UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )
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o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
 
McDermott International, Inc.
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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(McDermott International, Inc. Logo) McDermott International, Inc.
  
 
   
John A. Fees 777 N. Eldridge Pkwy.
Chief Executive Officer Houston, Texas 77079
   
  March 27, 200926, 2010
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
You are cordially invited to attend this year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders of McDermott International, Inc., which will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009,7, 2010, at 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas 77079, on the 14th floor, commencing at 9:30 a.m. local time. The notice of annual meeting and proxy statement following this letter describe the matters to be acted on at the meeting.
 
McDermott is pleased to, announce that we areagain, be taking advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice and Access proxy rule, which allows companies to furnish proxy materials via the Internet as an alternative to the traditional approach of mailing a printed set to each shareholder. We believe this will allow us to continue to provide shareholders with the proxy materials they need while reducing printing and postage costs associated with delivery and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting.stockholder. In accordance with these rules, we have sent a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to all shareholders who have not previously elected to receive a printed set of proxy materials. The Notice contains instructions on how to access our 2010 Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders,Shareholders, as well as how to vote either online, by telephone or in person at the 20092010 Annual Meeting.
 
It is very important that your shares are represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Please vote your shares by Internet or telephone, or, if you received a printed set of materials by mail, by returning the accompanying proxy card, as soon as possible to ensure that your shares are voted at the meeting. Further instructions on how to vote your shares can be found in our Proxy Statement.
 
Thank you for your support of our company.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
-s- John A. Fees
JOHN A. FEES
 
 
 
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
 
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please take a few minutes now to vote your shares.
 


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on May 8, 2009.7, 2010.
 
The proxy statement and annual report are available on the Internet at www.proxyvote.com.
 
The following information applicable to the Annual Meeting may be found in the proxy statement and accompanying proxy card:
 
 •    The date, time and location of the meeting;
 
 •    A list of the matters intended to be acted on and our recommendations regarding those matters;
 
 •    Any control/identification numbers that you need to access your proxy card; and
 
 •    Information about attending the meeting and voting in person.


McDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
777 N. Eldridge Pkwy.
Houston, Texas 77079
 
 
Notice of 20092010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
 
 
The 20092010 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of McDermott International, Inc., a Panamanian corporation, will be held at 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas 77079, on the 14th floor, on Friday, May 8, 2009,7, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. local time, in order to:
 
(1) elect three Class Ieleven members to our Board of Directors, for a term of one year and three Class II Directorseach for a term of one year;
 
(2) approve the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan;
(3) ratify our Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009;2010; and
 
(4)(3) transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
If you were a stockholder as of the close of business on March 9, 2009,8, 2010, you are entitled to vote at the meeting and at any adjournment thereof.
 
This year, insteadInstead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our Annual Report, to each shareholder of record, we have decided to provideare providing access to these materials via the Internet. This reduces the amount of paper necessary to produce these materials, as well as the costs associated with mailing these materials to all shareholders. Accordingly, on March 27, 2009,26, 2010, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to all shareholders of record as of March 9, 2009,8, 2010, and posted our proxy materials on the Web site referenced in the Notice (www.proxyvote.com(www.proxyvote.com)). As more fully described in the Notice, all shareholders may choose to access our proxy materials on the Web site referred to in the Notice or may request a printed set of our proxy materials. In addition, the Notice and websiteWeb site provide information regarding how you may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis.
 
If you received a printed copy of the materials, we have enclosed a copy of our 20082009 Annual Report to Stockholders with this notice and proxy statement.
 
Your vote is important. Please vote your proxy promptly so your shares can be represented, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting. You can vote by Internet, by telephone, or by requesting a printed copy of the proxy materials and using the enclosed proxy card.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
-s- Liane K. Hinrichs
LIANE K. HINRICHS
Secretary
 
Dated: March 27, 2009
26, 2010


 

 
 
PROXY STATEMENT FOR 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSProxy Statement for 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
 
 

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GENERAL INFORMATIONGeneral Information
 
As more fully described in the Notice, the Board of Directors of McDermott International, Inc. (“McDermott”) has made these materials available to you over the Internet or, upon your request, has mailed you printed versions of these materials in connection with our 20092010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will take place on May 8, 2009.7, 2010. We mailed the Notice to our shareholders beginning March 27, 2009,26, 2010, and our proxy materials were posted on the Web site referenced in the Notice on that same date. McDermott, on behalf of its Board of Directors, is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the 20092010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We solicit proxies to give all shareholders of record an opportunity to vote on matters that will be presented at the annual meeting. In this proxy statement, you will find information on these matters, which is provided to assist you in voting your shares.
 
Proxy materials have been sent or access to the materials has been provided to you because our Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at our Annual Meeting to be held on May 8, 2009.7, 2010. We will bear all expenses incurred in connection with this proxy solicitation, which we expect to conduct primarily by mail. We have engaged The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC to assist in the solicitation for a fee that will not exceed $10,000, plusout-of-pocket expenses. In addition, our officers and regular employees may solicit your proxy by telephone, by facsimile transmission or in person, for which they will not be separately compensated. If your shares are held through a broker or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”) and you have requested printed versions of these materials, we have requested that your broker or nominee forward this proxy statement to you and obtain your voting instructions, for which we will reimburse them for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses. If your shares are held through the Thrift Plan for Employees of McDermott Incorporated and Participating Subsidiary and Affiliated Companies (the “McDermott Thrift Plan”) and you have requested printed versions of these materials, the trustee of that plan has sent you this proxy statement and you can instruct the trustee on how to vote your plan shares.
 
VOTING INFORMATIONVoting Information
 
Record Date and Who May Vote
 
Our Board of Directors selected March 9, 20098, 2010 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This means that if you were a registered stockholder with our transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., on the Record Date, you may vote your shares on the matters to be considered by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. If your shares were held in street name on that date, you should refer to the instructions provided by your broker or other nominee that was the record holder of your shares has the authority to vote them at the Annual Meeting.for further information. They are seeking your instructions on how you want your shares voted. As a result of a change in the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, the election of directors is no longer considered a routine matter. That means that brokers may not vote your shares in the election of directors if you have not given your broker specific instructions as to how to vote. Please be sure to give specific voting instructions to your broker.
 
On the Record Date, 228,655,752230,840,040 shares of our common stock were outstanding. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to one vote on each matter to be acted on at the meeting.
 
How to Vote
 
Most shareholders can vote by proxy in three ways:
 
 •    by Internet atwww.proxyvote.com; www.proxyvote.com;
 
 •    by telephone; or
 
 •    by mail.
 
If you are a stockholder of record, you can vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting or vote now by giving us your proxy. You may give us your proxy by following the instructions included in the Notice or, if you received a printed version of these proxy materials, in the enclosed proxy card. If you want to vote by mail but have not received a printed version of these proxy materials, you may request a full packet of proxy materials through the instructions in the Notice. If you vote using either telephone or the Internet, you will save us mail expense.


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By giving us your proxy, you will be directing us how to vote your shares at the meeting. Even if you plan on attending the meeting, we urge you to vote now by giving us your proxy. This will ensure that your vote is represented at the meeting. If you do attend the meeting, you can change your vote at that time, if you then desire to do so.
 
If your shares are held in street name, the broker or nominee that holds your shares has the authority to vote them, absent your approval, only as to matters for which they have discretionary authority under the applicable New York Stock Exchange rules. For all


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other matters, the broker or nominee that holds your shares will need to obtain your authorization to vote those shares. If you received a printed version of these proxy materials, you should have received a voting instruction form from your broker or nominee that holds your shares. For shares held in street name, follow the instructions contained in the Notice or voting instruction form to vote by Internet, telephone or mail. If you want to vote by mail but have not received a printed version of these proxy materials, you may request a full packet of proxy materials as instructed by the Notice. If you want to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker or nominee. You should contact your broker or nominee or refer to the instructions provided by your broker or nominee for further information.
 
Additionally, the availability of telephone or Internet voting depends on the voting process used by the broker or nominee that holds your shares.
 
You may receive more than one Notice or proxy statement and proxy card or voting instruction form if your shares are held through more than one account (e.g., through different brokers or nominees). Each proxy card or voting instruction form only covers those shares of common stock held in the applicable account. If you hold shares in more than one account, you will have to provide voting instructions as to all your accounts to vote all your shares.
 
How to Change Your Vote
 
For shares held of record, you may change your vote by written notice to our Corporate Secretary, granting a new proxy or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Unless you attend the meeting and vote your shares in person, you should change your vote using the same method (by telephone, Internet or mail) that you first used to vote your shares. That way, the inspectors of election for the meeting will be able to verify your latest vote.
 
For shares held in street name, you should follow the instructions in the information provided by your broker or nominee to change your vote. If you want to change your vote as to shares held in street name by voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from the broker or nominee that holds those shares for you.
 
Quorum
 
The Annual Meeting will be held only if a quorum exists. The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock as of the Record Date will constitute a quorum. If you attend the meeting or vote your shares by Internet, telephone or mail, your shares will be counted toward a quorum, even if you abstain from voting on a particular matter. Shares held by brokers and other nominees as to which they have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owners and lack the discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter are called “broker non-votes” and will count for quorum purposes.
 
Proposals to Be Voted on;On; Vote Required; and How Votes Areare Counted
 
We are asking you to vote on the following:
 
 •    the election of John F. Bookout, III, Roger A. Brown, Ronald C. Cambre, John A. Fees, andRobert W. Goldman, Stephen G. Hanks, Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr., D. Bradley McWilliams, Admiral Richard W. Mies, Thomas C. Schievelbein and David A. Trice to Class I of our Board of Directors, and the electioneach for a term of D. Bradley McWilliams, Richard W. Mies and Thomas C. Schievelbein to Class II of our Board of Directors;
• the approval of the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2009 LTI Plan”);one year; and
 
 •    the ratification of our Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.2010.


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With the exception of the proposal to approve the 2009 LTI Plan, eachEach proposal, including the election of directors, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. The proposal to approve the 2009 LTI Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal, provided that the total number of votes cast on the proposal represents a majority of the shares outstanding on the Record Date. In the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” all director nominees or withhold your vote for any one or more of the director nominees. For each other proposal,the ratification of our Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte, you may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or abstain from voting. Because abstentions are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present but are not affirmative votes for a proposal, they have the same effect as an “AGAINST” vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote on the election of directors or on the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to approve the 2009 LTI Plan, as long as the total number of votes cast on the proposal represents a majority of the shares entitled to vote. Otherwise, the effect of a broker non-vote will be the same as a vote against the proposal.
 
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that, in an uncontested election of directors, the Board expects any incumbent director nominee who does not receive a “FOR” vote by a majority of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter to promptly tender his or her resignation to the Governance Committee, subject to acceptance by our Board.


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Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board with respect to the director nominee’s resignation and the Board will consider the recommendation and take appropriate action within 120 days from the date of the certification of the election results.
 
If you submit a signed proxy card without specifying your vote, your shares will be voted “FOR” the election of all director nominees the proposal to approve the 2009 LTI Plan and the ratification of our Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.2010. If you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker or nominee how to vote those shares, they may vote your shares as they decide as to matters for which they have discretionary authority under the applicable New York Stock Exchange rules. Your broker will be entitled to vote your shares in its discretion, absent instructions from you, on the election of directors and the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. As a result of recent New York Stock Exchange rule changes, your broker will no longer be entitled to vote your shares in its discretion in the election of directors. If you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker how to vote in the election of directors, no votes will be cast on your behalf on that matter. Broker non-votes are not considered a vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” a proposal and therefore will have no effect on the vote on the election of directors or on the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm.
If you are a shareholder of record and you do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of the items of business at the Annual Meeting.
 
We are not aware of any other matters that may be presented or acted on at the meeting. If you vote by signing and returning the enclosed proxy card or using the telephone or Internet voting procedures, the individuals named as proxies on the card may vote your shares, in their discretion, on any other matter requiring a stockholder vote that comes before the meeting.
 
Confidential Voting
 
All voted proxies and ballots will be handled to protect your voting privacy as a stockholder. Your vote will not be disclosed except:
 
 •    to meet any legal requirements;
 
 •    in limited circumstances such as a proxy contest in opposition to our Board of Directors;
 
 •    to permit independent inspectors of election to tabulate and certify your vote; or
 
 •    to adequately respond to your written comments on your proxy card.


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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Election of Directors
 
(ITEM 1)
 
Historically, our Board of Directors has been classified into three classes, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. In 2007, with the approval of our stockholders, we amended our Articles of Incorporation to phase out the classification of our Board by 2010. As a result, until our 2010Beginning with this year’s Annual Meeting, directors elected to a class by our stockholders will serve one-year terms. Beginning with the Annual Meeting in 2010, our Board will no longer be classified and all directors will be subject to annual election. Currently, our Board has teneleven members. JohnStephen G. Hanks and David A. Fees, who becameTrice each were appointed as a director in October 2008, was assigned to Class I, and Richard W. Mies, who became a director in August 2008, was assigned to Class II.May 2009.
 
The term of office of all of our Class I directors — Roger A. Brown, John A. Fees, Robert L. Howard and Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. — will expire at this year’s Annual Meeting. On the nomination of our Board, Messrs.John F. Bookout, III, Roger A. Brown, Ronald C. Cambre, John A. Fees, Robert W. Goldman, Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr., D. Bradley McWilliams, Richard W. Mies and KingsleyThomas C. Schievelbein will stand for reelection and Mr. Fees will stand for election as Class I directors at this year’s Annual Meeting for a term of one year.
The term of office of our Class II directors — D. Bradley McWilliams, Richard W. Miesyear and Thomas C. Schievelbein — will expire at this year’s Annual Meeting. On the nomination of our Board, Messrs. McWilliamsStephen G. Hanks and Schievelbein will stand for reelection and Admiral MiesDavid A. Trice will stand for election as Class II directors at this year’s Annual Meeting for a term of one year.
 
Our By-Laws provide that (1) a person shall not be nominated for election or reelection to our Board of Directors if such person shall have attained the age of 72 prior to the date of election or re-election and (2) any director who attains the age of 72 during his or her term shall be deemed to have resigned and retired at the first Annual Meeting following his or her attainment of the age of 72. Accordingly, a director nominee may stand for election if he or she has not attained the age of 72 prior to the date of election or reelection. Pursuant to these By-Law requirements, Robert L. Howard will retire from our Board after 12 years of service, effective at this year’s Annual Meeting.
 
Unless otherwise directed, the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card intend to vote “FOR” the election of the nominees. If any nominee should become unavailable for election, the shares will be voted for such substitute nominee as may be proposed by our Board of Directors. However, we are not aware of any circumstances that would prevent any of the nominees from serving. Set forth below under “Class III Directors”However, as we announced on December 7, 2009, we are pursuing the namesseparation of the business and operations of our otherPower Generation Systems and Government Operations segments from the rest of our operations, through a spin-off distribution to our stockholders of all the common stock of The Babcock & Wilcox Company. In this proxy statement, we refer to The Babcock & Wilcox Company and all of our subsidiaries in those two segments collectively as “B&W.” In connection with that spin-off, we contemplate that some of our directors who will continuebecome directors of B&W and will resign from our Board of Directors (though it is possible that one or more may serve on the Board of Directors of each company). Our Board of Directors has not yet determined which of its members may be designated to serve as directors after this year’s Annual Meeting. Allof the newly public B&W, although it is contemplated that John A. Fees, Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors, have been previously elected bywould serve as non-executive Chairman of the stockholders.Board of B&W. The spin-off transaction is subject to various conditions precedent, including approval of our Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that the spin-off transaction will be completed.


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Set forth below is certain information (ages are as of May 8, 2009)7, 2010) with respect to each nominee for election as a director and each director of our company who will continue to serve as a director after this year’s Annual Meeting.
 
         
    Director
Name and Principal Occupation
 Age Since
 
Class I Nominees
Roger A. Brown  64   2005 
Until his retirement in 2007, Mr. Brown was Vice President, Strategic Initiatives of Smith International, Inc., a supplier of goods and services to the oil and gas exploration and production industry, the petrochemical industry and other industrial markets from 2005 and President of Smith Technologies (a business unit of Smith International, Inc.) from 1998. Mr. Brown is also a director of Ultra Petroleum Corporation.        
John A. Fees  51   2008 
Mr. Fees has been Chief Executive Officer of McDermott since October 2008. He joined our company in 1979 and, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, from January 2007 to October 2008; President and Chief Operating Officer of our subsidiary, BWX Technologies, Inc., from September 2002 to January 2007; and President, General Manager of BWXT Services, Inc., a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, from September 1997 to November 2002. His earlier positions at subsidiaries of The Babcock & Wilcox Company include Vice President and General Manager.        
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.   66   2004 
Until his retirement in November 2004, Mr. Kingsley served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Exelon Corporation, an integrated utility company, from May 2003, Senior Executive Vice President from February 2002 and President and Chief Nuclear Officer from October 2000. Mr. Kingsley also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelon’s subsidiary, Exelon Generation, from February 2000 to November 2004 and as President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Unicom Corporation, an integrated electric utility company, from November 1997 to October 2000. Mr. Kingsley is also a director of FPL Group, Inc. and is the Associate Dean for Special Projects at the Sam Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University.        
John F. Bookout, III
Director Since 2006
Age — 56
Finance Committee — Member
Governance Committee — Member
 
Mr. Bookout has served as a Managing Director of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., a private equity firm, since March 2008. Previously, he served as Senior Advisor to First Reserve Corporation, a private equity firm specializing in the energy industry, from 2006 to March 2008. Until 2006, he was a director of McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, which he joined in 1978. Mr. Bookout previously served as a director of Tesoro Corporation from2006-2010.
Roger A. Brown
Director Since 2005
Age — 65
Compensation Committee — Member
Governance Committee — Chairman
From 2005 until his retirement in 2007, Mr. Brown was Vice President, Strategic Initiatives of Smith International, Inc., a supplier of goods and services to the oil and gas exploration and production industry, the petrochemical industry and other industrial markets. Mr. Brown was President of Smith Technologies (a business unit of Smith International, Inc.) from 1998 until 2005. Mr. Brown has also served as a director of Ultra Petroleum Corporation since 2007.
Ronald C. Cambre
Director Since 2000
Age — 71
Chairman of the Board
Mr. Cambre has served as our Chairman since October 1, 2008. From January 1995 until December 2001, Mr. Cambre was Chairman of the Board of Newmont Mining Corporation, an international mining company, and he served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 1993 until his retirement in December 2000. He was also President of Newmont Mining Corporation from June 1994 to July 1999. Mr. Cambre has also served as a director of Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. (formerly, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.) since 1996 and W.R. Grace & Co. since 1998, and previously served as a director of Inco Limited from2000-2006.
John A. Fees
Director Since 2008
Age — 52
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Fees has been Chief Executive Officer of McDermott since October 2008. He joined our company in 1979 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of B&W from January 2007 to October 2008; President and Chief Operating Officer of BWX Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of ours, from September 2002 to January 2007; and President, General Manager of BWXT Services, Inc., a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc., from September 1997 to November 2002. His earlier positions at subsidiaries of B&W include Vice President and General Manager.


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Robert W. Goldman
Director Since 2005
Age — 68
Audit Committee — Member
Finance Committee — Chairman
Since October 2002, Mr. Goldman has served as an independent financial consultant. Previously, Mr. Goldman worked for Conoco Inc., an international, integrated energy company and predecessor to ConocoPhillips, from 1988 to 2002, most recently as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2002. He formerly served as the Vice President, Finance of the World Petroleum Council from 2002 to 2008. He has also served as a director of El Paso Corporation since 2003, Parker Drilling Company since 2005 and Tesoro Corporation since 2004.
Stephen G. Hanks
Director Since 2009
Age — 59
Audit Committee — Member
Finance Committee — Member
From November 2007 until his retirement in January 2008, Mr. Hanks was President of the Washington Division of URS Corporation, an engineering, construction and technical services company, and he also served as a member of URS Corporation’s Board of Directors during that time. Previously, from June 2001 to November 2007 he was President and CEO of Washington Group International, Inc., an integrated engineering, construction and management services company which was acquired by URS Corporation in 2007, and also served on its Board of Directors. Mr. Hanks has also served as a director of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. since 2006.
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
Director Since 2004
Age — 67
Compensation Committee — Member
Governance Committee — Member
Until his retirement in November 2004, Mr. Kingsley served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Exelon Corporation, an integrated utility company, from May 2003, Senior Executive Vice President from February 2002 and President and Chief Nuclear Officer from October 2000. Mr. Kingsley also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelon’s subsidiary, Exelon Generation, from February 2000 to November 2004 and as President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Unicom Corporation, an integrated electric utility company, from November 1997 to October 2000. Mr. Kingsley has also served as a director of FPL Group, Inc. since 2007 and is the Associate Dean for Special Projects at the Sam Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University.
D. Bradley McWilliams
Director Since 2003
Age — 68
Audit Committee — Chairman
Finance Committee — Member
From April 1995 until his retirement in April 2003, Mr. McWilliams was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cooper Industries Ltd., a worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, tools and hardware. He was Vice President of Cooper Industries from 1982 until April 1995. Mr. McWilliams previously served as a director of Kronos Incorporated from 1993 to 2005.

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Richard W. Mies
Director Since 2008
Age — 65
Audit Committee — Member
Governance Committee — Member
Admiral Mies is a Retired Admiral, United States Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years, including most recently as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Strategic Command for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy strategic nuclear forces from 1998 until his retirement from the Navy in 2002. Following his retirement from the Navy until 2007, he served as Senior Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation, a provider of scientific and engineering applications for national security, energy, environment, critical infrastructure and health. Since 2007, he has been Chief Executive Officer and President of The Mies Group, Ltd. (a consulting firm). He has also served as a director of Exelon Corporation since 2009 and Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company since 2002.
Thomas C. Schievelbein
Director Since 2004
Age — 56
Compensation Committee — Chairman
Finance Committee — Member
From November 2001 until his retirement in November 2004, Mr. Schievelbein was President of Northrop Grumman Newport News, a subsidiary of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global defense company. From October 1995 to October 2001, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Newport News Shipbuilding, Inc. Mr. Schievelbein has also served as a director of The Brinks Company since 2009 and New York Life Insurance Company since 2006.
David A. Trice
Director Since 2009
Age — 62
Audit Committee — Member
Compensation Committee — Member
From February 2000 until his retirement in May 2009, Mr. Trice was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (since September 2004) of Newfield Exploration Company, an oil and natural gas exploration and production company. He has served as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Newfield Exploration Company since May 2009, and as a director of New Jersey Resources Corporation since 2004 and Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. since 2002. Mr. Trice also previously served as a director of Grant PrideCo from 2003 to 2008.
Our Board recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” each of the nominees named above.
         
    Director
Name and Principal Occupation
 Age Since
 
Class II Nominees
D. Bradley McWilliams  67   2003 
From April 1995 until his retirement in April 2003, Mr. McWilliams was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cooper Industries Ltd., a worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, tools and hardware. He was Vice President of Cooper Industries from 1982 until April 1995.        
Richard W. Mies  64   2008 
Admiral Mies is a Retired Admiral, United States Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years, including most recently as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Strategic Command for all U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy strategic nuclear forces from 1998 until his retirement from the Navy in 2002. Following his retirement from the Navy until 2007, he served as Senior Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation, a provider of scientific and engineering applications for national security, energy, environment, critical infrastructure and health. He is currently Chief Executive Officer and President of The Mies Group, Ltd. (a consulting firm) and serves as a director of Exelon Corporation.        
Thomas C. Schievelbein  55   2004 
Until his retirement in November 2004, Mr. Schievelbein was President of Northrop Grumman Newport News, a subsidiary of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global defense company, from November 2001. From October 1995 to October 2001, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Newport News Shipbuilding, Inc. Mr. Schievelbein is also a director of The Brinks Company.        
Our Board recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” each of the nominees named above.


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    Director
Name and Principal Occupation
 Age Since
 
Class III Directors
John F. Bookout III  55   2006 
Mr. Bookout has served as Senior Advisor to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., a private equity firm, since March 2008. Previously, he served as Senior Advisor to First Reserve Corporation, a private equity firm specializing in the energy industry, from 2006 to 2008. Until 2006, he was a director of McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, which he joined in 1978. Mr. Bookout is also a director of Tesoro Corporation.        
Ronald C. Cambre  70   2000 
Mr. Cambre has served as our Chairman since October 1, 2008. Until December 2001, Mr. Cambre was Chairman of the Board of Newmont Mining Corporation, an international mining company, from January 1995 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 1993 until his retirement in December 2000. He was also President of Newmont Mining Corporation from June 1994 to July 1999. Mr. Cambre is also a director of Cliffs Natural Resources (formerly, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.) and W. R. Grace & Co.        
Robert W. Goldman  67   2005 
Since October 2002, Mr. Goldman has served as an independent financial consultant. Previously, Mr. Goldman worked for Conoco Inc., an international, integrated energy company and predecessor to ConocoPhillips, from 1988 to 2002, most recently as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2002. He formerly served as the Vice President, Finance of the World Petroleum Council from 2002 to 2008. He currently serves as a director of El Paso Corporation, Parker Drilling Company and Tesoro Corporation. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Global Infrastructure Partners.        


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCECorporate Governance
 
We maintain a corporate governance section on our Web site which contains copies of our principal governance documents. The corporate governance section may be found atwww.mcdermott.comat “Corporate Governance — Board Committees” and “Corporate Governance — Governance Policies.” The corporate governance section contains the following documents, which are available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy in writing to McDermott International, Inc., Corporate Secretary’s Office, 777 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Houston, Texas 77079:documents:
 
By-Laws
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers
Board of Directors Conflicts of Interest Policies and Procedures
Audit Committee Charter
Compensation Committee Charter
Finance Committee Charter
By-Laws
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers
Board of Directors Conflicts of Interest Policies and Procedures
Audit Committee Charter
Compensation Committee Charter
Finance Committee Charter
Governance Committee Charter
 
In addition, our Code of Business Conduct may be found on our websiteWeb site atwww.mcdermott.comat “Corporate Governance — Code of Conduct” and is available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy in writing.Conduct.”
 
Director Independence
 
The New York Stock Exchange listing standards require our Board of Directors to be comprised of at least a majority of independent directors. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with us. To assist it in determining director independence, and as permitted by New York Stock Exchange rules then in effect, the Board haspreviously established categorical standards which conform to, or are more exacting than, the independence requirements in the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. These standards are contained in the Corporate Governance Guidelines found on our websiteWeb site atwww.mcdermott.comunder “Corporate Governance — Governance Policies.”
 
Based on these independence standards, our Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that the following directors are independent and meet our categorical standards:
 
   
John F. Bookout, III
Roger A. Brown
Ronald C. Cambre
Robert W. Goldman
Robert L. Howard
 Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
Roger A. BrownD. Bradley McWilliams
Ronald C. CambreRichard W. Mies
Robert W. GoldmanThomas C. Schievelbein
Stephen G. HanksDavid A. Trice
 
In determining the independence of the directors, our Board considered ordinary course transactions between us and other entities with which the directors are associated. Neither Mr.associated, none of which were determined to constitute a material relationship with us. Messrs. McWilliams, nor Mr. Schievelbein has anyand Trice have no relationship with McDermott, except as a director and stockholder. Messrs. Bookout, Brown, Cambre, Goldman, Hanks, Kingsley and KingsleyAdmiral Mies are members of the board of directors of one of those entities with which we transact business in the ordinary course, and Mr. Bookout is also an outside consultant for an affiliate of one of those entities.an entity with which we transact business in the ordinary course. Our Board also considered unsolicited contributions by us to charitable organizations with which the directors were associated. Admiral Mies and Mr. HowardHanks each serve as a director of a separate charitable organization to which we made unsolicited contributions between 20062007 and 2008.2009. Mr. Bookout’s spouse serves as a director of a charitable organization to which we made an unsolicited contribution in 2007. The charitable contributions described above were in the usual course of our annual giving programs pursuant to which we made over $1.7$1.1 million in total 20082009 contributions to more than 200220 charitable organizations.


8


 
Executive Sessions and Communications With the Board
 
Our nonmanagementindependent directors meet in executive session without management on a regular basis. Currently, Ronald C. Cambre, our non-executive Chairman of the Board, serves as the presiding director for these executive sessions. Stockholders or other interested persons may send written communications to the nonmanagementindependent members of our Board, addressed to Board of Directors (independent members),c/o McDermott International, Inc., Corporate Secretary’s Office, 777 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Houston, Texas 77079. Information regarding this process is posted on our websiteWeb site atwww.mcdermott.comunder “Corporate Governance — Board Committees.”
 
Board of Directors and Its Committees
 
Board of Directors.Our Board met nine12 times during 2008.2009.  All directors attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served during 2008.2009. In addition, as reflected in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we have adopted a policy that each member of our Board must make reasonable


9


efforts to attend our Annual Meeting. All directors then serving on the Board attended our 20082009 Annual Meeting.
 
Committees.Our Board currently separates the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Fees serves as our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Cambre serves as our non-executive Chairman. Our Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate for McDermott at this time because it allows Mr. Fees, who was appointed Chief Executive Officer in October 2008, to set our strategic direction and manage ourday-to-day operations and performance, while Mr. Cambre is able to set the Board’s agenda and lead the Board while also monitoring and objectively evaluating Mr. Fees’ performance as Chief Executive Officer.
As part of its oversight function, the Board monitors various risks that McDermott faces. Our Chief Risk Officer administers our Enterprise Risk Program, or ERP, and presents information to senior management and the Board on matters relating to the ERP. In connection with the ERP, the Board reviewed key external, strategic, operational and financial risks and discussed the effectiveness of current efforts to mitigate certain focus risks. The Audit Committee further assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility by meeting periodically with management to review risk exposures and discuss McDermott’s policies and guidelines concerning risk assessment and risk management.
Our Board currently has, and appoints the members of, standing Audit, Compensation, Finance and Governance Committees. Each of the Boardthose committees is comprised entirely of independent nonmanagement directors and has a written charter approved by the Board. The current charter for each standing Board committee is posted on our websiteWeb site atwww.mcdermott.comunder “Corporate Governance — Board Committees.” Additionally, in connection with the proposed spin-off of B&W, our Board established a special Restructuring Committee in January 2010.
The current members of the committees are identified in the following table.below.
Audit Committee:
 
   
Mr. McWilliams (Chairman)  
Board Committee
Director
AuditCompensationFinanceGovernance
John F. Bookout IIIüüMr. Goldman  
Roger A. Brownüü
Ronald C. CambreMr. Hanks  
Robert W. GoldmanüChairAdm. Mies  
Robert L. HowardMr. Trice Chair
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. üü
D. Bradley McWilliamsChairü
Richard W. Miesüü
Thomas C. SchievelbeinChairü
 
 
Audit Committee.During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the Audit Committee met fivefour times. The Audit Committee’s role is financial oversight. Our management is responsible for preparing financial statements, and our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing those financial statements. The Audit Committee is not providing any expert or special assurance as to our financial statements or any professional certification as to the independent registered public accounting firm’s work.
 
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm. The committee, among other things, also reviews and discusses McDermott’s audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm.
 
Our Board has determined that Messrs. Bookout,McWilliams, Goldman, Hanks and McWilliamsTrice and Admiral Mies each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” within the definition established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For more information on the backgrounds of these directors, see their biographical information under “Election of Directors” above.
 
Compensation Committee.Committee:
Mr. Schievelbein (Chairman)
Mr. Brown
Mr. Kingsley
Mr. Trice
During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the Compensation Committee met fiveeight times. The Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for our officer compensation plans, policies and programs and has the authority to engage and terminate any compensation consultant or other advisors to assist the


9


committee in the discharge of its responsibilities. The Compensation Committee has engaged Hewitt Associates LLC, or Hewitt, to assisthas served as the committee on compensation matters. Hewitt advisesconsultant to the Compensation Committee on all principal elements of ourexecutive and director compensation programs, including market datasince October 2007, and practices, and attends meetings ofserved in that capacity during 2009. On February 1, 2010, Hewitt spun-off its executive compensation business into a separate company known as Meridian Compensation Partners LLC. Since the committee and participates in executive sessions without members of management.spin-off, Meridian, rather than Hewitt, provides advice and analysis onhas been advising the design, structure and level of executive compensation.compensation committee. The Compensation Committee considers recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer regarding the compensation of our executive officers. Please see the “Compensation


10


Discussion and Analysis” sectionand “Compensation of Executive Officers” sections of this proxy statement for information about our 20082009 executive officer compensation.compensation, including a discussion of the role of the compensation consultant.
The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the design of our significant compensation programs with the assistance of its compensation consultant. We believe our compensation programs motivate and retain our employees while allowing for appropriate levels of business risk through some of the following features:
•    Reasonable Compensation Programs— Using the elements of total direct compensation, the Compensation Committee seeks to provide compensation opportunities for employees targeted at or near the median compensation of comparable positions in our market. As a result, we believe the total direct compensation of employees provides a reasonable and appropriate mix of cash and equity, annual and longer-term incentives, and performance metrics.
•    Emphasize Long-Term Incentive Over Annual Incentive Compensation— Long-term incentive compensation typically makes up a larger percentage of an employee’s total direct compensation than annual incentive compensation. Incentive compensation helps drive performance and align the interests of employees with those of shareholders. However, tying a significant portion of an employee’s total direct compensation to long-term incentives (which typically vest over a period of three or more years) helps to promote longer-term perspectives regarding company performance.
•    Long-Term Incentive Compensation Subject to Forfeiture— The Compensation Committee may terminate any outstanding stock award if the recipient (1) is convicted of a misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude or a felony, or (2) engages in conduct that adversely affects or may reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business reputation or economic interests of the Company.
•    Linear and Capped Incentive Compensation Payouts— The Compensation Committee establishes financial performance goals which are used to plot a linear payout formula for annual and long-term incentive compensation, eliminating payout “cliffs” between the established performance goals. The maximum payout for both the annual and long-term incentive compensation is capped at 200% percent of target.
•    Use of Multiple and Appropriate Performance Metrics— Utilizing diversified performance measures helps prevent compensation opportunities from being overly weighted toward the performance result of a single measure. In general, our incentive programs are historically based on a mix of financial and individual goals. Additionally, our primary financial performance metric has been a mix of consolidated and segment operating income. Compared to other financial metrics, operating income is a measure of the profitability of our business which helps drive accountability at our operating segments thereby reducing risks related to incentive compensation by putting the focus on quality of revenues not quantity.
•    Stock Ownership Guidelines— Our executive officers and directors are subject to share ownership guidelines which also helps promote longer-term perspectives and align the interests of our executive officers and directors with those of our shareholders.
 
The Compensation Committee administers our Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, or EICP, under which it awards annual bonusescash-based incentive compensation to our officers based uponon the attainment of annual performance goals. The Compensation Committee establishesapproves, among other things, target EICP awardscompensation for each officer, expressed as a percentage of the officer’s base salary for that year, and financial goals applicable to EICP awards.compensation. The Compensation Committee authorized our Chief Executive Officer to establish individual goals for our other executive officers applicable to EICP awardscompensation and, in coordination with his direct reports, to select such other officers and key employees to participate in the EICP and establish appropriate individual performance goals for them. Under both our 2001 Directors and Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2001 D&O Plan, and our 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2009 LTIP, our Compensation Committee may delegate some of its duties to our Chief Executive Officer or other senior


11


officers. Pursuant to this authority, our Compensation Committee has authorized our Vice President of Human Resources, together with our Chief Executive Officer, to approve awards of options to purchase up to 5,000 shares of stock and 1,000 shares ofOur restricted stock or performance unitsawards granted in 2008 under the 2001 D&O Plan to officers or employees (other than officers subject to the reporting provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in connection with their initial employment or promotion within McDermott; provided that time does not permit the review and approval by the Compensation Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting and that any grants awarded pursuant to this authorization are subject to ratification by the Compensation Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. In addition, our restricted stock awards granted under the 2001 D&O Plan in 2008 provide for accelerated vesting at the Compensation Committee’s discretion if the participant retires and is at least 60 years of age with at least 10 years of service. To facilitate a timely determination in these instances, the Compensation Committee has authorized our General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources, acting jointly, to consider and determine whether to approve any request for such accelerated vesting.
 
Finance Committee.Committee:
Mr. Goldman (Chairman)
Mr. Bookout
Mr. Hanks
Mr. McWilliams
Mr. Schievelbein
During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the Finance Committee met seven times. The Finance Committee has the overall responsibility of reviewing and overseeing financial policies (including any dividend recommendations and stock repurchase programs) and financial strategies, mergers, acquisitions, financings, liabilities, investment performance of our pension plans and the capital structures of McDermott and its subsidiaries. Generally, the Finance Committee has responsibility over many activities up to $50 million, and for such activities involving amounts over $50 million, the Finance Committee will review the activity and make a recommendation to the Board.
 
Governance Committee.Committee:
Mr. Brown (Chairman)
Mr. Bookout
Mr. Kingsley
Adm. Mies
During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the Governance Committee met sixseven times. This committee, in addition to other matters, recommends to our Board of Directors: (1) the qualifications, term limits and nomination and election procedures relating to our directors; (2) nominees for election to our Board of Directors; and (3) compensation of nonmanagement directors. This committee will consider individuals recommended by stockholders for nomination as directors in accordance with the procedures described under “Stockholders’ Proposals.” Our Governance Committee has primary oversight responsibility for our compliance and ethics program, excluding certain oversight responsibilities assigned to the Audit Committee.Committee, and our director and officer insurance program. In conjunction with the Compensation Committee, the Governance Committee oversees the annual evaluation of our Chief Executive Officer.
 
In May 2008,2009, at the request of the Chairman of the Governance Committee, Hewitt performed a market analysis of nonemployee director compensation using our Custom Peer Group (as defined in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”) and made recommendations regarding nonemployee director compensation to the Governance Committee. Based on those recommendations, the Governance Committee recommended to the Compensation Committee an increaseno changes in the valueform and amounts of nonmanagement director equity awards from $80,000 to $110,000compensation for 2008.2009. Our management is not substantively involved in Hewitt’s market analysis or recommendation regarding nonmanagement director compensation.


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Restructuring Committee:
Mr. BookoutMr. Hanks
Mr. BrownMr. McWilliams
Mr. CambreMr. Schievelbein
Mr. Goldman
In connection with the proposed spin-off of B&W, in January 2010 our Board established a special Restructuring Committee. The Restructuring Committee has overall responsibility for reviewing and evaluating the details of the proposed separation, including significant financial, governance and other policies and matters.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
All members of our Compensation Committee are independent in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. No member of the Compensation Committee (1) was, during the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, or had previously been, an officer or employee of McDermott or any of its subsidiaries or (2) had any material interest in a transaction of McDermott or a business relationship with, or any indebtedness to, McDermott. No interlocking relationship existed during the year ended December 31, 20082009 between any member of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and an executive officer of McDermott.


12


 
Director Nomination Process
 
Our Governance Committee has determined that a candidate for election to our Board of Directors must meet specific minimum qualifications. Each candidate must:should:
 
 •    have a record of integrity and ethics inhis/her personal and professional life;
 
 •    have a record of professional accomplishment inhis/her field;
 
 •    be prepared to represent the best interests of our stockholders;
 
 •    not have a material personal, financial or professional interest in any competitor of ours; and
 
 •    be prepared to participate fully in Board activities, including active membership on at least one Board committee and attendance at, and active participation in, meetings of the Board and the committee(s) of which he or she is a member, and not have other personal or professional commitments that would, in the Governance Committee’s sole judgment, interfere with or limit his or her ability to do so.
 
In addition, the Governance Committee also considers it desirable that candidates possess the following qualities or skills:
 
 •    each candidate should contribute positively to the collaborative culture among Board members; and
 
 •    each candidate should possess professional and personal experiences and expertise relevant to our businesses and industries.
 
TheWhile McDermott does not have a specific policy addressing board diversity, the Board recognizes the benefits of a diversified board and believes that any search for potential director candidates should consider diversity as to gender, ethnic background and personal and professional experiences. In 2009 our Governance Committee engaged Cornerstone International Group (“Cornerstone”), an independent director search firm, in order to assist in selecting director candidates. Cornerstone initially identified over 1,000 men and women as candidates, representing a cross-section of ethnicities, industries, educational backgrounds, experience and professional affiliations. From this pool, nine candidates were presented to the Governance Committee for review. Following lengthy discussions in which the Governance Committee considered each candidate’s experience, education, prior board memberships, key accomplishments, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and industry experience, among other factors, the Governance Committee recommended Mr. Hanks and Mr. Trice to the Board for appointment as directors.
 
The Governance Committee solicits ideas for possible candidates from a number of sources — including members of the Board, our senior level executives, and individuals personally known to the members of the Board.Board and independent director candidate search firms.
 
Any stockholder may nominate one or more persons for election as one of our directors at an annual meeting of stockholders if the stockholder complies with the notice, information and consent provisions contained in ourBy-Laws. See “Stockholders’ Proposals” in this proxy statement and ourBy-Laws, which may be found on our websiteWeb site atwww.mcdermott.comat “Corporate Governance — Governance Policies.”
 
The Governance Committee will consider candidates identified through the processes described above and will evaluate each of them, including incumbents, based on the same criteria. The Governance Committee also takes into account the contributions of incumbent directors as Board members and the benefits to us arising from their experience on the Board. Although the Governance Committee will consider candidates identified by stockholders, the Governance Committee has sole discretion whether to recommend those candidates to the Board. None of the director nominees for the 20092010 Annual Meeting are standing for election for the first time, with the exception of Mr. FeesMessrs. Hanks and Admiral Mies,Trice, who were each appointed to the Board in October 2008May 2009.
In nominating individuals to become members of the Board of Directors, the Governance Committee considers the experience, qualifications, and August 2008, respectively. Admiral Mies was recommendedskills of each potential member. Each nominee brings a strong and unique background and set of skills to the Board, giving the Board as a director candidate bywhole competence and experience in a former memberwide variety of our Board.areas. In concluding each individual was an appropriate nominee, the Governance Committee and the Board of Directors considered the following:
•    Mr. Bookout has global experience working with the petroleum refining, marketing, exploration and development and the natural gas and electric utility industries. He served


13


as managing partner of a global management consulting firm, where he also worked in London as head of its European Energy Practice. He also has extensive experience in private equity and finance and currently serves on the board of a non-public company.
•    Mr. Brown’s extensive experience in the oil and gas exploration and production industry makes him a knowledgeable resource for our offshore oil and gas construction operations. Mr. Brown also has a strong knowledge of corporate governance issues, serving on the Nominating & Governance Committee of Ultra Petroleum Corporation and as Chairman of McDermott’s Governance Committee.
•    Mr. Cambre’s service as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Newmont Mining Corporation make him well qualified to serve as Chairman of the Board of McDermott. He has extensive international business experience and knowledge of global energy issues. He attended the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development, and held numerous executive management positions during his careers at Freeport-McMoRan and Newmont. Mr. Cambre has served on the boards of numerous public companies, including Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. and W.R. Grace & Co.
•    Mr. Fees has been an employee of McDermott for 31 years, during which time he has held numerous management positions within the McDermott organization, leading to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. His lengthy tenure with the company and his wealth of experience and in depth knowledge of the operations and culture of McDermott make him highly qualified to serve our stockholders. Mr. Fees also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Nuclear Energy Institute.
•    Mr. Goldman has an extensive background in corporate finance. While serving as Chief Financial Officer of Conoco, Inc., Mr. Goldman played vital roles in the initial public offering and split-off of Conoco, Inc. from DuPont and the subsequent merger of Conoco and Phillips Petroleum. Mr. Goldman chairs the finance committee of El Paso Corporation and the governance committee of Tesoro Corporation while serving on the audit committees of both companies and the compensation committee of Parker Drilling Company. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Kenyon College and chairs its Budget, Finance and Audit Committee. This experience benefits him as Chairman of McDermott’s Finance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee.
•    Mr. Hanks served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of Washington Group International for eight years. That company was acquired by URS Corporation, a publicly traded engineering, construction and technical services firm and one of our peer group companies. He has extensive financial experience, having served as Chief Financial Officer of Morrison Knudsen Corporation, and he currently serves on the audit committee of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
•    Mr. Kingsley brings vast knowledge of the nuclear power generation business to the Board of McDermott. He serves on the board of FPL, Inc., a provider of electricity related services, and previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Exelon Corporation, an integrated utility company and a customer and supplier to one of our principal operating subsidiaries. He previously served as President of the World Association of Nuclear Operators. Throughout his career, Mr. Kingsley has had direct operating and oversight responsibility for major U.S. nuclear power plants. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has received numerous awards given in the United States for nuclear excellence and achievement. His experience in the field of nuclear power operations, maintenance and engineering is valuable to us as a strategic resource for our B&W operations. He currently serves on the nuclear and audit committees of FPL, Inc.
•    Mr. McWilliams has an extensive background in public accounting, and is a Certified Public Accountant and licensed attorney. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Cooper Industries for nine years and in other financial and legal functions for over


14


22 years. In addition, he served for 12 years as chairman of the audit committee of another public company. Mr. McWilliams has served as Chairman of our Audit Committee since 2004.
•    Admiral Mies’ distinguished career as a nuclear submariner in the U.S. Navy and as a former Senior Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation has provided him with extensive experience in nuclear operations, executive leadership and U.S. Government procurement activities. He served as the Senior Operations Commander of the U.S. Submarine Force and as the Commander in Chief of U.S. Strategic Command. He brings to the Board an extensive understanding of the U.S. Government, the single largest customer for McDermott. He serves on the boards of Exelon Corporation and Mutual of Omaha and has extensive audit and governance committee experience.
•    Mr. Schievelbein’s extensive experience with nuclear operations, ship building, program management, technology and governmental operations which he obtained while serving as President of Northrop Grumman Newport News provides a highly valuable resource for our business operations. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Additionally, Mr. Schievelbein was awarded the Naval Submarine League’s Distinguished Civilian Award in 2008 for his contributions to the United States Navy submarine programs. He currently serves as the Lead Director of New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company. He is the Chairman of our Compensation Committee as well as a member of the Compensation Committees of New York Life Insurance Company and The Brinks Company. These positions have provided extensive experience in the development and oversight of executive compensation programs.
•    Mr. Trice’s experience as both Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Newfield Exploration Company provide him with extensive knowledge of the oil and natural gas exploration and production business and strong leadership skills. He has previous experience as Chief Financial Officer of Newfield Exploration and with both domestic and international operations. He currently serves on the boards of Newfield Exploration Company, New Jersey Resources Corporation and Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.


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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORSCompensation of Directors
 
The table below summarizes the compensation paidearned by usor paid to our nonemployee directors during the year ended December 31, 2008.2009. Pursuant to our By-Laws, which require a director to retire at the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders after attaining the age of 72, Bruce DeMarsRobert L. Howard retired from the Board of Directors at the 20082009 Annual Meeting. Admiral Mies wasMessrs. Hanks and Trice were appointed to the Board in August 2008.May 2009.
 
Director Compensation Table
 
                             
              Change
       
              in Pension
       
              Value and
       
              Nonqualified
       
           Non-Equity
  Deferred
       
  Fees Earned or
  Stock
  Option
  Incentive Plan
  Compensation
  All Other
    
Name
 Paid in Cash(1)  Awards(2)  Awards(2)  Compensation  Earnings  Compensation(3)  Total 
 
John F. Bookout III $80,500  $124,460      N/A   N/A     $204,960 
Roger A. Brown $81,500  $118,440  $7,820   N/A   N/A  $3,726  $211,486 
Ronald C. Cambre $108,250  $124,460  $7,820   N/A   N/A  $468  $240,998 
Bruce DeMars $16,250  $12,765  $7,820   N/A   N/A     $36,835 
Robert W. Goldman $93,250  $124,460      N/A   N/A     $217,710 
Robert L. Howard $82,750  $127,340  $7,820   N/A   N/A  $648  $218,558 
Oliver D. Kingsley Jr.  $80,500  $118,440  $7,820   N/A   N/A  $6,019  $212,779 
D. Bradley McWilliams $110,750  $127,340  $7,820   N/A   N/A  $2,426  $248,336 
Richard W. Mies $48,646  $84,021      N/A   N/A     $132,667 
Thomas C. Schievelbein $82,250  $127,340  $7,820   N/A   N/A     $217,410 
                       
          Change
    
          in Pension
    
          Value and
    
          Nonqualified
    
        Non-Equity
 Deferred
    
  Fees Earned or
 Stock
 Option
 Incentive Plan
 Compensation
 All Other
  
Name Paid in Cash(1) Awards(2) Awards(2) Compensation Earnings Compensation(3) Total
John F. Bookout III $82,500  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A $782  $193,271 
Roger A. Brown $100,750  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A    $210,739 
Ronald C. Cambre $217,500  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A $1,757  $329,246 
Robert W. Goldman $94,500  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A $2,633  $207,122 
Stephen G. Hanks $68,000  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A $4,914  $182,903 
Robert L. Howard $15,750     N/A N/A N/A    $15,750 
Oliver D. Kingsley Jr.  $90,750  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A    $200,739 
D. Bradley McWilliams $104,500  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A $2,687  $217,176 
Richard W. Mies $84,250  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A    $194,239 
Thomas C. Schievelbein $113,795  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A    $223,784 
David A. Trice $69,750  $109,989  N/A N/A N/A    $179,739 
 
(1)See “Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” below for a discussion of the amounts reported in this column.
 
(2)See “Stock and Option Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts reported in these columns.
 
(3)The amounts reported in the “All Other Compensation” column are attributable to a taxgross-up associated with income imputed to the director as a result of his family memberspouse accompanying him on travel in connection with Board business.
 
The compensation for nonemployee directors for 20082009 was comprised of cash and equity compensation earned by directors in connection with their service as directors. The cash compensation consisted of retainers and meeting fees described in more detail below. The equity compensation consisted of restricted stock awards issued under our 2001 Directors and Officer Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as our 2001 D&O Plan, as described in more detail below. The amounts reported in the “Option Awards” column represent the associated dollar amounts we recognized for financial statement reporting purposes under SFAS No. 123R.2009 LTIP. Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their service as directors.
 
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash.  Under our current director compensation program, cash compensation for nonemployee directors consists of the following:
 
 •    an annual retainer of $45,000 (prorated for partial terms); and
 
 •    a fee of $2,500 for each Board meeting personally attended, $1,750 for each meeting of a committee meetingof which they are a member personally attended and $1,000 for each Board meeting and meeting of a committee meetingof which they are a member attended by telephone.
As of January 1, 2010, any director who attends a meeting of the Restructuring Committee receives a fee of $1,750 for each meeting personally attended and $1,000 for each meeting attended by telephone, and the Non-Executive Chairman receives a fee of $1,750 for any committee meeting personally attended and $1,000 for any committee meeting attended by telephone.
 
The chairs of Board committees and the Non-Executive Chairman and the Lead Director receive additional annual retainers as follows (pro-rated for partial terms):
 
 •    the chair of the Audit Committee: $20,000;
 
 •    the chair of each of the Compensation Committee and the Restructuring Committee: $15,000;
• the chair of each of the Finance and Governance committees: $10,000;


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 •    the Non-Executive Chairman: $100,000;chair of each of the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee: $10,000; and
 
 •    the Lead Director: $15,000.Non-Executive Chairman: $100,000.
Beginning in May 2009, all director annual retainers are paid in quarterly installments.
 
Stock and Option Awards.  In addition to the fees and benefits provided to our directors described above, we granted equity awards to our directors under the 2001 D&O Plan.2009 LTIP.
 
Under the 2001 D&O Plan,2009 LTIP, nonemployee directors may be granted stock option, restricted stock, performance unit, deferredrestricted stock unit and performance share awards, in such amounts and on such terms, as the Compensation Committee or the Board may determine from time to time. In 2008, all2009, each of our nonemployee directors with the exception of Admiral Mies, received 1,9086,060 shares of restricted stock with a value at the time of grant of $110,000 (calculated based on the average of the highest and lowest price of our common stock ($57.63) on the grant date). Due to Admiral Mies’ appointment as a director on August 1, 2008, he received a prorated grant of 1,782 shares of restricted stock with a value at the time of grant of $84,678 (calculated based on the average of the highest and lowest price of our common stock ($47.505) on the grant date).stock. Under the terms of each award, the restricted stock vested immediately on the grant date.
 
The amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columnscolumn represent the associated dollar amounts we recognizedgrant date fair value computed in 2008 for financial statement reporting purposes under Statement ofaccordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“SFAS”FASB ASC”) No. 123R.Topic 718. Under SFAS No. 123R,FASB ASC Topic 718, the fair value of restricted stock and stock options is determined on the date of grant and is not remeasured. Grant date fair values are determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant for restricted stock, and an option-pricing model, for stock options. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for measuring the fair value of stock options granted. The determination of the fair value of an award on the date of grant using an option-pricing model requires various assumptions, such as the expected life of the award and stock price volatility. For a discussion of the valuation assumptions, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.stock.


13


The following tables reflecttable reflects the number of shares and grant date fair value, computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R,FASB ASC Topic 718, with respect to each restricted stock and stock option award granted to nonemployee directors in 20082009 and the restricted stock and stock option awards each nonemployee director had outstanding as of December 31, 2008. The fair value of these restricted stock awards determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R is based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. As a result, the fair value under SFAS 123R is different than the $110,000 value of the grant discussed above.
 
Stock and OptionEquity Awards Granted to Directors in 20082009 and
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
 
             
     Stock Awards 
     Shares of
    
     Restricted Stock
  Grant Date
 
Name
 Grant Date  Granted  Fair Value 
 
John F. Bookout III  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Roger A. Brown  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Ronald C. Cambre  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Bruce DeMars         
Robert W. Goldman  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Robert L. Howard  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Oliver D. Kingsley Jr.   May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
D. Bradley McWilliams  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
Richard W. Mies  August 1, 2008   1,782  $84,021.30 
Thomas C. Schievelbein  May 15, 2008   1,908  $111,694.32 
                       
   Equity Awards
  Equity Awards Outstanding at
   Granted in 2009  December 31, 2009
     Shares of
       
     Restricted
 Grant Date
     
Name  Grant Date Stock Fair Value  Stock Awards(1) Option Awards
John F. Bookout, III   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    1,350   3,150 
Roger A. Brown   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   19,650 
Ronald C. Cambre   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    1,350   0 
Robert W. Goldman   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    1,350   4,950 
Stephen G. Hanks   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   0 
Robert L. Howard             0   37,200 
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.    May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   19,950 
D. Bradley McWilliams   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   37,876 
Richard W. Mies   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   0 
Thomas C. Schievelbein   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   37,426 
David A. Trice   May 14, 2009   6,060  $109,989    0   0 
 
Director Equity Awards Outstanding at12/31/08
         
  Stock Awards
  Option
 
Name
 (All Restricted Stock)  Awards 
 
John F. Bookout III  1,350   3,150 
Roger A. Brown  0   19,650 
Ronald C. Cambre  1,350   0 
Bruce DeMars  0   0 
Robert W. Goldman  1,350   4,950 
Robert L. Howard  1,800   84,900 
Oliver D. Kingsley Jr.   0   19,950 
D. Bradley McWilliams  1,800   37,876 
Richard W. Mies  0   0 
Thomas C. Schievelbein  1,800   37,426 
(1)All Director stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2009 consisted of shares of restricted stock granted in prior years and as to which the restrictions had not yet lapsed.


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERSNamed Executives Profiles
The following are named executive officer profiles that summarize the compensation earned or paid in 2009 to our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our three other most highly compensated executive officers, whom we refer to as our “Named Executives.” The individual executive profiles provide biographical information, including age as of May 7, and summarize the compensation disclosures that are provided in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and executive compensation tables in this proxy statement. These profiles are supplemental, and are being provided in addition to, and not in substitution for, the detailed compensation tables required by the Securities Exchange Commission that follow the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. We believe these profiles provide stockholders with a concise and easy to understand summary of 2009 compensation. The compensation information presented in the following executive profiles is derived from the more detailed compensation tables that begin on page 42 of this proxy statement. Please consult those tables and the accompanying footnotes for an explanation of how the compensation information is calculated.


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John A. Fees
Chief Executive Officer & Director, Mcdermott International, Inc.
Age: 52
Tenure with McDermott: 31 years
Mr. Fees has been Chief Executive Officer of McDermott since October 2008. He joined our company in 1979 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of B&W from January 2007 to October 2008; President and Chief Operating Officer of BWX Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of ours, from September 2002 to January 2007; and President, General Manager of BWXT Services, Inc., a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc., from September 1997 to November 2002. His earlier positions at subsidiaries of B&W include Vice President and General Manager.
2009 Compensation
     
     
Annual Base Salary
    
Base Salary $900,000 
     
Annual Incentive Compensation
    
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan $1,665,000 
     
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
(Grant Date Fair Value)
    
Restricted Stock Units $2,244,382 
Performance Shares $1,298,894 
Stock Options $1,995,846 
     
Pension Plan
    
Annual Increase in Accumulated Pension Benefit $399,782 
     
Other Compensation
    
SERP Contribution $64,774 
Thrift Match $7,350 
Service-Based Thrift Contribution  N/A 
TaxGross-Ups
 $11,501 
Perquisites and Personal Benefits $27,782 
2009 Total Compensation
(PIE CHART)
Equity Awarded in 2009
3/5/09Stock Options295,716 shares
3/5/09Restricted Stock Units208,392 units
3/5/09Performance Shares120,603 shares


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Michael S. Taff
Chief Financial Officer, Mcdermott International, Inc.
Age: 48
Tenure with McDermott: 5 years
Mr. Taff has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2007. He served as our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from June 2005 to April 2007. Previously, Mr. Taff served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HMT Inc., an engineering and construction company, from June 2004 to June 2005 and as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Philip Services Corporation, a provider of industrial, environmental, transportation and container services, from September 1994 to May 2004.
2009 Compensation
     
Annual Base Salary
    
Base Salary $505,000 
     
Annual Incentive Compensation
    
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan $707,000 
     
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
(Grant Date Fair Value)
    
Restricted Stock Units $621,095 
Performance Shares $359,449 
Stock Options $552,314 
     
Pension Plan
    
Annual Increase in Accumulated Pension Benefit  N/A 
     
Other Compensation
    
SERP Contribution $41,378 
Thrift Match $7,358 
Service-Based Thrift Contribution $7,358 
TaxGross-Ups
 $3,221 
Perquisites and Personal Benefits $ 
2009 Total Compensation
(PIE CHART)
Equity Awarded in 2009
3/5/09Stock Options81,834 shares
3/5/09Restricted Stock Units57,669 units
3/5/09Performance Shares33,375 shares


20


Brandon C. Bethards
President & Chief Executive Officer, The Babcock & Wilcox Company
Age: 62
Tenure with McDermott: 36 years
Mr. Bethards has been President and Chief Executive Officer of B&W since November 2008 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since September 2008. He joined Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc., a major operating subsidiary of B&W, in the early 1970s and served most recently as its President from January 2007 to October 2008 and Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Fossil Power division from February 2001 to January 2007. His earlier positions within the Power Generation Group include Vice President of Business Development, General Manager, District Engineer and Field Service Engineer.
2009 Compensation
     
Annual Base Salary
    
Base Salary $526,200 
     
Annual Incentive Compensation
    
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan $663,012 
     
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
(Grant Date Fair Value)
    
Restricted Stock Units $532,404 
Performance Shares $308,140 
Stock Options $473,450 
     
Pension Plan
    
Annual Increase in Accumulated Pension Benefit $305,160 
     
Other Compensation
    
SERP Contribution $44,948 
Thrift Match $4,906 
Service-Based Thrift Contribution  N/A 
TaxGross-Ups
 $1,144 
Perquisites and Personal Benefits $14,695 
2009 Total Compensation
(PIE CHART)
Equity Awarded in 2009
3/5/09Stock Options70,149 shares
3/5/09Restricted Stock Units49,434 units
3/5/09Performance Shares28,611 shares


21


Stephen M. Johnson
President & Chief Executive Officer, J. Ray Mcdermott, S.A.
Age: 58
Tenure with McDermott: 1 year
Mr. Johnson has been President and Chief Executive Officer of J. Ray McDermott, S.A., one of our subsidiaries, since January 2010. Previously, he served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2009 to December 2009, and from 2001 to 2008 as Senior Executive Vice President and Member, Office of the Chairman, at Washington Group International, Inc. (“Washington Group”) and at URS Corporation, which acquired Washington Group in 2007. Prior to joining Washington Group, Mr. Johnson held various management positions within Fluor Corporation, an engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services company, from 1973 through 2001.
2009 Compensation
     
Annual Base Salary
    
Base Salary $562,500 
     
Annual Incentive Compensation
    
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan $1,131,563 
     
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
(Grant Date Fair Value)
    
Restricted Stock Units $1,687,678 
Performance Shares $976,724 
Stock Options $1,435,394 
     
Pension Plan
    
Annual Increase in Accumulated Pension Benefit  N/A 
     
Other Compensation
    
SERP Contribution $N/A 
Thrift Match $6,342 
Service-Based Thrift Contribution $7,280 
TaxGross-Ups
 $17,111 
Perquisites and Personal Benefits $53,196 
2009 Total Compensation
(PIE CHART)
Equity Awarded in 2009
5/14/09Stock Options131,949 shares
5/14/09Restricted Stock Units92,985 units
5/14/09Performance Shares53,814 shares


22


Robert A. Deason
Former President & Chief Executive Officer, J. Ray Mcdermott, S.A.
Age: 64
Tenure with McDermott: 7 years
Mr. Deason served as President and Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, J. Ray McDermott, S.A., from June 2007 to January 2010. He currently serves as its Executive Vice President and is expected to retire at the end of March 2010. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray McDermott, S.A. from March 2003, when he joined the Company. Prior to that, Mr. Deason served as a vice president with Fluor Corporation, an engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services company.
2009 Compensation
     
Annual Base Salary
    
Base Salary $555,000 
     
Annual Incentive Compensation
    
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan $777,000 
     
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
(Grant Date Fair Value)
    
Restricted Stock Units $1,077,000 
Performance Shares $0 
Stock Options $0 
     
Pension Plan
    
Annual Increase in Accumulated Pension Benefit  N/A 
     
Other Compensation
    
SERP Contribution $60,950 
Thrift Match $4,698 
Service-Based Thrift Contribution $7,353 
TaxGross-Ups
 $18,620 
Perquisites and Personal Benefits $32,956 
2009 Total Compensation
(PIE CHART)
Equity Awarded in 2009
3/5/09Restricted Stock Units100,000 units


23


Executive Officers
 
Set forth below is the age (as of May 8, 2009)7, 2010), the principal positions held with McDermott or our subsidiaries, and other business experience information for each of our current executive officers other than John A. Fees, who is our Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board.Named Executives. For more information on Mr. Fees,our Named Executives, see his biographical information under “Election of Directors”“Named Executives Profiles” above. Unless we otherwise specify, all positions described below are positions with McDermott International, Inc.
 
Dennis S. Baldwin, 47,49, has been Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of McDermott since October 2007. Previously, he served as Chief Accounting Officer of Integrated Electrical Services, Inc,. a national electrical contracting company, from February 2007 to October 2007; as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Veritas DGC, Inc., a seismic company which provides geophysical services to the petroleum industry, from 2005 to 2007; and as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc., a company providing gas compression services to the domestic and international gas industry, from 2002 to 2005.
 
Brandon C. Bethards, 61, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, since November 2008 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since September 2008. He joined Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc., a major operating subsidiary of The Babcock & Wilcox Company, in the early 1970s and served most recently as its President from January 2007 to October 2008 and Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Fossil Power division from February 2001 to January 2007. His earlier positions within the Power Generation Group include Vice President of Business Development, General Manager, District Engineer and Field Service Engineer.
Robert A. Deason, 63, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary J. Ray McDermott, S.A. since June 2007. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray McDermott, S.A. from March 2003 to June 2007. He was also Vice President, Operations of Fluor Corporation, an engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services company, from March 1999 to January 2003; and Vice President, Project Management Production, Pipelines & Marine Services of Fluor Corporation from June 1997 to March 1999.
Liane K. Hinrichs, 51,52, has been our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since October 2008. Previously, she served as our Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from January 2007 to September 2008; Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Corporate Compliance and Transactions from January 2006 to December 2006; Associate General Counsel, Transactions, Corporate Compliance and Deputy Corporate Secretary from June 2004 to December 2005; Assistant General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Transactions from October 2001 to May 2004; and Senior Counsel from May 1999 to September 2001. Prior to joining McDermott in 1999, she was a partner in a New Orleans law firm.
 
Preston Johnson, Jr., 53,54, has been our Senior Vice President, Human Resources since May 2008. Previously, Mr. Johnson served as Vice President, Global Human Resources and Health Services at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (a global oil and natural gas exploration and production company) from October 2005 to May 2008; Senior Vice President for Human Resources and Business Services at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (an electric, gas, pipeline and power distribution and delivery company) from March 2000 to October 2005; and Global Director, Human Resources at The Dow Chemical Company (a diversified chemical company) from June 1977 to March 2000.
 
John D. Krueger, 62,63, has been our Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategic Planning since October 2008. He joined the Company in 1976 and served most recently as Vice President, Planning and Business Development for our subsidiary, The Babcock & Wilcox Company,B&W from October 2006 to September 2008 and Vice President, Business Development of The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyB&W from March 2004 to October 2006. He also served as Vice President, Business Development for our subsidiary, J. Ray McDermott, S.A., from June 1998 to March 2004 and as Vice President, Planning and Business Development of McDermott International, Inc., from June 1993 to June 1998. His prior positions within the Company include Director of Corporate Business Planning & Analysis, Director of Corporate Development and Senior Analyst.
 
James C. Lewis, 53,54, has been our Vice President, Treasurer since March 2006. Previously, he was: Assistant Treasurer of McDermott from July 2003 to February 2006; Vice President, Structuring of Enron Corp., from


15


December 2001 to July 2003 and Vice President, Structuring of Enron Global Markets, LLC, a subsidiary of Enron Corp., from September 2000 to December 2001.
 
John T. Nesser, III, 60,61, has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our subsidiary J. Ray McDermott, S.A. since October 2008. Previously, he served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer from January 2007 to September 2008; Executive Vice President and General Counsel from January 2006 to January 2007; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from February 2001 to January 2006; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from January 2000 to February 2001; Vice President and Associate General Counsel from June 1999 to January 2000; and Associate General Counsel from October 1998 to June 1999. Previously, he served as a managing partner of Nesser, King & LeBlanc, a New Orleans law firm, which he co-founded in 1985.
Michael S. Taff, 47, has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2007. He served as our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from June 2005 to April 2007. Previously, Mr. Taff served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HMT Inc., an engineering and construction company, from June 2004 to June 2005 and as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Philip Services Corporation, a provider of industrial, environmental, transportation and container services, from September 1994 to May 2004.
In addition, Bruce W. Wilkinson retired from McDermott during 2008. Mr. Wilkinson served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board from August 2000 to September 2008. He retired from McDermott on September 30, 2008.


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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISCompensation Discussion and Analysis
 
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis, or CD&A, provides information relevant to understanding the 20082009 compensation of our executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table, on page 35, whom we refer to as our Named Executives. The following discussion also contains statements regarding future individual and company performance targets and goals. These targets and goals are disclosed in the limited context of our compensation programs and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. We caution investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.
 
Summary
 
The Compensation Committee seekscontinued its commitment to design compensation programs for our Named Executives to promote companytargeting reasonable and shareholder goals. To be competitive the Compensation Committee generally sets target compensation around the median compensation of officers in comparable positions in our market, which we describe below under “— Overview of Compensation Programs and Objectives — Defining our Market.” To drive performance, a majority of a Named Executive’s target compensation consists of equity-based and performance-based compensation components. We consider these components variable or “at-risk” because the value of the compensation earned is dependent on our stock priceand/or actual performance relative to specific annual and long-term goals.
In 2008, variable compensation, consisting of our annual bonus and equity-based awards, represented, on average, approximately 83% of the value of a Named Executive’s target compensation (excluding Mr. Wilkinson, who retired in 2008). A portion of our Named Executives’ variable compensation consisted of restricted stock awards that are not tied to performance measures but which helped ensure that our equity-based awards address retention as well as performance. Otherwise, 100% of the 2008 target annual bonus and about 75% of the target equity-based compensation for our Named Executives were tiedin 2009, with a significant portion of that compensation being performance-based. Specifically, for Named Executives (other than Mr. Robert A. Deason):
•    2009 target total direct compensation was within 10%-15% of the median compensation of officers in comparable positions in our market;
•    60% of target long-term incentive compensation for 2009 was performance-based; and
•    performance-based compensation accounted for over 55% of 2009 target total direct compensation.
Mr. Deason announced his intention to retire as the achievementPresident and Chief Executive Officer of specific financial performance based on operating incomeour subsidiary, J. Ray McDermott, S.A., or J. Ray. In lieu of long-term incentive compensation, Mr. Deason received a restricted stock grant to retain him as J. Ray’s principal executive officer through December 31, 2009. Without any performance-based equity in 2009, only 20% of his target total direct compensation was performance-based. As a result, Mr. Deason’s compensation differs from the other Named Executives and, unless otherwise stated in this CD&A, the case of the annual bonus, individual performance. compensation analysis provided for Named Executives as a group excludes Mr. Deason.
The Compensation Committee believes that aligning a significant portion of a Named Executive’s compensation with shortshould be performance-based, designed to promote and longer-term operating income goals drivesreward the achievement of short- and longer-term financial objectives that are expected to drive shareholder value. With this belief in mind, the Compensation Committee continued to tie annual and long-term incentive compensation to operating income in 2009. However, the Compensation Committee incorporated total shareholder return relative to select peer companies as an additional performance metric in 2009 long-term incentive compensation, to help align executive compensation with shareholder return. As a result of the performance metrics used and the emphasis on longer-term performance incentives, the Compensation Committee believes that our compensation practices help to create shareholder value without encouraging executives to take unnecessary and excessive risks to achieve those objectives. Additionally,earn incentive compensation. See “Corporate Governance — Board of Directors and Its Committee — Compensation Committee” for information regarding the relationship between our compensation practices and risks.
The performance-based compensation that paid out in 2009 also reflected the Compensation Committee has begunCommittee’s commitment to study “claw back” practices, with a view to implementing provisions that may permit us to recover cash and equity we pay or award to certain officers, including Named Executives, infor performance. McDermott’s cumulative operating income of over $1.8 billion for the event of a material restatement of our financial results as a result of intentional misconduct.
Based on 2008 financial results and attainment of individual goals,three-year period ended December 31, 2009 represents the amounts paid to our Named Executives, including Mr. Wilkinson, under our annual bonus plan and as discretionary awards represented, on average, approximately 89% of the targetlargest amount of 2008 annual bonuses for Named Executives. On a consolidated basis, we earned approximately $570 million of operating income in 2008, outperforming the 2008 threshold goal of $511.5 million.any three-year period since The Babcock & Wilcox Company or B&W, iswas acquired by McDermott in 1978. As a result, our subsidiaryNamed Executives earned payments at the maximum level under performance shares granted in 2006 and which vested in 2009. Most of our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments are organized. WithNamed Executives were also eligible to earn the maximum payout under our annual incentive compensation program based on consolidated operating income of over $450$546.5 million for 2009. As designed by the Compensation Committee, individual performance was the differentiator among Named Executive’s annual incentive compensation payouts for 2009.
In April 2009, Mr. Stephen M. Johnson joined McDermott as our President and Chief Operating Officer. On January 1, 2010, he succeeded Mr. Deason as President and Chief Executive Officer of J. Ray. Because the transition occurred on January 1, 2010 compensation information relating to Mr. Johnson as reported in 2008, B&W exceeded its 2008 maximum operating income goalthis Proxy Statement and discussed in this CD&A relates solely to his role as President and Chief Operating Officer of $320.0 million. J. Ray McDermott, S.A., or J. Ray, which is our subsidiary under which our Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segment is organized, earned approximately $140 million of operating income in 2008, underperforming its threshold operating income goal of $318.7 million. J. Ray’s 2008 operating income results significantly affected the payout of the 2008 annual bonus for our Named Executives and, because of the financial performance conditions associated with 2008 awards of performance shares, substantially decreased the potential overall value of the equity-based compensation delivered to our Named Executives in 2008. Despite J. Ray’s disappointing results in 2008, McDermott produced its second highest annual consolidated operating income in recent history.McDermott.


1725


Bruce W. Wilkinson, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired on September 30, 2008. In addition, several of our officers were promoted during 2008 which impacted both the composition of our Named Executives and the amount of compensation paid to them. Effective October 1, 2008:
• John A. Fees, an employee of nearly 30 years, was appointed our Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors;
• Brandon C. Bethards, an employee of 35 years, succeeded Mr. Fees at B&W as Interim Chief Executive Officer and, effective November 4, 2008, as B&W’s President and Chief Executive Officer; and
• John T. Nesser, III, an employee of 10 years, was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray.
 
Overview of Compensation Programs
and Objectives
 
Philosophy and Objectives.  Our compensation programs are based on our belief that our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees with the requisite skill and experience to develop, expand and execute sound business opportunities is essential to our success and the success of our shareholders.company. To that end, the Compensation Committee, andwith the assistance of its compensation consultant, Hewitt Associates LLC, or Hewitt, designdesigns and implementadministers compensation programs with the participation of our management. These programs generally seek to:to provide compensation that:
 
 •    incentivize executives throughincentivizes and rewards short- and long-term compensation opportunities that rewardperformance, continuity of service and individual companycontributions; and where applicable, segment performance;
�� create and increase shareholder value by:
 •    utilizing equity-based compensation with multi-year vesting schedules to closely alignpromotes retention of well-qualified executives, while aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders and encourage the retention of our executives; and
• structuring compensation contingent on reaching performance goals intended to reward performance by executives over annual and longer-term time horizons and in a manner that we believe creates shareholder value;
• manage fixed compensation costs through the use of performance and equity-based compensation; and
• reward continuity of service and individual contributions.shareholders.
 
Compensation Consultant.  Hewitt Associates LLC, or Hewitt, has served as the consultant to the Compensation Committee on executive and director compensation since October 2007, and served in that capacity during 2009. During 2009, Hewitt advised the Compensation Committee on all principal elements of our compensation programs and attended meetings of the Compensation Committee and participated in executive sessions without members of management present. In 2009, Hewitt provided advice and analysis on the design, structure and level of executive and director compensation. It also provided the Governance Committee and the Board advice and analysis regarding nonmanagement director compensation. In connection with Hewitt’s services to the Compensation Committee, in 2009 Hewitt sought and received input from our executive management on various matters and worked with our executive management to formalize proposals for the Compensation Committee. In 2009, Hewitt did not perform any other services for McDermott, other than assisting our management in preparing the performance graph included in our annual report onForm 10-K. Hewitt had been providing that service to management for several years prior to serving as the Compensation Committee’s consultant, and the fees for that service amounted to less than $2,000 in 2009. On February 1, 2010, Hewitt spun-off its executive compensation business into a separate company known as Meridian Compensation Partners LLC. Since the spin-off, Meridian, rather than Hewitt, has been advising the Compensation Committee on the matters described above.
Elements.  With thesethe objectives outlined above in mind, the Compensation Committee approves annual compensation for Named Executives principally consisting of the following three compensation elements:
 
 •    annual base salary;
 
•    annual bonus;incentives; and
 •    equity-based awards.long-term incentives.
 
Collectively, these elements make up what we refer to these elements as the “total direct compensation” of a Named Executive.
 
Annual base salary provides a fixed level of compensation that helps attract and retain highly qualified executives. Annual bonusincentive and equity-based awardslong-term incentive compensation are principally variablethe principal performance-based components of a Named Executive’s compensation where a substantial amount of the compensation is performance-based. Compensation earned under these performance-based elements depends on the achievement of specific financial and, in the case of the annual bonus, individual performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and designed to support our business strategies and generate shareholder value.compensation. The annual bonusincentive element is the short-term component ofcash-based compensation generally designed to incentivize a Named Executive to achieve performance goals relative to the then-current fiscal year. Equity-basedLong-term incentives are generally equity-based and are designed to retain and closely align the interests of Named Executives with our shareholders. Similar to annual incentives, performance-based long-term incentive compensation generally provides incentivesis designed to achievepromote the achievement of performance goals, only over a longer period — typically of three or more years.
As we discuss in more detail below, the Compensation Committee also administers several plans as part of our post-employment compensation arrangements designed to reward long-term service and performance.
Target Total Direct Compensation.  The Compensation Committee seeks to provide reasonable and competitive compensation. As a result, it targets the elements of total direct compensation for our Named Executives generally within 10%-15% of the median compensation of our market for comparable positions. Throughout this CD&A, we refer to compensation that is within 10%-15% of market median as “market range” compensation.
The Compensation Committee may set elements of total direct compensation above or below the market range to account for a Named Executive’s performance and experience, and other factors or situations that are not typically captured by looking at standard market data and practices and that the Compensation Committee deems relevant to the appropriatenessand/or competitiveness of a Named Executive’s compensation.


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Relationship of Elements.When making decisions as toregarding individual compensation elements, the elements of aCompensation Committee also considers the effect on the Named Executive’s target total direct compensation the Compensation Committee considers the dollar value of annual bonus and equity-based compensation, but typically awards these elements as percentages of annual base salary. This is primarily because our market generally targets these elements on apercentage-of-salary basis. See “— Total Direct Compensation — Equity-Based Compensation — Analysis of 2008 Equity Grants” below for a discussion of how equity grants are valued. Additionally, the Compensation Committee generally considers the entire amount oftarget total direct compensation that is targeted for each Named Executive and the total amount of target cash-based compensation (annual base salary and annual bonus) for a Named Executive relative to the median target compensation for comparable executives in our market.incentives), as applicable. The Compensation Committee’s goal is to establish target compensation for each element it considers appropriate to support the compensation objectives that, when combined, create a target total direct compensation award for each Named Executive that is reasonable and competitive.
 
Target Compensation.  TheDefining Market Range Compensation Committee targets the elements of total direct— Benchmarking.  To identify median compensation, for our Named Executives at or near the 50th percentile of compensation of comparable positions in our market. The Compensation Committee does not strive for a specific percentile of our market with respect to actual pay, rather it seeks to provide a target level of compensation for each element that falls within a range that it considers reasonable to provide competitive compensation — generally plus or minus 15% of the median of our market. The Compensation Committee, however, may deviate from the median of the market to account for a Named Executive’s performance and experience, market practices and other factors or situations that are not typically captured by looking at standard market practices and that the Compensation Committee deems relevant to the appropriateness and competitiveness of a Named Executive’s compensation. Because some elements of total direct compensation are variable, our Named Executives are capable of earning compensation above or below the target range for similarly situated executives in our market.
Defining our Market — Benchmarking.  The Compensation Committee principally relies on “benchmarking” — reviewing the compensation of our Named Executives relative to the compensation paid to similarly situated executives at companies we consider to be our peers as well as industry-specific survey data — to identify the 50th percentile of compensation for each element.peers. Performance goals used within elements of total direct compensation are designed for the principal purpose of supporting our strategic and financial goalsand/or driving the creation of shareholder value, and, as a result, are not generally benchmarked. Benchmarking is an important, but not
At the only, tool that providesrequest of the Compensation Committee, a point of reference to ensure that our target compensation is competitive among companies with whom we compete for business and executive talent.
The Compensation Committee requested Hewitt to conductconducted a market compensation analysis and provideprovided advice regarding the median compensation of the three elements of total direct compensation for our elected officers, including the Named Executives. Using survey data from its proprietary compensation database and other publicly available data,(adjusted by Hewitt to 2009), Hewitt collected information from companies generally reflecting the size, scope and complexity of the business and executive talent at McDermott. To account for the size of our operations relative to peer companies, Hewitt used regression analysis to adjust the market information on peer companies based on revenue. To account for the diversity of geography and industry among our operations, Hewitt analyzed information from two principal peer groups, the J. Ray/Corporate Group and the Babcock & Wilcox Group. In this CD&A unlessreferences to “market” or “our market” are references to the context indicates otherwise, our “market” meanscompensation of companies within the J. Ray/Corporate Group discussed below.or Babcock & Wilcox Group, as applicable.


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• J.Ray/Corporate Group.  With assistance from our management, Hewitt compiled this group as the primary benchmark for our executives at our corporate and Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segments, both of which are headquartered in Houston, Texas. The group consists of 48 companies with operations in engineering, construction, government operationsand/or energy. The median 2007 revenue of companies in this group was $4.8 billion. The component companies of this group include:
 
Alliant Techsystems Inc.
Ameron International Corp.J. Ray/Corporate Group.  With assistance from our management, Hewitt compiled this group as the primary benchmark for our executives at our corporate and Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segments, both of which are headquartered in Houston, Texas. The group consists of 44 companies with operations in engineering, construction, government operationsand/or energy. The component companies of this group include:
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Baker Hughes, Inc.
BJ Services Company
Cameron International, Inc.
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.
Cooper Industries Ltd.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Devon Energy Corporation
Dover Corporation
Eaton Corporation
El Paso Corporation
EOG Resources, Inc.
ESCO Technologies, Inc.
Flowserve Corporation
FMC Technologies, Inc.
Foster Wheeler Ltd.
General Dynamics Corp.
Granite Construction, Inc.
Gulf Island Fabrication Inc.
Halliburton Company
Honeywell International, Inc.
Hubbell, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd.
ITT Corp.
Joy Global, Inc.
KBR Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
Noble Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
Raytheon Company
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Shaw Group, Inc.
Terex Corporation
Textron Inc.
Thomas & Betts Corporation
USG Corporation
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Vulcan Materials Company
Walter Industries, Inc.
Washington Group International Inc.
Williams Cos. Inc.
 
Alliant Techsystems Inc.
Ameron International Corp.
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Baker Hughes, Inc.
BJ Services Company
Cameron International, Inc.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.
Cooper Industries Plc
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Devon Energy Corporation
Dover Corporation
Eaton Corporation
El Paso Corporation
ESCO Technologies Inc.
 BabcockFlowserve Corporation
FMC Technologies, Inc.
Foster Wheeler AG
General Dynamics Corporation
Granite Construction Incorporated
Halliburton Company
Honeywell International, Inc.
Hubbell Inc.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Ingersoll-Rand
ITT Corp.
Joy Global Inc.
KBR, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
Noble Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Pioneer Natural Resources Company
Raytheon Company
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
The Shaw Group Inc.
The Williams Companies, Inc.
Terex Corporation
Textron Inc.
Thomas & Wilcox Group.  With assistance from our management, Hewitt compiled this group as the primary benchmark for our executives at our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments. The group is a subset of the J.Ray/Corporate Group and consists of 33 engineering, constructionand/or governments operations companies that are more specifically representative of our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments. The median 2007 revenue of companies in this group was $7.3 billion. The component companies within this group include:Betts Corporation
USG Corporation
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Vulcan Materials Company
Walter Industries, Inc.
Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
Ameron International Corp.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.
Cooper Industries Ltd.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Dover Corporation
Eaton Corporation
ESCO Technologies, Inc.
Flowserve Corporation
Foster Wheeler Ltd.
General Dynamics Corp.
Granite Construction, Inc.
Honeywell International, Inc.
Hubbell, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd.
ITT Corporation
Joy Global, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
Northrop Grumman Corp.
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Raytheon Company
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Shaw Group, Inc.
Terex Corporation
Textron, Inc.
Thomas & Betts Corporation
USG Corporation
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Vulcan Materials Co.
Walter Industries Inc.
Washington Group International Inc.


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Babcock & Wilcox Group.  With assistance from our management, Hewitt compiled this group as the primary benchmark for our executives at our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments. The group is largely a subset of the J.Ray/Corporate Group and consists of approximately 31 engineering, constructionand/or governments operations companies that are more specifically representative of our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments. The component companies within this group include:
Ameron International Corp.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.
Cooper Industries Plc
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Dover Corporation
Eaton Corporation
ESCO Technologies Inc.
Flowserve Corporation
Foster Wheeler AG
General Dynamics Corporation
Granite Construction Incorporated
Honeywell International, Inc.
Hubbell Inc.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Ingersoll-Rand
ITT Corporation
Joy Global Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Raytheon Company
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
The Shaw Group Inc.
Terex Corporation
Textron, Inc.
Thomas & Betts Corporation
USG Corporation
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Vulcan Materials Company
Walter Industries Inc.
Washington Group International, Inc.
 
In addition to these peer groups, Hewitt supplements the market data with other publicly available compensation information related to companies in a peer group identified by management and Hewitt in October 2007, which we refer to as the “Custom Peer Group.” The Custom Peer Group consists of nine similarly situated engineering and construction companies and is the same group we useduse in the performance graph included in our annual report onForm 10-K. For 2007, the median revenue of the companies in theThe Custom Peer Group was $5.5 billion.is comprised of the following companies: Cal Dive International, Inc.; Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.; Fluor Corporation; Foster Wheeler AG.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; KBR, Inc.; Oceaneering International, Inc.; The Shaw Group Inc.; and URS Corporation. Compensation information for the Custom Peer Group companies was based on information reported by those companies in publicly available Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The information available was largely limited to the five highest paid positions at the company and generally based on 20062007 compensation. As a result, the Compensation Committee relied on theJ.Ray/Corporate Group and the Babcock & Wilcox Group as the primary benchmarks to definedetermine the market and determine 2008 targetrange of 2009 compensation for our elected officers, including the Named Executives.
 
For more information regarding the Compensation Committee’s consultant and the role of the consultant and executive management in executive compensation, see the discussion under “Corporate Governance — Board of Directors and Its Committees — Compensation Committee.”
Total Direct Compensation
 
20082009 Overview.  Total  The 2009 target total direct compensation for each of our Named Executives was within the market range of target total direct compensation, except for Mr. Deason. His target 2009 total direct compensation was slightly below the market range, primarily as a result of his 2009 long-term incentive compensation, which is built around our philosophy of targeting market median compensation with significant incentive components that reflect positive, as well as negative, company and individual performance. discussed in more detail below.
The chart below shows for each element ofthe 2009 target total direct compensation the targetby element for each Named Executive. Because some compensation the Compensation Committee sought to deliver to ourelements are performance-based, Named Executives are capable of earning compensation above or below the market range for similarly situated executives in 2008.our market.
 


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2008 McDermott2009 Target Total Direct Compensation Summary
 
             
  Annual Base Salary
  Annual Bonus
  Equity
 
Named Executive
 ($)  (% of Salary)  (% of Salary) 
 
J.A. Fees            
CEO, McDermott International, Inc.  $750,000   100%  671%
CEO, The Babcock & Wilcox Company $540,000   70%  285%
Composite* $592,500   79%  671%
B.W. Wilkinson $750,000   100%  0%
M.S. Taff $440,000   55%  261%
B.C. Bethards            
CEO, The Babcock & Wilcox Company $526,200   70%  203%
President, B&W Power Generation Group, Inc.  $409,500   60%  160%
Composite* $438,675   63%  203%
R.A. Deason $540,000   70%  235%
J.T. Nesser, III            
COO, J. Ray McDermott, S.A.  $500,000   70%  390%
CALO, MII $500,000   65%  240%
Composite* $500,000   66%  390%
             
    Annual
 Long-Term
    Incentive*
 Incentive*
Named Executive Annual Base Salary (% of Salary) (% of Salary)
J.A. Fees $900,000   100%  705%
M.S. Taff $505,000   70%  348%
B.C. Bethards $526,200   70%  286%
S.M. Johnson $750,000   85%  400%
R.A. Deason $555,000   70%  180%**
 
*The composite values shownWhen making decisions as to the elements of a Named Executive’s total direct compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the dollar value of annual incentive and long-term incentive compensation, but typically awards these elements as percentages of annual base salary. This is primarily because our market generally targets these elements on apercentage-of-salary basis. See ‘‘— Long-Term Incentive Compensation — Analysis of 2009 Equity Grants” below for Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser represent a composite target compensation of each person because each of these Named Executives held more than one position in 2008. The composite values reported under the “Annual Base Salary” and “Annual Bonus” columns reflect the prorated compensation targeted for each person under his current and former position. For a discussion of how the composite target annual bonus amounts were calculated, see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below and the disclosures under “Compensation of Executive Officers — Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” below. equity grants are valued.
** The composite values reported under the “Equity” column, however, represent the targeted amounts of equity awarded in 2008 as percentages of the respective annual base salaries of these executives as of October 1, 2008 under their current positions.value shown for Mr. Deason’s long-term incentive compensation is attributable entirely to his retention stock award. See “— Annual Base Salary,” “— Annual Bonus” and “— Equity-BasedTotal Direct Compensation — Long-Term Compensation — Value of 2009 Long-Term Incentive Compensation” below for a detailed discussion of each element.Mr. Deason’s award.


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While we dothe Compensation Committee does not set a specific target allocation among the elements of total direct compensation, elements, the Compensation Committeeit believes that equity-based and performance-based compensation relate most directly to achievementa significant portion of strategic and financial goals and to building shareholder value and, as a result, should represent a majority of theNamed Executive’s total direct compensation should be performance-based. On average, performance-based compensation accounted for approximately 56% of a Named Executive. On average, about 83% of the 2008Executive’s 2009 target total direct compensation and 60% of our Named Executives (excluding Mr. Wilkinson) was attributable to target annual bonus and equity-basedhis long-term incentive compensation. The remainder of a Named Executive’s target total direct compensation for 2008 was from annual base salary. On average the 20082009 mix of target total direct compensation elements for our Named Executives excluding Mr. Wilkinson, was as follows:
 
2008 Named Executive Target Total Direct Compensation (Average)
(PIE CHART)
Mr. Wilkinson, who had served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2000, announced his intention to retire from McDermott in February 2008 and retired on September 30, 2008. As a result, he did not receive any equity award in 2008. Without any equity, only 50% of his 2008 target total direct compensation was attributable to “at-risk” incentive compensation. Because of his retirement, Mr. Wilkinson is uniquely situated compared to the other Named Executives with respect to compensation and, unless otherwise stated in this CD&A, the analysis provided for Named Executives as a group excludes Mr. Wilkinson.(DIAGRAM)
 
Annual Base Salary
 
20082009 Base Salaries.  Annual base salary is the fixed component of total direct compensation which  In January 2009, the Compensation Committee reviews annually. Our Boardwas provided with (1) the recommendation of Directors reviews the base salaries of our elected officers at the request of the Compensation Committee. With respect to 2008 salaries, our Board of Directors approved the salaries of our elected officers, including our Named Executives, as approved by the Compensation Committee.
In January 2008, Hewitt provided the Compensation Committee with an analysis of total direct compensation for our elected officers, including for each Named Executive, indicating the median compensation targeted by compensation element for similarly situated executives in our market. Additionally, Hewitt presented the separate recommendations of Hewitt and our Chief Executive Officer as to 20082009 base salaries for our Named Executives (other than the Chief Executive Officer), (2) Hewitt’s analysis of market compensation (as adjusted by Hewitt to January 2009) and (3) tally sheets showing the 2008 compensation and benefits of our Named Executives. Hewitt’s market analysis compared the recommended base salary and the target total direct compensation of target casheach officer (assuming 2009 salary recommendations were approved) to the median compensation based on proposed annual salaries and bonus amounts. After reviewingof the recommendations and market information, the Compensation Committee set 2008applicable market.
The 2009 base salaries for Messrs. Fees and Nesser at or within 4% above the median salaries of comparable positions in our marketNamed Executives were as indicated by their applicable benchmark. In January 2008, Mr. Fees and Mr. Deason were each serving as the Chief Executive Officer of one of our two principal operating subsidiaries. As a result of internal equity considerations, the Compensation Committee set the same base salary for Mr. Fees and Mr. Deason, although market data indicated that Mr. Deason’s salary was approximately 16% above the median — a result due to the use of different benchmarks for these positions. The Compensation Committee approved a base salary for Mr. Taff that was 10% higher than his prior salary, but was approximately 18% below the median salaries for chief financial officers in our market, having considered that Mr. Taff received an increase in compensation as a result of his then-recent promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2007. The 2008 salary for Mr. Bethards, who at the time served as President of our subsidiary Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc., or B&W PGG, represented a 5% increase and was approximately 12% above the median salary for his position in our market. Mr. Wilkinson’s 2008 salary remained unchanged from 2007. As a result, his 2008 salary was about 32% below the median base salary indicated by the applicable benchmark.follows:


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2009 Annual Base Salaries
The Compensation Committee asked Hewitt to provide further market compensation analysis for selected positions in connection with the October 1, 2008 promotions of Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser. After reviewing the analysis and the separate recommendations of Hewitt and our Chief Executive Officer for each position, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Bethards’ annual base salary to $526,200, which equaled the median salary for his position in our market. Based on Mr. Nesser’s skills and experience, as well as the change in responsibility from corporate and legal focus to an operations focus, and on consideration of survey data of our market and our Custom Peer Group, the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Nesser’s base salary competitive for his new position and his salary remained unchanged. Our Board of Directors set Mr. Fees’ base salary and other compensation at the time of his appointment. In setting Mr. Fees’ annual base salary as Chief Executive Officer, our Board of Directors considered a number of market practices and other factors regarding internal chief executive officer promotions highlighted by Hewitt, including the following:
         
  2009 Annual
 Percent of
Named Executive Base Salary Market(1)
 
J.A. Fees $900,000   78%
M.S. Taff $505,000   88%
B.C. Bethards $526,200   100%
S.M. Johnson $750,000   102%
R.A. Deason $555,000   107%
 
(1)• that individual circumstances have produced a wide rangeMarket = 50th percentile of pay practices inannual base salary, based on the market;
• benchmark applicable to the historical pay of our Chief Executive Officer;
• that it is typical for new chief executive officer pay to trail the market for a short period; and
• that although Mr. Fees serves as a director of our Board, he is not serving as Chairman.executive.
 
As a result,In response to market data and the slowdown in global economic conditions that began in 2008, the Compensation Committee sought to limit increases in 2009 base salaries for our Board increasedofficers, including our Named Executives, to an average increase of 3-4%, with limited exceptions based on individual circumstances, in line with the median increase among companies in our market. Mr. Fees’Bethards’ base salary as Chief Executive Officer to match Mr. Wilkinson’s prior salary of $750,000, although thisdid not


29


change because he received a substantial increase in October 2008 in connection with his promotion and the Compensation Committee believed his salary was approximately 32% belowappropriate relative to the medianmarket. As to Mr. Deason, the Compensation Committee increased his base salary for chief executive officers2009 slightly less than the market-level increases and set it at a level that was within market range for his position. Finally, Messrs. Fees and Taff, whose base salaries were both substantially below market in our market.2008, each received an above-average increase in base salary to more closely align their respective base salaries with the market-median base salaries for their positions.
 
Annual BonusIncentive Compensation
 
20082009 Overview.  The Compensation Committee administers our short-termannual incentive compensation program under our Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, which we refer to as the EICP. For 2008, the Compensation Committee authorized separate discretionary bonus payments in addition to the amounts paid under the EICP. See “— Analysis of 2008 Discretionary Awards” below for more information regarding the discretionary payments.
 
The EICP is a cash bonusincentive plan designed to motivate and reward our Named Executives and other key employees for their contributions to business goals and other factors that we believe drive our earningsand/or create shareholder value. EICP compensation consists of a financial performance component and an individual performance component. The payment amount, if any, of an2009 target EICP awardwas split between these two components as follows:
•    70% of target EICP was attributable to financial performance; and
•    30% of target EICP was attributable to individual performance.
Financial performance is determined based on: (1) the attainment of short-term financial goals; (2) the attainment of short-term individual goals; and (3) the exercise of the Compensation Committee’s discretionary authority. Thelargest factor in determining EICP award is generally expressed as a percentage of the Named Executive’s annual base salary. For more information regarding the mechanics of the EICP and the 2008 award opportunities under the EICP, see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below and the disclosures under “Compensation of Executive Officers — Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards.” In 2008,compensation because the Compensation Committee requested that Hewitt assess our compensation programs with a specific focus on the EICP. Based on the input received from Hewitt following that review, the Compensation Committee determined that the overall structure of our EICP was competitive for purposes of providing 2008 annual bonus compensation.
The Compensation Committeegenerally considers financial goalsit to be more objective and to more directly influence the creation of shareholder value, as compared to individual goalsperformance. Individual performance, however, serves as an important metric to help promote the achievement of strategic, non-financial goals. To reward significant individual contributions, the Compensation Committee increased the representation of the individual component from 15% to 30% of target EICP for 2009, as compared to 2008. However, to maintain the emphasis on financial performance, financial performance determined the amount eligible to be paid under EICP compensation (irrespective of the level of individual performance attained). For example, if target financial performance was attained, then a Named Executive would be eligible to receive up to a target payout under the financial component and individual component. No EICP compensation would be earned (including for individual performance) unless the threshold level of financial performance was attained and the exercisemaximum EICP compensation a Named Executive could earn in 2009 was 200% of the Compensation Committee’s discretion. target EICP.
As a result, the largest percentage of an EICP award is allocated topayment amount was principally determined based on: (1) the attainment of annual financial goals. With respect to our 2008 EICP awards,goals (which represented up to 170%140% of a target award was attributable to financial performance relative toEICP compensation); and (2) the specificattainment of annual individual goals while(which represented up to 30% was attributable to a Named Executive’s individual goals.60% of EICP compensation). The Compensation Committee mayhad the discretion to decrease an EICP award in its discretionpayment. For more information regarding the EICP and the maximum2009 EICP award agrants, see the immediately following discussion and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below.
Target 2009 EICP.  The target 2009 EICP compensation for our Named Executive can earn is 200% of hisExecutives was as follows:
2009 Target EICP
         
  Target EICP
 Percent of
Named Executive (% of annual base salary) Market(1)
 
J.A. Fees  100%  85%
M.S. Taff  70%  89%
B.C. Bethards  70%  86%
S.M. Johnson  85%  96%
R.A. Deason  70%  86%
(1)Market = 50th percentile of target annual incentive compensation, based on the benchmark applicable to the executive.
No changes were made to 2009 target EICP award.from the 2008 targets, except for Mr. Taff whose 2008 EICP was 55%. The Compensation Committee set 2009 target EICP for Messrs. Bethards, Deason and Taff at the same level for internal equity reasons.
 
2009 EICP Financial Goals.The 2008 financial goals for 2009 EICP consisted of a mix of McDermott, B&W and J. Ray operating income. Generally, EICP financial goals are basedwere based: (1) entirely on our consolidated operating income for McDermott officers;officers, such as Messrs. Fees, Johnson and Taff; and (2) entirely on applicable segment operating income for officers of B&W and J. Ray, other than segment chief executive officers; and (3) on a mix of our consolidated operating income and, as applicable, J. Ray or B&W operating income for segment chief executive officers. The mixofficers, such as Messrs. Bethards and Deason. Although Messrs. Bethards and Deason are primarily responsible for directing only their respective segment operations, as executive officers of consolidated and segment operating income relative toMcDermott the 170% thatCompensation Committee believes


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canthat a portion of their annual incentive compensation should be based on consolidated financial results as well. As a result, of the 140% that could be earned by aunder the EICP for financial performance, approximately 100% was attributable to segment chief executive officer under an EICP award consists of approximately 70% segmentoperating income and 30%40% to consolidated operating income.income for these two Named Executives. The following charts illustrate the mix of consolidated and segment operating income goals for our 20082009 EICP awards. See “— 2008 EICP Financial Goals” below for further analysis regarding our 2008 operating income goals.
2008 EICP Awards McDermott
2008 EICP Awards B&W/J. Ray CEO
(PIE CHART)(PIE CHART)
2008 EICP Awards B&W/J. Ray Non-CEO
(PIE CHART)
compensation.
 
Following the October 1, 2008 promotions, the mix of McDermott, B&W and J. Ray financial goals changed for each of Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser. As a result, each officer’s 2008 EICP consists of two of the above operating income goals, each prorated based on an October 1 transition date. For example, Mr. Fees’ 2008 target EICP was based on 75% of the goals for B&W/J. Ray CEO and 25% of the goals for McDermott.(DIAGRAM)
 
In connection with setting the EICP award, the Compensation Committee establishes three levels of operating income performance for determining the threshold, target and maximum payout under the financial component of an EICP award. The threshold level represents the minimum amount of operating income that must be earned before any amount of compensation is paid under the financial component of an EICP award. Prior to 2008, the Compensation Committee believed that no amount should be paid under an EICP award for financial performance if operating income results are below 85% of the target level. Accordingly, it set the 2007 threshold level operating income goals at 85% of target. For 2008 EICP awards, the Compensation Committee set ambitious financial performance goals. As a result, the Compensation Committee changed the operating income goal at the threshold level from 85% to 75% of the target level to allow for a payout at performance levels that it expected would contribute to the creation of significant shareholder value.(DIAGRAM)
 
2008 EICP Target Awards.  The Compensation Committee set the amount of target 2008 EICP awards for all Named Executives, including Mr. Wilkinson but excluding Mr. Taff, at or near the median annual incentive award targeted by our market for similarly situated executives. The Compensation Committee determined the median annual incentive award target for our market as a percentage of median annual base salary for our market (rather than the median dollar amount of the awards targeted by our market). With regard to Mr. Taff, after considering his 2007 promotion to Chief Financial Officer as discussed above under “— Annual Base Salary,” the Compensation Committee increased his 2008 target EICP award to 55% from 45% in 2007. As a percentage of annual base salary, Mr. Taff’s 2008 target EICP award was approximately 21% below the median target annual bonus (as a percentage of median annual base salary) for chief financial officers in our market. Otherwise, the 2008 EICP target awards, as a percentage of annual base salary, for


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our other Named Executives were all within 15% of the median target annual cash incentive awards (as a percentage of median annual base salary) for comparable positions indicated by our benchmarks. Mr. Fees’ target award as Chief Executive Officer was increased to match Mr. Wilkinson’s target award, which was approximately 10% below the median award for chief executive officers in our market. The 2008 EICP target awards were set as follows:
2008 Target EICP
Target EICP
Named Executive
(% of Annual Base Salary)
J.A. Fees — CEO, MII100%
J.A. Fees — CEO, B&W70%
B.W. Wilkinson100%
M.S. Taff55%
B.C. Bethards — CEO, B&W70%
B.C. Bethards — Pres., B&W PGG60%
R.A. Deason70%
J.T. Nesser, III — COO, J. Ray70%
J.T. Nesser, III — CALO, MII65%
2008 EICP Financial Goals.  For the 2008 EICP awards, the Compensation Committee set financial goals based uponyear-over-year increases in our consolidated and, where applicable, segment operating income. The Compensation Committee considers operating income an appropriate financial measure to use for this purpose,compensation purposes, because it believes it is the primary driver of net income, which itthe Compensation Committee expects to drive our stock price. In comparison to net income, however, operating income is more directly influenced by the revenues generated and costs incurred as a result of management action and is more readily attributable to our operating segments.
 
The consolidated and segment operating income goals for the 20082009 EICP awardscompensation were as follows:
 
2009 EICP Financial Goals
           
  Threshold
Target (Min)
Target
Target (Max)
Maximum
  Target(70% of Target) (95% of Target)Maximum(100%)(105% of Target)(120% of Target)
 
 
The Babcock & Wilcox Company

 —
•    Power Generation Systems Segment

  •    Government Operations
 $225.0191.7 million $300.0260.2 million $320.0273.9 million
•   Government Operations Segment
 $287.6 million $328.7 million
J. Ray McDermott, S.A.

 —
•    Offshore Oil & Gas Construction Segment
 $318.798.0 million $425.0133.0 million $451.0140.0 million $147.0 million$168.0 million
McDermott International, Inc.

 —
  •    Consolidated(1)
 $241.9 million $328.2 million $345.5 million $362.8 million 
•   Consolidated(1)
$511.5414.6 million$682.0 million$750.0 million
 
(1)Consolidated operating income levels equal the sum of the segment operating income less an amount for unallocated corporate operating expenses.
 
In determining
Historically, the specificCompensation Committee established three levels of operating income goals. These levels would determine the Compensation Committee believes that thethreshold, target and maximum goals shouldamounts that would be set at levels that, if achieved, are likely to produce reasonable and above-average value for shareholders, respectively, but that also have reasonable probabilitiespaid under the financial component of achievement, relative to the payout, so as to provide a meaningful incentive to employees. The Compensation Committee set the 2008EICP, with target goal in February 2008level being based on management’s internal estimates of 2008 operating income and threshold and maximum levels set as a percentage of the target level. The Compensation Committee designs incentive compensation to drive target level performance and does not believe that compensation should be earned for performance substantially below that level. As a result, no EICP compensation would be earned (including for individual performance) unless a threshold level of financial performance was attained. The Compensation Committee believes that Named Executives should be rewarded for superior financial performance. It therefore establishes a maximum level performance goal to incentivize higher performance, but caps the payout to maximize returns to shareholders for performance above the maximum payout level, thereby reducing the risk related to incentive compensation.


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The performance range between the threshold level and the maximum level was relatively narrow prior to 2009. For instance in 2008, maximum goal at a “stretch”the operating income goals ranged between 75% of target operating income at the threshold level and 108% of target operating income at the maximum level. With operating income goals set within a range of 33% determining a payout range of 200%, relatively small changes in performance results produced large variations in EICP payouts.
For 2009, the Compensation Committee sought to increase the performance range between threshold and maximum level goals, making the maximum payment more difficult relative to target and reducing the minimum performance required to be attained before any EICP compensation would be earned. In addition, the Compensation Committee established a range for 2008. target comprised of three separate operating income goals. The intended effect of these changes was to reduce the significance of the impact of minor variations in financial results, thereby reducing the risk related to the EICP.
The Compensation Committee considered a number of performance goals recommended by management, including threshold level goals as low as 50% of target operating income and maximum level goals as high as 150% of target operating income. With the attainmentadvice of Hewitt, the stretchCompensation Committee set the threshold level operating income goal to be significantly less probable than the target goal but, at twice the payout, it provided considerable additional incentive to encourage profitable growth. At the consolidated entity level, the70% of target and the maximum financial goals represented approximately 7% and 18%year-over-year increases from an adjusted 2007 consolidatedlevel operating income respectively. Our 2007 GAAP operating income results were adjusted down by approximately $80 million for purposesgoal at 120% of this comparison for one-time settlements on projects. As discussed under “— Annual Bonus — 2008 Overview” above, thetarget. The operating income goals at the target level ranged from 95% of the target goal to 105% of the target goal.
A Named Executive would have been eligible to earn the following amounts under the 2009 EICP based on attaining the following levels of operating income:
•    25% of target EICP at threshold level operating income;
•    92.5% of target EICP at target (Min) level operating income;
•    100% of target EICP at target level operating income;
•    107.5% of target EICP at target (Max) level operating income; and
•    200% of target EICP at maximum level operating income.
The percentage that would be paid between threshold and maximum is interpolated based on the levels of operating income established by the Compensation Committee. No payment would have been earned under the EICP for 2009 if operating income results had been below the threshold level.
The following graph shows the effect that the 2009 EICP changes had on the relative payouts, compared to 2008 EICP:
(LINE GRAPH)
2009 EICP Individual Goals.  As discussed under “— 2009 Overview” above, each Named Executive could earn from 0-60% of his 2009 target EICP based on the attainment of individual goals. Individual goals established for each Named Executive were set at 75% of target.tailored to the individual’s position and focused on supporting strategic initiatives and achieving common goals.


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2008 EICP Individual Goals.  As discussed above under “— 2008 Overview” above, collectively the individual goals represent 0-30% of each Named Executive’s EICP award. The individual goals and their respective weightings for our Named Executives’ 20082009 EICP awardscompensation are set forth in the table below. The Compensation Committee established the individual goals for Mr. Fees. Except for the safety goals which were set as follows:established by the Compensation Committee, Mr. Fees established the individual goals for the remaining Named Executives.
 
For John A. Fees, as our Chief Executive Officer:
John A. Fees:•    achieve specific levels of company-wide health, safety and environmental performance averages (0-30%); and
 •    successfully execute transition plan developed withpositive assessment by the Governance Committee of the Board of Directorsregarding six categories: leadership, strategic planning, financial results, succession planning, communications and Board relations. (0-30%).
For John A. Fees, as Chief Executive Officer of B&W:
Michael S. Taff:•    achieve specific levels of company-wide health, safety and environmental performance averages (0-20%);
 •    develop and implement plan to address the credit facility that matures in 2010 (0-20%); and
•    develop strategic multi-year plan regarding information technology (0-20%).
Brandon C. Bethards:•    achieve specific levels of health, safety and environmental performance averages at our Power Generation Systems and Government Operations segments (0-10%(0-20%);
 
 •    implement identifiedsuccessfully manage the completion of the initial phase of a strategic initiatives (0-10%global financial implementation project as it relates B&W entities (0-20%); and
 
 •    developachieve successful integration of a strategic consolidation strategy for a specific business function at The Babcock & Wilcox Company (0-10%specified acquisition as defined by the integration plan milestones (0-20%).
For Bruce W. Wilkinson:
Stephen M. Johnson:
 •    achieve specific levels of company-wide health, safety and environmental performance averages (0-10%(0-15%);
•    achieve specific reductions in SG&A at operating units(0-15%);
•    implement plan to improve predictability of forecasting at operating units (0-15%); and
 
 •    receive a positive assessment byimprove project execution at the Board of Directors regarding six performance categories selected by the Board of Directors (0-20%operating units (0-15%).
For Michael S. Taff:
Robert A. Deason:
 •    assess and modify McDermott’s liquidity position as approved by the Chief Executive Officer/Finance Committee (0-10%);
• define McDermott financial planning and analysis activities for 2008 (0-10%); and
• develop a plan to mitigate defined benefit plan liabilities (0-10%).
For Brandon C. Bethards, as Chief Executive Officer of B&W:
• effect a successful transition as the Chief Executive Officer of B&W (0-30%).
For Brandon C. Bethards, as President of Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.:
• achieve specific levels of health, safety and environmental performance averages for B&W PGG (0-10%);
• develop a strategic plan for B&W PGG in North America (0-10%);
• identify strategic international growth strategies for B&W PGG (0-5%); and
• record specified amount of royalties and license fees (0-5%).
For Robert A. Deason:
• achieve specific levels of health, safety and environmental performance averages at our Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segment (0-10%(0-15%);
•    implement a comprehensive strategic contracting control plan (0-15%);
•    implement plan to cut non-productive expenses (0-15%); and
 
 •    commence implementing diversified strategiesdevelop human resource management plan for our Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segment in connection with McDermott’s strategic five-year plan (0-20%(0-15%).
For John T. Nesser, III, as our Chief Administrative and Legal Officer:
 
• achieve specific levels of company-wide health, safety and environmental performance averages (0-10%);
• design and prepare new strategic compensation program (0-10%); and
• complete a targeted risk assessment (0-10%).


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20082009 Annual BonusIncentive Compensation Payments.  The 20082009 target and final EICP awardcompensation amounts as well as the discretionary awards paid tofor each Named Executive are shown in the table below.
 
20082009 EICP AND DISCRETIONARY AWARDS SUMMARYPayment Summary
                         
Named
 2008 EICP Target  2008 EICP Actual  2008 Discretionary
  Total 2008 Annual
 
Executive
 % of Salary  $ Amount  $ Amount  % of Salary  Award  Bonus Awards 
 
J.A. Fees  79% $471,000  $570,803(1)  96% $270,223  $841,026 
B.W. Wilkinson  100% $750,000  $323,550(2)  43% $0  $323,550 
M.S. Taff  55% $242,000  $141,207   32% $110,000  $251,207 
B.C. Bethards  63% $276,360  $509,298(1)  116% $10,000  $519,298 
R.A. Deason  70% $378,000  $0(3)  0% $0  $0 
J.T. Nesser, III  66% $331,250  $136,122(1)  27% $100,000  $236,122 
 
(1)The 2008 EICP awards for Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser represent composites of EICP awards earned under their respective current and former positions, as follows:
                     
Named
 2009 EICP Target Goals Attained Total 2009
Executive % of Salary Amount Financial Individual Annual Incentive
                     
J.A. Fees  100% $900,000   140%  45% $1,665,000 
M.S. Taff  70% $353,500   140%  60% $707,000 
B.C. Bethards  70% $368,340   137.5%  42.5% $663,012 
S.M. Johnson  85% $637,500   140%  37.5% $1,131,563 
R.A. Deason  70% $388,500   140%  60% $777,000 
• Mr. Fees’ award represents three-fourths of the award he earned as Chief Executive Officer of B&W and one-fourth of the award he earned as Chief Executive Officer of MII;
• Mr. Bethards’ award represents three-fourths of the award he earned as President of B&W PGG and one-fourth of the award he earned as Chief Executive Officer of B&W; and
• Mr. Nesser’s award represents three-fourths of the award he earned as Chief Administrative and Legal Officer of MII and one-fourth of the award he earned as Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray.
(2)Under the terms of Mr. Wilkinson’s separation agreement, his 2008 EICP award was prorated based on the length of his employment during 2008. As a result, his total 2008 EICP award represents three-fourths of $431,400, the amount he would have earned for the full year based on the level of attainment of financial and individual goals.
(3)As further discussed below, Mr. Deason declined any bonus payment for 2008.
 
Analysis of 20082009 EICP Payments.  In February 2009, our Chief Executive Officer presented2010, the Compensation Committee with an assessment regarding the financial and individual performance goals applicable to each of the Named Executives, together with his recommendation for each Named Executive’s 2008 EICP award.
Financial Component Payment:  Financial performance accounted for 85% of each Named Executive’s target 2008 EICP award or, depending on the performance achieved, 0-170% of the final EICP award amount. As discussed above, the financial goals consisted of consolidatedand/or segment operating income goals with three performance levels that determined threshold, target and maximum payments. Operating income at the threshold level would produce a payout of 25% of the target EICP award attributable to financial goals. Operating income at the target and maximum levels would produce a payout of 100% and 200%, respectively, of the target EICP award attributable to financial goals. The percentage paid out between threshold and maximum is interpolated. No payment would be made under the financial component if the level of operating income earned was below the applicable threshold level.
The Compensation Committee considered (1) our 2008 GAAP2009 consolidated and segment operating income in light of established performance goals, (2) the establishedGovernance Committee’s assessment of the individual performance of Mr. Fees, (3) Mr. Fees’ self-assessment of his individual performance relative to his individual goals and (4) Mr. Fees’ recommendation of each Named Executive’s 2009 EICP compensation based on his assessment of the financial and individual performance applicable to each of the Named Executives
As discussed above, financial performance accounted for 70% of each Named Executive’s 2009 target EICP or, depending on the performance achieved, 0-140% of the final EICP amount, and determined the amount each Named Executive would be eligible to earn under the 2009 EICP. McDermott and JRM, earning approximately $546.5 million and $317.0 million of operating income, goals. McDermott earned approximately $570 million of consolidatedrespectively, for 2009, both exceeded the maximum level performance goal. In 2009, B&W produced adjusted operating income in 2008,of approximately $325.7 million, which exceeded the thresholdtarget level performance goal but not the target goal and resulted in a 51% payout on the financial component related to consolidatedmaximum level. B&W’s 2009 operating income goals. At least partincluded expense relating to the mPowertm modular nuclear reactor initiative. Relative to annual incentive compensation, the mPowertm initiative is longer-term in nature and to avoid adversely impacting Named Executive’s EICP compensation for strategic investments, approximately $13 million of the financial component of the 2008 EICP award for all Named Executives (including Mr. Wilkinson) was based on consolidated operating income results. As a result, all six Named Executives earned 51% of that portion of the target financial component that was tied to consolidated operating income.mPowertm expenses were excluded from B&W earned over $450 million of operating income, which exceeded its maximum level and resulted in a 200% payout on the financial component related to B&W operating


27


income goals. The EICP award for each of Mr. Fees, particularly for the portion attributable to his service as Chief Executive Officer of B&W, and Mr. Bethards contain financial goals based on B&W stand-alone operating income results. As a result, Messrs. Fees and Bethards earned 200% of that portion of their respective target EICP award. Finally, J. Ray earned approximately $140 million of operating income, which amount was below the threshold level of operating income for J. Ray. Messrs. Deason and Nesser were the only Named Executives whose 2008purposes of calculating 2009 EICP awards were directly tied to J. Ray stand-alone operating income goals and, as a result, neither officer earned any payment as to that portion of their respective target EICP award. 25% of Mr. Deason’s target EICP award attributable to financial performance was based on consolidated operating income. As a result, he earned an EICP bonus of approximately $48,000. However, at his request, no payment was made to Mr. Deason under the EICP for 2008.
Individual Component Payment:payments. Individual performance accounted for 15%30% of each Named Executive’s 2009 target 2008 EICP, award, or, depending on the level of individual and financial performance, 0-30%0-60% of the final EICP award amount. The Compensation Committee considered (1)
Mr. Fees.  Based on McDermott’s 2009 financial results, Mr. Fees was eligible to earn 200% of his 2009 target EICP compensation. As a result of McDermott’s operating income, he earned 140% of his 2009 target EICP under the Governance Committee’sfinancial performance component. Based on the positive assessment of the Governance Committee and the achievement of consolidated safety goals, Mr. Fees met or exceeded his individual performancegoals. However, as a result of Messrs. Fees and Wilkinson and (2) Mr. Fees’ assessment of eachthe operational challenges that reduced other Named Executive’s individual performance. In addition to those assessments,Executives’ 2009 EICP compensation, as well as the Compensation Committee’s view that the leader of the Company has both the responsibility as well as the accountability for all aspects of the Company’s performance, the Compensation Committee appliedexercised its discretion under the following three general principles to determine the amount to be paid for individual performance:
1) If financial performance did not meet or exceed the threshold level, no amount would be earned for individual performance, even if the individual goals were achieved;
2) No Named Executive could earn more than 15% of his target EICP for individual performance unless target financial performance was achieved; and
3) If target financial performance was achieved, a Named Executive could earn up to 30% of his target EICP award based on individual performance.
Mr. Fees and Mr. Taff both achieved all of their individual goals. However, the portion of Mr. Fees’ award attributable to his service as McDermott’s Chief Executive Officer, and as to Mr. Taff, the Compensation Committee limited their respective individual components to 15% since the consolidated operating income results were below target performance levels. As toreduced Mr. Fees’ individual performance component relatedpayout from 60% to that portion45%. As a result, Mr. Fees earned 185% of his 2009 target EICP, awardor $1,665,000. Mr. Fees feels strongly about the critical nature of leadership and leading by example. Since two of Named Executives received as Chief Executive Officerreductions in their EICP payouts, he agreed with the decision on his 2009 EICP compensation.
Mr. Taff.  Based on McDermott’s 2009 financial results, Mr. Taff was eligible to earn 200% of B&W,his 2009 target EICP compensation. As a result of McDermott’s operating income, he earned 140% of his 2009 target EICP under the Compensation Committee approved the individual component of that portion at 30%. Messrs. Bethards, Nesser and Wilkinsonfinancial performance component. Mr. Taff met or exceeded theirhis individual goals, resulting in Mr. Taff earning 60% of his 2009 target EICP under the individual performance component. As a result, Mr. Taff earned 200% of his 2009 target EICP, or $707,000.
Mr. Bethards.  Mr. Bethards’ financial goals were attributable to McDermott and B&W operating income. As a result of B&W’s 2009 adjusted financial results and McDermott’s financial results, Mr. Bethards was eligible to earn 196% of his 2009 target EICP compensation. Based solely on the financial results, he earned 137.5% of his 2009 target EICP under the financial performance component.


34


Mr. Bethards met or exceeded all of his individual goals except with respect to onetwo goals (safety and integration of their goals,a subsidiary acquired by B&W), which in each case waswere only partially achieved. Mr. Nesser, as to that portionBased on the relative weighting of this EICP award attributable to his service as McDermott’s Chief Administrative and Legal Officer, and Mr. Wilkinson, earned slightly less than the 15% target amount as a result of the consolidated operating income results, andindividual goals, Mr. Bethards earned slightly less than 30% for42.5% of his 2009 target EICP under the individual performance as to bothcomponent. As a result, Mr. Bethards earned 180% of his 2009 target EICP, awards as a resultor $663,012.
Mr. Johnson.  Based on McDermott’s 2009 financial results, Mr. Johnson was eligible to earn 200% of B&W’s operating income results.his 2009 target EICP compensation. As a result of J. Ray’sMcDermott’s operating income, results,he earned 140% of his 2009 target EICP under the financial performance component. Mr. Nesser earned no paymentJohnson met or exceeded all of his individual goals except with respect to two goals (reduced SG&A expenses, which was partially met, and forecasting improvement). Based on the individual componentrelative weighting of his individual goals, Mr. Johnson earned 37.5% of his 2009 target EICP award attributable tounder the individual performance component. As a result, Mr. Johnson earned 177.5% of his service as Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray.2009 target EICP, or $1,131,563.
 
AnalysisMr. Deason.  Based on JRM’s 2009 financial results, Mr. Deason was eligible to earn 200% of 2008 Discretionary Awards.  The financial performance of J. Ray in 2008 negatively impacted the amount ofhis 2009 target EICP awards paid out to each Named Executive for 2008. The Compensation Committee believed that J. Ray’s results disproportionately impacted the EICP awards of Messrs. Fees, Bethards, Nesser and Taff. Specifically, the awards earned by Messrs. Fees and Nesser were both considerably lower than the awards they would have otherwise received in their former positions. To a lesser extent, Mr. Bethards’ EICP award was affected by J. Ray’s financials ascompensation. As a result of the consolidatedJRM’s operating income, goal that became applicable to him onhe earned 140% of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of B&W. In addition, Mr. Taff’s2009 target EICP award was already 21% below market-median, as discussed above. However, as a result of J. Ray’sunder the financial performance component. Mr. Taff’s actual 2008 award was approximately 46% below market, which the Compensation Committee concluded was significantly beyond the reasonable range of competitive compensation. Finally, the Compensation Committee considered the below-market salary and bonus paid toDeason met or exceeded his individual goals, resulting in Mr. Fees and the executionDeason earning 60% of his100-day plan as McDermott’s Chief Executive Officer. 2009 target EICP under the individual performance component. As a result, the Compensation Committee authorized additional awards to these Named Executives in amounts it considered reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances to incentivize and reward them for their individual contribution to the overall performance of McDermott. No discretionary bonus was paid to Mr. Deason as discussed above,earned 200% of his 2009 target EICP, or to Mr. Wilkinson, who retired in 2008.$777,000.


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Equity-BasedLong-Term Incentive Compensation
 
We believeThe Compensation Committee believes that the interests of our shareholders are best served when a significant percentage of compensation is comprised of equity and other long-term incentives that appreciate in value contingent upon increases in the pricevalue of our common stock and other indicatorsperformance measures that reflect improvements in McDermott’s business fundamentals. Therefore, the Compensation Committee includes equity and other long-term incentive awards as a significant partcompensation represents the single largest element of aour Named Executive’sExecutives’ total direct compensation.
 
TimingAnalysis of 2009 Equity Grants.  Since 2005, the Compensation Committee has granted annual equity awards at its regularly scheduled committee meeting held in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders. To avoid timing equity grants ahead of the release of material nonpublic information, the Compensation Committee generally approves stock option and other equity awards effective as of the first day of the next open trading window, which is generally the third day following the filing of our annual report onForm 10-K or quarterly report onForm 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Analysis of 2008 Equity Grants.
Mix of 20082009 Equity.  In 2006 and 2007, the Compensation Committee relied exclusively onlong-term incentive compensation of our officers, including the Named Executives, consisted entirely of performance shares to deliver equity-based compensation to Named Executives.shares. These performance shares generally provided for vesting three years from the date of grant in an amount between 0% and 150% of the number of shares granted, depending on the level of cumulative consolidated operating income achieved during2006-2008, for the 2006 grants, and2007-2009, for the 2007 grants. At the Compensation Committee’s request, Hewitt reviewed our long-term incentive program relative to the equity practices among the companies in our J.Ray/Corporate Group and our Custom Peer Group. Hewitt’s analysis showed that both groups use a mix of equity types but relied to a significant extent on time-based vesting awards such as restricted stock. Accordingly, Hewitt recommended thatperiod. In 2008, the Compensation Committee, consider addingwith the advice of Hewitt, incorporated time-vested restricted stock into long-term incentive compensation, to promote retention. However, performance shares still constituted 75% of our officer’s long-term incentive compensation for 2008. As a result, at the time the Compensation Committee considered 2009 long-term incentive compensation, performance shares dominated the outstanding long-term incentive compensation of Named Executives.
In addition, Hewitt’s market analysis of long-term incentive compensation indicated that many companies were reexamining their long-term incentive mix. Specifically, Hewitt noted that more companies were using stock options for rewarding performance based on absolute stock price improvement, restricted stock for retention purposesand performance-based stock to encourage a focus on financial or operational drivers.
As a result, our Chief Executive Officer recommended changing the mix and allocation of equity award types used in connection with 2009 long-term incentive compensation. With the advice of Hewitt and to remain competitive with our market. Having considered Hewitt’s analysis and in consideration thatmaintain the competitiveness of Named Executive’s compensation, through both our EICP awards and performance share awards is based on achieving operating income targets, the Compensation Committee concluded that using restricted stock as part of our equity-based compensation program was important for retention purposes. However, the Compensation Committee decided that a majority of equity-based compensation for senior executives, including Named Executives, should continue to be performance-based. As a result, the Compensation Committee approved the use of a mix of performance shares, and restricted stock awardsunits and stock options in 2008 along2009 for Named Executives. To drive performance, the following general guidelines:Compensation Committee determined to issue at least a majority of long-term incentive compensation in the form of performance-based compensation. For 2009, the performance-based long-term compensation consisted of performance shares and stock options. The Compensation Committee allocated 2009 target long-term incentive compensation as follows:
 
 •    elected officers (including20% performance shares;
•    40% stock options; and
•    40% restricted stock units.
Similar to prior years, the 2009 performance shares generally vest three years from the date of grant. However, the Compensation Committee made two principal changes in the 2009 performance shares. First, to be consistent with annual incentive compensation, the 2009 performance shares vest in an amount between 0% and 200% of the target shares granted. Second, the Compensation Committee added the concept of relative shareholder return as a performance condition, in addition to operating income. The


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Compensation Committee continues to believe that operating income is an appropriate financial metric for use in both annual and long-term incentive compensation because of its potential to drive stock price and accountability at operating segments; however, in 2008 we witnessed a disconnect in performance results. With approximately $570 million of operating income, McDermott produced its second highest level of operating income since The Babcock & Wilcox Company was acquired by McDermott in 1978, although the price of its stock declined. To tie performance shares more directly with shareholder return, the 2009 performance shares will vest (1) one-half based on the level of cumulative operating income attained over the three-year period ending December 31, 2011 and (2) one-half based on the total shareholder return of our stock relative to the Custom Peer Group over the same period.
On the recommendation of management and with the advice of Hewitt, the Compensation Committee set cumulative operating income for the target and maximum vesting levels at amounts that represent 6% and 10% annual growth from the target operating income goal used in connection with 2009 annual incentive compensation. Consistent with annual incentive compensation, no performance shares will vest based on operating income if the performance results are below 70% of the target three-year cumulative operating income goal. In addition, the performance shares that vest based on shareholder return will vest as follows:
•    25% will vest if our Named Executives): 75% performance shares and 25% restricted stock;total shareholder return is at the 25th percentile (threshold level) relative to the total shareholder return of the Custom Peer Group;
•    100% will vest if our total shareholder return is at the 50th percentile (target level) relative to the total shareholder return of the Custom Peer Group; and
 
 •    all other participants: 50% performance shares and 50% restricted stock.200% will vest if our total shareholder return is at the 100th percentile (maximum level) relative to the total shareholder return of the Custom Peer Group.
 
SimilarThe percentage that would vest between threshold, target and maximum levels is interpolated based on those performance levels. However, regardless of percentile, 200% would vest if our total shareholder return for the three-year period ranks either first or second relative to prior years, our 2008the total shareholder return of the Custom Peer Group over the same period. No performance shares are generally scheduledwould vest based on shareholder return if our total shareholder return relative to vest three years from the date of grant in an amount between 0% and 150% ofCustom Peer Group falls below the number of shares granted, depending on the level of cumulative consolidated operating income achieved during2008-2010. The shares of restricted stock we awarded in 2008 generally vest one-third on the first, second and third anniversary of the date of grant. For 2008,25% threshold performance shares represented approximately 75% and restricted stock represented approximately 25% of our Named Executives’ equity-based compensation, except for Mr. Bethards. Restricted stock comprised approximately 54% of Mr. Bethards’ 2008 equity-based compensation due to a restricted stock grant made in connection with his promotion to Chief Executive Officer of B&W. That grant was made in November 2008, and, with one-third of the performance measurement period already completed, the Compensation Committee believed that restricted stock provided a greater incentive at that time than performance shares.level.
 
For more information regarding the 20082009 performance share andshares, restricted stock awards,units and stock options, see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below and disclosures under “Compensation of Executive Officers — Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards.”
 
Value of 2009 Long-Term Incentive Compensation.  The 2009 target long-term incentive compensation for our Named Executives was as follows:
2009 Target Long-Term Incentive
         
  Target LTI
  
  (% of annual base
 Percent of
Named Executive salary) Market(1)
J.A. Fees  705%  113%
M.S. Taff  348%  125%
B.C. Bethards  286%  100%
S.M. Johnson  400%  100%
R.A. Deason(2)  180%  64%
(1)Market = 50th percentile of target long-term incentives based on the benchmark applicable to the executive.
(2)As more fully discussed below, Mr. Deason’s 2009 equity grant was not long-term in nature. However, because it was equity-based, it is included in the discussion of long-term incentive compensation for comparative purposes.
As a result of market conditions in 2008, the value of Named Executives’ outstanding long-term incentive compensation dropped considerably. In February 2009, the expected value of the long-term incentive compensation granted between 2006 and 2008 was approximately 35% of the target grant date value. For certain officers, including two Named Executives (Messrs. Fees and Taff), the expected value of their outstanding long-term incentive compensation was even lower due to the particular mix of their respective equity following recent promotions within McDermott. The Compensation Committee was concerned that long-term incentive compensation would not effectively promote their intended purpose at values substantially below target. The Compensation Committee therefore increased the target 2009 long-term incentive compensation of Mr. Fees and Mr. Taff by 13% and 9%, respectively, over the amount initially recommended to be granted in 2009. As a result,


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Mr. Taff’s target 2009 long-term incentive compensation exceeded the market range; however, his total direct compensation was within the market range.
Finally, as a result of Mr. Deason’s intention to retire, the Compensation Committee did not grant him a long-term incentive award for 2009. However, to retain Mr. Deason through 2009, he received a retention grant of 100,000 restricted stock units that vested on his continued employment through December 31, 2009. The number of restricted stock units was based on (1) the value of one-third of the market median long-term incentive compensation applicable to Mr. Deason and (2) an additional amount calculated, on the recommendation of Hewitt, based on Mr. Deason’s 2009 annual base salary and target annual incentive compensation, prorated for his then-remaining 2009 service term.
Sizing Equity AwardsLong-Term Incentive Compensation.  The Compensation Committee generally determines the size of equity awardsequity-based grants as a percentage of a Named Executive’s annual base salary, rather than granting a targeted number of shares. The Compensation Committee determinednumber of performance shares, restricted stock units and stock options granted can be expressed through the amountfollowing formula:
value of each Named Executive’s target equity-based compensation, as a percentage of his annual base salary, based on market data provided by Hewitt. Hewitt applied a discount tolong-term incentive($)/FMV($).


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equity-based compensation data of our market in order to ensure proper comparison of awards with different terms and plan designs. The dollar value of the target equity award for each Named Executive was derived by multiplying the applicableNamed Executive’s target percentage by the Named Executive’s 2008his 2009 base salary. Once the targetThe fair market value was established, the total number of one performance shares and shares ofshare, restricted stock grantedunit and stock option was determined by dividing the target value of equity in dollars by the discounted fair market valueHewitt near the time of grant of one performance share or one share of restricted stock and rounding down to the nearest 10 shares. The value of one performance share or one share of restricted stock was determined by Hewitt and generally reflected a discount from the market price as quoted on the New York Stock Exchangeof our common stock as a result of the vesting conditions and limitationsrestrictions on transfer. Hewitt used a Black Scholes model to value stock options. For the annual equity awardslong-term incentive compensation granted in February 2008,2009, the fair market value of our common stock as of the date the grants were calculated (based on the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date)Exchange) was $47.10,$13.21, compared to the discounted value of $34.65$10.52 for one performance share, $12.177 for one restricted stock unit and $41.65$8.581 for an option to acquire one share of restrictedour common stock.
Value Because the long-term incentive compensation grants vest over three years, the number of 2008 Equity Awards.  As a percentage of annual base salary, the equity-based awards granted to Mr. Taffshares calculated were equalrounded down to the median equity value, as a percentagenearest multiple of annual base salary, of equity awards to chief financial officers indicated by our benchmark. The Compensation Committee setthree. To illustrate, consider the value of Mr. Deason’s equity award at 235% of his base salary, which was approximately 11% above the median percentage value of his position based on the applicable benchmark, to make the dollar value of his award more comparable to his counterpart at B&W. Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser received two equity awards in 2008, the first in connection with the annual grants made by the Compensation Committee in February 2008 and the second in connection with their respective promotions.
As a result of the second equity award, the total value of Mr. Fees’, Mr. Bethards’ and Mr. Nesser’s 2008 equity awards was approximately 49% above, 29% below and 86% above the median value of equity awards, as a percentage of annual base salary, for similar executives in our market, respectively. As a percentage of his annual base salary, Mr. Bethards’ first equity award was approximately 4% above the median value (as a percentage of annual base salary) of our market for his position. In determining the amount of Mr. Bethards’ second award, the Compensation Committee considered current market data provided by Hewitt, and120,603 performance shares granted him a second award that, in absolute numbers, was comparable to equity awards made to his counterpart at J. Ray. Based on market data provided by Hewitt in connection with Mr. Nesser’s promotion, the value of his February 2008 equity award was near the median value of equity awards (as a percentage of annual base salary) of comparable executives for both his new and former position. However, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Nesser additional equity-based awards in connection with his change of duties in 2008 to help drive and reward the achievement of long-term performance.
Mr. Fees’ second equity award was based on the median dollar value of equity awards for chief executive officers in our market rather than the median value as a percentage of annual base salary. Our Board considered the change in methodology for Mr. Fees’ award appropriate because Mr. Fees’ base salary was substantially below market median (as discussed under “— Annual Base Salaries” above). Our Board also considered the long-term nature of equity-based awards, which are principally designed to drive and reward long-term performance. At the time, the median value of equity-based awards to chief executive officers in our market as indicated by our benchmark was approximately $5,029,733, without regard to annual base salary. In February 2008, Mr. Fees had received an equity-based award valued at approximately $1,539,000. Accordingly, in August 2008 our Board approved an equity-based award for Mr. Fees of $3,490,733 in connection with his promotion to our Chief Executive Officer. That amount represented the difference between the median dollar value of chief executive officer equity awardsOfficer in our market and the2009. The dollar value of Mr. Fees’ February 2008 award. Astarget 2009 long-term incentive compensation was $6,344,000 ($900,000 base salary multiplied by 705% target long-term incentive). Performance shares accounted for 20% of his target long-term incentive compensation granted in 2009, or $1,268,800. At a result, in dollar amount, thefair market value of $10.52/share, 20% of Mr. Fees’ 2008 total equity award was equalFees target long-term compensation grant amounted to 120,608 shares, or, rounded down to the median valuenearest multiple of equity for chief executive officers in our market.three, 120,603 performance shares.
 
Performance Targets for 2008 Performance-BasedTiming of Equity.  The 2008 performance shares vest between 0% and 150% Grants.  To avoid timing equity grants ahead of the amountrelease of shares initially granted depending on the level of cumulative operating income obtained over the three-year period ending December 31, 2010. Cumulative operating income at the threshold level will result in vesting of 25% of the performance shares initially granted. 100% and 150% of the shares initially granted vest if our consolidated cumulative operating income over the three-year period reaches the target and maximum


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levels, respectively. The amount vesting for cumulative operating income between the threshold level and maximum level is determined by linear interpolation.
Based onmaterial nonpublic information, provided by management, the Compensation Committee set cumulative operating incomegenerally approves stock option and other equity awards effective as of the first day of the next open trading window following the meeting at which the target and maximum vesting levels at amounts that represent 6% and 10%year-over-year increases fromgrants are approved, which is generally the same adjusted 2007 operating income amounts used to set payouts under our 2008 annual bonus plan. The Compensation Committee determined to structure performance share vesting aroundthird day following the same baseline used in connection with the determinationfiling of our annual bonus,report onForm 10-K or quarterly report onForm 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This practice was followed for all long-term incentive compensation grants to complement and leverage consolidated operating income results that may be achieved as a result of our annual bonus awards. In addition, the Compensation Committee sought to encourage consistent and profitable growth while driving the creation of significant shareholder value. Finally, consistent with our 2006 and 2007 performance share awards, the Compensation Committee concluded that, based on the levels of the performance goals established, no performance shares should vest for cumulative operating income below 85% of the target level for the three-year measurement period.Named Executives in 2009.
 
Perquisites
 
Perquisites are not generally factored into the determination of the total direct compensation of our Named Executives, because they are typically provided to Named Executives on an exception basis after the Compensation Committee has reviewed the implications of a perquisite on McDermott.basis.
 
We own a fractional interest in three aircraft through an aircraft management company, which we acquired and use for business purposes and which we make available to our Named Executives for limited personal use upon the approval of our Chief Executive Officer.use. When we permit the personal use of aircraft by a Named Executive, we have a choice regarding the amount of income tax imputed to the executive officer for that use. Under current Internal Revenue Service rules, we may impute to the executive officer the actual cost incurred by us for the flight or an amount based on Standard Industry Fare Level (“SIFL”) rates set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Imputing income based on SIFL rates usually results in less income tax liability to the executive officer but higher income taxes to us due to limitations on deducting aircraft expenses that exceed the income imputed to employees. To minimize our cost of permitting the personal use of the aircraft, we impute income for personal use of aircraft to our Named Executives in an amount that results in the least amount of tax burden for McDermott.
 
As required by applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we calculate compensation in respect of personal use of corporate aircraft based on our “incremental cost.” We compute


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incremental cost for personal use of aircraft based on the actual cost incurred by us for the flight, including:
 
 •    the cost of fuel;
 
 •    a usage charge equal to the hourly rate charged by our flight operator multiplied by the flight time;
 
 •    “dead head” costs, if applicable, of flying empty aircraft without passengers to and from locations; and
 
 •    the dollar amount of increased income taxes we incur as a result of disallowed deductions under IRS rules.
 
Since the aircraft are used primarily for business travel, incremental costs generally exclude fixed costs such as the purchase price of our interests in the aircraft, aircraft management fees, depreciation, maintenance and insurance. Our cost for flights, using aircraft, whether business or personal, is not affected by the number of passengers. As a result, we do not assign any amount, other than the amount of any disallowed deduction, when computing incremental costs for the presence of guests accompanying a Named Executive on such flights. While we do not generally incur any additional cost, this travel may result in imputed income to the Named Executive and disallowed deductions on our income taxes. We will reimburse the Named Executive for the travel expenses of a guest accompanying a Named Executive, including the provision of agross-up for any imputed income, when the presence of that guest is related to the underlying business purpose of the trip. We also provide our Named Executives with a taxgross-up for imputed income incurred in connection with a relocation with McDermott or one of our affiliated companies. Otherwise, it is not our practice, and we do not intend, to provide any Named Executive with a taxgross-up for imputed income resulting from executive perquisites, including personal use of corporate aircraft.


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Post-Employment Compensation
 
Retirement Plans
 
Overview.  We provide retirement benefits through a combination of qualified defined benefit pension plans, which we refer to as our “Retirement Plans,” and a qualified defined contribution 401(k) Plan, which we refer to as our “Thrift Plan,” for most of our regularU.S. employees, including our Named Executives. We sponsor the following four Retirement Plans:
 
 •    the McDermott Retirement Plan for the benefit of the employees of McDermott Incorporated;
 
 •    the JRM Retirement Plan for the benefit of theU.S. employees of our Offshore Oil and Gas Construction segment;
 
 •    the Government Operations Retirement Plan for the benefit of the employees of our Government Operations segment; and
 
 •    the Commercial Operations Retirement Plan for the benefit of theU.S. employees of our Power Generation Systems segment.
 
In addition to the broad-based qualified plans described above, we sponsor unfunded, nonqualified or excess retirement plans. The excess plans cover a small group of highly compensated employees, including our Named Executives,Mr. Fees and Mr. Bethards, whose ultimate benefitbenefits under the applicable Retirement Plan isare reduced by Internal Revenue Code Sections 415(b)limits on the amount of benefits which may be provided under qualified plans, and 401(a)(17) limits.on the amount of compensation which may be taken into account in computing benefits under qualified plans. Benefits under the excess plans are paid from our general assets. See the Pension Benefit table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below for more information regarding our Retirement Plans.
 
Recent Changes to Retirement Plans.  Over the past several years, we have reassessed our retirement plans due to the volatility, cost and complexity associated with defined benefit plans and evolving employee preferences. As a result, we have taken steps to shift away from traditional defined benefit plans and toward a defined contribution approach. In 2003, we closed the JRM Retirement Plan to new participants and froze benefit accruals for existing participants. In lieu of future defined benefit plan accruals under the JRM Retirement Plan, we amended our Thrift Plan to provide affected employees with an automatic cash contribution to their Thrift Plan account equal to 3% of the employee’s base pay, plus overtime pay, expatriate pay and commissions, which we refer to collectively as “thriftable earnings.” Mr. Deason had not satisfied the JRM Retirement Plan eligibility requirements at the time that plan was closed to new participants. Therefore, he does not participate in a Retirement Plan or an excess plan. In 2006, we closed the McDermott, Commercial Operations and Government Operations Retirement Plans to new salaried participants and froze benefit accruals for existing salaried participants with less than five years of credited service as of March 31, 2006, subject to specific annualcost-of-living increases. In lieu of future defined benefit plan accruals under those plans, we further amended our Thrift Plan to provide an automatic cash contribution


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to the Thrift Plan accounts of affected employees and new hires in an amount between 3% and 8% of the employee’s thriftable earnings, based on their length of service. Mr. Taff was affected by these changes. Mr. Taff does not participate in a Retirement Plan or an Excess Plan because he had not met the McDermott Retirement Plan eligibility requirements at the time that plan was closed to new participants. In 2007, we offered salaried participants in the McDermott, Commercial Operations and Government Operations Retirement Plans with between five and 10 years of credited service as of January 1, 2007 the one-time irrevocable choice between (1) continuing to accrue future benefits under the Retirement Plan or (2) freezing their Retirement Plan accrued benefit as of March 31, 2007, subject to annualcost-of-living increases, and receiving an automatic service-based cash contribution to their Thrift Plan account instead. Based on years of service, Messrs. WilkinsonMr. Johnson’s employment with McDermott commenced after these changes and, Nesser were offered this choice. Mr. Wilkinson chose to have his McDermottas a result, he does not participate in a Retirement Plan accrued benefit frozen. Therefore, his service after March 31, 2007 is not taken into account as credited service under a Retirement Plan. Mr. Nesser chose to continue to accrue future benefits under the McDermott Retirement Plan, and he continues to be credited with service under thator an excess plan.
 
Supplemental Plans.  In 2005, as part of our philosophydetermination to move away from defined benefit plans, our management recommended that the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee terminate our then existingthen-existing non-qualified defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan. In its place, our Board of Directors and


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Compensation Committee established a new defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan, which we refer to as the “SERP,” to help maintain the competitiveness of our post-employment compensation as compared to our market. The SERP is an unfunded, nonqualified plan that provides participants with benefits based uponon the participant’s notional account balance at the time of retirement or termination. Annually, we credit a participant’s notional account with an amount equal to 5% of the participant’s priorprior-year base salary and annual bonus.bonus paid in the prior year. The Compensation Committee has designated deemed mutual fund investments to serve as indices for the purpose of determining notional investment gains and losses to theeach participant’s account. Each participant allocates the annual notional contribution among the various deemed investments. SERP benefits are based on the participant’s vested notional account balance at the time of retirement or termination. In order to take advantage of grandfathering provisions in Internal Revenue Code Section 457A, in 2009, the Compensation Committee amended the SERP to vest each participant’s account as of December 31, 2008. Of the Named Executives with a SERP account balance as of the end of 2008, only Mr. Taff’s account was not fully vested. At the time of the amendment, Mr. Taff was 80% vested in his SERP balance. As a result of Mr. Johnson’s employment commencing April 1, 2009, he did not have a SERP balance and was therefore unaffected by this amendment. Please see the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 4753 and accompanying narrative for furthermore information about the SERP and our contributions to our Named Executives’ SERP accounts.
 
Employment and Severance Arrangements
 
Employment and Separation Agreements.  Except forchange-in-control agreements and a separation agreement with Mr. Wilkinson,retention agreements, we do not currently have any employment or severance agreements with any of our Named Executives. In recent years, the Compensation Committee has determined that it may be appropriate in certain circumstances for us to enter into separation agreements with key officers. Under such agreements, the officer would be retained as a consultant for a limited period to assist us in the transition to a successor. In general, under these separation agreements, the officer receives a prorated EICP award for the year in which the separation agreement commences, continued vesting in equity awards at the normal vesting schedule for the duration of the consulting period and accelerated vesting of the unvested portion of the officer’s SERP account. In September 2008, we entered into such a separation agreement with Mr. Wilkinson. In addition, in October 2008, we entered into a separate consulting agreement with Mr. Wilkinson to provide our Board and management post-transition assistance with specific matters involving customers, investors, acquisition transactions and other matters. See the Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below for more information regarding Mr. Wilkinson’s agreements.
 
Change-in-Control Agreements.  In our experience,change-in-control agreements for Named Executivesnamed executive officers are common within our industry, and our Board and Compensation Committee believe that providing these agreements to our Named Executives protects shareholders’ interests by helping to assure management continuity and focus through and beyond a change in control. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee has offeredchange-in-control agreements to key senior executives, including Named Executives, since 2005. With the exception of ourchange-in-control agreement with Mr. Fees, ourOurchange-in-control agreements generally provide a cash severance payment of two (2.99 for Mr. Fees) times the sum of the Named Executive’s annual base salary and target EICP, awarda cash payment equal to two years of medical benefits and provide an additional taxgross-up in the event of any excise tax liability. Mr. Johnson received achange-in-control agreement coincident with his commencement of employment in April 2009. At that time, it was not our intention to provide for an excise taxgross-up payment in connection with any newchange-in-control agreements and, as a result, Mr. Johnson’s agreement does not contain such a taxgross-up provision.
Additionally, theseourchange-in-control agreements contain what is commonly referred to as a “double trigger,” that is, they provide benefits only upon an involuntary termination or constructive termination of the executive officer within one year following a change in control. In 2008, at the request of the Compensation Committee, Hewitt conducted a review of ourchange-in-control agreements relative to existing practices among companies in the J.Ray/Corporate Group and the Custom Peer Group and to emerging practices generally. Specifically, Hewitt consideredchange-in-control provisions relating to triggers, the definition and calculation of severance pay and treatment of payments for bonus, equity, medical and excise tax. Hewitt’s analysis indicated that ourchange-in-control agreements were generally consistent with practices in our market and in the Custom Peer Group, except with respect to calculating severance pay for chief executive officers and payments for medical benefits. Market practices generally calculated chief executive officer severance at 2.99 or 3.0 times the executive’s pay and provided an additional payment for medical benefits. Based on Hewitt’s analysis, the Compensation Committee revised ourchange-in-control agreements to include a payment for two years of medical benefits for each Named Executive and, for Mr. Fees’ agreement only, calculate severance pay at 2.99 times his annual base salary and target EICP award. No change was made in the 2008change-in-control agreements regarding the provision for an excise taxgross-up payment. However, for any futurechange-in-control agreements we may enter into, we do not intend to provide for an excise taxgross-up payment. See the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control table under “Compensation of Executive Officers” below and the accompanying disclosures for more information regarding thechange-in-control agreements with our Named Executives, as well as other plans and


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arrangements that have different trigger mechanisms that relate to a change in control.


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Retention Agreements.  On December 7, 2009, we announced plans to spin off B&W into an independent, publicly traded company. In connection with that announcement, and to ensure retention of key employees and executives through the completion of the separation of B&W from McDermott, on December 10, 2009, we entered into retention agreements with 17 key members of management, including our Named Executives, other than Mr. Deason who had already announced his intention to retire.
Generally, the retention agreements provide either a retention or severance payment to the Named Executives in connection with the proposed separation. The retention agreements generally provide a retention payment in the form of a restricted stock grant made near the time of the separation, that would vest one year following the separation, equal to 100% (149.5% in the case of Mr. Fees) of the sum of the Named Executive’s annual base salary plus target annual incentive. That amount represented one-half of the severance payment that otherwise would be provided under each Named Executive’s retention agreement in the event of a qualifying termination, and discussed below. With respect to Mr. Taff, one-third of his retention payment will be payable in cash on the effective date of the separation, in recognition of his agreement to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of B&W following the separation.
Although the proposed separation would not constitute a change in control for purposes of theChange-in-Control Agreements or other Company compensation plans, the Compensation Committee determined that the need to maintain continuity of management and personnel that exists under a change in control scenario equally existed in connection with the planned separation of B&W. As a result, the retention agreements provide for severance payments that would generally be the same as the severance payments that would be made in connection with a qualifying termination on or following a change in control (other than taxgross-ups). Accordingly, the retention agreements provide for a cash severance payment of two (2.99 for Mr. Fees) times the sum of the Named Executive’s annual base salary and target EICP, prorated target annual incentive compensation and a cash payment equal to two years of medical benefits as well as the full vesting of outstanding long-term incentive grants and SERP balance. The only payment provided for under the retention agreement not otherwise payable in a change in control is the potential early vesting of the Named Executive’s Thrift Plan account. Under the terms of the Thrift Plan, unvested balances would become vested in the event a participant is involuntarily terminated in connection with a reduction in force. Because involuntary terminations for reasons other than cause in connection with the proposed separation generally would be considered to be associated with a reduction in force, the Compensation Committee determined to add the vesting of Thrift Plan accounts to the severance benefits to avoid any ambiguity on that point. The Thrift Plan normally vests after three years of service. As a result of his commencement of employment in 2009, Mr. Johnson is the only Named Executive to which this benefit may be applicable.
Mr. Fees’ retention agreement also contains restrictions on his ability to compete with McDermott (including both B&W and J. Ray), or solicit our employees, for two years following the termination of his employment.
See the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control table under “Compensation of Executive Officers — Retention Agreements” below and the accompanying disclosures for more information regarding the retention agreements with our Named Executives.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
 
Overview.  To align the interests of directors, executive officers and shareholders, we believe our directors and executive officers should have a significant financial stake in McDermott. To further that goal, we adopted stock ownership guidelines, effective January 1, 2006, requiring generally that our nonmanagement directors and our officers maintain a minimum ownership interest in McDermott. The amount required to be retained varies depending on the executive’s position. The guidelines require our Chief Executive Officer to own and retain a minimum of 100,000 shares of our common stock and our other Named Executives to own and retain at least 35,000 shares. The guidelines require nonmanagement directors to own and retain a minimum of 6,000 shares of our common stock.
 
Directors and officers have five years from the effective date of the stock ownership guidelines or their initial election as a director/officer, whichever is later, to comply with the guidelines. The Compensation Committee has discretion to waive or modify the stock ownership guidelines for directors and officers.
 


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Compliance.  We assess our Named Executives’ compliance with these guidelines annually. When calculating stock ownership for purposes of these guidelines, we do not include any stock options, even if vested but unexercised. All of our Named Executives are in compliance with these guidelines. Additionally, we have considered these guidelines and believe that the minimum levels continue to be appropriate for our officers and directors at this time.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORTCompensation Committee Report
 
We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with McDermott’s management and, based on our review and discussions, we recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
 
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
Thomas C. Schievelbein, Chairman
Roger A. Brown
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
David A. Trice


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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERSCompensation of Executive Officers
 
The following table summarizes the prior three years’ compensation of our current and former Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our three highest paid executive officers who did not serve as our CEO and CFO during 2008, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008.2009. We refer to these persons as our Named Executives. No compensation information for Mr. Taff is provided for 2006Mr. Johnson for 2007 or 2008 because he became a Named Executivejoined our company in 2007. No compensation information for Mr. Bethards is provided for 2006 or 2007 because he became a Named Executive in 2008.2009.
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
                                     
              Change in
    
              Pension
    
              Value and
    
              Nonqualified
    
            Non-Equity
 Deferred
    
        Stock
 Option
 Incentive Plan
 Compensation
 All Other
  
Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary Bonus Awards Awards Compensation Earnings Compensation Total
 
J.A. Fees  2008  $592,500  $270,223  $2,013,812  $53,131  $570,803  $143,028  $148,310  $3,791,807 
Chief Executive Officer  2007  $515,000  $0  $1,685,149  $169,616  $702,975  $333,153  $57,679  $3,463,572 
   2006  $460,000  $0  $722,379  $262,030  $568,100  $367,828  $56,307  $2,436,644 
                                     
B.W. Wilkinson  2008  $562,500  $0  $2,299,144  $122,340  $323,550  $69,867  $2,259,830  $5,637,231 
Former Chairman &  2007  $750,000  $0  $2,472,448  $392,293  $1,462,500  $107,004  $105,050  $5,289,295 
Chief Executive Officer  2006  $750,000  $0  $1,694,958  $620,566  $1,140,000  $158,853  $116,687  $4,481,064 
                                     
M.S. Taff  2008  $440,000  $110,000  $914,569  $30,220  $141,207   N/A  $45,757  $1,681,753 
Senior Vice President &  2007  $374,999  $0  $648,095  $69,458  $387,563   N/A  $34,211  $1,514,326 
Chief Financial Officer  2006   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
                                     
B.C. Bethards  2008  $438,675  $10,000  $842,624  $0  $509,298  $158,014  $54,831  $2,013,442 
President & Chief  2007   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Executive Officer, The
Babcock & Wilcox Company
  2006   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
                                     
R.A. Deason  2008  $540,000  $0  $1,456,797  $47,766  $0   N/A  $117,077  $2,161,640 
President & Chief Executive  2007  $485,000  $0  $1,236,539  $152,977  $679,000   N/A  $59,375  $2,612,891 
Officer, J. Ray McDermott  2006  $440,000  $0  $478,188  $247,814  $543,400   N/A  $55,751  $1,765,153 
                                     
J.T. Nesser, III  2008  $500,000  $100,000  $1,295,766  $37,115  $136,122  $104,864  $74,933  $2,248,800 
Executive Vice President &  2007  $475,013  $0  $1,011,166  $120,551  $602,079  $95,660  $46,078  $2,350,547 
Chief Operating Officer,
J. Ray McDermott
  2006  $385,000  $0  $594,535  $196,653  $423,500  $55,341  $42,818  $1,697,847 
                                     
              Change in
    
              Pension
    
              Value and
    
              Nonqualified
    
            Non-Equity
 Deferred
    
        Stock
 Option
 Incentive Plan
 Compensation
 All Other
  
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus(1) Awards(2) Awards(3) Compensation(4) Earnings(5) Compensation(6) Total
J.A. Fees  2009  $900,000  $0  $3,543,276  $1,995,846  $1,665,000  $399,782  $111,407  $8,615,311 
Chief Executive Officer  2008  $592,500  $270,223  $6,835,450  $0  $570,803  $143,028  $148,310  $8,560,314 
   2007  $515,000  $0  $1,431,212  $0  $702,975  $333,153  $57,679  $3,040,019 
                                     
M.S. Taff  2009  $505,000  $0  $980,544  $552,314  $707,000   N/A  $59,315  $2,804,173 
Senior Vice President &  2008  $440,000  $110,000  $1,671,638  $0  $141,207   N/A  $45,757  $2,408,602 
Chief Financial Officer  2007  $374,999  $0  $742,610  $0  $387,563   N/A  $34,211  $1,539,383 
                                     
B.C. Bethards  2009  $526,200  $0  $840,544  $473,450  $663,012  $305,160  $65,693  $2,874,059 
President & Chief  2008  $438,675  $10,000  $1,207,512  $0  $509,298  $158,014  $54,831  $2,378,330 
Executive Officer, B&W  2007  $390,000  $0  $999,148  $0  $460,278  $186,071  $43,249  $2,078,746 
                                     
S.M. Johnson  2009  $562,500  $0  $2,664,402  $1,435,394  $1,131,563   N/A  $83,929  $5,877,788 
President & Chief  2008   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Executive Officer, J. Ray  2007   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
                                     
R.A. Deason  2009  $555,000  $0  $1,077,000  $0  $777,000   N/A  $124,847  $2,533,847 
Former President & Chief  2008  $540,000  $0  $1,847,489  $0  $0   N/A  $117,077  $2,504,566 
Executive Officer, J. Ray  2007  $485,000  $0  $1,242,184  $0  $679,000   N/A  $59,375  $2,465,559 
(1) See “Bonus” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(2) See “Stock Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(3) See “Option Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(4) See “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(5) See “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(6) See “All Other Compensation” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
 
Bonus.  The amounts reported in the “Bonus” column are attributable to discretionary bonus awards earned in 2008 but paid in 2009. For more information regarding discretionary bonuses, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Bonus — Analysis of 2008 Discretionary Awards” above.awards.
 
Stock and Option Awards.  The amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted in 2009 and “Option Awards” columns representcomputed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The amounts previously reported for 2007 and 2008 have been recomputed under the associated dollar amounts we recognizedsame standard in the applicable year for financial statement reporting purposes under SFAS No. 123R.accordance with SEC rules. Under SFAS No. 123R,FASB ASC Topic 718, the fair value of equity-classifiedthe stock awards such as restricted stock, performance shares and stock options, is determined on the date of grant and is not remeasured. Grant date fair values are determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant for restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. The grant date fair value of performance shares orincluded in the stock awards is based on target-level performance, which we determined was the probable outcome of performance conditions at the time of grant. Assuming the maximum performance levels were probable, the aggregate grant date fair values of the stock awards would be as follows:


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Grant Date Fair Value Assuming
Maximum Performance
       
    Grant Date Fair
    Value Assuming
    Maximum
Name Year Performance Level
J.A. Fees  2009  $4,842,171
   2008  $9,511,135
   2007  $2,146,818
M.S. Taff  2009  $1,339,993
   2008  $2,326,078
   2007  $1,113,915
       
B.C. Bethards  2009  $1,148,685
   2008  $1,580,801
   2007  $1,498,722
       
S.M. Johnson  2009  $3,641,126
   2008  N/A
   2007  N/A
R.A. Deason  2009  N/A
   2008  $2,570,636
   2007  $1,863,276
See the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table for more information regarding the stock awards we granted in 2009.
Option Awards.  The amounts reported in the “Option Awards” column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of all option awards granted in 2009 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Under FASB ASC Topic 718, the fair value of stock options is determined on the date of grant using an option-pricing model for stock options.and is not remeasured. We use thea Black-Scholes option-pricing model for measuring the fair value of stock options granted.options. The determination of the fair value of an award on the date of grant using an option-pricing model requires various assumptions, such as the expected life of the award and stock price volatility. For a discussion of the valuation assumptions, see Note 109 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. For liability-classified awards, such as cash-settled deferred stock units, fair values are determined based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date and are remeasured based on the closing price of our common stock at the end of each reporting period through the date of settlement. 2009.
See the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table for more information regarding the stockoption awards we granted in 2008.2009.


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Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.  The amounts reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column are attributable to the EICPannual incentive awards earned in fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008, but paid in 2007, 2008 and 2009, but paid in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. See the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table for more information regarding the annual incentive awards earned in 2009.
 
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings.  The amounts reported in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column represent the changes in actuarial present values of the accumulated benefits under defined benefit plans: at December 31, 2006, as compared to December 31, 2005, forplans, determined by comparing the prior completed fiscal year 2006; at December 31, 2007, as comparedend amount to December 31, 2006, forthe covered fiscal year 2007; and at December 31, 2008, as compared to December 31, 2007, for fiscal year 2008.end amount.
 
All Other Compensation.  The amounts reported for 20082009 in the “All Other Compensation” column are attributable to the following:
 
All Other Compensation
 
                         
        Service-Based
          
  SERP
  Thrift
  Thrift
  Tax
       
  Contribution  Match  Contribution  Gross-Ups  Perquisites  Other 
 
J.A. Fees $54,155  $10,601     $15,280  $68,274    
B.W. Wilkinson $94,500  $4,688  $9,200        $2,151,442 
M.S. Taff $31,125  $6,902  $6,904  $826       
B.C. Bethards $31,042  $4,603     $1,020  $18,166    
R.A. Deason $51,400  $4,691     $25,220  $35,766    
J.T. Nesser, III $44,926  $6,629     $8,213  $15,165    
                     
      Service-Based
    
      Thrift
    
  SERP Contribution Thrift Match Contribution Tax Gross-Ups Perquisites
J.A. Fees $64,774  $7,350     $11,501  $27,782 
                     
M.S. Taff $41,378  $7,358  $7,358  $3,221    
                     
B.C. Bethards $44,948  $4,906     $1,144  $14,695 
                     
S.M. Johnson    $6,342  $7,280  $17,111  $53,196 
                     
R.A. Deason $60,950  $4,968  $7,353  $18,620  $32,956 
 
SERP. See the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table for more information regarding the SERP contributions made in 2009.
Thrift Match and Service-Based Thrift Contribution.  We refer to our defined contribution plan as our Thrift Plan. For information regarding our Thrift Plan matching contributions and service-based Thrift Plan contributions, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — PostemploymentPost-employment Compensation — Retirement Plans” above.


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TaxGross-Ups.  The taxgross-ups reported for 20082009 under “All Other Compensation” are attributable to the following:
 
•    Mr. Fees:  Mr. Fees received taxgross-ups of $14,587 associated with income imputed to him as a result of his relocation from Virginia to Texas, following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of McDermott. In addition, Mr. Fees received a taxgross-up of $693 attributable to income imputed to him as a result of his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
 
•    Mr. Taff:  Mr. Taff received a taxgross-upgross-ups associated with income imputed to him as a result of his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
 
•    Mr. Bethards:  Mr. Bethards received taxgross-ups associated with income imputed to him as a result of his spouse accompanying him on business travel and as a result of a gift received at a management meeting.
•    Mr. Johnson:  Mr. Johnson received taxgross-ups associated with income imputed to him as a result of his relocation from OhioIdaho to Virginia,Texas, following his appointment as Chief ExecutiveOperating Officer of The Babcock & Wilcox Company.McDermott.
 
•    Mr. Deason:  Mr. Deason received taxgross-ups associated with income imputed to him as a result of his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
• Mr. Nesser: Mr. Nesser received taxgross-ups associated with income imputed to him as a result of his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
 
Perquisites.  Perquisites and other personal benefits received by a Named Executive are not included if their aggregate value does not exceed $10,000. For Messrs. Fees, Bethards, Deason and Deason,Johnson, the values of the perquisites and other personal benefits reported for 20082009 are as follows:
 
•    Mr. Fees:  $60,475$22,577 is attributable to the costs of providing him relocation assistance in connection with his move from Virginia to Texas. The remainder is attributable to the cost of a club membership anddues, the costs resulting from his spouse accompanying him on business travel.


36


travel and the cost of promotional merchandise in connection with a board of directors meeting.
 
•    Mr. Bethards:  $17,070$12,474 is attributable to the costs of providing him relocation assistance in connection with his move from Ohio to Virginia.Virginia following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of B&W. The remainder is attributable to the cost of club dues and the cost of promotional merchandise in connection with a board of directors meeting.
•    Mr. Johnson:  $52,936 is attributable to the costs of providing him relocation assistance in connection with his move from Idaho to Texas. The remainder is attributable to the cost of promotional merchandise in connection with a board of directors meeting.
•    Mr. Deason:  $32,696 is attributable to the costs resulting from his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
• Mr. Deason: This amount The remainder is attributable to the costs resulting from his spouse accompanying him on business travel.
• Mr. Nesser: This amount is attributable to the costs resulting from his spouse accompanying him on business travel.cost of promotional merchandise in connection with a board of directors meeting.
 
Other.  The amounts reported for Mr. Wilkinson include $57,692 of accrued but unused vacation and $2,093,750 paid by us for consulting services pursuant to a Consultancy Agreement. For more information regarding Mr. Wilkinson’s Consultancy Agreement, see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.
 


3744


 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following Grants of Plan-Based Awards table provides additional information about stock awards and equity and non-equity incentive plan awards granted to our Named Executives during the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 
                                                 
                          All Other
  All Other
       
                          Stock
  Option
     Grant
 
                          Awards:
  Awards:
  Exercise
  Date Fair
 
        Estimated Possible Payouts Under
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
  Number of
  Number of
  or Base
  Value of
 
     Committee
  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards  Equity Incentive Plan Awards  Shares of
  Securities
  Price of
  Stock and
 
  Grant
  Action
           Threshold
  Target
  Maximum
  Stock
  Underlying
  Option
  Option
 
Name
 Date  Date  Threshold  Target  Maximum  (#)  (#)  (#)  or Units  Options  Awards  Awards 
 
J.A. Fees  02/25/08   02/25/08  $100,088  $471,000  $942,000   8,327   33,310   49,965           $1,753,772 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        9,240        $486,486 
   03/03/08   02/25/08               36,135   144,540   216,810           $3,597,601 
   10/01/08   09/03/08                        40,080        $997,591 
   10/01/08   09/03/08                                         
B.W. Wilkinson  02/25/08   02/25/08  $159,375  $750,000  $1,500,000                             
M.S. Taff  02/25/08   02/25/08  $51,425  $242,000  $484,000   6,215   24,860   37,290           $1,308,879 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        6,890        $362,759 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                                         
B.C. Bethards  02/25/08   02/25/08  $58,727  $276,360  $552,720   3,545   14,180   21,270           $746,577 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        3,930        $206,915 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        26,000        $254,020 
   11/10/08   11/03/08                                         
R.A. Deason  02/25/08   02/25/08  $80,325  $378,000  $756,000   6,867   27,470   41,205           $1,446,296 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        7,620        $401,193 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                                         
J.T. Nesser, III  02/25/08   02/25/08  $70,391  $331,250  $662,500   6,492   25,970   38,955           $1,367,321 
   03/03/08   02/25/08                        7,200        $379,080 
   03/03/08   02/25/08               5,232   20,930   31,395           $744,062 
   08/14/08   08/07/08                        5,810        $206,546 
   08/14/08   08/07/08                                         
                                                 
                          All Other
  All Other
       
                          Stock
  Option
       
        Estimated Possible Payouts Under
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
  Awards:
  Awards:
  Exercise
  Grant Date
 
        Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  Number of
  Number of
  or Base
  Fair Value
 
     Committee
  (1)  (2)  Shares of
  Securities
  Price of
  of Stock and
 
     Action
           Threshold
  Target
  Maximum
  Stock
  Underlying
  Option
  Option
 
Name
 Grant Date  Date  Threshold  Target  Maximum  (#)  (#)  (#)  or Units(3)  Options(4)  Awards  Awards(5) 
J.A. Fees
                                                
   02/26/09   02/26/09  $157,500  $900,000  $1,800,000                            
   03/05/09   02/26/09               30,150   120,603   241,206           $1,298,894 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                        208,392        $2,244,382 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                           295,716  $10.93  $1,995,846 
                                                 
M.S. Taff
                                                
   02/26/09   02/26/09  $61,863  $353,500  $707,000                            
   03/05/09   02/26/09               8,343   33,375   66,750           $359,449 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                        57,669        $621,095 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                           81,834  $10.93  $552,314 
                                                 
B.C. Bethards
                                                
   02/26/09   02/26/09  $64,460  $368,340  $736,680                            
   03/05/09   02/26/09               7,152   28,611   57,222           $308,140 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                        49,434        $532,404 
   03/05/09   02/26/09                           70,149  $10.93  $473,450 
                                                 
S.M. Johnson
                                                
   05/07/09   05/07/09  $111,563  $637,500  $1,275,000                            
   05/14/09   05/07/09               13,453   53,814   107,628           $976,724 
   05/14/09   05/07/09                        92,985        $1,687,678 
   05/14/09   05/07/09                           131,949  $18.15  $1,435,394 
                                                 
R.A. Deason
                                                
   02/26/09   02/26/09  $67,988  $388,500  $777,000                            
   03/05/09   02/26/09                        100,000        $1,077,000 
(1) See “Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(2) See “Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(3) See “All Other Stock Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(4) See “All Other Option Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
(5) See “Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts included in this column.
 
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 
Our Compensation Committee administers the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, aan annual cash bonus incentive program, which we refer to as the EICP. The payment amount, if any, of an EICP award is determined based on: (1) the attainment of short-term financial goals; (2) the attainment of short-term individual goals; and (3) the exercise of the Compensation Committee’s discretionary authority. Each year, our Compensation Committee establishes financial goals and, with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, individual goals. Our Chief Executive Officer establishes individual goals for the other Named Executives.
 
The financial goals contain threshold, target and maximum performance levels which, if achieved, result in payments of 25%, 100% and 200% of the financial component, respectively. If the threshold financial goal is not achieved, no amount is paid on an EICP award under the financial component. For purposes of evaluating McDermott’s performance under the financial performance component, our Compensation Committee may adjust our results prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for unusual, nonrecurring or


45


other items in the Committee’s discretion. Payment is made on an EICP award under the individual component based on the attainment of the Named Executive’s individual goals as determined and evaluated by our Chief Executive Officer.Officer or, with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, by our Governance Committee. In addition, our Compensation Committee may increase or decrease an EICP award in its discretion. The maximum EICP award a Named Executive can earn is 200% of his target EICP award.
 
The amounts shown reflect grants of 20082009 EICP awards. In February 2008, ourOur Compensation Committee established target EICP awards expressed as a percentage of the Named Executive’s 20082009 base salary. The amount shown in the “target” column represents the value of the target EICP award determined by multiplying the target percentage established for each Named Executive by the Named Executive’s 20082009 base salary. For 2008,2009, the target


38


percentage of base salary for each Named Executive was as follows: 79%100% for Mr. Fees, 100% for Mr. Wilkinson, 55%70% for Mr. Taff, 63%70% for Mr. Bethards, 85% for Mr. Johnson and 70% for Mr. Deason and 66% for Mr. Nesser. Effective October 1, 2008, Messrs. Fees, Bethards and Nesser were promoted to new positions within our organization. As a result, their respective target EICP awards represent composites of their respective EICP target awards under their former and current positions, prorated based on the length of service in each position during 2008. Based upon this formula, Mr. Fees’ 2008 EICP target amount represents the combined prorated target award of his EICP target as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Babcock & Wilcox Company (three-fourths of 70% of $540,000) and as Chief Executive Officer of McDermott (one-fourth of 100% of $750,000). Mr. Bethard’s 2008 EICP target amount represents the combined prorated target award of his EICP target as President of Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. (three-fourths of 60% of $409,500) and as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Babcock & Wilcox Company (one-fourth of 70% of $526,200). Mr. Nesser’s 2008 EICP target amount represents the combined prorated target award of his EICP target as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer of McDermott (three-fourths of 65% of $500,000) and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of J. Ray McDermott, S.A. (one-fourth of 70% of $500,000).Deason. The amount shown in the “maximum” column represents the maximum amount payable under the EICP, which is 200% of the target amount shown. The amount shown in the “threshold” column represents the amount payable under the EICP assuming the threshold level of the financial goals, but no individual goal, is attained and our Compensation Committee did not exercise any discretion over the EICP award. The financial goal represents 85%70% of the target EICP award. Attaining only the threshold level, or 25%, of the financial goal results in an EICP payment of 21.25%17.50% of the target EICP award. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Bonus” on page 23Incentive Compensation” above for more information about the 20082009 EICP awards and performance goals.
On September 30, 2008, Mr. Wilkinson entered into a Separation Agreement. Under the terms of that agreement, Mr. Wilkinson is only entitled to receive a prorated EICP award based on his 2008 employment. As a result, his threshold, target and maximum award are three fourths of the amounts show in the table. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below for more information regarding Mr. Wilkinson’s Separation Agreement.
 
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 
The amounts shown reflect grants of Performance Sharesperformance shares under our 2001 D&O Plan.Plan, with the exception of grants made to Mr. Johnson, which were made under the 2009 LTIP, which was approved by stockholders on May 8, 2009. Each grant represents a right to receive one share of McDermott common stock for each vested performance share. The amount of performance shares that vest, if any, willis scheduled to be determined on the third anniversary of the date of grant based (1) one-half on our cumulative operating income between January 1, 20082009 and December 31, 2010.2011, and (2) one-half on our total shareholder return relative to the Custom Peer Group described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Overview of Compensation Programs and Objectives — Defining Market Range Compensation — Benchmarking” during the same period. For purposes of evaluating McDermott’s cumulative operating income, our Compensation Committee may adjust our results prepared in accordance with GAAP for unusual, non-recurring or other items in the Committee’s discretion. The amounts shown in the “target” column represent the number of performance shares granted, which will vest under each grant if both the target level of cumulative operating income is attained.attained and our total shareholder return ranks in the 50th percentile relative to the Custom Peer Group. The amounts shown in the “maximum” column represent the number of performance shares that will vest, under each grant, which is 150%200% of the amount granted, if both the maximum level of cumulative operating income is attained.attained and our total shareholder return ranks first or second in total shareholder return relative to the Custom Peer Group. The amounts shown in the “threshold” column represent the number of performance shares that will vest, under each grant, which is 25% of the amount granted, if both the minimum level of cumulative operating income is attained.attained and our total shareholder return ranks in the 25th percentile relative to the Custom Peer Group. No amount of performance shares will vest if the cumulative operating income achieved is less than the minimum performance level.level and our total shareholder return ranks in less than the 25th percentile relative to the Custom Peer Group. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Equity-BasedLong-Term Incentive Compensation” on page 29above for more information regarding the 2008 Performance Shares and threshold, target and maximum operating income2009 performance levels.shares.
 
All Other Stock Awards
 
The amounts shown reflect grants of Restricted Stockrestricted stock units under our 2001 D&O Plan. The sharesPlan, with the exception of Restricted Stock willthe grant to Mr. Johnson, which was made under the 2009 LTIP. Each restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one share of McDermott common stock and are generally scheduled to vest in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. Upon vesting, the restricted stock units are converted into shares of Restricted Stock are released and the restrictions on the stock are removed.McDermott common stock. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Equity-BasedLong-Term Incentive Compensation” on page 29above for more information regarding the 2008 Restricted Stock.2009 restricted stock units.


3946


All Other Option Awards
The amounts shown reflect grants of stock options under our 2001 D&O Plan, with the exception of the grant to Mr. Johnson, which was made under the 2009 LTIP. Each grant represents the right to purchase at the exercise price shares of McDermott common stock over a period of seven years. The stock options are generally scheduled to vest and become exercisable in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above for more information regarding the 2009 stock options.
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards
 
The amounts included in the “Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards” column represent the full grant date fair values of the equity awards computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123R.FASB ASC Topic 718. Under SFAS No. 123R,FASB ASC Topic 718, the fair value of equity awards such as performance shares, is determined on the date of grant and is not remeasured. Grant date fair values are determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.grant for restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, and an option-pricing model for stock options. We use a Black-Scholes option-pricing model for measuring the fair value of stock options granted. The determination of the fair value of an award on the date of grant using an option-pricing model requires various assumptions, such as the expected life of the award and stock price volatility. For more information regarding the compensation expense related to 2008 performance shares2009 awards, and other awards,a discussion of valuation assumptions utilized in option pricing, see Note 109 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 


4047


 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
The following Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table summarizes the equity awards we have made to our Named Executives which were outstanding as of December 31, 2008.2009.
 
                                      
  Option Awards  Stock Awards
                 Equity
 Equity
      Equity
          Incentive
 Incentive
      Incentive
          Plan Awards:
 Plan Awards:
      Plan Awards:
          Number of
 Market or
  Number of
 Number of
 Number of
      Number of
   Unearned
 Payout Value
  Securities
 Securities
 Securities
      Shares or
   Shares, Units
 of Unearned
  Underlying
 Underlying
 Underlying
      Units of
 Market Value of
 or Other
 Shares, Units
  Unexercised
 Unexercised
 Unexercised
 Option
 Option
  Stock that
 Shares or Units of
 Rights that
 or Other
  Options
 Options
 Unearned
 Exercise
 Expiration
  have not
 Stock that have
 have not
 Rights that
Name
 Exercisable Unexercisable Options Price Date  Vested not Vested Vested have not Vested
J.A. Fees                  58,500  $577,980.00         
                        36,000  $355,680.00         
                        9,240  $91,291.20         
                        40,080  $395,990.40         
                        18,300  $180,804.00         
                                42,400  $418,912.00 
                                8,327  $82,270.76 
                                36,135  $357,013.80 
B.W. Wilkinson                  90,000  $889,200.00         
                        42,132  $416,264.16         
                                56,000  $553,280.00 
M.S. Taff  23,000        $7.1933   06/08/15                  
                        24,750  $244,530.00         
                        6,890  $68,073.20         
                        9,000  $88,920.00         
                                22,000  $217,360.00 
                                6,215  $61,404.20 
B.C. Bethards                  22,500  $222,300.00         
                        3,930  $38,828.40         
                        26,000  $256,880.00         
                                29,600  $292,448.00 
                                3,545  $35,024.60 
R.A. Deason  30,540        $6.7267   05/12/15                  
                        54,000  $533,520.00         
                        7,620  $75,285.60         
                        16,452  $162,545.76         
                                36,800  $363,584.00 
                                6,867  $67,845.96 
J.T. Nesser, III                  40,500  $400,140.00         
                        7,200  $71,136.00         
                        5,810  $57,402.80         
                        12,780  $126,266.40         
                                35,000  $345,800.00 
                                6,492  $64,140.96 
                                5,232  $51,692.16 
                                      
                                            
  
       Option Awards (1)   Stock Awards (2) 
                                Equity
 
                                Incentive
 
             Equity
               Equity
  Plan Awards:
 
             Incentive
               Incentive
  Market or
 
             Plan
               Plan Awards:
  Payout Value
 
             Awards:
               Number of
  of Unearned
 
       Number of
  Number of
  Number of
         Number of
     Unearned
  Shares, Units
 
       Securities
  Securities
  Securities
         Shares or
  Market Value of
  Shares, Units
  or Other
 
       Underlying
  Underlying
  Underlying
         Units of
  Shares or Units of
  or Other
  Rights That
 
       Unexercised
  Unexercised
  Unexercised
  Option
  Option
   Stock That
  Stock That Have
  Rights That
  Have Not
 
       Options
  Options
  Unearned
  Exercise
  Expiration
   Have Not
  Not Vested
  Have Not
  Vested
 
Name  Grant Date   Exercisable  Unexercisable  Options  Price  Date   Vested  (3)  Vested  (3) 
J.A. Fees
                                           
Stock Options   03/05/09       295,716     $10.9300   03/05/16                  
DSU   05/12/05                         9,150  $219,692         
Performance Shares   05/10/07                         63,600  $1,527,036         
Restricted Stock   03/03/08                         6,160  $147,902         
Performance Shares   03/03/08                               8,327  $199,931 
Restricted Stock   10/01/08                         26,720  $641,547       
Performance Shares   10/01/08                               36,135  $867,601 
RSU   03/05/09                         208,392  $5,003,492       
Performance Shares   03/05/09                                 241,206  $5,791,356 
M.S. Taff
                                           
Stock Options   06/08/05    23,000         $7.1933   06/08/15                  
Stock Options   03/05/09       81,834     $10.9300   03/05/16                  
DSU   06/08/05                         4,500  $108,045         
Performance Shares   05/10/07                         33,000  $792,330         
Restricted Stock   03/03/08                         4,593  $110,278         
Performance Shares   03/03/08                               6,215  $149,222 
RSU   03/05/09                         57,669  $1,384,633       
Performance Shares   03/05/09                                 66,750  $1,602,668 
B.C. Bethards
                                           
Stock Options   03/05/09       70,149     $10.9300   03/05/16                  
Performance Shares   05/10/07                         44,400  $1,066,044         
Restricted Stock   03/03/08                         2,620  $62,906         
Performance Shares   03/03/08                               3,545  $85,115 
Restricted Stock   11/10/08                         17,333  $416,165       
RSU   03/05/09                         49,434  $1,186,910       
Performance Shares   03/05/09                                 57,222  $1,373,900 
S.M. Johnson
                                           
Stock Options   05/14/09       131,949     $18.1500   05/14/16                  
RSU   05/14/09                         92,985  $2,232,570         
Performance Shares   05/14/09                                 107,628  $2,584,148 
R.A. Deason
                                           
Stock Options   05/12/05    30,540        $6.7267   05/12/15                  
DSU   05/12/05                         8,226  $197,506         
Performance Shares   05/10/07                         55,200  $1,325,352         
Restricted Stock   03/03/08                         5,080  $121,971         
Performance Shares   03/03/08                                 6,867  $164,877 
                                            
                                            
(1)See “Option Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts reported in this column including the vesting dates of unexercisable option awards.
(2)See “Stock Awards” below for a discussion of the amounts reported in this column including the vesting dates of outstanding stock awards.
(3)Market values in these columns are based on the closing price of our common stock as of December 31, 2009 ($24.01), as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.


48


 
Option Awards.  Information presented in the “Option Awards” columns relates to options to purchase shares of our common stock held by our Named Executives as of December 31, 2008.2009. All unexercisable options were granted ten years prior to the option expiration date reported andgenerally vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. All options held by our Named Executives are fully vested. As of December 31, 2008, we had not granted any options to our Named Executives since 2005.date, as follows:
Grant DateOne-third of Grant Vests on:
03/05/09March 5, 2010, 2011 and 2012
05/14/09May 14, 2010, 2011 and 2012
 
Stock Awards.  Information presented in the Stock Awards columns relates to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance shares held by our Named Executives as of December 31, 2008.2009. The awards reported in the “Equity Incentive Plan Awards” columns consist entirely of performance shares. Performance shares


41


where the performancestock awards subject to performance-based conditions have been satisfied, restricted stock and deferred stock units areas of December 31, 2009. The awards reported in the “Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested” column.column reflect stock awards subject to service-based vesting, including performance shares whose performance conditions have been satisfied as of December 31, 2009.
 
Restricted Stock.Stock Awards.  Shares of restricted stock willare generally scheduled to vest in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the dategrant date. The vesting schedule of grant. The market value ofthe restricted stock reported in the Stock Awards column is based on the closing price of our common stockoutstanding as of December 31, 2008 ($9.88), as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. The shares reported in the Stock Awards column attributable to restricted stock are2009 is as follows:
 
Restricted Stock Awards
   
Grant Date One-third of Grant Vests on:
03/03/08March 3, 2010 and 2011
10/01/08October 1, 2010 and 2011
11/10/08November 10, 2010 and 2011
Restricted Stock Units.  Restricted stock units represent the right to receive one share of our common stock for each vested restricted stock unit. Restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2009 are generally scheduled to vest in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, as follows:
   
Grant Date NumberOne-third of
Unvested Shares of
Name
Restricted Stock
Vesting Date
Grant Vests on:
 
J.A. Fees
03/05/09 March 5, 2010, 2011 and 2012
9,24005/14/09 3,080 shares vest each year on
March 3, 2009,May 14, 2010, 2011 and 2011
40,08013,360 shares vest each year on
Oct. 1, 2009, 2010 and 2011
B.W. Wilkinson
M.S. Taff6,8902,296 shares vest on March 3, 2009;
2,297 shares vest on March 3, 2010;
2,296 shares vest on March 3, 2011
B.C. Bethards3,9301,310 shares vest each year on
March 3, 2009, 2010 and 2011
26,0008,667 shares vest on Nov. 10, 2009;
8,666 shares vest on Nov. 10, 2010;
8,667 shares vest on Nov. 10, 2011
R.A. Deason7,6202,540 shares vest each year on
March 3, 2009, 2010 and 2011
J.T. Nesser, III7,2002,400 shares vest each year on
March 3, 2009, 2010 and 2011
5,8101,937 shares vest on Aug. 14, 2009;
1,936 shares vest on Aug. 14, 2010;
1,937 shares vest on Aug. 14, 20112012
Deferred Stock Units.  Deferred stock units are settled in cash in an amount equal to the number of vested units multiplied by the average of the highest and lowest price of our common stock on the date of vesting. Deferred stock units are generally scheduled to vest in five equal installments on each anniversary of the date of grant. The market valuevesting schedule of the deferred stock units reported in the Stock Awards column is based on the closing price of our common stockoutstanding as of December 31, 2008 ($9.88), as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. The amounts of Stock Awards reported in the Stock Awards column attributable to deferred stock units are2009 is as follows:
 
Deferred Stock Units
   
Grant Date 
NumberOne-fifth of
Unvested Deferred
Name
Stock Units
Vesting Date
Grant Vests on:
 
J.A. Fees
05/12/05 May 12, 2010
18,30006/08/05 9,150 units vest each year on
May 12, 2009 and 2010
B.W. Wilkinson42,13221,066 units vest each year on
May 12, 2009 and 2010
M.S. Taff9,0004,500 units vest each year on
May 12, 2009 and 2010
B.C. Bethards
R.A. Deason16,4528,226 units vest each year on
May 12, 2009 and 2010
J.T. Nesser III12,7806,390 units vest each year on
May 12, 2009 andJune 8, 2010


42


Performance Shares.  Performance share awardsshares represent the right to receive one share of our common stock for each performance share that becomes vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant.vests. The number of performance shares that vest depends on the attainment of specified performance levels.goals. The number and value reported under the Stock Awards column for the 2006of performance shares reported is based on achieving threshold performance levels, unless the previous year’s performance level exceeds threshold, in which case the number and value of performance shares reported is based on attaining the next higher performance level. The number and value of the 2007 performance shares reported are based on attaining the maximum performance level, or 150% of the performance shares granted. The number and value reported underof the Stock Awards column for the 20072008 performance shares reported are based on attaining the targetthreshold performance level, or 100%25% of the performance shares granted. The number and value reported underof the Stock Awards column for the 20082009 performance shares reported are based on attaining the thresholdmaximum performance level, or 25%200% of the performance shares granted. See the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table for more information about performance shares. The amount and vestingPerformance shares are generally scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of performance shares reported in the Stock Awards column aredate of grant, as follows:
 
Performance Shares
Grant DateVests per Attainment of Performance Levels on:
05/10/07May 10, 2010
03/03/08March 3, 2011
10/01/08October 1, 2011
03/05/09March 5, 2012
05/14/09May 14, 2012
 
             
     Number of
    
  Performance Share
  Unvested
    
Name
 Grant Year  Performance Shares  Vesting Date 
 
J.A. Fees  2006   58,500   05/08/09 
       36,000   11/07/09 
   2007   42,400   05/10/10 
   2008   8,327   03/03/11 
       36,135   10/01/11 
B.W. Wilkinson  2006   90,000   05/08/09 
   2007   56,000   05/10/10 
M.S. Taff  2006   24,750   05/08/09 
   2007   22,000   05/10/10 
   2008   6,215   03/03/11 
B.C. Bethards  2006   22,500   05/08/09 
   2007   29,600   05/10/10 
   2008   3,545   03/03/11 
R.A. Deason  2006   54,000   05/08/09 
   2007   36,800   05/10/10 
   2008   6,867   03/03/11 
J.T. Nesser, III  2006   40,500   05/08/09 
   2007   35,000   05/10/10 
   2008   6,492   03/03/11 
       5,232   08/14/11 
 


4349


 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
 
The following Option Exercises and Stock Vested table provides additional information about the value realized by our Named Executives on exercises of option awards and vesting of stock awards during the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 
                 
  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  Number of
     Number of
    
  Shares
     Shares
    
  Acquired
  Value Realized
  Acquired
  Value Realized
 
Name
 on Exercise  on Exercise  on Vesting  on Vesting 
 
J.A. Fees  76,605  $3,841,524.01   9,150  $486,276.75 
B.W. Wilkinson  812,760  $32,032,855.06   103,266  $5,878,110.57 
M.S. Taff  22,000  $1,186,303.23   4,500  $295,571.25 
B.C. Bethards  4,120  $172,311.60   0   N/A 
R.A. Deason  0   N/A   83,226  $4,778,920.77 
J.T. Nesser, III  186,390  $9,483,852.09   34,590  $1,972,094.55 
                 
  Option Awards Stock Awards
   
  Shares
   Shares
  
  Acquired
 Value Realized
 Acquired
 Value Realized 
 Name on Exercise (#) on Exercise on Vesting (#) on Vesting
J.A. Fees  0   N/A   120,090  $2,458,148.70 
M.S. Taff  0   N/A   31,547  $567,563.97 
B.C. Bethards  0   N/A   32,477  $631,050.07 
S.M. Johnson  0   N/A   0   N/A 
R.A. Deason  0   N/A   164,766  $3,576,229.68 
 
Option Awards.  EachNo stock option exercise reported inawards were exercised by any Named Executive during the Option Exercises and Stock Vested table was effected as a simultaneous exercise and sale, with the exception of one stock option exercise and hold (representing 174,560 shares) by Mr. Wilkinson. For simultaneous exercise and sales, the value realized on exercise was calculated based on the difference between the exercise prices of the stock options and the prices at which the shares were sold. For the exercise of options for 174,560 shares by Mr. Wilkinson, the value realized on exercise was calculated based on the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the average of the highest and lowest price of our common stock on the date of exercise. Three of the exercises of Mr. Fees (representing 12,000 shares) and all of the stock option exercises of Mr.  Wilkinson that were effected through simultaneous exercise and sale were made pursuant to a 10b5-1 trading plan.year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Stock Awards.  For each Named Executive, the number of shares acquired on vesting reported in the Option Exercises and Stock Vested table represents the aggregate number of shares that vested during 20082009 in connection with awards of performance shares, restricted stock, restricted stock unitsand/or deferred stock units. AwardsThe awards of deferred stock units reflected in this table are payable entirely in cash. As a result, no shares of stock were actually acquired upon the vesting of thethese deferred stock units. See the Outstanding“Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table for more information on the settlement of deferred stock unit awards. The following table sets forth the amount of shares attributable to performance shares, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units, for each Named Executive:
                 
  Restricted Stock  Deferred Stock Units 
  Number of
     Number of
    
  Shares
     Shares
    
  Acquired
  Value Realized
  Acquired
  Value Realized
 
Name
 on Vesting  on Vesting  on Vesting  on Vesting 
 
J.A. Fees  0   N/A   9,150  $486,276.75 
B.W. Wilkinson  82,200  $4,758,558.00   21,066  $1,119,552.57 
M.S. Taff  0   N/A   4,500  $295,571.25 
B.C. Bethards  0   N/A   0   N/A 
R.A. Deason  75,000  $4,341,750.00   8,226  $437,170.77 
J.T. Nesser,III  28,200  $1,632,498.00   6,390  $339,596.55 
                                 
  Performance Shares Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Deferred Stock Units
     
  Number of
   Number of
   Number of
   Number of
  
  Shares
 Value
 Shares
 Value
 Shares
 Value
 Shares
 Value
  Acquired on
 Realized
 Acquired
 Realized
 Acquired
 Realized
 Acquired
 Realized
 Name Vesting on Vesting on Vesting on Vesting on Vesting on Vesting on Vesting on Vesting
J.A. Fees  94,500  $1,919,655   16,440  $363,454   0   N/A   9,150  $175,040 
M.S. Taff  24,750  $447,728   2,297  $22,614   0   N/A   4,500  $97,223 
B.C. Bethards  22,500  $407,025   9,977  $224,025   0   N/A   0   N/A 
S.M. Johnson  0   N/A   0   N/A   0   N/A   0   N/A 
R.A. Deason  54,000  $976,860   2,540  $25,006   100,000  $2,417,000   8,226  $157,363 
 
The number of shares acquired in connection with the vesting of performance shares, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units includes 29,962, 27,33839,418, 7,298, 11,160 and 10,27951,416 shares withheld by us at the election of Messrs. Wilkinson,Fees, Taff, Bethards and Deason, and Nesser, respectively, to paysatisfy the minimum statutory withholding tax due upon vesting. For more information on the withholding of shares to cover taxes due upon vesting, see the “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” section of this proxy statement.
 


4450


 
Pension Benefits
 
The following Pension Benefits table shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of our Named Executives under our qualified and nonqualified pension plans.
 
               
    Number of
  Present Value
    
    Years Credited
  of Accumulated
  Payments
 
Name
 
Plan Name
 Service  Benefit  During 2008 
 
J.A. Fees McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan  29.583  $1,073,502  $0 
  McDermott Excess Plan  29.583  $2,592,577  $0 
B.W. Wilkinson McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan  7.00  $242,631  $0 
  McDermott Excess Plan  7.00  $605,736  $0 
M.S. Taff N/A  N/A   N/A   N/A 
  N/A  N/A   N/A   N/A 
B.C. Bethards B&W Governmental Operations
  Qualified Retirement Plan
  35.00  $1,077,317  $0 
  B&W Governmental Operations
  Excess Plan
  35.00  $1,073,755  $0 
R.A. Deason N/A  N/A   N/A   N/A 
  N/A  N/A   N/A   N/A 
J.T. Nesser, III McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan  10.250  $261,707  $0 
  McDermott Excess Plan  10.250  $254,102  $0 
         
      Present Value
 Payments
    Number of Years
 of Accumulated
 During
Name Plan Name Credited Service Benefit 2009
J.A. Fees McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan 30.583 $1,165,113 $0
  McDermott Excess Plan 30.583 $2,900,748 $0
M.S. Taff N/A N/A N/A N/A
  N/A N/A N/A N/A
B.C. Bethards B&W Governmental Operations Qualified Retirement Plan 36.00 $1,148,331 $0
  B&W Governmental Operations Excess Plan 36.00 $1,307,901 $0
S.M. Johnson N/A N/A N/A N/A
  N/A N/A N/A N/A
R.A. Deason N/A N/A N/A N/A
  N/A N/A N/A N/A
 
Overview of Qualified Plans.  We maintain retirement plans that are funded by trusts and cover certain eligible regular full-time employees of McDermott and its subsidiaries, described below in the section entitled “Participation and Eligibility,” except certain nonresident alien employees who are not citizens of a European Community country or who do not earn income in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.
 
 •    Messrs.Mr. Fees and Wilkinson participateparticipates in the Retirement Plan for Employees of McDermott Incorporated and Participating Subsidiary and Affiliated Companies (the “McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan”) for the benefit of the eligible employees of McDermott Incorporated and specific subsidiaries;
 
 •    Mr. Bethards participates in the Retirement Plan for Employees of Babcock & Wilcox Government Operations (the “B&W Government Operations Qualified Retirement Plan”) for the benefit of the eligible employees of The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyB&W and our Governmental Operations segment; and
 
 •    Due to their respective employment dates, Messrs. DeasonTaff, Johnson and TaffDeason do not participate in our defined benefit plans. Mr. Nesser remains an employee of McDermott Incorporated and, as a result, he continues to participate in the McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan. For more information on our retirement plans, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — PostemploymentPost-employment Compensation — Retirement Plans.”
 
Participation and Eligibility.  Generally, employees over the age of 21 years, who were hired before April 1, 2005, are eligible to participate in the McDermott Qualified Retirement Plan B&W Governmental Operations Qualified Retirement Plan or B&W CommercialGovernmental Operations Qualified Retirement Plan.
 
 •    For participants with less than five years of service as of March 31, 2006 — Benefit accruals were frozen as of that date. Affected employees now receive annual service-based company cash contributions to their Thrift Plan account.
 
 •    For participants with more than five but less than ten years of service as of January 1, 2007 — If a participant made an election to do so, benefit accruals were frozen as of March 31, 2007, with the electing participants now receiving annual service-based company cash contributions to their Thrift Plan accounts.
 
 •    Frozen accrued benefits of affected employees under these plans will increase annually in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index, up to a maximum of 8% and a minimum of 1%, for each year the employee remains employed. For


45


further discussion on the service-based company cash contributions under the Thrift Plan, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — PostemploymentPost-employment Compensation — Retirement Plans” on page 32.Plans.”


51


 
Benefits.  Benefits under these plans are calculated under one of two formulas:as follows:
 
 (1)    For participating employees originally hired by our Power Generation Systems or Government Operations segment (“Tenured Employees”) before April 1, 1998 — benefits are based on years of credited service and final average cash compensation (including bonuses and commissions); and
(2) For participating employees hired before April 1, 1998 who are not Tenured Employees, and for participating employees hired on or after April 1, 1998 — benefits are based on years of credited service, final average cash compensation (excluding bonuses and commissions) and anticipated social security benefits. Final average cash compensation is based on each employee’s average annual earnings during the 60 successive months out of the 120 successive months before retirement in which such earnings were highest..
 
The present value of accumulated benefits reflected in the Pension Benefit Table above is based on a 6.25%6.00% discount rate and the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality Table projected to 2005.
 
Retirement and Early Retirement.  Under each of these plans, normal retirement is age 65. The normal form of payment is a single lifesingle-life annuity or a 50% joint and survivor annuity, depending on the employee’s marital status when payments are scheduled to begin. Early retirement eligibility and benefits under these plans depend on the employee’s date of hire. Mr. Fees and Mr. Bethards are the only Named Executiveseach currently eligible for early retirement.
 
For Tenured Employees hired before April 1, 1998 (which includes Messrs. Fees and Bethards):
 
 •    an employee is eligible for early retirement if the employee has completed at least 15 years of credited service and attained the age of 50; and
 
 •    early retirement benefits are based on the same formula as normal retirement, but the pension benefit is unreduced if the sum of the employee’s age and years of service equals 75 or greater at the date benefits commence; otherwise the pension benefit is reduced 4% for each “point” less than 75.
 
For employees hired on or after April 1, 1998 (which includes Messrs. Wilkinson and Nesser):1998:
 
 •    an employee is eligible for early retirement after completing at least 15 years of credited service and attaining the age of 55; and
 
 •    early retirement benefits are based on the same formula as normal retirement, but the pension benefit is generally reduced 0.4% for each month that benefits commence before age 62.
 
Overview of Nonqualified Plans.  To the extent benefits payable under these qualified plans are limited by Section 415(b) or 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code, pension benefits will be paid directly by our applicable subsidiaries under the terms of unfunded excess benefit plans (the “Excess Plans”) maintained by them. Effective January 1, 2006, the Excess Plans were amended to limit the annual bonus payments taken into account in calculating the Tenured Employees’ Excess Plan benefits to the lesser of the actual bonus paid or 25% of the prior year’s base salary.
 
 •    Messrs.Mr. Fees Wilkinson and Nesser participateparticipates in the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan for Certain Participants in the Retirement Plan for Employees of McDermott Incorporated; and
 
 •    Mr. Bethards participates in the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan for Certain Participants in the Retirement Plan for Employees of Babcock & Wilcox Governmental Operations.
 


4652


 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
 
The following Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table summarizes our Named Executives’ compensation under our nonqualified supplemental retirement plan. The compensation shown in the this table is entirely attributable to ourthe McDermott International, Inc. New Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, or SERP, established January 1, 2005.
 
                     
  Executive
  Registrant
  Aggregate
  Aggregate
  Aggregate
 
  Contributions in
  Contributions in
  Earnings in
  Withdrawals/
  Balance at
 
Name
 2008  2008  2008  Distributions  12/31/08 
 
J.A. Fees $0  $54,155.00  $(86,635.87) $0  $175,326.47 
B.W. Wilkinson $0  $94,500.00  $(432,591.48) $0  $735,346.17 
M.S. Taff $0  $31,125.00  $(37,495.49) $0  $64,599.18 
B.C. Bethards $0  $31,042.00  $(87,741.63) $0  $349,864.81 
R.A. Deason $0  $51,400.00  $(94,174.12) $0  $204,249.36 
J.T. Nesser, III $0  $44,926.00  $(268,068.06) $0  $410,903.14 
           
  Executive
 Registrant
 Aggregate
 Aggregate
 Aggregate
  Contributions in
 Contributions in
 Earnings
 Withdrawals/
 Balance
Name 2009 2009 in 2009 Distributions at 12/31/09
J.A. Fees $0 $64,774.00 $45,581.95 $0 $285,682.42
M.S. Taff $0 $41,378.00 $34,000.95 $0 $139,978.13
B.C. Bethards $0 $44,948.00 $51,718.71 $0 $446,531.52
S.M. Johnson(1) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
R.A. Deason $0 $60,950.00 $69,928.57 $0 $335,127.93
(1)No information is provided for Mr. Johnson because he is not a participant in the SERP.
 
Our SERP is an unfunded, defined contribution retirement plan for officers of McDermott and our operating segments selected to participate by our Compensation Committee. Benefits under the SERP are based on the participating officer’s vested percentage in his notional account balance at the time of retirement or termination. An officer generally vests in his SERP account 20% each year, subject to accelerated vesting for death, disability and termination without cause or termination within 24 months following a change in control. A participating officer’s vested account balance will be distributed to his designated beneficiary on the officer’s death.
 
Executive Contributions in 2008.2009.  Employee contributions are not permitted under our SERP.
 
Registrant Contributions in 2008.2009.  We make annual contributions to participating employees’ notional accounts equal to a percentage of the employee’s prior-year compensation. Under the terms of the SERP, the contribution percentage does not need to be the same for each participant. Additionally, our Compensation Committee may make a discretionary contribution to a participant’s account at any time.
 
For 2008,2009, our contributions equaled 5% of the Named Executives’ base salaries and EICPannual incentive compensation awards paid in 2007.2008. No discretionary contributions were made in 2008.
2009. All our 20082009 contributions are included in the Summary Compensation Table above as “All Other Compensation.”
 
Aggregate Earnings in 2008.2009.  The amount reported in this table as earnings represents hypothetical accrued lossesgains during 20082009 on each Named Executive’s account. The accounts are “participant-directed” in that each participating officer personally directs the investment of contributions made on his behalf. As a result, any accrued gains or losses are attributable to the performance of the Named Executive’s notional mutual fund investments.
 
No amount of the earnings shown is reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
Aggregate Balance at12/31/08.09.  The balance of a participating officer’s account consists of contributions made by us and hypothetical accrued gains or losses. The balances shown represent the accumulated account values (including gains and losses) for each Named Executive as of December 31, 2008.2009.


47


The balances shown include contributions from previous years which have been reported as compensation to the Named Executives in the Summary Compensation Table for those years — to the extent a Named Executive was included in the Summary Compensation Table during those years. The amounts and years reported are as follows:
 
         
Named Executive(1)
 Year  Amount Reported 
 
J.A. Fees  2007  $48,311.00 
   2006  $48,650.00 
B.W. Wilkinson  2007  $89,300.00 
   2006  $85,700.00 
M.S. Taff  2007  $20,705.85 
   2006   N/A 
R.A. Deason  2007  $46,651.25 
   2006  $43,648.44 
J.T. Nesser, III  2007  $39,325.00 
   2006  $36,214.40 
         
    Amount
Named Executive Year Reported
J.A. Fees  2008  $54,155.00 
   2007  $48,311.00 
M.S. Taff  2008  $31,125.00 
   2007  $20,705.85 
B.C. Bethards  2008  $31,042.00 
   2007   N/A 
R.A. Deason  2008  $51,400.00 
   2007  $46,651.25 
(1)Mr. Bethards is not included because he did not become a Named Executive until 2008.


53


AsIn May 2009, our Compensation Committee amended the SERP to vest SERP balances unvested on December 31, 2008 (including future gains and losses thereon). Amounts allocated on or after January 1, 2009 vest pursuant to the participant’s vested percentage based upon years of service. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2009,2010, each Named Executive is 80% vestedwho participates in histhe SERP balance shown, except Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Taff. Mr. Wilkinson, who retired on September 30, 2008, is 100% vested in his SERP balance shown, pursuant to the terms of his Separation Agreement.except Mr. Taff, who did not begin participating in our SERP until 2006,2006. He is 60%92.19% vested in his SERP balance shown.shown (100% vested in amounts allocated to his SERP account as of December 31, 2008 and 80% vested in amounts allocated to his account during 2009).
 


4854


 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
 
The following tables show potential payments to our Named Executives except Mr. Wilkinson, under existing contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements, whether written or unwritten, for various scenarios under which a payment would be due (assuming each is applicable) involving a change in control or termination of employment of each of our Named Executives, assuming a December 31, 20082009 termination date and, where applicable, using the closing price of our common stock of $9.88$24.01 (as reported on the New York Stock Exchange) as of December 31, 2008.2009. These tables do not reflect amounts that would be payable to the Named Executives pursuant to benefits or awards that are already vested.
 
Mr. Wilkinson retired from McDermott on September 30, 2008. In connection with his retirement, we entered into a Separation Agreement providing that Mr. Wilkinson receive (1) a conditional prorated bonus payment for 2008 in an amount that will depend on the 2008 bonus generally paid to other employees under our EICP; (2) continued vesting of his outstanding equity awards through September 30, 2010; and (3) accelerated vesting of the unvested portion of his SERP account. Based on the vesting schedule of Mr. Wilkinson’s existing equity awards, his awards will vestThe amounts reported in the following amounts through September 30, 2010: 42,132 shares ofbelow tables for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and depending onperformance shares represent the performance of the company, between 90,000 and 174,000 performance shares. The value of unvested and accelerated shares or units, as applicable, calculated by:
•    for stock options: multiplying the number of accelerated options by the difference between the exercise price and $24.01 (the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange);
•    for restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares: multiplying the number of accelerated shares or units by $24.01 (the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange); and
•    for deferred stock units (which represent a right to receive a cash payment equal to the product of the number of vested units and the average of the highest and lowest sales price of our common stock on the vesting date): multiplying the number of accelerated units by $24.17 (the average price of the highest and lowest price of our common stock on December 31, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange).
Estimated Value of Benefits to Be Received Upon Termination under the 40% unvested portionRestructuring Transaction Retention Agreements
The following table shows the estimated value of his SERP accountpayments and other benefits due the Named Executives assuming termination under the Restructuring Transaction Retention Agreements, which we refer to as the Retention Agreements, as of December 31, 2009.
                     
  J.A. Fees M.S. Taff B.C. Bethards S.M. Johnson R.A. Deason
Severance Payments $5,382,000.00  $1,717,000.00  $1,789,080.00  $2,775,000.00  $42,692.31 
EICP $900,000.00  $353,500.00  $368,340.00  $637,500.00   —      
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)  —       $10,934.53   —        —        —      
Benefits $26,781.12  $35,837.50  $21,738.24  $8,230.80   —      
Thrift Plan  —        —        —       $16,398.89   —      
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $3,867,965.28  $1,070,388.72  $917,548.92  $773,221.14   —      
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $789,448.80  $110,277.93  $479,071.53   —        —      
Restricted Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $5,003,491.92  $1,384,632.69  $1,186,910.34  $2,232,569.85   —      
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated)  —        —        —        —        —      
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $7,165,856.53  $1,398,222.35  $1,027,411.91  $1,292,074.14   —      
TaxGross-Up
  —        —        —        —        —      
                     
Total
 $23,135,543.65  $6,080,793.72  $5,790,100.94  $7,734,994.82  $42,692.31 
This table assumes the Named Executive was terminated on December 31, 2008 was equal to $294,138.2009 in connection with the proposed spin-off of B&W, as announced on December 7, 2009. In addition, in October 2008,contemplation of the proposed spin-off, on December 10, 2009, we entered into Retention Agreements with certain key members of our management, including each of our Named Executives (with the exception of Mr. Deason, who had previously announced his retirement). The Retention Agreements provide either a separate Consultancy Agreementretention or severance payment to these employees in connection with Mr. Wilkinson providing that Mr. Wilkinson receivethe disposition of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of B&W or J. Ray McDermott, S.A. (whether by a lump-sum paymentspin-off, sale or otherwise), which we have referred to as a “restructuring transaction” in the Retention Agreements. In the event the applicable employee is terminated prior to the first anniversary of $2 million and a seriesthe effective date of consulting payments. As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Wilkinson has received $2,093,750 under this Consultancy Agreement.
JOHN A. FEES
                                 
           Involuntary
  Involuntary
          
Executive Payments
 Voluntary
  Early
  Normal
  not for Cause
  for Cause
  Change in
       
Upon Termination
 Termination  Retirement  Retirement  Termination  Termination  Control  Death  Disability 
 
Severance Payments $0  $0  $0  $201,923.08  $0  $3,650,790.00  $0  $0 
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (EICP) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $471,000.00  $0  $0 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) $0  $0  $70,130.59  $70,130.59  $0  $70,130.59  $70,130.59  $70,130.59 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $487,281.60  $0  $0  $487,281.60  $487,281.60  $487,281.60 
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $179,157.00  $0  $0  $179,157.00  $179,157.00  $179,157.00 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $4,197,765.00  $0  $0 
TaxGross-Up
 $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
 
 
TOTAL $0  $0  $736,569.19  $272,053.67  $0  $9,056,124.19  $736,569.19  $736,569.19 
 
 
MICHAEL S. TAFF
                                 
           Involuntary
  Involuntary
          
Executive Payments
 Voluntary
  Early
  Normal
  not for Cause
  for Cause
  Change in
       
Upon Termination
 Termination  Retirement  Retirement  Termination  Termination  Control  Death  Disability 
 
Severance Payments $0  $0  $0  $21,153.85  $0  $1,364,000.00  $0  $0 
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (EICP) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $242,000.00  $0  $0 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) $0  $0  $38,759.51  $38,759.51  $0  $38,759.51  $38,759.51  $38,759.51 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $68,073.20  $0  $0  $68,073.20  $68,073.20  $68,073.20 
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $88,110.00  $0  $0  $88,110.00  $88,110.00  $88,110.00 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $938,995.20  $0  $0 
TaxGross-Up
 $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $830,242.43  $0  $0 
 
 
TOTAL $0  $0  $194,942.71  $59,913.36  $0  $3,570,180.34  $194,942.71  $194,942.71 
 
 
the restructuring transaction, either (1) by the employer company for any reason other than cause or disability or (2) by the employee for good reason, the


4955


employer company is required to pay the Named Executive a cash severance payment, an EICP payment, 200% of the annual cost of coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits, and an amount equal to the unvested portion of the Named Executive’s Thrift Plan account. The Named Executive will also receive accelerated vesting with respect to his outstanding equity awards. In the event the restructuring transaction turns out to be a sale, if the Named Executive is subject to an excise tax, then he may be entitled to receive a taxBRANDON C. BETHARDSgross-up
                                 
           Involuntary
  Involuntary
          
Executive Payments
 Voluntary
  Early
  Normal
  not for Cause
  for Cause
  Change in
       
Upon Termination
 Termination  Retirement  Retirement  Termination  Termination  Control  Death  Disability 
 
Severance Payments $0  $0  $0  $70,834.62  $0  $1,605,120.00  $0  $0 
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (EICP) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $276,360.00  $0  $0 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) $0  $0  $139,945.92  $139,945.92  $0  $139,945.92  $139,945.92  $139,945.92 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $295,708.40  $0  $0  $295,708.40  $295,708.40  $295,708.40 
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $871,119.60  $0  $0 
TaxGross-Up
 $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
 
 
TOTAL $0  $0  $435,654.32  $210,780.54  $0  $3,188,253.92  $435,654.32  $435,654.32 
 
 
to the extent provided by the terms of hischange-in-control agreement. For more information, see “Estimated Value of Benefits to be Received Upon Change in Control” below.
 
ROBERT A. DEASONUnder the Retention Agreements, “cause” is defined as:
 
                                 
           Involuntary
  Involuntary
          
Executive Payments
 Voluntary
  Early
  Normal
  not for Cause
  for Cause
  Change in
       
Upon Termination
 Termination  Retirement  Retirement  Termination  Termination  Control  Death  Disability 
 
                                 
Severance Payments $0  $0  $0  $36,346.15  $0  $1,836,000.00  $0  $0 
                                 
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (EICP) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $378,000.00  $0  $0 
                                 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) $0  $0  $81,699.74  $81,699.74  $0  $81,699.74  $81,699.74  $81,699.74 
                                 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
                                 
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $75,285.60  $0  $0  $75,285.60  $75,285.60  $75,285.60 
                                 
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $161,065.08  $0  $0  $161,065.08  $161,065.08  $161,065.08 
                                 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $1,486,001,40  $0  $0 
                                 
TaxGross-Up
 $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
 
 
                                 
TOTAL $0  $0  $318,050.42  $118,045.89  $0  $4,018,051.82  $318,050.42  $318,050.42 
 
 
JOHN T. NESSER, III
                                 
           Involuntary
  Involuntary
          
Executive Payments
 Voluntary
  Early
  Normal
  not for Cause
  for Cause
  Change in
       
Upon Termination
 Termination  Retirement  Retirement  Termination  Termination  Control  Death  Disability 
 
                                 
Severance Payments $0  $0  $0  $57,692.31  $0  $1,662,500.00  $0  $0 
                                 
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (EICP) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $331,250.00  $0  $0 
                                 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) $0  $0  $164,361.25  $164,361.25  $0  $164,361.25  $164,361.25  $164,361.25 
                                 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
                                 
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $128,538.80  $0  $0  $128,538.80  $128,538.80  $128,538.80 
                                 
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $125,116.20  $0  $0  $125,116.20  $125,116.20  $125,116.20 
                                 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $1,613,898.00  $0  $0 
                                 
TaxGross-Up
 $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0 
 
 
                                 
TOTAL $0  $0  $418,016.25  $222,053.56  $0  $4,025,664.25  $418,016.25  $418,016.25 
 
 
•    the willful and continued failure of the employee to perform substantially the employee’s duties (occasioned by reason other than physical or mental illness or disability of the employee) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the employee by the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer which specifically identifies the manner in which the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer believes that the employee has not substantially performed his or her duties, after which the employee will have 30 days to defend or remedy such failure to substantially perform his or her duties;
•    the willful engaging by employee in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the employer; or
•    the conviction of the employee with no further possibility of appeal, or plea ofnolo contendereby the employee to, any felony or crime of falsehood.
 
Severance PaymentsPayment.  The severance payment that may be made to each Named Executive in connection with his termination of employment following a restructuring transaction is a cash payment equal to 200% (299% in the case of Mr. Fees) of the sum of his annual base salary prior to termination and his EICP target award applicable to the year in which the termination occurs. For a hypothetical termination as of December 31, 2009, the severance payment under a restructuring transaction would have been calculated in the same manner as a severance payment under a change in control. For more information, see “Estimated Value of Benefits to be Received Upon Change in Control — Involuntary Not-For-Cause Termination.Severance Payment.” Severance payments under a restructuring transaction are in lieu of any payment under any severance policy generally applicable to the salaried employees of McDermott.
Because of his previously mentioned retirement, Mr. Deason did not enter into a Retention Agreement. However Mr. Deason would be due a severance payment in the event he was involuntarily terminated without cause. Under our Severance Plan for Employees of McDermott Incorporated and Participating Subsidiary and Affiliated Companies, full-time employees of McDermott and participating subsidiaries are entitled to receive a severance benefit in the event their employment is terminated because of the elimination of a previously required position or previously required service, or due to the consolidation of departments, abandonment of plants or offices, or technological change or declining business activities, where such termination is intended to be permanent. The amount of severance benefit is determined based on the length of service and the employee’s base salary. In general, an eligible employee is entitled to a severance benefit of one half week of base salary for each year of service, subject to a maximum of 14 weeks of pay.
EICP Payment.  The EICP Payment that may be made to each Named Executive in connection with his termination of employment following a restructuring transaction is calculated in the same manner as an EICP Payment under a change in control. For more information, see “Estimated Value of Benefits to be Received Upon Change in Control — EICP Payment” below.
Benefits.  The amounts reported represent two times the full annual cost of coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits provided to the Named Executive and the Named Executive’s covered dependents for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Thrift Plan.  The amounts reported represent the unvested portion of the Named Executive’s Thrift Plan account balance as of December 31, 2009.
Equity Awards.  The amounts reported for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares represent the value of unvested and accelerated shares or units, as applicable, for the 2008 and 2009 grants of such awards. The amounts reported for the 2008 and 2009 performance share grants represent the value of such grants calculated as to the initial grant of the shares.


5056


Estimated Value of Benefits to Be Received Upon Normal Retirement
The following table shows the estimated value of payments and other benefits due the Named Executives assuming their retirement as of December 31, 2009. This table does not reflect amounts that would be payable to the Named Executives pursuant to benefits or awards that are already vested; for example, pension benefits. See the “Pension Benefits” table above for more information on pension benefits.
                     
  J.A. Fees M.S. Taff B.C. Bethards S.M. Johnson R.A. Deason
Severance Payments  —    —    —        —     —  
EICP  —    —    —        —    —  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)  —    —    —        —    —  
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated)  —    —    —        —    —  
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated)  —     —   $119,767.88    —     —  
Restricted Stock Units (unvested and accelerated)  —    —    —        —    —  
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated)  —    —    —        —    —  
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated)  —    —   $467,700.39   —    —  
TaxGross-Up
  —    —    —        —    —  
                     
Total
 $0.00  $0.00  $587,468.27  $0.00  $0.00 
Change-in-Control Agreements.SERP.  Under the terms of the SERP, participants are eligible for retirement upon attaining age 65. None of the Named Executives are eligible for retirement under the terms of the SERP.
Equity Awards.  Generally, the terms of our stock and option award grants define retirement as a voluntary termination of employment after attaining age 60 and completing 10 years of service with McDermott. Under this definition, the only Named Executive eligible for retirement as of a December 31, 2009 is Mr. Bethards. The outstanding grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares and the unvested grants of stock options provide for accelerated vesting of a percentage of the Named Executive’s outstanding shares and units if his retirement date is on or after the first anniversary of the grant date, and a greater percentage of accelerated vesting if his retirement date is on or after the second anniversary of the grant date. The amounts shown for performance shares are based on the number of shares initially granted. The number of shares that will ultimately vest may be more or less than the initial grant, based upon the performance level attained. The outstanding grants of deferred stock units vest 100% upon termination due to normal retirement under a funded or unfunded retirement plan of McDermott or any subsidiary. None of the Named Executives are eligible for accelerated vesting of deferred stock units.


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Estimated Value of Benefits to Be Received Upon Termination Due to Death or Disability
The following table shows the value of payments and other benefits due the Named Executives assuming their death or disability as of December 31, 2009.
                     
  J.A. Fees  M.S. Taff  B.C. Bethards  S.M. Johnson  R.A. Deason 
Severance Payments   —        —        —        —        —      
EICP  —        —        —        —        —      
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)  —       $10,934.53   —        —        —      
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $3,867,965.28  $1,070,388.72  $917,548.92  $773,221.14   —      
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $789,448.80  $110,277.93  $479,071.53    —   $121,970.80 
Restricted Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $5,003,491.92  $1,384,632.69  $1,186,910.34  $2,232,569.85   —      
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $221,155.50  $108,765.00   —        —       $198,822.42 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $8,183,880.53  $1,926,442.35  $1,738,107.91  $1,292,074.14  $1,543,122.70 
TaxGross-Up  —        —        —        —        —      
                     
Total $18,065,942.03  $4,611,441.22  $4,321,638.70  $4,297,865.13  $1,863,915.92 
SERP.  The amount reported represents Mr. Taff’s SERP balance as of December 31, 2009 that becomes vested on death and disability. All other Named Executives, with the exception of Mr. Johnson, were 100% vested in their SERP balance as of December 31, 2009. Mr. Johnson does not participate in the SERP.
Equity Awards.  Under the terms of the awards outstanding for each Named Executive as of December 31, 2009, all unvested stock awards become vested and all unvested option awards become vested and exercisable on death or disability.


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Estimated Value of Benefits to Be Received Upon Change in Control
The following table shows the estimated value of payments and other benefits due the Named Executives assuming a change in control and termination as of December 31, 2009.
                     
  J.A. Fees  M.S. Taff  B.C. Bethards  S.M. Johnson  R.A. Deason 
Severance Payments $5,382,000.00  $1,717,000.00  $1,789,080.00  $2,775,000.00  $1,887,000.00 
EICP $900,000.00  $353,500.00  $368,340.00  $637,500.00  $388,500.00 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)  —       $10,934.53   —        N/A   —      
Benefits $26,781.12  $35,837.50  $21,738.24  $8,230.80  $26,728.98 
Stock Options (unvested and accelerated) $3,867,965.28  $1,070,388.72  $917,548.92  $773,221.14   —      
Restricted Stock (unvested and accelerated) $789,448.80  $110,277.93  $479,071.53   —       $121,970.80 
Restricted Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $5,003,491.92  $1,384,632.69  $1,186,910.34  $2,232,569.85   —      
Deferred Stock Units (unvested and accelerated) $221,155.50  $108,765.00   —    ��   —       $198,822.42 
Performance Shares (unvested and accelerated) $13,323,773.26  $2,991,886.10  $2,780,406.02  $2,584,148.28  $1,984,906.70 
TaxGross-Up
 $7,357,321.56  $2,002,180.42  $2,164,376.03   N/A  $0.00 
 
Total
 $36,871,937.44  $9,785,402.89  $9,707,471.08  $9,010,670.07  $4,607,928.90 
We havechange-in-control agreements with various officers, including each of our Named Executives. Generally, under these agreements, if a Named Executive is terminated within one year following a change in control either (1) by the company for any reason other than cause or death or disability; or (2) by the Named Executive for good reason, the company is required to pay the Named Executive a cash severance payment, an EICP payment and, if applicable, a taxgross-up payment. In addition to these payments, the Named Executive would be entitled to various accrued benefits earned through the date of termination, such as earned but unpaid salary, earned but unused vacation and reimbursements.
 
Severance Payment.  The severance payment made to each Named Executive, with the exception of Mr. Fees, in connection with a change in control is a cash payment equal to 200% of the sum of his annual base salary prior to termination and his EICP target award applicable to the year in which the termination occurs. The severance payment made to Mr. Fees in connection with a change in control is a cash payment equal to 299% of the sum of his annual base salary prior to termination and his EICP target award applicable to the year in which the termination occurs. For a hypothetical termination as of December 31, 2008, the severance payment under achange-in-control would have been calculated based on the following base salary and target EICP awards:
• Mr. Fees: $750,000 base salary and $471,000 target EICP (prorated between 100% of $750,000 and 70% of $540,000);
• Mr. Taff: $440,000 base salary and $242,000 target EICP (55% of his base salary);
• Mr. Bethards: $526,200 base salary and $276,360 target EICP (prorated between 70% of $526,200 and 60% of $409,500);
• Mr. Deason: $540,000 base salary and $378,000 target EICP (70% of his base salary); and
• Mr. Nesser: $500,000 base salary and $331,250 target EICP (prorated between 70% of $500,000 and 65% of $500,000).
EICP Payment.  The EICP is an annual cash-based performance incentive plan under which payments are made in the year following the year in which performance is measured. For example, 2008 EICP awards are paid in 2009 for performance achieved during 2008. As a result, depending on the timing of the termination relative to the payment of an EICP award, a Named Executive could receive up to two EICP payments in connection with a change in control, as follows:
• If an EICP award for the year prior to termination is paid to other EICP participants after the date of the Named Executive’s termination, the Named Executive would be entitled to a cash payment equal to the product of the Named Executive’s EICP target percentage and the Named Executive’s annual base salary for the applicable period. No such payment would have been due a Named Executive on a December 31, 2008 termination, because the 2007 EICP awards had already been paid prior to the Named Executive’s termination date.
• The Named Executive would be entitled to a prorated EICP payment based upon the Named Executive’s target award for the year in which the termination occurs and the number of days in which the executive was employed with us during that year. Based on a hypothetical December 31, 2008 termination, each Named Executive would have been entitled to an EICP payment equal to 100% of his 2008 target EICP. See the schedule of target EICP amounts for each Named Executive in “Severance Payment” above.
TaxGross-Up.  If any payment is subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, we would reimburse the affected Named Executive for all excise taxes imposed under section 4999 and any income and excise taxes that are payable as a result of such reimbursement. The calculation of thesection 4999 gross-up amount in the above tables is based upon a section 4999 excise tax rate of 20%, a 35% federal income tax rate, a 1.45% Medicare tax rate and a state income tax rate of 5.75% for Mr. Fees and 6.24% for Mr. Bethards. Based on the amounts reported in the “Change in Control” column, Messrs. Fees, Bethards, Deason and Nesser would not have an excise tax liability.


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Definition of “Change in Control.”  Under these agreements, a “change in control” occurs if:
 
 •    a person (other than a McDermott employee benefit plan or a corporation owned by McDermott stockholders in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of McDermott voting shares) becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the combined voting power of McDermott’s then outstanding voting stock;
 
 •    during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute McDermott’s Board of Directors, and any new director whose election or nomination by McDermott’s Board was approved by at least two-thirds of the directors of McDermott’s Board then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination was previously approved, cease to constitute a majority of McDermott’s Board;
 
 •    McDermott’s stockholders approve: (1) a merger or consolidation of McDermott with another company, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in McDermott’s voting securities outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent at least 50% of the voting stock of McDermott or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (2) a plan of complete liquidation of McDermott; or (3) an agreement for the sale or disposition by McDermott of all or substantially all of McDermott’s assets; or
 
 •    any other set of circumstances as may beis deemed by the Board in its sole discretion to constitute a change in control.
 
For a discussion of additional amounts payableSeverance Payment.  The severance payment made to a Named Executive, see the “Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock Units and Performance Shares” and “SERP” sections below.
Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock Units and Performance Shares.  Under the terms of the awards outstanding for each Named Executive, with the exception of Mr. Fees, in connection with a change in control is a cash payment equal to 200% of the sum of his annual base salary prior to termination and his EICP target award applicable to the year in which the termination occurs. The severance payment made to Mr. Fees in connection with a change in control is a cash payment equal to 299% of the sum of his annual base salary


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prior to termination and his EICP target award applicable to the year in which the termination occurs. For a hypothetical termination as of December 31, 2008, all unvested stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock units become vested on normal retirement, death, disability and, without regard to2009, the lack of any subsequent termination, a change in control.
Performance shares are subject to accelerated vesting onseverance payment under a change in control without regard towould have been calculated based on the lack of any subsequent termination. Otherwise, performance shares vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule on deathfollowing base salary and disability and may vest at a percentage of the original vesting schedule in the event of termination due to retirement or a reduction in force.
Valuation of Unvested and Accelerated Equity.  The amounts reported in the above tables for stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock units and performance shares represent the value of unvested and accelerated shares or units, as applicable, calculated by:target EICP awards:
 
 •    for stock options: multiplying the numberMr. Fees: $900,000 base salary and $900,000 target EICP (100% of accelerated options by the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2008, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ($9.88)$900,000);
 
 •    for restricted stockMr. Taff: $505,000 base salary and performance units: multiplying the number$353,500 target EICP (70% of accelerated shares by the closing price$505,000);
•    Mr. Bethards: $526,200 base salary and $368,340 target EICP (70% of our common stock on December 31, 2008, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ($9.88)$526,200);
•    Mr. Johnson: $750,000 base salary and $637,500 target EICP (85% of $750,000); and
 
 •    Mr. Deason: $555,000 base salary and $388,500 target EICP (70% of $555,000).
EICP Payment.  The EICP is an annual cash-based performance incentive plan under which payments are made in the year following the year in which performance is measured. For example, 2009 EICP awards are paid in 2010 for performance achieved during 2009. As a result, depending on the timing of the termination relative to the payment of an EICP award, a Named Executive could receive up to two EICP payments in connection with a change in control, as follows:
•    If an EICP award for deferred stock units (which represent a rightthe year prior to receivetermination is paid to other EICP participants after the date of the Named Executive’s termination, the Named Executive would be entitled to a cash payment equal to the product of the number of vested unitsNamed Executive’s EICP target percentage and the average ofNamed Executive’s annual base salary for the highestapplicable period. No such payment would have been due a Named Executive on a December 31, 2009 termination, because the 2008 EICP awards had already been paid prior to the Named Executive’s termination date.
•    The Named Executive would be entitled to a prorated EICP payment based upon the Named Executive’s target award for the year in which the termination occurs and lowest sales price of our common stock on the vesting date): multiplying the number of accelerated units bydays in which the average price of the highest and lowest price of our common stockexecutive was employed with us during that year. Based on a hypothetical December 31, 2008, as reported on2009 termination, each Named Executive would have been entitled to an EICP payment equal to 100% of his 2009 target EICP. See the New York Stock Exchange ($9.79).schedule of target EICP amounts for each Named Executive under “Severance Payment” above.
Definition of “Change in Control.”  Under our 2001 D&O Plan, a “change in control” occurs under the same circumstances described above with respect to our change in control agreements.
 
SERP.  The amountsamount reported in the above tables represent 60% ofrepresents Mr. Taff’s SERP balance as of December 31, 20082009 that would become vested in connection with a termination of employment following a change in control. As discussed under “Compensation Discussion and 40% of the other Named Executives’ SERP balancesAnalysis — Post-employment Compensation — Retirement Plans — Supplemental Plans,” Mr. Taff was 100% vested in amounts allocated to his account as of December 31, 2008 that become vested under the various scenarios. Mr. Taff became 60% vested on January 1, 2009 and the other Named Executives becamewas 80% vested on January 1,in amounts allocated to his account during 2009. With respect to a change in control, theThe amount shown would be


52


due to the Named ExecutiveMr. Taff if he is terminated without cause within one year after a change in control. SeeAll other Named Executives, with the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table above for more information regardingexception of Mr. Johnson, are 100% vested in their SERP balance. Mr. Johnson does not participate in the SERP.
Definition of “Change in Control.”  Under the SERP, a “change in control” occurs under the same circumstances described above with respect to our change in control agreements.
 
DefinitionBenefits.  The amounts reported represent two times the full annual cost of “Cause.”  coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits provided to the Named Executive and the Named Executive’s covered dependents for the year ended December 31, 2009.
TaxGross-Up.  If any payment is subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, we would reimburse the affected Named Executive for all excise taxes imposed under section 4999 and any income and excise taxes that are payable as a result of such reimbursement. The calculation of thesection 4999 gross-up amount in the above table is based upon a section 4999 excise tax rate of 20%, a 35% federal income tax rate, a 1.45% Medicare tax rate and a state income tax rate of 7.75% for Mr. Bethards. Based on the amounts reported, Mr. Deason would not have an excise tax liability. Mr. Johnson’s change in control agreement does not contain a taxgross-up provision.
Equity Awards.Under the SERP,terms of the awards outstanding, all unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units would become vested on a change in control, regardless of whether there is a subsequent termination for “cause” means:of employment. All unvested stock options would become vested and exercisable on a change in control, regardless of whether there is a subsequent termination of employment. Performance shares are subject to accelerated vesting on a change in control, regardless of whether there is a subsequent termination of employment. Under our 2001 D&O Plan and 2009 LTIP, a “change in control” occurs under the same circumstances described above with respect to ourchange-in-control agreements.
• the overt and willful disobedience of orders or directives issued to a person who participates in the SERP (a “Participant”) that are within the scope of his duties, or any other willful and continued failure of a Participant to perform substantially his duties with McDermott (occasioned by reason other than physical or mental illness or disability) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Participant by the Compensation Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of McDermott which specifically identifies the manner in which the Compensation Committee or Chief Executive Officer believes that the Participant has not substantially performed his or her duties, after which the Participant shall have 30 days to defend or remedy such failure to substantially perform his or her duties;
• the willful engaging by the Participant in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to McDermott; or
• the conviction of the Participant with no further possibility of appeal, or plea ofnolo contendereby the Participant to, any felony or crime of falsehood.
 


5360


 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERSSecurity Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
 
The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as of March 2, 20091, 2010 by each director or nominee as a director, and each Named Executive and all our directors and executive officers as a group, including shares that those persons have the right to acquire within 60 days on the vesting of restricted stock units or the exercise of stock options.
 
     
  Shares
 
  Beneficially
 
Name
 Owned 
Brandon C. Bethards(1)
  36,19087,667 
John F. Bookout III(2)
  20,98627,046 
Roger A. Brown(3)
  40,16646,226 
Ronald C. Cambre(4)
  23,63029,690 
Robert A. Deason(5)
  109,021211,902 
John A. Fees(6)
  150,261373,722 
Robert W. Goldman(7)
  15,53621,596 
Robert L. Howard(8)
Stephen G. Hanks
  141,5896,335 
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.(9)
Stephen M. Johnson (8)
  34,61618,849 
Oliver D. Bradley McWilliams(10)
Kingsley, Jr. (9)
  54,50640,676
D. Bradley McWilliams (10)60,566 
Adm. Richard W. Mies  1,7827,842 
John T. Nesser, IIIThomas C. Schievelbein (11)
  346,62357,891 
Thomas C. SchievelbeinMichael S. Taff (12)
  51,83197,439 
Michael S. Taff(13)
David A. Trice
  33,0726,060 
Bruce W. Wilkinson(14)
666,991
All directors and executive officers as a group (20(21 persons)(15)
(13)
  1,804,7991,655,781 
(1)Shares owned by Mr. Bethards include 29,93023,383 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, 19,953 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power, 16,478 shares of common stock that he will acquire on the vesting of restricted stock units, as described above, and 140416 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
 
(2)Shares owned by Mr. Bookout include 3,150 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, and 1,350 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.
 
(3)Shares owned by Mr. Brown include 19,650 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above.
 
(4)Shares owned by Mr. Cambre include 1,350 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.
 
(5)Shares owned by Mr. Deason include 30,540 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, 7,6205,080 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power and 271568 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
 
(6)Shares owned by Mr. Fees include 49,32098,572 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, 32,880 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power, 69,464 shares of common stock that he will acquire on the vesting of restricted stock units, as described above, and 17,34717,690 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
 
(7)Shares owned by Mr. Goldman include 4,950 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, and 1,350 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.
 
(8)Shares owned by Mr. HowardJohnson include 84,900449 shares of common stock that he may acquire onheld in the exercise of stock options, as described above, and 1,800 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.McDermott Thrift Plan.


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(9)Shares owned by Mr. Kingsley include 19,950 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above.


54


(10)Shares owned by Mr. McWilliams include 37,876 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, and 1,800 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.above.
 
(11)Shares owned by Mr. Nesser include 13,010 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power and 13,992 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
(12)Shares owned by Mr. Schievelbein include 37,426 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, and 1,800 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power.above.
 
(13)(12)Shares owned by Mr. Taff include 23,00050,278 shares of common stock that he may acquire on the exercise of stock options, as described above, 6,8904,593 restricted shares of common stock as to which he has sole voting power but no dispositive power, 19,223 shares of common stock that he will acquire on the vesting of restricted stock units, as described above, and 1,1821,596 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
 
(14)Shares owned by Mr. Wilkinson include 10,333 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
(15)(13)Shares owned by all directors and executive officers as a group include 287,842382,755 shares of common stock that may be acquired on the exercise of stock options, as described above, 140,69091,541 restricted shares of common stock as to which they have sole voting power but no dispositive power, 145,319 shares of common stock that will be acquired on the vesting of restricted stock units, as described above, and 49,05542,506 shares of common stock held in the McDermott Thrift Plan.
 
Shares beneficially owned in all cases constituted less than one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock on March 2, 2009,1, 2010, as determined in accordance withRule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERSSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 
The following table furnishes information concerning all persons known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock, which is our only class of voting stock outstanding:
 
           
    Amount and
  
    Nature of
  
    Beneficial
 Percent of
Title of Class
 Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Ownership Class(1)
 
Common Stock ClearBridge Advisors, LLC  15,707,341(2)  6.89%
  620 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
        
Common Stock PRIMECAP Management Company  11,658,622(3)  5.10%
  225 South Lake Ave., #400
Pasadena, CA 91101
        
           
    Amount and
  
    Nature of
  
    Beneficial
 Percent of
Title of Class Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Ownership Class(1)
Common Stock T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 100 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
  28,706,971(2)  12.44%
           
Common Stock PRIMECAP Management Company
225 South Lake Ave., #400,
Pasadena, CA 91101
  13,114,160(3)  5.68%
           
Common Stock BlackRock Inc.
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
  11,944,038(4)  5.17%
 
(1)Percent is based on outstanding shares of our common stock on March 2, 2009.1, 2010.
 
(2)As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2009.12, 2010. The Schedule 13G reports beneficial ownership of 15,707,34128,706,971 shares of our common stock, sole voting power over 14,462,1707,314,005 shares and sole dispositive power over 15,707,34128,706,971 shares.
 
(3)As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2009.11, 2010. The Schedule 13G/A reports beneficial ownership of 11,658,62213,114,160 shares of our common stock and sole voting power over 6,867,6227,472,760 shares and sole dispositive power over 11,658,62213,114,160 shares.
(4)As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2010. The Schedule 13G reports beneficial ownership of 11,944,038 shares of our common stock and sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 11,944,038 shares.


5562


 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTAudit Committee Report
 
The Board of Directors appoints an Audit Committee to review McDermott International, Inc.’s financial matters. Each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements established by the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm. We are also responsible for recommending to the Board that McDermott’s audited financial statements be included in its Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year.
 
In making our recommendation that McDermott’s financial statements be included in its Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, we have taken the following steps:
 
 •    We discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”), McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, those matters required to be discussed by Statements on Auditing Standards Nos. 61 and 90, each as amended, issued by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, including information regarding the scope and results of the audit. These communications and discussions are intended to assist us in overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process.
 
 •    We conducted periodic executive sessions with D&T, with no members of McDermott management present during those discussions. D&T did not identify any material audit issues, questions or discrepancies, other than those previously discussed with management, which were resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.
 
 •    We conducted periodic executive sessions with McDermott’s internal audit department and regularly received reports regarding McDermott’s internal control procedures.
 
 •    We reviewed, and discussed with McDermott’s management and D&T, management’s report and D&T’s report and attestation on internal control over financial reporting, each of which was prepared in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
 •    We received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from D&T required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding D&T’s communications with the audit committee concerning D&T’s independence from McDermott, and have discussed with D&T their independence from McDermott. We also considered whether the provision of nonaudit services to McDermott is compatible with D&T’s independence.
 
 •    We determined that there were no former D&T employees, who previously participated in the McDermott audit, engaged in a financial reporting oversight role at McDermott.
 
 •    We reviewed, and discussed with McDermott’s management and D&T, McDermott’s audited consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008,2009, and consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 
Based on the reviews and actions described above, we recommended to the Board that McDermott’s audited financial statements be included in its Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20082009 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
D. Bradley McWilliams, Chairman
John F. Bookout, III
Robert W. Goldman
Stephen G. Hanks
Richard W. Mies
David A. Trice


5663


 
APPROVAL OF THE 2009 McDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANfor Year Ending December 31, 2010
 
(ITEMItem 2)
We are asking our stockholders to approve the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2009 LTI Plan”). Our current equity incentive plan, the McDermott International, Inc. 2001 Directors & Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2001 D&O Plan”), will expire in 2011. If our stockholders approve the 2009 LTI Plan, the shares that would be available for issuance under the 2001 D&O Plan would become available for issuance under the 2009 LTI Plan. Accordingly, we do not anticipate making any new awards under the 2001 D&O Plan following stockholder approval of the 2009 LTI Plan.
On February 27, 2009, our Board of Directors adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the 2009 LTI Plan. If approved by stockholders, 9,000,000 shares, plus the shares that would have been available for issuance under the 2001 D&O Plan, will be reserved for issuance under the 2009 LTI Plan.
We believe strongly that the approval of the 2009 LTI Plan is important to our ability to recruit and retain executive officers, directors and key employees with outstanding ability and experience essential to our long-term growth and financial success. We also believe that utilization of the 2009 LTI Plan will promote the alignment of the interests of 2009 LTI Plan participants with those of our stockholders and provide Plan participants with further incentives for outstanding performance.
A summary of the 2009 LTI Plan is set forth below. This summary is, however, qualified in its entirety to the text of the 2009 LTI Plan, which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE 2009 LTI PLAN
Administration.  The 2009 LTI Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee will select the participants and determine the type or types of awards and the number of shares or units to be optioned or granted to each participant under the 2009 LTI Plan. All or part of the award may be subject to conditions established by the Compensation Committee, which may include continued service with our company, achievement of specific business objectives, increases in specified indices, attainment of specified growth rates or other comparable measures of performance. The Compensation Committee will have full and final authority to implement the 2009 LTI Plan and may, from time to time, adopt rules and regulations in order to carry out the terms of the 2009 LTI Plan. As permitted by law, the Compensation Committee may generally delegate its duties under the 2009 LTI Plan to our chief executive officer and other senior officers.
Eligibility.  Members of the Board of Directors, executive officers and employees of our company and its subsidiaries, as well as consultants, are eligible to participate in the 2009 LTI Plan. The Compensation Committee will select the participants for the 2009 LTI Plan. Any participant may receive more than one award under the 2009 LTI Plan. Presently, 228 current and former employees and 10 current and former members of the Board of Directors participate in the 2001 D&O Plan. Because the 2009 LTI Plan provides for broad discretion in selecting participants and in making awards, however, the total number of persons who will participate going forward and the respective benefits to be awarded to them cannot be determined at this time.
Shares Available for Issuance through the 2009 LTI Plan.  Shares approved under the 2001 D&O Plan which have not been awarded as of the date the 2009 LTI Plan is approved by stockholders, or are subject to awards that are cancelled, terminated, forfeited, expired or settled in cash in lieu of shares, will become available for issuance under the 2009 LTI Plan. As of March 6, 2009, 3,222,073 shares remained available for issuance under the 2001 D&O Plan. By this proposal, we are asking stockholders for authorization to reserve an additional 9,000,000 shares for issuance under the 2009 LTI Plan. No awards will be made under the 2009 LTI Plan until stockholders have approved the 2009 LTI Plan.
The 2009 LTI Plan provides for a number of forms of stock-based compensation, as further described below. The 2009 LTI Plan also permits the reuse or reissuance by the 2009 LTI Plan of shares of common stock underlying canceled, expired, terminated or forfeited awards of stock-based compensation granted under the 2009 LTI Plan.
The Compensation Committee shall make appropriate adjustments in the number and kind of shares that may be issued, the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards, the exercise or other applicable price and other value determinations applicable to outstanding awards under the 2009 LTI Plan to reflect any amendment to


57


the 2009 LTI Plan, stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, reorganization, combination or exchange of shares or other similar event.
Types of Awards Under the 2009 LTI Plan.  The Compensation Committee may award to participants incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares and performance units. The forms of awards are described in greater detail below.
Stock Options.  The Compensation Committee will have discretion to award incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. A stock option is a right to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock at a specified grant price. An incentive stock option is intended to qualify as such under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (which we refer to as the “Code”). Under the 2009 LTI Plan, no participant may be granted options during any fiscal year that are exercisable for more than 1,200,000 shares of our common stock. The exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of grant. Subject to the specific terms of the 2009 LTI Plan, the Compensation Committee will have discretion to determine the number of shares, the exercise price, the terms and conditions of exercise, whether an option will qualify as an incentive stock option under the Code and set such additional limitations on and terms of option grants as it deems appropriate.
Options granted to participants under the 2009 LTI Plan will expire at such times as the Compensation Committee determines at the time of the grant, but no option will be exercisable later than seven years from the date of grant. Each option award agreement will set forth the extent to which the participant will have the right to exercise the option following termination of the participant’s employment. The termination provisions will be determined within the discretion of the Compensation Committee, may not be uniform among all participants and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of employment. Dividend equivalents do not attach to stock options.
Upon the exercise of an option granted under the 2009 LTI Plan, the option price is payable in full to us (1) in cash; (2) if permitted in the award agreement, by tendering shares having a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the total option price (provided such shares have been held for at least six months prior to their tender); (3) if permitted in the award agreement, by a combination of (1) and (2); or (4) by any other method approved by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion at the time of the grant and as set forth in the related award agreement.
Restricted Stock.  The Compensation Committee also will be authorized to award restricted shares of common stock under the 2009 LTI Plan on such terms and conditions as it shall establish. Although recipients will have the right to vote restricted shares from the date of grant, they will not have the right to sell or otherwise transfer the shares during the applicable period of restriction or until earlier satisfaction of other conditions imposed by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. The award agreement will specify the periods of restriction, restrictions based on achievement of specific performance objectives, restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws and such other terms it deems appropriate. Unless the Compensation Committee otherwise determines, participants will receive dividends on their shares of restricted stock. The Compensation Committee in its discretion may apply any restrictions to the dividends that it deems appropriate.
Each award agreement for restricted stock will set forth the extent to which the participant will have the right to retain unvested shares of restricted stock following termination of the participant’s employment. These provisions will be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, need not be uniform among all shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the 2009 LTI Plan and may reflect distinctions based on reasons for termination of employment.
Restricted Stock Units.  An award of a restricted stock unit constitutes an agreement by us to deliver shares of our common stock or to pay an amount equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock for each restricted stock unit to a participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services. Restricted stock units may be granted by the Compensation Committee on such terms and conditions as it may establish. The restricted stock unit award agreement will specify the vesting period or periods, the specific performance objectives and such other conditions as may apply to the award. During the applicable vesting period, participants will have no voting rights with respect to the shares of common stock underlying a restricted stock unit grant. However, participants shall, unless the Compensation Committee otherwise determines, receive dividend equivalents on the shares underlying


58


their restricted stock unit grant in the form of cash or additional restricted stock units if a dividend is paid with respect to shares of our common stock.
Each award agreement for restricted stock units will set forth the extent to which the participant will have the right to retain unvested restricted stock units following termination of employment. These provisions will be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, need not be uniform among all participants and may reflect distinctions based on reasons for termination of employment.
No more than 1,200,000 shares of common stock may be granted in the form of awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units to any participant in any fiscal year.
Performance Shares and Performance Units.  Performance units and performance shares are forms of performance awards that are subject to the attainment of one or more pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period. Performance units and performance shares may be granted by the Compensation Committee at any time in such amounts and on such terms as the Compensation Committee determines. Each performance unit will have an initial value that is established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. Each performance share will have an initial value equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee in its discretion will determine the applicable performance period and will establish performance goals for any given performance period. When the performance period expires, the holder of performance shares or performance units will be entitled to receive a payout on the unitsand/or shares earned over the performance period based on the extent to which the performance goals have been achieved. Participants holding performance sharesand/or performance units are not entitled to receive dividend units for dividends declared with respect to shares of our common stock.
Payments may be made in cash or in shares of common stock that have an aggregate fair market value equal to the earned performance units or performance shares on the last day of the applicable performance period. Each award agreement will set forth the extent to which the participant will have the right to receive a payout of these performance sharesand/or performance units following termination of the participant’s employment. The termination provisions will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, may not be uniform among all participants and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of employment.
No more than 1,200,000 shares of common stock may be granted in the form of awards of performance shares to any participant in any fiscal year. No more than $6,000,000 may be paid in cash to any participant with respect to performance units granted in any fiscal year, as valued on the date of each grant.
Performance Measures.  The Compensation Committee may grant awards under the 2009 LTI Plan to eligible employees subject to the attainment of specified performance measures. The number of performance-based awards granted to an officer or employee in any year will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, subject to the limitations set forth in the 2009 LTI Plan. The value of each performance-based award will be determined based on the achievement of the pre-established, objective performance goals during each performance period. The duration of a performance period is set by the Compensation Committee. A new performance period may begin every year, or at more frequent or less frequent intervals, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will establish, in writing, the objective performance goals applicable to the valuation of performance-based awards granted in each performance period, the performance measures that will be used to determine the achievement of those performance goals and any formulas or methods to be used to determine the value of the performance-based awards.
Performance measures will be defined by the Compensation Committee on a consolidated, group or division basisand/or in comparison to one or more peer groups or indices. Performance measures selected by the Compensation Committee will be one or more of the following: cash flow, cash flow return on capital, cash flow return on assets, cash flow return on equity, net income, return on capital, return on assets, return on equity, share price, earnings per share, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, total return to stockholders, operating income and return on net assets. Following the end of a performance period, the Compensation Committee will determine the value of the performance-based awards granted for the period based on its determination of the degree of attainment of the pre-established objective


59


performance goals. The Compensation Committee will also have discretion to reduce (but not to increase) the value of a performance-based award to “Covered Employees,” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code.
Deferrals.  The Compensation Committee will have the discretion to provide for the deferral of an award or to permit participants to elect to defer payment of some or all types of awards in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
Change in Control.  The treatment of outstanding awards upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 2009 LTI Plan) will be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and will be described in the applicable award agreements and need not be uniform among all awards granted under the 2009 LTI Plan.
Adjustment and Amendments.  The 2009 LTI Plan provides for appropriate adjustments in the number of shares of our common stock subject to awards and available for future awards, as well as the maximum award limitations under the 2009 LTI Plan, in the event of changes in our outstanding common stock by reason of a merger, stock split, or certain other events. The 2009 LTI Plan may be modified, altered, suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time and for any purpose that the Board of Directors deems appropriate, but no amendment to the 2009 LTI Plan shall adversely affect any outstanding awards without the affected participant’s consent, and stockholder approval is required if an amendment will materially modify the 2009 LTI Plan or is otherwise required by applicable law.
Transferability.  Except as otherwise specified in a participant’s award agreement, no award granted pursuant to, and no right to payment under, the 2009 LTI Plan will be assignable or transferable by a 2009 LTI Plan participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, and any right granted under the 2009 LTI Plan will be exercisable during a participant’s lifetime only by the participant or by the participant’s guardian or legal representative.
Duration of the 2009 LTI Plan.  The 2009 LTI Plan will remain in effect until all options and rights granted thereunder have been satisfied or terminated pursuant to the terms of the 2009 LTI Plan and all performance periods for performance-based awards granted thereunder have been completed. However, in no event will any award be granted under the 2009 LTI Plan on or after May 8, 2019.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary is based on current interpretations of existing federal income tax laws. The discussion below is not purported to be complete, and it does not discuss the tax consequences arising in the context of the participant’s death or the income tax laws of any local, state or foreign country in which the participant’s income or gain may be taxable.
Stock Options.  Some of the options issuable under the 2009 LTI Plan may constitute incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, while other options granted under the 2009 LTI Plan may be nonqualified stock options. The Code provides for tax treatment of stock options qualifying as incentive stock options that may be more favorable to employees than the tax treatment accorded nonqualified stock options.
Generally, upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option, the optionee will recognize no income for United States federal income tax purposes. The difference between the exercise price of the incentive stock option and the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise is, however, an item of tax preference that may require payment of an alternative minimum tax. If the participant disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option either before the expiration of two years from the date the options are granted or within one year after the issuance of shares upon exercise of the incentive stock option (the “holding periods”), the participant will recognize in the year of disposition: (1) ordinary income to the extent that the lesser of either (a) the fair market value of the shares on the date of option exercise or (b) the amount realized upon disposition exceeds the option price and (2) capital gain to the extent the amount realized upon disposition exceeds the fair market value of the shares on the date of option exercise. If the shares are sold after expiration of the holding periods, the participant generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon disposition and the option price.
An optionee will recognize no income on the grant of a nonqualified stock option. Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary taxable income (subject to withholding) in an


60


amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price. Upon any sale of such shares by the optionee, any difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of the nonqualified option will be treated generally as capital gain or loss.
No deduction is available to us upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option (although a deduction may be available if the employee sells the shares so purchased before the applicable holding period expires), whereas upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, we are entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the income recognized by the optionee. Except with respect to death or disability of an optionee, an optionee has three months after termination of employment in which to exercise an incentive stock option and retain favorable tax treatment at exercise. An option exercised more than three months after an optionee’s termination of employment (other than upon death or disability) cannot qualify for the tax treatment accorded incentive stock options; such options would be treated as nonqualified stock options instead.
Restricted Stock.  A participant generally recognizes no taxable income at the time of an award of restricted stock. A participant may, however, make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to have the grant taxed as compensation income at the date of receipt, with the result that any future appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares of stock granted may be taxed as capital gain or loss on a subsequent sale of the shares. If the participant does not make a Section 83(b) election, the grant will be taxed as compensation income at the full fair market value on the date the restrictions imposed on the shares expire. Unless a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, any dividends paid to the participant on the shares of restricted stock will generally be compensation income to the participant and deductible by us as compensation expense. In general, we will receive an income tax deduction for any compensation income taxed to the participant. To the extent a participant realizes capital gains, as described above, we will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes.
Restricted Stock Units.  A participant who is granted a restricted stock unit will recognize no income upon grant of the restricted stock unit. At the time the underlying shares of common stock (or cash in lieu thereof) are delivered to a participant, the participant will realize compensation income equal to the full fair market value of the shares received. We will be entitled to an income tax deduction corresponding to the compensation income recognized by the participant.
Performance Share or Performance Unit Awards.  A participant who is granted a performance share or a performance unit award will recognize no income upon grant of the performance share or a performance unit award. At the time the common stock is received as payment in respect of a performance share or performance unit award, the participant will realize compensation income equal to the fair market value of the shares received. We will be entitled to an income tax deduction corresponding to the compensation income recognized by the participant.
Section 162(m).  Under Section 162(m) of the Code, compensation we pay in excess of $1 million for any taxable year to “Covered Employees” generally is deductible by us or our affiliates for federal income tax purposes if it is based on our performance, is paid pursuant to a plan approved by our stockholders and meets certain other requirements. Generally, “Covered Employee” under Section 162(m) of the Code means the chief executive officer and our three highest paid executive officers other than our chief financial officer on the last day of the taxable year.
Section 409A.  Section 409A of the Code generally provides that any deferred compensation arrangement must satisfy specific requirements, both in operation and in form, regarding (1) the timing of payment, (2) the election of deferrals, and (3) restrictions on the acceleration of payment. Failure to comply with Section 409A of the Code may result in the early taxation (plus interest) to the participant of deferred compensation and the imposition of a 20% penalty on the participant on such deferred amounts included in the participant’s income. The Company intends to structure awards under the Plan in a manner that is designed to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code.
Change in Control.  The acceleration of the exercisability or the vesting of a grant or award upon the occurrence of a change in control may result in an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. A “parachute payment” occurs when an employee receives payments contingent upon a change in control that exceed an amount equal to three times his or her “base amount.” The term “base amount” generally means the average annual compensation paid to such employee during the five-year period preceding the change in control. An “excess parachute payment” is the excess of all parachute payments made to the employee on account of a change in control over the employee’s base amount. If any amount received by an employee is characterized as an


61


excess parachute payment, the employee is subject to a 20% excise tax on the amount of the excess, and the company is denied a deduction with respect to such excess payment.
We currently anticipate that the Compensation Committee will at all times consist of “outside directors” as required for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, and that the Compensation Committee will take the effect of Section 162(m) of the Code into consideration in structuring 2009 LTI Plan awards.
New Plan Benefits
The benefits that will be received under the 2009 LTI Plan by particular individuals or groups are not determinable at this time. Although not necessarily indicative of future grants that may be made under the 2009 LTI Plan, the following table sets forth with respect to each individual and group listed (1) the number of shares of restricted stock granted under the 2001 D&O Plan, and (2) the number of performance shares granted under the 2001 D&O Plan in each case during the last fiscal year. No other types of awards were granted under the 2001 D&O Plan during 2008.
         
  Performance
  Restricted
 
Name
 Shares  Stock 
 
John A. Fees  177,850   49,320 
Michael S. Taff  24,860   6,890 
Brandon C. Bethards  14,180   29,930 
Robert A. Deason  27,470   7,620 
John T. Nesser, III  46,900   13,010 
All executive officers as a group (10 persons)  332,700   131,240 
All non-employee directors as a group (9 persons)  0   17,046 
All employees other than executive officers as a group  300,080   207,610 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
             
  Number of
       
  Securities to be
     Number of
 
  Issued Upon
  Weighted-Average
  Securities
 
  Exercise of
  Exercise Price of
  Remaining
 
  Outstanding
  Outstanding
  Available for
 
Plan Category
 Options and Rights  Options and Rights  Future Issuance 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  756,164  $5.37   6,465,314 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(1)
  563,870  $3.38    
Total  1,320,034  $4.52   6,465,314 
(1)Reflects information on our 1992 Senior Management Stock Plan, which is our only equity compensation plan that has not been approved by our stockholders and that has any outstanding awards that have not been exercised. We are no longer authorized to grant new awards under our 1992 Senior Management Stock Plan.
Recommendation and Vote Required
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” approval of this proposal. The proxy holders will vote all proxies received for approval of this proposal unless instructed otherwise. Our directors have an interest in and may benefit from the adoption of this proposal because they are eligible to receive awards under the 2009 LTI Plan. Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on this proposal at the Annual Meeting, provided that the total number of votes cast on the proposal represents a majority of the shares outstanding on the Record Date. Because abstentions are counted as present for purposes of the vote on this matter but are not votes “FOR” this proposal, they have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” this proposal. In general, brokers do not have discretionary authority on proposals relating to equity compensation plans. Therefore, absent instructions from you, your broker may not vote your shares on this proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote, as long as the total number of votes cast on the proposal represents a majority of the shares entitled to vote.


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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009
(ITEM 3)
 
Our Board of Directors has ratified the decision of the Audit Committee to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009.2010. Although we are not required to seek stockholder approval of this appointment, it has been our practice to do so. No determination has been made as to what action the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors would take if our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee retains discretion to appoint a new independent registered public accounting firm at any time if the Audit Committee concludes such a change would be in the best interests of McDermott. We expect that representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.
 
For the years ended December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, McDermott paid Deloitte & Touche fees, including expenses and taxes, totaling $8,097,071$8,649,858 and $7,250,318,$8,097,071, which can be categorized as follows:
 
         
  2008  2007 
 
Audit
        
The Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of McDermott, the audit of McDermott’s internal control over financial reporting, statutory and subsidiary audits, reviews of the quarterly consolidated financial statements of McDermott and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC $7,208,475  $6,770,200 
Audit-Related
        
The Audit-Related fees for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were for assurance and related services, employee benefit plan audits and advisory services related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance $12,300  $10,118 
Tax
        
The Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were for professional services rendered for consultations on various U.S. federal, state and international tax matters, international tax compliance and tax planning, and assistance with tax examinations $807,046  $468,500 
All Other
        
The fees for All Other services for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were for professional services rendered for translation services and other advisory or consultation services not related to audit or tax $69,250  $1,500 
Total
 $8,097,071  $7,250,318 
         
  2009  2008 
Audit
        
The Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of McDermott, the audit of McDermott’s internal control over financial reporting, statutory and subsidiary audits, reviews of the quarterly consolidated financial statements of McDermott and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC. $7,195,103  $7,208,475 
Audit-Related
        
The Audit-Related fees for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were for assurance and related services, employee benefit plan audits and advisory services related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance. $271,405  $12,300 
Tax
        
The Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were for professional services rendered for consultations on various U.S. federal, state and international tax matters, international tax compliance and tax planning, and assistance with tax examinations. $916,131  $807,046 
All Other
        
The fees for All Other services for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were for professional services rendered for translation services and other advisory or consultation services not related to audit or tax. $267,219  $69,250 
Total
 $8,649,858  $8,097,071 
 
It is the policy of our Audit Committee to preapprove all audit, review or attest engagements and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm, subject to, and in compliance with, thede minimisexception for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Audit Committee did not rely on thede minimisexception for any of the fees disclosed above.
 
Recommendation and Vote Required
 
Our Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the decision of our Audit Committee to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.2010. The proxy holders will vote all proxies received for approval of this proposal unless instructed otherwise. Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on this proposal at the Annual


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Meeting. Because abstentions are counted as present for purposes of the vote on this matter but are not votes “FOR” this proposal, they have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” this proposal.


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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONSCertain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct, all employees (including our Named Executives) who have, or whose immediate family members have, any direct or indirect financial or other participation in any business that competes with, supplies goods or services to, or is a customer, of McDermott, are required to disclose to us and receive written approval from our Corporate Ethics and Compliance department prior to transacting such business. Our employees are expected to make reasoned and impartial decisions in the workplace. As a result, approval of the business is denied if we believe that the employee’s interest in such business could influence decisions relative to our business, or have the potential to adversely affect our business or the objective performance of the employee’s work. Our Corporate Ethics and Compliance department implements our Code of Business Conduct and related policies and the Governance Committee of our Board is responsible for overseeing our Ethics and Compliance Program, including compliance with our Code of Business Conduct. Our Board members are also responsible for complying with our Code of Business Conduct. Additionally, our Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the professional occupations and associations of our Board members and reviews transactions between McDermott and other companies with which our Board members are affiliated. To obtain a copy of our Code of Business Conduct, please see the “Corporate Governance” section above in this proxy statement.
 
Each of Messrs. Fees, Taff, Bethards, Deason, Nesser,S. Johnson, Baldwin, P. Johnson, and Lewis, Nesser and Ms. Hinrichs has irrevocably elected to satisfy withholding obligations relating to all or a portion of any applicable federal, state or other taxes that may be due on the vesting in the year ending December 31, 20092010 of certain shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares awarded under various long-term incentive plans by returning to us the number of such vested shares having a fair market value equal to the amount of such taxes. These elections, which apply to an aggregate of 110,940149,504 shares held by Mr. Fees, 27,04754,519 shares held by Mr. Taff, 32,47770,854 shares held by Mr. Bethards, 56,54030,995 shares held by Mr. S. Johnson, 57,740 shares held by Mr. Deason, 44,837 shares held by Mr. Nesser, 70021,270 shares held by Mr. Baldwin, 90048,366 shares held by Ms. Hinrichs, 9,297 shares held by Mr. P. Johnson, 18,66416,712 shares held by Mr. Lewis and 23,17765,048 shares held by Ms. Hinrichs,Mr. Nesser, are subject to approval of the Compensation Committee of our Board, which approval was granted. In the year ended December 31, 2008, each of Messrs. Wilkinson, Deason and Nesser and our former officers James R. Easter, Francis S. Kalman and Louis J. Sannino made2009, a similar election was made which applied to an aggregate of 82,200, 75,000, 28,200, 11,700, 43,500110,940 shares held by Mr. Fees, 27,047 shares held by Mr. Taff, 32,477 shares held by Mr. Bethards, 156,540 shares held by Mr. Deason, 700 shares held by Mr. Baldwin, 23,177 shares held by Ms. Hinrichs, 900 shares held by Mr. P. Johnson, 18,664 shares held by Mr. Lewis and 18,30044,837 shares respectively,held by Mr. Nesser, that vested in the year ended December 31, 2008.2009. Those elections were also approved by the Compensation Committee. We expect any transfers reflecting shares of restricted stock returned to us will be reported in the SEC filings made by those transferring holders who are obligated to report transactions in our securities under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCESection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own 10% or more of our voting stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our equity securities with the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange. Directors, executive officers and 10% or more holders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of those forms furnished to us, or written representations that no forms were required, we believe that our directors, executive officers and 10% or more beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the year ended December 31, 2008, with the exception of John A. Fees, Chief Executive Officer of McDermott, and Robert W. Goldman, Director. Mr. Fees underreported shares from two transactions in a timely filed Form 4, which was amended two days later to reflect the correct number of shares. Mr. Goldman was late filing a Form 4 to report open market purchases occurring in six broker directed transactions.2009.


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STOCKHOLDERS’ PROPOSALSStockholders’ Proposals
 
Any stockholder who wishes to have a qualified proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 20102011 Annual Meeting must send notice of the proposal to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office no later than November 27, 2009.26, 2010. If you make such a proposal, you must provide your name, address, the number of shares of common stock you hold of record or beneficially, the date or dates on which such common stock was acquired and documentary support for any claim of beneficial ownership.


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In addition, any stockholder who intends to submit a proposal for consideration at our 20102011 Annual Meeting, but not for inclusion in our proxy materials, or who intends to submit nominees for election as directors at the meeting must notify our Corporate Secretary. Under our By-Laws, such notice must (1) be received at our executive offices no earlier than November 9, 20098, 2010 or later than January 8, 20107, 2011 and (2) satisfy specified requirements. A copy of the pertinent By-Law provisions can be found on our Web site atwww.mcdermott.comat “Corporate Governance — Governance Policies.”
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
-s- Liane K. Hinrichs
LIANE K. HINRICHS
Secretary
 
Dated: March 27, 200926, 2010


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APPENDIX A
2009 MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
Establishment, Objectives and Duration
1.1  Establishment of the Plan.  McDermott International, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Panama (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), hereby establishes an incentive compensation plan to be known as the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (hereinafter referred to as this “Plan”), as set forth in this document. This Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units (each as hereinafter defined).
Subject to approval by the Company’s stockholders, this Plan shall become effective as of May 8, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain in effect as provided in Section 1.3 hereof.
1.2  Objectives.  This Plan is designed to promote the success and enhance the value of the Company by linking the personal interests of Participants (as hereinafter defined) to those of the Company’s stockholders, and by providing Participants with an incentive for outstanding performance. This Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract and retain the employmentand/or services of Participants.
1.3  Duration.  This Plan, as amended and restated, shall commence on the Effective Date, as described in Section 1.1 hereof, and shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Board of Directors (as hereinafter defined) to amend or terminate this Plan at any time pursuant to Article 15 hereof, until all Shares (as hereinafter defined) subject to it shall have been purchased or acquired according to this Plan’s provisions; provided, however, that in no event may an Award (as hereinafter defined) be granted under this Plan on or after May 8, 2019.
ARTICLE 2
Definitions
As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
2.1  “Award”means a grant under this Plan of any Nonqualified Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit.
2.2  “Award Agreement”means an agreement entered into by the Company and a Participant, setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under this Plan.
2.3  “Award Limitations”has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.2.
2.4  “Beneficial Owner”or“Beneficial Ownership”shall have the meaning ascribed to such term inRule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.
2.5  “Board”or“Board of Directors”means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.6  “Change in Control”means the occurrence or existence of any of the following facts or circumstances after the Effective Date:
(a) Any person (other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an Employee benefit plan of the Company or a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;


A-1


APPENDIX A
(b) Within any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new Directors (other than a Director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect any transaction described in Clause (a), (c), (d) or (e) of this Section 2.6) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors, then still in office who either were Directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board;
(c) A merger or consolidation of the Company, with any other corporation or other entity has been consummated, other than a merger or consolidation which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;
(d) The shareholders of the Company approve: (i) a plan of complete liquidation of the Company; or (ii) an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or
(e) Within one year following the consummation of a merger or consolidation transaction involving the Company (whether as a constituent corporation, the acquiror, the direct or indirect parent entity of the acquiror, the entity being acquired, or the direct or indirect parent entity of the entity being acquired): (i) individuals who, at the time of the execution and delivery of the definitive agreement pursuant to which such transaction has been consummated by the parties thereto (a “Definitive Transaction Agreement”) (or, if there are multiple such agreements relating to such transaction, the first time of execution and delivery by the parties to any such agreement) (the “Execution Time”), constituted the Board cease, for any reason (excluding death, disability or voluntary resignation but including any such voluntary resignation effected in accordance with any Definitive Transaction Agreement), to constitute a majority of the Board; or (ii) either individual who, at the Execution Time, served as the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company does not, for any reason (excluding as a result of death, disability or voluntary termination but including any such voluntary termination effected in accordance with any Definitive Transaction Agreement), serve as the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, as applicable, of the Company or, if the Company does not continue as a registrant with a class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, as the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, as applicable, of a corporation or other entity that is (A) a registrant with a class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and (B) the surviving entity in such transaction or a direct or indirect parent entity of the surviving entity or the Company following the consummation of such transaction; provided, however, that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred pursuant to this clause (e) in the case of a merger or consolidation which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 55% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.
However, in no event shall a “Change in Control” be deemed to have occurred with respect to a Participant if the Participant is part of the purchasing group which consummates a transaction resulting in aChange-in-Control. A Participant shall be deemed “part of a purchasing group” for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Participant is an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for: (i) passive ownership of less than three percent (3%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the non-employee continuing Directors).
2.7  “Code”means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.


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APPENDIX A
2.8  “Committee”means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other committee of the Board appointed by the Board to administer this Plan (or the entire Board if so designated by the Board by written resolution), as specified in Article 3 hereof.
2.9  “Company”means McDermott International, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Panama, and, except where the context otherwise indicates, shall include the Company’s Subsidiaries and, except with respect to the definition of “Change in Control” set forth above and the application of any defined terms used in such definition, any successor to any of such entities as provided in Article 18 hereof.
2.10  “Consultant”means a natural person who is neither an Employee nor a Director and who performs services for the Company or a Subsidiary pursuant to a contract, provided that those services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.
2.11  “Director”means any individual who is a member of the Board of Directors;provided, however, that any member of the Board of Directors who is employed by the Company shall be considered an Employee under this Plan.
2.12  “Disability”in the case of an Employee, shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Participant’s governing long-term disability plan and, in the case of a Director or Consultant, shall mean a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22 (e)(3) of the Code, as determined by the Committee in good faith, upon receipt of medical advice that the Committee deems sufficient and competent, from one or more individuals selected by the Committee who are qualified to provide professional medical advice.
2.13  “Effective Date”shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.1 hereof.
2.14  “Employee”means any person who is employed by the Company.
2.15  “Exchange Act”means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
2.16  “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
2.17  “Fair Market Value”of a Share shall mean, as of a particular date, (a) if Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price per Share on the consolidated transaction reporting system for the principal national securities exchange on which Shares are listed on that date, or, if no such sale is so reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such a sale was so reported, (b) if no Shares are so listed but are traded on an over-the-counter market, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices for Shares on that date, or, if there are no such quotations available for that date, on the last preceding date for which such quotations are available, as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated, or (c) if no Shares are publicly traded, the most recent value determined by an independent appraiser appointed by the Company for that purpose.
2.18  “Fiscal Year”means the year commencing January 1 and ending December 31.
2.19  “Incentive Stock Option”or“ISO”means an Option to purchase Shares granted under Article 6 hereof and which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option and is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or any successor provision.
2.20  “Named Executive Officer”means a Participant who, as of the date of vestingand/or payout of an award is one of the group of “covered employees” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.21  “Nonqualified Stock Option”or“NQSO”means an option to purchase Shares granted under Article 6 hereof and which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
2.22  “Officer”means an Employee of the Company included in the definition of “Officer” under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or such other Employees who are designated as “Officers” by the Board.


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APPENDIX A
2.23  “Option”means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
2.24  “Option Price”means the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Participant pursuant to an Option, as determined by the Committee.
2.25  “Participant”means an eligible Officer, Director, Consultant or Employee who has been selected for participation in this Plan in accordance with Section 5.2.
2.26  “Performance-Based Award”means an Award that is designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception.
2.27  “Performance-Based Exception”means the performance-based exception from the deductibility limitations of Code Section 162(m).
2.28  “Performance Period”means, with respect to a Performance-Based Award, the period of time during which the performance goals specified in such Award must be met in order to determine the degree of payoutand/or vesting with respect to that Performance-Based Award.
2.29  “Performance Share”means an Award designated as such and granted to an Employee, as described in Article 8 hereof.
2.30  “Performance Unit”means an Award designated as such and granted to an Employee, as described in Article 8 herein.
2.31  “Period of Restriction”means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock is limited in some way (based on the passage of time, the achievement of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of other events as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion) as set forth in the related Award Agreement,and/or the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, as provided in Article 7 hereof.
2.32  “Person”shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) thereof).
2.33  “Restricted Stock”means an Award designated as such and granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 7 hereof.
2.34  “Restricted Stock Unit”or“RSU”means a contractual promise to distribute to a Participant one Share or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, which shall be delivered to the Participant upon satisfaction of the vesting and any other requirements set forth in the related Award Agreement.
2.35  “Retirement”shall have the meaning ascribed to such term by the Committee, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
2.36  “Shares”means the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company.
2.37  “Subsidiary”means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, affiliate or other entity in which the Company has a majority voting interest and which the Committee designates as a participating entity in this plan.
2.38  “Vesting Period”means the period during which an Award granted hereunder is subject to a service or performance-related restriction, as set forth in the related Award Agreement.


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APPENDIX A
ARTICLE 3
Administration
3.1  The Committee.  This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The members of the Committee shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors.
3.2  Authority of the Committee.  Except as limited by law or by the Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (each as amended from time to time), the Committee shall have full and exclusive power and authority to take all actions specifically contemplated by this Plan or that are necessary or appropriate in connection with the administration hereof and shall also have full and exclusive power and authority to interpret this Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out this Plan as the Committee may deem necessary or proper. The Committee shall have full power and sole discretion to: select Officers, Directors, Consultants and Employees who shall be granted Awards under this Plan; determine the sizes and types of Awards; determine the time when Awards are to be granted and any conditions that must be satisfied before an Award is granted; determine the terms and conditions of Awards in a manner consistent with this Plan; determine whether the conditions for earning an Award have been met and whether a Performance-Based Award will be paid at the end of an applicable performance period; determine the guidelinesand/or procedures for the payment or exercise of Awards; and determine whether a Performance-Based Award should qualify, regardless of its amount, as deductible in its entirety for federal income tax purposes, including whether a Performance-Based Award granted to an Officer should qualify as performance-based compensation. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the vesting or exercisability of an Award, eliminate or make less restrictive any restrictions contained in an Award, waive any restriction or other provision of this Plan or any Award or otherwise amend or modify any Award in any manner that is either (a) not adverse to the Participant to whom such Award was granted or (b) consented to in writing by such Participant, and (c) consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A, if applicable. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any Award in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable to further this Plan’s objectives. Further, the Committee shall make all other determinations that may be necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan. As permitted by law and the terms of this Plan, the Committee may delegate its authority as identified herein.
3.3  Delegation of Authority.  To the extent permitted under applicable law, the Committee may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer and to other senior officers of the Company its duties under this Plan pursuant to such conditions or limitations as the Committee may establish; provided however, the Committee may not delegate any authority to grant Awards to a Director.
3.4  Decisions Binding.  All determinations and decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of this Plan and all related orders and resolutions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons concerned, including the Company, its stockholders, Officers, Directors, Employees, Consultants, Participants and their estates and beneficiaries.
ARTICLE 4
Shares Subject to this Plan
4.1  Number of Shares Available for Grants of Awards.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 hereof, there is reserved for issuance of Awards under this Plan nine million (9,000,000) Shares. Shares subject to Awards under this Plan that are cancelled, forfeited, terminated or expire unexercised, shall immediately become available for the granting of Awards under this Plan. Additionally, Shares approved pursuant to the 2001 Directors and Officers Long Term Incentive Plan which have not been awarded as of the Effective Date, or are subject to awards that are canceled, terminated, forfeited, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Shares, or are exchanged for consideration that does not involve Shares will immediately become available for Awards. The Committee may from time to time adopt and observe such procedures concerning the counting of Shares against this Plan maximum as it may deem appropriate.


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APPENDIX A
4.2  Limits on Grants in Any Fiscal Year.  The following rules (“Award Limitations”) shall apply to grants of Awards under this Plan:
(a) Options.  The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable pursuant to Awards of Options that may be granted in any one Fiscal Year of the Company to any one Participant shall be one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000).
(b) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.  The maximum aggregate number of Shares subject to Awards of Restricted Stock and RSUs that may be granted in any one Fiscal Year to any one Participant shall be one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000).
(c) Performance Shares.  The maximum aggregate number of Shares subject to Awards of Performance Shares that may be granted in any one Fiscal Year to any one Participant shall be one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000).
(d) Performance Units.  The maximum aggregate cash payout with respect to Performance Units granted in any one Fiscal Year to any one Participant shall be six million dollars ($6,000,000), with such cash value determined as of the date of each grant.
4.3  Adjustments in Authorized Shares.  The existence of outstanding Awards shall not affect in any manner the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the capital stock of the Company or its business or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock (whether or not such issue is prior to, on a parity with or junior to the Shares) or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding of any kind, whether or not of a character similar to that of the acts or proceedings enumerated above.
If there shall be any change in the Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split,split-up, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, dividend in kind or other like change in capital structure or distribution (other than normal cash dividends) to stockholders of the Company, the Committee, in its sole discretion, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under this Plan, shall adjust, in such manner as it deems equitable, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares that may be granted as Awards under this Plan, the number and kind of Shares subject to outstanding Awards, the exercise or other price applicable to outstanding Awards, the Awards Limitations, the Fair Market Value of the Shares and other value determinations applicable to outstanding Awards;provided, however, that the number of Shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. In the event of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Committee shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, to: (a) grant or assume Awards by means of substitution of new Awards, as appropriate, for previously granted Awards or to assume previously granted Awards as part of such adjustment; (b) make provision, prior to the transaction, for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of, or lapse of restrictions with respect to, Awards and the termination of Options that remain unexercised at the time of such transaction; (c) provide for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of Options and the cancellation thereof in exchange for such payment as the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines is a reasonable approximation of the value thereof; (d) cancel any Awards and direct the Company to deliver to the Participants who are the holders of such Awards cash in an amount that the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion is equal to the fair market value of such Awards as of the date of such event, which, in the case of any Option, shall be the amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share as of such date over the per-share exercise price for such Option (for the avoidance of doubt, if such exercise price is less than such Fair Market Value, the Option may be canceled for no consideration); or (e) cancel Awards that are Options and give the Participants who are the holders of such Awards notice and opportunity to exercise prior to such cancellation.


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APPENDIX A
ARTICLE 5
Eligibility and Participation
5.1  Eligibility.  Persons eligible to participate in this Plan include all Officers, Directors, Employees and Consultants, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.
5.2  Actual Participation.  Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, select from all Officers, Directors, Employees and Consultants, those to whom Awards shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount of each Award. No Officer, Director, Employee or Consultant shall have the right to be selected for Participation in this Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future award.
ARTICLE 6
Options
6.1  Grant of Options.  Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, Options may be granted to Participants in such number, upon such terms, at any time, and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee;provided, however,that ISOs may be awarded only to Employees. Subject to the terms of this Plan, the Committee shall have discretion in determining the number of Shares subject to Options granted to each Participant.
6.2  Option Award Agreement.  Each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Option Price, the duration of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine that are not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan. The Award Agreement also shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or an NQSO (provided that, in the absence of such specification, the Option shall be an NQSO).
6.3  Option Price.  The Option Price for each grant of an Option under this Plan shall be as determined by the Committee;provided, however, that, subject to any subsequent adjustment that may be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3 hereof, the Option Price shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.3 hereof, without prior stockholder approval no repricing of Options awarded under this Plan shall be permitted such that the terms of outstanding Options may not be amended to reduce the Option Price and further Options may not be replaced or regranted through cancellation, in exchange for cash, other Awards, or if the effect of the replacement or regrant would be to reduce the Option Price of the Options or would constitute a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (as applicable to the Company’s public reporting).
6.4  Duration of Options.  Subject to any earlier expiration that may be effected pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3 hereof, each Option shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant;provided, however, that an Option shall not be exercisable later than the seventh (7th) anniversary date of its grant.
6.5  Exercise of Options.  Options granted under this Plan shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant.
6.6  Payment.  Any Option granted under this Article 6 shall be exercised by the delivery of a notice of exercise to the Company in the manner prescribed in the related Award Agreement, setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, and either (i) accompanied by full payment of the Option Price for the Shares issuable on such exercise or (ii) exercised in a manner that is in accordance with applicable law and the “cashless exercise” procedures (if any) approved by the Committee involving a broker or dealer.
The Option Price upon exercise of any Option shall be payable to the Company in full: (a) in cash; (b) by tendering previously acquired Shares valued at their Fair Market Value per Share at the time of exercise (provided that the Shares which are tendered must have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months prior to their tender); (c) by a combination of (a) and (b); or (d) any other method approved by the Committee, in its sole discretion.


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APPENDIX A
Subject to any governing rules or regulations, as soon as practicable after receipt of a notification of exercise and full payment, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, in the Participant’s name, Share certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Shares purchased under the Option.
6.7  Restrictions on Share Transferability.  The Committee may impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option granted under this Plan as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, restrictions under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are then listedand/or traded, and under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such Shares.
6.8  Termination of Employment, Service or Directorship.  Each Option Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of the Participant’s employment, service or directorship with the Companyand/or its Subsidiaries. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in each Award Agreement entered into with a Participant with respect to an Option Award, need not be uniform among all Options granted pursuant to this Article 6 and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.
6.9  Transferability of Options.
(a) Incentive Stock Options.  No ISO granted under this Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of ERISA, or the regulations thereunder. Further, all ISOs granted to a Participant under this Plan shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant.
(b) Nonqualified Stock Options.  Except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, NQSOs granted under this Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of ERISA, or the regulations thereunder. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, all NQSOs granted to a Participant under this Plan shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant.
ARTICLE 7
Restricted Stock
7.1  Grant of Restricted Stock.  Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Committee at any time, and from time to time, may grant Shares as Restricted Stock (“Shares of Restricted Stock”) to Participants in such amounts as the Committee shall determine.
7.2  Restricted Stock Award Agreement.  Each Award of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock granted, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.
7.3  Transferability.  Except as provided in the Participant’s related Award Agreementand/or this Article 7, the Shares of Restricted Stock granted to a Participant under this Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction established by the Committee and specified in the related Award Agreement entered into with that Participant, or upon earlier satisfaction of any other conditions, as specified by the Committee in its sole discretion and set forth in the Award Agreement. During the applicable Period of Restriction, all rights with respect to the Restricted Stock granted to a Participant under this Plan shall be available during his or her lifetime only to such Participant. Any attempted assignment of Restricted Stock in violation of this Section 7.3 shall be null and void.
7.4  Other Restrictions.  The Committee may impose such other conditionsand/or restrictions on any Shares of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to this Plan as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, a requirement that Participants pay a stipulated purchase price for each Share of Restricted Stock, restrictions based


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APPENDIX A
upon the achievement of specific performance goals, time-based restrictions on vesting following the attainment of the performance goalsand/or restrictions under applicable U.S. federal or state securities laws.
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee, the Company may retain the certificates representing Shares of Restricted Stock in the Company’s possession until such time as all conditionsand/or restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied or have lapsed.
7.5  Removal of Restrictions.  Except as otherwise provided in this Article 7, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock Award made under this Plan shall become freely transferable by the Participant after all conditions and restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied or have lapsed.
7.6  Voting Rights.  To the extent permitted by the Committee or required by law, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares during the applicable Period of Restriction.
7.7  Dividends.  During the applicable Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall, unless the Committee otherwise determines, be credited with cash dividends paid with respect to the Shares, in a manner determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee may apply any restrictions to the dividends that it deems appropriate.
7.8  Termination of Employment, Service or Directorship.  Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to receive unvested Shares of Restricted Stock following termination of the Participant’s employment, service or directorship with the Companyand/or its Subsidiaries. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in each Award Agreement entered into with a Participant with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock, need not be uniform among all Shares of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to this Article 7 and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.
ARTICLE 8
Performance Units and Performance Shares
8.1  Grant of Performance Units/Shares.  Subject to the terms of this Plan, Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee.
8.2  Value of Performance Units/Shares.  Each Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of grant. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. The Committee shall set performance goals in its discretion that, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the numberand/or value of Performance Units/Shares which will be paid out to the Participant.
8.3  Earning of Performance Units/Shares.  Subject to the terms of this Plan, after the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares shall be entitled to receive payment of the number and value of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved.
8.4  Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares.  Subject to the provisions of Article 12 hereof, Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares to a Participant shall be made no later than March 15 following the end of the calendar year in which such Performance Units/Shares vest, or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter if payment is delayed due to unforeseeable events. Subject to the terms of this Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash or in Shares (or in a combination thereof) that have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period. Any Shares issued or transferred to a Participant for this purpose may be granted subject to any restrictions that are deemed appropriate by the Committee.


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APPENDIX A
8.5  Termination of Employment, Service or Directorship.  Each Award Agreement providing for a Performance Unit/Share shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to receive a payout of cash or Shares with respect to unvested Performance Unit/Shares following termination of the Participant’s employment, service or directorship with the Companyand/or its Subsidiaries. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with the Participant, need not be uniform among all Awards of Performance Units/Shares granted pursuant to this Article 8 and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.
8.6  Transferability.  Except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s related Award Agreement, Performance Units/Shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of ERISA, or the regulations thereunder. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s related Award Agreement, a Participant’s rights with respect to Performance Units/Shares granted to that Participant under this Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. Any attempted assignment of Performance Units/Shares in violation of this Section 8.6 shall be null and void.
ARTICLE 9
Restricted Stock Units
9.1  Grant of RSUs.  Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Committee at any time, and from time to time, may grant RSUs to eligible Participants in such amounts as the Committee shall determine.
9.2  RSU Award Agreement.  Each RSU Award to a Participant shall be evidenced by an RSU Award Agreement entered into with that Participant, which shall specify the Vesting Period, the number of RSUs granted, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.
9.3  Transferability.  Except as provided in a Participant’s related Award Agreement, RSUs granted hereunder may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of ERISA, or the regulations thereunder. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s related Award Agreement, a Participant’s rights with respect to an RSU Award granted to that Participant under this Plan shall be available during his or her lifetime only to such Participant. Any attempted assignment of an RSU Award in violation of this Section 9.3 shall be null and void.
9.4  Form and Timing of Delivery.  If a Participant’s RSU Award Agreement provides for payment in cash, payment equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the RSU Award, calculated as of the last day of the applicable Vesting Period, shall be made in a single lump-sum payment. If a Participant’s RSU Award Agreement provides for payment in Shares, the Shares underlying the RSU Award shall be delivered to the Participant. Such payment of cash or Shares shall be made no later than March 15 following the end of the calendar year during which the RSU Award vests, or as soon as practicable thereafter if payment is delayed due to unforeseeable events. Such delivered Shares shall be freely transferable by the Participant.
9.5  Voting Rights and Dividends.  During the applicable Vesting Period, Participants holding RSUs shall not have voting rights with respect to the Shares underlying such RSUs. During the applicable Vesting Period, Participants holding RSUs granted hereunder shall, unless the Committee otherwise determines, be credited with dividend equivalents, in the form of cash or additional RSUs (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion), if a cash dividend is paid with respect to the Shares. The extent to which dividend equivalents shall be credited shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Such dividend equivalents shall be subject to a Vesting Period equal to the remaining Vesting Period of the RSUs with respect to which the dividend equivalents are paid.
9.6  Termination of Employment, Service or Directorship.  Each RSU Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the applicable Participant shall have the right to receive a payout of cash or Shares with respect to unvested RSUs following termination of the Participant’s employment, service or directorship with the Companyand/or its Subsidiaries. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be


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APPENDIX A
included in each Award Agreement entered into with a Participant with respect to RSUs, need not be uniform among all RSUs granted pursuant to this Article 9 and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.
ARTICLE 10
Performance Measures
10.1  Performance Measures.  Unless and until the Committee proposes and shareholders approve a change in the general performance measures set forth in this Article 10, the attainment of which may determine the degree of payoutand/or vesting with respect to Awards to Named Executive Officers which are designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the performance measure(s) to be used for purposes of such grants shall be chosen from among the following alternatives:
(a) Cash Flow;
(b) Cash Flow Return on Capital;
(c) Cash Flow Return on Assets;
(d) Cash Flow Return on Equity;
(e) Net Income;
(f) Return on Capital;
(g) Return on Assets;
(h) Return on Equity;
(i) Share Price;
(j) Earnings Per Share;
(k) Earnings Before Interest and Taxes;
(l) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization;
(m) Total Return to Shareholders;
(n) Operating Income; and
(o) Return on Net Assets.
Subject to the terms of this Plan, each of these measures shall be defined by the Committee on a consolidated, group or division basis or in comparison to one or more peer group companies or indices, and may include or exclude specified extraordinary items as defined by the Company’s auditors.
10.2  Adjustments.  The Committee shall have the sole discretion to adjust determinations of the degree of attainment of the pre-established performance goals; provided, however, that Awards which are designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception and which are held by Named Executive Officers may not be adjusted upwards on a discretionary basis. The Committee shall retain the discretion to adjust such Awards downward.
10.3  Compliance with Code Section 162(m).  In the event that applicable taxand/or securities laws or regulations change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing performance measures without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, in the event that the Committee determines that it is advisable to grant Awards to Named Executive Officers which shall not qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee may make such grants without satisfying the requirements of Code Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder. Any performance-based Awards granted to Officers or Directors that are not intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code shall be based on achievement of


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APPENDIX A
such performance measure(s) and be subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee shall determine.
ARTICLE 11
Beneficiary Designation
Each Participant under this Plan may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under this Plan is to be paid in case of the Participant’s death before he or she receives any or all of such benefit. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.
ARTICLE 12
Deferrals
The Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit selected Participants to elect to defer payment of some or all types of Awards, or may provide for the deferral of an Award in an Award Agreement; provided, however, that the timing of any such election and payment of any such deferral shall be specified in the Award Agreement and shall conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2), (3) and (4) and the regulations and rulings issued thereunder. Any deferred payment, whether elected by a Participant or specified in an Award Agreement or by the Committee, may be forfeited if and to the extent that the applicable Award Agreement so provides.
ARTICLE 13
Rights of Employees, Directors and Consultants
13.1  Employment or Service.  Nothing in this Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate any Participant’s employment or service at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company.
13.2  No Contract of Employment.  Neither an Award nor any benefits arising under this Plan shall constitute part of a Participant’s employment contract with the Company or any Subsidiary, and accordingly, subject to the provisions of Article 15 hereof, this Plan and the benefits hereunder may be terminated at any time in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Board without giving rise to liability on the part of the Company or any Subsidiary for severance payments.
13.3  Transfers Between Participating Entities.  For purposes of this Plan, a transfer of a Participant’s employment between the Company and a Subsidiary, or between Subsidiaries, shall not be deemed to be a termination of employment. Upon such a transfer, the Committee may make such adjustments to outstanding Awards as it deems appropriate to reflect the change in reporting relationships.
ARTICLE 14
Change in Control
The treatment of outstanding Awards upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless otherwise specifically prohibited under applicable laws, or by the rules and regulations of any governing governmental agencies or national securities exchanges shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee and shall be described in the Award Agreements and need not be uniform among all Awards granted pursuant to this Plan.


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APPENDIX A
ARTICLE 15
Amendment, Modification and Termination
15.1  Amendment, Modification, and Termination.  The Board may at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, suspend or terminate this Plan in whole or in part,provided, however,that shareholder approval shall be required for any amendment that materially alters the terms of this Plan or is otherwise required by applicable legal requirements. No amendment or alteration that would adversely affect the rights of any Participant under any Award previously granted to such Participant shall be made without the consent of such Participant.
15.2  Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events.  The Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4.3 hereof) affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or in recognition of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent unintended dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan.
ARTICLE 16
Withholding
The Company shall have the right to deduct applicable taxes from any Award payment and withhold, at the time of delivery or vesting of cash or Shares under this Plan, or at the time applicable law otherwise requires, an appropriate amount of cash or number of Shares or a combination thereof for payment of taxes required by law or to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for withholding of such taxes. The Committee may permit withholding to be satisfied by the transfer to the Company of Shares theretofore owned by the holder of the Award with respect to which withholding is required. If Shares are used to satisfy tax withholding, such Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when the tax withholding is required to be made.
ARTICLE 17
Indemnification
Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee, or of the Board, or an officer of the Company to whom the Committee has delegated authority in accordance with Article 3 hereof, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from: (a) any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonable incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under this Plan, except for any such action or failure to act that constitutes willful misconduct on the part of such person or as to which any applicable statute prohibits the Company from providing indemnification; and (b) any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement of any claim, action, suit or proceeding as to which indemnification is provided pursuant to clause (a) of this sentence, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment or award in any such action, suit or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf.
The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated By-Laws (each, as amended from time to time), as a matter of law, or otherwise.


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APPENDIX A
ARTICLE 18
Successors
All obligations of the Company under this Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the direct or indirect result of a merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of the businessand/or assets of the Company or other transaction.
ARTICLE 19
General Provisions
19.1  Restrictions and Legends.  No Shares or other form of payment shall be issued or transferred with respect to any Award unless the Company shall be satisfied that such issuance or transfer will be in compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws. The Committee may require each person receiving Shares pursuant to an Award under this Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the Participant is acquiring the Shares for investment without a view to distribution thereof. Any certificates evidencing Shares delivered under this Plan (to the extent that such Shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the Shares are then listed or to which they are admitted for quotation and any applicable U.S. federal or state securities law. In addition to any other legend required by this Plan, any certificates for such Shares may include any legend that the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer of such Shares.
19.2  Gender and Number.  Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine, the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.
19.3  Severability.  If any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
19.4  Requirements of Law.  The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under this Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.
19.5  Uncertificated Shares.  To the extent that this Plan provides for issuance of certificates to reflect the transfer of Shares, the transfer of such Shares may be effected on a noncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or transaction reporting system on which the Shares are listed or to which the Shares are admitted for quotation.
19.6  Unfunded Plan.  Insofar as this Plan provides for Awards of cash, Shares or rights thereto, it will be unfunded. Although the Company may establish bookkeeping accounts with respect to Participants who are entitled to cash, Shares or rights thereto under this Plan, it will use any such accounts merely as a bookkeeping convenience. Participants shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments that the Company may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under this Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, beneficiary, legal representative or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts, except as expressly set forth in this Plan. This Plan is not intended to be subject to ERISA.
19.7  No Fractional Shares.  No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash, Awards or other property shall be delivered or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.


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APPENDIX A
19.8  Governing Law.  This Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by mandatory provisions of the Code or the securities laws of the United States, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.


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(McDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. LOGO)(McDERMOTT LOGO)
 


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VOTE*** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS Meeting Information MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. Meeting Type: Annual Meeting Date: May 7, 2010 Time: 9:30 a.m. CDT For holders as of: March 8, 2010 Location: McDermott International, Inc. 757 N. Eldridge Parkway 14th Floor Houston, Texas 77079 You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company. This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. these shares. This communication presents only an 777 NORTH ELDRIDGE PARKWAY HOUSTON, TX 77079 overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. See the reverse side of


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Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL REPORT How to View Online: Have the 12-Digit Control Number available (located in the box on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET — www.proxyvote.comUseINTERNET: www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12-Digit Control Number (located in the box on the following page) in the subject line. Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 25, 2010 to facilitate timely delivery. How To Vote Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods Vote In Person: Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the Meeting you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M.p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 20096, 2010 (May 5, 20094, 2010 for participants in McDermott’s Thrift Plan). Have the 12 Digit Control Number (located in the box on M21026-P91520 the following page) available and follow the instructions. Vote By Mail or Telephone: You can vote by mail or telephone by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card with further instructions.


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Voting Items The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 01) John F. Bookout, III 07) Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. 02) Roger A. Brown 08) D. Bradley McWilliams 03) Ronald C. Cambre 09) Richard W. Mies 04) John A. Fees 10) Thomas C. Schievelbein 05) Robert W. Goldman 11) David A. Trice 06) Stephen G. Hanks The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Ratification of appointment of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010. P91520 -M21027


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M21028- P91520


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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. M20989-P91520 MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. 777 NORTH ELDRIDGE PARKWAY HOUSTON, TX 77079 To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. For Against Abstain 2. Ratification of appointment of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010. For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. For All Withhold All For All Except 0 0 0 0 0 0 Yes No 0 0 0 Vote on Directors 01) John F. Bookout, III 02) Roger A. Brown 03) Ronald C. Cambre 04) John A. Fees 05) Robert W. Goldman 06) Stephen G. Hanks 1. Election of Directors Nominees: Vote on Proposal VOTE BY INTERNET — www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2010 (May 4, 2010 for participants in McDermott’s Thrift Plan). Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.toto create an electronic voting instruction form.777 N. ELDRIDGE PARKWAYVOTEform. VOTE BY PHONE — 1-800-690-6903HOUSTON, TX 77079Use1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M.p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 20096, 2010 (May 5, 20094, 2010 for participants in McDermott’s Thrift Plan). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTEinstructions. VOTE BY MAILMark,MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717, so that it is received prior to the Annual Meeting on May 8, 2009.ELECTRONIC11717. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALSIfMATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receivereceiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK:MCDMI1KEEP THIS TOP PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYMCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.For Withhold For All To withhold authority to vote for any individual All All Except nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write theThe Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR“number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. Items 1, 2 and 3.Vote On Directors0 0 01.Election of DirectorsNominees as Class I Directors:01) Roger A. Brown 02) John A. Fees 03) Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.Nominees as Class II Directors:04) D. Bradley McWilliams 05) Richard W. Mies 06) Thomas C. SchievelbeinFor Against AbstainVote On Proposals2.Approve the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.0 0 03.Ratification of appointment of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.0 0 0Theyears. The shares represented by this proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned Stockholder(s).If. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR items 1 2 and 3.2. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the person named in this proxy will vote in their discretion.For address changes and/or comments, please check this0 box and write them ondiscretion. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the back where indicated.Yes Nofollowing: The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 07) Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. 08) D. Bradley McWilliams 09) Richard W. Mies 10) Thomas C. Schievelbein 11) David A. Trice Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.0 0Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or guardian,other fiduciary, please add yourgive full title as such. When signing as joint tenants, all parties in the joint tenancy must sign. If a signer is a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by duly authorized officer.Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Dateofficer.


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McDermott International, Inc.AnnualAddress Changes/Comments: (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.) McDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors Annual Meeting of Stockholders — Friday, May 8, 2009 at7, 2010 9:30 a.m. 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, 14thFl.Houston, TX, 77079Dear Stockholder:McDermott International, Inc. encourages you to vote the shares electronically through the Internet or the telephone, which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This eliminates the need to return the proxy card.Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.If you choose to vote the shares electronically, there is no need for you to mail back the proxy card.Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The Notice and Proxy Statement, 10-K and Shareholder Letter are available at www.proxyvote.com.IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPEMCDMI2McDermott International, Inc.THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - Friday, May 8, 2009The undersigned hereby appoints John A. Fees and Liane K. Hinrichs, and each of them individually as proxies, each with the power to appoint (his/her) substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of Common Stock of McDermott International, Inc.MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (“McDermott”), that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of StockholdersStockholder(s) to be held at 9:30 a.m., CDT, on Friday, May 8, 2009,7, 2010, at 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, 14th Floor, Houston, TX, 77079, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.THISthereof. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE STOCKHOLDER(S). IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FOR EACH PROPOSAL.THETHE PROPOSAL. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF MCDERMOTT’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20082009 AND ITSNOTICEITS NOTICE OF 20092010 ANNUAL MEETING AND RELATED PROXY STATEMENT.ATTENTIONSTATEMENT. ATTENTION PARTICIPANTS IN MCDERMOTT’S THRIFT PLAN: If you hold shares of McDermott common stock through The Thrift Plan for Employees of McDermott Incorporated and Participating Subsidiary and Affiliated Companies (the “Thrift Plan”), this proxy covers all shares for which the undersigned has the right to give voting instructions to Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (“Vanguard”), Trustee of the McDermott Thrift Plan. Your proxy must be received no later than 11:59 P.M.p.m. Eastern Time on May 5, 2009.4, 2010. Any shares of McDermott common stock held in the Thrift Plan that are not voted or for which Vanguard does not receive timely voting instructions, will be voted in the same proportion as the shares for which Vanguard receives timely voting instructions from other participants in the Thrift Plan.PLEASEPlan. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPEAddress Changes/Comments: (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box onCARD ENVELOPE Important Notice Regarding the reverse side.)Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com. CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE


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MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. Shareholder Meeting to be held on 5/8/2009 ** IMPORTANT NOTICE ** Proxy Materials Available Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials Notice and Proxy Statement Form 10-K You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the Shareholder Letter above company, and the materials you should review before you cast your vote are now available. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. PROXY MATERIALS — VIEW OR RECEIVE You can choose to view the materials online or receive a paper or e-mail copy. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. To facilitate timely delivery please make the request as instructed below on or before 4/24/09. MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. HOW TO VIEW MATERIALS M20990-P91520 IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET 777 N. ELDRIDGE PARKWAY HOUSTON, TX 77079 HaveOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE Dear Stockholder: McDermott International, Inc. encourages you to vote the 12 Digit Control Numbershares electronically through the Internet or the telephone, which are available and visit: www.proxyvote.com HOW TO REQUEST A COPY OF MATERIALS 1) BY INTERNET — www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE — 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL* — sendmaterial@proxyvote.com *If requesting materials by e-mail, please send24 hours a blank e-mail withday, 7 days a week. This eliminates the 12 Digit Control Number (located onneed to return the following page)proxy card. Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the subject line. R1MDI1 Seesame manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the Reverse Sideproxy card. If you choose to vote the shares electronically, there is no need for you to mail back the proxy card. McDermott International, Inc. Annual Meeting Information and Instructions on How to Vote


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Meeting Information How To Vote Meeting Type: Annual Vote In Person Meeting Date: 5/8/2009 Please check the meeting materials for any special Meeting Time:Friday, May 7, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you For holders as of: 3/9/09 will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Meeting Location: McDermott International, Inc. 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, 14th Fl. Houston, TX 77079 Vote By Internet To vote now by Internet, go to WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 7, 2009 (May 5, 2009 for participants in McDermott’s Thrift Plan). Have your notice in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions. R1MDI2


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Voting items The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” Items 1, 2 and 3. 1. Election of Directors Nominees as Class I Directors: 01) Roger A. Brown 02) John A. Fees 03) Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. Nominees as Class II Directors: 04) D. Bradley McWilliams 05) Richard W. Mies 06) Thomas C. Schievelbein 2. Approve the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. 3. Ratification of appointment of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009. R1MDI3


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MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. Shareholder Meeting to be held on 5/8/2009 ** IMPORTANT NOTICE ** Proxy Materials Available Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials Notice and Proxy Statement Form 10-K You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above company, and the materials you should review before you cast your Shareholder Letter vote are now available. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. PROXY MATERIALS — VIEW OR RECEIVE You can choose to view the materials online or receive a paper or e-mail copy. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Requests, instructions and other inquiries will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. To facilitate timely delivery please make the request as instructed below on or before 4/24/09. HOW TO VIEW MATERIALS VIA THE INTERNET Have the 12 Digit Control Number available and visit: www.proxyvote.com HOW TO REQUEST A COPY OF MATERIALS 1) BY INTERNET — www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE — 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL* — sendmaterial@proxyvote.com *If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12 Digit Control Number (located on the following page) in the subject line. B1MDI1 See the Reverse Side for Meeting Information and Instructions on How to Vote


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Meeting Information How To Vote Vote In Person Meeting Type: Annual Meeting Date: 5/8/2009 Should you choose to vote these shares in person at the meeting you must request a “legal proxy.” To request a Meeting Time: 9:30 a.m. legal proxy please follow the instructions at For holders as of: 3/9/09 www.proxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials. Many shareholder meetings have attendance Meeting Location: requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the McDermott International, Inc. meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. 757 N. Eldridge Parkway, 14th Fl. Houston, TX 77079 Vote By Internet To vote now by Internet, go to WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your notice in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions. B1MDI2


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Voting items The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” Items 1, 2 and 3. 1. Election of Directors Nominees as Class I Directors: 01) Roger A. Brown 02) John A. Fees 03) Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. Nominees as Class II Directors: 04) D. Bradley McWilliams 05) Richard W. Mies 06) Thomas C. Schievelbein 2. Approve the 2009 McDermott International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. 3. Ratification of appointment of McDermott’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009. B1MDI3


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Voting items Continued Voting Instructions B1MDI4