum |
Cumulative EBITDA | | 80% | | $345 million | | $431 million | | $646 million |
Relative TSR | | 20% | | 30th Percentile | | 50th Percentile | | Above 90th Percentile |
The final value of each performance unit may range from $0 to $200, with the threshold, target and maximum levels of achievement of goals valued at $50, $100 and $200, respectively. The value of vested performance units will be determined by the Committee and payable in cash.
The determination of the final value of each performance unit is based on the application of the following grid (with interpolation between the specified threshold, target and maximum levels). Regardless of the actual final value determined in accordance with the following grid, if Oceaneering’s Total Shareholder Return for the Performance Period is negative, then the amount attributable to Relative TSR may not exceed the target level.
|
| | | | | | | | |
Cumulative EBITDA | | Unit Values |
Maximum | | $160.00 | | $170.00 | | $180.00 | | $200.00 |
Target | | $80.00 | | $90.00 | | $100.00 | | $120.00 |
Threshold | | $40.00 | | $50.00 | | $60.00 | | $80.00 |
Below Threshold | | $0.00 | | $10.00 | | $20.00 | | $40.00 |
| | Below Threshold | | Threshold | | Target | | Maximum |
| | Relative TSR |
The estimated future payout of the performance unit awards to Named Executive Officers, if each of the performance measures is achieved at the threshold, target or maximum level, is reflected in the “Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” column of the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.
Approximately 66% of the target total direct compensation of Mr. Larson, our Chief Executive Officer, was at risk against short- and long-term performance goals, and between approximately 60% and 64% was at risk for each of the other Named Executive Officers.
Post-Employment Compensation Programs
Retirement Plans
We maintain a 401(k) plan and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, known as the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). All of our employees who meet the eligibility requirements may participate in our 401(k) plan. Each of the Named Executive Officers participated in our 401(k) plan in 2018. Participation in the SERP includes Named Executive Officers and other key employees selected for participation by the Committee. The SERP was established to provide a benefit to our executives and other key employees in excess of Code limits for our 401(k) plan, in order to attract and motivate participants to remain with us and provide retirement plan values that are competitive with those provided by companies within the Compensation Peer Group. Under the SERP, we credit each participant’s notional account with a percentage (determined by the Committee) of the participant’s base salary, subject to vesting. A participant may elect to defer a portion of base salary and annual bonus for accrual pursuant to the SERP. Amounts accrued under the SERP are adjusted for earnings and losses as if they were invested in one or more deemed investments selected by the participant from those designated as alternatives by the SERP administrative committee. A participant’s vested interest in the plan is generally distributable upon termination. The percentages of base salary credited for our Named Executive Officers in 2018 were:
|
| | |
Name | | SERP Participation (as a Percentage of Base Salary) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 50% |
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 30% |
Alan R. Curtis | | 25% |
David K. Lawrence | | 20% |
Stephen P. Barrett | | 20% |
In 2018, the SERP participation levels for our Named Executive Officers, in each case as a percentage of base salary, were generally consistent with those in 2017. Please see the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table below and accompanying narrative for further information about the SERP and contributions to the Named Executive Officers’ accounts.
Change-of-Control Agreements
We have entered into change-of-control agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers and certain other officers, which we refer to as “Change-of-Control Agreements.” In addition, in 2018, we adopted a change-of-control plan for executive officers and other key employees who were not previously parties to change-of-control agreements with us, in order to streamline the process of providing change-of-control protections to executive officers and other key employees on a go-forward basis. In the case of each of the Named Executive Officers, their pre-existing change-of-control agreements remained in place and would be applicable in the event of a change-of-control situation. The provisions of the Change-of-Control Agreements did not influence and were not influenced by the other elements of compensation, as the change-of-control payments and benefits serve different objectives and due to the fact that a change-of-control triggering event may never occur.
We believe the benefits provided by the Change-of-Control Agreements help promote long-term retention and focus on the best interests of Oceaneering and our shareholders, by providing some financial security to these officers against the risk of loss of employment that could result in connection with a change of control of our company. Each Change-of-Control Agreement entitles the individual to receive a severance package, described below, in the event of the occurrence of both a change of control and a termination of the individual’s employment by us without cause (as defined below) or by the individual for good reason (as defined below) during a period of time beginning a year prior to the occurrence or, in some cases, the contemplation by the Board of, a change of control (the “Effective Date”) and ending two years after the occurrence of a merger or consolidation as described below, but in any event not more than three years following the Effective Date. For purposes of the Change-of-Control Agreements, a change of control is defined as occurring if:
| |
• | any person is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of our securities representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of our outstanding voting securities, other than through the purchase of voting securities directly from a private placement by us; |
| |
• | the current members of our Board, or subsequent members approved by at least two-thirds of the current members, no longer comprise a majority of our Board; |
| |
• | our company is merged or consolidated with another corporation or entity, and our shareholders own less than 60% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation or entity; |
| |
• | there has been a consummation of either a tender offer or exchange offer by a person other than us for the ownership of 20% or more of our voting securities; or |
| |
• | there has been a disposition of all or substantially all of our assets (other than in specified types of affiliate transactions). |
As defined in each Change-of-Control Agreement, cause for termination by Oceaneering means conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, from which conviction no further appeal can be taken, of a felony-grade crime involving moral turpitude related to employment with us.
As defined in each Change-of-Control Agreement, good reason for termination by the executive includes:
| |
• | an adverse change in status, title or position; |
| |
• | a reduction in annual base salary, SERP contribution level by us, annual bonus opportunity or aggregate long-term compensation, all as may be increased subsequent to date of the Change-of-Control Agreement; |
| |
• | our failure to continue certain bonus plans and the SERP in effect, other than as a result of the normal expiration or amendment of any such plan in accordance with its terms, or our taking (or failing to take) any action that would (i) adversely affect the executive’s continued participation in any such plan on at least as favorable a basis to the executive as is the case immediately prior to the effective date of the change of control or (ii) materially reduce the executive’s benefits under any of such plans or deprive the executive of any material benefit enjoyed by the executive immediately prior to such effective date, except as may be proposed by the executive to us; |
| |
• | a relocation of the principal place of the executive’s employment to a location 25 miles further from the executive’s principal residence without the executive’s express written consent; |
| |
• | the failure of a successor to assume the Change-of-Control Agreement; |
| |
• | any prohibition by us against the individual engaging in outside activities permitted by the Change-of-Control Agreement; and |
| |
• | any default by us in the performance of our obligations under the Change-of-Control Agreement, whether before or after a change of control. |
The severance package provided for in each Change-of-Control Agreement consists of an amount equal to a multiple (three, in the case of Mr. Larson, and two, in the case of each of our other Named Executive Officers) times the sum of:
| |
• | his highest annual rate of base salary during the then-current year or any of the three years preceding the date of termination; |
| |
• | an amount equal to the target award the Named Executive Officer is eligible to receive under the then-current Annual Cash Bonus Program; and |
| |
• | in the case of Mr. Larson, an amount equal to the maximum percentage of his annual base salary contributed by us for him in our SERP for the then-current year multiplied by his highest annual rate of base salary during the then-current year or any of the three years preceding the date of termination. |
The severance provisions also provide that, for each Named Executive Officer:
| |
• | the benefits under all compensation plans and programs, including restricted stock agreements, restricted stock unit agreements and performance unit agreements, would be paid as if all contingencies for payment and maximum levels of performance had been met; and |
| |
• | he would receive benefits under all other plans and programs he then participates in for three years (in the case of Mr. Larson) or two years (in the case of each of our other Named Executive Officers) at no greater cost or expense to him than was the case immediately prior to the change of control. |
The Change-of-Control Agreements provide that, if any payments made thereunder would cause the recipient to be liable for an excise tax because the payment is a parachute payment, and the amount of the parachute payment, reduced by all federal, state and local taxes applicable thereto, including excise tax imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, were less than the amount the individual would receive if he were paid three times his “base amount,” as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, less $1.00 (the “safe-harbor amount”), reduced by all federal, state and local taxes applicable thereto, then the aggregate of the amounts constituting the parachute payment would be reduced to the safe-harbor amount.
Perquisites
We provide executive officers with perquisites and other benefits that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program to enable us to attract and retain employees for key positions. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to our executive officers. The perquisites provided to the Named Executive Officers in 2018 and our incremental cost to provide those perquisites are set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” below and the related footnotes to that table.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
To align the interests of our directors, executive officers and shareholders, we believe our directors and executive officers should have a significant financial stake in Oceaneering. To further that goal, our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines requiring that our nonemployee directors and designated officers maintain minimum ownership interests in Oceaneering relative to the cash retainer generally paid to nonemployee directors (“Retainer”) or current annual base salary of the officer (“Base Salary”). Under the guidelines, we expect each of our nonemployee directors and senior officers to own a number of shares of our Common Stock having a market value or cost basis, whichever is greater, that is not less than a multiple of the Retainer or Base Salary as provided in the following table.
|
| | |
Level | | Multiple of Retainer or Base Salary |
Nonemployee Directors | | 5 |
Chief Executive Officer | | 5 |
President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Corporate Senior Vice Presidents | | 3 |
Other Senior Vice Presidents | | 2 |
The following forms of ownership are recognized in determining the number of shares of our Common Stock owned by a nonemployee director or executive officer for purposes of satisfying the stock ownership guidelines:
| |
• | direct ownership of shares; |
| |
• | indirect ownership of shares, including stock or stock equivalents held in our retirement plan; and |
| |
• | vested and unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units awarded under our long-term incentive programs. |
Each nonemployee director and officer has five years from the date of his or her initial election or appointment to comply with the stock ownership guidelines. In the event that a nonemployee director or officer does not meet the stock ownership level within the specified time period, he or she will be prohibited from selling any stock acquired through vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units, or upon exercise of stock options, except to pay for applicable taxes or the exercise price, until he or she satisfies the requirements. Each of our current nonemployee directors and Named Executive Officers is covered by this policy and currently satisfies the stock ownership guidelines applicable to him or is within the period allowed to achieve compliance.
Prohibitions on Derivatives Trading, Hedging, etc.
Oceaneering maintains a policy that prohibits all of its directors, officers and employees, including the Named Executive Officers, from (i) engaging in “short sales” or trading in puts, calls or other options on our Common Stock, (ii) engaging in hedging transactions involving our Common Stock and (iii) holding shares of our Common Stock in a margin account or pledging shares of our Common Stock as collateral for a loan.
Tax Deductibility of Pay
Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a deduction to public companies for annual compensation over $1 million paid to a chief executive officer and certain other executive officers (“covered employees”). Prior to 2018, compensation paid to our covered employees that met the Section 162(m) requirements of “qualified performance-based compensation” was not subject to this deduction limitation. Effective for our taxable year beginning January 1, 2018, Section 162(m) was amended to eliminate the exception for qualified performance-based compensation, subject to transition relief for certain grandfathered arrangements in effect as of November 2, 2017. Although the deductibility of compensation is a consideration evaluated by the Committee, the Committee believes it is important to preserve flexibility in designing compensation programs and that the lost deduction on compensation payable in excess of the $1-million limitation for the Named Executive Officers who are covered employees does not outweigh the benefit of being able to attract and retain talented management. Accordingly, the Committee will continue to retain the discretion to approve compensation that is subject to the $1-million deductibility limit.
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
Section 409A of the Code can impose significant additional taxes on the recipient of “nonqualified deferred compensation” arrangements that do not meet specified requirements regarding both form and operation. Some of the arrangements between Oceaneering and its executive officers and other employees provide, or might be considered to provide, nonqualified deferred compensation. We seek to ensure that our compensation arrangements are either exempt from or comply with Section 409A.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement with the management of Oceaneering International, Inc., and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors of Oceaneering that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
|
| |
| Compensation Committee |
| William B. Berry, Chairman Deanna L. Goodwin Jon Erik Reinhardsen |
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table summarizes compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who served as our principal financial officer through December 31, 2018, and our three other most highly paid executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2018. We refer to these persons as the Named Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position as of December 31, 2018 | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($)(2) | | Stock Awards ($)(3) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(4) | | All Other Compensation ($)(5)(6) | | Total ($) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 2018 | | 700,000 |
| | — |
| | 1,120,554 |
| | 411,072 |
| | 393,463 |
| | 2,625,089 |
|
President and Chief Executive | | 2017 | | 650,685 |
| | — |
| | 1,303,332 |
| | 213,807 |
| | 344,615 |
| | 2,512,439 |
|
Officer | | 2016 | | 550,000 |
| | — |
| | 617,260 |
| | 607,500 |
| | 251,932 |
| | 2,026,692 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 2018 | | 453,600 |
| | — |
| | 451,800 |
| | 213,100 |
| | 179,052 |
| | 1,297,552 |
|
Chief Operating Officer | | 2017 | | 432,000 |
| | — |
| | 481,462 |
| | 113,560 |
| | 164,525 |
| | 1,191,547 |
|
| | 2016 | | 432,000 |
| | — |
| | 462,945 |
| | 390,000 |
| | 163,516 |
| | 1,448,461 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alan R. Curtis | | 2018 | | 369,150 |
| | — |
| | 288,900 |
| | 130,069 |
| | 127,723 |
| | 915,842 |
|
Senior Vice President and | | 2017 | | 345,000 |
| | — |
| | 295,785 |
| | 68,018 |
| | 118,431 |
| | 827,234 |
|
Chief Financial Officer | | 2016 | | 300,000 |
| | — |
| | 246,915 |
| | 75,000 |
| | 106,050 |
| | 727,965 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
David K. Lawrence | | 2018 | | 346,500 |
| | — |
| | 234,198 |
| | 113,949 |
| | 106,476 |
| | 801,123 |
|
Senior Vice President, General | | 2017 | | 330,000 |
| | — |
| | 254,616 |
| | 60,723 |
| | 99,872 |
| | 745,211 |
|
Counsel and Secretary (1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stephen P. Barrett | | 2018 | | 325,000 |
| | — |
| | 231,228 |
| | 106,879 |
| | 86,092 |
| | 749,199 |
|
Senior Vice President, | | 2017 | | 325,000 |
| | — |
| | 278,615 |
| | 59,803 |
| | 77,531 |
| | 740,949 |
|
Business Development (1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | No information is reported for Messrs. Barrett and Lawrence for 2016, as each was not a named executive officer under the rules of the SEC for those years. |
| |
(2) | No discretionary bonuses were awarded to the Named Executive Officers for the indicated years. |
| |
(3) | The amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair values of awards of restricted stock units computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. |
| |
(4) | The amounts shown for 2018 are comprised of annual bonus payments made under our Annual Cash Bonus Award Program for 2018 (see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Incentive Awards Paid in Cash” above). No cash payments were made pursuant to performance units awarded in 2016, as the Compensation Committee determined that the threshold level of performance for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 was not attained for either average return on invested capital or cumulative EBITDA. |
The amounts shown for 2017 were comprised of annual bonus payments made under our Annual Cash Bonus Award Program for 2017. No cash payments were made pursuant to performance units awarded in 2015, as the Compensation Committee determined that the threshold level of performance for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, was not attained for either average return on invested capital or cumulative EBITDA.
The amounts shown for 2016 were comprised of cash payouts pursuant to performance units awarded in 2014 of $75.00 per unit, as the Compensation Committee determined that the performance measures for the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016, were attained at the maximum level for return on invested capital and below the threshold for cumulative EBITDA. No annual bonus payments were made under our Annual Cash Bonus Award Program for 2016.
| |
(5) | The amount included for each attributable perquisite or personal benefit does not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and personal benefits received by any Named Executive Officer. |
| |
(6) | The amounts shown for 2018 are attributable to the following: |
| |
• | Mr. Larson: (i) $350,000 for our contribution to his notional SERP account; (ii) $16,500 for our contribution to his 401(k) plan account; (iii) 5,843 for basic life insurance premium; and (iv) $21,120 for perquisites and other personal benefits comprised of: provision of excess liability insurance; premium for a supplemental medical insurance plan; use of a company-provided automobile; and use of sporting event tickets; |
| |
• | Mr. Hewlett: (i) $136,080 for our contribution to his notional SERP account; (ii) $16,500 for our contribution to his 401(k) plan account; (iii) 8,099 for basic life insurance premium; and (iv) $18,373 for perquisites and other personal benefits comprised of: provision of excess liability insurance; premium for a supplemental medical insurance plan; club membership; and use of sporting event tickets; |
| |
• | Mr. Curtis: (i) $92,288 for our contribution to his notional SERP account; (ii) $16,500 for our contribution to his 401(k) plan account; (iii) 2,984 for basic life insurance premium; and (iv) $15,951 for perquisites and other personal benefits comprised of: provision of excess liability insurance; and premium for a supplemental medical insurance plan; |
| |
• | Mr. Lawrence: (i) $69,300 for our contribution to his notional SERP account; (ii) $16,500 for our contribution to his 401(k) plan account; (iii) 4,329 for basic life insurance premium; and (iv) $16,347 for perquisites and other personal benefits comprised of: provision of excess liability insurance; and premium for a supplemental medical insurance plan; and use of sporting event tickets; and |
| |
• | Mr. Barrett: (i) $65,000 for our contribution to his notional SERP account; (ii) $13,494 for our contribution to his 401(k) plan account; (iii) 5,735 for basic life insurance premium; and (iv) $1,863 for perquisites and other personal benefits comprised of provision of excess liability insurance. |
The following table provides information about the equity and non-equity awards to the Named Executive Officers under our Incentive Plan during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Grant Date | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (3) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards (4) |
Threshold ($) | | Target ($) | | Maximum ($) | |
Roderick A. Larson | | 3/1/2018 | (1) | 945,000 |
| | 1,890,000 |
| | 3,780,000 |
| | 62,253 |
| | $ | 1,120,554 |
|
| | 3/1/2018 | (2) | 196,875 |
| | 875,000 |
| | 1,688,750 |
| | | | |
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 3/1/2018 | (1) | 381,000 |
| | 762,000 |
| | 1,524,000 |
| | 25,100 |
| | $ | 451,800 |
|
| | 3/1/2018 | (2) | 102,060 |
| | 453,600 |
| | 875,448 |
| | | | |
Alan R. Curtis | | 3/1/2018 | (1) | 243,650 |
| | 487,300 |
| | 974,600 |
| | 16,050 |
| | $ | 288,900 |
|
| | 3/1/2018 | (2) | 62,294 |
| | 276,863 |
| | 534,345 |
| | | | |
David K. Lawrence | | 3/1/2018 | (1) | 197,500 |
| | 395,000 |
| | 790,000 |
| | 13,011 |
| | $ | 234,198 |
|
| | 3/1/2018 | (2) | 54,574 |
| | 242,550 |
| | 468,122 |
| | | | |
Stephen P. Barrett | | 3/1/2018 | (1) | 195,000 |
| | 390,000 |
| | 780,000 |
| | 12,846 |
| | $ | 231,228 |
|
| | 3/1/2018 | (2) | 51,188 |
| | 227,500 |
| | 439,075 |
| | | | |
| |
(1) | The amounts presented show the potential value of the payout for each Named Executive Officer under the performance units awarded in 2018 if the threshold, target or maximum goal is satisfied for each of the performance measures. The potential payouts are performance-driven and, therefore, at risk. For a description of the awards, including business measurements for the three-year performance period and the performance goals for determining the payout, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above. |
| |
(2) | The amounts presented show the possible threshold, target and maximum bonus amounts that could have been payable under our 2018 Annual Cash Bonus Award Program. For a discussion of the program and related 2018 results, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Incentive Awards Paid in Cash.” |
| |
(3) | The amounts reflect the number of restricted stock units awarded to the Named Executive Officers in 2018. For a description of the awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above. |
| |
(4) | The amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units computed under FASB ASC Topic 718 awarded to the Named Executive Officers in 2018. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For a description of the awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above. |
The following table provides information on the current holdings of unvested restricted stock units for the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2018. There were no outstanding stock options held by the Named Executive Officers in 2018.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
|
| | | | | | | |
Name | | Stock Awards |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (1) | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (2) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 132,233 |
| | $ | 1,600,019 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 22,350 |
| | $ | 270,435 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | 35,253 |
| | $ | 426,561 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | 29,298 |
| | $ | 354,506 |
|
Stephen P. Barrett | | 31,816 |
| | $ | 384,974 |
|
| |
(1) | Reflects unvested restricted stock units awarded pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Agreements entered into with the Named Executive Officers in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The vesting schedule for these restricted stock units is as follows: |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | 2016 Agreement (# of Units) Vesting Date | | 2017 Agreement (# of Units) Vesting Date | | 2018 Agreement (# of Units) Vesting Date | | Total |
2/18/2019 | | 12/15/2019 | | 2/24/2020 | | 12/15/2019 | | 12/15/2020 | | 3/1/2021 | | (# of Units) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 22,124 |
| | — |
| | 47,856 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 62,253 |
| | 132,233 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | — |
| | 5,617 |
| | — |
| | 8,366 |
| | 8,367 |
| | — |
| | 22,350 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | 8,850 |
| | — |
| | 10,353 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 16,050 |
| | 35,253 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | 7,375 |
| | — |
| | 8,912 |
| | — |
| | 13,011 |
| | — |
| | 29,298 |
|
Stephen P. Barrett | | 9,218 |
| | — |
| | 9,752 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,846 |
| | 31,816 |
|
| |
(2) | Market value of unvested restricted stock units assumes a price of $12.10 per share of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2018 (the last trading day on the NYSE in 2018), which was the closing price of our Common Stock, as reported by the NYSE, on that date. |
The following table provides information for the Named Executive Officers on the number of shares acquired during 2018 following vesting of restricted stock unit awards and the value realized. There were no outstanding stock options held by the Named Executive Officers in 2018.
Stock Vested
|
| | | | | | | |
Name | | Stock Awards |
Number of Shares Acquired after Vesting | | Value Realized on Settlement (1) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 12,000 |
| | $ | 221,400 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 9,000 |
| | $ | 166,050 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | 7,280 |
| | $ | 134,316 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | 4,000 |
| | $ | 73,800 |
|
Stephen P. Barrett | | 7,800 |
| | $ | 143,910 |
|
| |
(1) | The amounts reflect the gross value realized for shares acquired after vesting of restricted stock units, pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Agreements entered into in 2015 with the Named Executive Officers, at a price of $18.45 per share of our Common Stock as of February 19, 2018, which was the closing price of our Common Stock, as reported by the NYSE, on that date. |
We do not provide a Pension Benefits Table because we have no qualified pension plan or other plan that would be reportable under the SEC’s rules applicable to Pension Benefits Tables.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Our SERP is an unfunded, defined contribution plan for selected executives and key employees of Oceaneering, including the Named Executive Officers. Pursuant to our SERP, U.S. participants, including the Named Executive Officers, may defer up to 85% of their base salaries and 90% of their annual cash bonus amounts. We credit a participant’s notional account with a determined percentage of the participant’s base salary, subject to vesting. Benefits under our SERP are based on the participant’s vested portion of his or her notional account balance at the time of termination of employment. A participant vests in one-third of our credited amounts each year, subject to accelerated vesting upon the soonest to occur of: (i) the date the participant has completed ten years of participation; (ii) the date that the sum of the participant’s age and years of participation equals 65; (iii) the date of termination of employment by reason of death or disability; and (iv) the date of termination of employment within two years following a change of control. Messrs. Hewlett, Curtis and Lawrence are fully vested in their SERP accounts. All participants, including Messrs. Larson and Barrett, are fully vested in deferred base salary and bonus.
Amounts accrued under the SERP are adjusted for earnings and losses as if invested in one or more deemed investments selected by the participants from those designated as alternatives by the SERP administrative committee, the members of which are selected by our Board. The deemed investment vehicles are a variety of mutual fund variable accounts. Participants may reallocate their notional accounts within that group of mutual fund variable accounts by notifying the third-party administrative agent of our SERP. The administrative agent adjusts each participant’s account with any hypothetical income, gain or loss and any payments or distributions attributable to such account on a daily basis, or at such other times as the administrative agent determines, based on the performance of the specific deemed investments selected from time to time by the participant. We do not provide any “above market or preferential earnings” (as defined by SEC rules) on any amount of deferred compensation pursuant to our SERP or otherwise.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, as reported by the administrative agent of our SERP, the deemed investment options available pursuant to our SERP generated hypothetical annual returns (losses) ranging from (28.3)% to 7.9%.
The following table provides information on our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Amounts shown are entirely attributable to our SERP.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Executive Contributions in 2018 ($) | | Company Contributions in 2018 ($)(1) | | Aggregate Earnings (Losses) in 2018 ($)(2) | | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) | | Aggregate Balance at 12/31/2018 ($)(3) |
Roderick A. Larson | | — |
| | 350,000 |
| | (137,555 | ) | | — |
| | 2,016,063 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 36,060 |
| | 136,080 |
| | (137,829 | ) | | — |
| | 3,696,222 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | — |
| | 92,288 |
| | (89,420 | ) | | — |
| | 1,852,858 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | — |
| | 69,300 |
| | (71,983 | ) | | — |
| | 879,933 |
|
Stephen P. Barrett | | 159,902 |
| | 65,000 |
| | (35,880 | ) | | — |
| | 1,000,467 |
|
| |
(1) | The amounts reflect the credited contributions we made to the accounts of the Named Executive Officers in 2018. All of the contributions shown are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” above. |
| |
(2) | The amounts reflect hypothetical accrued gains (or losses) in 2018 on the aggregate of contributions by the Named Executive Officers and us on notional investments designed to track the performance of the funds selected by the Named Executive Officers, as reflected below. No amounts of such aggregate earnings are reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” above. |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Aggregate Earnings (Losses) for the Year |
Name | | Executive Contributions ($) | | Company Contributions ($) | | Total ($) |
Roderick A. Larson | | (24,990 | ) | | (112,565 | ) | | (137,555 | ) |
Clyde W. Hewlett | | (72,041 | ) | | (65,788 | ) | | (137,829 | ) |
Alan R. Curtis | | (45,926 | ) | | (43,494 | ) | | (89,420 | ) |
David K. Lawrence | | (15,329 | ) | | (56,654 | ) | | (71,983 | ) |
Stephen P. Barrett | | (26,637 | ) | | (9,243 | ) | | (35,880 | ) |
| |
(3) | The amounts reflect the accumulated account values (including gains and losses) of contributions by the Named Executive Officers and us as of December 31, 2018 as follows: |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Aggregate Balance |
Name | | Executive Contributions ($) | | Company Contributions ($) | | Total ($) |
Roderick A. Larson | | 418,113 |
| | 1,597,950 |
| | 2,016,063 |
|
Clyde W. Hewlett | | 1,909,245 |
| | 1,786,977 |
| | 3,696,222 |
|
Alan R. Curtis | | 993,525 |
| | 859,333 |
| | 1,852,858 |
|
David K. Lawrence | | 186,050 |
| | 693,883 |
| | 879,933 |
|
Stephen P. Barrett | | 753,495 |
| | 246,972 |
| | 1,000,467 |
|
Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control
As described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above, we have entered into Change-of-Control Agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers. Upon a change of control of Oceaneering, the Named Executive Officers may be subject to certain excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code. The Change-of-Control Agreements do not provide for reimbursement of such excise taxes. The Change-of-Control Agreements provide for reduction of the Named Executive Officer’s calculated severance package to the safe-harbor amount (as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Post-Employment Compensation Programs — Change-of-Control Agreements” above), if doing so would provide a greater benefit on an after-tax basis. Whether an excise tax liability arises will depend on the facts and circumstances in existence at the time a change-of-control payment becomes payable. The tables below do not reflect any such reduction for any of the Named Executive Officers. All of the outstanding long-term incentive agreements of the Named Executive Officers have provisions for settlement in the event of death, disability or a change of control.
Assuming a December 31, 2018 termination date and, where applicable, using the closing price of our Common Stock of $12.10 per share on December 31, 2018 (the last trading day on the NYSE in 2018), the tables below show potential payments to each of the Named Executive Officers under the existing contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements, whether written or unwritten, in the event of a termination of such executive’s employment, including amounts payable pursuant to benefits or awards in which the Named Executive Officers are already vested. As used in the agreements referenced in the tables below,
the term “Change of Control” has the same meaning as the Change-of-Control Agreements define that term. For a summary of that definition, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Change-of-Control Agreements” above.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Roderick A. Larson |
Payments upon Termination | | Voluntary Termination | | | Involuntary Termination | | | Death and Disability | | | Change of Control With Termination | |
Severance Payments | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 40,385 |
| (1) | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 5,775,000 |
| (2) |
Benefit Plan Participation | | — |
| | | 1,777 |
| (1) | | — |
| | | 237,012 |
| (3) |
Restricted Stock Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 1,600,019 |
| (4) | | 1,600,019 |
| (5) |
Performance Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 1,890,000 |
| (6) | | 8,925,000 |
| (7) |
Accrued Vacation/Base Salary | | 92,615 |
| | | 92,615 |
| | | 92,615 |
| | | 92,615 |
| |
SERP (vested) | | 1,550,515 |
| (8) | | 1,550,515 |
| (8) | | 1,550,515 |
| (8) | | 1,550,515 |
| (8) |
SERP (unvested) | | 465,548 |
| (8) | | 465,548 |
| (8) | | 465,548 |
| (8) | | 465,548 |
| (8) |
TOTAL | | $ | 2,108,678 |
| | | $ | 2,150,840 |
| | | $ | 5,598,697 |
| | | $ | 18,645,709 |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clyde W. Hewlett |
Payments upon Termination | | Voluntary Termination | | | Involuntary Termination | | | Death and Disability | | | Change of Control With Termination | |
Severance Payments | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 52,338 |
| (1) | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 1,814,400 |
| (2) |
Benefit Plan Participation | | — |
| | | 1,777 |
| (1) | | — |
| | | 188,707 |
| (3) |
Restricted Stock Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 270,435 |
| (4) | | 270,435 |
| (5) |
Performance Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 508,000 |
| (6) | | 1,465,200 |
| (7) |
Restricted Stock Units (vested) | | 437,960 |
| (9) | | 437,960 |
| (9) | | 437,960 |
| (9) | | 437,960 |
| (9) |
Performance Units (vested) | | — |
| (10) | | — |
| (10) | | 254,000 |
| (6) | | 2,422,850 |
| (7) |
Accrued Vacation/Base Salary | | 69,785 |
| | | 69,785 |
| | | 69,785 |
| | | 69,785 |
| |
SERP (vested) | | 3,696,222 |
| (8) | | 3,696,222 |
| (8) | | 3,696,222 |
| (8) | | 3,696,222 |
| (8) |
TOTAL | | $ | 4,203,967 |
| | | $ | 4,258,082 |
| | | $ | 5,236,402 |
| | | $ | 10,365,559 |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alan R. Curtis |
Payments upon Termination | | Voluntary Termination | | | Involuntary Termination | | | Death and Disability | | | Change of Control With Termination | |
Severance Payments | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 42,594 |
| (1) | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 1,292,026 |
| (2) |
Benefit Plan Participation | | — |
| | | 1,777 |
| (1) | | — |
| | | 122,900 |
| (3) |
Restricted Stock Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 426,561 |
| (4) | | 426,561 |
| (5) |
Performance Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 487,300 |
| (6) | | 2,162,600 |
| (7) |
Accrued Vacation/Base Salary | | 56,792 |
| | | 56,792 |
| | | 56,792 |
| | | 56,792 |
| |
SERP (vested) | | 1,852,858 |
| (8) | | 1,852,858 |
| (8) | | 1,852,858 |
| (8) | | 1,852,858 |
| (8) |
TOTAL | | $ | 1,909,650 |
| | | $ | 1,954,021 |
| | | $ | 2,823,511 |
| | | $ | 5,913,737 |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
David K. Lawrence |
Payments upon Termination | | Voluntary Termination | | | Involuntary Termination | | | Death and Disability | | | Change of Control With Termination | |
Severance Payments | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 26,654 |
| (1) | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 1,178,100 |
| (2) |
Benefit Plan Participation | | — |
| | | 1,760 |
| (1) | | — |
| | | 138,629 |
| (3) |
Restricted Stock Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 354,506 |
| (4) | | 354,506 |
| (5) |
Performance Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 395,000 |
| (6) | | 1,945,300 |
| (7) |
Accrued Vacation/Base Salary | | 53,308 |
| | | 53,308 |
| | | 53,308 |
| | | 53,308 |
| |
SERP (vested) | | 879,933 |
| (8) | | 879,933 |
| (8) | | 879,933 |
| (8) | | 879,933 |
| (8) |
TOTAL | | $ | 933,241 |
| | | $ | 961,655 |
| | | $ | 1,682,747 |
| | | $ | 4,549,776 |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stephen P. Barrett |
Payments upon Termination | | Voluntary Termination | | | Involuntary Termination | | | Death and Disability | | | Change of Control With Termination | |
Severance Payments | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 12,500 |
| (1) | | $ | — |
| | | $ | 1,105,000 |
| (2) |
Benefit Plan Participation | | — |
| | | 1,842 |
| (1) | | — |
| | | 109,830 |
| (3) |
Restricted Stock Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 384,974 |
| (4) | | 384,974 |
| (5) |
Performance Units (unvested & accelerated) | | — |
| | | — |
| | | 390,000 |
| (6) | | 2,160,000 |
| (7) |
Accrued Vacation/Base Salary | | 50,000 |
| | | 50,000 |
| | | 50,000 |
| | | 50,000 |
| |
SERP (vested) | | 875,817 |
| (8) | | 875,817 |
| (8) | | 875,817 |
| (8) | | 875,817 |
| (8) |
SERP (unvested) | | 124,650 |
| (8) | | 124,650 |
| (8) | | 124,650 |
| (8) | | 124,650 |
| (8) |
TOTAL | | $ | 1,050,467 |
| | | $ | 1,064,809 |
| | | $ | 1,825,441 |
| | | $ | 4,810,271 |
| |
| |
(1) | Payment of benefit only if involuntary termination is the result of a reduction in force. |
| |
(2) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects an amount equaling three times, for Mr. Larson, or two times, for other executives, the sum of: (a) the highest annual rate of base salary for the then-current year or any of the three years preceding the date of termination (“Base Rate”); (b) the target award he is eligible to receive under the Annual Cash Bonus Program for the then-current year; and (c) for Mr. Larson, the maximum percentage of base salary contribution level by us for him in our SERP for the then-current year multiplied by his Base Rate, payable pursuant to his Change-of-Control Agreement. If applicable, the termination amount will be reduced to the “safe harbor amount” (see for more information, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Post-Employment Compensation Programs — Change-of-Control Agreements” above) if more beneficial to the Named Executive Officer on an after-tax basis. |
| |
(3) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects the estimated value of the benefit to him to receive the same level of medical, life insurance and disability benefits for a period of three years, for Mr. Larson, or two years, for other executives, after termination that is payable pursuant to the executive’s Change-of-Control Agreement. |
| |
(4) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects the value of shares of Common Stock that would be delivered for each outstanding unvested restricted stock unit pursuant to the executive’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements. Mr. Hewlett, by reason of having attained Retirement Age (as defined), was fully vested under his 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, two-thirds vested under his 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and one-third vested under his 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. |
| |
(5) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects the value of shares of Common Stock that would be delivered for each outstanding unvested restricted stock unit pursuant to the executive’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements and Change-of-Control Agreement. See footnote (4) above regarding vesting under Mr. Hewlett’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements. |
| |
(6) | Upon death or disability, the performance units awarded pursuant to the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Performance Unit Agreements would vest and the final values of the units would be determined as follows: (i) for each of the 2016 and 2017 performance units awarded, the final value would be equal to the value determined by the Compensation Committee |
based on Oceaneering’s attainment with respect to the performance measures established at the time of award; and (ii) for the 2018 performance units awarded, the final value would be equal to the target value of $100 per unit. No cash payments were made pursuant to performance units awarded in 2016, as the Compensation Committee determined that the threshold level of performance for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 was not attained for either average return on invested capital or cumulative EBITDA. Otherwise, an amount would have been included for the executive in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” above. The amount payable, if any, for each Named Executive Officer pursuant to the executive’s 2017 Performance Unit Agreement will not be known until the completion of the three-year performance period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019, at which time the performance will be measured. Mr. Hewlett, by reason of having attained Retirement Age (as defined), was fully vested under his 2016 Performance Unit Agreement, two-thirds vested under his 2017 Performance Unit Agreement and one-third vested under his 2018 Performance Unit Agreement. For information about the goals and measures and the amounts payable, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above.
| |
(7) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects cash payment for outstanding vested and unvested performance units at the maximum goal level pursuant to the executive’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Performance Unit Agreements ($150, $200 and $200 per unit, respectively) and Change-of-Control Agreement. See footnote (6) above regarding vesting under Mr. Hewlett’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Performance Unit Agreements. |
| |
(8) | The amount for each Named Executive Officer reflects the accumulated account values (including gain and losses) of contributions by the Named Executive Officer and Oceaneering for vested amounts and by Oceaneering for unvested amounts. Messrs. Hewlett, Curtis and Lawrence were fully vested in their respective SERP accounts. For more information on SERP amounts, see “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” above. |
| |
(9) | The amount for Mr. Hewlett reflects the value of shares of Common Stock that would be delivered for each outstanding vested restricted stock unit pursuant to his 2016, 2017 and 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements and Change-of-Control Agreement. See footnote (4) above regarding vesting under Mr. Hewlett’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements. |
| |
(10) | The amount for Mr. Hewlett reflects no cash payment for vested performance units awarded in 2016, as the Compensation Committee determined that the threshold level of performance for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 was not attained for either average return on invested capital or cumulative EBITDA. Otherwise, an amount would have been included for Mr. Hewlett in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” above. The amounts payable, if any, for Mr. Hewlett pursuant to his 2017 and 2018 Performance Unit Agreements for outstanding vested performance units will not be known until completion of the three-year performance periods of January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020, respectively, at which time the performance will be measured. See footnote (6) above regarding vesting under Mr. Hewlett’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Performance Unit Agreements. For information about the goals and measures and the amounts payable, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above. |
Chief Executive Officer and Median Employee Compensation (CEO Pay Ratio)
The table below sets forth comparative information regarding: (1) the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer for the year ended December 31, 2018; (2) the median of the annual total compensation of all employees of Oceaneering (including its consolidated subsidiaries), excluding our Chief Executive Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2018, determined on the basis described below; and (3) a ratio comparison of those two amounts (the “CEO Pay Ratio”). These amounts were determined in accordance with rules prescribed by the SEC. For 2018 the CEO Pay Ratio was 37:1, as explained below.
For purposes of determining the median of the annual total compensation of all Oceaneering employees, excluding our Chief Executive Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2018, the applicable SEC rules require us to identify the median employee, by using either annual total compensation for all such employees or another consistently applied compensation measure. For these purposes, we used total cash compensation, as determined from payroll records for the period from November 1, 2017 through October 31, 2018 (the “Measurement Date”), as our consistently applied compensation measure. We did not take into account equity-based incentive compensation awards, because less than 5% of our employees receive those awards. Except as noted below, we included all Oceaneering employees as of the Measurement Date, whether employed on a full-time, part-time or seasonal basis. We did not make any assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total cash compensation, and we did not annualize the compensation for any full-time employees that were not employed by us for the entire measurement period. In accordance with SEC rules, we availed ourselves of a de minimis exemption to exclude a number of non-U.S. employees who collectively represented fewer than 5% of the approximately 9,607 total employees as of the Measurement Date (such total being the total number of U.S. and non-U.S. employees irrespective of the de minimis
exemption and the total number used for the de minimis calculation). Under this exemption, we excluded all employees from the following jurisdictions: Azerbaijan (147 employees); Indonesia (80 employees); Malaysia (49 employees); Mexico (59 employees); Oman (9 employees); South Africa (3 employees); and Thailand (17 employees).
After identifying the median employee, based on the process described above, we calculated annual total compensation for that employee using the same methodology we used for determining total compensation for 2018 for the Named Executive Officers as set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table.”
|
| | |
Annual Total Compensation | | Amount |
Chief Executive Officer (A) | | $2,625,089 |
Median of all employees (excluding our Chief Executive Officer) (B) | | $70,126 |
Ratio of (A) to (B) | | 37 |
Our Chief Executive Officer’s targeted total compensation for 2018 was equal to $4,979,017. The ratio of such compensation to the median annual total compensation of all employees for 2018 (excluding our Chief Executive Officer), shown above, is 71:1. For this purpose, our Chief Executive Officer’s targeted compensation for 2018 is the sum of: (i) Mr. Larson’s base salary and 2018 annual cash bonus opportunity at target; (ii) the grant-date fair value of his 2018 restricted stock unit awards; (iii) the target value of his 2018 performance unit awards; and (iv) all other compensation Mr. Larson earned in 2018.
COMPENSATION OF NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
Our nonemployee directors receive annual cash retainers and awards of restricted stock as compensation for their service. The aggregate of such compensation is targeted at the median of the total direct compensation for nonemployee directors in the Compensation Peer Group, adjusted in the case of the Chairman of our Board for the median of the premium paid to nonexecutive chairmen in the Compensation Peer Group, as assessed by the Compensation Consultant and recommended by the Compensation Committee. The Board has indicated its intent to approve cash retainers comprising approximately one-third, and restricted stock awards (in terms of grant-date fair value) comprising approximately two-thirds, of the total direct compensation of our nonemployee directors. As in 2017, in recognition of the challenges faced in 2018 as a result of the continuing oil and gas industry downturn, our Board approved annual cash retainers reduced from the median of the compensation assessed by the Compensation Consultant by $15,000 for Mr. Huff and by $10,000 for each of our other nonemployee directors.
For 2018, our nonemployee directors received, in quarterly installments, annual cash retainers, as follows: Mr. Huff: $105,000; and each of our other nonemployee directors: $70,000. Additional annual cash retainers of $15,000 to the chairman of the Audit Committee and $8,000 to each of the chairmen of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee were also paid in quarterly installments. During 2018, we did not pay nonemployee directors any additional amount for attendance at meetings of the Board or committees of the Board. Mr. Larson, our Chief Executive Officer, does not receive separate compensation for his service as a director. See the “Summary Compensation Table” above for information concerning the compensation paid to Mr. Larson.
During 2018, besides payment of annual retainers, our nonemployee directors were also allowed to participate in health care coverage the same as provided to employees in our basic medical plans. Nonemployee directors could elect to participate in the health care plan without payment of any monthly premium and participate in a supplemental medical plan at no cost to the director. Mr. Huff’s Service Agreement, which is described below, provides for medical coverage on an after-tax basis to Mr. Huff, his spouse and children for their lives. All directors are provided a group personal excess liability insurance policy at no cost to the directors, and they are reimbursed for their travel and other expenses involved in attendance at Board and committee meetings and activities.
In 2018, our nonemployee directors were awarded shares of restricted stock under our Incentive Plan as follows: Mr. Huff: 13,000 shares; and each of our other nonemployee directors: 8,000 shares. In accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements, the restricted stock awards vested in full on March 1, 2019. The awards were subject to (i) possible earlier vesting on a change of control or the termination of the director’s service due to death, and (ii) such other terms as were set forth in the award agreements with the respective directors. For information about stock ownership guidelines for nonemployee directors, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Stock Ownership Guidelines.”
The table below summarizes the compensation of our nonemployee directors for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Director Compensation Table
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1) | | Stock Awards ($)(2) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3)(4) | | Total ($) |
John R. Huff | | 105,000 |
| | 234,000 |
| | — |
| | 1,863 |
| | 340,863 |
|
William B. Berry | | 78,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 17,535 | | 239,535 |
|
T. Jay Collins | | 70,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 11,259 | | 225,259 |
|
Deanna L. Goodwin | | 70,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 14,214 | | 228,214 |
|
M. Kevin McEvoy | | 70,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 11,475 | | 225,475 |
|
Paul B. Murphy, Jr. | | 85,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 17,535 | | 246,535 |
|
Jon Erik Reinhardsen | | 70,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 1,863 | | 215,863 |
|
Steven A. Webster | | 78,000 |
| | 144,000 |
| | — |
| | 12,399 | | 234,399 |
|
| |
(1) | The amounts shown are attributable entirely to annual retainers as described above. |
| |
(2) | The amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of awards by us in 2018 related to restricted stock awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The aggregate numbers of restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 were: 13,000 for Mr. Huff, and 8,000 for each of our other nonemployee directors. |
| |
(3) | The amount shown for each attributable perquisite or other personal benefit does not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and other personal benefits received by any director, except as quantified in footnote (4) below. |
| |
(4) | The amounts shown for 2018 are attributable to the provision of excess liability insurance and, for all directors other than Mr. Huff, premiums for a supplemental medical insurance plan. In addition, for Mr. Collins, perquisites and other personal benefits include an annual premium for basic health care provided by us. See the discussion below under the caption “Service Agreement with Mr. Huff” for information about various post-employment benefits provided to Mr. Huff. |
Service Agreement with Mr. Huff
In 2001, we entered into a Service Agreement with Mr. Huff, when Mr. Huff was serving as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, replacing Mr. Huff’s prior employment agreement. That agreement was amended in 2006 and 2008 (as amended, the “Service Agreement”) to address, among other things, issues arising under Section 409A of the Code. The Service Agreement provides, among other things, for: (i) medical coverage on an after-tax basis to Mr. Huff, his spouse and two adult children for their lives, including any additional payment necessary to make him whole for any excise tax liability if payment thereof is a “parachute payment” (as defined in the Code); and (ii) entitlement to post-retirement benefits of $800,000 per year for 10 years, which became fully vested and commenced on August 15, 2011, provided that in the event of Mr. Huff’s death, his disability or a change of control, all unpaid amounts would be accelerated and become payable in a non-discounted lump-sum payment. The Service Agreement also provides tax protection, generally to ensure that Mr. Huff will not be impacted adversely by taxes under Section 409A of the Code.
Also as part of Mr. Huff’s retirement benefits, we established an irrevocable grantor trust, commonly known as a “rabbi trust,” to provide Mr. Huff greater assurance of an adequate source of funds for the payment of post-retirement benefits under the Service Agreement. In connection with the establishment of the trust, we contributed to the trust a life insurance policy previously obtained on the life of Mr. Huff, and agreed to continue to pay the premiums due on that policy. When the life insurance policy matures, the proceeds of the policy will become assets of the trust. If the value of trust assets exceeds $4 million, as adjusted by the Consumer Price Index, at any time after January 1, 2012, the excess may be paid to us. However, because the trust is irrevocable, the assets of the trust are generally not otherwise available to fund our future operations until the trust terminates, which is not expected to occur during the lives of Mr. Huff, his spouse or his children. Furthermore, no tax deduction will be available for our contributions to the trust; however, we may benefit from future tax deductions for benefits actually paid from the trust (although benefit payments from the trust are not expected to occur in the near term, because we expect to make direct payments of those benefits for the foreseeable future).
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Our Board of Directors adopted a written policy with respect to related-person transactions to document procedures pursuant to which such transactions are reviewed and approved or ratified. The policy applies to any transaction in which (i) Oceaneering or any of its subsidiaries is a participant; (ii) any related person has a direct or indirect material interest; and (iii) the amount involved exceeds $120,000, but excludes generally any transaction that does not require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC and specifically certain categories of routine transactions, such as standard director compensation arrangements approved by the Board or a committee thereof, transactions in which all shareholders receive proportional benefits, and transactions available to our employees generally. Under the policy, related persons include our directors, nominees to become a director, executive officers, beneficial owners of 5% or more of our voting securities, immediate family members of any of the foregoing persons, and any entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed as an executive officer or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership. Our policy includes a process to monitor and submit related-person transactions to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which will consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available and evaluate whether to approve or ratify the transaction.
Except as set forth in this Proxy Statement, no director or executive officer of Oceaneering or nominee for election as a director of Oceaneering, or holder of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, and no member of the immediate family of any such director, nominee, officer or security holder, to our knowledge, had any material interest in any transaction during the year ended December 31, 2018, or in any currently proposed transaction, to which Oceaneering or any subsidiary of Oceaneering was or is a party in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. Stephen Lazar, Jr., who is a brother-in-law of Mr. McEvoy, serves as Global Operations Support Manager, Service and Rental in our Subsea Products segment, for which he received total compensation for 2018 of approximately $170,620, which is commensurate with that of his peers.
No director or executive officer of Oceaneering who has served in such capacity since January 1, 2018 or any associate of any such director or officer, to the knowledge of the executive officers of Oceaneering, has any material interest in any matter proposed to be acted on at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, other than as described in this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP, independent certified public accountants, as independent auditors of Oceaneering for the year ending December 31, 2019. Although we are not required to seek shareholder approval of the appointment, it has been our practice to do so. No determination has been made as to what action the Audit Committee would take if our shareholders fail to ratify the appointment. The Audit Committee retains the discretion to appoint a new independent registered public accounting firm at any time if the Audit Committee concludes such a change would be in the best interests of Oceaneering. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the meeting, will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions of any shareholders.
In accordance with our Bylaws, the approval of the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of Oceaneering for the year ending December 31, 2019 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock voted on this proposal at the meeting. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes marked on proxy cards will not be included in the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal.
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR this proposal. The persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote such proxy in favor of the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of Oceaneering for the year ending December 31, 2019, unless a contrary choice is set forth thereon or unless an abstention or broker non-vote is indicated thereon.
The following table shows the fees incurred by Oceaneering for the audit and other services provided by Ernst & Young LLP for 2018 and 2017.
|
| | | | | | | | |
Fees Incurred for Audit and Other Services Provided by Ernst & Young LLP | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Audit Fees (1) | | $ | 2,695,000 |
| | $ | 2,902,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) | | 46,000 |
| | 175,000 |
|
Tax Fees (3) | | 100,000 |
| | 34,000 |
|
All Other Fees (4) | | 8,000 |
| | 2,000 |
|
Total | | $ | 2,849,000 |
| | $ | 3,113,000 |
|
| |
(1) | Audit Fees consisted of fees for professional services provided in connection with: (a) the audit of our financial statements for the years indicated and the reviews of our financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q during those years; and (b) audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings. |
| |
(2) | Audit-Related Fees consisted of fees for accounting, consultation services, employee benefit plan audits, services related to due diligence for business transactions, and statutory and regulatory compliance. |
| |
(3) | Tax Fees consisted of tax compliance and consultation fees. |
| |
(4) | All Other Fees consisted of a subscription to Ernst & Young LLP’s informational on-line service. |
The Audit Committee has concluded that Ernst & Young LLP’s provision of services that were not related to the audit of our financial statements in 2018 was compatible with maintaining that firm’s independence from us.
The Audit Committee has established a policy that requires pre-approval of the audit and non-audit services performed by our independent auditors. Unless a service proposed to be provided by the independent auditors has been pre-approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval policies and procedures, it will require specific pre-approval of the engagement terms by the Audit Committee. Under the policy, pre-approved service categories are generally provided for up to 12 months and must be detailed as to the particular services provided and sufficiently specific and objective so that no judgments by management are required to determine whether a specific service falls within the scope of what has been pre-approved. In connection with any pre-approval of services, the independent auditors are required to provide documentation concerning the specific services to be provided. The Audit Committee does not delegate to management any of its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by our independent auditors.
None of the services related to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees or All Other Fees described above were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the waiver of pre-approval provisions set forth in applicable rules of the SEC.
The Audit Committee has delegated to the chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve audit-related and non-audit-related services not prohibited by law to be performed by Ernst & Young LLP, provided that the chairman is required to report any decisions to pre-approve such audit-related or non-audit-related services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular meeting.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING
Any shareholder who wishes to have a qualified proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must send notice of the proposal to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices, 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041-3000, so that such notice is received not later than November 30, 2019. If you submit such a proposal, you must provide your name, address, the number of shares of Common Stock held of record or beneficially, the date or dates on which you acquired those shares and documentary support for any claim of beneficial ownership.
In addition, any shareholder who intends to submit a proposal for consideration at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, regardless of whether the proposal is submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement for that meeting, or who intends to submit nominees for election as directors at that meeting, must notify our Corporate Secretary. Under our Bylaws, such notice must:
| |
• | be received at our executive offices not earlier than November 11, 2019 and not later than close of business on January 10, 2020; and |
| |
• | satisfy requirements that our Bylaws specify. |
A copy of the pertinent Bylaw provisions can be obtained from our Corporate Secretary on written request.
TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
Should any other matter requiring the vote of shareholders arise at the meeting, it is intended that proxies will be voted for or against that matter in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.
Please return your proxy as soon as possible. Unless a quorum consisting of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is represented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, no business can be transacted. Therefore, please be sure to date and sign your proxy and return it in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope, or vote via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions included in this package. Please act promptly to ensure that you will be represented at the meeting.
WE WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE ON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY PERSON SOLICITED HEREBY A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018. WRITTEN REQUESTS SHOULD BE MAILED TO DAVID K. LAWRENCE, CORPORATE SECRETARY, OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC., 11911 FM 529, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77041-3000.
|
| | |
| | By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| | |
March 29, 2019 | | David K. Lawrence Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
| | |
|
| | | |
|
| | |
| | Your vote matters - here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. |
| | | Votes submitted electronically must be received by 11:00 p.m., Central time, on May 8, 2019. |
| | | Online Go to www.investorvote.com/oii or scan the QR code - login details are located in the shaded bar below |
| | | Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada |
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. | | | Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/oii |
|
|
Annual Meeting Proxy Card |
q IF VOTING BY MAIL SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q
|
| | | | | | | |
| Proposals |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees listed: | | | |
1. Election of Directors: | For | Withhold | | |
| 01 | | Roderick A. Larson | o | o | | |
| 02 | | M. Kevin McEvoy | o | o | | |
| 03 | | Paul B. Murphy, Jr. | o | o | | |
| | | | |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following: | For | Against | Abstain | |
2. Advisory vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. | o | o | o | |
| | | | |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following: | For | Against | Abstain | |
3. Proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2019. | o | o | o | |
|
4. In their discretion, the proxies referred to herein are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, including procedural matters and matters relating to the conduct of the meeting. |
|
| |
| Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below |
|
| | | | | | |
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian or custodian, please give full title. |
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. | | | Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. | | | Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. |
/ / | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
q IF VOTING BY MAIL SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q
|
|
Proxy — Oceaneering International, Inc. |
»Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Proxy Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors for the 2019 Annual Meeting
Alan R. Curtis and David K. Lawrence, and each of them individually, are hereby appointed as agents and proxies, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to vote all the shares of common stock of Oceaneering International, Inc. held of record by the undersigned as of the close of business on March 21, 2019, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 9, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., local time, in the Atrium of our corporate offices at 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, as indicated on the reverse side hereof.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of Oceaneering’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the Notice of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and related Proxy Statement.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of each of the director nominees named in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. The proxy holders named above also will vote in their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the reverse side. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this proxy card or vote by telephone or Internet as described below before the Annual Meeting.
Voting by telephone or Internet eliminates the need to return this proxy card. Your vote authorizes the proxies named on the above to vote your shares to the same extent as if you had marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. Before voting, you should read the proxy statement and this proxy card in their entirety. Please follow the steps listed on the reverse side. Your vote will be confirmed and posted promptly. Thank you for voting.
|
| |
| Non-Voting Items |
Change of Address — Please print new address below. |
|
n »
|
| | | |
|
| | |
| | Your vote matters - here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. |
| | | Votes submitted electronically must be received by 11:00 p.m., Central time, on May 1, 2019. |
| | | Online Go to www.investorvote.com/oii or scan the QR code - login details are located in the shaded bar below |
| | | Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada |
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. | | | Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/oii |
|
|
Confidential Voting Instruction Card |
q IF VOTING BY MAIL SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q
|
| | | | | | | |
| Proposals |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees listed: | | | |
1. Election of Directors: | For | Withhold | | |
| 01 | | Roderick A. Larson | o | o | | |
| 02 | | M. Kevin McEvoy | o | o | | |
| 03 | | Paul B. Murphy, Jr. | o | o | | |
| | | | |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following: | For | Against | Abstain | |
2. Advisory vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. | o | o | o | |
| | | | |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following: | For | Against | Abstain | |
3. Proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2019. | o | o | o | |
|
4. In its discretion, the Trustee referred to herein is authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, including procedural matters and matters relating to the conduct of the meeting. |
|
| |
| Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below |
|
| | | | | | |
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian or custodian, please give full title. |
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. | | | Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. | | | Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. |
/ / | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
q IF VOTING BY MAIL SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q
|
|
Confidential Voting Instructions — Oceaneering International, Inc. |
»Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Confidential Voting Instruction Form for 2019 Annual Meeting
The undersigned participant in the Oceaneering Retirement Investment Plan (the “Plan”) hereby directs Fidelity Management Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company serving as trustee for the Plan (the “Trustee”), to vote all shares of common stock of Oceaneering International, Inc. held in the undersigned’s Plan account of record by the undersigned, as of the close of business on March 21, 2019, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 9, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., local time, in the Atrium of our corporate offices at 11911 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77041, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, as indicated on the reverse side hereof.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of Oceaneering’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the Notice of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and related Proxy Statement.
This Voting Instruction Form, when properly executed and delivered to the Trustee, will provide the Trustee with instructions to vote the shares in your Plan account as of the record date as directed herein. If your Voting Instruction Form is not properly signed or dated or if no direction is provided, the shares in your Plan account as of the record date will be voted in the same proportion as the shares for which the Trustee timely receives valid voting instructions from participants in the Plan. You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the reverse side.
Providing voting instructions by telephone or Internet eliminates the need to return this Voting Instruction Form. Before providing your voting instructions, you should read the proxy statement and Voting Instruction Form. Please follow the steps listed on the reverse side. Your voting instructions will be confirmed and posted promptly. Thank you for participating.
|
| |
| Non-Voting Items |
Change of Address — Please print new address below. |
|
n »