pre14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
þ Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
NOBLE CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form
or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Filing Party: |
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NOBLE CORPORATION
Dorfstrasse 19A
6340 Baar
Zug, Switzerland
INVITATION TO GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 28, 2009
To the Shareholders of Noble Corporation:
The general meeting of shareholders of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (the Company),
will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., local time, at the Parkhotel Zug,
Industriestrasse 14, Zug, Switzerland.
Agenda Items
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Dividend in the form of a par value reduction. |
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Proposal of the Board of Directors |
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The Board of Directors proposes to pay a dividend through a reduction of the par
value of our shares in an amount equal to Swiss francs 0.25, which is equal to
approximately USD $0.2181 using the currency exchange rate as published by the Swiss
National Bank on April 9, 2009 (1.1463 CHF/1.0 USD), and to pay such amount in four
installments in August 2009, November 2009, February 2010 and May 2010 to
shareholders registered in the Companys share register on the day of the
registration of the relevant portion of the capital reduction in the daily ledger of
the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug. This amount is not intended to
represent an increase in Nobles historical annual aggregate dividend of $0.16 per
share. Rather, because timing issues related to the migration of the parent company
of the Noble group to Switzerland will cause us to miss the customary June 2009
dividend payment of $0.04 per share, the August 2009 payment is intended to
represent both such June dividend as well as the third quarter dividend. We intend
the three subsequent distributions to approximate the same level of dividend as we
have paid in the past. Actual distribution payments will be subject to the
satisfaction of applicable Swiss law requirements and may vary from historical
dividend amounts due to fluctuations in the Swiss franc/U.S. dollar exchange rate
between now and each distribution payment date. |
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Election of Directors. |
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Proposal of the Board of Directors |
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The Board of Directors proposes that the directors set forth below be reelected for
a three-year term that will expire in 2012: |
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Julie H. Edwards; |
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Marc E. Leland; and |
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David W. Williams. |
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Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accounting
firm for 2009. |
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Proposal of the Board of Directors |
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The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Noble Corporations independent registered public
accounting firm for 2009. |
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Amendment to Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles of Association. |
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Proposal of the Board of Directors |
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The Board of Directors proposes to amend Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles
of Association in order to limit the changes to authorized and conditional capital
that require approval of at least two-thirds of the shares represented at a general
meeting to an increase in the amount of the authorized or conditional share capital.
If the proposed amendment is adopted, approval of a dividend through a reduction of
the par value of our shares in the future will require the affirmative vote of a
simple majority (rather than two-thirds) of the shares represented at a general
meeting. |
Organizational Matters
A copy of the proxy materials, including a proxy card, has been sent to each shareholder
registered in the Companys share register as of the close of business, Zug time, on April 7, 2009.
Any additional shareholders who are registered with voting rights in the Companys share register
as of the close of business on May 12, 2009 or who notify the Companys Corporate Secretary in
writing of their acquisition of shares by such date will receive a copy of the proxy materials
after May 12, 2009. Shareholders who are not registered in the Companys share register as of the
close of business on May 12, 2009 or who have not notified the Companys Corporate Secretary in
writing (mail to Noble Corporation, Attention: Corporate Secretary, 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 800,
Sugar Land, Texas 77478) of their acquisition of shares by such date will not be entitled to
attend, vote or grant proxies to vote at, the 2009 general meeting. No shareholder will be entered
in or removed from the Companys share register as a shareholder with voting rights between the
close of business on May 12, 2009 and the opening of business on the day following the general
meeting. Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent, which maintains the Companys share
register, will, however, continue to register transfers of Noble Corporation shares in the share
register in its capacity as transfer agent during this period.
Shareholders who are registered with voting rights in the Companys share register as of the
close of business on May 12, 2009 or who have notified the Companys Corporate Secretary in writing
of their acquisition of shares by such date (and who have had their notice properly accepted by the
Corporate Secretary) have the right to attend the general meeting and vote their shares, or may
grant a proxy to vote on each of the proposals in this invitation and any other matter properly
presented at the meeting for consideration to either the Company or the independent representative,
Mr. Joachim Kloter, Kloter & Kohli Attorneys, by marking the proxy card appropriately, executing it
in the space provided, dating it and returning it prior to the start of the general meeting on May
28, 2009 either to:
Noble Corporation
c/o The Altman Group
PO Box 268
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-9902
or, if granting a proxy to the independent representative:
Mr. Joachim Kloter
c/o Kloter & Kohli Attorneys
Streulistrasse 28
P. O. Box
CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Shares of holders who are registered with voting rights in the Companys register as of the
close of business on May 12, 2009 or who have notified the Companys Corporate Secretary in writing
of their acquisition of shares by such date (and who have had their notice properly accepted by the
Corporate Secretary) and who have timely submitted a properly executed proxy card and specifically
indicated their votes will be voted as indicated. The Company or the independent representative,
as applicable, will vote shares of holders with voting rights who have timely submitted a properly
executed proxy card and have not specifically indicated their votes (irrespective of
-ii-
whether a proxy has been granted to the Company or the independent representative) in the
manner recommended by the Board of Directors.
If any other matters are properly presented at the meeting for consideration, the Company and
the independent representative, as applicable, will vote on these matters in
the manner recommended by the Board of Directors.
Shareholders who hold their shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should
follow the instructions provided by their bank, broker or nominee when voting their shares.
Shareholders who hold their shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee and wish to vote
in person at the meeting must obtain a valid proxy from the organization that holds their shares.
We may accept a proxy by any form of communication permitted by Swiss law and our Articles of
Association.
Please note that shareholders attending the general meeting in person or by proxy are required
to show their proxy card and proper identification on the day of the general meeting. In order to
determine attendance correctly, any shareholder leaving the general meeting early or temporarily is
requested to present such shareholders proxy card and proper identification upon exit.
Proxy Holders of Deposited Shares
Institutions subject to the Swiss Federal Law on Banks and Savings Banks as well as
professional asset managers who hold proxies for beneficial owners who did not grant proxies to the
Company or the independent representative are kindly asked to inform the Company of the number and
par value of the registered shares they represent as soon as possible, but no later than May 28,
2009, 2:00 p.m. Swiss time, at the admission office for the general meeting.
Annual Report, Consolidated Financial Statements
A copy of the 2008 Annual Report of Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and the
predecessor issuer of the Company (Noble Cayman), including the consolidated financial statements
for fiscal year 2008 and the audit report on such statements, are available for physical inspection
at the Companys registered office at Dorfstrasse 19A, 6340 Baar, Zug, Switzerland. Copies of these
materials may be obtained without charge by contacting Investor Relations at our offices in the
United States, at 13135 South Dairy Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, telephone number
1+ (281) 276-6100.
Your vote is important. All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. We
urge you, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, to submit your proxy by completing,
signing, dating and mailing the enclosed proxy or voting instruction card in the postage-paid
envelope provided.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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Julie J. Robertson
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Secretary |
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Zug, Switzerland
April , 2009
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 2009.
This proxy statement, the glossy annual report to shareholders, which includes this proxy
statement, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 of Noble Cayman,
including the audit report on the 2008 consolidated financial statements (the 2008 Annual
Report), the invitation to the general meeting and the form of proxy card are available at
www.noblecorp.com/2009proxymaterials. Directions to attend the annual general meeting in
person may also be obtained at www.noblecorp.com/2009proxymaterials.
-iii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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NOBLE CORPORATION
Dorfstrasse 19A
6340 Baar
Zug, Switzerland
PROXY STATEMENT
For General Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held on May 28, 2009
GENERAL
This proxy statement is furnished to shareholders of Noble Corporation, a Swiss company
(Noble Switzerland), in connection with the solicitation by our board of directors (Board) of
proxies for use at the general meeting of shareholders to be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at
3:00 p.m., local time, at the Parkhotel Zug, Industriestrasse 14, Zug, Switzerland, and for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying notice. The approximate date of first mailing of this proxy
statement and the accompanying proxy or, in the case of participants in the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, voting instruction card is April , 2009.
Background of the Company
In March 2009, Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (Noble Cayman), completed a
transaction pursuant to which Noble Cayman, by way of schemes of arrangement under Cayman Islands
law, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Switzerland (the Transaction). In the
Transaction, Noble Switzerland issued one of its shares in exchange for each ordinary share of
Noble Cayman. In addition, Noble Switzerland issued 15 million of its shares to Noble Cayman for
future use to satisfy its obligations to deliver shares in connection with awards granted under its
employee benefit plans and other corporate purposes. The Transaction effectively changed the place
of incorporation of the publicly traded parent of the Noble group of companies from the Cayman
Islands to Switzerland.
References to the Company, we, us or our for periods before March 27, 2009 include
Noble Cayman together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. References to
the Company, we, us or our for periods from and after March 27, 2009 include Noble
Switzerland together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Proxies and Voting Instructions
A proxy card is being sent with this proxy statement to each holder of shares registered in
the Companys register as of the close of business on April 7, 2009. In addition, a proxy card will
be sent with this proxy statement to each additional holder of shares who is registered with voting
rights in the Companys register as of the close of business on May 12, 2009 (which is effectively
the record date for the meeting) or who notifies the Companys Corporate Secretary in writing of
their acquisition of shares by such date. If you are registered as a shareholder in the Companys
register as of the close of business on May 12, 2009 or you have notified the Companys Corporate
Secretary in writing of your acquisition of shares by such date (and your notice has been properly
accepted by the Corporate Secretary), you may grant a proxy to vote on each of the proposals
described in this proxy statement and any other matter properly presented at the meeting for
consideration to either the Company or the independent representative, Mr. Joachim Kloter, Kloter &
Kohli Attorneys, by marking your proxy card appropriately, executing it in the space provided,
dating it and returning it prior to the start of the general meeting on May 28, 2009 either to:
Noble Corporation
c/o The Altman Group
PO Box 268
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-9902
-1-
or, if granting a proxy to the independent representative:
Mr. Joachim Kloter
c/o Kloter & Kohli Attorneys
Streulistrasse 28
P. O. Box
CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided. If you hold your shares
in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your
bank, broker or nominee when voting your shares.
Under New York Stock Exchange rules, brokers who hold shares in street name for customers have
the authority to vote on routine proposals when they have not received instructions from
beneficial owners, but are precluded from exercising their voting discretion for proposals for
non-routine matters. Proxies submitted by brokers without instructions from customers for these
non-routine matters are referred to as broker non-votes. The proposal to pay a dividend in the
form of a par value reduction and the proposal to amend Section 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles
of Association are non-routine matters under New York Stock Exchange rules.
If you were a holder with voting rights on May 12, 2009 and have timely submitted a properly
executed proxy card and specifically indicated your votes, your shares will be voted as indicated.
If you were a holder with voting rights on May 12, 2009 and you have timely submitted a properly
executed proxy card and have not specifically indicated your votes (irrespective of whether a proxy
has been granted to the Company or the independent representative), the Company or the independent
representative, as applicable, will vote your shares in the manner recommended by our Board.
There are no other matters that our Board intends to present, or has received proper notice
that others will present, at the general meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at
the meeting for consideration, the Company and the independent representative, as applicable, will
vote any proxies submitted to them on these matters in the manner recommended by our Board.
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise by:
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giving written notice of the revocation to our Corporate Secretary, with
respect to proxies granted to the Company, or to the independent representative at the
address set forth above, with respect to proxies granted to the independent
representative, in each case before May 28, 2009; |
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notifying our Corporate Secretary at least two hours before the time the
meeting is scheduled to begin, with respect to proxies granted to the Company, or
notifying the independent representative at least two hours before the time the meeting
is scheduled to begin, with respect to proxies granted to the independent
representative, and appearing at the general meeting and voting in person; or |
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properly completing and executing a later-dated proxy and delivering it to our
Corporate Secretary or the independent representative, as applicable, at or before the
meeting. |
If you attend the general meeting in person without voting, this will not automatically revoke
your proxy. If you revoke your proxy during the meeting, this will not affect any vote previously
taken. If you hold shares through someone else, such as a bank, broker or other nominee, and you
desire to revoke your proxy, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or
other nominee.
If you were a participant in the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan as of the
close of business on April 7, 2009 or May 12, 2009, you should receive a voting instruction card.
You can provide instructions to the plan trustee as to how to vote shares held in the plan by
completing, signing, dating and mailing the voting instruction card in the postage-paid envelope.
-2-
Quorum
The presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority of the total
shares entitled to vote at the general meeting will constitute a quorum for purposes of the
proposal to pay a dividend in the form of a par value reduction, the proposal to reelect the three
nominees named in the proxy statement as directors, and the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Nobles independent registered public accounting firm for 2009. The
presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least two-thirds of the total shares
entitled to vote at the general meeting will constitute a quorum for purposes of the proposal to
amend Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles of Association. For all proposals, abstentions and
broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether there is a
quorum.
Votes Required
Each share is entitled to one vote.
Approval of the proposal to pay a dividend in the form of a par value reduction and approval
of the proposal to amend Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles of Association each requires the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares represented at the general meeting in person
or by proxy and the absolute majority of the par value such shares. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will be the equivalent of a negative vote with respect to these proposals.
Approval of the proposal to reelect the three nominees named in the proxy statement as
directors requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy. The
plurality requirement means that the director nominee with the most votes for a board seat is
elected to that board seat.
Approval of the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Nobles
independent registered public accounting firm for 2009 requires the affirmative vote of holders of
at least a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors or the
ratification of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm.
Record Date
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 12, 2009 are entitled to notice
of, to attend, and to vote or to grant proxies to vote at, the general meeting. No shareholder will
be entered in or removed from the Companys share register with voting rights between the close of
business on May 12, 2009 and the opening of business on the day following the general meeting.
PROPOSAL 1
DIVIDEND IN THE FORM OF A PAR VALUE REDUCTION
Our Board proposes to pay a dividend through a reduction of the par value of our shares (the
Distribution) in an aggregate amount equal to Swiss francs 0.25 (the Distribution Amount),
which is equal to approximately USD $0.2181 using the currency exchange rate as published by the
Swiss National Bank on April 9, 2009 (1.1463 CHF/1.0 USD), and to pay such amount in four
installments beginning in the third quarter of 2009. This amount will be payable for shares issued
and outstanding on the effective record date of each quarterly capital reduction (and treasury
shares). We intend to arrange for our transfer agent to convert the Distribution payments so they
will be distributed by our transfer agent in U.S. dollars converted at the exchange rate available
approximately two business days prior to each Distribution payment date. As a result, shareholders
will be exposed to fluctuations in the Swiss franc/U.S. dollar exchange rate between now and each
Distribution payment date.
Historically, Noble Caymans Board declared and paid dividends on its ordinary shares
generally on a quarterly basis, with payment dates in early March, June, September and December.
As a Swiss company, we currently intend to continue this practice and are required to seek
shareholder approval to pay dividends or make distributions on our shares from capital reductions.
However, timing issues related to the migration of the parent company of the Noble group of
companies to Switzerland will cause us to miss the customary June payment in 2009. As a result, we
intend to make the first capital reduction in the third quarter of 2009 and to distribute the
corresponding dividend to shareholders in August 2009 in an amount equal to twice the amount
(approximately
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$0.08 per share based on our historical dividend amount) of each of the three subsequent
capital reductions. We intend to pay the subsequent three capital reductions in November 2009,
February 2010 and May 2010. Subject to satisfaction of applicable Swiss law requirements, we
intend that the amount of these distributions will approximate the amount of dividends we would
have expected to declare and pay during these quarters (approximately $0.04 per share based on our
historical dividend amount). Our Board will set the Distribution payment date within the specified
month. Shareholders registered in the Companys share register on the day of the registration of
the relevant portion of the capital reduction in the daily ledger of the Commercial Register of the
Canton of Zug (which is effectively the record date for the relevant payment) will receive the
relevant payment. Before our Board can effect each capital reduction, it must receive a report
from PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, our statutory auditors, confirming that claims of the Companys
creditors are fully covered after taking into account the capital reduction.
The following table illustrates how we intend to pay the Distribution. The following table
also illustrates how the payment amounts may vary between payment dates, even though the amount of
reduction in par value in Swiss francs remains constant. The table is for illustrative purposes
only, and the actual payments will vary and could be materially different than the hypothetical per
share Distribution payments below. Actual payments will be made in U.S. dollars converted at the
exchange rate available approximately two business days prior to each Distribution payment date.
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Amount of |
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Hypothetical |
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Reduction in Par |
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Distribution per |
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Month of Payment |
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1.0 USD) |
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August 2009
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0.10 |
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1.1463 |
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0.0872 |
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November 2009
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0.05 |
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1.1463 |
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0.0436 |
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February 2010
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0.05 |
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1.2253 |
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0.0408 |
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May 2010
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0.05 |
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0.9929 |
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0.0504 |
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Our Board adopted a resolution declaring it advisable to pay a dividend through a reduction of
the par value of our shares in an amount equal to the Distribution Amount and directed that
approval of this dividend in the form of a par value reduction be submitted for consideration by
our shareholders at the general meeting. Approval of the proposal requires the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the shares represented at the general meeting in person or by proxy and the absolute
majority of the par value such shares. All duly submitted and unrevoked proxies will be voted for
the proposal, except where authorization to vote is withheld.
We describe the details of the procedure of the series of four capital reductions and the
proposed amendments to our Articles of Association (and the authoritative German translation) in
Annex A.
Recommendation
Our Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of a dividend in the
form of a par value reduction and to amend our Articles of Association accordingly.
PROPOSAL 2
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Articles of Association provide for three classes of directors, with approximately
one-third of the directors constituting our Board being elected each year to serve a three-year
term. Three directors compose the class whose term expires at the 2009 general meeting: Julie H.
Edwards, Marc E. Leland and David W. Williams.
The nominating and corporate governance committee of our Board has approved, and our Board has
unanimously nominated, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Leland and Mr. Williams for re-election as directors of the
Company to serve three-year terms expiring in 2012.
The directors nominated for election at the general meeting will be elected by a plurality of
the votes cast by the shareholders present in person or by proxy at the meeting. All duly
submitted and unrevoked proxies will be voted for the nominees nominated by our Board, except where
authorization so to vote is withheld.
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Recommendation
Our Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of its nominees for
director.
Information about the directors nominated for election at the general meeting, and the
directors whose terms do not expire at the general meeting, is presented below.
Nominees For Directors
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Julie H. Edwards,
age 50, director since 2006
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Ms. Edwards served as Senior Vice President of
Corporate Development of Southern Union
Company from November 2006 to January 2007,
and immediately prior to that served as its
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer from July 2005 to November 2006.
Southern Union is primarily engaged in the
transportation and distribution of natural
gas. Prior to joining Southern Union, Ms.
Edwards served as Executive Vice President
Finance and Administration and Chief Financial
Officer for Frontier Oil Corporation in
Houston since 2000. She joined Frontier Oil
in 1991 as Vice President Secretary and
Treasurer after serving as Vice President of
Corporate Finance for Smith Barney, Harris,
Upham & Co., Inc., New York and Houston, from
1988 to 1991, after joining the company as an
associate in 1985. Ms. Edwards has not held a
principal employment since leaving her
position with Southern Union. Ms. Edwards is
also a director of the NATCO Group, Inc and
ONEOK, Inc. |
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Marc E. Leland,
age 70, director since 1994
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Mr. Leland has served since 1984 as President
of Marc E. Leland & Associates, Inc., a
company engaged in the business of providing
financial advisory services. |
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David W. Williams,
age 51, director since 2008
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Mr. Williams has served as Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
of the Company since January 2, 2008. Mr.
Williams served as Senior Vice President
Business Development of Noble Drilling
Services Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, from September 2006
to January 2007, as Senior Vice President
Operations of Noble Drilling Services Inc.
from January to April 2007, and as Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company from April 2007 to January 2, 2008.
Prior to September 2006, Mr. Williams served
for more than five years as Executive Vice
President of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.,
an offshore oil and gas drilling contractor. |
Class Whose Term Expires In 2010
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Michael A. Cawley,
age 61, director since 1985
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Mr. Cawley has served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of The Samuel Roberts Noble
Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation
(the Noble Foundation), since February 1992,
after serving as Executive Vice President of
the Noble Foundation since January 1991. Mr.
Cawley has served as a trustee of the Noble
Foundation since 1988. The Noble Foundation
is a not-for-profit corporation, and it is
engaged in agricultural research, education,
demonstration and consultation; plant biology
and applied biotechnology; and assistance
through granting to selected nonprofit
organizations. For more than five years prior
to 1991, Mr. Cawley was the President of
Thompson & Cawley, a professional corporation,
attorneys at law; and Mr. Cawley currently
serves as Of Counsel to the law firm of
Thompson, Cawley, Veazey & Burns, a
professional corporation. Mr. Cawley is also
a director of Noble Energy, Inc. |
-5-
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Luke R. Corbett,
age 62, director since 2001
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Mr. Corbett has served as a director of
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation since August
2006. Anadarko engages in the exploration,
development, production, and marketing of
natural gas, crude oil, condensate, and
natural gas liquids primarily in the United
States. Mr. Corbett served as Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Kerr-McGee Corporation from May 1999 until his
retirement in August 2006, and also from
February 1997 to February 1999. Between
February 1999 and May 1999, he served as Chief
Executive Officer of Kerr-McGee, and from 1995
to 1997, he served as President and Chief
Operating Officer of Kerr-McGee. Kerr-McGee,
an Oklahoma City-based oil and natural gas
exploration and production company, was
acquired by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in
August 2006. Mr. Corbett served as a director
of Kerr-McGee from 1995 to August 2006 and he
currently serves as a director of OGE Energy
Corp. |
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Jack E. Little,
age 70, director since 2000
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Mr. Little served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Shell Oil Company, and a
member of the Board of Directors and Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Shell
Exploration & Production Company for more than
five years until his retirement in June 1999.
Shell Oil Company and its subsidiaries, with
extensive operations in the United States,
explore, develop, produce, purchase, transport
and market crude oil and natural gas; they
also purchase, manufacture, transport and
market oil and chemical products and provide
technical and business services. |
Class Whose Term Expires In 2011
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Lawrence J. Chazen,
age 68, director since 1994
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Mr. Chazen has served since 1977 as Chief
Executive Officer of Lawrence J. Chazen, Inc.,
a California registered investment adviser
engaged in providing financial advisory
services. |
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Mary P. Ricciardello,
age 53, director since 2003
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Ms. Ricciardello served as Senior Vice
President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Reliant Energy, Inc. from January 2001 to
August 2002, and immediately prior to that
served as its Senior Vice President and
Comptroller from September 1999 to January
2001 and as its Vice President and Comptroller
from 1996 to September 1999. Ms. Ricciardello
also served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Accounting Officer of Reliant Resources, Inc.
from May 2001 to August 2002. Reliant
principally provides electricity and energy
services to retail and wholesale customers.
Ms. Ricciardellos current principal
occupation is as a certified public
accountant, and she has not held a principal
employment since leaving her positions with
Reliant Energy, Inc. and Reliant Resources,
Inc. in August 2002. Ms. Ricciardello is also
a director of U.S. Concrete, Inc. and Devon
Energy Corporation. |
None of the corporations or other organizations in which our non-management directors carried
on their respective principal occupations and employments during the past five years is a parent,
subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Independence
Our Board has determined that (a) each of Mr. Chazen, Ms. Ricciardello, Ms. Edwards, Mr.
Leland, Mr. Cawley, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Little qualifies as an independent director under the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) corporate governance rules and (b) each of Mr. Chazen, Ms.
Ricciardello, Mr. Cawley and Mr. Corbett, constituting all the members of the audit committee,
qualifies as independent under Rule 10A-3 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the Exchange Act). These seven independent, non-management directors comprise in
full the membership of each committee described below under Board Committees and Meetings.
-6-
In order for a director to be considered independent under the NYSE rules, our Board must
affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with the Company (either
directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with
the Company). The Companys corporate governance guidelines provide that a director will not be
independent if, within the preceding three years,
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the director was employed by the Company; |
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an immediate family member of the director was an executive officer of the Company; |
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the director or an immediate family member of the director received more than $120,000
per year in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees
and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such
service is not contingent in any way on continued service); |
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the director was affiliated with or employed by, or an immediate family member of the
director was affiliated with or employed in a professional capacity by, a present or former
internal or external auditor of the Company; |
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the director or an immediate family member of the director was employed as an executive
officer of another company where any of the Companys present executives serve on that
companys compensation committee; or |
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the director is an executive officer or an employee, or an immediate family member of
the director is an executive officer, of a company that made payments to, or received
payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any single
fiscal year, exceeded the greater of $1 million or two percent of such other companys
consolidated gross revenues. |
The following will not be considered by our Board to be a material relationship that would
impair a directors independence. If a director is an executive officer of, or beneficially owns in
excess of 10 percent equity interest in, another company
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that does business with the Company, and the amount of the annual payments to the
Company is less than five percent of the annual consolidated gross revenues of the Company; |
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that does business with the Company, and the amount of the annual payments by the
Company to such other company is less than five percent of the annual consolidated gross
revenues of the Company; or |
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to which the Company was indebted at the end of its last fiscal year in an aggregate
amount that is less than five percent of the consolidated assets of the Company. |
For relationships not covered by the guidelines in the immediately preceding paragraph, the
determination of whether the relationship is material or not, and therefore whether the director
would be independent or not, is made by our directors who satisfy the independence guidelines
described above. These independence guidelines used by our Board are set forth in our corporate
governance guidelines, which are published under the governance section of our website at
www.noblecorp.com.
In accordance with the Companys corporate governance guidelines, the non-management directors
have chosen a lead director to preside at regularly scheduled executive sessions of our Board held
without management present. Mr. Cawley currently serves as lead director.
Board Committees and Meetings
The Company has standing audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance
committees of our Board. Each of these committees operates under a written charter that has been
adopted by the respective committee and by our Board. The charters are published under the
governance section of the Companys website at www.noblecorp.com and are available in print to any
shareholders who request them.
The current members of the committees, number of meetings held by each committee during 2008,
and a description of the functions performed by each committee are set forth below:
-7-
Audit Committee (11 meetings). The current members of the audit committee are Mary P.
Ricciardello, Chair, Lawrence J. Chazen, Michael A. Cawley and Luke R. Corbett. The primary
responsibilities of the audit committee are to select and retain the Companys auditors
(including review and approval of the terms of engagement and fees), to review with the
auditors the Companys financial reports (and other financial information) provided to the
SEC and the investing public, to prepare and publish an annual report for inclusion in this
proxy statement, and to assist our Board with oversight of the following: integrity of the
Companys financial statements; compliance by the Company with standards of business ethics
and legal and regulatory requirements; qualifications and independence of the Companys
independent auditors (including both our independent registered public accounting firm and
our Swiss statutory auditors); and performance of the Companys independent auditors and
internal auditors. Our Board has determined that Ms. Ricciardello is an audit committee
financial expert as that term is defined under the applicable SEC rules and regulations.
The audit committees report relating to 2008 begins on
page 44 of this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee (12 meetings). The current members of the compensation
committee are Marc E. Leland, Chair, Julie H. Edwards and Jack E. Little. The primary
responsibilities of the compensation committee are to discharge our Boards responsibilities
relating to compensation of directors and executive officers, to assist our Board in
reviewing and administering compensation, benefits, incentive and equity-based compensation
plans, and to prepare an annual disclosure under the caption Compensation Committee Report
for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement for its general meeting of shareholders. The
compensation committees report relating to 2008 appears on
page 25 of this proxy
statement.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (5 meetings). The current members of the
nominating and corporate governance committee are Michael A. Cawley, Chair, Julie H. Edwards
and Marc E. Leland. The primary responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance
committee are to assist our Board in reviewing, evaluating, selecting and recommending
director nominees when one or more directors are to be appointed, elected or re-elected to
our Board; to monitor, develop and recommend to our Board a set of principles, policies and
practices relating to corporate governance; and to oversee the process by which our Board,
our Chief Executive Officer and executive management are evaluated.
The nominating and corporate governance committee believes that directors should
possess the highest personal and professional ethics, character, integrity and values; an
inquisitive and objective perspective; practical wisdom; and mature judgment. Directors
must be willing to devote sufficient time to discharging their duties and responsibilities
effectively, and they should be committed to serving on our Board for an extended period of
time. The nominating and corporate governance committee endeavors to have a Board
representing diverse experience in policy-making positions in areas that are relevant to the
Companys lines of business and areas of operations worldwide.
The nominating and corporate governance committees process for identifying candidates
includes seeking recommendations from one or more of the following: current and retired
directors and executive officers of the Company; a firm (or firms) that specializes in
identifying director candidates (which firm may earn a fee for its services paid by the
Company); persons known to directors of the Company in accounting, legal and other
professional service organizations or educational institutions; and, subject to compliance
with applicable procedures, shareholders of the Company. The nominating and corporate
governance committees process for evaluating candidates includes investigation of the
persons specific experiences and skills, time availability in light of commitments,
potential conflicts of interest, and independence from management and the Company.
Candidates recommended by a shareholder are evaluated in the same manner as are other
candidates. We did not receive any recommendations from shareholders of the Company for
director nominees for the general meeting.
Under the Companys policy on director attendance at general meetings of shareholders, all
directors are expected to attend each general meeting, and any director who should become unable to
attend the general meeting is responsible for notifying the Chairman of the Board in advance of the
meeting. At the date of this proxy statement, we know of no director who will not attend the
general meeting. In 2008, all directors attended the annual meeting of shareholders.
In 2008, our Board held 9 meetings. In 2008, each director attended at least 75% of the
aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings of our Board and (2) the total number of meetings of
committees of our Board on which such director served (during the periods that such director
served).
-8-
Shareholder Communications with Directors
Our Board has approved the following process for shareholders and other security holders of
the Company and interested parties to send communications to our Board. To contact all directors
on our Board, all directors on a Board committee, an individual director, or the non-management
directors of our Board as a group, the shareholder, other security holder or interested party can:
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mail Noble Corporation, Attention: Corporate Secretary, at 13135 South Dairy
Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas 77478; |
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e-mail nobleboard@noblecorp.com; or |
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telephone the NobleLine (toll-free and anonymous, available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week) at +1 877-285-4162. |
All communications received in the mail are opened by the office of the Companys Secretary
for the purpose of determining whether the contents represent a message to our Board. All
communications received electronically are processed under the oversight of our Board by the
Companys general counsel. Complaints or concerns relating to the Companys accounting, internal
accounting controls, or auditing matters are referred to the audit committee of our Board.
Complaints or concerns relating to other corporate matters, which are not addressed to a specific
director, are referred to the appropriate functional manager within the Company for review and
response. A summary of the incoming contact and the managers response is reported to our Board.
Complaints or concerns relating to corporate matters other than the specific items referred to the
audit committee as described above, which are addressed to a specific director, committee of our
Board, or group of directors, are promptly relayed to such persons.
Director Education
We provide our directors with information and materials that are designed to assist them in
performing their duties as directors. We provide director manuals, periodic presentations on new
developments in relevant areas, such as legal and accounting matters, as well as opportunities to
attend director education programs at the Companys expense. Our director manual contains
important information about the Company and the responsibilities of our directors, including: our
Articles of Association and By-laws; guidelines for assignments regarding standing committees of
our Board; the charter for each of our Board committees; a summary of laws and regulations
regarding compliance with insider reporting and trading; our code of business conduct and ethics;
corporate directors guidebooks published by such organizations as the American Bar Association
Section of Business Law, National Association of Corporate Directors, and American Society of
Corporate Secretaries; a statement of the Company paradigms that govern how we conduct our
business; and our safety policy and quality policy and objectives.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Transactions with related persons are reviewed, approved or ratified in accordance with the
policies and procedures set forth in our code of business conduct and ethics and our administrative
policy manual, the procedures described below for director and officer questionnaires, and the
other procedures described below.
Our code of business conduct and ethics provides that conflicts of interest are prohibited as
a matter of Company policy. Under such code of business conduct and ethics, any employee, officer
or director who becomes aware of a conflict, potential conflict or an uncertainty as to whether a
conflict exists should bring the matter to the attention of a supervisor, manager or other
appropriate personnel. Our Board and its senior management review all reported relationships and
transactions in which the Company and any director, officer or family member of a director or
officer are participants to determine whether an actual or potential conflict of interest exists.
Our Board may approve or ratify any such relationship or transaction if our Board determines that
such relationship or transaction is in our best interests (or not inconsistent with our best
interests) and the best interests of our shareholders. A conflict of interest exists
when an individuals personal interest is adverse to or otherwise in conflict with the
interests of the Company. Our code of business conduct and ethics sets forth several examples of
how conflicts of interest may arise, including when
-9-
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an employee, officer or director or a member of his or her family receives improper
personal benefits because of such employees, officers or directors position in the
Company; |
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a loan by the Company to, or a guarantee by the Company of an obligation of, an employee
or his or her family member is made; |
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an employee works for or has any direct or indirect business connection with any of our
competitors, customers or suppliers; or |
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Company assets and properties are used for personal gain or Company business
opportunities are usurped for personal gain. |
In addition, our administrative policy manual, which applies to all our employees, defines some
additional examples of what the Company considers to be a conflict of interest, including when
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subject to certain limited exceptions, an employee or consultant or any member of his or
her immediate family has an interest in any business entity that deals with the Company
where there is an opportunity for preferential treatment to be given or received; |
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an employee or consultant serves as an officer, a director, or in any management
capacity of another business entity directly or indirectly related to the contract drilling
or energy services industries without specific authority from our Board; |
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an employee or consultant or any member of his or her immediate family buys, sells or
leases any kind of property, facilities or equipment from or to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or to any business entity or individual who is or is seeking to become a
contractor, supplier or customer, without specific authority from our Board; or |
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subject to certain limited exceptions, an employee or consultant or any member of his or
her immediate family accepts gifts, payments, extravagant entertainment, services or loans
in any form from anyone soliciting business, or who may already have established business
relations, with the Company. |
Each year we require all our directors, nominees for director and executive officers to
complete and sign a questionnaire in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at our
general meeting of shareholders. The purpose of the questionnaire is to obtain information,
including information regarding transactions with related persons, for inclusion in our proxy
statement or annual report.
In addition, we review SEC filings made by beneficial owners of more than five percent of any
class of our voting securities to determine whether information relating to transactions with such
persons needs to be included in our proxy statement or annual report.
-10-
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of March 27, 2009, we had 261,248,093 shares outstanding, excluding shares held in
treasury. The following table sets forth, as of March 27, 2009, (1) the beneficial ownership of
shares by each of our directors, each named executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation
Table appearing in this proxy statement, and all our directors and named executive officers as a
group, and (2) information about the only persons who were known to the Company to be the
beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding shares.
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Shares |
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Beneficially Owned (1) |
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Number of |
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Percent of |
Name |
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Shares |
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Class (2) |
Directors |
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Michael A. Cawley |
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1,857,969 |
(3)(4) |
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Lawrence J. Chazen |
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40,848 |
(3) |
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Luke R. Corbett |
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88,699 |
(3) |
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Julie H. Edwards |
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41,067 |
(3) |
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Marc E. Leland |
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129,870 |
(3) |
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Jack E. Little |
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125,094 |
(3) |
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Mary P. Ricciardello |
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59,939 |
(3) |
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William A. Sears |
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70,229 |
(3) |
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David W. Williams |
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687,240 |
(3) |
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Named Executive Officers (excluding any
Director listed above) and Group |
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Julie J. Robertson |
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1,118,945 |
(3) |
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Thomas L. Mitchell |
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339,540 |
(3) |
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William A. Turcotte |
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57,073 |
(3) |
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Robert D. Campbell |
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61,965 |
(3) |
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All directors and named executive officers as a group (13 persons) |
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4,678,478 |
(5) |
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1.78 |
% |
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FMR LLC |
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26,761,327 |
(6) |
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10.24 |
% |
82 Devonshire Street |
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Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
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Barclays Global Investors, NA |
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15,703,795 |
(7) |
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6.01 |
% |
400 Howard Street |
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San Francisco, California 94105 |
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(1) |
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Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power over
all shares listed. |
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(2) |
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The percent of class shown is less than one percent unless otherwise indicated. |
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(3) |
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Includes shares not outstanding but subject to options exercisable at March 27, 2009 or
within 60 days thereafter, as follows: Mr. Cawley 70,000 shares; Mr. Chazen 18,000
shares; Mr. Corbett 58,000 shares; Ms. Edwards 20,000 shares; Mr. Leland 70,000
shares; Mr. Little 83,000 shares; Ms. Ricciardello 28,000 shares; Mr. Sears 70,000
shares; Mr. Williams 102,114 shares; Ms. Robertson 538,241 shares; Mr. Mitchell
71,632 shares; Mr. Turcotte 0 shares; and Mr. Campbell 20,302 shares. |
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(4) |
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Includes 1,749,278 shares beneficially owned by the Noble Foundation. Mr. Cawley, as
President and Chief Executive Officer and a trustee of the Noble Foundation, may be deemed to
beneficially own, and have voting and investment power over, the 1,749,278 shares held by the
Noble Foundation. As one of the members of the board of trustees of the Noble Foundation, Mr.
Cawley does not represent sufficient voting power on the Noble Foundations board of trustees
to determine voting or investment decisions over the 1,749,278 shares. Mr. Cawley disclaims
any pecuniary interest in the shares held by the Noble Foundation. |
-11-
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(5) |
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Includes 1,149,289 shares not outstanding but subject to options exercisable at March 27,
2009 or within 60 days thereafter and 1,749,278 shares beneficially owned by the Noble
Foundation. See footnotes (3) and (4) above. |
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(6) |
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Based on a Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 13) filed by FMR LLC with the SEC on February 17,
2009. The filing is made jointly with Edward C. Johnson 3d and Fidelity Management & Research
Company. FMR LLC reports sole investment power over all such shares and sole voting power
over 1,956,755 shares. |
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(7) |
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Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 5, 2009 by Barclays Global Investors,
NA (Barclays), Barclays Global Fund Advisors (BG Fund), Barclays Global Investors, LTD
(BGI LTD), Barclays Global Investors Japan Limited (BGI Japan), Barclays Global Investors
Canada Limited (BGI Canada), Barclays Global Investors Australia Limited (BGI Australia),
and Barclays Global Investors (Deutschland) AG (BGI Germany). Barclays reports sole voting
power over 8,079,982 shares and sole dispositive power over 10,058,572 shares; BG Fund reports
sole voting power over 3,799,680 shares and sole dispositive power over 3,816,203 shares; BGI
LTD reports sole voting power over 1,350,463 shares and sole dispositive power over 1,560,140
shares; BGI Japan reports sole voting and dispositive power over 807,610 shares; BGI Canada
reports sole voting and dispositive power over 258,546 shares; and BGI Australia reports sole
voting and dispositive power over 15,108 shares. BGI Germany reported no beneficial
ownership. The address for BG Fund is 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94105; the
address for BGI LTD is Murray House, 1 Royal Mint Court, London, EC3N 4HH, England; the
address for BGI Japan is Ebisu Prime Square Tower, 8th Floor, 1-1-39 Hiroo Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo,
150-8402, Japan; the address for BGI Canada is Brookfield Place 161 Bay Street, Suite 2500,
P.O. Box 614, Toronto, Canada, Ontario M5J 2S1; the address for BGI Australia is Level 43,
Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street, Sydney, Australia NSW 1220; and the address for BGI
Germany is Apianstrasse 6, D-85774 Unterfohring, Germany. |
-12-
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Board Process and Independent Review of Compensation Program
The compensation committee of our Board is responsible for determining the compensation of our
directors and executive officers and for establishing, implementing and monitoring adherence to our
executive compensation philosophy. The compensation committee provides guidance to our Board in
reviewing and administering the compensation programs, benefits, incentive and equity-based
compensation plans. The compensation committee operates independently of management and receives
compensation advice and data from outside advisors.
In addition, the compensation committee may delegate its authority to an officer of the
Company subject to restrictions on participants in compensation plans determining their own
benefits. In addition, the compensation committee may form one or more subcommittees and delegate
its authority to any such subcommittee, as it deems appropriate.
The compensation committee charter authorizes the committee to retain and terminate, as the
committee deems necessary, independent advisors to provide advice and evaluation of the
compensation of directors or executive officers, or other matters relating to compensation,
benefits, incentive and equity-based compensation plans and corporate performance. The
compensation committee is further authorized to approve the fees and retention terms of any
independent advisor that it retains. In 2008, Hewitt Associates LLC served as independent
compensation consultant to the compensation committee through September. On October 6, 2008, the
committee engaged Pearl Meyer & Partners, an independent consulting firm, to serve as the
committees compensation consultant.
The compensation consultant reports to and acts at the direction of the compensation committee
and is independent of management. The compensation consultant provides comparative market data
regarding executive and director compensation for comparative purposes to assist in establishing
reference points for the principal components of compensation. The compensation consultant also
provides information regarding compensation trends in the general marketplace, compensation
practices of other drilling and oilfield services companies, and regulatory and compliance
developments. The compensation consultant is instructed to validate certain data that our
Administration Department submits to our compensation committee regarding various aspects of
compensation for our employees, executive officers and directors. The compensation consultant
regularly participates in the meetings of the compensation committee and meets privately with the
committee at the committees request.
In determining compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee
evaluates and assesses his performance related to leadership, financial and operating results,
board relations, and other considerations. The compensation committee incorporates these
considerations, as well as compensation market information, into its adjustment decisions. The
compensation consultant provides market information and perspectives on market-based adjustments,
which are included in the committees decision making process.
In determining compensation for executive officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer),
our Chief Executive Officer works with the compensation consultant and our Executive Vice President
to review compensation market information and prior compensation decisions and to recommend
compensation adjustments to the compensation committee at its last meeting of each year (October)
and first meeting of each year (late January or early February). Our Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Vice President may attend compensation committee meetings at the request of the
committee, except when the compensation of such individuals is being discussed. The compensation
committee reviews, and recommends to our Board for approval, all compensation for the named
executive officers.
Compensation Philosophy
The Company believes that its executive compensation program reflects the Companys philosophy
that executive compensation should be structured so as to closely align each executives
interests with the interests of our shareholders. The program is designed to emphasize
equity-based incentive and performance-based pay and, in order to promote an atmosphere of
teamwork, fairness and motivation, these concepts extend beyond the named executive officers to
other key employees throughout the Company. The primary objectives of the Companys total
compensation package are to motivate our executives to assist the Company in achieving certain
operating and financial performance goals that enhance shareholder value, to reward outstanding
performance in achieving these
-13-
goals and to establish and maintain a competitive executive compensation program that enables
the Company to attract, retain and motivate high caliber executives who will contribute to the
long-term success of the Company. When used in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section,
the term named executive officers means those persons listed in the Summary Compensation Table.
Consistent with this philosophy, we seek to provide a total compensation package for the named
executive officers that is competitive with those of the companies in the direct peer and broad
energy peer benchmarking groups described below and yet is structured so that it results in having
a substantial portion of total compensation subject to company, individual and share price
performance. In designing these compensation packages, the compensation committee annually reviews
each compensation component and compares its use and level to various internal and external
performance standards and market reference points.
Executive Compensation Program Design
In order to accomplish the objectives of our compensation program, we include in the
compensation of our executive officers a substantial amount of equity-based incentives and
performance-based pay. However, we do not base the percentage of total compensation attributable
to equity-based incentives or performance-based pay for each named executive officer on any
specific target. Equity-based incentives and performance-based pay constituted a substantial
portion of the compensation package of our currently employed named executive officers during the
year ended December 31, 2008, as shown by the percentages in the following table, which are
calculated based on the information set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. |
|
Julie J. |
|
Thomas L. |
|
William E. |
Compensation Component |
|
Williams |
|
Robertson |
|
Mitchell |
|
Turcotte |
Equity-based
incentives or
performance-based pay
(1) |
|
|
73 |
%(3) |
|
|
64 |
% |
|
|
78 |
%(3) |
|
|
8 |
%(4) |
Not equity-based
incentives or
performance-based pay
(2) |
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Compensation |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The percentages represent the sum of the dollar amounts in the Stock Awards, Option Awards,
and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation columns of the Summary Compensation Table, divided
by the amount set forth in the Total column. |
|
(2) |
|
The percentages represent the sum of the dollar amounts in the Salary, Bonus, Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings, and All Other Compensation
columns of the Summary Compensation Table, divided by the amount set forth in the Total
column. |
|
(3) |
|
The percentages reflect grants of nonqualified stock options and awards of restricted shares
(Restricted Shares) made in 2006 at the time the named executive officer joined the Company.
Effective September 20, 2006, Mr. Williams received an award of 100,000 time-vested
Restricted Shares and a grant of 100,000 nonqualified stock options. Effective November 6,
2006, Mr. Mitchell received an award of 80,000 time-vested Restricted Shares and a grant of
80,000 nonqualified stock options. Each of these awards and grants has a three-year vesting
period and, pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R), the grant date fair value of each such award and grant
is recognized on a straight line basis as an expense to the Company over the service period
(which generally represents the vesting period). The dollar amounts in the Stock Awards and
Option Awards columns of the Summary Compensation Table include the amounts recognized in 2007
by the Company pursuant to SFAS No. 123R for these awards and grants. These equity-based
awards and grants reflect the results of direct negotiations with each of Mr. Williams and Mr.
Mitchell, and their respective backgrounds and experience. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Turcotte joined the Company in December 2008. Effective December 16, 2008, Mr. Turcotte
received an award of 30,000 time-vested Restricted Shares. This award has a three-year
vesting period and, pursuant to SFAS No. 123R, the grant date fair value of such award is
recognized on a straight line basis as an expense to the Company over the service period. |
-14-
We believe that our executive officers should be fairly compensated each year relative to
market pay levels of our peer groups and internal equity within the Company. We generally do not
take into account gains on prior compensation from the Company, such as gains from previously
awarded stock options, in setting other elements of compensation, such as base pay, short-term
incentive award payments, long-term incentive awards or retirement and other benefits. For
newly-hired executive officers, we take into account their prior base salary and performance and
incentive based pay, as well as the contribution expected to be made by the new executive officer
and the responsibilities and duties of the executive officer with us.
Compensation Program Peer Groups
We compete for talent with employers across many different sectors around the world, but our
primary competitive market generally includes other companies in the energy industry, such as
offshore drilling companies, oilfield service companies, other energy companies and oil and gas
companies. In making compensation decisions for our named executive officers, each element of
their total direct compensation is compared against published compensation data and data provided
by the compensation consultant. For 2008, the peer groups of companies approved by our
compensation committee and used as external benchmarks for comparing each component of executive
compensation were as follows:
|
|
|
Direct Peer Group |
|
Broad Energy Peer Group |
|
Rationale: Provides market data on
companies that are very similar to us in terms
of business activities, operations and revenue
size
|
|
Rationale: Provides market data on companies
that are similar to us in terms of competition for
executive talent, energy industry knowledge, operations
and revenue size |
Companies included are:
|
|
Companies included are: |
Diamond Offshore Drilling,
Inc.
|
|
Baker Hughes Inc. |
ENSCO International, Inc.
|
|
BJ Services Company |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
|
|
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation |
Nabors Industries Ltd.
|
|
Cameron International Corporation |
Pride International, Inc.
|
|
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company |
Rowan Companies, Inc.
|
|
Cimarex Energy Company |
Transocean Ltd. (formerly
Transocean, Inc.)
|
|
El Paso Corporation |
|
|
Equitable Resources, Inc. |
|
|
FMC Technologies Inc. |
|
|
Forest Oil Corporation |
|
|
Noble Energy, Inc. |
|
|
Pioneer Natural Resources Company |
|
|
Plains Exploration & Production Company |
|
|
Schlumberger Ltd. |
|
|
Southwestern Energy Company |
|
|
St. Mary Land & Exploration Company |
We also partially measure achievement of performance goals required for vesting of our
performance-based Restricted Shares against the Dow Jones U.S. Oil Equipment & Services Index (the
DJ Index). For more details, see How Amounts for Compensation Components are Determined2008
Long-Term Incentives.
Data from peer groups play an important role in the process used by the compensation committee
to determine the design, components and award levels in our executive pay programs. The
compensation committee endeavors to conduct a review of the compensation program, including
treatment of each named executive officer, on an annual basis to ensure that our compensation
program works as designed and intended and in light of current market conditions. This review by
the compensation committee also facilitates discussion among the members of the compensation
committee regarding all our compensation and benefit programs.
-15-
Compensation Program Overview
Following is an overview of the principal components of our compensation program:
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
Program Component |
|
Structure/Rationale |
|
Objectives |
|
Salary
|
|
Salary for the named executive
officers is reviewed and set annually
based on market practices observed within
the Direct Peer and Broad Energy Peer
Groups.
|
|
We
generally target
salary levels
between the
50th and
75th
percentile of the
Direct Peer and
Broad Energy Peer
Groups with high
performing named
executive officers
approximating the
75th
percentile. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary levels and adjustments to
salary take into account our executives
responsibilities, individual performance
and internal equity within the Company. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This component of pay is generally
used to attract and retain executives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term
incentives awarded
under the Noble
Corporation Short
Term Incentive Plan
(STIP)
|
|
Given the emphasis we place on
performance-based compensation, annual
incentive targets are set above the
50th percentile of the Broad
Energy Peer Group.
|
|
Bonus
targets are set
annually to
correspond
generally with the
market
75th
percentile of the
Direct Peer and
Broad Energy Peer
Groups |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This structure allows for a total
cash compensation opportunity (base
salary, plus short-term incentive awards)
at or above the Broad Energy Peer Group
50th percentile commensurate
with performance.
|
|
The Company
targets the total
cash compensation
opportunity for
each named
executive officer
to be between the
50th and
75th
percentile of the
Direct Peer and
Broad Energy Peer
Groups, if the
performance of the
named executive
officer warrants. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This program encourages and
rewards achievement of annual financial
and operational performance and individual
goals and objectives.
|
|
The
compensation
committee believes
that the named
executive officers
bonuses under the
STIP for 2008 are
consistent with our
objectives. |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
incentives awarded
under the Noble
Corporation 1991
Stock Option and
Restricted Stock
Plan, as amended
(the 1991 Plan)
|
|
Awards are provided to executive
officers on the basis of market
compensation data as well as the executive
officers responsibility and ability to
influence the management and performance
of the Company.
|
|
Given the
design as described
further below,
award levels are
set to correspond
generally with the
Direct Peer and
Broad Energy Peer
Groups
75th
percentile level. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grants and awards of long-term
incentives ensure a longer term focus and
facilitate share ownership for named
executive officers.
|
|
The
compensation
committee believes
that the named
executive officers
awards under the
1991 Plan for 2008
are consistent with
our objectives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our long-term incentives consist
of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance-vested restricted
share awards designed to reward relative
total shareholder return versus industry
peers, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time-vested restricted share
awards that facilitate retention of the
named executive officer and a focus on
longer term share price appreciation, and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option grants that are
designed to reward absolute share price
appreciation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The compensation committee has the
ability to grant additional stock options
and time-vested Restricted Shares based on
specific situations including new hire,
retention and motivation needs. |
|
|
-16-
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
Program Component |
|
Structure/Rationale |
|
Objectives |
|
Retirement and
Other Benefits
|
|
Our retirement programs provide
retirement income benefits to
participants. These retirement programs
and certain other benefits are discussed
in further detail under the caption
Retirement and Other Benefits.
|
|
The
compensation
committee believes
that these
retirement programs
and other benefits
assist in
maintaining a
competitive
position in
attracting and
retaining officers
and other
employees. |
|
|
|
|
|
Change of Control
Employment
Agreements
|
|
We enter into these agreements
with our named executive officers and
certain other key employees in an effort
to attract and retain executive talent and
to ensure their actions align with the
interests of the Company and its
shareholders in the event of a change of
control. These agreements are discussed
in further detail under the caption
Potential Payments on Termination or
Change of Control Change of Control
Employment Agreements.
|
|
The
compensation
committee believes
that these
agreements assist
in maintaining a
competitive
position in
attracting and
retaining officers
and other key
employees and
aligning their
interests with the
interests of the
Company and its
shareholders in the
event of a change
of control. |
When targeting a percentile of the Direct Peer Group, the compensation committee benchmarks
compensation by (i) ranking our named executive officers in relation to total compensation paid and
comparing the named executive officers to individuals in like positions in companies included in
the Direct Peer Group and (ii) comparing compensation of the named executive officers to the
compensation of individuals in like positions in the companies included in the Direct Peer Group,
where sufficient data for such a comparison were available. When targeting a percentile of the
Broad Energy Peer Group, the compensation committee benchmarks compensation of the named executive
officers to the compensation of individuals in like positions in the companies included in the
Broad Energy Peer Group.
How Amounts for Compensation Components are Determined
2008 Base Salary. Base salary levels of the named executive officers were determined based on
a combination of factors, including our compensation philosophy, market compensation data,
competition for key executive talent, the named executive officers experience, leadership, prior
achievement of specified business objectives and prior contribution to the Companys success, the
Companys overall annual budget for merit increases and the named executive officers individual
performance in the prior year. The compensation committee conducts an annual review of the base
salaries of named executive officers by taking into account these factors.
Base salary was increased for Mr. Williams, Ms. Robertson and Mr. Mitchell in February 2008 in
connection with the compensation committees annual review of base salaries. As in 2007, the
compensation committee continued to focus on the heightened competition for executives in the
energy market in 2008.
For the named executive officers serving the Company at December 31, 2008, base salary at that
date ranged (i) from 73 percent to 88 percent of the 75th percentile of the like positions in the
Broad Energy Peer Group and (ii) from 66 percent to 94 percent of the 75th percentile of the
applicable ranks in the Direct Peer Group.
Effective February 1, 2009, the Board approved 2009 base salaries for our named executive
officers as follows: Mr. Williams $805,000; Ms. Robertson $477,000; Mr. Mitchell $446,000;
and Mr. Turcotte $315,000.
The compensation committee does not necessarily target base salary at any particular
percentage of total compensation. Instead, base salary increases for each individual are generally
determined by considering the factors set forth above. Base salary levels of named executive
officers vary from one another primarily due to the benchmarking of compensation for each named
executive officer based on a comparison to individuals in like positions in the Broad Energy Peer
Group and the Direct Peer Group and individuals in comparably-ranked positions in the Direct Peer
Group.
2008 Short-Term Incentives and Other Bonus Awards. The STIP gives participants, including the
named executive officers, the opportunity to earn annual cash bonuses in relation to specified
target award levels defined as
-17-
a percentage of their base salaries. To be eligible to receive a STIP award for the 2008 plan
year, the participant must have been actively employed on December 31, 2008 and must have continued
to be employed through the date on which the STIP award payments were made. The 2008 STIP does not
require a minimum period of service to be eligible for consideration of an award.
Plan award sizes were developed considering market data and internal equity. For each of the
named executive officers serving the Company at December 31, 2008, the combination of base salary
plus target award exceeded the market 50th percentile of the Direct Peer and Broad
Energy Peer Groups.
The purpose of the STIP is to tie compensation directly to specific business goals and
management objectives and individual performance. The Company believes that the performance goals
for the 2008 plan year, which were based on safety results, earnings per share, and cash operating
margin, were appropriately chosen to focus our named executive officers on performance designed to
lead to increased shareholder value.
The target awards for our named executive officers set forth in the plan range from 55 percent
of base salary to 100 percent of base salary, with the latter target award generally set for our
Chief Executive Officer. The resulting total STIP awards for the 2008 plan year, which include
both the Performance Bonus and Discretionary Bonus described below, could have ranged from zero to
150 percent of base salary for the named executive officer with the highest target award and from
zero to 110 percent of base salary for the named executive officer with the lowest target award.
For each participant, a portion of the total STIP award is based on the achievement of
performance goals (Performance Bonus) and the remaining portion of the STIP award is available at
the discretion of the compensation committee based on merit, individual and team performance and
additional selected criteria (Discretionary Bonus). The compensation committee sets the
performance goals for the Performance Bonus annually.
Performance Bonus. The Performance Bonus portion of the STIP award is calculated by
multiplying one-half of the total target STIP award by a multiplier, which is calculated by
measuring actual performance against the performance goals. Corporate personnel, including the
named executive officers, have different performance goals from division personnel, but the total
applicable multiplier for corporate personnel (as explained below) takes into account division
level performance. The performance goals for 2008 for corporate personnel were weighted with
respect to three criteria: safety results (25 percent), earnings per share (35 percent) and cash
operating margin (40 percent), defined as contract drilling revenues less contract drilling costs,
including reimbursables.
For the 2008 plan year, a combined weighted percentage of goal achievement for corporate
employees is calculated by weighting the achievement of the corporate goals described above. The
applicable multiplier used to calculate the Performance Bonus is then determined within a range of
zero for an achievement of a combined weighted percentage of goal achievement of less than 65
percent and 2.0 for an achievement of a combined weighted percentage of goal achievement of more
than 160 percent. The Performance Bonus portion of the STIP award is then determined by taking the
applicable multiplier, ranging from zero to 2.0, and multiplying it by one-half of the individuals
total target STIP award.
For the 2008 plan year, the combined weighted percentage of goal achievement for corporate
personnel was calculated by first determining a combined weighted percentage of corporate goal
achievement as follows:
(0.25 [safety results] x 1.25 [adjustment factor for performance relative to industry
average]) +
(0.35 [earnings per share] x 1.00 [adjustment factor for performance relative to
budget]) +
(0.40 [cash operating margin] x (1.00 [adjustment factor for performance relative to
budget] + 0.50 [an additional adjustment factor relative to direct peer group
performance])
equals
a combined weighted adjustment factor of 1.26 or a combined weighted percentage of
corporate goal achievement of 126 percent.
-18-
The compensation committee measures safety results by comparing our total recordable incident
rate (TRIR) against the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) average. For
2008, our TRIR of 0.70 was approximately 35% better than the IADC average of 1.07, resulting in an
adjustment factor of 1.25 for this performance metric. For any given plan year, the 12-month
measurement period for safety results begins on October 1 of the previous year and ends on
September 30 of the plan year due to the availability of IADC data.
The compensation committee measures earnings per share (EPS) and cash operating margin (COM)
(defined as contract drilling revenues less contract drilling costs, including reimbursables)
performance relative to our annual budget. For 2008, our actual EPS of $5.85 was approximately
102% of the budgeted EPS target of $5.719. For 2008, our actual COM of approximately $2.31 billion
was approximately 102% of the budgeted COM target of approximately $2.27 billion Actual EPS and
COM were within the range of 96-105% of the budgeted amounts for 2008, resulting in an adjustment
factor of 1.00 for each of these performance metrics. Under the STIP, an additional adjustment
factor of 0.50 was included for cash operating margin performance in recognition of the Companys
positive performance relative to its peer group.
The combined weighted adjustment factor of 1.26, or 126 percent, relates solely to performance
relative to corporate level goals. The total applicable multiplier for corporate personnel,
including the named executive officers, also takes into account division level performance. For
2008, the weighted adjustment factor at the division level was 1.39, or 139 percent. Together, the
corporate level performance and the division level performance resulted in a combined adjustment
factor of 1.33, or 133 percent, for 2008. Under the STIP, this combined weighted percentage of
goal achievement of 133 percent corresponds to an applicable multiplier of 1.50, which resulted in
the named executive officers being awarded a Performance Bonus equal to 1.50 times their target
Performance Bonus. The Performance Bonuses for the 2008 plan year paid to the named executive
officers who were eligible to receive a STIP award are included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
Discretionary Bonus. The Discretionary Bonus portion of the STIP award is available
at the discretion of the compensation committee and can range from zero to 2.0 times one-half of
the individuals total target STIP award.
Our current Chief Executive Officer recommended, and the compensation committee approved,
Discretionary Bonuses for the 2008 plan year for the named executive officers (other than our Chief
Executive Officer) who were eligible to participate in the STIP for the 2008 plan year. The
Discretionary Bonus for our current Chief Executive Officer was determined by the compensation
committee. The Discretionary Bonuses for the 2008 plan year paid to the named executive officers
are included in the Bonus column of the Summary Compensation Table.
2008 Long-Term Incentives. We think it is important to reward executive officers and key
employees with equity compensation, in keeping with our overall compensation philosophy to align
executives and employees interests with the interests of our shareholders. We believe long-term
incentives promote sustained shareholder value by encouraging named executive officers to
accomplish goals that benefit the Company on both a short-term and long-term basis. We do not
target long-term incentive opportunities to be a particular percentage of total compensation.
Under the 1991 Plan, the compensation committee granted stock options and awarded
performance-vested Restricted Shares and time-vested Restricted Shares in 2008 to individuals
(including our named executive officers) who demonstrated superior performance in their current
position, as well as the likelihood of high-level performance in the future.
In 2008, awards of long-term incentives to named executive officers were made so that
approximately 20 percent, 40 percent and 40 percent of the total value of all long-term incentives
were made in the form of nonqualified stock options, time-vested Restricted Shares and
performance-vested Restricted Shares, respectively.
Stock Options. Each award of nonqualified stock options to our named executive
officers in 2008 vests one-third per year over three years commencing one year from the grant date.
All options granted have an exercise price equal to the fair market value (average of the high and
low sales price) of our shares on the date of grant. Each option expires 10 years after the date
of its grant.
Time-Vested Restricted Shares. Each award of time-vested Restricted Shares to our
named executive officers in 2008 vests one-third per year over three years commencing one year from
the award date. Prior to vesting, time-vested Restricted Shares may not be sold, transferred or
pledged. Holders of time-vested Restricted
-19-
Share awards are entitled to receive dividends and distributions on the Restricted Shares they
hold at the same rate and in the same manner as the holders of unrestricted shares.
Performance-Vested Restricted Shares. Performance-vested Restricted Shares vest based
on the achievement of specified corporate performance criteria over a three-year performance cycle.
The number of performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded to a participant equals the number of
shares that would vest if the maximum level of performance for a given performance cycle is
achieved. The number of such shares that vests is determined after the end of the applicable
performance period. Any performance-vested Restricted Shares that do not vest are forfeited.
Prior to vesting, Restricted Shares may not be sold, transferred or pledged. Holders of Restricted
Shares are entitled to receive dividends and distributions on the Restricted Shares they hold at
the same rate and in the same manner as unrestricted shares.
In setting the target number of performance-vested Restricted Shares, the compensation
committee takes into consideration market data, the awards impact on total compensation, the
performance of the executive during the last completed year, and the potential for further
contributions by the executive in the future.
The compensation committee selected the target award levels in the tables below, which
significantly influence total compensation, because it believes that if the Company performs at or
above the 75th percentile relative to the companies in the DJ Index and the Direct Peer
Group, then our compensation levels should be commensurate with this performance. If the Company
performs below this level, our compensation levels should be lower than the 75th
percentile. The maximum number of performance-vested Restricted Shares that can be awarded is 150%
of the target award level; therefore, target level performance at the 75th percentile
equates to approximately two-thirds of the maximum number of performance-vested Restricted Shares
awarded.
The terms of the performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded by the compensation committee in
February 2008 for the 2008-2010 performance cycle provide that (a) one-half of the total number of
Restricted Shares awarded will vest based on a performance measure of cumulative total shareholder
return (TSR) for our shares relative to the companies in the DJ Index and (b) the remaining
one-half of the total number of Restricted Shares awarded will vest based on TSR for our shares
relative to the companies in the Direct Peer Group.
To determine the number of performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded for the 2008-2010
performance cycle that will vest,
|
|
|
first, the percentile ranking of the TSR for our shares is computed relative to the
companies in the DJ Index at the end of the performance cycle; |
|
|
|
|
second, the DJ Index percentile ranking is cross-referenced in the table below to
determine the percentage of performance-vested Restricted Shares allotted to the DJ Index
performance measure that will vest for the 2008-2010 performance cycle; |
DJ Index Performance Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Performance-Vested |
TSR for Shares |
|
Maximum Restricted |
Relative to the DJ Index |
|
Shares Vesting (1) |
90 %tile and greater (maximum) |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
85 %tile |
|
|
88.7 |
% |
80 %tile |
|
|
78.0 |
% |
75 %tile (target) |
|
|
66.7 |
% |
70 %tile |
|
|
62.0 |
% |
65 %tile |
|
|
57.3 |
% |
60 %tile |
|
|
52.7 |
% |
55 %tile |
|
|
47.3 |
% |
50 %tile |
|
|
42.7 |
% |
45 %tile |
|
|
38.0 |
% |
40 %tile (threshold) |
|
|
33.3 |
% |
Below 40 %tile |
|
|
0 |
% |
-20-
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Values between those listed are interpolated on a straight line basis. Because the vesting
of only one-half of the performance-vested Restricted Shares are keyed to the DJ Index, each
percentage represents a percentage of one-half of the total number of Restricted Shares
awarded for the maximum level of performance for the 2008-2010 performance cycle. |
|
|
|
third, the percentile ranking of the TSR for our shares is computed relative to the
companies in the Direct Peer Group at the end of the performance cycle; |
|
|
|
|
fourth, the Direct Peer Group percentile ranking is cross-referenced in the table below
to determine the percentage of the performance-vested Restricted Shares allotted to the
Direct Peer Group performance measure that will vest for the 2008-2010 performance cycle;
and |
Direct Peer Group Performance Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Performance-Vested |
TSR for Shares |
|
Maximum Restricted |
Relative to the Direct Peer Group |
|
Shares Vesting (1) |
100 %tile (maximum) |
|
|
100 |
% |
87.5 %tile |
|
|
94.4 |
% |
75 %tile (target) |
|
|
67.7 |
% |
62.5 %tile |
|
|
54.7 |
% |
50 %tile |
|
|
42.7 |
% |
37.5 %tile (threshold) |
|
|
28.0 |
% |
Below 35 %tile |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Values between those listed are interpolated on a straight line basis. Because the vesting
of only one-half of the performance-vested Restricted Shares are keyed to the DJ Index, each
percentage represents a percentage of one-half of the total number of Restricted Shares
awarded for the maximum level of performance for the 2008-2010 performance cycle. |
|
|
|
finally, the total number of performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded that will vest
at the end of the performance cycle is equal to the sum of (i) the number of shares
calculated by evaluating performance relative to the DJ Index (in the second bullet point
above) and (ii) the number of shares calculated by evaluating performance relative to the
Direct Peer Group (in the fourth bullet point above). If less than five of the original
companies comprise the Direct Peer Group at the end of the performance cycle, the total
number of Restricted Shares awarded that will vest is calculated by only using the first
and second bullet points above (using the DJ Index only). |
The performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded by the compensation committee in April 2005
for the 2005-2007 performance cycle vested effective February 7, 2008. Performance-vested
Restricted Shares for the 2005-2007 performance cycle vested based solely on the performance
measure of TSR for our shares relative to the companies in the DJ Index. At the end of the
performance period, the percentile ranking of the TSR for our shares relative to the companies in
the DJ Index was in the 64th percentile, which corresponded to the vesting of 56.5
percent of the outstanding performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded for the 2005-2007
performance cycle. The total number of performance-vested Restricted Shares that vested for those
named executive officers who received an award for the 2005-2007 performance cycle were as follows:
Ms. Robertson 15,586 shares and Mr. Campbell 8,809 shares.
Our Chief Executive Officer recommends the total value of the long-term incentive awards to
the compensation committee for all positions other than his own. The total value of the awards is
developed considering our objectives for this component of total compensation relative to the pay
of the companies in the Direct Peer and Broad Energy Peer Groups and is set to correspond with the
Direct Peer and Broad Energy Peer Groups 75th percentile. The compensation committee
determines the total award value of the long-term incentive awards for our Chief Executive Officer.
In applying the methodology above, the compensation committee has the discretion to adjust
option grants and Restricted Share awards based on considerations of internal equity and individual
performance during the prior year.
-21-
In 2008, the Black-Scholes option pricing model was used at the time of the grant of
nonqualified stock options to named executive officers to calculate the number of options whose
value approximated 20 percent of the total value of the long-term incentive awards assigned to a
named executive officer. For time-vested Restricted Shares awards awarded in 2008, the market
price of our shares at the time of award was used to calculate the number of time-vested Restricted
Shares whose value approximated 40 percent of the total value of the long-term incentive awards
assigned to a named executive officer. For performance-vested Restricted Shares awards awarded in
2008, the market price of our shares at the time of award, the difficulty in achieving the
performance targets and the accounting valuation of the award were used to calculate the number of
performance-vested Restricted Shares whose value approximated 40 percent of the total value of the
long-term incentive awards assigned to a named executive officer.
In connection with our recent transaction that resulted in Noble Corporation, a Swiss company,
becoming the parent entity of the Noble group of companies, all stock options and Restricted Shares
previously awarded by the Cayman Islands company were automatically converted into an equivalent
number of stock options and Restricted Shares in the Swiss company.
Compensation Paid to Interim Chief Executive Officer
William A. Sears served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Company on an interim basis from September 20, 2007 to January 2, 2008. During his term as an
officer of the Company, Mr. Sears received an annual base salary at the rate of $850,000. Mr.
Sears base salary was set to correspond with the Direct Peer and Broad Energy Peer Groups
75th percentile because of his background and considerable industry experience. During
his term of office, Mr. Sears did not participate in any of our retirement programs or other
employee benefit programs.
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Sears to his offices with the Company, our Board set
his 2007 STIP target award level at 100 percent, which was the same target award level as our prior
Chief Executive Officer. When the 2007 STIP award payments were made on February 27, 2008, Mr.
Sears was no longer an employee and therefore was not eligible under the terms of the 2007 STIP to
receive a bonus payment thereunder. Our Board awarded a discretionary bonus to Mr. Sears of
$407,767, which represents the amount that Mr. Sears would have been awarded under the 2007 STIP
had he continued to be employed through February 27, 2008. The discretionary bonus was awarded to
Mr. Sears in recognition of his service to the Company as interim Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President and his contributions during such term of office towards the
identification of his successor.
In connection with Mr. Sears appointment, the compensation committee on October 25, 2007
authorized and approved an award under the 1991 Plan of 23,081 time-vested Restricted Shares, a
portion of which (6,060 shares) was awarded in recognition of shares that he would have otherwise
received on the same date under the Second Amended and Restated Noble Corporation 1992 Nonqualified
Stock Option and Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the 1992 Plan) had he been a non-employee
director on October 25, 2007. In determining the 17,021 time-vested Restricted Shares (23,081
total time-vested Restricted Shares less 6,060 time vested Restricted Shares) awarded to Mr. Sears,
the compensation committee consulted with the compensation consultant, which provided market
information for interim officers with backgrounds and experience comparable to that of Mr. Sears.
The 23,081 time-vested Restricted Shares were later forfeited in accordance with the terms of the
award upon the resignation of Mr. Sears as an officer of the Company on January 2, 2008. On
February 8, 2008, our Board awarded 6,060 unrestricted Shares to Mr. Sears under the 1992 Plan in
recognition of the 6,060 shares that would have been awarded to Mr. Sears on October 25, 2007 had
he chosen not to serve the Company as interim Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
President and continued to serve as a non-employee director. Also on February 8, 2008, upon the
recommendation of the compensation committee, our Board authorized and approved a payment to Mr.
Sears of $85,480. The compensation committee determined to recommend this payment in recognition of
Mr. Sears service as interim Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Company from September 20, 2007 to January 2, 2008 (Mr. Sears period of service) and the
forfeiture of 17,021 time-vested Restricted Shares. The $85,480 amount represented the dollar
value of the 17,021 time-vested Restricted Shares awarded on October 25, 2007 (and forfeited on
January 2, 2008) prorated over Mr. Sears period of service. Mr. Sears subsequently requested that
the Company reconsider the compensation committees recommendation of payment of $85,480 and that
our Board authorize and approve a payment that represented the current market value of 17,201
shares. The compensation committee determined not to recommend an additional payment.
-22-
Retirement and Other Benefits
We offer retirement programs that are intended to supplement the personal savings and social
security for covered officers and other employees. The programs include the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan,
the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan, the Noble Drilling Corporation
Retirement Restoration Plan, and the Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan. The Company
believes that these retirement programs assist the Company in maintaining a competitive position in
attracting and retaining officers and other employees.
401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan. We adopted the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan to enable U.S. employees, including the named executive officers,
to save for retirement through a tax-advantaged combination of employee and Company contributions
and to provide employees the opportunity to directly manage their retirement plan assets through a
variety of investment options. The 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to elect to contribute
from one percent to 50 percent of their basic compensation, which is generally the employees base
pay, to the plan. Employee contributions are matched in cash or shares by us at the rate of $0.70
per $1.00 employee contribution for the first six percent of the employees basic compensation.
After the employee has completed five years of continuous service as determined under the 401(k)
plan, employee contributions are matched in cash or shares by us at the rate of $1.00 per $1.00
employee contribution for the first six percent of the employees basic compensation. Vesting in an
employees employer matching contribution account is based on the employees years of service with
the Company and its affiliates. The amount credited to an employees employer matching
contribution account becomes fully vested upon completion of three years of service by the
employee. However, regardless of the number of years of service, an employee is fully vested in
his employer matching contribution account if the employee retires at age 65 or later or the
employees employment is terminated due to death or disability.
The Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan and the Noble Drilling
Corporation 2009 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan are unfunded, nonqualified employee benefit plans
under which certain highly compensated employees of the Company and its subsidiaries may elect to
defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k)
Savings Plan. These nonqualified plans are discussed in further detail below in this Executive
Compensation section following the table captioned Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.
Profit Sharing Plan. The Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan is a qualified
defined contribution plan. This plan excludes as participants any employee hired prior to August
1, 2004 or any employee who participates in the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees
Retirement Plan (in which participation was discontinued effective July 31, 2004 for persons
commencing employment after that date). Each year we may elect to make a discretionary
contribution to the plan. Any such contribution would be an amount determined and authorized for
the plan year by our Board and the board of directors of Noble Drilling Corporation, a Delaware
corporation wholly-owned by direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company. The total plan
contribution, if any, is allocated to each participant in the plan based on such employees basic
compensation, which is generally the employees base pay, in proportion to the total basic
compensation of all participants in the plan. For the 2008 plan year, each participant was
allocated a contribution equal to three percent of his or her basic compensation. Vesting in an
employees profit sharing account is based on the employees years of service with the Company and
its affiliates. The amount credited to an employees profit sharing account becomes fully vested
upon completion of three years of service by the employee. However, regardless of the number of
years of service, an employee is fully vested in his employer matching contribution account if the
employee retires at age 65 or later or the employees employment is terminated due to death or
disability.
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan and Retirement Restoration Plan. Participation in the
Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan (and the related unfunded,
nonqualified Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan) remains in effect for all
participants hired before July 31, 2004. In general, our U.S. salaried employees, including the
named executive officers who are participants, are provided with income for their retirement
through the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan, a qualified defined
benefit pension plan, in which benefits are determined by years of service and average monthly
compensation. Compensation in excess of the annual compensation limit as defined by the Internal
Revenue Service for a given year is considered in the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement
Restoration Plan. Because the benefits under these plans increase with an employees period of
service, we believe these plans encourage participants to make long-term commitments to the
Company. The Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement
-23-
Plan and Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan are discussed in further
detail below in this Executive Compensation section following the table captioned Pension
Benefits.
Other Benefits. The Company provides named executive officers with perquisites and other
personal benefits that the Company and the compensation committee believe are reasonable and
consistent with its overall compensation program. Attributed costs of perquisites for the named
executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2008 are included in the All Other Compensation
column of the Summary Compensation Table.
The Company provides healthcare, life and disability insurance, and other employee benefit
programs to its employees, including its named executive officers, which the Company believes
assists in maintaining a competitive position in terms of attracting and retaining officers and
other employees. These employee benefits plans are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all
employees.
Separation Arrangements
In connection with his retirement from the Company, we entered into a separation agreement
with Mr. Campbell, under which he received certain benefits that we consider consistent with
industry and market practice. These benefits are discussed in further detail under Separation
Agreement and Release.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
We encourage all our executives to align their interests with our shareholders by making a
personal investment in our shares. The Companys minimum ownership guidelines for our executives
are set forth below. The named executive officers participate in pay grade levels 33 through 37.
We expect that each of our executives will meet these minimum guidelines within five years of when
the guidelines first apply to the executive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ownership Guidelines |
Pay Grade Level |
|
(Multiple of Base Salary) |
Pay Grade 37 |
|
5.0 times |
Pay Grades 34 through 36 |
|
4.0 times |
Pay Grades 31 through 33 |
|
3.5 times |
Pay Grades 28 through 30 |
|
2.5 times |
Pay Grade 27 |
|
2.0 times |
Pay Grade 26 |
|
1.5 times |
Determination of Timing of Equity-Based Awards
The Companys practice historically has been to award Restricted Shares and grant options to
new executives contemporaneously with their hire date and to current executives at
regularly-scheduled quarterly meetings of the compensation committee following the public release
of the immediately preceding quarters financial results and any other material nonpublic
information.
Change of Control Arrangements
The named executive officers serving at December 31, 2008 are parties to change of control
employment agreements which we have offered to certain senior executives since 1998. These
agreements become effective only upon a change of control (within the meaning set forth in the
agreement). If a defined change of control occurs and the employment of the named executive
officer is terminated either by us (for reasons other than death, disability or cause) or by the
officer (for good reason or upon the officers determination to leave without any reason during the
30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the change of control), which
requirements can be referred to as a double trigger, the executive officer will receive payments
and benefits set forth in the agreement. The terms of the agreements are summarized in this proxy
statement under the caption Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control Change of
Control Employment Agreements. We believe a double trigger requirement, rather than a single
trigger requirement (which would be satisfied simply if a change of control occurs), maximizes
shareholder value because it prevents an unintended windfall to the named executive officers in the
event of a friendly (non-hostile) change of control.
-24-
In connection with the change of the place of incorporation of the parent holding company of
the Noble group of companies from the Cayman Islands to Switzerland, we entered into new change of
control employment agreements with each of our named executive officers effective March 27, 2009.
These amended and restated agreements revise the definition of change of control such that a
reincorporation transaction does not constitute a change of control.
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments of Compensation
In recent years the compensation committee has increased the proportion of annual long-term
incentive compensation to our named executive officers represented in the form of Restricted Shares
as compared to nonqualified stock options. This compensation committee action reflects, among
other things, the changes in accounting standards modifying the accounting treatment of
nonqualified stock options.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), generally limits
the tax deductibility to public companies for compensation in excess of $1 million per person per
year, unless such compensation meets certain specific requirements. The compensation committee
intends to retain flexibility to design compensation programs, even where compensation payable
under such programs may not be fully deductible, if such programs effectively recognize a full
range of criteria important to the Companys success and result in a gain to the Company that would
outweigh the limited negative tax effect.
Conclusion
We believe our overall compensation packages components and levels are appropriate for our
industry and provide a direct link to enhancing shareholder value, achieving our business strategy
and advancing the core principles of our compensation philosophy and objectives to ensure the
long-term success of the Company. We will continue to monitor current trends and issues in our
industry and will modify our programs where and when appropriate.
The following compensation committee report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
to be filed with the SEC or subject to the SECs proxy rules, except for the required disclosure
herein or in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, or to the
liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and such information shall not be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into any filing made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Exchange Act.
Compensation Committee Report
To the Shareholders of Noble Corporation:
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management of the Company the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement. Based on such review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Marc E. Leland, Chair
Julie H. Edwards
Jack E. Little
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-25-
The following table sets forth the compensation of the person who served as our Chief
Executive Officer during 2008, the person who served as our Chief Financial Officer during 2008,
and the other executive officers of the Company who we have determined are our named executive
officers pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC (collectively, the named executive
officers).
Summary Compensation Table
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Non-Qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus (1) |
|
Awards (2) |
|
Awards (2) |
|
Compensation (1) |
|
Earnings (3) |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
David W. Williams |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
765,001 |
|
|
$ |
650,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,047,243 |
|
|
$ |
656,883 |
|
|
$ |
573,750 |
|
|
$ |
124,770 |
|
|
$ |
33,141 |
(4) |
|
$ |
5,850,788 |
|
Chairman, President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
489,583 |
|
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,589,245 |
|
|
$ |
394,841 |
|
|
$ |
262,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,756 |
|
|
$ |
3,135,925 |
|
and
Chief Executive
Officer, and
former Senior Vice
President and
Chief Operating
Officer (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
452,500 |
|
|
$ |
284,062 |
|
|
$ |
1,405,058 |
|
|
$ |
344,987 |
|
|
$ |
255,938 |
|
|
$ |
383,994 |
|
|
$ |
22,749 |
(5) |
|
$ |
3,149,288 |
|
Executive Vice |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
422,917 |
|
|
$ |
468,750 |
(5) |
|
$ |
962,091 |
|
|
$ |
314,976 |
|
|
$ |
223,125 |
|
|
$ |
165,017 |
|
|
$ |
20,471 |
|
|
$ |
2,577,347 |
|
President and |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
397,083 |
|
|
$ |
297,500 |
|
|
$ |
675,418 |
|
|
$ |
248,218 |
|
|
$ |
262,500 |
|
|
$ |
154,292 |
|
|
$ |
18,896 |
|
|
$ |
2,053,907 |
|
Corporate Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
422,916 |
|
|
$ |
260,938 |
|
|
$ |
1,844,606 |
|
|
$ |
434,664 |
|
|
$ |
239,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,530 |
(6) |
|
$ |
3,231,718 |
|
Senior Vice |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
240,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,305,691 |
|
|
$ |
336,446 |
|
|
$ |
210,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33,094 |
|
|
$ |
2,525,231 |
|
President, Chief |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
62,885 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
(6) |
|
$ |
143,903 |
|
|
$ |
40,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,824 |
|
|
$ |
351,718 |
|
Financial Officer,
Treasurer and
Controller (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
13,125 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
(7) |
|
$ |
10,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,302 |
(7) |
|
$ |
124,890 |
|
Senior Vice
President and
General Counsel (7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
139,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
247,089 |
|
|
$ |
141,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8) |
|
$ |
309,921 |
(8) |
|
$ |
837,625 |
|
Former Senior Vice |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
313,750 |
|
|
$ |
128,725 |
|
|
$ |
410,450 |
|
|
$ |
131,238 |
|
|
$ |
121,275 |
|
|
$ |
51,910 |
|
|
$ |
18,137 |
|
|
$ |
1,175,485 |
|
President and |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
299,167 |
|
|
$ |
155,625 |
|
|
$ |
374,623 |
|
|
$ |
104,421 |
|
|
$ |
144,375 |
|
|
$ |
88,493 |
|
|
$ |
13,238 |
|
|
$ |
1,179,942 |
|
General Counsel (8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William A. Sears |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
11,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
163,109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,320 |
(9) |
|
$ |
176,463 |
|
Former Chairman of |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
234,159 |
|
|
$ |
407,767 |
(9) |
|
$ |
224,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
25,312 |
|
|
$ |
891,681 |
|
the Board, Chief
Executive Officer
and President (9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Except as otherwise noted, the amounts disclosed in the Bonus column represent Discretionary
Bonuses awarded under the applicable STIP. The cash Performance Bonuses awarded under the STIP
are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the
applicable fiscal year in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, excluding estimates of forfeitures
related to service-based vesting conditions. A description of the assumptions made in our
valuation of restricted shares and stock option awards is set forth in Note 6 to our audited
consolidated financial statements in the 2008 Form 10-K. Effective February 7, 2008, the
following performance-vested Restricted Shares for the 2005-2007 performance cycle did not
vest and were forfeited based on the performance measures for these awards: Ms. Robertson -
12,014; and Mr. Campbell 6,791. As a result of Mr. Campbells retirement on May 13, 2008,
the performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded to him for the 2006-2008, 2007-2009 and
2008-2010 performance cycles were reduced resulting in the forfeiture of 31,837 shares. |
-26-
|
|
|
(3) |
|
The amounts in this column represent the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of
each named executive officers accumulated benefit under the Noble Drilling Corporation
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration
Plan for the year. |
|
(4) |
|
On January 2, 2008, Mr. Williams was appointed as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President of the Company. Compensation amounts for the full year are reflected in
this Summary Compensation Table, including the portion of 2007 prior to April 25, 2007, which
is the date that Mr. Williams became an executive officer of the Company. For 2008, the
amount in All Other Compensation includes Company contributions to the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration
Plan, dividends paid by the Company in 2008 on Restricted Shares, premiums paid by the Company
for business travel AD&D insurance and life insurance and personal use of the Company aircraft
by Mr. Williams spouse while accompanying Mr. Williams on a single, domestic, round-trip
flight. |
|
(5) |
|
For 2007, the amount in Bonus includes a discretionary cash bonus of $150,000 awarded to Ms.
Robertson on October 25, 2007. This bonus was not awarded under the STIP. For 2008, the
amount in All Other Compensation includes Company contributions to the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration
Plan, dividends paid by the Company in 2008 on Restricted Shares, and premiums paid by the
Company for business travel AD&D insurance and life insurance. |
|
(6) |
|
Mr. Mitchell joined the Company as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Controller effective November 6, 2006. For 2006, the amount in Bonus consists of a
discretionary cash bonus awarded by the compensation committee. This bonus was not awarded
under the STIP. For 2008, the amount in All Other Compensation includes Company contributions
to the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation
401(k) Savings Restoration Plan, dividends paid by the Company in 2008 on Restricted Shares,
premiums paid by the Company for business travel AD&D insurance and life insurance and a
Company contribution pursuant to the Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan. |
|
(7) |
|
Mr. Turcotte joined the Company as Senior Vice President and General Counsel on December 16,
2008. The amount in Bonus includes a discretionary bonus of $100,000 awarded to Mr. Turcotte
in connection with his hiring. This bonus was not awarded under the STIP. For 2008, the
amount in All Other Compensation includes Company contributions to the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration
Plan, dividends paid by the Company in 2008 on Restricted Shares, premiums paid by the Company
for business travel AD&D insurance and life insurance and a Company contribution pursuant to
the Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan. |
|
(8) |
|
Mr. Campbell retired from the Company on May 13, 2008. For 2008, the Change in Pension Value
and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings was $(345,742). For 2008, the amount in All
Other Compensation includes a severance payment of $300,000, Company contributions to the
Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k)
Savings Restoration Plan, dividends paid by the Company in 2008 on Restricted Shares, and
premiums paid by the Company for business travel AD&D insurance and life insurance. |
|
(9) |
|
Mr. Sears served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Company on an interim basis from September 20, 2007 to January 2, 2008. The compensation
amounts for services performed by Mr. Sears as an officer of the Company from September 20,
2007 until his retirement from the Company on May 1, 2008 are reflected in this Summary
Compensation Table. For 2007, the amount in Bonus includes a discretionary cash bonus of
$407,767 awarded to Mr. Sears on February 8, 2008, which represents the amount that Mr. Sears
would have been awarded under the 2007 STIP had he continued to be employed through the date
on which the 2007 STIP award payments were made For 2008, the amount in All Other Compensation
includes Company contributions to the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan and the
Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan, dividends paid by the Company in
2008 on Restricted Shares, and premiums paid by the Company for business travel AD&D insurance
and life insurance. |
-27-
The following table sets forth certain information about grants of plan-based awards during
the year ended December 31, 2008 to each of the named executive officers.
Grants of Plan Based Awards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts |
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under Non-Equity Incentive |
|
Under Equity Incentive |
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards (1) |
|
Plan Awards (2) |
|
Number |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of shares |
|
Securities |
|
Price of |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maxi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
of Stock |
|
|
Grant |
|
Thresh |
|
Target |
|
-mum |
|
Thresh |
|
Target |
|
Maxi- |
|
or Units |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
and Option |
Name |
|
Date |
|
-old ($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
-old (#) |
|
(#) |
|
mum (#) |
|
(#) (3) |
|
(#) (4) |
|
($/Sh) (4) |
|
Awards (5) |
David W. Williams |
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
71,054 |
|
|
|
106,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,585,655 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,076,933 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,426 |
|
|
$ |
43.01 |
|
|
$ |
822,816 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
382,500 |
|
|
$ |
765,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
30,001 |
|
|
|
45,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,091,724 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
876,907 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,713 |
|
|
$ |
43.01 |
|
|
$ |
347,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
170,625 |
|
|
$ |
341,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
25,264 |
|
|
|
37,895 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
919,333 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
738,471 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,285 |
|
|
$ |
43.01 |
|
|
$ |
292,560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
159,375 |
|
|
$ |
318,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William E. Turcotte |
|
December 16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
763,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
11,053 |
|
|
|
16,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
44,687 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
February 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
$ |
43.01 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William A. Sears |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the dollar value of the applicable range (threshold, target and maximum amounts)
of Performance Bonuses awarded under the 2008 STIP. The amounts of the Performance Bonus
awards made to the named executive officers under the 2008 STIP are set forth in the
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents performance-vested Restricted Shares awarded during the year ended December 31,
2008 under the 1991 Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents time-vested Restricted Shares awarded during the year ended December 31, 2008
under the 1991 Plan. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents nonqualified stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2008 under
the 1991 Plan. The exercise price for these nonqualified stock options of $43.01 represents
the fair market value per share on the date of grant as specified in the 1991 Plan (average of
the high and low prices of the shares). This exercise price is less than the closing market
price on the date of grant, February 7, 2008, of $43.92. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the award computed in accordance with SFAS
No. 123R. |
For a description of the material terms of the awards reported in the Grants of Plan-Based
Awards table, including performance-based conditions and vesting schedules applicable to such
awards, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis How Amounts for Compensation Components are
Determined.
-28-
The following table sets forth certain information about outstanding equity awards at December
31, 2008 held by the named executive officers.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
Plan |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
Awards: |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Shares or |
|
Number of |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Units of |
|
Unearned |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Shares, Units |
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
Underlyig |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That |
|
That |
|
or Other |
|
or Other |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Rights That |
|
Rights That |
|
|
Options(#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Exercise |
|
Option Expiration |
|
Vested (#) |
|
Vested ($) |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisabe |
|
Price($) |
|
Date |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
Vested (#) (4) |
|
Vested ($) (3) |
|
David W. Williams |
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,426 |
(5) |
|
$ |
43.01 |
|
|
February 7, 2018 |
|
|
94,035 |
(6) |
|
$ |
2,077,233 |
|
|
|
123,820 |
(7) |
|
$ |
2,735,184 |
|
|
|
|
9,153 |
|
|
|
18,307 |
(8) |
|
$ |
35.79 |
|
|
February 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,666 |
|
|
|
33,334 |
(9) |
|
$ |
31.505 |
|
|
September 20, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,713 |
(10) |
|
$ |
43.010 |
|
|
February 7, 2018 |
|
|
34,878 |
(11) |
|
$ |
770,455 |
|
|
|
87,829 |
(12) |
|
$ |
1,940,143 |
|
|
|
|
7,628 |
|
|
|
15,256 |
(13) |
|
$ |
35.79 |
|
|
February 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,834 |
|
|
|
7,918 |
(14) |
|
$ |
37.925 |
|
|
February 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26.46 |
|
|
April 27, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18.78 |
|
|
April 20, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15.60 |
|
|
July 25, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15.55 |
|
|
July 26, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21.205 |
|
|
October 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10.72 |
|
|
October 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(15) |
|
$ |
662,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,285 |
(16) |
|
$ |
43.010 |
|
|
February 7, 2018 |
|
|
52,423 |
(17) |
|
$ |
1,158,024 |
|
|
|
60,802 |
(18) |
|
$ |
1,343,116 |
|
|
|
|
6,102 |
|
|
|
12,204 |
(19) |
|
$ |
35.79 |
|
|
February 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,333 |
|
|
|
26,667 |
(20) |
|
$ |
35.495 |
|
|
November 6, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
|
9,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.79 |
|
|
May 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,546 |
(21) |
|
$ |
277,141 |
|
|
|
|
4,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.925 |
|
|
May 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26.46 |
|
|
May 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William A. Sears |
|
|
4,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
41.25 |
|
|
April 28, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26.62 |
|
|
April 29, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18.93 |
|
|
April 23, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.055 |
|
|
April 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21.34 |
|
|
April 26, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23.845 |
|
|
April 27, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18.360 |
|
|
April 28, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
(22) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.913 |
|
|
April 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For each named executive officer (except Mr. Sears), represents nonqualified stock options
granted under the 1991 Plan. For Mr. Sears, represents nonqualified stock options granted
under the 1992 Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Except as otherwise noted, the numbers in this column represent time-vested Restricted Shares
awarded under the 1991 Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
The market value was computed by multiplying the closing market price of the shares at
December 31, 2008 ($22.09) by the number of shares that have not vested. |
|
(4) |
|
The numbers in this column represent performance-vested Restricted Shares and are calculated
based on the assumption that the applicable target performance goal is achieved. |
|
(5) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on February 7, 2009. An additional
one-third of the options become exercisable on each of February 7, 2010 and February 7, 2011. |
|
(6) |
|
Of these shares, 15,763 vested on February 7, 2009; 6,706 shares vested on February 13, 2009;
33,334 shares will vest on September 20, 2009; 15,763 shares will vest on February 7, 2010;
6,706 shares will vest on February 13, 2010; and 15,763 shares will vest on February 7, 2011. |
-29-
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Includes 71,054 and 52,766 performance-vested Restricted Shares that will vest, if at all,
based on the applicable performance measure over the 2008-2010 performance cycle and the
2007-2009 performance cycle, respectively. |
|
(8) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on February 13, 2008. An additional
one-third of the options become exercisable on each of February 13, 2009 and February 13,
2010. |
|
(9) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on September 20, 2007 and September 20,
2008. An additional one-third become exercisable on September 20, 2009. |
|
(10) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on February 7, 2009. An additional
one-third of the options become exercisable on each of February 7, 2010 and February 7, 2011. |
|
(11) |
|
Of these shares, 3,736 vested on February 2, 2009; 6,655 vested on February 7, 2009; 5,588
vested on February 13, 2009; 6,655 will vest on February 7, 2010; 5,588 will vest on February
13, 2010; and 6,656 will vest on February 7, 2011. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 30,001 and 43,972 performance-vested Restricted Shares that will vest, if at all,
based on the applicable performance measure over the 2008-2010 performance cycle and the
2007-2009 performance cycle, respectively. Also includes 3,856 performance-vested Restricted
Shares for the 2006-2008 performance cycle of which, effective January 30, 2009, 10,291 shares
vested and the remaining shares were forfeited. |
|
(13) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on each of February 13, 2008 and February
13, 2009. An additional one-third of the options become exercisable on February 13, 2010. |
|
(14) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on each of February 2, 2007, February 2,
2008 and February 2, 2009. |
|
(15) |
|
Of these shares, 10,000 will vest on December 16, 2009; 10,000 will vest on December 16,
2010; and 10,000 will vest on December 16, 2011. |
|
(16) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on each of February 7, 2009 and February
13, 2009. An additional one-third of the options become exercisable on February 13, 2010. |
|
(17) |
|
Of these shares 5,604 shares vested on February 7, 2009; 4,471 shares vested on February 13,
2009; 26,667 shares will vest on November 6, 2009; 5,605 shares will vest on February 7, 2010;
4,471 shares will vest on February 13, 2010; and 5,605 shares will vest on February 7, 2011. |
|
(18) |
|
Consists of 25,624 and 35,178 performance-vested Restricted Shares that will vest, if at all,
based on the applicable performance measure over the 2008-2010 performance cycle and the
2007-2009 performance cycle, respectively. |
|
(19) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on each of February 13, 2008 and February
13, 2009. An additional one-third of the options become exercisable on February 13, 2010. |
|
(20) |
|
One-third of the options granted became exercisable on each of November 6, 2007 and November
6, 2008. An additional one-third of the options become exercisable on November 6, 2009. |
|
(21) |
|
Includes 1,228 and 8,469 performance-vested Restricted Shares that will vest, if at all,
based on the applicable performance measure over the 2008-2010 performance cycle and the
2007-2009
performance cycle, respectively. Also includes 2,849 performance-vested Restricted Shares for
the 2006-2008 performance cycle of which, effective January 30, 2009, 2,116 shares vested and
the remaining shares were forfeited. |
|
(22) |
|
Exercisable options granted under the 1992 plan. |
-30-
The following table sets forth certain information about the amounts received upon the
exercise of options or the vesting of Restricted Shares during the year ended December 31, 2008 for
each of the named executive officers on an aggregated basis.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
Stock Awards (1) |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Value Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($)(2) |
|
on Vesting (#) |
|
Vesting ($)(3) |
|
David W. Williams |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,039 |
|
|
$ |
1,884,874.34 |
(4) |
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,609,397 |
|
|
|
30,910 |
|
|
$ |
1,480,023.96 |
(5) |
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,137 |
|
|
$ |
969,992.94 |
(6) |
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,618 |
|
|
$ |
750,708.85 |
(7) |
William A. Sears |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
537,500 |
|
|
|
8,002 |
|
|
$ |
456,166.77 |
(8) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents non-qualified stock option grants and Restricted Share awards under the 1991 Plan
for each named executive officer, except for the amounts reported under the Stock Awards
column for William A. Sears, which represent shares acquired upon the vesting of restricted
shares issued under the 1992 Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
The value is based on the difference in the market price of the shares at the time of
exercise and the exercise price of the options. |
|
(3) |
|
The value is based on the closing market price of the shares on the vesting date multiplied
by the aggregate number of shares that vested on such date. |
|
(4) |
|
Of these shares, 6,706 shares vested on February 13, 2008, with a value of $322,223 (based on
a closing market price per share of $48.05 on that date); and 33,333 shares vested on
September 20, 2008, with a value of $1,562,651 (based on a closing market price per share of
$46.88 on that date). |
|
(5) |
|
Of these shares, 3,736 shares vested on February 2, 2008, with a value of $169,203 (based on
a closing market price per share of $45.29 on that date); 5,388 shares vested on February 13,
2008, with a value of $268,503 (based on a closing market price per share of $48.05 on that
date); 15,586 shares vested on February 7, 2008, with a value of $684,537 (based on a closing
market price per share of $43.92 on that date); and 6,000 shares vested on April 27, 2008,
with a value of $357,780 (based on a closing market price per share of $59.63 on that date). |
|
(6) |
|
Of these shares, 4,470 shares vested on February 13, 2008, with a value of $214,784 (based on
a closing market price per share of $48.05 on that date); and 26,667 shares vested on November
6, 2008, with a value of $755,209 (based on a closing market price per share of $28.32 on that
date). |
|
(7) |
|
Of these shares, 988 shares vested on February 2, 2008, with a value of $44,747 (based on a
closing market price per share of $45.29 on that date); 2,421 shares vested on February 13,
2008, with a value of $116,329 (based on a closing market price per share of $48.05 on that
date); 8,809 shares vested on February 7, 2008, with a value of $386,891 (based on a closing
market price per share of $43.92 on that date); and 3,400 shares |
-31-
|
|
|
|
|
vested on April 27, 2008, with a value of $202,742 (based on a closing market price per share of
$59.63 on that date). |
|
(8) |
|
Of these shares, 2,668 shares vested on April 29, 2008, with a value of $150,555 (based on a
closing market price per share of $56.43 on that date); 2,667 shares vested on April 28, 2008,
with a value of $155,513 (based on a closing market price per share of $58.31 on that date);
and 2,667 shares vested on April 30, 2008, with a value of $150,099 (based on a closing market
price per share of $56.28 on that date). |
The following table sets forth certain information about retirement payments and benefits
under Noble Drilling Corporation defined benefit plans for each of the named executive officers.
Pension Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Present |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years |
|
Value of |
|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited |
|
Accumulated |
|
During Last |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service (#) |
|
Benefit ($) |
|
Fiscal Year |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
(1) |
|
(1)(2) |
|
($) |
|
David W. Williams |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
2.282 |
|
|
$ |
29,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
2.282 |
|
|
$ |
94,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
20.000 |
|
|
$ |
297,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
20.000 |
|
|
$ |
933,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas L. Mitchell (3) |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William E. Turcotte (3) |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
9.366 |
|
|
$ |
109,453 |
|
|
$ |
4,475 |
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
9.366 |
|
|
$ |
138,974 |
|
|
$ |
132,343 |
|
William A. Sears (3) |
|
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Restoration Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Computed as of December 31, 2008, which is the same pension plan measurement date used for
financial statement reporting purposes for our audited consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto included in the 2008 Form 10-K. |
|
(2) |
|
For purposes of calculating the amounts in this column, retirement age was assumed to be the
normal retirement age of 65, as defined in the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees
Retirement Plan. A description of the valuation method and all material assumptions applied
in quantifying the present value of accumulated benefit is set forth in Note 9 to our audited
consolidated financial statements in the 2008 Form 10-K. |
|
(3) |
|
Not a participant in the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan or
the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan during 2008. |
Under the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan, the normal
retirement date is the date that the participant attains the age of 65. The plan covers salaried
employees, but excludes certain categories of salaried employees including any employees hired
after July 31, 2004. A participants date of hire is the date such participant first performs an
hour of service for the Company or its subsidiaries, regardless of any subsequent periods of
employment or periods of separation from employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. David W.
Williams was employed by a subsidiary of the Company from May to December 1994. Under the plan,
Mr. Williams became a participant of the plan effective January 1, 2008, upon completion of a
requisite period of employment.
-32-
A participant who is employed by the Company or any of its affiliated companies on or after
his or her normal retirement date (the date that the participant attains the age of 65) is eligible
for a normal retirement pension upon the earlier of his or her required beginning date or the date
of termination of his or her employment for any reason other than death or transfer to the
employment of another of the Companys affiliated companies. Required beginning date is defined in
the plan generally to mean the April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the calendar
year in which a participant attains the age of 701/2 years or the calendar year in which the
participant commences a period of severance, which (with certain exceptions) commences with the
date a participant ceases to be employed by the Company or any of its affiliated companies for
reasons of retirement, death, being discharged, or voluntarily ceasing employment, or with the
first anniversary of the date of his or her absence for any other reason.
The normal retirement pension accrued under the plan is in the form of an annuity which
provides for a payment of a level monthly retirement income to the participant for life, and in the
event the participant dies prior to receiving 120 monthly payments, the same monthly amount will
continue to be paid to the participants designated beneficiary until the total number of monthly
payments equals 120. Participants may elect to receive, in lieu of one of the other optional forms
of payment provided in the plan, each such option being the actuarial equivalent of the normal
form. These optional forms of payment include a single lump-sum (if the present value of the
participants vested accrued benefit under the plan does not exceed $10,000), a single life
annuity, and several forms of joint and survivor elections.
The benefit under the plan is equal to:
|
|
|
one percent of the participants average monthly compensation multiplied times
the number of years of benefit service (maximum 30 years), plus |
|
|
|
|
six-tenths of one percent of the participants average monthly compensation in
excess of one-twelfth of his or her average amount of earnings which may be
considered wages under section 3121(a) of the Code, in effect for each calendar
year during the 35-year period ending with the last day of the calendar year in
which a participant attains (or will attain) social security retirement age,
multiplied by the number of years of benefit service (maximum 30 years). |
The average monthly compensation is defined in the plan generally to mean the participants average
monthly rate of compensation from the Company for the 60 successive calendar months that give the
highest average monthly rate of compensation for the participant. In the plan, compensation is
defined (with certain exceptions) to mean the total taxable income of a participant during a given
calendar month, including basic compensation, bonuses, commissions and overtime pay, but excluding
extraordinary payments and special payments (such as moving expenses, benefits provided under any
employee benefit program, and stock options and stock appreciation rights). Compensation includes
salary reduction contributions by the participant under any plan maintained by the Company or any
of its affiliated companies. Compensation may not exceed the annual compensation limit as
specified by the Internal Revenue Service for the given plan year. Any compensation in excess of
this limit is taken into account in computing the benefits payable under the Noble Drilling
Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan. The Company has not granted extra years of credited
service under the restoration plan to any of the named executive officers.
Early retirement can be elected at the time after which the participant has attained the age
of 55 and has completed at least five years of service (or for a participant on or before January
1, 1986, when he or she has completed 20 years of covered employment). A participant will be
eligible to commence early retirement benefits upon the termination of his or her employment with
the Company or its subsidiaries prior to the date that the participant attains the age of 65 for
any reason other than death or transfer to employment with another of the Companys subsidiaries.
The formula used in determining an early retirement benefit reduces the accrued monthly retirement
income by multiplying the amount of the accrued monthly retirement income by a percentage
applicable to the participants age as of the date such income commences being paid.
If a participants employment terminates for any reason other than retirement, death or
transfer to the employment of another of the Companys subsidiaries and the participant has
completed at least five years of service, the participant is eligible for a deferred vested
pension. The deferred vested pension for the participant is the monthly retirement income
commencing on the first day of the month coinciding with or next following his or her normal
retirement date. If the participant has attained the age of 55 and has completed at least five
years of service or if the actuarial present value of the participants accrued benefit is more
than $1,000 but less than $10,000, the participant may elect to receive a monthly retirement income
that is computed in the same manner as
-33-
the monthly retirement income for a participant eligible for an early retirement pension. If
the participant dies before benefits are payable under the plan, the surviving spouse or, if the
participant is not survived by a spouse, the beneficiary designated by the participant, is eligible
to receive a monthly retirement income for life, commencing on the first day of the month next
following the date of the participants death. The monthly income payable to the surviving spouse
or the designated beneficiary shall be the monthly income for life that is the actuarial equivalent
of the participants accrued benefit under the plan.
The Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified plan
that provides the benefits under the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement
Plans benefit formula that cannot be provided by the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried
Employees Retirement Plan because of the annual compensation and annual benefit limitations
applicable to the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees Retirement Plan under the Code. A
participants benefit under the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan that was
accrued and vested on December 31, 2004, will be paid to such participant (or, in the event of his
or her death, to his or her designated beneficiary) at the time benefits commence being paid to or
with respect to such participant under the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried Employees
Retirement Plan, and will be paid in a single lump sum payment, in installments over a period of up
to five years, or in a form of payment provided for under the Noble Drilling Corporation Salaried
Employees Retirement Plan (such form of distribution to be determined by the committee appointed
to administer the plan). A participants benefit under the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement
Restoration Plan that accrued or became vested after December 31, 2004, will be paid to such
participant (or in the event of his or her death, to his or her designated beneficiary) in a single
lump sum payment following such participants separation from service with the Company and its
subsidiaries. Mr. Williams and Ms. Robertson participate, and Mr. Campbell participated, in the
Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan.
The following table sets forth for the named executive officers certain information as of
December 31, 2008 and for the year then ended about the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings
Restoration Plan.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Company |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Contributions in |
|
Contributions in |
|
Earnings in |
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
Balance at |
Name |
|
Last FY ($) (1) |
|
Last FY ($) (2) |
|
Last FY ($) |
|
Distributions ($) |
|
Last FYE ($) |
|
David W. Williams |
|
$ |
33,588 |
|
|
$ |
1,479 |
|
|
$ |
(10,060 |
) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
44,095 |
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
$ |
64,837 |
|
|
$ |
11,100 |
|
|
$ |
(538,733 |
) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,219,563 |
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
416 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
12,399 |
|
William E. Turcotte
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Campbell |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
(72,390 |
) |
|
$ |
(201,853 |
) |
|
$ |
51,432 |
|
William A. Sears (3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Executive Contributions reported in this column are also included in the Salary column of
the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company Contributions reported in this column are also included in the All Other
Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(3) |
|
Not a participant in the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan in 2008. |
The Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (which applies to compensation
deferred by a participant that was vested prior to January 1, 2005) and the Noble Drilling
Corporation 2009 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (which applies to employer matching contributions
and to compensation that was either deferred by a participant or became vested on or after January
1, 2005) are nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plans under
-34-
which certain highly compensated employees of the Company and its subsidiaries may elect to
defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k)
Savings Plan and, subject to certain limitations specified in the plan, receive employer matching
contributions. Effective April 1, 2007, such employer matching contributions were made in cash.
Prior to such date, employer matching contributions were made in shares. The employer matching
amount is determined in the same manner as are employer matching contributions under the Noble
Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan.
Compensation considered for deferral under these nonqualified plans consists of cash
remuneration payable by an employer, defined in the plan to mean certain subsidiaries of the
Company, to a participant in the plan for personal services rendered to such employer prior to
reduction for any pre-tax contributions made by such employer and prior to reduction for any
compensation reduction amounts elected by the participant for benefits, but excluding bonuses,
allowances, commissions, deferred compensation payments and any other extraordinary remuneration.
For each plan year, participants are able to defer up to 19 percent of their basic compensation for
the plan year, all or any portion of any bonus otherwise payable by an employer for the plan year,
and for plan years commencing prior to January 1, 2009, the applicable 401(k) amount. The
applicable 401(k) amount is defined to mean, for a participant for a plan year, an amount equal to
the participants basic compensation for such plan year, multiplied by the contribution percentage
that is in effect for such participant under the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan for
the plan year, reduced by the lesser of (i) the applicable dollar amount set forth in Section
402(g)(1)(B) of the Code for such year or (ii) the dollar amount of any Noble Drilling Corporation
401(k) Savings Plan contribution limitation for such year imposed by the committee.
At the discretion of the Company, eligible participants may be credited with amounts of cash
or shares in their plan accounts as additional awards under these plans. The plans limit the total
number of shares issuable under the plans to 200,000. No options are issuable under the plans, and
there is no exercise price applicable to shares delivered under the plans.
A participants benefit under these nonqualified plans normally will be distributed to such
participant (or in the event of his or her death, to his or her designated beneficiary) in a single
lump sum payment or in approximately equal annual installments over a period of five years
following such participants separation from service with the Company and its subsidiaries. Mr.
Williams, Ms. Robertson and Mr. Mitchell are participants in the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k)
Savings Restoration Plan, and Mr. Williams and Ms. Robertson are participants in the Noble Drilling
Corporation 2009 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan.
Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control
Change of Control Employment Agreements
The Company has guaranteed the performance of a change of control employment agreement entered
into by a subsidiary of the Company with each person serving as a named executive officer as of
December 31, 2008. These change of control employment agreements become effective upon a change of
control of the Company (as described below) or a termination of employment in connection with or in
anticipation of such a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter.
The agreement provides that if the officers employment is terminated within three years after
a change of control or prior to but in anticipation of a change of control, either (1) by us for
reasons other than death, disability or cause (as defined in the agreement) or (2) by the officer
for good reason (which term includes a diminution of responsibilities or compensation) or upon
the officers determination to leave without any reason during the 30-day period immediately
following the first anniversary of the change of control, the officer will receive or be entitled
to the following benefits:
|
|
|
a lump sum amount equal to the sum of (i) the prorated portion of the officers highest
bonus paid either in the last three years before the change of control or for the last
completed fiscal year after the change of control (the Highest Bonus), (ii) an amount
equal to 18 times the highest monthly COBRA premium (within the meaning of Code Section
4980B) during the 12-month period preceding the termination of the officers employment,
and (iii) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid
(collectively, the Accrued Obligations); |
-35-
|
|
|
a lump sum payment equal to three times the sum of the officers annual base salary
(based on the highest monthly salary paid in the 12 months prior to the change of control)
and the officers Highest Bonus (the Severance Amount); |
|
|
|
|
welfare benefits for an 18-month period to the officer and the officers family at least
equal to those that would have been provided had the officers employment been continued.
If, however, the executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to
receive welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the welfare benefits
provided by the Company and its affiliates would be secondary to those provided by the new
employer (Welfare Benefit Continuation); |
|
|
|
|
a lump sum amount equal to the excess of (i) the actuarial equivalent of the benefit
under the qualified defined benefit retirement plan of the Company and its affiliated
companies in which the officer would have been eligible to participate had the officers
employment continued for three years after termination over (ii) the actuarial equivalent
of the officers actual benefit under such plans (the Supplemental Retirement Amount); |
|
|
|
|
in certain circumstances, an additional payment in an amount such that after the payment
of all income and excise taxes, the officer will be in the same after-tax position as if no
excise tax under Section 4999 (the so-called Parachute Payment excise tax) of the Code, if
any, had been imposed (the Excise Tax Payment); |
|
|
|
|
outplacement services for six months (not to exceed $50,000); and |
|
|
|
|
the 100 percent vesting of all unvested stock options granted or restricted stock
awarded under the 1991 Plan and any other similar plan. |
In addition, for options to purchase shares (whether or not such options are exercisable) held
by the officer, the officer shall have the right, during the 60-day period after the termination of
the officers employment, to elect to surrender all or part of the options the officer holds in
exchange for a cash payment by the Company to the officer in an amount equal to the number of
shares subject to the officers options multiplied by the excess of (x) over (y), where (x) equals
the average of the reported high and low sale price of a share in any transaction reported on the
New York Stock Exchange on the date of the officers election and (y) equals the purchase price per
share covered by the option.
A change of control is defined in the agreement to mean:
|
|
|
the acquisition by any individual, entity or group of 15 percent or more of the
Companys outstanding shares, but excluding any acquisition directly from the Company or by
the Company, or any acquisition by any corporation under a reorganization, merger,
amalgamation or consolidation if the conditions described below in the third bullet point
of this definition are satisfied; |
|
|
|
|
individuals who constitute the incumbent board of directors (as defined the agreement)
of the Company cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the board of directors; |
|
|
|
|
consummation of a reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company,
unless following such a reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation (i) more than
50 percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock (or equivalent security) of the
company resulting from such transaction and the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of such company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors are then beneficially owned by all or substantially all of the persons who were
the beneficial owners of the outstanding shares immediately prior to such transaction, (ii)
no person, other than the Company or any person beneficially owning immediately prior to
such transaction 15 percent or more of the outstanding shares, beneficially owns 15 percent
or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock (or equivalent security) of the
company resulting from such transaction or the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of such company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, and (iii) a majority of the members of the board of directors of the company
resulting from such transaction were members of the incumbent board of directors of the
Company at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such
transaction; |
-36-
|
|
|
consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company, other than to a company, for which following such sale or other disposition,
(i) more than 50 percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock (or equivalent
security) of such company and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of such company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors are then
beneficially owned by all or substantially all of the persons who were the beneficial
owners of the outstanding shares immediately prior to such sale or other disposition of
assets, (ii) no person, other than the Company or any person beneficially owning
immediately prior to such transaction 15 percent or more of the outstanding shares,
beneficially owns 15 percent or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock (or
equivalent security) of such company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding
voting securities of such company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
and (iii) a majority of the members of the board of directors of such company were members
of the incumbent board of directors of the Company at the time of the execution of the
initial agreement providing for such sale or other disposition of assets; or |
|
|
|
|
approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of
the Company. |
However, a change of control will not occur as a result of a transaction if (i) the Company
becomes a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of a holding company and (ii) either (A) the
shareholdings for such holding company immediately following such transaction are the same as the
shareholdings immediately prior to such transaction or (B) the shares of the Companys voting
securities outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or
exchanged for, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such holding company immediately
after giving effect to such transaction.
Under the agreement, cause means (i) the willful and continued failure by the officer to
substantially perform his duties or (ii) the willful engaging by the officer in illegal conduct or
gross misconduct that is materially detrimental to the Company or its affiliates.
Payments to specified employees under Code Section 409A may be delayed until six months
after the termination of the officers employment.
The agreement contains a provision on confidentiality obligating the officer to hold in strict
confidence and not to disclose or reveal, directly or indirectly, to any person, or use for the
officers own personal benefit or for the benefit of any one else, any trade secrets, confidential
dealings or other confidential or proprietary information belonging to or concerning the Company or
any of its affiliated companies, with certain exceptions set forth expressly in the provision. Any
term or condition of the agreement may be waived at any time by the party entitled to have the
benefit thereof (whether the subsidiary of the Company party to the agreement or the officer) if
evidenced by a writing signed by such party.
The agreement provides that payments thereunder do not reduce any amounts otherwise payable to
the officer, or in any way diminish the officers rights as an employee, under any employee benefit
plan, program or arrangement or other contract or agreement of the Company or any of its affiliated
companies providing benefits to the officer.
Assuming a change of control had taken place on December 31, 2008 and the employment of the
named executive officer was terminated either (1) by us for reasons other than death, disability or
cause or (2) by the officer for good reason, the following table sets forth the estimated amounts
of payments and benefits under the agreement for each of the indicated named executive officers.
-37-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. |
|
Julie J. |
|
Thomas L. |
|
William E. |
Payment or Benefit |
|
Williams |
|
Robertson |
|
Mitchell |
|
Turcotte |
Accrued Obligations |
|
$ |
666,125 |
|
|
$ |
578,891 |
|
|
$ |
478,528 |
|
|
$ |
28,625 |
|
Severance Amount |
|
$ |
4,207,500 |
|
|
$ |
3,045,012 |
|
|
$ |
2,625,012 |
|
|
$ |
945,000 |
|
Welfare Benefit Continuation |
|
$ |
51,346 |
|
|
$ |
33,512 |
|
|
$ |
42,469 |
|
|
$ |
40,529 |
|
Supplemental Retirement Amount |
|
$ |
476,208 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Excise Tax Payment |
|
$ |
3,916,123 |
|
|
$ |
2,251,029 |
|
|
$ |
1,921,004 |
|
|
$ |
426,172 |
|
Outplacement Services (1) |
|
$ |
37,500 |
|
|
$ |
27,500 |
|
|
$ |
32,500 |
|
|
$ |
27,500 |
|
Accelerated Vesting of Options
and Restricted Shares (2) (3) |
|
$ |
6,180,031 |
|
|
$ |
3,680,614 |
|
|
$ |
3,160,726 |
|
|
$ |
662,700 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents an estimate of the costs to the Company of outplacement services for six months. |
|
(2) |
|
The total number of Restricted Shares held at December 31, 2008, and the aggregate value of
accelerated vesting thereof at December 31, 2008 (computed by multiplying $22.09, the closing
market price of the shares at December 31, 2008, by the total number of Restricted Shares
held), were as follows: Mr. Williams 279,766 shares valued at $6,180,030.94; Ms. Robertson
166,619 shares valued at $3,680,613.71; Mr. Mitchell 143,084 shares valued at
$3,160,725.56; and Mr. Turcotte 30,000 shares valued at $662,700.00. |
|
(3) |
|
The total number of unvested options held at December 31, 2008, and the aggregate value of
the accelerated vesting thereof at December 31, 2008 (computed by multiplying $22.09, the
closing market price of shares at December 31, 2008, by the total number of shares subject to
the options and subtracting the aggregate exercise price for the options) were as follows: Mr.
Williams 103,067 shares valued at $(1,640,477.43); Ms. Robertson 44,887 shares valued at
$(788,624.69); Mr. Mitchell 57,156 shares valued at $(907,188.14); and Mr. Turcotte 0
shares valued at $0. |
The agreement provides that if the officers employment is terminated within three years after
a change of control by reason of disability or death, the agreement will terminate without further
obligation to the officer or the officers estate, other than for the payment of Accrued
Obligations, the Severance Amount, the Supplemental Retirement Amount and the timely provision of
the Welfare Benefit Continuation. If the officers employment is terminated for cause within the
three years after a change of control, the agreement will terminate without further obligation to
the officer other than for payment of the officers base salary through the date of termination
plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the officer, in each case to the extent
unpaid. If the officer voluntarily terminates the officers employment within the three years
after a change of control (other than during the 30-day period following the first anniversary of a
change of control), excluding a termination for good reason, the agreement will terminate without
further obligation to the officer other than for payment of the officers base salary through the
date of termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the officer, in each
case to the extent unpaid the payment of the Accrued Obligations.
The 1991 Plan
We have granted to our named executive officers nonqualified stock options and awarded
time-vested Restricted Shares and performance-vested Restricted Shares under the 1991 Plan.
Nonqualified Stock Options
Our nonqualified stock option agreements provide that if a termination of employment occurs
after the date upon which the option first becomes exercisable and before the date that is 10 years
from the date of the option grant
-38-
by reason of the officers death, disability or retirement, then the option, including any
then unvested shares all of which shall be automatically accelerated, may be exercised at any time
within five years after such termination of employment but not after the expiration of the 10-year
period. If a named executive officer terminated employment on December 31, 2008 due to disability,
death or retirement, all the named executive officers then outstanding nonqualified stock options
granted by us in 2007 and 2006 would have become fully exercisable. Under the plan, retirement
means a termination of employment with the Company or an affiliate of the Company on a voluntary
basis by a person if immediately prior to such termination of employment, the sum of the age of
such person and the number of such persons years of continuous service with the Company or one or
more of its affiliates is equal to or greater than 60.
Assuming that the named executive officers employment terminated on December 31, 2008 due to
disability, death or retirement, the following table sets forth certain information about
unexercisable options subject to accelerated vesting for the indicated named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Underlying |
|
|
|
|
Unexercisable Options |
|
|
|
|
Subject to |
|
Aggregate Value of |
Name |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
David W. Williams |
|
|
103,067 |
|
|
$ |
(1,640,477.43 |
) |
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
44,887 |
|
|
$ |
(788,624.69 |
) |
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
57,156 |
|
|
$ |
(907,188.14 |
) |
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Restricted Shares
Our time-vested Restricted Share agreements provide for the full vesting of Restricted Share
awards upon the occurrence of the death or disability of the officer or a change of control of the
Company (whether with or without termination of employment of the officer by the Company or an
affiliate). A change of control is defined in these agreements and the performance-vested
Restricted Share agreements described below to mean:
|
|
|
the committee administrating the plan determines that any person or group has become the
beneficial owner of more than 50 percent of the shares; |
|
|
|
|
the Company is merged or amalgamated with or into or consolidated with another
corporation and, immediately after giving effect to the merger, amalgamation or
consolidation, less than 50 percent of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors or persons who serve similar functions of the
surviving or resulting entity are then beneficially owned in the aggregate by the
shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, amalgamation or
consolidation, or if a record date has been set to determine the shareholders of the
Company entitled to vote on such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, the shareholders of
the Company as of such record date; |
|
|
|
|
the Company either individually or in conjunction with one or more subsidiaries of the
Company, sells, conveys, transfers or leases, or the subsidiaries of the Company sell,
convey, transfer or lease, all or substantially all of the property of the Company and the
subsidiaries of the Company, taken as a whole (either in one transaction or a series of
related transactions); |
|
|
|
|
the Company liquidates or dissolves; or |
|
|
|
|
the first day on which a majority of the individuals who constitute the board of
directors of the Company are not continuing directors (within the meaning of the plan). |
-39-
Assuming that either a change of control took place on December 31, 2008 or the named
executive officers employment terminated on that date due to disability or death, the following
table sets forth certain information about Restricted Shares subject to accelerated vesting for the
indicated named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Time-Vested |
|
|
|
|
Restricted Shares Subject to |
|
Aggregate Value of |
Name |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
David W. Williams |
|
|
94,035 |
|
|
$ |
2,077,233.15 |
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
34,878 |
|
|
$ |
770,455.02 |
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
52,423 |
|
|
$ |
1,158,024.07 |
|
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
662,700.00 |
|
Our performance-vested Restricted Share agreements provide for the vesting of 66.7 percent of
the Restricted Share awards upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company (whether with
or without termination of employment of the officer by the Company or an affiliate). Assuming that
a change of control took place on December 31, 2008, the following table sets forth certain
information about Restricted Shares subject to accelerated vesting for the indicated named
executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Performance-Vested |
|
|
|
|
Restricted Shares Subject to |
|
Aggregate Value of |
Name |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
Acceleration of Vesting |
|
David W. Williams |
|
|
123,883 |
|
|
$ |
2,736,566.13 |
|
Julie J. Robertson |
|
|
87,871 |
|
|
$ |
1,941,075.85 |
|
Thomas L. Mitchell |
|
|
60,471 |
|
|
$ |
1,335,801.89 |
|
William E. Turcotte |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Separation Agreement and Release
On May 13, 2008, Mr. Campbell resigned as Senior Vice President and General Counsel in
connection with his retirement from the Company. In connection with Mr. Campbells departure, the
Company and Mr. Campbell entered into a Separation Agreement dated as of May 13, 2008 (the
Separation Agreement). Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr. Campbells employment
and all positions held by Mr. Campbell with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates were
terminated effective May 13, 2008 (the Separation Date). Under the Separation Agreement, the
Company paid to Mr. Campbell an amount of cash for all salary earned but unpaid through the
Separation Date and for all accrued but unused vacation as of the Separation Date. In addition,
the Company paid a separation payment to Mr. Campbell equal to $300,000.
Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr. Campbell released the Company and its
affiliates from all claims relating to his employment with the Company or the termination of such
employment and agreed that he will not, for a one year period following the Separation Date,
solicit the Companys employees. The Separation Agreement also contains covenants of Mr. Campbell
regarding confidentiality of certain information and non-disparagement.
Any vested interest held by Mr. Campbell in any retirement plan or other plan in which Mr.
Campbell participated will be distributed to him in accordance with the terms of those plans and
applicable law. The Separation Agreement does not terminate any right Mr. Campbell may have to
indemnification under the Companys organizational documents, applicable law or the Companys
director and officer liability insurance
-40-
policy as in effect from time to time. Other than what is
expressly provided for in the Separation Agreement, Mr. Campbell is not entitled to any other
compensation, payments or benefits from the Company or its subsidiaries.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The compensation committee of our Board sets the compensation of our directors. In
determining the appropriate level of compensation for our directors, the compensation committee
considers the commitment required from our directors in performing their duties on behalf of the
Company, as well as comparative information the committee obtains from compensation consulting
firms and from other sources. Set forth below is a description of the compensation of our
directors.
Annual Retainers and Other Fees and Expenses.
We pay our non-employee directors an annual retainer of $50,000 of which 20 percent is paid in
shares under the Noble Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Under this
plan, non-employee directors may elect to receive up to all of the remaining 80% in shares or cash.
Non-employee directors make elections on a quarterly basis. The number of shares to be issued
under the plan in any particular quarter is generally determined using the average of the daily
closing prices of the shares for the last 15 consecutive trading days of the previous quarter. No
options are issuable under the plan, and there is no exercise price applicable to shares
delivered under the plan.
In addition, we pay our non-employee directors a Board meeting fee of $2,000. We pay each
member of our audit committee a committee fee of $2,500 per meeting and each member of our other
committees a committee meeting fee of $2,000 per meeting. The chair of the audit committee
receives an annual retainer of $15,000, the chair of the compensation committee receives an annual
retainer of $12,500 and the chair of each other standing Board committee receives an annual
retainer of $10,000. We also reimburse directors for travel, lodging and related expenses they may
incur in attending Board and committee meetings.
Non-Employee Director Stock Options and Restricted Shares.
Under the 1992 Plan, each annually-determined award of a variable number of Restricted Shares
or unrestricted shares is made on a date selected by the Board, or if no such date is selected by
the Board, the date on which the Board action approving such award is taken. Any future award of
Restricted Shares will be evidenced by a written agreement that will include such terms and
conditions not inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the 1992 Plan as the Board considers
appropriate in each case.
On July 31, 2008, an award of 5,603 unrestricted shares under the 1992 Plan was made to each
non-employee director serving on that date. Based on a review of market data provided by the
compensation consultant, the market value of this award approximated the 75th percentile
of the compensation paid to non-employee directors in the comparator groups. The grant date fair
value computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123R of the 5,603 unrestricted share award was $295,500,
which value was immediately recognized by the Company at the time of the award (see footnote 4 in
the table below).
-41-
The following table shows the compensation of our directors for the year ended December 31,
2008.
Director Compensation for 2008
|
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|
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Fees |
|
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|
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Value and |
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|
Earned |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name (1)(2) |
|
($)(3) |
|
($)(4) |
|
($)(5) |
|
Compensation ($) |
|
Earnings ($) |
|
Compensation ($) |
|
Total ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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Michael A. Cawley |
|
$ |
117,750 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
542,719 |
|
Lawrence J. Chazen |
|
$ |
105,500 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
532,469 |
|
Luke R. Corbett |
|
$ |
99,000 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
523,969 |
|
Julie H. Edwards |
|
$ |
115,500 |
|
|
$ |
295,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
411,000 |
|
Marc E. Leland |
|
$ |
112,250 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
537,219 |
|
Jack E. Little |
|
$ |
111,500 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
538,469 |
|
Mary P. Ricciardello |
|
$ |
124,500 |
|
|
$ |
424,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
551,469 |
|
William A. Sears |
|
$ |
116,685 |
|
|
$ |
423,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,320 |
|
|
$ |
455,274 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
No compensation was paid to Mr. Sears for services performed as a director of the Company
during 2008 while he served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of
the Company. On February 7, 2008, the compensation committee made an award to Mr. Sears of
6,060 unrestricted shares under the 1992 Plan. Mr. Sears retired from the Board at the 2008
annual meeting. |
|
(2) |
|
The total number of Restricted Shares and options to purchase shares outstanding as of
December 31, 2008 under the 1992 Plan were as follows: Mr. Cawley 2,667 shares and 77,000
options; Mr. Chazen 2,667 shares and 18,000 options; Mr. Corbett 2,667 shares and 58,000
options; Ms. Edwards 0 shares and 20,000 options; Mr. Leland 2,667 shares and 70,000
options; Mr. Little 2,667 shares and 83,000 options; Ms. Ricciardello 2,667 shares and
28,000 options; and Mr. Sears 0 shares and 77,000 options. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes the portion of the $50,000 annual retainer paid to our directors in shares under the
Noble Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the
year ended December 31, 2008 in accordance with SFAS No. 123R for unrestricted shares awarded
in 2008 and Restricted Shares awarded in prior years. Under the fair value recognition
provisions of SFAS No. 123R, the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation is
recognized as expense over the service period, which generally represents the vesting period.
For the unrestricted shares awarded in 2008 to each director listed in the Director
Compensation Table (other than Mr. Sears), the full SFAS No. 123R grant date fair value of
$295,500 was recognized in 2008 on the date the award of unrestricted shares was made. The
grant date fair value recognized in 2008 for unrestricted shares awarded to Mr. Sears totaled
$260,640. Restricted Shares with a three-year vesting period were awarded in 2007 and 2006 to
each director listed in the Director Compensation Table (other than Ms. Edwards). For the
Restricted Shares awarded in prior years, the dollar amount recognized in 2008 in accordance
with SFAS No. 123R was $128,829 for all directors (other than Mr. Sears and Ms. Edwards) and
$163,109 for Mr. Sears. A description of the assumptions made in our valuation of restricted
shares and stock option awards is set forth in Note 6 to our audited consolidated financial
statements in the 2008 Form 10-K. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the
year ended December 31, 2008 in accordance with SFAS No. 123R for options granted in 2006 that
vested in 2008. No options were granted in 2008. A description of the assumptions made in
our valuation of restricted shares and stock option awards is set forth in Note 6 to the our
audited consolidated financial statements in the 2008 Form 10-K. |
-42-
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2008 information regarding securities
authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans.
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Number of securities |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted-average |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
equity compensation plans |
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
(excluding securities |
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders |
|
|
3,553,999 |
|
|
$ |
22.84 |
|
|
|
3,992,232 |
|
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security holders |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
248,909 |
(1) |
Total |
|
|
3,553,999 |
|
|
$ |
22.84 |
|
|
|
4,241,141 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of shares issuable under the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration
Plan and the Noble Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. |
A description of the material features of the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings
Restoration Plan and the Noble Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors is
set forth on pages 34 and 41, respectively, of this proxy statement.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers, and persons who own
more than 10 percent of the shares, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports
of changes in ownership of such shares. Directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10
percent of the shares are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and
written representations that no other reports were required, during the year ended December 31,
2008, our directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of the shares complied
with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements except as follows: Mr. Williams filed late
one report relating to a grant of restricted shares and options; Ms. Robertson filed late one
report relating to a forfeiture of performance based restricted shares and a surrender of shares
for taxes upon vesting of restricted shares and one report relating to a grant of restricted shares
and options; Mr. Mitchell filed late one report relating to a forfeiture of performance vested
restricted shares and a surrender of shares for taxes upon vesting of restricted shares and one
report relating to a grant of restricted shares and options; Mr. Sears filed late one report
relating to a grant of restricted shares and one report relating to a forfeiture of performance
vested restricted shares; and Mr. Campbell filed late one report relating to a grant of restricted
shares and options.
-43-
Report of the Audit Committee
To the Members of
Noble Corporation:
The board of directors (the Board) of Noble Corporation (the Company) maintains an audit
committee composed of four non-management directors. The Board has determined that the audit
committees current membership satisfies the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that govern audit committees, including the
requirements for audit committee member independence set out in Section 303A.02 of the NYSEs
corporate governance standards and Rule 10A-3 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
The audit committee oversees the Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the entire
Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the Companys financial statements and the
reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. The primary responsibilities of the
audit committee are to select and retain the Companys auditors (including review and approval of
the terms of engagement and fees), to review with the auditors the Companys financial reports (and
other financial information) provided to the SEC and the investing public, to prepare and publish
this report, and to assist the Board with oversight of the following:
|
|
|
integrity of the Companys financial statements, |
|
|
|
|
compliance by the Company with standards of business ethics and legal and regulatory
requirements, |
|
|
|
|
qualifications and independence of the Companys independent auditors and |
|
|
|
|
performance of the Companys independent auditors and internal auditors. |
In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the audit committee reviewed and discussed the
audited financial statements with management of the Company.
The audit committee reviewed and discussed with the independent auditors all communications
required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61. In addition, the audit committee has discussed with the Companys
independent auditors the auditors independence from management and the Company, including the
matters in the written disclosures below and the letter from the independent auditors required by
applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regulating the independent
auditors communications with the audit committee concerning independence.
The audit committee discussed with the independent auditors the overall scope and plans for
their audit. The audit committee meets with the independent auditors, with and without management
present, to discuss the results of their examination, their evaluation of the Companys internal
controls and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting. The audit committee held 11
meetings during 2008 and met again on January 21, 2009, January 30, 2009 and February 26, 2009.
Summary
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee recommended
to the Board (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the
Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for filing with the SEC.
The audit committee also determined that the provision of services other than audit services
rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs
independence.
|
|
|
February 26, 2009
|
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE |
|
|
Mary P. Ricciardello, Chair |
|
|
Lawrence J. Chazen |
|
|
Michael A. Cawley |
|
|
Luke R. Corbett |
-44-
AUDITORS
Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The following table sets forth the fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for services
rendered during each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
3,463 |
|
|
$ |
2,393 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Tax Compliance Fees |
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
1,790 |
|
Tax Consulting Fees |
|
|
2,865 |
(3) |
|
|
1,013 |
|
All Other Fees (4) |
|
|
939 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
8,603 |
|
|
$ |
5,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual
financial statements for 2008 and 2007 and the reviews of the financial statements included in
the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each of those years. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents fees for professional services rendered for benefit plan audits for 2008 and 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes approximately $2 million for professional services rendered in connection with the
migration of the parent company of the Noble group to Switzerland. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents fees for professional services rendered in connection with the Companys internal
investigation. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
On January 29, 2004, the audit committee adopted a pre-approval policy framework for audit and
non-audit services, which established that the audit committees policy is, each year, to adopt a
pre-approval policy framework under which specified audit services, audit-related services, tax
services and other services may be performed without further specific engagement pre-approval. On
January 30, 2009 and February 7, 2008, the audit committee readopted such policy framework for 2009
and 2008, respectively. Under the policy framework, all tax services provided by the independent
auditor must be separately pre-approved by the audit committee. Requests or applications to
provide services that do require further, separate approval by the audit committee are required to
be submitted to the audit committee by both the independent auditors and the chief accounting
officer, chief financial officer or controller of the Company, and must include a joint statement
that, in their view, the nature or type of service is not a prohibited non-audit service under the
SECs rules on auditor independence.
PROPOSAL 3
APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2009
The audit committee of the Board has voted unanimously to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
to audit our financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009, subject to the approval of
shareholders. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited our financial statements since 1994.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the general meeting to
respond to appropriate questions from shareholders, and they will be given the opportunity to make
a statement should they desire to do so.
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG has been appointed and will serve as our statutory auditors for the
year ending December 31, 2009. This appointment was approved by the sole shareholder of Noble
Switzerland prior to the Transaction.
Recommendation
Our Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.
-45-
PROPOSAL 4
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 21 PARAGRAPH 1(d) OF OUR ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Article 21 paragraph 1 of our Articles of Association provides that the approval of at least
two-thirds of the shares represented at a general meeting is required to approve certain matters.
One of the matters that currently requires such approval, listed in paragraph 1(d), is a change to
the authorized or conditional share capital, subject to certain exceptions. Our Board proposes to
amend and restate paragraph 1(d) such that such approval of at least two-thirds of the shares
represented at a general meeting would only be required for an increase in the amount of the
authorized or conditional share capital. If the proposed amendment is adopted, approval of a
dividend through a reduction of the par value of our shares in the future will require the
affirmative vote of a simple majority, rather than two-thirds, of the shares represented at a
general meeting.
If the proposed amendment is adopted, Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles of Association
would read as follows:
|
|
|
Artikel 21: Besonderes Stimmen Quorum
|
|
Article 21: Special Vote |
|
|
|
1
Ein Beschluss der
Generalversammlung, der mindestens zwei
Drittel der an der Generalversammlung
vertretenen Aktien sowie die absolute
Mehrheit des vertretenen Aktiennennwertes,
auf sich vereinigt, ist erforderlich für:
....
|
|
1 The approval of
at least two-thirds of the
Shares represented at a
General Meeting of
Shareholders and the absolute
majority of the par value of
such Shares, shall be
required for resolutions with
respect to:
.... |
|
|
|
(d) eine genehmigte oder bedingte
Kapitalerhöhung;
|
|
(d) an increase in the amount
of the authorized or
conditional share capital; |
If a quorum of two-thirds of the total shares entitled to vote at the general meeting is
present, approval of the proposal requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the shares
represented at the general meeting in person or by proxy and the absolute majority of the par value
of such shares. All duly submitted and unrevoked proxies will be voted for the proposal, except
where authorization to vote is withheld.
Recommendation
Our Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the amendment to
Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of our Articles of Association as described above.
-46-
OTHER MATTERS
Shareholder Proposals
Any proposal by a shareholder intended to be presented at the 2010 annual general meeting of
shareholders must be received by the Company at our principal executive offices at 13135 South
Dairy Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Attention: Julie J. Robertson, Executive Vice
President and Secretary, no later than , 2009, for inclusion in our proxy
materials relating to that meeting.
In order for a shareholder to bring business before a general meeting of shareholders,
including an annual general meeting, a written request must be sent to our corporate secretary not
less than 60 nor more than 120 days in advance of the general meeting, or, in the case of
nominations for the election of directors, not less than 90 days in advance of an annual general
meeting. Requests regarding agenda items (other than nominations for the election of directors)
must include the name and address of the shareholder, a clear and concise statement of the proposed
agenda item, and evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register. Requests
for nominations for the election of directors must include the name and address of the shareholder,
a representation that the shareholder is entitled to vote and intends to appear at the meeting, a
description of all arrangements between the director nominee and the shareholder, other information
about the director nominee required to be disclosed in the proxy statement by SEC rules, and the
consent of the director nominee. These requirements are separate from and in addition to the
requirements a shareholder must meet to have a proposal included in our proxy statement. These
time limits also apply in determining whether notice is timely for purposes of rules adopted by the
SEC relating to the exercise of discretionary voting authority.
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of the solicitation of proxies, including the cost of preparing, printing and mailing
the materials used in the solicitation, will be borne by the Company. The Company has retained The
Altman Group to aid in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $8,500 and the reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses. Proxies may also be solicited by personal interview, telephone and
telegram and via the Internet by directors, officers and employees of the Company, who will not
receive additional compensation for those services. Arrangements also may be made with brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation materials
to the beneficial owners of shares held by those persons, and the Company will reimburse them for
reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with the forwarding of solicitation materials.
Additional Information about the Company
You can learn more about the Company and our operations by visiting our website at
www.noblecorp.com. Among other information we have provided there, you will find:
|
|
|
our corporate governance guidelines; |
|
|
|
|
the charters of each of our standing committees of the Board; |
|
|
|
|
our code of business conduct and ethics; |
|
|
|
|
our Articles of Association and By-laws; |
|
|
|
|
information concerning our business and recent news releases and filings with the
SEC; and |
|
|
|
|
information concerning our board of directors and shareholder relations. |
-47-
Copies of our corporate governance guidelines, the charters of each of our standing committees
of the Board and our code of business conduct and ethics are available in print upon request. For
additional information about the Company, please refer to our 2008 Annual Report, which is being
mailed with this proxy statement.
NOBLE CORPORATION
David W. Williams
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Zug, Switzerland
April , 2009
-48-
Annex A
Details of Dividend in the Form of a Par Value Reduction
The blank numbers in the following description will be completed based upon an aggregate par
value reduction equal to the Distribution Amount.
1. The capital reduction will be accomplished as follows:
i. by reducing the par value per share from Swiss Francs 5.00 to Swiss Francs 4.75 in
four steps, i.e. Swiss Francs 5.00 to Swiss Francs 4.90 in the third calendar quarter of
2009; from Swiss Francs 4.90 to Swiss Francs 4.85 in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009;
from Swiss Francs 4.85 to Swiss Francs 4.80 in the first calendar quarter of 2010; and from
Swiss Francs 4.80 to Swiss Francs 4.75 in the second calendar quarter of 2010;
ii. by repayment on a date to be established by the Board of Directors of the
respective partial reduction amounts of Swiss Francs 0.10 in August 2009, Swiss Francs 0.05
in November 2009, Swiss Francs 0.05 in February 2010, and Swiss Francs 0.05 in May 2010 per
share to shareholders registered in the Companys share register on the day of the
registration of the relevant portion of the capital reduction in the daily ledger of the
Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, and in each case to be paid in U.S. dollars
converted at the exchange rate available as published by the Swiss National Bank
approximately two business days prior to each such payment date; and
iii. an updated report in accordance with article 732 para. 2 CO by the state
supervised auditing firm shall be prepared in connection with each partial reduction.
2. Shares issued from authorized share capital and conditional share capital after the
general meeting until registration of the fourth capital reduction in the Commercial Register (New
Shares) will be subject to the remaining subsequent capital reductions. The aggregate reduction
amount pursuant to Section 1 above will be increased by an amount equal to such remaining par value
reductions on the New Shares.
3. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the application dates of the partial
reductions in the commercial register and the repayment procedure for the partial reduction
amounts.
4. The Board of Directors will only authorize to effect any of the series of the capital
reductions in the event the respective report from the Companys statutory auditors confirms that
claims of the Companys creditors are fully covered after taking into account the respective
capital reduction.
5. At the registration of the capital reduction in the Commercial Register, Article 4 of our
Articles of Association will be amended as follows:
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Artikel 4: Anzahl Aktien, Nominalwert, Art |
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Article 4: Number of Shares, Par Value, Type |
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Das Aktienkapital der Gesellschaft beträgt
Schweizer Franken
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
und ist eingeteilt in
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
auf den Namen lautende Aktien im Nennwert von CHF
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** je Aktie (jede
Namenaktie nachfolgend bezeichnet als Aktie
bzw. zusammen die Aktien). Das Aktienkapital
ist vollständig liberiert.
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The share capital of the Company is Swiss Francs
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
and is divided into
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
fully paid-up registered shares. Each registered
share has a par value of Swiss Francs
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** (each such
registered share hereinafter a Share and
collectively the Shares). |
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* nach Vollzug der ersten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im dritten Quartal
2009
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* Upon completion of the first partial par
value reduction in the third calendar
quarter 2009 |
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** nach Vollzug der zweiten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im vierten Quartal
2009
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** Upon completion of the second partial par value reduction in the fourth calendar quarter 2009 |
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*** nach Vollzug der dritten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im ersten Quartal
2010
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*** Upon completion of the third partial par value reduction in the first calendar quarter 2010 |
A-1
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**** nach Vollzug der vierten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im zweiten Quartal
2010
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**** Upon completion of the fourth partial par value reduction in the second calendar quarter 2010 |
6. As a consequence of the par value reduction, Articles 6(1), 6(3)(e) and 7(1) of our
Articles of Association will be amended as follows:
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Artikel 6: Genehmigtes Aktienkapital |
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Article 6: Authorized Share Capital |
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1 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt,
das Aktienkapital jederzeit bis spätestens zum 26
März 2011, im Maximalbetrag von Schweizer Franken
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
durch Ausgabe von höchstens
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
vollständig zu liberierenden Aktien mit einem
Nennwert von je Schweizer Franken
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** zu erhöhen. Eine
Erhöhung des Aktienkapitals (i) auf dem Weg einer
Festübernahme durch eine Bank, ein
Bankenkonsortium oder Dritte und eines
anschliessenden Angebots an die bisherigen
Aktionäre sowie (ii) in Teilbeträgen ist
zulässig.
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1 The Board of Directors is authorized
to increase the share capital no later than March
26, 2011, by a maximum amount of Swiss Francs
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
by issuing a maximum of
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
fully paid-up Shares with a par value of Swiss
Francs 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** each. An
increase of the share capital (i) by means of an
offering underwritten by a financial institution,
a syndicate of financial institutions or another
third party or third parties, followed by an
offer to the then-existing shareholders of the
Company, and (ii) in partial amounts, shall be
permissible. |
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* nach Vollzug der ersten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im dritten Quartal
2009
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* Upon completion of the first partial par value
reduction in the third calendar quarter 2009 |
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** nach Vollzug der zweiten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im vierten Quartal
2009
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** Upon completion of the second partial par value reduction in the fourth calendar quarter
2009 |
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*** nach Vollzug der dritten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im ersten Quartal
2010
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*** Upon completion of the third partial par value reduction in the first calendar quarter
2010 |
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**** nach Vollzug der vierten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im zweiten Quartal
2010
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**** Upon completion of the fourth partial par value reduction in the second calendar quarter
2010 |
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3 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt,
die Bezugsrechte der Aktionäre aus wichtigen
Gründen zu entziehen oder zu beschränken und
Dritten zuzuweisen, insbesondere:
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3 The Board of Directors is authorized
to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the
shareholders and to allot them to third parties
for important reasons, including: |
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(e) für die Beteiligung von:
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(e) for the participation of: |
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i. Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates,
Mitgliedern der Geschäftsleitung und
Mitarbeitern, die für die Gesellschaft
oder eine Gruppengesellschaft tätig sind,
vorausgesetzt, dass der Gesamtbetrag der
unter dieser Bestimmung (e)(i)
ausgegebenen Aktien einen Betrag von
Schweizer Franken 49,000,000*/
48,500,000**/ 48,000,000***/
47,500,000**** eingeteilt in zehn
Millionen vollständig zu liberierende
Aktien mit einem Nennwert von je Schweizer
Franken 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75****
nicht übersteigt; und
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i. members of the Board of Directors,
members of the executive management and employees
of the Company or any of its group companies,
always provided that the total amount of such
Shares to be issued under this clause (e)(i)
shall not exceed Swiss Francs 49,000,000*/
48,500,000**/ 48,000,000***/ 47,500,000****
divided into ten million fully paid-up Shares,
with a par value of Swiss Francs
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per Share; and |
A-2
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ii. Vertragspartnern oder Beratern
oder anderen Personen, die für die
Gesellschaft oder eine Gruppengesellschaft
Leistungen erbringen, vorausgesetzt, dass
der Gesamtbetrag der unter dieser
Bestimmung(e)(ii) ausgegebenen Aktien
einen Betrag von Schweizer Franken
4,900,000*/ 4,850,000**/ 4,800,000***/
4,750,000**** eingeteilt in eine Million
vollständig zu liberierende Aktien mit
einem Nennwert von je Schweizer Franken
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** nicht
übersteigt; oder
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ii. contractors or consultants of the Company
or any of its group companies or any other
persons performing services for the benefit of
the Company or any of its group companies, always
provided that the total amount of such Shares to
be issued under this clause (e)(ii) shall not
exceed Swiss Francs 4,900,000*/ 4,850,000**/
4,800,000*** /4,750,000****, divided into one
million fully paid-up Shares, with a par value of
Swiss Francs 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per
Share; or |
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* nach Vollzug der ersten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im dritten Quartal
2009
|
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* Upon completion of the first partial par value
reduction in the third calendar quarter 2009 |
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** nach Vollzug der zweiten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im vierten Quartal
2009
|
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** Upon completion of the second partial par
value reduction in the fourth calendar quarter
2009 |
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*** nach Vollzug der dritten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im ersten Quartal
2010
|
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*** Upon completion of the third partial par
value reduction in the first calendar quarter
2010 |
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**** nach Vollzug der vierten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im zweiten Quartal
2010
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**** Upon completion of the fourth partial par
value reduction in the second calendar quarter
2010 |
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Artikel 7: Bedingtes Aktienkapital |
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Article 7: Conditional Share Capital |
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1 Das Aktienkapital kann sich durch
Ausgabe von höchstens
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
voll zu liberierenden Aktien im Nennwert von je
Schweizer Franken
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
um höchstens Schweizer Franken
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** erhöhen durch:
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1 The share capital may be increased in
an amount not to exceed Swiss Francs
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
through the issuance of up to
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
fully paid-up Shares with a par value of Swiss
Francs 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per Share
through: |
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(a) die Ausübung von Wandel-, Tausch-,
Options-, Bezugs- oder ähnlichen Rechten auf den
Bezug von Aktien (nachfolgend die
Umwandlungsrechte), welche Dritten oder
Aktionären im Zusammenhang mit auf nationalen
oder internationalen Kapitalmärkten neu oder
bereits begebenen Anleihensobligationen,
Optionen, Warrants oder anderen
Finanzmarktinstrumenten oder neuen oder bereits
bestehenden vertraglichen Verpflichtungen der
Gesellschaft, einer ihrer Gruppengesellschaften
oder ihrer Rechtsvorgänger eingeräumt werden
(nachfolgend zusammen, die mit
Umwandlungsrechten verbundenen Obligationen);
dabei darf der Gesamtbetrag der ausgegebenen
Aktien einen Betrag von Schweizer Franken
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
eingeteilt in [] vollständig zu
liberierende Aktien mit einem Nennwert von je
Schweizer Franken 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75****
nicht übersteigen; und/oder
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(a) the exercise of conversion, exchange,
option, warrant or similar rights for the
subscription of Shares (hereinafter the Rights)
granted to third parties or shareholders in
connection with bonds, options, warrants or other
securities newly or already issued in national or
international capital markets or new or already
existing contractual obligations by or of the
Company, one of its group companies, or any of
their respective predecessors (hereinafter
collectively, the Rights-Bearing Obligations);
the total amount of Shares that may be issued
under such Rights shall not exceed Swiss Francs
[]*/[]**/[]***/[]****
divided into [] fully paid-up Shares with
a par value of Swiss Francs
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per Share; and/or; |
A-3
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(b) die Ausgabe von mit Umwandlungsrechten
verbundenen Obligationen an:
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(b) the issuance of Rights-Bearing Obligations
granted to: |
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i. die Mitglieder des
Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der
Geschäftsleitung und Arbeitnehmer, die für
die Gesellschaft oder eine
Gruppengesellschaft tätig sind;
vorausgesetzt, dass der Gesamtbetrag der
unter dieser Bestimmung (b)(i)
ausgegebenen Aktien einen Betrag von
Schweizer Franken 24,500,000*/
24,250,000**/ 24,000,000***/
23,750,000**** eingeteilt in fünf
Millionen vollständig zu liberierende
Aktien mit einem Nennwert von je Schweizer
Franken 4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75****
nicht übersteigt; oder
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i. the members of the Board of Directors,
members of the executive management and employees
of the Company or any of its group companies,
always provided that the total amount of such
Shares to be issued under this clause (b)(i)
shall not exceed Swiss Francs 24,500,000*/
24,250,000**/ 24,000,000***/ 23,750,000****
divided into five million fully paid-up Shares,
with a par value of Swiss Francs
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per Share or |
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ii. Vertragspartner oder Berater oder
andere Personen, die für die Gesellschaft
oder eine Gruppengesellschaft Leistungen
erbringen, vorausgesetzt, dass der
Gesamtbetrag der unter dieser Bestimmung
(b)(ii) ausgegebenen Aktien einen Betrag
von Schweizer Franken 4,900,000*/
4,850,000**/ 4,800,000***/ 4,750,000****
eingeteilt in eine Million vollständig zu
liberierende Aktien mit einem Nennwert von
je Schweizer Franken
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** nicht
übersteigt.
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|
ii. contractors or consultants of the Company
or any of its group companies or any other
persons providing services to the Company or its
group companies, always provided that the total
amount of such Shares to be issued under this
clause (b)(ii) shall not exceed Swiss Francs
4,900,000*/ 4,850,000**/ 4,800,000***/
4,750,000**** divided into one million fully
paid-up Shares, with a par value of Swiss Francs
4.90*/4.85**/4.80***/4.75**** per Share. |
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* nach Vollzug der ersten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im dritten Quartal
2009
|
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* Upon completion of the first partial par value
reduction in the third calendar quarter 2009 |
|
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** nach Vollzug der zweiten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im vierten Quartal
2009
|
|
** Upon completion of the second partial par
value reduction in the fourth calendar quarter
2009 |
|
|
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*** nach Vollzug der dritten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im ersten Quartal
2010
|
|
*** Upon completion of the third partial par
value reduction in the first calendar quarter
2010 |
|
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**** nach Vollzug der vierten
Nennwertherabsetzungs-Tranche im zweiten Quartal
2010
|
|
**** Upon completion of the fourth partial par
value reduction in the second calendar quarter
2010 |
A-4
NOBLE CORPORATION GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON MAY 28, 2009 PROXY
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IMPORTANT NOTE: Please sign, date
and return this Proxy Card in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope to the
following address, arriving no later than prior to the start of the General
Meeting: · Noble Corporation c/o The Altman Group PO Box 268 Lyndhurst,
NJ 07071-9902 or, if granting a proxy to the independent representative: |
· Mr. Joachim Kloter c/o Kloter & Kohli Attorneys Streulistrasse 28 P. O.
Box CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland. Please check one of the following two boxes:
The signatory, revoking any proxy heretofore given in connection with the
General Meeting described below, appoints Noble Corporation as proxy, with full
powers of substitution, to represent the signatory at the General Meeting on
May 28, 2009 and to vote all shares the signatory is entitled to vote at such
General Meeting on all matters properly presented at the meeting. The
signatory, revoking any proxy heretofore given in connection with the General
Meeting described below, appoints the independent representative, Mr. Joachim
Kloter, Kloter & Kohli Attorneys (the Independent Representative), with full
powers of substitution, to represent the signatory at the General Meeting on
May 28, 2009 and to vote all shares the signatory is entitled to vote at such
General Meeting on all matters properly presented at the meeting. If you
appoint either Noble Corporation or the Independent Representative to represent
you at the General Meeting on May 28, 2009, please provide your voting
instructions by marking the applicable instruction boxes on the reverse side of
this Proxy Card. If you do not provide specific voting instructions, your
voting rights will be exercised in the manner recommended by the Board of
Directors (FOR proposals 1, 3 and 4 and FOR each director nominee listed on
the reverse side). The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of notice of,
and the proxy statement for, the aforesaid General Meeting. Continued on the
reverse side. Must be signed and dated on the reverse side. |
DETACH PROXY HERE This Proxy Card is valid only when signed and dated. Votes must be indicated
(x) in black or blue ink. Vote on Proposals If you do not provide specific
voting instructions, your voting rights will be exercised in the manner
recommended by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors recommends a vote
FOR proposals 1, 3 and 4 and FOR each director nominee listed below. 1.
Approval of the payment of a dividend through a reduction of the par value of
the shares in an amount equal to Swiss francs 0.25 FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2.
Election of Directors for a three-year term: FOR WITHHOLD 2a. Julie H. Edwards
2b. Marc E. Leland 2c. David W. Williams 3. Approval of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Noble Corporations independent registered public
accounting firm for 2009 FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 4. Approval of an amendment of
Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of the Articles of Association in order to limit the
changes to authorized and conditional capital that require approval of at least
two-thirds of the shares represented at a general meeting to an increase in the
amount of the authorized or conditional share capital FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN In
the event of proposals during the General Meeting on which voting is
permissible under Swiss law, Noble Corporation or the Independent
Representative, as applicable, will vote your shares in accordance with the
respective recommendation of the Board of Directors. The signature on this
Proxy Card should correspond exactly with the shareholders name as printed to
the left. In the case of joint tenancies, co-executors, or co-trustees, each
should sign. Persons signing as Attorney, Executor, Administrator, Trustee or
Guardian should give their full title. Date ___Shareholder sign
here Co-Owner sign here |
NOBLE CORPORATION GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON MAY 28, 2009 PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS IMPORTANT NOTE: Please sign, date and return this Proxy Card in the enclosed
postage pre-paid envelope to the trustee of the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan (the
Trustee), arriving no later than prior to the start of the General Meeting. The undersigned
hereby instructs the Trustee to vote, as designated below, all shares of Noble Corporation that are
credited to the account(s) of the undersigned (whether vested or not) in the Noble Drilling
Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan (401(k) Plan Shares) at the General Meeting on May 28, 2009.
Please provide your voting instructions by marking the applicable instruction boxes on the reverse
side of this Proxy Card. If you do not provide specific voting instructions, the voting rights of
your 401(k) Plan Shares will be exercised in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors
(FOR proposals 1, 3 and 4 and FOR each director nominee listed on the reverse side). The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of notice of, and the proxy statement for, the aforesaid
General Meeting. Continued on the reverse side. Must be signed and dated on the reverse side. |
DETACH PROXY HERE This Proxy Card is valid only when signed and dated. Votes must be indicated (x)
in black or blue ink. Vote on Proposals If you do not provide specific voting instructions, the
voting rights of your 401(k) Plan Shares will be exercised in the manner recommended by the Board
of Directors. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR proposals 1, 3 and 4 and FOR each
director nominee listed below. 1. Approval of the payment of a dividend through a reduction of the
par value of the shares in an amount equal to Swiss francs 0.25 FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. Election
of Directors for a three-year term: FOR WITHHOLD 2a. Julie H. Edwards 2b. Marc E. Leland 2c.
David W. Williams 3. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Noble
Corporations independent registered public accounting firm for 2009 FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 4.
Approval of an amendment of Article 21 paragraph 1(d) of the Articles of Association in order to
limit the changes to authorized and conditional capital that require approval of at least
two-thirds of the shares represented at a general meeting to an increase in the amount of the
authorized or conditional share capital FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN In the event of proposals during the
General Meeting on which voting is permissible under Swiss law, the Trustee will vote your 401(k)
Plan Shares in accordance with the respective recommendation of the Board of Directors. The
signature on this Proxy Card should correspond exactly with the shareholders name as printed to
the left. In the case of joint tenancies, co-executors, or co-trustees, each should sign. Persons
signing as Attorney, Executor, Administrator, Trustee or Guardian should give their full title.
Date ___401(k) Plan Participant sign here |