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PHI, Inc.
(Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)
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PHI, Inc.
2001 SE Evangeline Thruway
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 4, 2017
To the Holders of Voting andNon-Voting Common Stock of PHI, Inc.:
The 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PHI, Inc. (“PHI”) will be held at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette (Live Oak A Meeting Room), 1909 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., local time, to:
1. Elect five directors;
2. Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as PHI’s independent auditor for 2017;
3. Approve an amendment to PHI’s Articles of Incorporation to authorize additional shares ofnon-voting common stock;
4. Approve the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan; and
5. Transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
All holders of record of PHI’s common stock at the close of business on April 5, 2017 are entitled to notice of the meeting, but only holders of record of PHI’s voting common stock as of such date are entitled to vote at the meeting.
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Trudy P. McConnaughhay |
Secretary |
Lafayette, Louisiana
April 12, 2017
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 4, 2017: The Company’s Information Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 are available at www.materials.proxyvote.com/69336T.
PHI, Inc.
2001 SE Evangeline Thruway
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
INFORMATION STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD
May 4, 2017
This Information Statement is being furnished to holders of voting common stock (“Voting Stock”) andnon-voting common stock(“Non-Voting Stock”) of PHI, Inc. (“PHI,” the “Company” or “we”) at the direction of our Board of Directors (“Board”) in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PHI (the “Meeting”) to be held on May 4, 2017, at the time and place set forth in the accompanying notice and at any adjournments thereof.
Holders of record of Voting Stock andNon-Voting Stock at the close of business on April 5, 2017 are entitled to notice of the Meeting, but only holders of record of Voting Stock as of such date are entitled to vote at the Meeting. On the record date, PHI had outstanding 2,905,757 shares of Voting Stock, each of which entitles its holder to one vote with respect to each matter properly brought before the Meeting, and 12,792,994 shares ofNon-Voting Stock, none of which entitles its holder to vote at the Meeting.
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
At the Meeting, the holders of Voting Stock (“voting shareholders”) will vote upon (i) the election of five directors, (ii) the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, (iii) the approval of an amendment to PHI’s articles of incorporation, and (iv) the approval of the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. As detailed under the heading, “Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers,” Al A. Gonsoulin, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, holds more than a majority of PHI’s outstanding Voting Stock, and thus his vote alone is sufficient to decide all matters to be voted on at the Meeting. Mr. Gonsoulin has informed PHI that he intends to vote all of his shares for (i) the election of the five persons identified below under the heading “Election of Directors,” each of whom has beenre-nominated to serve on our Board; (ii) the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, which is discussed further below under the heading “Relationship with Independent Auditor”; (iii) the approval of our proposed amendment to PHI’s articles of incorporation, which is discussed further below under the heading “ Proposal to Amend Articles of Incorporation”; and (iv) the approval of the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, which is discussed further below under the heading “Proposal to Approve the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.” As a result, the outcome of those votes is assured, no matter how the other holders of Voting Stock vote their shares.
This Information Statement is first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 12, 2017. The cost of preparing and mailing the statement will be borne by PHI. Banks, brokerage houses and other nominees or fiduciaries will be requested to forward the material to their principals, and PHI will, upon request, reimburse them for their expenses in so doing.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to our Amended and RestatedBy-laws (the“By-laws”), our Board has established the size of our Board at five directors. We elect our directors annually, and each director serves until the next succeeding annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Listed below under the heading, “Information about our Directors,” are the five persons we have nominated for election to our Board at the Meeting, each of whom is currently serving as a director. In the unanticipated event that one or more of these nominees should decline or become unable to stand for election as a director at the Meeting, ourBy-laws provide that the number of authorized directors will be reduced automatically by the number of such nominees unless our Board, by a majority vote of the entire Board, selects an additional nominee.
Nomination of Directors; Communications with our Board and Related Matters
Our Board does not have a nominating committee or other committee performing similar functions. The Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), the exchange on which our shares of Voting Stock andNon-Voting Stock are listed, provide that a “controlled company” is exempt from having its director nominees selected by a nominating committee. As Mr. Gonsoulin owns over 50% of the Company’s Voting Stock, PHI is a “controlled company” within the definition of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. However, our full Board approves all director nominees, and a shareholder who wishes for our Board to consider an individual as a future director nominee should communicate that desire in writing to our Chairman of the Board at the Company’s address. Similarly, a shareholder who wishes to communicate with our Board on any other subject should direct such communication to our Secretary at the Company’s address. Our Secretary will be responsible for disseminating all such communications to our Board, or to a specific member of our Board, as appropriate, depending on the facts described in such communication.
In addition to these communications with the Board, ourBy-laws permit shareholders to nominate a director or bring other matters before a shareholders’ meeting, provided timely notice is given. The written notice required to be sent by any shareholder nominating a director must include various information, including, as to the shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made, (i) the name and address of such shareholder and any such beneficial owner, (ii) their beneficial ownership interests in our shares, and (iii) a description of all agreements with respect to the nomination among the nominating shareholder, any beneficial owner, any person acting in concert with them, each proposed nominee and certain other persons. With respect to each proposed nominee, the written notice must also, among other things, (i) set forth biographical and other data required under the federal proxy rules and (ii) furnish both a completed and duly executed questionnaire and a duly executed agreement designed to disclose various aspects of the proposed nominee’s background, qualifications and certain specified arrangements with other persons, as well as to receive the proposed nominee’s commitment to abide by certain specified agreements and undertakings. We may require a proposed nominee to furnish other reasonable information or certifications. Shareholders interested in bringing any matter other than a director nomination before a shareholders’ meeting should consult ourBy-laws for additional procedures governing such requests. We may disregard any nomination or submission of any other matter that fails to comply with the procedures required by ourBy-laws. Shareholder requests to nominate directors or to bring any other matter before our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders must be received by our Secretary by the deadline specified below the heading “Other Matters – Shareholder Proposals.” The foregoing summary of the above-described procedures is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of ourBy-laws, which you may obtain by reviewing our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or contacting our Secretary.
Our Board identifies potential nominees for director, other than current directors standing forre-election, through business and other contacts. Our Board does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of director candidates nominated by our other shareholders. While there are no minimum qualifications a nominee must meet, our Board primarily considers a nominee’s independence, business experience, career positions held and particular areas of expertise and whether the nominee would contribute to the diversity of experience and skills of our Board as a whole.
Although we do not have a history of receiving director nominations from shareholders, our Board envisions that it would evaluate any such candidate on the same terms as other proposed nominees, but would place a substantial premium on retaining incumbent directors who are familiar with our management, operations, business, industry, strategies and competitive position, and who have previously demonstrated a proven ability to provide valuable contributions to our Board and PHI.
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Information about our Directors
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 5, 2017, with respect to each candidate nominated to stand forre-election to our Board. Each of these director nominees was recommended by our Chairman of the Board, and unanimously approved by the full Board. The information below includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Board to conclude that the person should be nominated to serve another term as director, and includes any other public company directorships held by the nominee during the past five years. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has been engaged in the principal occupation shown for the past five years. Our Board has determined, using criteria established by NASDAQ and the SEC, that each director nominee other than Messrs. Bospflug and Gonsoulin is independent.
Name and Age | Principal Occupation or Position | Year First Became a Director | ||||
Al A. Gonsoulin, 74 | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of PHI | 2001 | ||||
Lance F. Bospflug, 62 | President and Chief Operating Officer of PHI | 2001 | ||||
C. Russell Luigs, 84 | Retired Executive | 2002 | ||||
Richard H. Matzke, 80 | Consultant | 2002 | ||||
Thomas H. Murphy, 61 | Member, Murco Oil & Gas, LLC (oil & gas production and investments) | 1999 |
MR. AL A. GONSOULINis the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PHI. Mr. Gonsoulin has been our Chairman since September 2001, when he acquired a controlling interest in PHI, and our Chief Executive Officer since 2004. Prior to joining PHI, Mr. Gonsoulin was President of Sea Mar, a division of Nabors Industries.
Mr. Gonsoulin has spent his career working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. He is well acquainted with both major and independent drilling and production companies. He founded Sea Mar, a vessel company serving the offshore oil and gas industry worldwide, which he later sold. Mr. Gonsoulin’s experience is and has been essential to the positioning of PHI for long-term performance.
MR. LANCE F. BOSPFLUG currently serves as President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of PHI. Mr. Bospflug first joined PHI in October 2000 as President and was appointed Chief Executive Officer and director in August 2001. In 2004, Mr. Bospflug resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of PHI, although he continued to serve as a director. Following his 2004 resignation, he was self-employed until 2008, when our Company hired him to work on certain special projects, reporting directly to Mr. Gonsoulin. In 2009, Mr. Bospflug rejoined our executive team as our Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed President in 2010. Before joining PHI, he served as Chief Financial Officer, and from 1999 to 2000 Chief Executive Officer, of T.L. James & Company, Inc.
Mr. Bospflug has significant leadership experience at the Company, providing him with a comprehensive knowledge of our business and industry, and was also Chief Executive Officer at T.L. James & Company, a diversified construction, marine, dredging and natural resources company. His experience as a chief financial officer also gives him a strong background in financial and accounting matters. Mr. Bospflug’s career has provided the managerial, strategic, operational, and financial experience necessary to develop and execute our strategic plans.
MR. C. RUSSELL LUIGS retired from GlobalSantaFe, Inc. in 2002. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Marine from the time he joined that company in 1977 until 1998. Prior to joining Global Marine, Mr. Luigs was President and Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Industries, which he joined as a petroleum engineer in 1957. He was also Chairman of the Board of Global Marine from 1982 until 1999, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Global Marine from 1999 until its merger with Santa Fe International Corporation in 2001. He served as Director of GlobalSantaFe until May 2005. Mr. Luigs has served as chairman of our Compensation Committee since early 2013.
Mr. Luigs has had a career primarily in the offshore drilling industry and also has extensive experience throughout the oil and gas industry. Having been the Chief Executive Officer of Global Marine, a public company providing offshore drilling services primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore West Africa and the North Sea, for over
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20 years, he has a comprehensive understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues affecting PHI. Mr. Luigs brings to our Board demonstrated ability at the most senior levels of a public company.
MR. RICHARD H. MATZKE retired from ChevronTexaco (now Chevron Corporation) in 2002, where he had served as Vice Chairman of the Board since January 2000 and as a member of the Board since 1997. From November 1989 through December 1999, Mr. Matzke served as President of Chevron Overseas Petroleum Inc., where he was responsible for directing Chevron’s oil exploration and production activities outside of North America. Mr. Matzke was employed by Chevron Corporation and its predecessors and affiliates from 1961 through his retirement in 2002. From 2002 to 2010 and since June 2011, Mr. Matzke served as a director of LUKOIL, one of Russia’s largest oil companies with operations worldwide. Since May 2014, Mr. Matzke has served as director of Petro China Company Limited, the largest oil and gas distributor in China. Since his retirement from ChevronTexaco, he has provided consulting services to companies in the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Matzke’s extensive career with ChevronTexaco, a publicly-traded major international oil and gas company, provides operational, financial and strategic experience critical to addressing the issues affecting the Company. His service as a director of two other large international oil and gas companies provides additional perspective on industry issues. Mr. Matzke’s career also brings to our Board extensive international experience, as well as a demonstrated ability at the most senior levels of a public company.
MR. THOMAS H. MURPHY has been aco-owner and the manager of Murco Oil and Gas LLC, a company with interests in oil and gas exploration and production onshore in the U.S., since 1998, among other interests. He is the former president of Murco Drilling Corporation, a U.S. onshore drilling contractor. He holds an MBA from Emory University and has completed the Stanford Law School Directors’ College Program for directors and senior executives of publicly-traded companies. Mr. Murphy is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and he is a past member of Young Presidents’ Organization.
Mr. Murphy has been responsible for developing and implementing successful strategies for companies in the oil and gas industry, and has extensive experience addressing operational, financial and accounting matters. He has a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry and of issues facing public companies and their boards. Mr. Murphy also serves as chairman of our Audit Committee.
Information about certain Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 5, 2017 with respect to our executive officers who do not serve on our Board.
Name and Age | Principal Position | Year First Became an Executive Officer | ||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay, 57 | Chief Financial Officer and Secretary(1) | 2012 | ||||
David F. Stepanek, 51 | Chief Commercial Officer(2) | 2011 | ||||
James “Jamie” Hinch, 43 | Chief Administrative Officer (3) | 2017 |
(1) | Mrs. McConnaughhay has served as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since November 5, 2012. She previously served as Director of Special Projects, Finance from July 2012 to November 2012. Prior to joining PHI she served as Chief Financial Officer for Dynamic Industries International, L.L.C. from September 2011 until July 2012. Prior to joining Dynamic, she served as Vice-President/Principal Accounting Officer of Global Industries, Ltd. from October 2005 to September 2011, and held other previous positions within Global, including Director of Tax and Finance. |
(2) | Mr. Stepanek was named our Chief Commercial Officer in January 2017. For the six preceding years, he served as our Director of Corporate Business Development, having joined us in May 2010 as Director of Special Projects. Prior to joining PHI, he served as Chief Marketing Officer for The Era Group from March 2007 until March 2010. Prior to joining The Era Group, he spent nearly 20 years with Sikorsky Aircraft in various roles, including technical services, customer service, sales and marketing. |
(3) | Mr. Hinch joined PHI in February 2017 as Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to joining PHI, he served as Global Human Resources Director for FMC Technologies, now TechnipFMC, from January 2012 to |
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February 2017. Prior to joining FMC Technologies, he served as Director of Human Resources for Global Industries, Ltd. from May 2010 to January 2012. He held various domestic, international and corporate Human Resources roles with Global Industries from May 1999 to May 2010. |
Meetings of the Board
During the year ended December 31, 2016, our Board held four meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of Board and Committee meetings of which he was a member.
Our Board does not have a policy regarding Board member attendance at the annual shareholders meeting. However, ourBy-laws require that the first meeting of each newly-elected Board occur immediately following the shareholder meeting at which the directors were elected, which facilitates attendance at the annual shareholders meeting. All five directors attended the 2016 annual shareholders meeting.
Board Committees
Our Board has an Audit Committee, whose current members are Messrs. Luigs, Matzke and Murphy (Chairman). This committee held four meetings during 2016.
The functions of the Audit Committee include:
• | Appointing (subject to shareholder ratification) the Company’s independent auditor, with direct responsibility for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor, which reports directly to the Audit Committee; |
• | Overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the Company’s financial statements; |
• | Monitoring the independence of the Company’s independent auditor; |
• | Pre-approving all audit and permittednon-audit services provided by the independent auditor; |
• | Overseeing the work of the internal audit department and the director of the internal audit department, who reports directly to our Audit Committee; |
• | Establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and the confidential anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters; |
• | Reviewing and approving all related party transactions; and |
• | Performing the other functions described in the committee’s charter and the Audit Committee Report, which is included elsewhere in this information statement. |
Because we are a “controlled company” within the definition of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, we are not required to have a compensation committee. Nevertheless, our Board has formed a standing Compensation Committee, whose current members are Messrs. Luigs (Chairman), Matzke, and Murphy. This committee held four meetings during 2016.
The functions of the Compensation Committee include:
• | Determining the compensation of our executive officers; |
• | Administering our annual incentive plan, including setting targets and determining payouts; |
• | Granting awards under our long-term incentive plan; |
• | Engaging its own independent compensation consultants to review and make recommendations with respect to executive and director compensation; |
• | Reviewing and recommending to our Board changes in significant benefit plans; |
• | Overseeing our assessment of whether our compensation practices are reasonably likely to expose the Company to material risks; and |
• | Performing certain other functions described in the committee’s charter. |
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The Audit Committee and Compensation Committee charters can be found at our web site:www.phihelico.com.
For the reasons discussed above under the caption “Nomination of Directors,” our Board does not have a nominating committee.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Board currently consists of five directors, three of whom our Board has determined to be independent under criteria established by NASDAQ and the SEC. Mr. Gonsoulin serves as both Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which our Board believes is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Mr. Gonsoulin has strong leadership abilities and possesses anin-depth knowledge of the issues and challenges facing the Company and our industries. Accordingly, we believe he is best positioned to direct our Board’s attention to the most appropriate matters impacting the Company. He also holds a majority of our Voting Stock, which we believe aligns his interests with those of the rest of our shareholders in most instances.
Our Board believes that our corporate governance practices establish an appropriate framework for our directors to provide independent, objective and effective oversight of management. Three-fifths of our directors are independent and, as indicated above under the heading “—Board Committees,” we have independent audit and compensation committees. The Audit Committee has the power and authority to engage independent legal or other advisors as it may deem necessary and the Compensation Committee has the power and authority to engage compensation consultants, in each case without consulting or obtaining the approval of our full Board or management. Our independent directors meet in executive session after each Audit Committee meeting, chaired by our Audit Committee Chairman. We understand that some investors believe that having a “lead independent director” enhances the ability of a board of directors to act independently of management; however, our Board, having considered that alternative, has concluded that our current leadership structure is working effectively to achieve that objective without designating a lead independent director.
Board’s Role in Oversight of Risk Management
One of our Board’s goals is to have systems and processes in place to bring to its attention the material risks facing our company and to permit our Board to effectively oversee the management of these risks. As reflected in our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy, our Board seeks to establish a “tone at the top” communicating our Board’s strong commitment to ethical behavior and compliance with the law. In furtherance of these goals, our Board regularly includes agenda items at its meetings relating to risk oversight. For example, senior managers of the Company regularly make presentations to our Board regarding safety, financial matters, labor matters, litigation, cybersecurity, succession planning and regulatory compliance, among other things. Our Board also sets and periodically reviews quantitative and qualitative authority levels for management. Further, our Board oversees our strategic direction, and in doing so considers the potential rewards and risks of our operations and business opportunities, and monitors the development and management of risks that impact our strategic goals.
While we believe risk oversight is a responsibility of the full Board, we also empower each of our two Board committees to address risk oversight in their respective areas of responsibility, subject to communicating their activities to our full Board. For example, our Compensation Committee assesses risks related to compensation and our Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of our independent auditors, and periodically reviews our internal control over financial reporting. As described further below, our Audit Committee also reviews and approves our related party transactions. Our Director of Internal Audit reports to, and regularly meets in executive session with, our Audit Committee.
Director Compensation
During 2016, eachnon-employee director (meaning each director other than Mr. Gonsoulin and Mr. Bospflug) received an annual retainer of $50,000. Additionally, each such director received meeting fees of $8,000 for each Board meeting, $5,000 for each Committee meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each Committee meeting attended by telephone. Committee chairs received an additional $2,000 per Committee
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meeting. In addition, eachnon-employee director received a grant of time-vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was most recently approved by shareholders in 2015 and for which we have proposed a second amendment and restatement for shareholder approval (see proposal 4). These RSUs, which had a grant date value of approximately $30,000, will vest and pay out in shares ofNon-Voting Stock on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the director’s continued service through that date (which would be waived in the event of the director’s death or disability, or a change of control of the Company). Our Compensation Committee determines director compensation by reviewing compensation levels at similar size companies.
The table below summarizes all compensation paid by us to ournon-employee or “outside” directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
Name(1) | Fees earned or paid in cash ($) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Total ($) | |||||||||
C. Russell Luigs | 130,000 | 25,519 | 155,519 | |||||||||
Richard H. Matzke | 122,000 | 25,519 | 147,519 | |||||||||
Thomas H. Murphy | 130,000 | 25,519 | 155,519 |
(1) | Neither Al A. Gonsoulin, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, nor Lance F. Bospflug, the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, are included in this table as each is an employee of the Company and receives no additional compensation for service as a director. |
(2) | During 2016, each outside director was awarded RSUs entitling him, subject to continued service, to acquire 1,680 shares of ourNon-Voting Stock (or a total of 5,040 shares for all outside directors). For purposes of determining the number of RSUs to grant to each outside director, the Compensation Committee valued each of these stock awards at $30,000, based upon the average per share closing price of ourNon-Voting Stock during the last full month preceding the grant date. For purposes of reporting the fair value of these awards in the table above, however, SEC rules require that we report the value of these grants based on the per share closing price of ourNon-Voting Stock on the grant date in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. With respect to each outside director, the grants vest on November 3, 2019, subject to such director’s continued service through such date, with accelerated vesting in certain limited circumstances. As of December 31, 2016, each outside director held an aggregate of 3,898 RSUs, the only type of equity-based award held by our outside directors as of such date. |
Each outside director is entitled to be reimbursed for (i) expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings and (ii) expenses incurred in attending director education programs.
OurBy-laws require us to indemnify our directors and officers. We have signed agreements with each of our directors contractually obligating us to provide these indemnification rights. We also provide our directors with customary directors and officers liability insurance.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders to file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our equity securities. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of reports received by us and written representations by certain reporting persons, we believe that all reports were filed on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
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STOCK OWNERSHIP
Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of each class of outstanding PHI common stock as of April 5, 2017 held by (a) each director of PHI, (b) each of our “named executive officers” (as defined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis) and (c) all directors and executive officers of PHI as a group, determined in accordance with SEC Rule13d-3. Unless otherwise indicated, the securities shown are held with sole voting and investment power, and are not subject to any hedging or pledging arrangements.
Name of Beneficial Owner | Class of PHI Common Stock | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) | Percent of Class | |||||||||
Directors | ||||||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 2,060,905 1,095,685 |
| | 70.9 8.6 | % % | |||
Lance F. Bospflug | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 0 96,464 |
| |
| * * | |||
C. Russell Luigs | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 5,000 5,762 |
| |
| * * | |||
Richard H. Matzke | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 0 762 |
| |
| * * | |||
Thomas H. Murphy | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 9,500 11,262 |
| |
| * * | |||
Named Executive Officers(2) | ||||||||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 0 11,668 |
| |
| * * | |||
Richard A. Rovinelli(3) | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 0 22,210 |
| |
| * * | |||
David F. Stepanek | | Voting Non-Voting |
| | 0 2,680 | (4) | |
| * * | |||
All directors and executive officers as a group |
|
Voting Non-Voting |
| | 2,075,405 1,246,493 | (4) | | 71.4 9.7 | % % |
* | Less than one percent. |
(1) | Excludes shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued pursuant to outstanding, unvested RSUs that are not scheduled to vest within 60 days. |
(2) | Information on Mr. Gonsoulin’s and Mr. Bospflug’s ownership is included under the heading “Directors” above. |
(3) | As described in greater detail under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement and Consultant Agreements with Mr. Rovinelli,” Mr. Rovinelli stepped down from his position as an executive officer on February 21, 2017 and retired from all positions with the Company on March 31, 2017, although he continues to provide consulting services for the Company on anas-needed basis. |
(4) | Includes 650 shares ofNon-Voting Stock beneficially held by Mr. Stepanek’s minor child; includes an additional 975 shares ofNon-Voting Stock beneficially held by two of Mr. Stepanek’s other children, as to which Mr. Stepanek disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(5) | This group does not include Mr. Rovinelli, who was no longer an executive officer on the record date (see note 3), but does include Jamie Hinch, who was appointed as our Chief Administrative Officer effective February 21, 2017. |
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Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table shows the number of shares of PHI’s Voting Stock andNon-Voting Stock beneficially owned as of the dates indicated by persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of PHI’s Voting Stock orNon-Voting Stock, determined in accordance with SEC Rule13d-3. Each person listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned unless otherwise stated.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Class of PHI Common Stock | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) | Percent of Class(1) | |||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | ||||||||||||
2001 S.E. Evangeline Thruway | Voting | 2,060,905 | 70.9 | % | ||||||||
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508 | Non-Voting | 1,095,685 | (2) | 8.6 | % | |||||||
West Face Capital, Inc. | ||||||||||||
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 810 | Voting | 0 | * | |||||||||
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8 | Non-Voting | 3,215,836 | (3) | 25.1 | % | |||||||
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP | ||||||||||||
Palisades West, Building One | ||||||||||||
6300 Bee Cave Road | Voting | 0 | * | |||||||||
Austin, TX 78746 | Non-Voting | 1,071,182 | (4) | 8.4 | % | |||||||
John D. Weil | ||||||||||||
200 N. Broadway, Suite 825 | Voting | 218,711 | (5) | 7.5 | % | |||||||
St. Louis, Missouri 63102 | Non-Voting | 0 | * | |||||||||
Franklin Resources, Inc. | ||||||||||||
One Franklin Parkway | Voting | 57,600 | (6) | 2.0 | % | |||||||
San Mateo, CA 94403 | Non-Voting | 635,200 | (6) | 5.0 | % |
* | Less than one percent. |
(1) | The information for Mr. Gonsoulin is provided as of April 5, 2017. For all others, the information in the table is based on such holders’ beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016, as reported in their respective Schedule 13G or Form 13F filings with the SEC, referred to below in notes 3 through 6 (the “ownership reports”). The figures and percentages in the table above have been determined in accordance with Rule13d-3 of the SEC based upon information furnished by the investors in their respective ownership reports, except that we have calculated the percentages in the table based on the actual number of shares of Voting Stock orNon-Voting Stock outstanding on April 5, 2017, as opposed to the estimated percentages set forth in such reports. Investors should note that the standards for reporting share ownership under Schedule 13G and Form 13F reports are similar but not the same. |
(2) | Excludes shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued pursuant to outstanding, unvested RSUs granted under the LTIP that are not scheduled to vest within 60 days. |
(3) | Based on information contained in a Form 13F Holdings Report dated as of February 14, 2017 that this investor filed with the SEC. This investor has not filed a Schedule 13G with respect to these shares ofNon-Voting Stock. |
(4) | All information with respect to Voting Stock is based on information contained in a Form 13G Holdings Report dated as of February 9, 2017 that this investor filed with the SEC. |
(5) | Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A Report dated as of February 2, 2012 that this investor filed with the SEC. In this report, the investor indicated that, as of December 31, 2011, he held sole voting and investment power with respect to 10,685 of these shares and has shared voting and investment power with respect to 208,026 of these shares. |
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(6) | Based on information contained in a Form 13F Holdings Report dated as of February 14, 2017 that this investor filed with the SEC. This investor has not filed a Schedule 13G with respect to these shares of Voting andNon-Voting Stock. |
10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This section of the information statement discusses and analyzes our executive compensation philosophy and program in the context of the compensation paid during the last fiscal year to our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer, and our three other most highly-compensated executives. We refer to these executives as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs.” For fiscal 2016, our named executives were:
NEO | Title | |
Al A. Gonsoulin | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | |
Lance F. Bospflug | President and Chief Operating Officer | |
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | |
Richard A. Rovinelli | former Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Human Resources, and Chief Compliance Officer | |
David F. Stepanek | Chief Commercial Officer |
As described in greater detail below under “Retirement and Consultant Agreements with Mr. Rovinelli,” Mr. Rovinelli retired from PHI in early 2017.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The objectives of our executive compensation policy are to:
• | align executive incentive compensation with our annual and long-term goals; |
• | reward performance that contributes to the execution of our business strategies; and |
• | provide competitive compensation and benefits to attract, retain, and motivate top quality executives. |
These objectives strive to reward the achievement of goals tailored to the executive’s area of responsibility and to recognize individual leadership.
Process
Our executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board in accordance with the Compensation Committee’s charter.
For several years, our Compensation Committee has retained FreeGulliver, LLC (“FreeGulliver”) as its independent compensation consultant regarding executive and director compensation matters. All assignments given to FreeGulliver are made by the Compensation Committee, and the Compensation Committee has the ability to terminate FreeGulliver’s services at any time. FreeGulliver provides no other services to PHI.
FreeGulliver provides the following compensation consulting services to the Compensation Committee on an ongoing basis:
• | Providing peer group compensation information to assist the Compensation Committee in establishing executive compensation; |
• | Assisting in the formulation of our annual incentive and long-term equity incentive award programs; |
• | Making recommendations regarding competitive compensation levels; and |
• | Facilitating a leadership succession planning process. |
The Compensation Committee relies on Willis Towers Watson surveys for competitive compensation analysis, which is compiled for the Compensation Committee by FreeGulliver. The Committee also reviews data from a small group of peer companies selected by FreeGulliver and approved by the Compensation Committee. The compensation analysis also considers the scope and nature of managerial responsibility and reporting relationships.
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The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all compensation for our executive officers. Except with respect to his own compensation and except as otherwise provided below, the CEO may make adjustments to the compensation based on an individual’s performance and contributions to the Company’s performance, subject to reporting any such adjustments to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has sole responsibility for determining CEO compensation.
Elements of Executive Compensation
Our executive compensation is a mix of base salary, annual incentive compensation, long-term equity compensation and deferred compensation and employee benefits. The Compensation Committee believes this pay mix, a substantial portion of which is principally dependent upon our future performance, helps to reinforce in our executives the importance of achieving our business goals and thereby increase shareholder value. The executives also participate in benefit plans generally available to all other salaried employees, including our 401(k) plan and health, dental, and life insurance.
Base Salary. Base salary is based generally upon the level of responsibility of each executive officer and the individual’s prior performance. Base salaries also provide the foundation upon which the annual incentive and long-term equity opportunities are established. Base salary levels are generally targeted at the 60th percentile of salaries paid by comparable companies included in the broad Willis Towers Watson surveys in threesub-groups based on (i) number of employees, (ii) the amount of sales and (iii) companies in the South Central Region (which includes Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas). In determining the 60th percentile weighted average, thesub-group based on sales is weighted 66 2/3% and the two othersub-groups are each weighted 16 2/3%. The identities of the companies included in the Willis Towers Watson surveys are not provided to or considered by the Committee.
In connection with establishing salaries in 2016, the Compensation Committee also reviewed data on the executive compensation levels and practices of the following eight industry “peer” companies: Bristow Group, Inc., SEACOR Holdings, Inc., Air Methods Corp., Gulfmark Offshore, Inc., Hercules Offshore, Inc., Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc., Superior Energy Services, Inc. and Tidewater Inc. (the “Peer Group”) in order to ensure that the compensation levels reflected in the Willis Towers Watson surveys are generally aligned with competitive compensation practices in the industry.
After consideration of the data described above and the recommendation of FreeGulliver, the Committee made no changes to the base salary of the Company’s executive officers for 2016. The salaries remained at the 2015 levels: $650,000 for Al A. Gonsoulin; $575,000 for Lance F. Bospflug; $308,948 for Trudy McConnaughhay; $308,948 for Richard A. Rovinelli; and $294,975 for David F. Stepanek.
Annual Incentive Compensation. Since 2004, the Compensation Committee has administered a Senior Management Bonus Plan (the “Annual Incentive Plan” or “AIP”) in which our executive officers participate. Since 2011, any payments earned under the AIP have been payable in a lump sum by March 15 of the year following the performance year. Under the AIP, the Compensation Committee specifies each year (1) the specific targets relative to each performance measure applicable for that year under the plan to the executives and (2) the individual award opportunities of each executive for the year, which are determined based on the position and scope of responsibilities of the executive and are expressed as a percentage of the executive’s base salary based on the Company’s achievement of the financial target at three levels – a threshold level, the target level (generally equivalent to the level of performance anticipated under our business plan for the year) and a stretch level. Following the end of the year, the calculated bonus levels based on financial results are subject to a formulaic adjustment for safety performance.
The AIP provides that the Compensation Committee may in its discretion adjust any award payable under the plan upward or downward to reflect our achievement of other performance goals or the Compensation Committee’s subjective assessment of the individual performance of the participant, and that the CEO may make recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to such adjustments for participants other than himself.
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For 2016, the range of possible awards under the AIP for each executive officer based on achievement of the financial target levels, but prior to adjustment for safety performance, was as follows (stated as a percentage of the officer’s base salary):
Executive Officer | Threshold | Target | Stretch | |||||||||
Mr. Gonsoulin | 70 | % | 110 | % | 150 | % | ||||||
Mr. Bospflug | 45 | % | 75 | % | 105 | % | ||||||
Mrs. McConnaughhay | 35 | % | 55 | % | 75 | % | ||||||
Mr. Rovinelli | 35 | % | 55 | % | 75 | % | ||||||
Mr. Stepanek | 35 | % | 55 | % | 75 | % |
These percentage targets were selected by the Compensation Committee based on data provided by FreeGulliver, and were intended to provide our executives with annual incentive compensation opportunities commensurate with those provided to similarly-situated executives at comparable companies.
For 2016, the AIP provided for a downward adjustment of up to 100% if enhanced target safety goals were not met, and an upward adjustment of up to 30%, if enhanced target safety goals were attained. The Compensation Committee set the enhanced target safety goals at a stretch level, which they believed would be difficult but not impossible to attain.
For 2016, the Compensation Committee set the financial performance objective of adjustedpre-tax income at $9.4 million (25% below “business plan”) (“threshold” level), $12.5 million (“business plan” or “target” level), and $13.8 million (10% above “business plan”) (“stretch” level). In calculating adjustedpre-tax income, the AIP excludes specified items, including (i) interest income and (ii) gains or losses related to the sale of aircraft, to investments and to financial arrangements. In addition, adjustedpre-tax income is not reduced by any amounts paid under bonus or incentive plans for that year. As a result, reported 2016pre-tax loss of $27.1 million was adjusted $1.6 million for voluntary early retirement plan expense, $(0.1) million for restricted stock unit expense, $1.6 million for accrued incentive compensation expense, and $(2.9) million for net gain on asset impairments and dispositions. This calculation produced 2016 adjustedpre-tax loss of $27.0 million, which did not meet the “threshold” level under the plan.
In its February 17, 2017 meeting, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Company’s 2016 financial performance and its 2016 safety record and concluded that no bonuses were earned by the executive officers under the metrics of the AIP for 2016. Neither the Compensation Committee nor the CEO elected to adjust, or recommend any adjustments to, these calculations, and therefore no AIP bonuses were awarded to our executive officers for 2016.
Equity Compensation. Long-term equity compensation has been an essential component of our executive compensation program since 2010. FreeGulliver advises the Compensation Committee annually on the structure of our long-term equity compensation program.
The purpose of the long-term equity component is to:
• | enhance the attraction and retention of high-potential talent within the Company; |
• | more closely align the participant group with shareholder value; and |
• | reward executive and senior management leadership and individual or department performance which enhances our financial performance, and the achievement of both our business objectives and long-term strategies. |
Annually since 2012, the Compensation Committee has awarded performance-based RSUs to acquireNon-Voting Stock to the executive officers and certain other senior managers under the LTIP. For 2016, similar to 2015, these awards were targeted to equal 300% of base salary for the CEO, 200% of the base salary for the President and COO, and 75% for the other named executive officers. The actual number of performance-based RSUs granted was determined by dividing the target amount by the average per share closing price of ourNon-Voting Stock during the last full month prior to the grant date of the awards.
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With respect to performance-based RSU grants, the Committee selects a performance metric that it believes, following consultation with its consultant and management, correlates with maintaining and increasing shareholder value. In each of the past four years, the Committee chose as the performance metric the achievement of a targeted average Adjusted EBITDAR as a percentage of Adjusted Total Revenue, measured over a performance period of three fiscal years. For example, the performance-based RSUs granted in 2016 were for the period beginning January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018.
The performance period for the fiscal 2014 performance-based RSUs ended on December 31, 2016. Because the performance metric was not met, these performance-based RSUs were forfeited. All outstanding performance-based RSUs vest in March of the year following the end of the performance period if (i) the specified performance target is met and (ii) the employee has not terminated employment with the Company prior to the end of the performance period. Vesting is accelerated upon termination of employment due to death or disability or upon a change of control of the Company. Additional information concerning these performance-based RSU awards to executive officers is reflected in the table below titled “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year End.”
In connection with determining the size of these equity grants, the Compensation Committee considered information provided by FreeGulliver regarding comparable grants for companies reflected in the weighted average compensation of the Willis Towers Watson survey companies described above under the heading “– Base Salary.” The Compensation Committee also reviewed data provided by FreeGulliver regarding (i) the equity compensation practices of the Peer Group (as delineated above under the heading “– Base Salary”) and (ii) various performance criteria alternatives. For information on our grants of equity compensation in previous years, please see our prior information statements filed with the SEC.
Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Certain highly compensated executives have been approved by the Compensation Committee to participate in the Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (“ODP”), which allows the executive totax-defer up to 25% of base salary and up to 100% of any annual bonuses and save those amounts for retirement. The Company does not contribute to the ODP, which is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It is maintained, interpreted and administered in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and applicable regulations and rulings. A separate bookkeeping account is established for each participant’s deferred compensation and is treated as if invested in securities chosen by each participant from a list of available investment choices. Accounts are periodically adjusted for gains or losses to reflect the investment performance of the eligible securities and any payments made to a participant under the ODP.
Except as otherwise provided in the ODP, the value of a participant’s account is distributed at a designated future date, or at termination of employment or retirement, in either a single lump sum payment or in annual installments (not to exceed 20 installments), as designated by the participant.
Other Benefits. All executives are eligible for the same insurance and welfare benefits (consisting primarily of the right to participate in our 401(k) plan, medical insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, and supplemental insurance) as other employees in the Company, except that a newly hired executive is credited with having completed five years of Company service at his or her hire date for the purposes of calculating the amount of vacation days credited each year.
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Code limits our federal income tax deductions for compensation, other than qualified performance-based compensation, to $1.0 million for compensation paid to each of our most highly compensated executive officers. The Compensation Committee considers the tax deductibility of the executive compensation programs that it establishes, but may award compensation that is not fully tax deductible if it determines that such award is consistent with our philosophy and in the best interest of our Company and shareholders. Section 162(m) is highly technical and complex, so even if and when we may seek favorable tax treatment thereunder, we cannot assure you that our tax position will prevail.
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Retirement and Consultant Agreements with Mr. Rovinelli
As previously disclosed, Richard A. Rovinelli, who had served the Company for the last several years as our Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Human Resources, and Chief Compliance Officer, stepped down from these positions effective February 21, 2017. In order to assist with the transition of these responsibilities to his successor, Jamie Hinch, Mr. Rovinelli continued to serve the Company as a Director of Special Projects through his retirement date of March 31, 2017 and has agreed to provide consulting services on anas-needed basis for atwo-year period following this retirement.
In connection with the transition, we entered into two separate agreements with Mr. Rovinelli – an Agreement, Release, and Waiver (the “Retirement Agreement”) and a Consultant Agreement, each of which was approved by the Compensation Committee and effective on February 21, 2017. Under the Retirement Agreement, Mr. Rovinelli received (1) aone-time lump sum payment equal to twelve months of base salary and (2) accelerated vesting of his time-based restricted stock units, which will pay out in shares ofNon-Voting Stock on May 8, 2017, as scheduled. He was also eligible to receive a cash bonus under the Senior Management Bonus Plan for fiscal 2016 and any payout for his performance-based RSUs for the performance period ended December 31, 2016. However, as described above under “Elements of Compensation – Annual Incentive Compensation” and “– Equity Compensation,” respectively, none of our named executive officers, including Mr. Rovinelli, received any payout under either of those two programs.
The Retirement Agreement includes a confidentiality agreement and certain other restrictive covenants that will apply to Mr. Rovinelli for atwo-year period following his retirement. Under the Consultant Agreement, Mr. Rovinelli has agreed to provide consulting services on anas-needed basis for a fee of $150 per hour, plus reimbursement of related costs, for the sametwo-year post-retirement period.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016 with management. Based on such reviews and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Information Statement.
Submitted by the members of the Compensation Committee:
C. Russell Luigs, Chairman
Richard H. Matzke
Thomas H. Murphy
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Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by each of our executive officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our executive officers.
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Non-equity ($)(3) | All Other Compen- sation(4)(5)(6) ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | | 2016 2015 2014 |
| | 675,000 650,000 650,752 |
| | 798,983 1,865,751 3,756,145 |
| | 0 0 1,072,500 |
| | 19,252 19,172 19,052 |
| | 1,493,235 2,534,923 5,498,449 |
| ||||||
Lance F. Bospflug President and Chief Operating Officer | | 2016 2015 2014 |
| | 597,115 575,000 574,483 |
| | 473,248 1,100,310 2,215,174 |
| | 0 0 664,125 |
| | 20,344 49,014 20,096 |
| | 1,090,707 1,724,324 3,473,878 |
| ||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | | 2016 2015 2014 |
| | 320,831 308,948 301,715 |
| | 84,503 512,626 215,615 |
| | 0 0 254,882 |
| | 18,916 18,512 53,824 |
| | 424,250 840,086 826,036 |
| ||||||
David F. Stepanek Chief Commercial Officer | | 2016 2015 2014 |
| | 306,320 294,975 286,828 |
| | 73,165 211,675 480,385 |
| | 0 0 243,354 |
| | 23,537 17,445 16,794 |
| | 403,022 524,095 1,027,361 |
| ||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli(7) former Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Human Resources and Chief Compliance Officer | | 2016 2015 2014 |
| | 320,831 308,948 301,715 |
| | 89,495 221,707 503,088 |
| | 0 0 254,882 |
| | 20,621 20,385 20,065 |
| | 430,947 551,040 1,079,750 |
|
(1) | Although the stated annual salary payable to each of our executive officers for 2016 was unchanged from 2015, 2016 included one extrabi-weekly pay period, which resulted in our executive officers receiving a higher amount of salary during 2016. |
(2) | The amounts shown in this column reflect the fair value of restricted stock unit awards determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 based upon the per share closing price of ourNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant. For more information regarding the valuation of our RSUs, please see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
(3) | Represents, for each year indicated, awards earned under our Annual Incentive Plan based upon our performance for each such year but paid in March of the following year. None of our executive officers received any payout under the AIP for fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2016 performance, as discussed in further detail above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Annual Incentive Compensation.” |
(4) | The amounts shown in this column for 2016 reflect for each named executive officer: |
• | matching contributions allocated by us to each of the named executive officers for the 401(k) Retirement Plan in the amount of $15,900 for each officer; and the cost of term life and disability insurance coverage provided by us, including the cost of life insurance exceeding $50,000. |
(5) | The amount shown in this column includes the purchase of unused vacation in the amount of $28,750 for Mr. Bospflug in 2015 and $5,672 for Mr. Stepanek in 2016. |
(6) | The amount shown in this column for 2014 for Mrs. McConnaughhay includes $35,623 of moving expenses in connection with our relocation policy. |
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(7) | Mr. Rovinelli retired from all positions with the Company on March 31, 2017. For more information on our post-employment arrangements with Mr. Rovinelli, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement and Consultant Agreements with Mr. Rovinelli.” |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2016
Name | Grant Date | Range of Payouts under Non- Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) (#) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards(3) ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | N/A | 455,000 | 715,000 | 975,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2/17/2016 | 111,812 | 1,742,031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lance F. Bospflug | N/A | 258,750 | 431,250 | 603,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2/17/2016 | 65,940 | 1,027,345 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | N/A | 108,132 | 169,921 | 231,711 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2/17/2016 | 13,286 | 206,996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
David F. Stepanek | N/A | 103,241 | 162,236 | 221,231 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2/17/2016 | 12,685 | 197,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli | N/A | 108,132 | 169,921 | 231,711 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2/17/2016 | �� | 13,286 | 206,996 |
(1) | These columns represent the range of payouts for financial performance in 2016 under our Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”), subject to adjustment for safety-related targets. As reported in Summary Compensation Table under the column labeled“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation,” there were no AIP payouts to executive officers for fiscal 2016 due to the failure to meet the “threshold” level of performance. For additional information about the AIP, see the discussion above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Annual Incentive Compensation.” |
(2) | Represents performance-based RSUs to acquire shares ofNon-Voting Stock. These awards are scheduled to vest on March 15, 2019 if the three-year performance target is met, subject to the officer’s continued service through that date (which would be waived in the event of the officer’s death, disability, or a change of control of the Company). For a complete discussion of these awards, see the discussion above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Executive Compensation – Equity Compensation.” |
(3) | The grant date fair value has been determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 based upon the per share closing price of ourNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year End
The following table describes the outstanding equity awards held by our executive officers at December 31, 2016.
Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||||
Time-Vested(1) | Performance-Based(2) | |||||||||||||||
Name | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)(3) | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)(3) | ||||||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | 43,595 | 785,582 | 211,201 | 3,805,842 | ||||||||||||
Lance F. Bospflug | 25,710 | 463,294 | 124,554 | 2,244,463 | ||||||||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | 10,476 | 188,778 | 24,921 | 449,076 | ||||||||||||
David F. Stepanek | 6,372 | 114,823 | 23,794 | 428,768 | ||||||||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli(4) | 6,673 | 120,247 | 24,921 | 449,076 |
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(1) | These time-vested RSUs will vest on May 8, 2017, with the exception of Mrs. McConnaughhay’s time-vested RSUs, which will vest on August 2, 2018. In each case, the officer must remain employed with us on that date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of death, disability, or a change of control. |
(2) | The chart below provides a breakdown of the performance-based RSU grants outstanding as of December 31, 2016. Vesting of these awards is contingent upon (i) the achievement of a targeted average Adjusted EBITDAR as a percentage of Adjusted Total Revenue for the three-year period ending on December 31 of the year prior to the vesting date and (ii) the executive’s continued service through that date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of death, disability, or a change of control. With respect to the performance-based RSUs scheduled to vest on March 15, 2017, these awards did not vest on that date as the Compensation Committee’s certified that the performance target was not met. |
Vesting Date | ||||||||||||
Name | March 15, 2017 | March 15, 2018 | March 16, 2019 | |||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | 43,595 | 55,794 | 111,812 | |||||||||
Lance F. Bospflug | 25,710 | 32,904 | 65,940 | |||||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | 5,005 | 6,630 | 13,286 | |||||||||
David F. Stepanek | 4,779 | 6,330 | 12,685 | |||||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli | 5,005 | 6,630 | 13,286 |
(3) | Based on the closing price of $18.02 per share ofNon-Voting Stock on December 31, 2016. |
(4) | As discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement and Consultant Agreements with Mr. Rovinelli,” Mr. Rovinelli retired from all positions with the Company on March 31, 2017. Although he was permitted to retain his time-based RSUs, which vested on May 8, 2017 (see note 1) and his performance-based RSUs for the performance period ended December 31, 2016, which ultimately were forfeited based on a failure to meet the performance condition (see note 2), all of his other RSUs were forfeited as of the date of his retirement. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested during 2016
The table below reflects the vesting of performance based restricted stock units to acquire shares ofNon-Voting Stock, granted May 2, 2013 for all executive officers.
Name | Number of shares acquired on vesting(1) (#) | Value realized on vesting(2) ($) | ||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin | 42,567 | 798,983 | ||||||
Lance F. Bospflug | 25,213 | 473,248 | ||||||
Trudy P. McConnaughhay | 4,502 | 84,503 | ||||||
David F. Stepanek | 3,898 | 73,165 | ||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli | 4,768 | 89,495 |
(1) | Of these shares, which represent the total number deliverable to the executive upon the vesting of performance-based RSUs, the following were withheld by PHI in satisfaction of the executive’s related withholding tax obligation: Mr. Bospflug, 8,376 shares; Mrs. McConnaughhay, 1,621 shares; Mr. Rovinelli, 1,701 shares; Mr. Stepanek, 1,436 shares. |
(2) | The value realized upon the vesting is based on the closing price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date. |
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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The following table describes the contributions, earnings and account balances for each of our executive officers under our Officer Deferred Compensation Plan (“ODP”). For additional information regarding our ODP, see the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Executive Compensation – Officers Deferred Compensation Plan.”
Name | Aggregate ($) | Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($)(2) | PHI Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal ($)(3) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) | Aggregate Balance at December 31, ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
Al A. Gonsoulin(1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lance F. Bospflug(1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trudy McConnaughhay | 144,032 | 0 | 0 | 5,749 | (1,172 | ) | 148,609 | |||||||||||||||||
David F. Stepanek | 45,982 | 9,190 | 0 | 2,283 | (569 | ) | 56,886 | |||||||||||||||||
Richard A. Rovinelli | 1,577,036 | 48,125 | 0 | 60,934 | (10,474 | ) | 1,675,621 |
(1) | Mr. Gonsoulin and Mr. Bospflug have not elected to participate in the ODP. |
(2) | All of these amounts in this column reflect contributions by the officer of salary paid in 2016 and reported as 2016 salary compensation in the Summary Compensation Table appearing above. |
(3) | Aggregate earnings in 2016 includes interest, dividend and distributions earned with respect to deferred compensation invested by the officers in the manner described in the text below. |
The table below shows the hypothetical investment choices available under the ODP and their annual rate of return for the calendar year 2016, as reported by the plan investment advisor.
Name of Fund | Rate of Return | Name of Fund | Rate of Return | |||||||
Alger Spectra 2 | 0.17 | % | MFS International Value I | 4.18 | % | |||||
AllianzGI Short Duration High Inc P | 10.35 | % | Oppenheimer Active Allc Y | 4.60 | % | |||||
Consumer Discret Sel Sect SPDR ETF | 5.87 | % | Oppenheimer Senior Floating Rate Y | 13.02 | % | |||||
DoubleLine Total Return Bond I | 2.17 | % | Principal MidCap P | 10.22 | % | |||||
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETR | 27.95 | % | ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats | 11.43 | % | |||||
Fidelity Advisor Intl Small Cap I | 8.20 | % | T. Rowe Price Corporate Income | 5.08 | % | |||||
First Eagle Overseas I | 5.90 | % | Templeton Global Bond Adv | 6.61 | % | |||||
Guggenheim S&P500 Top 50 ETF | 11.13 | % | USAA Science & Technology | 2.63 | % | |||||
iShares Core High Dividend | 15.79 | % | VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETR | 27.92 | % | |||||
iShares MSCI India | -2.24 | % | Vanguard Health Care ETF | -3.33 | % | |||||
WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF | 9.30 | % |
For more information on the ODP, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Executive Compensation – Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan.”
Potential Termination Payments
As noted above, the RSUs held by our officers will fully vest upon a change of control of PHI or termination of employment due to such officer’s death or disability. Assuming a change of control of PHI or a termination of employment due to death or disability as of December 31, 2016, our executive officers would have received shares ofNon-Voting Stock with the market values specified in the table included above under the heading “– Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year End.” Other than the acceleration of the vesting of these RSUs, no executive officer is entitled to receive any payments from the Company upon his or her termination of
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employment or due to a change of control of PHI. However, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement and Consultant Agreement with Mr. Rovinelli” for information regarding the post-termination arrangements entered into with Mr. Rovinelli in connection with his retirement in early 2017.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about our common stock that may be issued under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016:
Plan Category(1) | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(2) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding in the First Column)(3) | |||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 792,916(Non-Voting) | — | 499,460(Non-Voting) | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | — | — | |||
Total | 792,916(Non-Voting) | — | 499,460 (Non-Voting) |
(1) | As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s only active equity plan was the PHI Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was most recently approved by shareholders in 2015 and provides for the issuance of shares ofNon-Voting Stock. We are proposing a second amendment and restatement of this plan, as further discussed below under the heading “Proposal to Approve the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.” |
(2) | Represents outstanding RSUs, which do not have an exercise price. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 2016, C. Russell Luigs (Chairman), Richard H. Matzke, and Thomas H. Murphy served on the Compensation Committee. No member of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of PHI or any of our subsidiaries. In 2016, none of our executive officers served as a director or member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy requires our directors and executive officers to avoid any situation that would create a conflict of interest unless approved in accordance with our Conflict of Interest Policy. Our Conflict of Interest Policy requires executive officers and directors to report potential conflicts of interest in writing to the Audit Committee. In addition, the Audit Committee’s charter requires it to review and approve all related party transactions of the Company, defined as those required to be disclosed under Item 404 of RegulationS-K. The Audit Committee approves conflicts of interest or related party transactions if it concludes that doing so is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy is available on our website at www.phihelico.com.
We are not aware of any related party transactions between PHI and any of our directors, executive officers, 5% shareholders or their family members during fiscal 2016 that would require disclosure under Item 404 of RegulationS-K under the Exchange Act.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of PHI’s Board is composed of three outside directors. It operates under a charter that is available at www.phihelico.com. The Board has made a determination that all members of the Audit Committee satisfy the requirements of the SEC and NASDAQ as to independence and are financially sophisticated within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules. The Board has also determined that it is not clear whether any member of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules, but the Board does not believe the presence of an audit committee financial expert is necessary in view of the overall financial sophistication of Committee members.
The Audit Committee reviewed in detail and discussed with management and the independent auditor, among other things, (i) all unaudited quarterly financial statements and all quarterly reports filed with the SEC on Form10-Q in 2016; (ii) the annual audited financial statements and the annual report filed with the SEC onForm 10-K for fiscal year 2016; (iii) management’s quarterly and annual certifications regarding internal control over financial reporting and the independent auditor’s audit of internal control over financial reporting; (iv) management’s representations to the Committee that our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles; and (v) the matters required to be discussed with the independent auditor by Auditing Standard No. 1301. The Committee also received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditor required by applicable requirements of the Public Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence. The Committee discussed with the independent auditor its independence, and considered the effects that the provision ofnon-audit services may have on the independent auditor’s independence.
Based on, and in reliance upon, the reviews and discussions referred to above, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee included in its charter, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the 2016 fiscal year for filing with the SEC.
In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the foregoing information is not deemed to be “soliciting material,” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to its Regulation 14C, other than as provided in such rules, or to be subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.
Submitted by the members of the Audit Committee:
Thomas H. Murphy, Chairman
C. Russell Luigs
Richard H. Matzke
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RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
Selection and Ratification
Our consolidated financial statements for 2015 and 2016 were audited by the firm of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, which was engaged for that purpose by the Audit Committee. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche, LLP are not expected to be present at the Meeting, and accordingly are not expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte & Touche, LLP as PHI’s independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, subject to ratification by PHI’s shareholders at the Meeting. Although shareholder ratification of Deloitte & Touche, LLP’s appointment is not legally required, we are submitting this matter to the shareholders, as in the past, as a matter of good corporate practice.
Notwithstanding the shareholders’ ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP at the Meeting, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, select a different independent auditor at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the Company’s best interests. In connection with selecting the independent auditor, the Audit Committee reviews the auditor’s qualifications, geographic reach, control procedures, cost, proposed staffing, prior performance and other relevant factors.
Fees
The following is a summary of the fees billed to PHI and its subsidiaries by Deloitte & Touche, LLP for professional services rendered.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Fee Category | Amount | Percentage | Amount | Percentage | ||||||||||||
Audit fees(1) | $ | 1,114,488 | 71 | % | $ | 1,210,057 | 72 | % | ||||||||
Audit-related fees(2) | 141,705 | 9 | % | 122,134 | 7 | % | ||||||||||
Tax fees(3) | 301,238 | 19 | % | 331,613 | 20 | % | ||||||||||
All other fees(4) | 4,900 | 1 | % | 14,950 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
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Total fees | $ | 1,562,331 | 100 | % | $ | 1,678,754 | 100 | % | ||||||||
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(1) | Audit fees include the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Form10-Qs, fees for services that normally would be provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and services that generally only the independent auditor reasonably can provide. |
(2) | Audit-related fees include assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review, and for 2015 and 2016 included fees related to employee benefit plan audits and accounting consultations. |
(3) | Tax fees include tax compliance, advice and planning services, and for 2015 and 2016 included assistance in the preparation of federal and state tax returns and related advice regarding tax compliance. |
(4) | All other fees for 2015 consisted of services provided in connection with a FormS-4 filing. All other fees for 2016 were attributable to researching various accounting issues. |
Policy onPre-Approval of Audit and PermissibleNon-Audit Services of Independent Auditor
All audit and permissiblenon-audit services provided by the independent auditor arepre-approved by PHI’s Audit Committee. These services may include audit services, audit-related services and other services.Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and anypre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of service and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditor and management are
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required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditor in accordance with thispre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may alsopre-approve particular services on acase-by-case basis. During 2015 and 2016, all audit andnon-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche, LLP werepre-approved by PHI’s Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee determined that the provision of thenon-audit services was compatible with maintaining Deloitte & Touche’s independence.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
At the Meeting, we plan to seek shareholder approval of an amendment to Section A of Article III of our articles of incorporation (our “charter”) to increase the number of authorized shares ofNon-Voting Stock from 25,000,000 shares to 37,500,000 shares (the “charter amendment”).
The Board has adopted the charter amendment subject to its approval by our voting shareholders at the Meeting. The Board considers the charter amendment to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and recommends that our voting shareholders approve it.
Text of Charter Amendment
The charter amendment would amend Section A of Article III of our charter to increase the number of authorized shares ofNon-Voting Stock, par value $0.10 per share, by 12,500,000 shares. If the charter amendment is approved at the Meeting, Section A of Article III of our charter would be amended to read as follows:1
The Corporation is authorized to issue 12,500,000 shares of voting common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the “Voting Common Stock”),25,000,00037,500,000 shares ofnon-voting common stock, par value $.10 per share (the“Non-Voting Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
Background, Purpose, and Possible Effects of the Charter Amendment
Our charter currently authorizes the issuance of 25,000,000 shares ofNon-Voting Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of which 12,792,994 shares are issued and outstanding as of April 5, 2017. If the charter amendment is approved, the number of authorized shares ofNon-Voting Stock will increase from 25,000,000 shares to 37,500,000 shares.
Although the Board currently has no definitive plans for the issuance of any additional shares of the Company’s stock (other than in connection with our equity compensation program), the Board believes that the proposed increase in the number of shares of authorizedNon-Voting Stock will be beneficial to the Company because the availability of these additional shares will provide us with the flexibility to consider and respond to a variety of future business opportunities and needs as they arise, including, among others, current and future public and private sales ofNon-Voting Stock, business acquisitions, stock splits, stock dividends, stock incentive plans, and for other general corporate purposes and transactions.
The availability of the additional shares will also enable the Company to act promptly when the Board determines that the issuance of additionalNon-Voting Stock is advisable. If the charter amendment is approved, no further shareholder approval would be required prior to the issuance of the additional shares ofNon-Voting Stock authorized by the amendment, except as otherwise required by law or the rules of any national securities exchange or association on which our securities are then traded. While the adoption of the charter amendment would not have any immediate dilutive effect on the voting power or other rights of our existing shareholders, any future issuances could have a dilutive effect on the equity interests of our current shareholders and could potentially have a negative effect on the market price of our outstanding capital stock.
Although an increase in the Company’s authorized shares of stock could, under certain circumstances, also be construed as having a potential anti-takeover effect, the Board has not proposed the charter amendment with the intention of discouraging tender offers or takeover attempts of the Company. Assuming the charter amendment is approved at the Meeting, the newly-authorized additional shares ofNon-Voting Stock will have
1 | Boldface type denotes new amounts and stricken figures denote superseded amounts. |
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the same rights and preferences as all of the Company’s otherNon-Voting Stock, and existing shareholders will not have any preemptive rights to acquire any of the newly-authorized shares when issued.
Vote Required
To be approved, this charter amendment must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our Voting Stock entitled to be cast with respect this proposal. Following approval by the voting shareholders at the Meeting, the charter amendment will become effective upon our filing of articles of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Louisiana, which we intend to do promptly after receiving such voting shareholder approval.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED PHI, INC. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, our Board has unanimously approved, and recommends that our voting shareholders approve, an amendment and restatement of the Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Current Plan”) to, among other things, increase the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock available for issuance. The material terms of the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”) are summarized below. This summary, however, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended Plan, which is attached to this information statement asAppendix A.
Purpose of the Proposal
We believe that providing officers, directors, employees, consultants, and advisors with a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of our Company is important to motivating individual performance while simultaneously enhancing shareholder value. Adoption of the Amended Plan will provide our Company with the continued ability to attract, retain, and motivate key personnel and Board members in a manner aligned with the interests of shareholders. Incentives under the Amended Plan consist of opportunities to purchase or receive shares ofNon-Voting Stock, to earn cash valued in relation toNon-Voting Stock, or to earn other cash-based performance awards.
The material differences between the Current Plan and the Amended Plan include (1) an overall increase in the number of issuable shares ofNon-Voting Stock from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 and (2) an extension of the term from May 5, 2025 to May 4, 2027. Shareholder approval of the Amended Plan will also serve as shareholder approval of the material terms of the performance metrics as required for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).
The Current Plan was most recently approved by our voting shareholders on May 5, 2015. As described in the table entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” a total of 499,460 shares ofNon-Voting Stock remained available for issuance under the Current Plan as of December 31, 2016.Due to certain forfeitures of performance-based RSUs in early 2017 (as described in our CD&A under “Elements of Compensation – Equity Compensation”), a total of 90,738 shares were returned to the Current Plan, and therefore, as of April 5, 2017, an aggregate of 590,198 shares ofNon-Voting Stock remained available for issuance.Our Board believes that the adoption of the Amended Plan will be integral to our continued ability to attract, retain, and motivate key personnel and Board members in a manner aligned with the interests of shareholders.
Terms of the Amended Plan
Administration of the Plan.The Compensation Committee (or a subcommittee thereof) will generally administer the Plan, and has the authority to grant incentives under the Amended Plan and to set the terms of the awards, amend any outstanding incentives or accelerate the time at which any outstanding incentives may vest, correct any defect in the Amended Plan or any incentive as it deems necessary and establish rules or regulations relating to administration of the Amended Plan. The Compensation Committee will also generally have the authority to interpret the Plan, to establish any rules or regulations relating to the Amended Plan that it determines to be appropriate, and to make any other determination that it believes necessary or advisable for
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proper administration of the Amended Plan. Subject to the limitations specified in the Amended Plan, the Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to appropriate officers of our company with respect to grants to employees or consultants who are not subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 162(m) of the Code.
Eligibility. Officers, directors, key employees of our Company and consultants and advisors to our Company will be eligible to receive awards (“Incentives”) under the Amended Plan when designated as participants. We currently have five executive officers and threenon-employee directors (“Outside Directors”) eligible to receive Incentives under the Amended Plan. Currently, all five executive officers, all three Outside Directors, and approximately 54 other officers and key employees participate in our equity incentive plan. Incentives under the Amended Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following forms:
• | incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code; |
• | non-qualified stock options; |
• | stock appreciation rights; |
• | restricted stock; |
• | restricted stock units; |
• | other stock-based awards; and |
• | cash-based performance awards. |
Each type of Incentive is discussed in greater detail in “Types of Incentives” below.
Shares Issuable Through the Amended Plan.Assuming this proposal is approved at the Meeting, a total of 3,500,000 shares ofNon-Voting Stock will be authorized to be issued under the Amended Plan, representing approximately 27.4% of our outstandingNon-Voting Stock as of April 5, 2017. The closing sale price of a share ofNon-Voting Stock, as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market on April 5, 2017, was $11.73.
Limitations and Adjustments to Shares Issuable Through the Amended Plan. The Amended Plan limits the Incentives granted to any single participant in a fiscal year to no more than 500,000 shares ofNon-Voting Stock, not including incentives valued in dollars rather than shares ofNon-Voting Stock. For awards valued in dollars, the maximum dollar value of those incentives (whether or not paid in shares) that may be paid out to any participant in any calendar year is $900,000. The maximum number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued upon exercise of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under the Code is 25,000.
Share Counting.For purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of common stock available for delivery under the Amended Plan, shares that are not delivered because an award is forfeited, cancelled, or expires prior to exercise or realization, or because those shares are withheld to satisfy tax obligations will be available again for issuance or delivery under the Amended Plan. However, shares may not be recycled if they were delivered or withheld from an incentive in payment of the exercise price of a stock option or a stock-settled stock appreciation right. Cash-settled incentives will not count against the maximum number of shares issuable under the Amended Plan.
Proportionate adjustments will be made to all of the share limitations provided in the Amended Plan, including the number of shares subject to the Amended Plan, in the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other similar change in the shares of Common Stock. In addition, the exercise price of any outstanding options or stock appreciation rights and any performance goals will also be adjusted if necessary to provide participants with the same relative rights before and after the occurrence of any such event.
Amendments to the Amended Plan.Our Board may amend or discontinue the Amended Plan at any time. However, our shareholders must approve any amendment that would:
• | materially increase the benefits accruing to participants; |
• | materially increase the number of issuable shares; |
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• | materially expand the classes of persons eligible to participate; |
• | expand the types of awards available for grant; |
• | materially extend the term of the Amended Plan; |
• | reduce the price at whichNon-Voting Stock may be offered through the Amended Plan; or |
• | permit the repricing of an option or stock appreciation right. |
No amendment or discontinuance of the Amended Plan may materially impair any previously granted Incentive without the consent of the recipient.
Term of the Amended Plan.No Incentives may be granted under the Amended Plan more than ten years after the date the Amended Plan is approved by our voting shareholders (which, if approved at the Meeting, will be May 4, 2027).
Incentive Agreements.Grants of Incentives will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended Plan and may also be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Compensation Committee and detailed in an agreement between the Company and the participant. An agreement’s additional restrictions may include provisions requiring the forfeiture of outstanding Incentives in the event of the participant’s termination of employment or, in the case of performance-based grants, if applicable goals or targets are not met.
Types of Incentives.Each type of Incentive that may be granted under the Amended Plan is described below.
Stock Options.A stock option is a right to purchase shares ofNon-Voting Stock from the Company. The Compensation Committee will determine the number and exercise price of the options and when the options become exercisable. However, the option exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant, except for an option granted in substitution for an outstanding award in an acquisition transaction. The term of an option will also be determined by the Compensation Committee, but may not exceed ten years. The Compensation Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock option at any time. As noted above, the Compensation Committee may not, without the prior approval of our shareholders, decrease the exercise price for any outstanding option after the date of grant. In addition, an outstanding option may not, as of any date that the option has a per share exercise price that is greater than the then current fair market value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock, be surrendered to us as consideration for the grant of a new option with a lower exercise price, another Incentive, a cash payment or shares ofNon-Voting Stock, unless approved by our voting shareholders. The Amended Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant bothnon-qualified and incentive stock options. Incentive stock options will be subject to certain additional requirements necessary in order to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code.
The option exercise price may be paid in cash; by check; in shares of common stock; through a “cashless” exercise arrangement with a broker approved by our Company; if approved by the Compensation Committee, through a net exercise procedure; or in any other manner authorized by the Compensation Committee.
Stock Appreciation Rights.A stock appreciation right, or SAR, is a right to receive, without payment to us, a number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock determined by dividing the product of the number of shares for which the stock appreciation right is exercised and the amount of the appreciation in each share by the fair market value of a share on the date of exercise. The Compensation Committee will determine the base price used to measure share appreciation, which may not be less than the fair market value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant; whether the right may be paid in cash; and the number and term of stock appreciation rights, provided that the term of a stock appreciation right may not exceed ten years. The Compensation Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock appreciation right at any time. The Amended Plan restricts decreases in the base price and certain exchanges of stock appreciation rights on terms similar to the restrictions described above for options.
Restricted Stock.Shares of restricted stock are shares ofNon-Voting Stock granted by the Committee and made subject to certain restrictions on sale, pledge, or other transfer by the recipient during a particular period of time (the restricted period). Subject to the restrictions provided in the applicable agreement and the Amended Plan, a participant receiving restricted stock may have all of the rights of a shareholder as to such shares, including the right to receive dividends.
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Restricted Stock Units.A restricted stock unit, or RSU, represents the right to receive from our Company one share ofNon-Voting Stock on a specific future vesting or payment date. Subject to the restrictions provided in the applicable agreement and the Amended Plan, a participant receiving RSUs has no rights as a shareholder as to such units until shares ofNon-Voting Stock are issued to the participant. Restricted stock units may be granted with dividend equivalent rights.
Other Stock-Based Awards.The Amended Plan also permits the Compensation Committee to grant to participants awards of shares ofNon-Voting Stock and other awards that are denominated in, payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on the value of, or the appreciation in value of, shares ofNon-Voting Stock (other stock-based awards). The Compensation Committee has discretion to determine the times at which such awards are to be made, the size of such awards, the form of payment, and all other conditions of such awards, including any restrictions, deferral periods or performance requirements.
Cash-Based Performance Awards.The Compensation Committee may make cash-based performance awards to eligible participants. At the election of the Compensation Committee, a cash-based performance award may be settled in cash, shares ofNon-Voting Stock, or a combination of both. A cash-based performance award will be subject to forfeitability provisions and other terms and conditions, including the attainment of specified performance goals, as the Compensation Committee may determine.
Performance-Based Compensation Under Section 162(m). Performance-based compensation which meets the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code does not count toward the $1 million limit on our Company’s federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to its most highly compensated executive officers. Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted in accordance with the terms of the Amended Plan will qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards, or cash-based performance awards that we intend to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) must be made subject to the achievement ofpre-established performance goals as well as other applicable requirements of Section 162(m). Thepre-established performance goals, as provided in the Amended Plan, will be based upon any or a combination of the following criteria relating to our parent company, our parent company and subsidiaries combined, or one or more of our divisions, segments, departments, business units or subsidiaries: earnings per share; earnings or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”); EBITDA divided by revenues; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and rentals (“EBITDAR”); EBITDAR divided by revenues; an economic value-added measure; stock price; shareholder return; return on shareholder equity; return on assets; return on capital employed; return on total capital; return on assets or net assets; revenue; reduction of expenses; free cash flow; operating cash flow; income,pre-tax income, or net income; operating income or net operating income; gross profit; operating profit or net operating profit; operating margin or profit margin; return on operating revenue; return on invested capital; market segment share; safety performance; achievement of business or operational goals such as market share, customer growth, customer satisfaction, new product or services revenue, or business development; or strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue, market share, market penetration, or geographic business expansion goals, objectively-identified project milestones, cost targets, and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures. For any performance period, the performance goals may be measured on an absolute basis or relative to a group of peer companies selected by the Compensation Committee, relative to internal goals or relative to levels attained in prior years. Performance measurements may be adjusted as specified in advance by the Compensation Committee in accordance with Section 162(m).
The Compensation Committee has authority to use different targets from time to time within the scope of the performance goals as provided in the Amended Plan and listed above. The regulations under Section 162(m) require that the material terms of the performance goals be reapproved by our shareholders every five years.
Termination of Employment or Service.If a participant ceases to be an employee of our Company or to provide services to us for any reason, including death, disability, early retirement or normal retirement, any outstanding Incentives may be exercised, will vest, or will expire at such times as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and as provided in the applicable agreement.
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Change of Control.In the event of a change of control of our Company, as defined in the Amended Plan or in an agreement, unless otherwise provided in the applicable agreement, all outstanding Incentives will become fully vested and exercisable, all restrictions or limitations on any Incentives will lapse and all performance criteria and other conditions relating to the payment of Incentives will be deemed to be achieved.
In addition, upon a change of control, the Compensation Committee will have the authority to take a variety of actions regarding outstanding Incentives. Within a certain time frame and under specific conditions, the Compensation Committee may:
• | accelerate the vesting of any Incentives that did not automatically accelerate under the Amended Plan or the applicable agreement; |
• | require that all outstanding Incentives be exercised by a certain date; |
• | require the surrender to our Company of some or all outstanding Incentives in exchange for a stock or cash payment for each Incentive equal in value to the per share change of control value, calculated as described in the Amended Plan, over the exercise or base price; |
• | make any equitable adjustment to outstanding Incentives as the Compensation Committee deems necessary to reflect our corporate changes; or |
• | provide that an Incentive shall become an Incentive relating to the number and class of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) to which the participant would have been entitled in connection with the change of control transaction if the participant had been a shareholder. |
Transferability of Incentives.The Incentives awarded under the Amended Plan may not be transferred except (a) by will; (b) by the laws of descent and distribution; (c) if permitted by the Compensation Committee and so provided for in the applicable agreement, pursuant to a domestic relations order (as defined in the Code), or (d) if permitted by the Compensation Committee and so provided in the applicable agreement, to immediate family members or to a partnership, limited liability company or trust for which the sole owners, members, or beneficiaries are the participant or immediate family members.
Payment of Withholding Taxes.We may withhold from any payments or stock issuances under the Amended Plan, or collect as a condition of payment, any taxes required by law to be withheld. The participant generally may, with the prior approval of the Compensation Committee, satisfy his or her withholding tax obligation by electing to deliver currently owned shares ofNon-Voting Stock or to have our Company withhold shares ofNon-Voting Stock from the shares the participant would otherwise receive, in either case having a value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld (or, if permitted by the Compensation Committee, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). This election must be made prior to the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. For participants not subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Compensation Committee may disapprove of such an election at any time.
Purchase of Incentives.The Compensation Committee may approve the purchase by our Company of an unexercised or unvested stock option from the holder by mutual agreement.
Awards to Be Granted
If our shareholders approve the Amended Plan at the Meeting, grants of awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors will be made in the future by the Compensation Committee as it deems necessary or appropriate. For information regarding equity incentives granted to our executive officers during fiscal 2016, please see the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2016” table.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
The material federal income tax consequences related to the issuance of the different types of Incentives that may be awarded under the Amended Plan are summarized below. Participants who are granted Incentives under the Amended Plan should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences based on their particular circumstances.
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Stock Options.Normally, a participant who is granted a stock option will not realize any income nor will our Company normally receive any deduction for federal income tax purposes in the year the option is granted.
When anon-qualified stock option granted under the Amended Plan is exercised, the participant will realize ordinary income measured by the difference between the aggregate purchase price of the shares acquired and the aggregate fair market value of the shares acquired on the exercise date and, subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code, we will be entitled to a deduction in the year the option is exercised equal to the amount the participant is required to treat as ordinary income.
An employee generally will not recognize any income upon the exercise of any incentive stock option, but the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise over the option price will be an item of tax preference that may, depending on particular factors relating to the employee, subject the employee to the alternative minimum tax imposed by Section 55 of the Code. The alternative minimum tax is imposed in addition to the federal individual income tax, and it is intended to ensure that individual taxpayers do not completely avoid federal income tax by using preference items. An employee will recognize capital gain or loss in the amount of the difference between the exercise price and the sale price on the sale or exchange of stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option, provided the employee does not dispose of such stock within two years from the date of grant and one year from the date of exercise of the incentive stock option (the holding periods). An employee disposing of such shares before the expiration of the holding periods will recognize ordinary income generally equal to the difference between the option price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise. Any remaining gain will be capital gain. Our Company will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in connection with the exercise of an incentive stock option, except where the employee disposes of the shares received upon exercise before the expiration of the holding periods.
If the exercise price of anon-qualified option is paid by the surrender of previously owned shares, the basis and the holding period of the previously owned shares carry over to the same number of shares received in exchange for the previously owned shares. The compensation income recognized on exercise of these options is added to the basis of the shares received. If the exercised option is an incentive stock option and the shares surrendered were acquired through the exercise of an incentive stock option and have not been held for the holding periods, the optionee will recognize income on such exchange and the basis of the shares received will be equal to the fair market value of the shares surrendered. If the applicable holding period has been met on the date of exercise, there will be no income recognition, the basis and the holding period of the previously owned shares will carry over to the same number of shares received in exchange, and the remaining shares will begin a new holding period and have a zero basis.
Stock Appreciation Rights.Generally, a participant who is granted a stock appreciation right under the Amended Plan will not recognize any taxable income at the time of the grant. The participant will recognize ordinary income upon exercise equal to the amount of cash or the fair market value of the stock received on the day it is received. In general, there are no federal income tax deductions allowed to our Company upon the grant of stock appreciation rights. Upon the exercise of the stock appreciation right, however, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income that the participant is required to recognize as a result of the exercise, provided that the deduction is not otherwise disallowed under Section 162(m).
Restricted Stock.Unless the participant makes an election to accelerate recognition of the income to the date of grant (as described below), the participant will not recognize income, and we will not be allowed a tax deduction at the time the restricted stock award is granted. When the restrictions lapse, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares as of that date, and we will be allowed a corresponding federal income tax deduction at that time, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. If the participant files an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the date of grant of restricted stock, the participant will recognize ordinary income as of the date of the grant equal to the fair market value of the stock as of that date, and our Company will be allowed a corresponding federal income tax deduction at that time, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m). Any future appreciation in the stock will be taxable to the participant at capital gains rates. If the stock is later forfeited, however, the participant will not be able to recover the tax previously paid pursuant to a Section 83(b) election.
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Restricted Stock Units.A participant will not be deemed to have received taxable income upon the grant of restricted stock units. The participant will be deemed to have received taxable ordinary income at such time as shares are distributed with respect to the restricted stock units in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares distributed to the participant. Upon the distribution of shares to a participant with respect to restricted stock units, we will ordinarily be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the taxable ordinary income of the participant, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. The basis of the shares received will equal the amount of taxable ordinary income recognized by the participant upon receipt of such shares.
Other Stock-Based Awards and Cash-Based Performance Awards.Generally, a participant who is granted another stock-based award or a cash-based performance award under the Amended Plan will recognize ordinary income at the time the cash or shares associated with the award are received. If stock is received, the ordinary income will be equal to the excess of the fair market value of the stock received over any amount paid by the participant in exchange for the stock. In the year that the participant recognizes ordinary taxable income in respect of such award, we will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes equal to the amount of ordinary income that the participant is required to recognize, provided that the deduction is not otherwise disallowed under Section 162(m).
Section 409(A). If any Incentive constitutesnon-qualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, the Incentive will be structured to comply with Section 409A to avoid the imposition of additional tax, penalties, and interest on the participant.
Tax Consequences of a Change of Control. If, upon a change of control of our Company, the exercisability, vesting, or payout of an Incentive is accelerated, any excess on the date of the change of control of the fair market value of the shares or cash issued under accelerated Incentives over the purchase price of such shares may be characterized as “parachute payments” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) if the sum of such amounts and any other such contingent payments received by the employee exceeds an amount equal to three times the “base amount” for such employee. The base amount generally is the average of the annual compensation of the employee for the five years preceding such change in ownership or control. An “excess parachute payment,” with respect to any employee, is the excess of the parachute payments to such person, in the aggregate, over and above such person’s base amount. If the amounts received by an employee upon a change of control are characterized as parachute payments, the employee will be subject to a 20% excise tax on the excess parachute payment and we will be denied any deduction with respect to such excess parachute payment.
The foregoing discussion summarizes the material federal income tax consequences of Incentives that may be granted under the Amended Plan based on current provisions of the Code, which are subject to change. This summary does not cover any foreign, state, or local tax consequences.
Vote Required
To be approved, this proposal to approve the Amended Plan must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our Voting Stock entitled to be cast with respect this proposal.
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OTHER MATTERS
Quorum and Voting
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of our total voting power is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Meeting. Shareholders voting or abstaining from voting by proxy on any issue will be counted as present for purposes of constituting a quorum.
If a quorum is present, the election of directors will be determined by plurality vote. Approval of each of the other three proposals described in this information statement (the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditor, the approval of an amendment to our articles of incorporation, and the approval of the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan) will each require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our Voting Stock entitled to be cast with respect to the specific proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on any of the four proposals.
Conduct of the Meeting
Our Board does not know of any matters to be presented at the Meeting other than those described in this information statement. If you plan to attend the Meeting and would like directions, please call (337)235-2452. The Chairman will have broad responsibility and legal authority to conduct the Meeting in an orderly and timely manner.
Delivery of Information to a Shared Address
It is our practice to send only one Information Statement and other corporate mailings to shareholders who share a single address unless we received contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs. However, we will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the Information Statement to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the Information Statement was delivered. You may make such a written or oral request to our Secretary at 2001 SE Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508, (337)235-2452. Such request should contain your name, your shared address, and the address to which the Company should direct the additional copy of the Information Statement.
If multiple shareholders sharing an address have received one copy of this Information Statement or any other corporate mailing and would prefer that we mail each shareholder a separate copy of future mailings, you may send notification to or call our offices. Additionally, if current shareholders with a shared address received multiple copies of this Information Statement or other corporate mailings and would prefer that we mail one copy of future mailings to shareholders at the shared address, notification of such request may also be made by mail or telephone to our office.
Shareholder Proposals
OurBy-laws state that for any business to be properly brought before an annual meeting, written notice of the proposal must be received by our Secretary no later than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. With respect to our 2018 annual meeting, this provision will require notice between February 3, 2018 and March 5, 2018. However, if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholders to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 90th day before such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day before such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by us. For information on what must be included in any such written notice, see the discussion above under the heading, “Election of Directors – Nomination of Directors, Communications with our Board and Related Matters.”
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
Trudy P. McConnaughhay |
Secretary |
Lafayette, Louisiana
April 12, 2017
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Appendix A
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
PHI, INC. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
1.Purpose. The purpose of the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to increase shareholder value and to advance the interests PHI, Inc. (“PHI”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with PHI, the “Company”) by furnishing equity-based economic incentives (the “Incentives”) designed to attract, retain, reward, and motivate key employees, officers, and directors of the Company and consultants and advisors to the Company and to strengthen the mutuality of interests between service providers and PHI’s shareholders. Incentives consist of opportunities (a) to purchase or receive shares of PHInon-voting common stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Non-Voting Stock”), (b) to earn cash awards valued in relation toNon-Voting Stock, and (c) to earn other cash-based performance awards, in each case on terms determined under the Plan. As used in the Plan, the term “subsidiary” means any corporation, limited liability company or other entity, of which PHI owns (directly or indirectly) within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, membership interests, or other equity interests issued thereby.
2.Administration.
2.1Composition. The Plan shall generally be administered by the Compensation Committee or a subcommittee thereof (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of PHI (the “Board”). The Committee shall consist of not fewer than two members of the Board, each of whom shall (a) qualify as a“non-employee director” under Rule16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) or any successor rule and (b) qualify as an “outside director” under Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations issued thereunder (“Section 162(m)”).
2.2Authority. The Committee shall have plenary authority to administer the Plan, including awarding Incentives under the Plan and entering into agreements with, or providing notices to, participants as to the terms of the Incentives (the “Incentive Agreements”). Specifically, the Committee shall have full and final authority and discretion over the Plan and any Incentives granted under it, including, but not limited to, the right, power, and authority to: (a) determine the persons to whom Incentives will be granted underSection 3 and the time at which such Incentives will be granted; (b) determine the terms, provisions, and conditions of Incentives (including, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by an Incentive), which can, unless otherwise provided in this Plan, vary from the provisions of this Plan, and amend or modify any outstanding Incentives; (c) correct any defect, address any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Incentive in the manner and to the extent it deems necessary or desirable to further the Plan’s objectives; (d) establish, amend, and rescind any rules, regulations, or policies relating to the administration of the Plan that it determines to be appropriate; (e) resolve all questions of interpretation or application of the Plan or Incentives granted under the Plan; and (f) make any other determination that it believes necessary or advisable for the proper administration of the Plan. Committee decisions in matters relating to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all persons, including, but not limited to, the Company, shareholders of PHI, and Plan participants. The Committee may delegate its authority hereunder to the extent provided inSection 3.
3.Eligible Participants.
3.1Eligibility. Key employees, officers, and directors of the Company and persons providing services as consultants or advisors to the Company shall become eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan when designated by the Committee.
3.2Delegation of Authority. With respect to participants not subject to either Section 16 of the 1934 Act or Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may delegate to appropriate officers of the Company its authority to designate participants, to determine the size and type of Incentives to be received by those participants, and to set and modify the terms of such Incentives; provided, however, that the resolution so
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authorizing any such officer shall specify the total number of Incentives such officer may so award and such actions shall be treated for all purposes as if taken by the Committee, and provided further that the Exercise Price (as defined inSection 6.1) of any options granted by an officer, rather than by the Committee, shall be equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined inSection 13.10) of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the later of the date the officer approves such grant or the date the participant’s employment with or service to the Company commences.
4.Types of Incentives. Incentives may be granted under the Plan to eligible participants in the forms of (a) incentive stock options,(b) non-qualified stock options, (c) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), (d) restricted stock, (e) restricted stock units (“RSUs”), (f) Other Stock-Based Awards (as defined inSection 10.1), and (g) Cash-Based Performance Awards (as defined inSection 10.2).
5.Shares Subject to the Plan.
5.1Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided inSection 13.5, the maximum number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be delivered to participants and their permitted transferees under the Plan shall be3,500,000 shares.
5.2Share Counting. Any shares ofNon-Voting Stock subject to an Incentive that is subsequently canceled, forfeited, or expires prior to exercise or realization, whether in full or in part, shall be available again for issuance or delivery under the Plan. If shares ofNon-Voting Stock are withheld from payment of an Incentive to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the Incentive, such shares ofNon-Voting Stock may again be granted under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares subject to an Incentive under the Plan shall not be available again for issuance or delivery under the Plan if such shares were (a) tendered in payment of the Exercise Price of a stock option or (b) covered by, but not issued upon settlement of, stock-settled SARs. If an Incentive, by its terms, may only be settled in cash, then the grant, vesting, payout, settlement, or forfeiture of such Incentive shall have no impact on the number of shares available for grant under the Plan.
5.3Limitations on Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided inSection 13.5, the following additional limitations are imposed under the Plan:
(a) The maximum number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued upon exercise of stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code shall be25,000 shares.
(b) The maximum number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock (including stock options and SARs) that may be covered by Incentives granted under the Plan to any one individual during any one fiscal year shall be500,000 shares, not including any Incentives covered by the limitations ofSection 5.3(c). This provision shall be construed in a manner consistent with Section 162(m).
(c) The maximum value of Incentives granted under the Plan and valued in dollars (regardless of whether those Incentives are paid inNon-Voting Stock) that may be paid out to any one participant in any one fiscal year shall be$900,000, not including any Incentives covered by the limitations ofSection 5.3(b).
5.4Type ofNon-Voting Stock. Non-Voting Stock issued under the Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or issued shares held as treasury shares.
6.Stock Options. A stock option is a right to purchase shares ofNon-Voting Stock from PHI. Stock options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as such term is defined in Section 422 of the Code) ornon-qualified stock options. Any option that is designated as anon-qualified stock option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option. Each stock option granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
6.1Price. The exercise price per share (the “Exercise Price”) shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 13.5; provided that in no event shall the Exercise Price be less than the Fair Market Value (as defined inSection 13.10) of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant, except in the case of a stock option granted in assumption of or substitution for an outstanding award of a company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines. In the event that an option grant is approved by the Committee, but is to take effect on a later date, such as when employment or service commences, such later date shall be the date of grant.
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6.2Number. The number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock subject to the option shall be determined by the Committee, subject toSection 5 and subject to adjustment as provided inSection 13.5.
6.3Duration and Time for Exercise. The term of each stock option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not exceed a maximum term of ten years. Each stock option shall become exercisable at such time or times during its term as shall be determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock option at any time, in addition to the automatic acceleration of stock options underSection 12.
6.4Repurchase. Upon approval of the Committee, the Company may repurchase a previously granted stock option from a participant by mutual agreement before such option has been exercised by payment to the participant of the amount per share by which: (a) the Fair Market Value of theNon-Voting Stock subject to the option on the business day immediately preceding the date of purchase exceeds (b) the Exercise Price, or by payment of such other mutually agreed upon amount; provided, however, that no such repurchase shall be permitted if prohibited bySection 6.6.
6.5Manner of Exercise. A stock option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock to be purchased. The exercise notice shall be accompanied by the full purchase price for such shares. The option price shall be payable in United States dollars and may be paid (a) in cash; (b) by check; (c) by delivery of or attestation of ownership of shares ofNon-Voting Stock, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value on the business day immediately preceding the date such option is exercised; (d) by delivery of irrevocable written instructions to a broker approved by the Company (with a copy to the Company) to immediately sell a portion of the shares, issuable under the option and to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale proceeds (or loan proceeds if the broker lends funds to the participant for delivery to the Company) to pay the aggregate Exercise Price; (e) if approved by the Committee, through a net exercise procedure whereby the optionee surrenders the option in exchange for that number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the difference between the aggregate Exercise Price of the options being surrendered and the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares ofNon-Voting Stock subject to the option; or (f) in such other manner as may be authorized from time to time by the Committee.
6.6Repricing. Except for adjustments pursuant toSection 13.5 or actions permitted to be taken by the Committee underSection 12 in the event of a Change of Control, unless approved by the shareholders of the Company, (a) the exercise or base price for any outstanding option or SAR granted under this Plan may not be decreased after the date of grant; and (b) an outstanding option or SAR that has been granted under this Plan may not, as of any date that such option or SAR has an Exercise Price or Base Price (as defined inSection 7.5), as applicable, that is greater than the then current Fair Market Value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock, be surrendered to the Company as consideration for the grant of a new option or SAR with a lower Exercise Price or Base Price, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, an Other Stock-Based Award, a cash payment, orNon-Voting Stock.
6.7Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following additional provisions shall apply to the grant of stock options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options (as such term is defined in Section 422 of the Code):
(a) Any incentive stock option agreement authorized under the Plan shall contain such other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events be consistent with and contain or be deemed to contain all provisions required in order to qualify the options as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code.
(b) All incentive stock options must be granted within ten years from the date on which this Plan is adopted by the Board.
(c) No incentive stock options shall be granted to anynon-employee or to any participant who, at the time such option is granted, would own (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the employer corporation or of its parent or subsidiary corporation.
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(d) The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined with respect to each incentive stock option as of the time such incentive stock option is granted) of theNon-Voting Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under the Plan or any other plan of PHI or any of its subsidiaries) shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent that such limitation is exceeded, the excess options shall be treated asnon-qualified stock options for federal income tax purposes.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Plan or the applicable Incentive Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no liability to the optionee or any other person if an option designated as an incentive stock option fails to qualify as such at any time.
7.Stock Appreciation Rights.
7.1Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right, or SAR, is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, a number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock, cash, or any combination thereof, the number or amount of which is determined pursuant to the formula set forth inSection 7.5. Each SAR granted by the Committee under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Incentive Agreement.
7.2Number. Each SAR granted to any participant shall relate to such number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock as shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13.5.
7.3Duration and Time for Exercise. The term of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not exceed a maximum term of ten years. Each SAR shall become exercisable at such time or times during its term as shall be determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any SAR at any time in its discretion in addition to the automatic acceleration of SARs underSection 12.
7.4 Exercise. A SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of SARs that the holder wishes to exercise. The date that the Company receives such written notice shall be referred to herein as the “Exercise Date.” The Company shall, within 30 days of the Exercise Date, deliver to the exercising holder certificates for, or other evidence of ownership of, the shares ofNon-Voting Stock to which the holder is entitled pursuant toSection 7.5 or cash or both, as provided in the Incentive Agreement.
7.5Payment.
(a) The number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock which shall be issuable upon the exercise of a SAR payable inNon-Voting Stock shall be determined by dividing:
(i) the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock as to which the SAR is exercised, multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in each such share (for this purpose, the “appreciation” shall be the amount by which the Fair Market Value (as defined inSection 13.10) of a share ofNon-Voting Stock subject to the SAR on the trading day prior to the Exercise Date exceeds the “Base Price,” which is an amount, not less than the Fair Market Value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the date of grant, which shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, subject to adjustment underSection 13.5); by
(ii) the Fair Market Value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the Exercise Date.
(b) No fractional shares ofNon-Voting Stock shall be issued upon the exercise of a SAR; instead, the holder of a SAR shall be entitled to purchase the portion necessary to make a whole share at its Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date.
(c) If so provided in the Incentive Agreement, a SAR may be exercised for cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares ofNon-Voting Stock that would be issuable under thisSection 7.5, if the exercise had been forNon-Voting Stock.
8.Restricted Stock.
8.1Grant of Restricted Stock. The Committee may award shares of restricted stock to such eligible participants as determined pursuant to the terms ofSection 3. An award of restricted stock shall be subject to
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such restrictions on transfer and forfeitability provisions and such other terms and conditions, including the attainment of specified performance goals, as the Committee may determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. To the extent restricted stock is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), it must be granted subject to the attainment of performance goals as described inSection 11 below and meet the additional requirements imposed by Section 162(m).
8.2The Restricted Period. At the time an award of restricted stock is made, the Committee shall establish a period of time during which the transfer of the shares of restricted stock shall be restricted and after which the shares of restricted stock shall be vested (the “Restricted Period”). Each award of restricted stock may have a different Restricted Period.
8.3Escrow. The participant receiving restricted stock shall enter into an Incentive Agreement with the Company setting forth the conditions of the grant. Any certificates representing shares of restricted stock shall be registered in the name of the participant and deposited with the Company, together with a stock power endorsed in blank by the participant. Each such certificate shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
The transferability of this certificate and the shares ofnon-voting common stock represented by it are subject to the terms and conditions (including conditions of forfeiture) contained in the Second Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and an agreement entered into between the registered owner and PHI, Inc. thereunder. Copies of the Plan and the agreement are on file at the principal office of PHI, Inc.
Alternatively, in the discretion of the Company, ownership of the shares of restricted stock and the appropriate restrictions shall be reflected in the records of the Company’s transfer agent and no physical certificates shall be issued.
8.4Dividends on Restricted Stock. Any and all cash and stock dividends paid with respect to the shares of restricted stock shall be subject to any restrictions on transfer, forfeitability provisions, or reinvestment requirements as the Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe in the Incentive Agreement.
8.5Forfeiture. In the event of the forfeiture of any shares of restricted stock under the terms provided in the Incentive Agreement (including any additional shares that may result from the reinvestment of cash and stock dividends, if so provided in the Incentive Agreement), such forfeited shares shall be surrendered and any certificates cancelled. The participants shall have the same rights and privileges, and be subject to the same forfeiture provisions, with respect to any additional shares received pursuant toSection 13.5.
8.6Expiration of Restricted Period. Upon the expiration or termination of the Restricted Period and the satisfaction of any other conditions prescribed by the Committee, the restrictions applicable to the restricted stock shall lapse and the Company shall direct the transfer agent to release the vested shares by book entry or, alternately, the Company shall deliver a stock certificate for the number of vested shares, in either case, free of all such restrictions and legends, except any that may be imposed by law, to the participant or his or her nominee, as the case may be.
8.7Rights as a Shareholder. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and subject to any restrictions on the receipt of dividends that may be imposed in the Incentive Agreement, each participant receiving restricted stock shall have all the rights of a holder ofNon-Voting Stock with respect to such shares during the Restricted Period including, without limitation, the right to vote such shares.
9.Restricted Stock Units.
9.1Grant of Restricted Stock Units. A restricted stock unit, or RSU, represents the right to receive from the Company on the respective scheduled vesting or payment date for such RSU, one share ofNon-Voting Stock. An award of RSUs may be subject to the attainment of specified performance goals or targets, forfeitability provisions and such other terms and conditions as the Committee may determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. To the extent an award of RSUs is intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), it must be granted subject to the attainment of performance goals as described inSection 11 and meet the additional requirements imposed by Section 162(m).
9.2Vesting Period. At the time an award of RSUs is made, the Committee shall establish a period of time during which the restricted stock units shall vest (the “Vesting Period”) and following which the RSUs will settle in shares ofNon-Voting Stock. Each award of RSUs may have a different Vesting Period.
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9.3Dividend Equivalent Accounts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Incentive Agreement, as well as any procedures established by the Committee, prior to the vesting and settlement of RSUs granted under the Plan, the Committee may determine to pay dividend equivalent rights with respect to RSUs, in which case, unless determined by the Committee to be paid currently, the Company shall establish a bookkeeping account for the participant and reflect in that account any securities, cash, or other property comprising any dividend or property distribution with respect to each share ofNon-Voting Stock underlying each RSU. The participant shall have no rights to the amounts or other property credited to such account except to the extent provided in the applicable Incentive Agreement.
9.4Rights as a Shareholder. Subject to the restrictions imposed under the terms and conditions of this Plan and subject to any other restrictions that may be imposed in the Incentive Agreement, each participant receiving RSUs shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to the shares underlying such RSUs until such time as shares ofNon-Voting Stock are issued to the participant.
10.Other Types of Awards.
10.1Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards. Subject to the limitations described inSection 10.2 hereof, the Committee may grant to eligible participants “Other Stock-Based Awards,” which shall consist of Incentives (other than options, SARs, restricted stock, or RSUs described inSections 6 through9 or Cash-Based Performance Awards described inSection 10.2) paid out in shares ofNon-Voting Stock or the value of which is based in whole or in part on the value of shares ofNon-Voting Stock. Other Stock-Based Awards may be awards of shares ofNon-Voting Stock, awards of phantom stock, or may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, shares of, or appreciation in the value of,Non-Voting Stock (including, without limitation, securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares ofNon-Voting Stock), as deemed by the Committee consistent with the purposes of this Plan. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any Other Stock-Based Award (including which rights of a shareholder, if any, the recipient shall have with respect toNon-Voting Stock associated with any such award) and may provide that such award is payable in whole or in part in cash. An Other Stock-Based Award may be subject to the attainment of such specified performance goals or targets as the Committee may determine, subject to the provisions of this Plan. To the extent that an Other Stock-Based Award is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), it must be granted subject to the attainment of performance goals as described inSection 11 below and meet the additional requirements imposed by Section 162(m).
10.2Cash-Based Performance Awards. The Committee may grant Incentives in the form of “Cash-Based Performance Awards” to eligible participants, which shall consist of the opportunity to earn awards based on performance that are valued in dollars rather than shares of Common Stock. At the Committee’s election and as provided in the Incentive Agreement, Cash-Based Performance Awards may be settled in cash, shares ofNon-Voting Stock, or a combination of both. A Cash-Based Performance Award shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of specified performance goals, as the Committee may determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. To the extent that a Cash-Based Performance Award is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m), it must be made subject to the attainment of performance goals as described in Section 11 below and meet the additional requirements imposed by Section 162(m). At the time that a Cash-Based Performance Award is granted, the Committee shall establish the vesting criteria for such Incentive including, as applicable, the performance period and the time or times at which any payout shall be deemed vested and payable.
11.Performance Goals for Section 162(m) Awards. To the extent that Incentives granted under the Plan are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), the vesting, grant, or payment of such awards shall be conditioned on the achievement of one or more performance goals and must satisfy the other requirements of Section 162(m). The performance goals pursuant to which such awards shall vest, be granted, or be paid out shall be any or a combination of the following performance measures applied to the Company, PHI, a division, segment, department, business unit, or a subsidiary: earnings per share; earnings or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”); EBITDA divided by revenues; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and rentals (“EBITDAR”); EBITDAR divided by
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revenues; an economic value-added measure; stock price; shareholder return; return on shareholder equity; return on assets; return on capital employed; return on total capital; return on assets or net assets; revenue; reduction of expenses; free cash flow; operating cash flow; income,pre-tax income, or net income; operating income or net operating income; gross profit; operating profit or net operating profit; operating margin or profit margin; return on operating revenue; return on invested capital; market segment share; safety performance; achievement of business or operational goals such as market share, customer growth, customer satisfaction, new product or services revenue, or business development; or strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue, market share, market penetration, or geographic business expansion goals, objectively-identified project milestones, cost targets, and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures. For any performance period, such performance objectives may be measured on an absolute basis or relative to a group of peer companies selected by the Committee, relative to internal goals or relative to levels attained in prior years. The performance goals may be subject to such adjustments as are specified in advance by the Committee in accordance with Section 162(m).
12.Change of Control.
12.1Definitions. As used in thisSection 12, the following words or terms shall have the meanings indicated:
(a)Approval Date shall mean the date of the Board’s approval of this Plan.
(b)Beneficial Owner (and variants thereof), with respect to a security shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly (through any contract, understanding, relationship, or otherwise), has or shares (i) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, the security, and/or (ii) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, the security.
(c)Business Combination shall mean the consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation (including a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of PHI.
(d)Change of Control Value shall equal the amount determined by whichever of the following items is applicable:
(i) the per share price to be paid to holders ofNon-Voting Stock in any such merger, consolidation, or other reorganization;
(ii) the price per share offered to holders ofNon-Voting Stock in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Change of Control takes place;
(iii) in all other events, the Fair Market Value per share ofNon-Voting Stock into which such options or SARs being converted are exercisable or right to receiveNon-Voting Stock is to be settled, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of conversion of such options; or
(iv) in the event that the consideration offered to holders ofNon-Voting Stock in any transaction described in thisSection 12 consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered that is other than cash.
(e)Incumbent Board shall mean the individuals who, as of the Approval Date, constitute the Board.
(f)Person shall mean a natural person or company, and shall also mean the group or syndicate created when two or more Persons act as a syndicate or other group (including, without limitation, a partnership or limited partnership) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of a security, except that Person shall not include an underwriter temporarily holding a security pursuant to an offering of the security.
(g)Post-Transaction Corporation.
(i) Unless a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, Post-Transaction Corporation shall mean PHI after the Change of Control.
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(ii) If a Change of Control includes a Business Combination, Post-Transaction Corporation shall mean the corporation resulting from such Business Combination, including a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns PHI or all or substantially all of PHI’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries.
12.2Change of Control Defined. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, Change of Control shall mean:
(a) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of PHI voting common stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Voting Stock”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control:
(i) any acquisition of Voting Stock directly from PHI,
(ii) any acquisition of Voting Stock by PHI,
(iii) any acquisition of Voting Stock by any employee benefit plan, including without limitation an employee stock ownership plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by PHI or any corporation controlled by PHI, or
(iv) any acquisition of Voting Stock by any corporation or entity pursuant to a transaction that does not constitute a Change of Control underSection 12.2(b); or
(b) a Business Combination, in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the Persons who were the Beneficial Owners of PHI’s outstanding common stock (“Common Stock,” including but not limited toNon-Voting Stock and Voting Stock) and PHI’s voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of more than 50 percent of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, and more than 50 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Post-Transaction Corporation; or
(c) approval by the shareholders of PHI of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of PHI.
12.3Effect of a Change of Control.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Incentive Agreement, immediately prior to the consummation of any Change of Control, all outstanding Incentives granted pursuant to the Plan shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable, all restrictions or limitations on any outstanding Incentives shall lapse and all performance criteria and other conditions relating to the payment of outstanding Incentives shall be deemed to be achieved or waived by PHI without the necessity of action by any Person.
(b) As used in thisSection 12.3, “immediately prior” to the Change of Control shall mean sufficiently in advance of the Change of Control to permit the participant to take all steps reasonably necessary to (i) exercise any option or SAR fully and (ii) deal with the shares purchased or acquired under any outstanding Incentive so that all such shares may be treated in the same manner in connection with the Change of Control as other outstanding shares ofNon-Voting Stock.
12.4Committee Discretion to Set Terms of Exercise or Exchange. No later than 30 days after the approval by the Board of a Change of Control of the types described in subsections (b) or (c) ofSection 12.2 and no later than 30 days after a Change of Control of the type described in subsection (a) ofSection 12.2, the Committee (as the Committee was composed immediately prior to such Change of Control and notwithstanding any removal or attempted removal of some or all of the members thereof as directors or Committee members), acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any participant, may act to effect one or more of the alternatives listed below and such act by the Committee may not be revoked or rescinded by persons not members of the Committee immediately prior to the Change of Control:
(a) accelerate the vesting of any Incentives which did not automatically accelerate under the terms of this Plan and/or the applicable Incentive Agreement;
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(b) require that all outstanding options and SARs be exercised on or before a specified date (before or after such Change of Control) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all unexercised options and SARs shall lapse and terminate,
(c) make such equitable adjustments to Incentives then-outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change of Control (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary),
(d) provide for mandatory conversion of some or all of the outstanding options, SARs, or rights to receivedNon-Voting Stock granted under the Plan held by some or all participants as of a date, before or after such Change of Control, specified by the Committee, in which event such options, SARs, and rights shall be deemed automatically cancelled and the Company shall pay, or cause to be paid, to each such participant an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the Change of Control Value of the shares ofNon-Voting Stock subject to such option, SAR, or right, as defined and calculated above, over the Exercise Price(s) or Base Price(s) of such options, SARs, or rights, if any, or, in lieu of such cash payment, the issuance ofNon-Voting Stock or securities of an acquiring entity having a Fair Market Value equal to such excess, or
(e) provide that thereafter, upon any exercise of an option or SAR or the settlement of any other right to receiveNon-Voting Stock, the participant shall be entitled to purchase under such option or SAR, or receive in settlement of such right, in lieu of the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock then covered by such option, SAR, or right, the number and class of shares of stock or other securities or property (including, without limitation, cash) to which the participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the agreement providing for the reorganization, merger, consolidation, or asset sale, if, immediately prior to such Change of Control, the participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock then covered by such options, SARs, and rights.
13.General.
13.1Duration. No Incentives may be granted under the Plan afterMay 4, 2027; provided, however, that subject toSection 13.9, the Plan shall remain in effect after such date with respect to Incentives granted prior to that date, until all such Incentives have either been satisfied by the issuance of shares ofNon-Voting Stock or otherwise been terminated under the terms of the Plan and all restrictions imposed on shares ofNon-Voting Stock in connection with their issuance under the Plan have lapsed.
13.2Transferability. No Incentives granted hereunder may be transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise encumbered by a participant except: (a) by will; (b) by the laws of descent and distribution; (c) if permitted by the Committee and so provided in the Incentive Agreement or an amendment thereto, pursuant to a domestic relations order, as defined in the Code; or (d) if permitted by the Committee and so provided in the Incentive Agreement or an amendment thereto, (i) to Immediate Family Members, (ii) to a partnership in which the participant and/or Immediate Family Members, or entities in which the participant and/or Immediate Family Members are the sole owners, members or beneficiaries, as appropriate, are the sole partners, (iii) to a limited liability company in which the participant and/or Immediate Family Members, or entities in which the participant and/or Immediate Family Members are the sole owners, members or beneficiaries, as appropriate, are the sole members, or (iv) to a trust for the sole benefit of the participant and/or Immediate Family Members. “Immediate Family Members” shall be defined as the spouse and natural or adopted children or grandchildren of the participant and their spouses. To the extent that an incentive stock option is permitted to be transferred during the lifetime of the participant, it shall be treated thereafter as a nonqualified stock option. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of Incentives, or levy of attachment or similar process upon Incentives not specifically permitted herein, shall be null and void and without effect.
13.3Effect of Termination of Employment or Death. In the event that a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company or to provide services to the Company for any reason, including death, disability, early retirement or normal retirement, any Incentives may be exercised, shall vest or shall expire at such times as may be determined by the Committee and provided in the Incentive Agreement.
13.4Additional Conditions. Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding: (a) the Company may, if it shall determine it necessary or desirable for any reason, at the time of award of any Incentive or the issuance of any shares ofNon-Voting Stock pursuant to any Incentive, require the recipient of the Incentive, as a
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condition to the receipt thereof or to the receipt of shares ofNon-Voting Stock issued pursuant thereto, to deliver to the Company a written representation of present intention to acquire the Incentive or the shares ofNon-Voting Stock issued pursuant thereto for his own account for investment and not for distribution; and (b) if at any time the Company further determines, in its sole discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification (or any updating of any such document) of any Incentive or the shares ofNon-Voting Stock issuable pursuant thereto is necessary on any securities exchange or under any federal or state securities or blue sky law, or that the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with the award of any Incentive, the issuance of shares ofNon-Voting Stock pursuant thereto, or the removal of any restrictions imposed on such shares, such Incentive shall not be awarded or such shares ofNon-Voting Stock shall not be issued or such restrictions shall not be removed, as the case may be, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.
13.5Adjustment. In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other similar change in theNon-Voting Stock, the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock then subject to the Plan, including shares subject to outstanding Incentives, and any and all other limitations provided in the Plan limiting the number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued hereunder, shall be adjusted in proportion to the change in outstanding shares ofNon-Voting Stock. In the event of any such adjustments, the Exercise Price of any option, the Base Price of any SAR, and the performance objectives of any Incentive shall also be adjusted as and to the extent appropriate, in the discretion of the Committee, to provide participants with the same relative rights before and after such adjustment. No substitution or adjustment shall require the Company to issue a fractional share under the Plan and the substitution or adjustment shall be limited by deleting any fractional share.
13.6Withholding.
(a) The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payments made or stock issued under the Plan or to collect as a condition of payment, issuance or vesting, any taxes required by law to be withheld. At any time that a participant is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with an Incentive, the participant may, with the prior approval of the Committee, subject toSection 13.6(b) below, satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by electing (the “Election”) to deliver currently owned shares ofNon-Voting Stock or to have the Company withhold shares ofNon-Voting Stock, in each case having a value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld (or, if permitted by the Committee, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules) under federal, state and local law. The value of the shares to be delivered or withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of theNon-Voting Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (“Tax Date”).
(b) Each Election must be made prior to the Tax Date. For any participant not subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act, the Committee may disapprove of any Election, may suspend or terminate the right to make Elections, or may provide with respect to any Incentive that the right to make an Election shall not apply to such Incentive. If a participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to shares of restricted stock, an Election to have shares withheld to satisfy withholding taxes is not permitted to be made.
13.7No Continued Employment. No participant under the Plan shall have any right, because of his or her participation, to continue in the employ of the Company for any period of time or to any right to continue his or her present or any other rate of compensation.
13.8Section 409A. This Plan and all Incentives granted under it are intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”), and the Plan and all Incentives shall be interpreted and administered consistent with that intent. Payment of an Incentive may be deferred at the option of the participant if permitted in the Incentive Agreement; provided, however, that any such deferral arrangement must also be exempt from or comply with Section 409A.
13.9Amendments to or Termination of the Plan. The Board may amend or discontinue this Plan at any time; provided, however, that no such amendment may:
(a) amendSection 6.6 to permit repricing of options or SARs without the approval of shareholders;
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(b) materially impair, without the consent of the recipient, an Incentive previously granted, except that the Company retains all of its rights underSection 12; or
(c) materially revise the Plan without the approval of the shareholders, to the extent such approval is required under the applicable listing standards of any exchange on which shares ofNon-Voting Stock are listed. As used in this Section 13.9(c), a material revision of the Plan includes (i) except for adjustments permitted herein, a material increase to the maximum number of shares ofNon-Voting Stock that may be issued through the Plan, (ii) a material increase to the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan, (iii) a material expansion of the classes of persons eligible to participate in the Plan, (iv) an expansion of the types of Incentives available for grant under the Plan, (v) a material extension of the term of the Plan and (vi) a material change that reduces the price at which shares ofNon-Voting Stock may be offered through the Plan.
13.10Definition of Fair Market Value. Whenever “Fair Market Value” ofNon-Voting Stock shall be determined for purposes of this Plan, except as provided below in connection with a cashless exercise through a broker, it shall be determined as follows: (i) if theNon-Voting Stock is listed on an established stock exchange or any automated quotation system that provides sale quotations, the closing sale price for a share of theNon-Voting Stock on such exchange or quotation system on the date as of which fair market value is to be determined, (ii) if theNon-Voting Stock is not listed on any exchange or quotation system, but bid and asked prices are quoted and published, the mean between the quoted bid and asked prices on the date as of which fair market value is to be determined, and if bid and asked prices are not available on such day, on the next preceding day on which such prices were available; and (iii) if theNon-Voting Stock is not regularly quoted, the fair market value of a share ofNon-Voting Stock on the date as of which fair market value is to be determined, as established by the Committee in good faith. In the context of a cashless exercise through a broker, the “Fair Market Value” shall be the price at which theNon-Voting Stock subject to the stock option is actually sold in the market to pay the Exercise Price.
13.11No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Incentive shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to an Incentive, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.
13.12Severability. If any term or provision of the Plan shall at any time or to any extent be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect as written, in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified or limited to the extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any such provision that is not susceptible of such reformation shall be ignored so as to not affect any other term or provision hereof, and the remainder of the Plan, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of the Plan shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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Initially approved by PHI shareholders on May 4, 2012.
Approved, in amended and restated form, by the Board of Directors on February 19, 2015 and by PHI shareholders on May 5, 2015.
Approved, in second amended and restated form, by the Board of Directors on February 21, 2017 and by PHI shareholders on [May 4, 2017].
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