SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the month of May 2015
Commission File Number: 001-32179
INTEROIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
YUKON, CANADA
(Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
163 PENANG ROAD
#06-02 WINSLAND HOUSE II
SINGAPORE 238463
(Address of principal executive
offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code: +65 6507-0222
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ¨
Form 40-F þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is
submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):____
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is
submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):____
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing
the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to
Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨
No þ
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file
number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
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INTEROIL CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ Michael Hession |
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Michael Hession |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Date: May 1, 2015 |
INTEROIL CORPORATION
FORM 6-K FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2015
Exhibit Index
99.1 Information Circular for the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held on June 9, 2015
99.2 Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015
99.3 Form of Proxy - Annual Meeting to be held
on June 9, 2015
99.4 Press Release dated May 1, 2015
Exhibit 99.1
INTEROIL CORPORATION
Yukon Territory
Canada
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held on June 9, 2015
MANAGEMENT SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This management information circular (the
"Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation by management of InterOil Corporation of proxies to be used
at the annual meeting and all adjournments thereof (the "Meeting") of holders ("Shareholders") of common shares
("Common Shares") of the Corporation to be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 10.00 a.m. (Eastern time) in the Onyx
Room, at the Park Hyatt New York, 153 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019, United States for the
purposes set out in the accompanying notice of Meeting. In this Circular, references to "we", "us", "our",
"the Corporation" and "InterOil" refer to InterOil Corporation, unless the context requires otherwise. It is
expected that the solicitation of proxies will be made primarily by mail but proxies may also be solicited personally by our directors,
officers and employees. The total cost of the solicitation will be borne by us. The information contained in this circular is given
as at April 20, 2015 except where otherwise noted. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars
unless otherwise stated or the context requires. All references to “C$” refer to Canadian dollars. The financial statements
of InterOil are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
It is anticipated that copies of this Circular,
the Notice of Meeting, and accompanying proxy form will be distributed to Shareholders on or about May 1, 2015. We are not sending
proxy related materials to registered or beneficial Shareholders using the notice and access provisions of National Instrument
54 101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54-101”).
We are sending proxy-related materials indirectly through intermediaries to non-objecting beneficial owners (as described in NI
54-101) of Common Shares using the procedures set out in NI 54-101. We will pay for intermediaries to deliver to objecting beneficial
owners (as described in NI 54-101) of Common Shares as set out in NI 54-101, this Circular and Form 54-101F7 – Request for
Voting Instructions Made by Intermediary.
The date of this Circular is April 20, 2015.
All information presented in this Circular is presented as at April 20, 2015 unless otherwise indicated.
APPOINTMENT OF PROXIES
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy
accompanying this Circular are directors and/or officers of InterOil. Each Shareholder has a right to appoint a person (who
does not need to be a Shareholder) other than the persons specified in such form of proxy to attend and act for him on his behalf
at the Meeting. The right to appoint an alternative proxy may be exercised by striking out the management designated names
specified in the enclosed form of proxy, inserting the name of the person to be appointed in the blank space provided in the form
of proxy, signing the form of proxy and returning it in the reply envelope in the manner set out below. In addition, the Shareholder
should notify the appointee of his or her appointment, obtain his or her consent to act as appointee and instruct him or her on
how the Shareholder’s Common Shares are to be voted.
To be valid, proxies must be (i) dated, signed
by the Shareholder or the Shareholder's attorney authorized in writing, and received by Computershare Investor Services Inc., 100
University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2Y1, Attention: Proxy Department, Facsimile (416) 263-9524
or (866) 249-7775 at any time not less than 48 hours (excluding non-business days) prior to the Meeting; or (ii) dated, signed
by the Shareholder or the Shareholder's attorney authorized in writing, and deposited with the Chairman of the Meeting at any time
prior to the commencement of the Meeting. An undated proxy will be deemed to be dated the date it is mailed or so deposited.
Registered Shareholder
You are a registered Shareholder if you hold
your Common Shares in your name and have a physical share certificate or DRS Advice. Registered Shareholders may vote by telephone
or by internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the time set out above. To vote by telephone, the Shareholder should call 1-866-732-VOTE
(8683) from a touch tone phone, or if the registered Shareholder is outside of North America, the registered Shareholder should
call 1-312-588-4290. To vote using the internet, the Shareholder should access www.investorvote.com. To vote by telephone
or internet, the Shareholder will need to provide the control number noted on the applicable proxy. For further information on
voting by telephone or by internet, see the proxy accompanying this Circular.
Shareholders who are not registered Shareholders
should see "Advice to Beneficial Shareholders" for instructions to vote or attend the Meeting.
REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke
it with an instrument in writing executed by him or his attorney authorized in writing by depositing that instrument: (i) at our
registered office at Suite 300, 204 Black Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Y1A 2M9 at any time up to and including the last business
day preceding the day of the Meeting, (ii) with Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the address provided under "Appointment
of Proxies" above at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting; (iii) with the Chairman
of the Meeting prior to the commencement of the Meeting or an adjournment thereof; (iv) by the Shareholder personally attending
at the Meeting and voting the Common Shares represented by the proxy or, if the Shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized
officer or officers or attorney of the corporation attending at the Meeting and voting those securities; or (v) in any other manner
permitted by law.
Exercise
of Discretion by Proxy holders
The persons named in the form of proxy will
vote or withhold from voting the Common Shares in respect of which they are appointed, on any ballot that may be called for, in
accordance with the direction of the Shareholder appointing them. In the absence of any specification, the proxy
holder shall be deemed to have been granted the authority to vote the relevant Common Shares FOR: (i) the election of the directors;
and (ii) the appointment of auditors at such remuneration as may be determined by the Board of Directors (the "Board"),
as set out in this Circular. A simple majority of votes (50% plus one vote) cast at the Meeting by Shareholders in person or by
proxy is required to approve all matters.
The form of proxy also confers discretionary
authority upon the persons named in the proxy with respect to amendments to, or variations of, the matters identified in the Notice
of Meeting and with respect to other matters that may properly be brought before the Meeting. As of the date of this Circular,
the management of InterOil knows of no such amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting other than the matters
referred to in the Notice.
RECORD DATE AND ENTITLEMENT TO VOTE
In accordance with the Business Corporations
Act (Yukon) ("YBCA") and the Articles of Continuation and By-Laws, as amended, of InterOil, each holder of
record of our Common Shares as at April 20, 2015, the record date, will be entitled to one vote for each Common Share held on all
matters proposed to come before the Meeting. To the extent that a holder has transferred any Common Shares after the record date
and the transferee of those Common Shares produces properly endorsed share certificates or otherwise establishes ownership of such
Common Shares, and demands in writing, not later than 10 days before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, to be included in
the list of Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting, the transferee, and not the Shareholder of record as of April 20, 2015,
will be entitled to vote those Common Shares at the Meeting.
AdviCe to BEneficial SHAREHOLDERS
The information set out in this section
is of significant importance to many Shareholders as a substantial number of Shareholders do not hold their Common Shares in their
own name but instead hold their Common Shares through brokers, financial institutions or other nominees.
Shareholders who do not hold their Common Shares
in their own name (referred to in this Circular as "Beneficial Shareholders") should note that only proxies deposited
by Shareholders whose names appear on the records of the applicable registrar and transfer agent of InterOil as the registered
holders of Common Shares can be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting.
If Common Shares are listed in an account statement
provided to a Shareholder by a broker, then, in almost all cases, those Common Shares will not be registered in a holder's name
on the records of InterOil. Those Common Shares will more likely be registered in the name of the holder's broker or an agent of
the broker. In Canada, the vast majority of such Common Shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration
name for CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc., or CDS, which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms). Common Shares
held by brokers or their nominees can only be voted (for, withheld or against resolutions) upon instructions of the Beneficial
Shareholder.
Without specific instructions, brokers/nominees
are prohibited from voting Common Shares for their clients. Beneficial Shareholders should therefore ensure that instructions regarding
the voting of their Common Shares are properly communicated to the appropriate person or that the Common Shares are duly registered
in their name well in advance of the applicable meeting. Applicable regulatory policies require intermediaries/brokers to seek
voting instructions from Beneficial Shareholders in advance of Shareholder meetings. Every intermediary/broker has its own mailing
procedures and provides its own return instructions which should be carefully followed by Beneficial Shareholders in order to ensure
that their Common Shares are voted at the applicable meeting. Often, the form of proxy supplied to a Beneficial Shareholder by
its broker is identical to that provided to a registered Shareholder. However, its purpose is limited to instructing the registered
Shareholder on how to vote on behalf of the Beneficial Shareholder.
The majority of brokers now delegate responsibility
for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge. Broadridge typically mails a scannable voting instruction form in lieu of
the form of proxy. The Beneficial Shareholder is requested to complete and return the voting instruction form by mail or facsimile.
Alternatively, the Beneficial Shareholder can call a toll-free telephone number or access the internet to vote the Common Shares
held by the Beneficial Shareholder. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions received and provides appropriate
instructions respecting the voting of Common Shares to be represented at the applicable meeting. A Beneficial Shareholder receiving
a form of proxy or voting instruction form from their broker or other intermediary (or an agent or nominee of their broker or other
intermediary) cannot use that form to vote Common Shares directly at the Meeting. Voting instructions must be communicated to the
broker, intermediary, agent or nominee (in accordance with the instructions provided by it or on its behalf) well in advance of
the Meeting in order to have the Common Shares to which those instructions relate voted at the Meeting.
If you are a Beneficial Shareholder and
wish to vote in person at the Meeting, please contact your broker or agent well in advance of the Meeting to determine how you
can do so. Although a Beneficial Shareholder may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purpose of voting Common
Shares registered in the name of their broker or other intermediary, a Beneficial Shareholder may vote those Common Shares as a
proxy holder for the registered Shareholder. To do this, a Beneficial Shareholder should enter the Beneficial Shareholder's own
name in the blank space on the form of proxy or Voting Instruction Form provided to the Beneficial Shareholder and return the document,
well in advance of the applicable Meeting, to their broker or other intermediary (or the agent of that broker or other intermediary)
in accordance with the instructions provided by that broker, intermediary or agent.
All
references to Shareholders in this Circular, the accompanying proxy, and the Notice of Meeting are to registered Shareholders unless
specifically stated otherwise.
QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding the Meeting,
please contact Computershare at 1-800-564-6253 (toll free within North America) or 1-514-982-7555 (international
direct dial) or visit www.computershare.com.
VOTING OF COMMON SHARES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES
InterOil is authorized to issue an unlimited
number of Common Shares, each such Common Share carrying the right to one vote on each matter to be considered at the meeting.
On April 20, 2015, we had 49,510,114 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Our Common Shares are listed and posted for trading
on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “IOC”. We are also listed on the Port Moresby
Stock Exchange in Papua New Guinea under the symbol “IOC”.
To the knowledge of our directors and executive
officers, as of April 20, 2015, the following persons beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction
over, more than 10% of our issued and outstanding Common Shares:
Name and Address | |
Number of Common Shares (1) | | |
Percentage of Common Shares (2) | |
Orchid Capital Investments Pte. Ltd. (3) Orchid Fund Pte Limited. Chandler Holdings Limited 46-01 UOB Plaza 1, 80 Raffles Place Singapore 048624 | |
| 8,218,565 | | |
| 16.6 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Capital Group Companies (4) 333 South Hope Street 55th FLE Los Angeles, CA 90071- USA | |
| 7,701,974 | | |
| 15.6 | % |
| (1) | The information relating to the number of securities owned, controlled or directed by each person
is based upon public filings made by each person or company and has not been independently verified by InterOil nor its directors
and management. |
| (2) | Percentage is based on 49,510,114 Common Shares issued and outstanding as of April 20, 2015. |
| (3) | Based on filings made on the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders (SEDI) of Canada
as of March 13, 2015. According to such filings, Orchid Capital Investments Pte. Ltd., Chandler Capital Pte. Ltd. and Chandler
Holdings Limited share joint voting and dispositive power over these Common Shares. |
| (4) | Based on Schedule 13G filed on the EDGAR reporting system of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission at www.sec.gov on February 13, 2015. The Capital Group Companies, Inc. ("CGC") is the parent
company of Capital Research and Management Company ("CRMC"). CRMC is a U.S.-based investment management company
that manages the American Funds family of mutual funds. CRMC manages equity assets for various investment companies through three
divisions, Capital Research Global Investors, Capital International Investors and Capital World Investors. CRMC in turn is the
parent company of Capital Group International, Inc. ("CGII"), which in turn is the parent company of five investment
management companies ("CGII Management companies"): Capital Guardian Trust Company, Capital International, Inc.,
Capital International Limited, Capital International Sàrl and Capital International K.K. The CGII Management Companies primarily
serve as investment managers to institutional clients. |
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
Presentation of the 2014 Financial Statements
InterOil's audited consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, together with the auditors’ report on those statements, have been forwarded
to Shareholders in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. At the Meeting, Shareholders will receive and consider
the financial statements with no formal action being taken to approve these financial statements at the Meeting. If any Shareholders
have questions with respect to the financial statements, the questions may be brought forward at the Meeting.
Election of Directors
Our Articles of Continuance provide that we
must have a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen directors as determined by a resolution of our Board. Currently, the Board
is comprised of nine directors. Directors elected at the Meeting will serve until the next annual meeting of Shareholders or, if
earlier, until they resign, are removed or are disqualified. The term of office of each of our current directors who is not re-elected
will expire at the Meeting.
The Board has set the number of directors to
be elected at the Meeting at ten. Management of InterOil proposes to nominate for election each of Christopher Finlayson, Ford
Nicholson, Michael Hession, Roger Lewis, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Sir (Leonard) Wilson Kamit, (William) Ellis Armstrong, Katherine
Hirschfeld and Yap Chee Keong (each of whom is currently a director), and nominee Isikeli Taureka as directors of InterOil.
All of the proposed nominees with the exception
of Mr. Taureka are directors of the Corporation and, with the exception of Mr. Finlayson (who was appointed as a director on August
7, 2014), Dr. Armstrong and Ms. Hirschfeld (who were each appointed as a director with effect from January 1, 2015), Mr. Yap
(who was appointed as a director on March 13, 2015), were elected to their present term as directors by the shareholders at the
annual meeting of the Corporation held on June 24, 2014. Each nominee has confirmed his or her eligibility and willingness to serve
as a director if elected and, in the opinion of the Board and management, the proposed nominees are qualified to act as directors
of the Corporation.
InterOil has adopted individual director
voting, so voting for the election of the nominated directors will be conducted on an individual, and not slate, basis. Unless
otherwise directed, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote FOR the election as directors of InterOil the nominees
whose names are listed below.
The following table sets out information with
respect to all persons nominated for election as directors, as provided by those directors individually. The information includes,
for each nominee, the province, state or county, country of residence and age of the person nominated for election as director,
the number of securities of the Corporation beneficially owned, controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, as at April 20,
2015, the offices held by each in the
Corporation, the period served as director
and the principal occupation for the past five years.
Name, Place of
Residence and position
with the Corporation |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Director Since |
|
Number of Common
Shares, Stock Options &
Restricted Stock Units
(“RSUs”) Beneficially
Owned, Controlled or
Directed, Directly or
Indirectly |
Christopher Finlayson (1)
Surrey, United Kingdom
Director and Chairman
Aged 58 |
|
Professional director.
Former senior executive (August 2010 – November
2014), including Chief Executive Officer (2013 – 2014) and director (November 2011 – 2014) of BG Group (an international
exploration, production and LNG group).
Former long term employee and senior executive
(1977-2010) of Royal Dutch Shell plc (part of a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies). |
|
August 7, 2014 |
|
3,460 RSUs |
Ford Nicholson (2)
British Columbia,
Canada
Director and Deputy Chairman
Aged 52 |
|
Professional director. (10)
Managing Partner of Kepis & Pobe Financial
Group Inc. (a Canadian-based private investment company focussing on the natural resource sector). |
|
June 22, 2010 |
|
6,290 Common Shares
3,086 RSUs
|
Michael Hession (3)
Singapore
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Aged 53 |
|
Chief Executive Officer of InterOil.
Former senior executive of Woodside Energy Ltd
(2001-2013). |
|
November 15, 2013 |
|
46,244 Common Shares
5,215 RSUs
|
Roger Lewis (4)
Western Australia,
Australia
Director
Aged 70 |
|
Professional director. |
|
November 26, 2008 |
|
32,772 Common Shares
3,086 RSUs
|
Sir Rabbie L. Namaliu (5)
East New Britain Province,
Papua New Guinea
Director
Aged 68 |
|
Professional director. (10) |
|
July 1, 2012 |
|
5,456 Common Shares
3,086 RSUs |
Name, Place of
Residence and position
with the Corporation |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Director Since |
|
Number of Common
Shares, Stock Options &
Restricted Stock Units
(“RSUs”) Beneficially
Owned, Controlled or
Directed, Directly or
Indirectly |
Sir (Leonard) Wilson Kamit CBE (6)
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea
Director
Aged 61 |
|
Professional director.
Former member of the Board of Asian Development
Bank Philippines (retired 2013). |
|
June 24, 2013 |
|
2,952 Common Shares
3,086 RSUs |
(William) Ellis Armstrong (7)
Texas
USA
Director
Aged 57 |
|
Professional director. (10)
Former long term employee and senior executive
(1993 – 2013) of BP plc, a member of the BP Group (an international oil and gas exploration, distribution and production
group), including former Chief Financial Officer, Exploration and Production (2007-2013). |
|
January 1, 2015 |
|
2,054 RSUs |
Katherine Hirschfeld (8)
Queensland
Australia
Director
Aged 54 |
|
Professional director. (10)
Former Managing Director and Refinery Manager
(2005-2010) of BP Refinery (Bulwer Island) Limited, a member of the BP Group (an international oil and gas exploration, distribution
and production group). |
|
January 1, 2015 |
|
2,054 RSUs |
Yap Chee Keong (9)
Singapore
Director
Aged 54 |
|
Professional director. (10)
Former Executive Director of The Straits Trading
Company Limited and former Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Power Ltd. |
|
March 13, 2015
|
|
1,168 RSUs |
Name, Place of
Residence and position
with the Corporation |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Director Since |
|
Number of Common
Shares, Stock Options &
Restricted Stock Units
(“RSUs”) Beneficially
Owned, Controlled or
Directed, Directly or
Indirectly |
Isikeli Reuben Taureka
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea
Proposed Director
Aged 60 |
|
Executive Vice President Papua New Guinea.
Former long term employee and senior executive
(1995 – 2013) of Chevron Corporation (an international oil and gas exploration and production group and global operator and
developer of geothermal resources), including head of Chevron’s Geothermal and Power Operations. |
|
Proposed director
|
|
2,641 Common Shares
5,810 RSUs
60,000 options |
Notes:
| (1) | Mr. Christopher Finlayson was appointed a director of the Corporation and Chairman-designate on
August 7, 2014. He was appointed Chairman on October 16, 2014 on the retirement of the former Chairman, Dr. Gaylen Byker. Mr. Finlayson
was appointed as a member and Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and
of the Reserves Committee, with effect from October 16, 2014. |
| (2) | Mr. Ford Nicholson was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Corporation on April 11, 2014. He is a
member of the Reserves Committee and held that position throughout 2014. He was appointed Chairman of the Reserves Committee, and
a member and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee on June 23, 2014. |
| (3) | Dr. Michael Hession was Chief Executive Officer and a director throughout 2014. He was appointed
as a member of the Reserves Committee on February 12, 2014. |
| (4) | Mr. Roger Lewis is at the date of this Circular and was throughout 2014 Chairman of the Audit Committee,
and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and of the Compensation Committee. |
| (5) | Sir Rabbie Namaliu was appointed a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee on June 23,
2014 and remains so as at the date of this Circular. |
| (6) | Sir Wilson Kamit was appointed a member of the Audit Committee on June 23, 2014 and remains so
as at the date of this Circular. |
| (7) | Dr. Ellis Armstrong was appointed as a director effective January 1, 2015 and as a member of the
Audit Committee and of the Reserves Committee on March 12, 2015. |
| (8) | Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld was appointed as a director effective January
1, 2015 and as a member of the Compensation Committee and of the Nominating and Governance Committee on March 12, 2015. |
| (9) | Mr. Yap Chee Keong was appointed as a director on March 13, 2015. |
| (10) | Directorships of other reporting issuers or equivalent are set out in Appendix “A”
at paragraph 1(d). |
Additional information regarding the background of each of the
nominees is contained in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2014 dated March 17, 2015, a copy of
which is available at www.sedar.com
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties
or Sanctions
To our knowledge, other than as set forth above,
no proposed director is, as at the date hereof, or has been: (a) within 10 years of the date hereof, a director or chief executive
officer or chief financial officer of any company, including the Corporation, that: (i) while that person was acting in that capacity,
was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities
legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (an “order”); (ii) was subject to an event that resulted
in such company, after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer
of the company, being the subject of an order which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity
as a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or (b) within 10 years of the date hereof, a director or
executive officer of any company, including the Corporation, that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year
of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or
insolvency or became subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver
manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or (c) has, within the 10 years before the date hereof, become bankrupt, made
a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceeding, arrangement
or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director.
In addition, to our knowledge, no proposed
director has been subject to: (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities
regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (ii) any other penalties
or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable security holder in
deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Appointment of Auditor
The Board (upon recommendation of the Audit
Committee) recommends that PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants, the incumbent auditors first appointed on June 6, 2005,
be appointed as our auditors to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders and that the Board be authorized to fix
the remuneration to be paid to the auditors of the Corporation.
Unless otherwise directed, the persons named
in the accompanying proxy intend to vote FOR the proposed resolution to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants,
as our auditors to hold office until the next meeting of Shareholders and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration.
Other Business
As of the date of this Circular, management
does not intend to present any other business at the Meeting and is not aware of any amendment, variation or other matter expected
to come before the Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons
named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
The success of InterOil is dependent on its
ability to attract, retain and motivate personnel of the highest calibre to deliver superior performance that is aligned with the
creation of value for Shareholders. InterOil’s compensation programs are therefore designed to ensure that the level and
composition of remuneration is sufficient, appropriate and reasonable so that InterOil remains competitive within the marketplace
and to reward, employees, executives and directors in a manner that is aligned with organizational and individual performance.
The Board believes that InterOil’s performance is significantly attributable to its ability to motivate and retain its executives.
In 2014 the Board initiated a review of InterOil’s
executive remuneration framework. The review was designed to ensure that executive remuneration processes encouraged the highest
performance and maximised shareholder value. As a result of that review, a revised executive remuneration framework (“revised
executive remuneration framework”) was approved by the Board in 2014, to apply to all future executive officer
appointments after August 19, 2014. Current executive officers were offered the opportunity to transition their existing employment
contracts to a new employment contract in line with the revised executive remuneration framework. A majority of the Corporation’s
executive officers have entered into new employment contracts in line with the revised executive remuneration framework.
Implementation of the revised executive remuneration
framework has allowed the Board to address components of executive compensation that were not aligned to driving high performance.
These components included guaranteed minimum increases to annual base salaries and fixed annual cash bonuses. These components
have been replaced with an increased albeit at-risk opportunity to incentivise high performance. The revised executive remuneration
framework is designed to ensure that as far as possible executive performance is aligned with the creation of Shareholder value
in both the short and long term. The revised executive remuneration framework is heavily biased towards creating Shareholder value
and a significant component is directly linked to measurable performance.
Under the revised executive remuneration framework,
48% of an executive officer’s potential total annual remuneration is at risk and 48% of that potential total annual remuneration
is in the form of RSUs.
Key components for executive officers are:
| · | annual salary increases based on a review
of peer group companies and consideration of each executive’s performance against defined key performance indicators; |
| · | a short-term incentive target opportunity
equal to 50% of an executive’s annual base salary measured against the Corporation’s performance scorecard and individual
executives’ defined key performance indicators; and |
| · | a long-term incentive of restricted stock
units (“RSUs”) equivalent to 150% of an executive’s annual base salary of which 33.3% is time tested and
66.66% is performance tested by comparing the relative total shareholder return of InterOil Common Shares against a representative
group of industry peer organisations over two years. If the performance test results in anything less than top quartile performance
the executive forfeits a proportion of that grant. If the performance test results in less than median performance the executive
forfeits the entire grant. |
Under the revised executive remuneration framework,
48% of an executive officer’s potential total annual remuneration is at risk and 48% of that potential total annual remuneration
is in the form of RSUs.
The changes to executive officer compensation
as a result of the introduction of the revised executive remuneration framework are set out in detail below in the discussion on
Compensation Methodology.
Compensation Governance and Role of Compensation
Committee
The Board has established a Compensation Committee
to oversee executive remuneration and manage compensation methodology. The role of the Compensation Committee is to:
| (i) | discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to fair and competitive compensation of InterOil's
Chief Executive Officer, senior executives and directors; |
| (ii) | review and approve an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the management information
circular for the annual meeting of Shareholders; and |
| (iii) | administer, approve and evaluate the director and officer compensation plans, policies and programs,
including the Corporation’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan and any replacement plan. |
The Compensation Committee’s role, composition,
duties and responsibilities are set out in its Charter which is available on our website at www.interoil.com.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for
reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and evaluating
the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives; reviewing and approving all elements of
compensation and incentive opportunities of our executive officers including our Named Executive Officers; reviewing and making
recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of all non-employee directors; and administering the Company’s
incentive compensation plans in which our executive officers and employees may be participants. The term “Named Executive
Officers” is defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”)
to mean (i) a Chief Executive Officer; (ii) a Chief Financial Officer; and (iii) each of the Company’s three most highly
compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who served as an executive officer in the most recently completed financial year
and whose total salary and bonus exceeded C$150,000.
Members of the Compensation Committee are Mr.
Christopher Finlayson (Chairman), Mr. Roger Lewis and Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Samuel L. Delcamp (who retired
as a director on March 12, 2015) were members of the Committee throughout 2014. Dr. Gaylen Byker was a member and Chairman of the
Compensation Committee until his retirement from the Board on October 16, 2014. Mr. Finlayson was appointed a member and Chairman
of the Committee with effect from Dr. Byker’s retirement. Ms. Hirschfeld was appointed a member of the Committee on March
12, 2015. All members of the Committee are and were during 2014 “independent” as defined in National Instrument 52-110
– Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 52-110”) and National
Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines of the Canadian Securities Administrators and under applicable NYSE
Rules.
The members of the Compensation Committee have
skills and experience relevant to their responsibilities. All have held senior leadership positions in other organisations in which
they have set, managed and implemented compensation policies and practices (particularly, in the case of Mr. Finlayson, as a former
senior executive and Chief Executive Officer of BG Group and former senior executive of Royal Dutch Shell plc., in the case of
Mr. Lewis, as the former Group Financial Controller of Woodside Energy Limited; and in the case of Ms. Hirschfeld, as
former Managing Director and Refinery Manager of BP Refinery (Bulwer Island) Limited. Mr. Delcamp and Dr. Byker were similarly
qualified, as Managing member, Professional Director, Consulting of SPENSCO, LLC and former President of Calvin College respectively.
During 2014 all material compensation matters
were reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee makes its determinations
regarding the compensation of Named Executive Officers (including the Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives, and
approves individual and corporate performance measures and their application to individual executives under delegation from the
Board, with (for personnel other than the Chief Executive Officer) input from the Chief Executive Officer, supported by the regular
monitoring of industry remuneration data and trends undertaken by senior Human Resources management and, in appropriate cases,
external consultants.
Compensation Methodology
InterOil’s compensation policy aims to
reward executives fairly and responsibly in accordance with the regional and international markets in which it operates. It does
this by:
| · | aiming to provide market competitive remuneration
that attracts, retains and motivates highly capable executives with significant industry experience; |
| · | establishing demanding performance measures
aligned with InterOil’s strategic plan; |
| · | promoting the alignment of management
interests with those of Shareholders and short and long term Shareholder value; and |
| · | setting the level and structure of each
executive officer’s remuneration that reflects that executive’s knowledge, expertise and accountabilities. |
Our executive compensation program is designed
to be competitive with other public companies in the oil and gas business, particularly those we view as competitors for business,
employee talent, and shareholder investment. In determining the market competiveness of our executive compensation program we use
publicly available information and data provided by external compensation consultants such as Guerdon Associates and the Hay Group
through its “PayNet” Database to which the Corporation subscribes. In reviewing this compensation data, consideration
is also given to the likely country of employment and recruitment and the likely market sector from which the executives might
be recruited or to which they might transfer. We also recognize the need to provide compensation that encourages performance and
retention of key employees and focuses on creating Shareholder value. The facts that our Corporation is developing new projects
that have not yet undertaken a Final Investment Decision and is operating in Papua New Guinea have been significant factors in
determining our approach to compensating senior management.
Following Dr. Michael Hession’s appointment
as Chief Executive Officer in July 2013 and under the auspices of the Board, the reconstitution of the Executive Leadership Team
with skillsets commensurate with delivery of InterOil’s corporate strategy was commenced. The restructure of the Executive
Leadership Team was substantially completed by January 2014 and as the next step in the corporate restructuring process, the Board
instructed a strategic review of the executive remuneration framework to be undertaken, with the assistance of external remuneration
consultants where appropriate, consistent with the principles in the Compensation Committee Charter of maintaining a framework
of executive compensation that is fair, consistent and competitive. As a result of that review a revised executive remuneration
framework was introduced effective August 19, 2014, to apply to all subsequent executive officer appointments. Then current executive
officers were offered the opportunity to transition their existing employment contracts to new employment contracts in line with
the revised executive remuneration framework.
The elements of the revised executive remuneration
framework are set out under “Elements of InterOil’s Compensation Program” below.
Comparator Group
In connection with the revised executive remuneration
framework, InterOil, with the advice of Guerdon Associates, its independent compensation consultant, developed a comparator peer
group for certain limited compensation purposes as described below. The peer group consists of publicly listed companies with a
core focus on oil and gas exploration and development each having a market capitalisation of a similar order of magnitude to InterOil.
Due to the limited number of Australian or Canadian based comparator companies of similar order of magnitude to InterOil, other
Australian and Canadian companies engaged in related industries (such as Midstream, Services and Mining) which have a market capitalisation
of a similar order of magnitude to InterOil were included in the comparator Group. The companies comprising the comparator group
are as follows):
United States Companies |
Cimarex Energy Co. |
Whiting Petroleum Corporation |
Denbury Resources Inc. |
Energen Corporation |
Gulfport Energy Corporation |
QEP Resources Inc. |
SM Energy Company |
Oasis Petroleum Inc. |
Targa Resources Corp. |
Ultra Petroleum Corp. |
Newfield Exploration Company |
Laredo Petroleum, Inc. |
WPX Energy Inc. |
SandRidge Energy, Inc. |
Rosetta Resources Inc. |
SemGroup Corporation |
Vanguard Natural Resources LLC |
|
Canadian Companies |
Baytex Energy Corp. |
AltaGas Ltd. |
Keyera Corp. |
Paramount Resources Ltd. |
Enerplus Corporation |
Pengrowth Energy Corporation |
Trilogy Energy Corp. |
Bonavista Energy Corporation |
Whitecap Resources Inc. |
Lightstream Resources Ltd. |
|
|
Australian Companies |
Woodside Petroleum Ltd. |
Origin Energy Limited |
Santos Limited |
Oil Search Limited |
Caltex Australia Limited |
WorleyParsons Limited |
New Hope Corporation Limited |
Beach Energy Ltd. |
Whitehaven Coal Limited |
Senex Energy Limited |
AWE Limited |
|
Named Executive Officers
In 2014 the Corporation’s Named Executive
Officers were:
| · | Dr. Michael Hession – Chief Executive
Officer; |
| · | Mr. Donald Spector – Chief Financial
Officer; |
| · | Mr. Collin Visaggio – former Chief
Financial Officer; |
| · | Mr. Isikeli Taureka – Executive
Vice President Papua New Guinea; |
| · | Mr. Geoffrey Applegate – General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and |
| · | Mr. Can (Jon) Ozturgut – Chief Operating
Officer. |
Elements of InterOil’s Compensation
Program
InterOil’s executive compensation methodology
with respect to the Named Executive Officers and other executive officers comprises the elements listed below.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews
and approves the Chief Executive Officer’s annual base salary, annual bonus and short and long term incentives. In addition,
the Committee annually determines, or makes recommendations to the Board, with respect to the compensation programs for all other
senior executives:
The base salary for each executive
officer is the principal fixed component of pay and is determined on the basis of the scope of the executive’s role, accountabilities
and individual level of knowledge, skill and experience. Base salaries are reviewed and compared with comparable public companies
in the oil and gas industry through publicly available information and data provided by external compensation consultants such
as Guerdon Associates and the Hay Group’s “PayNet” Database.
Base salaries are designed to be
at competitive levels and, when combined with the other components of the compensation program, are set to attract and retain suitably
qualified and able executives. Base salary levels of executives are targeted at between the median and 75th
percentile of InterOil’s peer group and adjusted for individual contribution and performance. In some instances, the market
for certain senior key professionals has required divergence from that to salaries within the upper quartile of the comparator
group in order to recognise individual performance and contribution and to secure their retention.
The annual review of base salaries
for all executive officers takes into account executive performance, current market conditions and practice (including remuneration
of executives of a comparable level and in comparable markets) and inflation, and adjustments are made, subject to the approval
of the Compensation Committee, on these principles. Certain Named Executive Officers engaged before the implementation of the revised
executive remuneration framework are entitled under their contracts of employment to a minimum annual base salary increase of 5%.
With the implementation of the revised executive remuneration framework, which does not allow for a minimum annual increase in
base salary, it is expected that these provisions will be phased out over time.
Any changes to the base salaries
of the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ are approved by the Compensation Committee.
For executive officers and certain
other executives required to relocate from their country of residence, InterOil provides industry practice non-monetary benefits
such as accommodation, annual return airfares and health care insurance.
| 3. | Annual Fixed Cash (“Contractual”) Bonus |
Under their contracts of employment,
certain executive officers and other key executives engaged before the implementation of the revised executive remuneration framework
are entitled to receive an annual fixed cash bonus, which is based upon a fixed percentage of their annual base salary and is designed
as a method of retaining their services. The revised executive remuneration framework does not contemplate an allowance for an
annual fixed cash bonus.
During 2014 annual fixed cash bonuses
totalling $662,196 were earned by Named Executive Officers as listed in the Summary Compensation Table below.
| 4. | Short Term Incentive (Discretionary Performance Based Cash Bonus) |
The annual short term incentive
compensation program provides for cash awards, generally specified in individual employment contracts as a percentage of base salary,
which are intended to motivate, reward and retain executive officers and other executives for achieving or surpassing annual Corporation
and individual performance measures. The awards and their amount are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, based upon
the performance of the executives and the Corporation for the relevant year. In determining the short term incentive (“STI”)
component of executive officer compensation, the Compensation Committee may take into consideration such factors as the Corporation’s
performance relative to its peer group, the executive’s performance in light of Corporation goals and objectives relevant
to the executive’s compensation, competitive market data pertaining to compensation at comparable companies, and such other
factors as the Compensation Committee deems relevant.
Until August 2014 there was no
written policy with respect to STI payments. At that time the Compensation Committee and the Board adopted a Short Term Incentive
Plan under which executive officers engaged under or transitioned to the revised executive remuneration framework are entitled
to payment of a short term incentive subject to a positive assessment of their individual performance against pre-agreed deliverables
and behaviours and company performance assessed against a company performance scorecard which has been approved by the Board. The
company performance scorecard measures such criteria as Relative Total Shareholder Return and Health Safety and Environmental performance.
Achievement of the individual performance and corporate targets entitles an executive officer to a cash STI payment of 50% of base
annual salary.
During 2014 short term incentives
totalling $576,061 were earned by Named Executive Officers, as listed in the Summary Compensation Table below.
We provide our executive officers,
certain other senior management and key employees with long-term incentive compensation in the form of share-based and cash-based
award programs to provide recognition of exceptional individual and corporate performance. We believe that the provision of equity
incentives for our executive officers and other senior personnel is an essential feature of our compensation program. We grant
long-term incentives periodically to promote alignment of management interests with those of Shareholders and to assist in the
attraction and retention of key, well-performing executives. This type of award may consist of restricted stock, stock options
or other equity or performance-based compensation, all of which are granted pursuant to the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan approved
at the Annual and Special meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2009 (the “Stock Plan”).
All long term incentive awards
for executive officers are granted only with the approval of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may consider
such factors as the Corporation’s performance relative to its peer group, the executive’s performance in light of Corporation
goals and objectives relevant to the executive’s compensation, competitive market data pertaining to compensation at comparable
companies, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee deems relevant. Each year, making reference to the respective executive’s
contractual arrangements, the Compensation Committee determines the amount and proportion of each type of long-term incentive for
each executive officer and for key senior employees. The number of stock incentives granted is designed to give rise to a total
annual remuneration, including the long term incentive component, which places the relevant executive officers in the upper quartile
of the comparator group.
The Compensation Committee generally
subjects stock incentive grants to a vesting schedule. Vesting generally occurs between one and three years from grant.
Long term equity-based incentive
awards generally take the form of RSUs. RSUs rather than stock options have been increasingly employed by the Corporation as long
term incentive compensation and stock options have not been granted under recent annual performance reviews or, since 2013, as
an incentive to attract new executives. Where options have been employed in the past as part of contractual long term incentive
arrangements, the option exercise price of the award is established as the fair market value of our Common Shares on the date the
options are granted, in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Incentive Plan and applicable market rules of the NYSE. Vesting
of stock options may be subject to the satisfaction of defined performance-related conditions. Milestone performance-based bonuses,
awardable in RSUs or cash were introduced in 2013 as an appropriate way of aligning executive performance with the Corporation’s
strategic plan and the delivery of long term shareholder growth and value.
Until August 2014 there was no
written policy in determining the long term incentive component of executive officer compensation. In August 2014 the Compensation
Committee and the Board adopted a Long Term Incentive Plan to apply to, amongst others, all new executive officer appointees who
after that date are to be under the revised executive remuneration framework and, with effect from January 1, 2015, any existing
executive officers transitioning to that revised framework.
In 2014, long term incentive awards
took the following form:
| (a) | Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) |
RSUs are issued to recipients based
upon the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant. To determine the amount of stock incentive awards,
the Compensation Committee considers the fact that stock incentives constitute a portion of the compensation package used to attract
and retain qualified executives, the employee’s performance during the past year, as well as the employee's ability to influence
our future performance.
RSUs may have a term of up to five
years and vesting conditions at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, are set on the date of grant. RSUs generally vest
in their entirety either 12 months or 24 months after the grant date. Vesting of RSUs is subject to continued employment
unless waived by the Compensation Committee and may be subject to the achievement of performance or other criteria, although this
has not generally been the case until the introduction of milestone bonuses described below and the introduction of the revised
Long Term Incentive Plan under the revised executive remuneration framework.
The revised Long Term Incentive
(“LTI”) Plan introduced under the revised executive remuneration framework with effect from August 19, 2014
is intended to more appropriately align the reward of executive officer performance with the creation of long term Shareholder
value and encourage retention of key personnel. There are two components of the revised LTI Plan:
Eligible executives will annually
receive a grant of RSUs equivalent to the value of 50% of their annual base salary vesting, as to 50%, two years after the grant
date and, as to the remaining 50%, three years after the grant date, provided in each case that the executive officer is employed
by InterOil at the relevant vesting date.
| ii. | Relative Total Shareholder Return (“RTSR”) Tested RSUs: |
Eligible executive officers will
receive an annual grant of RSUs equivalent to the value of their annual base salary, vesting of which is subject to a performance
test conducted two years after the grant date by comparing the RTSR of InterOil Common Shares against a representative group of
industry peer organisations over the two year period. The representative peer group consists of publicly listed companies with
a core focus on oil and gas exploration and development, operating in regions analogous to Papua New Guinea, each having a market
capitalisation of a similar order of magnitude to InterOil.
The vesting schedule for the RTSR
Vested RSUs is, subject to review and acceptance by the Board of the results of the performance test:
| · | if top quartile performance is achieved,
the grant will vest in its entirety; |
| · | if upper third quartile performance is
achieved, 75% of the grant will vest; |
| · | if median performance is achieved, 50%
of the grant will vest; and |
| · | if less than median performance is achieved,
no part of the grant will vest. |
In the case of a change of control
of the Corporation, 50% of the grant will vest.
During 2014, $3,822,855 worth of
RSUs were granted to Named Executive Officers, including as “Milestone Bonuses” (discussed under paragraph (b) below).
To align executive performance with
the Corporation’s strategic plan and the delivery of long term shareholder growth, in 2013 InterOil introduced milestone
performance bonuses for certain executive officers and other senior executives under which the right to earn bonuses (in cash,
RSUs or in combination) (“Milestone Bonuses”) is dependent upon the achievement of specified Milestones (as
defined below). Those Milestone Bonuses, while differing in individual cases, are directed at the achievement of corporate and
individual goals commensurate with the furtherance of the Corporation’s strategic objectives which are customarily reflected
in increased shareholder value. In 2014, Milestone Bonuses for Named Executive Officers related to the execution of, and the satisfaction
of all conditions precedent under, a binding sale and purchase agreement for the sale and purchase of a working interest of not
less than 30% of Petroleum Retention Licence 15 (“PRL 15”) (20% in the case of Dr. Michael Hession) (the “SPA
Completion”) and the achievement of certain defined stages in the construction and development of certain LNG projects
in which InterOil holds an equity interest (the “LNG Project Development”). The respective executive employment
agreements provide the basis and framework for the payment of Milestone Bonuses in relation to, and as an incentive for, the achievement
of milestone events (each a “Milestone”) with respect to the SPA Completion and the LNG Project Development.
The Milestone Bonuses were adopted
in order to enhance InterOil’s ability to attract and retain qualified and capable executives during a very critical period;
promote a proprietary interest in the Corporation; stimulate the active involvement of such persons in the development and financial
success of the Corporation, particularly via the SPA Completion and the LNG Project Development; and reward the contributions of
such persons to the development of the SPA Completion and the LNG Project Development.
Dr. Michael Hession – Chief
Executive Officer
With respect to Dr. Michael Hession,
the applicable Milestones are as follows: (1) SPA Completion; (2) date of the owners’ decision in respect of PRL 15 (the
“First Project”) to proceed to prepare a basis of design for any LNG project with a capacity of at least two
trains in which InterOil holds an equity interest (or is in receipt of a royalty in lieu of an equity interest) (a “Series
1 LNG Project”); (3) the date of the completion of the basis of design in respect of a Series 1 LNG Project; (4)
the date the owners decide to commence front end engineering and design in respect of a Series 1 LNG Project; (5) the date of the
taking of a final investment decision by the owners in respect of a Series 1 LNG project; and (6) the date on which the first cargo
is loaded on to a vessel in respect of a Series 1 LNG Project for delivery to a customer. In addition, in certain circumstances
six additional Milestones will apply to Dr. Hession as follows: (1) the completion and approval by all relevant parties of a concept
select for any LNG project (other than a Series 1 LNG Project) with a capacity of at least one train in which InterOil holds an
equity interest (or is in receipt of a royalty in lieu of an equity interest) (a “Series 2 LNG Project”); (2)
the date of the owners’ decision to proceed to prepare a basis of design for a Series 2 LNG Project; (3) the date of the
completion of the basis of design in respect of a Series 2 LNG Project; (4) the date the owners decide to commence front end engineering
and design in respect of a Series 2 LNG Project; (5) the date of the taking of a final investment decision by the owners in respect
of a Series 2 LNG Project; and (6) the date on which the first cargo is loaded on to a vessel in respect of a Series 2 LNG Project
for delivery to a customer. If the capacity of the Series 1 LNG Project exceeds certain thresholds, certain amounts may be carried
forward and credited towards the achievement of Milestones in respect of the Series 2 LNG Project.
Each Milestone Bonus is to be satisfied
by a cash award and a grant of RSUs.
In 2014 Dr. Hession became provisionally
entitled to receive a Milestone Bonus of $2,760,000 in cash and $1,840,000 in RSUs in respect of the SPA Completion, the payment
and grant of which were deferred pending the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL15. Those proceedings were
resolved on February 10, 2015, after which this Milestone Bonus was paid and granted.
In addition, on the announcement
of any discovery by InterOil (jointly or in combination with other parties) of hydrocarbons within any exploration licence, which
is estimated to contain at least 1 trillion cubic feet of hydrocarbon gas equivalent (“Tcfe”) (or oil equivalent),
Dr. Hession would become entitled to an “exploration bonus” of $500,000 payable in RSUs. Such exploration bonus would
be grossed up pro rata to the extent of a discovery in excess of 1 Tcfe but less than 2 Tcfes.
If all Milestones that are expected
to be achieved in 2015 are achieved, Dr. Hession would receive Milestone Bonuses equal to $1,035,000 in cash and $690,000 in RSUs
Mr. Donald Spector – Chief
Financial Officer
Under Mr. Donald Spector’s
original contract of employment the applicable Milestones were as follows: (1) SPA Completion; (2) the date of commencement of
front end engineering and design for any LNG project in which InterOil holds an equity interest (or is in receipt of a royalty
in lieu of an equity interest) utilizing gas produced from PRL 15 (a “Relevant LNG Project”); (3) the date of
the taking of a final investment decision by the owners of a Relevant LNG Project; (4) the date of execution of initial definitive
financing documentation for the funding of InterOil’s interest in a Relevant LNG Project; and (5) the date on which the first
cargo of LNG is loaded onto a vessel by a Relevant LNG Project for delivery to a customer.
Each Milestone Bonus in respect
of Mr. Spector was to be settled by a cash payment.
In 2014, Mr. Spector became provisionally
entitled to receive a Milestone Bonus equal to a cash payment of $200,000 in respect of the SPA Completion, the payment of which
was deferred pending the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15. Those proceedings were resolved on February
10, 2015, after which this Milestone Bonus was paid.
As a result of Mr. Spector entering
into a new employment contract with effect from January 1, 2015 in line with the revised executive remuneration framework, Mr.
Spector forfeited all other entitlements to Milestone Bonuses.
Mr. Isikeli Taureka – Executive
Vice President Papua New Guinea
Under Mr. Isikeli Taureka’s
original contract of employment the applicable Milestones were as follows: (1) SPA Completion; (2) the date of commencement of
front end engineering and design for any Relevant LNG Project; (3) the date of the taking of a final investment decision by the
owners of a Relevant LNG Project; (4) the date of execution of initial definitive financing documentation for the funding of InterOil’s
interest in a Relevant LNG Project; and (5) the date on which the first cargo of LNG is loaded onto a vessel by a Relevant LNG
Project for delivery to a customer.
Each Milestone Bonus in respect
of Mr. Taureka was to be satisfied by a grant of RSUs.
In 2014 Mr. Taureka became provisionally
entitled to receive Milestone Bonuses of $200,000 in RSUs in respect of SPA Completion, the grant of which was deferred pending
the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15. Those proceedings were resolved on February 10, 2015, after which
this Milestone Bonus was granted.
As a result of Mr. Taureka entering
into a new employment contract with effect from January 1, 2015, in line with the revised executive remuneration framework,
Mr. Taureka forfeited all other entitlements to Milestone Bonuses.
Mr. Geoffrey Applegate –
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
With respect to Mr. Geoffrey Applegate
the applicable Milestones are as follows: (1) SPA Completion; (2) date of commencement of front end engineering and design for
any Relevant LNG Project; (3) the date of the taking of a final investment decision by the owners of a Relevant LNG Project; (4)
the date of execution of initial definitive financing documentation for the funding of InterOil’s interest in a Relevant
LNG Project; and (5) the date on which the first cargo of LNG is loaded onto a vessel by a Relevant LNG Project for delivery to
a customer.
Each Milestone Bonus in respect
of Mr. Applegate is to be satisfied by a grant of RSUs.
In 2014 Mr. Applegate became provisionally
entitled to receive a Milestone Bonus of $200,000 in RSUs in respect of SPA Completion, the grant of which was deferred pending
the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15. Those proceedings were resolved on February 10, 2015, after which
this Milestone Bonus was granted.
It is not expected that Mr. Applegate
would earn any further Milestone Bonuses in 2015.
Mr. Can (Jon) Ozturgut –
Chief Operating Officer
With respect to Mr. Can Ozturgut,
the applicable Milestones are as follows (1) SPA Completion; (2) the date of commencement of basis of design for a Relevant
LNG Project; (3) the date of commencement of front end engineering and design for a Relevant LNG Project; (4) the date of taking
of a final investment decision by the owners of a Relevant LNG Project ; and (5) the date of which the first cargo of LNG is loaded
onto a vessel by a Relevant LNG Project for delivery to a customer.
Each Milestone Bonus in respect
of Mr. Ozturgut is to be settled by a grant of RSUs.
In 2014, Mr. Ozturgut became provisionally
entitled to receive a Milestone Bonus of $500,000 in RSUs in respect of SPA Completion, the grant of which was deferred pending
the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15. Those proceedings were resolved on February 10, 2015, after which
this Milestone Bonus was granted.
If all outstanding Milestone Bonuses
that are expected to be achieved in 2015 are achieved, Mr. Ozturgut would receive Milestone Bonuses of $250,000 in RSUs.
Additional Material Changes
The Corporation believes that, in order to
align the interests of Corporation management with shareholders, directors and executive officers should maintain a significant
equity interest in the Corporation. Therefore in 2014 the Board introduced a Stock Ownership Policy for non-executive directors
and executive officers and senior management. That policy, which was incorporated in the Corporation’s Insider Trading Policy,
requires the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers to retain all RSUs awarded to them pursuant to a Corporation
stock incentive plan until they hold Common Shares in the Corporation or RSUs to the value equal to 2.5 times their annual base
salary. A copy of the Insider Trading Policy is available on the InterOil website at www.interoil.com.
Other than as described under “Elements
of InterOil’s Compensation Program” above, no other material changes were recommended by the Board or Compensation
Committee in 2014 to the general remuneration philosophy. Material events occurring and initiatives undertaken in 2015 in relation
to compensation philosophy and practice are also referred to in that section.
The total compensation paid to Named Executive
Officers in 2014, and further details of their compensation, are included in the Summary Compensation Table and the Notes to that
Table, below.
COMPENSATION CONSULTANT
When the Compensation Committee considers it
necessary or advisable, it may retain, at the Corporation’s expense, outside consultants or advisors to assist or advise
it on any matter within its mandate. The Compensation Committee may engage consultants to provide market data on executive and
director compensation and a technical analysis of the market data in light of the Corporation’s compensation plans and practices.
In 2014, independent compensation consultant
Guerdon Associates was engaged to undertake research and provide guidance in relation to the development of the revised executive
remuneration framework. This included benchmarking of the existing executive remuneration structure against international peer
companies.
The Corporation’s Human Resources management
also maintains annual Hay Group international on-line survey membership used primarily to assess non-executive position classifications
for market benchmarking analysis and pricing. These activities were not (nor were required to be) either pre-approved or supervised
by the Compensation Committee. To the extent management of the Corporation wishes to engage the Hay Group to provide similar other
services, neither the Compensation Committee nor the Board would be required to pre-approve such other services.
Executive compensation – related fees
In discharging its responsibilities, the Compensation
Committee takes into consideration information and advice provided by management, industry compensation surveys and publicly available
executive compensation data, as well as the information and recommendations provided by external consultants where applicable.
Aggregate fees billed by Guerdon Associates in 2014 for services related to determining compensation for the Corporation’s
directors and executive officers were $74,933. The fees billed by Guerdon Associates in 2013 for executive compensation related
services were $46,490. Guerdon Associates was originally retained by the Corporation in 2013.
No fees were billed by the Hay Group during
2014 or 2013 for services related to determining compensation for the Corporation’s directors and executive officers.
All other fees
Guerdon Associates was retained to facilitate the Board evaluation
process and associated workshop and the initiation of the Board renewal process. While these bodies of work were largely completed
by Guerdon Associates during the course of 2013, some follow-up work was finalised in 2014. Guerdon Associates was also engaged
in 2013 to provide guidance and co-ordinate research for the Board’s consideration on potential stock ownership guidelines
for directors and executives, and on share trading policy matters. In 2014 Guerdon Associates was also engaged to provide benchmarking
and remuneration policy advice in relation to non-executive roles.
Total fees billed by Guerdon Associates in 2014 for all services
provided by it other than those outlined under “Executive compensation – related fees” above, amounted to $63,107.
Such fees totalled $98,532 in 2013.
Total fees billed by the Hay Group in 2014 for all services provided
by it, for the provision of surveys and benchmarking for non-executive roles, amounted to $94,658. Such fees totalled $60,610 in
2013 including for non-executive job structure analysis and the provision of surveys and advice.
Hedging
Under our Insider Trading Policy, employees
(including executive officers and directors) are prohibited from engaging in any short selling activities and from transacting
in put or call options of any kind in relation to the Corporation’s securities. Compliance with this policy is overseen by
the Compensation Committee. None of our Named Executive Officers or directors purchased or had in place any financial instruments
designed to hedge or offset a decrease in value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by
the Named Executive Officer or director, in relation to any of the Corporation’s securities in 2014.
Risks of Compensation Policies and Practices
The Board and the Compensation Committee from
time to time consider the implication of the risks associated with the Corporation's compensation policies and practices. The Corporation's
compensation policies and practices give greater weight toward long-term incentives to mitigate the risk of encouraging short-term
goals at the expense of long-term sustainability. These risks were taken into consideration in determining the revised executive
remuneration framework to ensure that a significant component of the LTI award is directly related to delivering long term shareholder
value. The nature of the incentive award structure provides the Compensation Committee with the ability to reward historical performance
and behaviour that the Compensation Committee considers to be aligned with the Corporation's best interests. The Corporation does
not establish performance goals that would encourage short term goals at the expense of long term goals.
The
Compensation Committee and the Board have concluded that InterOil has policies and practices to ensure that employees do not have
incentives to take inappropriate or excessive risks, including the following:
| · | a
mix of fixed and variable compensation, and an appropriate weighting of long-term equity-based compensation; |
| · | graduated
vesting of long-term equity-based compensation; |
| · | annual
incentive awards to Named Executive Officers are awarded based on a qualitative assessment of performance which takes into account
corporate and individual performance and the risks undertaken to achieve corporate and individual goals, including the attainment
of Milestones; |
| · | periodic
awards of equity-based compensation with overlapping vesting periods to retain management and provide ongoing exposure
to share price performance; |
| · | the
adoption of the Stock Ownership Policy as described above under “Additional Material Changes”: |
| · | under
our Insider Trading Policy, employees (including executive officers and directors) are prohibited from engaging in any short selling
activities and from transacting in put or call options of any kind in relation to the Corporation’s securities; and |
| · | all
members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors. |
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets out information concerning
the total compensation earned during the financial years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, by the Named Executive Officers:
All amounts were paid in U.S. dollars unless
otherwise disclosed.
| |
| |
| | |
Option | | |
| | |
Non-equity | | |
All other | | |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
based | | |
Share-based | | |
incentive plan | | |
compensation | | |
Total | |
Name and principal | |
| |
Salary | | |
Awards(1) | | |
Awards(2) | | |
compensation(3) | | |
(7)(12) | | |
compensation | |
position | |
Year | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Annual |
incentive | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
plans | | |
| | |
| |
MICHAEL HESSION | |
2014 | |
| 1,230,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,140,000 | (14) | |
| 3,358,000 | (10,15) | |
| 243,296 | | |
| 6,971,796 | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
2013 | |
| 614,877 | | |
| - | | |
| 300,016 | | |
| 284,565 | (10) | |
| 64,563 | | |
| 1,264,021 | |
appointed July 11, 2013 | |
2012 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
DONALD SPECTOR | |
2014 | |
| 430,500 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 200,000 | (15) | |
| 203,354 | | |
| 833,854 | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
2013 | |
| 86,739 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| 50,377 | | |
| 137,116 | |
| |
2012 | |
| | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COLLIN ISAGGIO(4)(5)(9)(11) | |
2014 | |
| 48,999 | | |
| - | | |
| 250,028 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,470,867 | | |
| 1,769,894 | |
Former Chief Financial | |
2013 | |
| 674,072 | | |
| - | | |
| 584,520 | | |
| 126,008 | | |
| 19,426 | (6) | |
| 1,404,026 | |
Officer | |
2012 | |
| 658,311 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 124,272 | | |
| 66,493 | | |
| 849,076 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
ISIKELI T AUREKA (4)(9) | |
2014 | |
| 616,435 | | |
| - | | |
| 562,179 | (14) | |
| 227,464 | (10) | |
| 222,209 | | |
| 1,628,287 | |
Executive Vice President | |
2013 | |
| 327,641 | | |
| 2,391,622 | | |
| | | |
| 120,309 | (10) | |
| 376,767 | (8) | |
| 3,216,339 | |
Corporate Development & | |
2012 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | |
Government Relations | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
GEOFFREY APPLEGATE (4) (9) | |
2014 | |
| 625,599 | | |
| - | | |
| 658,834 | (14) | |
| 107,805 | (10) | |
| 115,630 | | |
| 1,507,868 | |
General Counsel & | |
2013 | |
| 621,188 | | |
| - | | |
| 199,961 | | |
| 155,809 | (10) | |
| 88,280 | | |
| 1,065,238 | |
Corporate Secretary | |
2012 | |
| 55,296 | | |
| - | | |
| 200,000 | | |
| | | |
| 1,701 | | |
| 256,997 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
CAN OZTURGUT | |
2014 | |
| 545,833 | | |
| - | | |
| 711,928 | (14) | |
| 121,932 | (10) | |
| 286,392 | (13) | |
| 1,666,086 | |
Chief Operating Officer | |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 471,000 | (13) | |
| 471,000 | |
| |
2012 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Notes to the Summary Compensation
Table
| (1) | The Corporation has calculated the grant
date fair value of the options granted to Named Executive Officers using the Black-Scholes-Merton model. The Corporation chose
the Black-Scholes-Merton model because it is recognized as the most common methodology used for valuing options and doing value
comparisons. There were no differences noted between the grant date fair value and accounting fair value for share-based
and option-based awards noted in the above table. The grant date fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton model
based on the following assumptions: |
Year |
|
Period |
|
Risk free
interest rate (%) |
|
Dividend Yield |
|
Volatility (%) |
|
Weighted average
expected life for
options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
NA |
|
NA |
|
NA |
|
NA |
|
NA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
Jul 1 to Dec 31 |
|
0.6 |
|
- |
|
73 |
|
5.0 |
2013 |
|
Jan 1 to Jun 30 |
|
0.4 |
|
- |
|
73 |
|
5.0 |
2012 |
|
Jan 1 to Dec 31 |
|
0.5 |
|
- |
|
80 |
|
5.0 |
| (2) | The only share-based awards granted in
2012, 2013 and 2014 were RSUs, the terms of which are described under “Elements of InterOil’s Compensation Program”
in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. Grants of RSUs are valued on the basis of the fair value of the Common Shares,
as defined in the Stock Plan as the average of the opening and closing prices quoted on the NYSE on the date of grant. |
| (3) | Except as specifically noted below, all
amounts earned in a year were paid, in accordance with their terms, in the following year. |
| (4) | The cash-based compensation was paid in
Australian dollars (“AU$”). |
| (5) | As a result of an overpayment made by
the Corporation in error in 2010, actual payments to Mr. Visaggio as cash–based incentive in 2012 as presented in the table
are net of offsets made to recover the amount of AU$60,000 remaining to be recovered by way of offsets against payments to be made
by the Corporation to Mr. Visaggio during 2012. The process was completed in June 2012, at which time no amount remained outstanding.
|
| (6) | Statutory superannuation contributions
made to Australian-based employees mandated by Australian law. |
| (7) | The amount in 2012 consisted of housing
and/or travel allowances paid in cash. |
| (8) | The amount in 2013 consisted of the amount
payable to Mr. Taureka under his employment agreement upon commencement of his employment with InterOil in consideration for certain
restrictive provisions contained in that agreement. |
| (9) | Amounts paid in AU$ for 2014 have been
converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 0.9032 being the average rate quoted by OANDA for that year. Amounts paid in
AU$ for 2013 have been converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 0.9678, being the average rate quoted by OANDA for that
year. Amounts for 2012 have been converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 1.0350, being the average rate quoted by OANDA
for that year. |
| (10) | Fixed and discretionary short term incentives
payable under the employment agreements of Dr. Hession, Mr. Taureka, Mr. Applegate and Mr. Ozturgut. |
| (11) | Mr. Visaggio resigned in January 2014.
|
| (12) | The amount in 2014 and 2013 included housing
allowances paid in cash and/or lease costs for Corporation provided housing, travel allowances, transport allowances, medical insurance
and pension allowances. |
| (13) | The amount in 2014 includes $60,000 Mr.
Ozturgut was paid prior to joining as an executive whilst he was engaged as a consultant employed by ONS Superior Energy Outcomes
LLC. The amount in 2013 entirely comprises consulting fees paid prior to Mr. Ozturgut joining as an executive whilst he was
engaged as a consultant employed by ONS Superior Energy Outcomes LLC. |
| (14) | Includes RSU grants to Dr. Hession, Mr.
Taureka, Mr. Applegate and Mr. Ozturgut of 41,889 RSUs, 4,553 RSUs, 4,553 RSUs and 11,383 RSUs respectively for Milestone bonuses
to which they became provisionally entitled in 2014 as a result of the completion of the SPA transaction with Total although
in each case the grant was deferred until 2015 after the outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15 was determined. |
| (15) | Includes payment to Dr. Hession and Mr.
Spector of $2,760,000 and $200,000 respectively for Milestone bonuses to which they became provisionally entitled in 2014 as a
result of the completion of the SPA transaction with Total although in each case payment was deferred until 2015 after the
outcome of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15 was determined. |
Incentive
Plan Awards
Outstanding Awards
The following table sets out information regarding
all share-based and option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2014 for each Named Executive Officer.
Option-based Awards | |
Share-based Awards(2) | |
Name | |
Year | |
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) | | |
Option exercise price ($) | | |
Option expiration date | |
Value of unexercised in-the-money options(1) ($) | | |
No. of shares or
units of
shares that
have not vested (#) | | |
Market or payout value of share- based awards that have not vested ($) | |
Michael
Hession | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2014 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| 5,215 | | |
| 254,440 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Donald
Spector | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
2014 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Collin
Visaggio | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
2014 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Isikeli
Taureka | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2013 | |
| 60,000 | | |
| 67.74 | | |
23/06/18 | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2014 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| 5,810 | | |
| 283,470 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Geoffrey
Applegate | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2012 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
2014 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| 5,517 | | |
| 269,174 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Can
Ozturgut | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
2013 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
2014 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
- | |
| - | | |
| 1,837 | | |
| 89,627 | |
Notes:
| (1) | The closing price for the Corporation’s
Common Shares quoted on the NYSE on December 31, 2014, which forms the basis for this calculation, was $48.79. Some of the
options identified above for which values are quoted had not vested and were not able to be exercised as at December 31, 2014. |
| (2) | The only share-based awards granted by
the Corporation in 2012, 2013 and 2014 consist of RSUs. All RSUs granted by the Corporation are distributed as Common Shares as
soon as practicable after the vesting date has occurred such that as at December 31, 2014, there were no vested share-based awards
not paid out or distributed and the market or payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed as at that
date is nil. |
| (3) | Dr. Hession, Mr. Taureka, Mr. Applegate
and Mr. Ozturgut became provisionally entitled to 41,889 RSUs, 4,553 RSUs, 4,553 RSUs and 11,383 RSUs respectively in 2014 as a
result of the completion of the SPA transaction with Total. Grant of the RSUs was deferred until 2015 pending the outcome
of the arbitration proceedings in respect of PRL 15 on February 10, 2015 after which the RSUs were granted. Although each of the
Named Executive Officers is regarded as having earned those RSUs in 2014 (as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table), on the
basis that these grants were not made as at December 31, 2014, they have not been included in the table above. |
| (4) | In addition to the above, Dr. Hession
and Mr. Taureka were contractually entitled to the grant of 5,215 RSUs and 4,435 RSUs respectively in 2014. Although each
is regarded as having earned those RSUs in 2014 (as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table), on the basis that the grants
were not made as at December 31, 2014, they have not been included in the table above |
The following table sets out the dollar value
that would have been realized if options or RSUs held by the Named Executive Officers had been exercised on the vesting date.
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested
During the Year
Name | |
Option-based awards – Value
vested during the year(1) ($) | | |
Share-based awards – value vested during the year(2) ($) | |
Michael Hession | |
| - | | |
| 248,496 | |
Donald Spector | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Collin Visaggio | |
| - | | |
| 537,390 | |
Isikeli Taureka | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Geoffrey Applegate | |
| - | | |
| 194,005 | |
Can Ozturgut | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Notes:
| (1) | The market price employed in this calculation is the closing price of the Common Shares on the
NYSE on the vesting date. The exercise or grant price is subtracted from this and the net amount multiplied by the number of Common
Shares under the vested option. No option-based awards held by Named Executive Officers vested during 2014. |
| (2) | The market price employed in this calculation is the closing price of the Common Shares on the
NYSE on the vesting date. |
Stock Plan
The Stock Plan was adopted and approved by
Shareholders at the annual and special meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2009. The purpose of the Stock Plan is to foster
and promote the long-term financial success of the Corporation and to increase Shareholder value by: (a) encouraging the commitment
of selected key employees, consultants and outside directors, (b) motivating superior performance of key employees, consultants
and outside directors by means of long-term incentives, (c) encouraging and providing key employees, consultants and outside
directors with a program for obtaining ownership interests in the Corporation that link and align their personal interests to those
of the Shareholders, (d) attracting and retaining key employees, consultants and outside directors by providing competitive
compensation opportunities, and (e) enabling key employees and outside directors to share in the long-term growth and success
of the Corporation.
The Stock Plan permits the Compensation Committee
to grant incentive awards to outside directors, employees and to certain consultants, which awards include non-statutory stock
options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock-based awards and other stock-based
awards, as well as supplemental payments with respect thereto. Some of the incentive rights may require the satisfaction of performance-based
criteria in order to be payable to participants. Such rights are an important component of the total compensation package offered
to employees and to consultants, reflecting the emphasis that InterOil places on motivating and rewarding superior results with
long-term, performance-based incentives.
The maximum number of Common Shares reserved
for issuance under the Stock Plan is set at 2,000,000 Common Shares. A maximum of 500,000 Common Shares may be issued upon exercise
of incentive stock options. Any Common Shares subject to an award under the Stock Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, returned
to InterOil for failure to satisfy conditions or otherwise terminated without an issuance of (including payment of an option price
by withholding shares) Common Shares will not be counted against the maximum share limitations of the Stock Plan and may again
be used for awards under the Stock Plan. The maximum aggregate number of shares attributable to incentive awards that may be granted
or may vest in any calendar year pursuant to any incentive award for a Named Executive Officer is 300,000 and the maximum cash
payout in any calendar year which may be made to such officer is $5 million.
The Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee. Subject to the terms of the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee has the power to select the persons eligible to receive
incentive awards, the type and amount of incentive awards to be awarded, and the terms and conditions of such awards. The Compensation
Committee has the authority to interpret the Stock Plan and establish, amend or waive rules necessary or appropriate for the administration
of the Stock Plan.
No incentive stock options may be exercisable
for more than ten years from the date of grant, or, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee who owns or
is deemed to own more than 10% of the outstanding Common Shares, five years from the date of grant.
Rights under any award may not be transferred
except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or a qualified domestic relations order. However, the Compensation Committee
may, in its discretion, authorize in the applicable award agreement the transfer, without consideration, of all or a portion of
a non-statutory stock option by a participant in the plan to family members, trusts and entities owned by immediate family members.
Unless provided otherwise in the applicable
award agreement, in the event of a change in control, as defined in the Stock Plan, all outstanding awards shall become 100% vested,
free of all restrictions, immediately and fully exercisable and deemed earned in full and payable as of the day immediately preceding
the change in control.
Under the Stock Plan, InterOil may issue Common
Shares from treasury or purchase Common Shares on the open market or otherwise.
The Board has the power and authority to terminate
or amend the Stock Plan at any time; provided, however, the Board may not, without the approval of Shareholders: (i) other than
as a result of a dilutive event, increase the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued under the Stock Plan; (ii) amend
the requirements as to the class of employees eligible to purchase Common Shares under the Stock Plan; (iii) extend the term of
the Stock Plan; (iv) increase the maximum limits on awards to covered employees as set for compliance with the performance-based
exception provisions of the Stock Plan; or (v) decrease the authority granted to the Compensation Committee under the Stock
Plan in contravention of Rule 16b-3 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, to the extent that the
Compensation Committee determines that the listing requirements of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which
the Common Shares is then listed or quoted, or the United States Internal Revenue Code or regulations promulgated thereunder, require
Shareholder approval in order to maintain compliance with such listing requirements or to maintain any favourable tax advantages
or qualifications, then the Stock Plan shall not be amended without Shareholder approval. No amendment to the Stock Plan may adversely
affect any rights of a holder of an outstanding award under the Stock Plan without such holder's consent.
The Stock Plan was amended in 2012 to authorize
the Corporation to withhold amounts necessary to meet the Corporation’s obligations for taxation arising on or in connection
with the grant or exercise of incentive awards under the Stock Plan.
Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation
Committee in the award agreement, the period during which vested awards may be exercised following a termination of employment
is as follows: (i) if a participant's employment is terminated for any reason other than as a result of death, disability, retirement
or for cause, the vested portion of such award is exercisable for the lesser of the expiration date set out in the applicable award
agreement or 90 days after the date of termination of employment; (ii) in the event of the termination of participant's employment
for cause, all vested awards immediately expire; (iii) upon a participant's retirement, any vested award shall expire on the earlier
of the expiration date set out in the award agreement for such award or one year after the date of retirement (three months in
the case of incentive stock options); and (iv) upon the death or disability of a participant, any vested award shall expire on
the earlier of the expiration date set out in the award agreement or the one year anniversary date of the participant's death or
disability.
Stock Options
The Compensation Committee may grant "non-statutory
stock options" and "incentive stock options"; however, incentive stock options may only be granted to employees.
The aggregate "Fair Market Value" (as defined below) of the Common Shares with respect to which incentive stock options
become first exercisable by any participant during any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000. Historically, the Corporation has
only granted non-statutory stock options. The exercise price under a stock option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value
per share on the date of grant. "Fair Market Value" is defined as the average of the opening and closing prices
of a Common Share on the date as of which Fair Market Value is to be determined, or if no such sales were made on such date, the
closing sales price on the immediately preceding business day of a Common Share as reported on the NYSE.
The exercise price for Common Shares acquired
on exercise of a stock option must be paid in cash, or, if approved by the Compensation Committee, delivery of Common Shares with
a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price of the stock option, the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issuable
upon exercise, participation in a "cashless exercise'' arrangement, or payment of any other form of consideration acceptable
to the Compensation Committee.
Stock
Appreciation Rights ("SARs")
A SAR provides the holder with the right to
receive a payment in Common Shares equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Common Shares on the date
the SAR is exercised over a SAR price specified in the applicable award agreement. The SAR price specified in an award agreement
must be equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares on the date of the grant of the SAR. SARs are subject
to the terms as the Compensation Committee may specify and may not generally be exercisable prior to six months from the date of
grant.
Restricted Stock
An award of restricted stock is an award of
Common Shares that is subject to restrictions or limitations as set out in the Stock Plan and in the related award agreement. Restrictions
may include the time or times within which such award may be subject to forfeiture and any performance goals which must be met.
Except for the right to vote the Commons Shares (unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement) and limitations on
transfer or limitations set out in the applicable award agreement, holders of restricted stock shall have all of the rights of
a Shareholder, including, if provided in the applicable award agreement, the right to receive any dividends thereon. Unless otherwise
provided in an award agreement, upon the termination of a participant's employment, the non-vested portions of all outstanding
awards will terminate immediately.
Other Stock-Based
Awards
The Compensation Committee may grant other
stock-based awards, which include awards payable in Common Shares (that are not subject to restrictions), RSUs, Common Shares awarded
subject to the satisfaction of specified performance criteria, convertible or exchangeable debentures, other rights convertible
into Common Shares and incentive awards valued by reference to performance criteria, which awards are payable in cash or Common
Shares.
Retirement Plan Benefits
InterOil has not adopted any retirement plan,
pension plan or deferred compensation plan.
Disclosure of Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Termination and change of control payments
are provided for in employment agreements with the following Named Executive Officers as described below. References to Milestones
in respect of a particular Named Executive Officer are to the Milestones in respect of such Named Executive Officer as set out
above under “Elements of InterOil’s Compensation Program – Long Term Incentive – Milestone Payments”.
These provisions were negotiated with those
officers as important requirements for their attraction to and/or retention by InterOil. The triggers for their application and
the amounts payable in the event they are activated were determined by negotiation and having regard to market norms for executives
of their level at the time. Key elements are summarized as follows:
Dr. Michael Hession – Chief Executive
Officer
Dr. Michael Hession’s employment with
InterOil commenced on July 11, 2013. His current employment agreement has a term of five years.
Under the terms of Dr. Hession’s employment
agreement, there are two termination events in which Dr. Hession is entitled to receive the “Termination Remuneration”,
as described below. First, InterOil may terminate Dr. Hession’s employment immediately for any reason other than for
cause or for physical or mental incapacity. Second, Dr. Hession may terminate his employment by notice if: (i) he ceases to be
Chief Executive Officer or the most senior employee in the Group (as defined in the employment agreement); (ii) there is a material
adverse change in his status, job content or responsibilities or they are materially diminished; (iii) InterOil materially breaches
a provision of his employment agreement which is either not remedied or not capable of being remedied; (iv) there is a “Change
of Control” of InterOil (as defined in Dr. Hession’s employment agreement); or (v) InterOil becomes insolvent or similar.
In any of these cases, Dr. Hession is entitled
to receive the Termination Remuneration. Any RSU previously granted to Dr. Hession also immediately vests. Dr. Hession is also
entitled to receive an exploration bonus if a discovery is made on an exploration license which was held by InterOil at the time
of Dr. Hession’s termination. Dr. Hession is also entitled to receive all unearned cash and RSU milestone awards associated
with every Milestone, as if every Milestone had been met, with the exception of awards in respect of Milestone 6 for both a Series
1 LNG Project and a Series 2 LNG Project. For these two remaining Milestones, Dr. Hession may only receive awards when the Milestones
have been achieved.
InterOil may also terminate Dr. Hession’s
employment by reason of physical or mental incapacity or on the basis that he is otherwise unable to fulfil his responsibilities.
In this case, he (or, in the case of his death, his estate) is entitled to half of the Termination Remuneration, together with
all post termination performance incentives which attach to the prior two termination events described above.
In the event that no Milestones are achieved
prior to a Change of Control “Trigger Event” occurring, which includes the making of offers to InterOil stockholders
under a takeover bid or through the proposal of a plan of arrangement, merger or other reorganization on terms and conditions which
the directors of InterOil could in accordance with their fiduciary duties recommend to shareholders, Dr. Hession will receive 50%
of both the cash and RSU Milestone awards associated with each of the Milestones. If the Trigger Event does not result in a Change
of Control, or if the Trigger Event results in a Change of Control but Dr. Hession’s employment continues, the remaining
50% of the cash and RSU awards in respect of all of the remaining Milestones will continue to be capable of being earned.
“Termination Remuneration” is,
if the termination occurs within three years of commencement of employment, an amount being the aggregate of two years’ base
annual salary, twice the amount of the annual fixed cash bonus for the year in which termination takes effect and twice the amount
of the performance bonus for that year. If the termination occurs three years or more after the employment commencement date, the
Termination Remuneration is an amount being the aggregate of one year’s base annual salary, the amount of the annual fixed
cash bonus for the year in which termination takes effect and the amount of the performance bonus for that year.
There are two instances where Dr. Hession’s
termination does not trigger the Termination Remuneration. First, Dr. Hession may terminate his employment by giving three months’
written notice to InterOil. Second, InterOil may terminate Dr. Hession for cause. In either of these events, Dr. Hession is entitled
to the accrued amount of base annual salary and other benefits accruing as at the end of the period of notice. Any rights to annual
fixed cash bonus, performance bonus or exploration bonus (but not an entitlement which has been unconditionally accrued) are forfeited.
On termination of employment Dr. Hession must
resign from office as a director or officer of all InterOil companies, maintain confidentiality obligations and observe a 12 month
non-compete and non-solicitation covenant.
Mr. Donald Spector – Chief Financial
Officer from 21 January, 2014
Mr. Spector’s employment with InterOil
commenced on October 17, 2013. Mr. Spector replaced Mr. Collin Visaggio as Chief Financial Officer effective January 21, 2014.
Under the terms of Mr. Spector’s employment
agreement, there were two termination events in which Mr. Spector was entitled to receive the “Termination Remuneration”,
as described below. First, InterOil could terminate Mr. Spector’s employment immediately for any reason other than for
cause or for physical or mental incapacity. Second, Mr. Spector could terminate his employment by notice if: (i) he ceased to be
Chief Financial Officer of the Group (as defined in the employment agreement); (ii) there was a material adverse change in his
status, job content or responsibilities or they were materially diminished; (iii) InterOil materially breached a provision of his
employment agreement which was either not remedied or not capable of being remedied; (iv) there was a “Change of Control”
of InterOil (as defined in the employment agreement); or (v) InterOil became insolvent or similar. A “Change of Control”
included the making of offers to InterOil stockholders under a takeover bid or through the proposal of a plan of arrangement, merger
or other reorganization on terms and conditions which the directors of InterOil could in accordance with their fiduciary duties
have recommended to shareholders.
In each of these events, Mr. Spector was entitled
to the Termination Remuneration. Mr. Spector was also entitled to receive the incentive award associated with Milestones 1 and
2, as if each Milestone had been achieved. If Milestones 1 and 2 had already been achieved, Mr. Spector also remained eligible
to receive the award attributable to each of Milestones 3 to 5, even if such Milestone was achieved after the termination of Mr. Spector’s
employment.
If Mr. Spector terminated his employment due
to a Change in Control, he was entitled to receive the award associated with each of the Milestones, as if every Milestone had
been achieved.
InterOil could also terminate Mr. Spector’s
employment by reason of physical or mental incapacity or on the basis that he was otherwise unable to fulfil his responsibilities.
In this case, he (or, in the case of his death, his estate) was entitled to half of the Termination Remuneration. Mr. Spector was
also entitled to receive the incentive award associated with Milestones 1 and 2, as if each Milestone had been achieved. If Milestones
1 and 2 had already been achieved, Mr. Spector remained eligible to receive the award attributable to each of Milestones 3 to 5,
even if such Milestone was achieved after the termination of Mr. Spector’s employment.
“Termination Remuneration” was,
if the termination occurred within two years of commencement of employment, an amount equal to the aggregate of 1.5 times Mr. Spector’s
base annual salary and the aggregate amount of performance-based cash Milestone bonuses which had not previously been paid. If
the termination occurred two years or more after the employment commencement date, the Termination Remuneration was an amount equal
to the aggregate of one year’s base annual salary which would have been paid had the agreement terminated by expiry of the
term and the aggregate amount of incentive bonuses which had not previously been paid.
There were two termination events in the employment
agreement which did not trigger the payment of the Termination Remuneration. First, Mr. Spector could terminate his employment
by giving three months’ written notice to InterOil. Second, InterOil could terminate Mr. Spector’s employment for cause.
In either of these events, Mr. Spector was entitled to the accrued amount of base annual salary and other benefits accruing as
of the end of the period of notice. Any rights to the incentive bonuses associated with the Milestones (but not an entitlement
which had been unconditionally accrued) were forfeited.
On termination of employment Mr. Spector was
required to resign from office as a director or officer of all InterOil companies, maintain confidentiality obligations and observe
a 12 month non-compete and non-solicitation covenant.
On April 8, 2015 Mr. Spector entered into a
replacement employment agreement in line with the revised executive remuneration framework. The agreement took effect as of January
1, 2015 and the term of the agreement is until October 17, 2017.
Under the new agreement, on termination of
Mr. Spector’s employment by InterOil (other than for cause), or on termination by Mr. Spector on the basis of unilateral
conduct by InterOil as a result of: (i) Mr. Spector ceasing to be Chief Financial Officer; (ii) a fundamental breach of the agreement
by InterOil; (iii) a “Change of Control” (as defined in the employment agreement); or (iv) the insolvency, liquidation
or similar of InterOil, Mr. Spector is entitled to “Termination Remuneration” as follows: (a) 150% of base salary and
150% of pension contribution if the termination occurs before October 17, 2015 or, if the termination occurs on or after that date,
an amount equal to the amount of base annual salary and pension contribution, payable at the rate applicable as at the time of
termination, which would have been paid if the agreement had terminated at the expiry of the term; (b) vesting on or about the
date of termination of all unvested time tested RSUs granted under Part A of the Long Term Incentive (“LTI”)
Plan under the revised executive remuneration framework; (c) vesting of all unvested RSUs granted under Part B of that LTI Plan
in accordance with the vesting schedule and after meeting the Relative Total Shareholder Return (“RTSU”) Test
(except on a Change of Control, where such RSUs will vest on or about the termination date); and (d) the Short Term Incentive pro-rated
from the preceding January 1. Certain conditions, including confidentiality and time-limited non-compete and non-solicitation provisions,
apply on termination.
A “Change of Control” does not
occur, for the purposes of the employment agreement, where Mr. Spector is offered employment with a comparable business resulting
from the amalgamation, reconstruction, or sale of some or all of the assets of the Group (as defined in the employment agreement).
Collin Visaggio – Former Chief Financial
Officer until 21 January 2014
Mr. Visaggio resigned his employment with InterOil
effective January 24, 2014. Under a Deed of Settlement entered into with InterOil on January 21, 2014, Mr. Visaggio was paid on
termination an amount of AUD $1,873,489 representing: (i) his base salary to the termination date; (ii) annual fixed bonus
for 2013 and annual fixed bonus for 2014 pro-rated to April 24, 2014; (iii) RSU grants accrued to April 24, 2014; (iv) performance
bonus for 2013 and performance bonus for 2014 pro-rated to April 24, 2014; (v) three months of pro-rated base salary, representing
the notice period; (vi) accrued long service leave and annual leave; and (vii) an additional twelve months of salary payment,
annual fixed bonus and performance bonus.
Payment was subject to certain conditions,
including, resigning from office as a director or officer of all InterOil companies, maintaining confidentiality and non-disparagement
obligations and observing a one year non-solicitation covenant.
Isikeli Taureka – Executive Vice President
Papua New Guinea
On May 25, 2013, InterOil entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Isikeli Taureka. This agreement was amended on February 4, 2014 to include certain additional terms.
Under the terms of the employment agreement,
Mr. Taureka could resign from his employment by providing three months’ notice. In this case, Mr. Taureka was entitled to
payment within 30 days of the effective date of termination of: (i) his gross base salary through the effective termination date
and including the notice period; and (ii) any amount due in lieu of leave required by legislation. If Mr. Taureka’s resignation
occurred after the first anniversary of his employment commencement date, he was also entitled to receive: (i) the contractual
element of his cash bonus and annual RSU allotment; and (ii) an amount equal to one additional month of gross base salary as in
effect on the date of notice for each service year which commenced on or after the first anniversary of his employment commencement
date, to a maximum of six months’ gross base salary.
InterOil could terminate Mr. Taureka’s
employment for cause without notice and with immediate effect. In this case, Mr. Taureka was entitled to the same remuneration
as if he had resigned with three months’ notice, as described above.
If InterOil terminated Mr. Taureka’s
employment at its convenience, except for cause or due to a “Material Change”, as described below, Mr. Taureka was
entitled to receive: (i) six months’ notice (or the equivalent in gross base salary); (ii) his gross base salary through
the effective termination date; and (ii) any amount due in lieu of leave required by legislation. If Mr. Taureka’s termination
occurred after the first anniversary of his employment commencement date, he was also entitled to receive: (i) the contractual
element of his cash bonus and annual RSU allotment; and (ii) an amount equal to one additional month of gross base salary as in
effect on the date of notice for each service year which commenced on or after the first anniversary of his employment commencement
date, to a maximum of six months’ gross base salary.
In the event of a “Material Change”,
Mr. Taureka could resign, or InterOil could terminate Mr. Taureka’s employment within three calendar months of the Material
Change occurring. In either case, Mr. Taureka was entitled to receive: (i) his gross base salary through the effective termination
date; (ii) any amount due in lieu of leave required by legislation; and (iii) an additional amount equal to the sum of six months
of gross base salary. If termination occurred after the first anniversary of his employment commencement date, Mr. Taureka was
also entitled to receive: (i) the contractual element of his cash bonus and annual RSU allotment; and (ii) an amount equal to one
additional month of gross base salary as in effect on the date of notice for each service year which commenced on or after the
first anniversary of his employment commencement date.
A “Material Change” meant: (i)
a material reduction in compensation; (ii) a material diminution in the status or role of Mr. Taureka’s position in which
he was employed; (iii) a “Change of Control” of InterOil (as defined in the amended employment agreement); or (iv)
any other event or circumstance which under applicable law would constitute repudiation of the contract by InterOil.
Mr. Taureka was also entitled to twelve months’
notice, instead of six months’ notice, if his employment was terminated by InterOil as a result of a successful takeover
which resulted in a Change of Control of InterOil. Such notice was required to be given within twelve months of the Change of Control.
Under the amendment to the employment agreement,
Mr. Taureka was entitled to awards relating to the achievement of Milestones in certain termination circumstances. If Mr. Taureka’s
employment was terminated at the convenience of InterOil, whether or not following a Material Change, the award relating to Milestones
1 and 2 became immediately payable. If, and only if, Milestones 1 and 2 had already been achieved prior to the termination of Mr.
Taureka’s employment, Mr. Taureka was also eligible for the grant attributable to each of Milestones 3 to 5, even if the
respective Milestone was achieved after his termination.
In the event that: (i) a Change of Control
occurred; (ii) Mr. Taureka’s employment was terminated at InterOil’s convenience; or (iii) Mr. Taureka resigned following
a Material Change, before any Milestones had been achieved, all awards relating to all Milestones vested and became payable to
Mr. Taureka.
On April 8, 2015 Mr. Taureka entered into a
replacement employment agreement in line with the revised executive remuneration framework. The agreement took effect as of January
1, 2015 and the term of the agreement is until December 31, 2016.
Under the new agreement, on termination of
Mr. Taureka’s employment by InterOil (other than for cause), or on termination of his employment by Mr. Taureka on the basis
of unilateral conduct by InterOil as a result of: (i) Mr. Taureka ceasing to be Executive Vice President Papua New Guinea;
(ii) a fundamental breach of the agreement by InterOil; (iii) a “Change of Control” (as defined in the employment agreement);
or (iv) the insolvency, liquidation or similar of InterOil, Mr. Taureka is entitled to the “Termination Remuneration”
as follows: (a) 75% of base annual salary and 75% of pension contribution; (b) vesting on or about the date of termination of all
unvested time tested RSUs granted under Part A of the LTI Plan under the revised executive remuneration framework; (c) vesting
of all unvested RSUs granted under Part B of the LTI Plan in accordance with the vesting schedule and after meeting the RTSU Test
(except on a Change of Control, where such RSUs will vest on or about the date of termination); and (d) Short Term Incentive pro-rated
from the preceding January 1. Certain conditions, including confidentiality and time-limited non-compete and non-solicitation provisions,
apply on termination.
A “Change of Control” does not
occur, for the purposes of the employment agreement, where Mr. Taureka is offered employment with a comparable business resulting
from the amalgamation, reconstruction, or sale of some or all of the assets of the Group (as defined in the employment agreement).
Geoffrey Applegate – General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
On December 1, 2012, Mr. Geoffrey Applegate
commenced employment with InterOil as its General Counsel and Corporate Secretary under an employment agreement entered into on
October 31, 2012, which employment continued under a renewed employment agreement entered into on November 18, 2014. The renewed
employment agreement is effective as of December 1, 2014.
Under the terms of Mr. Applegate’s employment
agreement, there are two primary termination events in which Mr. Applegate is entitled to receive the “Termination Remuneration”,
as described below. First, InterOil may terminate Mr. Applegate’s employment immediately for any reason other than for cause
or for physical or mental incapacity. Second, Mr. Applegate may terminate his employment by notice if: (i) he ceases to be General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary or to hold the position of Special Advisor to the CEO (as defined in the employment agreement);
(ii) there is a material adverse change in his status, job content or responsibilities or they are materially diminished; (iii)
InterOil materially breaches a provision of his employment agreement which is either not remedied or not capable of being remedied;
(iv) there is a “Change of Control” of InterOil (as defined in the employment agreement); or (v) InterOil becomes insolvent
or similar. A “Change of Control” includes the making of offers to InterOil stockholders under a takeover bid or the
proposal of a plan of arrangement, merger or other reorganization on terms and conditions which the directors of InterOil could
in accordance with their fiduciary duties recommend to stockholders. Mr. Applegate has no claim with respect to termination that
occurs pursuant to an amalgamation, reconstruction, or sale of some or all of the assets of the Group (as defined in the employment
agreement) if Mr. Applegate has been offered employment in a comparable business resulting from such change.
In either of these cases, Mr. Applegate is
entitled to the Termination Remuneration, and, Milestones 1 and 2 are taken to have been achieved and become payable to Mr. Applegate.
If Mr. Applegate does not achieve any Milestones prior to his termination in either of these cases, the award connected to each
Milestone immediately vests and becomes payable to him.
InterOil may also terminate Mr. Applegate’s
employment with a minimum of one month’s notice by reason of physical or mental incapacity or on the basis that he is otherwise
unable to fulfil his responsibilities. In this case, he (or, in the case of his death, his estate) is also entitled to the Termination
Remuneration.
“Termination Remuneration” is an
amount equal to: (i) the base annual salary that would otherwise have been payable from the date of termination to November 30,
2015, or six months base annual salary, whichever is greater; (ii) the target discretionary bonus for the year; (iii) the vesting
on December 1, 2015 of RSUs granted under his RSU Agreement under the Stock Plan; and (iv) any Milestone bonus awards to which
Mr. Applegate has become entitled.
Mr. Applegate is not entitled to the Termination
Remuneration if Mr. Applegate’s employment is terminated for cause, or if Mr. Applegate resigns his employment. In these
cases, Mr. Applegate is entitled to payment of annual base salary and other entitlements and benefits up to or accruing as at the
termination date. Any accruing or prospective entitlement to a discretionary performance bonus or award grant of RSUs (but not
an entitlement which has been unconditionally accrued) is forfeited.
On termination of employment Mr. Applegate
must resign immediately from office as a director or officer of all InterOil companies, maintain confidentiality obligations and
observe a 12 month non-compete and non-solicitation covenant.
Can (Jon) Ozturgut – Chief Operating
Officer from January 24, 2014
Mr. Ozturgut entered into an employment agreement
with InterOil on January 15, 2014. Mr. Ozturgut commenced employment under the agreement on January 21, 2014.
Under the terms of Mr. Ozturgut’s employment
agreement, there are three termination events in which Mr. Ozturgut is entitled to receive all or part of the “Termination
Remuneration”, as described below. First, InterOil may terminate Mr. Ozturgut’s employment immediately for any reason
other than for cause or for physical or mental incapacity. In this case, Mr. Ozturgut is entitled to all of the Termination Remuneration.
Second, Mr. Ozturgut may terminate his employment
by notice if: (i) he ceases to be Chief Operating Officer of the Group (as defined in the employment agreement); (ii) there is
a material adverse change in his status, job content or responsibilities or they are materially diminished; (iii) InterOil materially
breaches a provision of his employment agreement which is either not remedied or not capable of being remedied; (iv) there is a
“Change of Control” of InterOil (as defined in the employment agreement); or (v) InterOil becomes insolvent or similar.
In this case, Mr. Ozturgut is entitled to the all of the Termination Remuneration. A “Change of Control” includes the
making of offers to InterOil stockholders under a takeover bid or the proposal of a plan of arrangement, merger or other reorganization
on terms and conditions which the directors of InterOil could in accordance with their fiduciary duties recommend to stockholders.
Mr. Ozturgut has no claim with respect to termination that occurs pursuant to an amalgamation, reconstruction, or sale of some
or all of the assets of the Group (as defined in the employment agreement), if Mr. Ozturgut has been offered employment in a comparable
business resulting from such change.
Third, InterOil may terminate Mr. Ozturgut’s
employment by reason of physical or mental incapacity or on the basis that he is otherwise unable to fulfil his responsibilities.
In this case, he (or, in the case of his death, his estate) is entitled to half of the Termination Remuneration.
In all three Termination Remuneration attracting
events, all of the awards attributable to all Milestones vest on termination. If a Change of Control occurs prior to the achievement
of any Milestone, all of the awards attributable to all Milestones vest on the occurrence of the Change of Control.
“Termination Remuneration” is an
amount equal to twice Mr. Ozturgut’s base annual salary and an amount equal to twice the aggregate amount of incentive bonuses
which have not previously been paid.
Mr. Ozturgut is not entitled to the Termination
Remuneration if his employment is terminated for cause, or if he resigns his employment. In these cases, Mr. Ozturgut is entitled
to payment of annual base salary and other entitlements and benefits up to or accruing as at the termination date. Any accruing
or prospective entitlement to annual fixed cash bonus or discretionary performance bonus (but not an entitlement which has unconditionally
accrued) is forfeited.
On termination of employment Mr. Ozturgut must
resign from office as a director or officer of all InterOil companies, maintain confidentiality obligations and observe a 12 month
non-compete and non-solicitation covenant.
Payments upon termination of employment
and upon change of control of InterOil
The following table sets out estimates of the
incremental amounts payable to each of the Named Executive Officers upon the specified termination events attracting the payment
of the Termination Remuneration, assuming that each such event took place on December 31, 2014.
| |
Salary(1) ($) | | |
Annual Bonus ($)(2) | | |
Other Employee Benefits(3) | | |
Value of Stock Options ($) | | |
Value of RSUs(4) ($) | | |
Total Incremental Obligation ($) | |
Michael Hession | |
| 2,520,000 | | |
| 1,260,000 | | |
| 18,515,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 14,720,000 | | |
| 37,015,000 | |
Donald Spector | |
| 661,500 | | |
| - | | |
| 800,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,461,500 | |
Isikeli Taureka(5) | |
| 398,125 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 800,000 | | |
| 1,198,125 | |
Geoffrey Applegate(5) | |
| 707,438 | | |
| 385,875 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 800,000 | | |
| 1,893,313 | |
Can Ozturgut | |
| 1,115,000 | | |
| 345,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 2,495,000 | |
Notes:
| 1. | All employees are entitled to payment of all salary and benefits up to and including the date of
termination. Payment can be made in lieu of notice, which is three months for the majority of executive officers and is three months
for all Named Executive Officers except Mr. Taureka who is entitled to six months written notice (except in the case of a change
of control in which case the notice period is twelve months). All employees are also entitled to payment of all outstanding leave
entitlements owed at the date of termination. Payment in lieu of notice and payment of outstanding leave entitlement are not included
in the above figures. |
| 2. | Annual bonus is based on contractual cash bonus (a percentage of annual salary) as provided in
the respective Named Executive Officers’ employment agreements. |
| 3. | Amount represents the payment of all unearned cash Milestone Bonuses to Dr. Hession and Mr. Spector
respectively in accordance with their employment agreements. |
| 4. | Amount represents the grant of all unearned RSU Milestone Bonuses for Dr. Hession, Mr. Taureka,
Mr. Applegate and Mr. Ozturgut. |
| 5. | Amounts for 2014 have been converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 0.9032, being
the average rate quoted by OANDA for 2014. |
Directors’ Compensation
The following table provides information on
the compensation provided to the non-executive directors of InterOil during the year ended December 31, 2014. Compensation paid
to non-executive directors in 2014 consisted of annual retainer and meeting fees and RSUs.
Name | |
Fees earned ($) | | |
Share-based awards(1) ($) | | |
Total Compensation $ | |
Christopher Finlayson | |
| 83,867 | | |
| 213,517 | | |
| 297,384 | |
Gaylen Byker | |
| 296,000 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 499,028 | |
Ford Nicholson | |
| 146,451 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 349,479 | |
Roger N. Grundy | |
| 27,077 | | |
| 153,474 | | |
| 180,551 | |
Roger F. Lewis | |
| 73,000 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 276,028 | |
Sir Rabbie Namaliu | |
| 51,044 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 254,072 | |
Samuel L. Delcamp | |
| 64,000 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 267,028 | |
Sir Wilson Kamit | |
| 53,132 | | |
| 203,028 | | |
| 256,160 | |
Ellis Armstrong (2) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Katherine Hirschfeld (2) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Yap Chee Keong (2) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Notes:
| (1) | All non-executive directors holding office in 2014, with the exception of Mr. Christopher Finlayson
and Mr. Roger N. Grundy were granted RSUs on June 24, 2014, in connection with their duties as directors of the Corporation, and
Mr. Finlayson and Mr. Grundy were granted such RSUs on August 27, 2014 and February 11, 2014 respectively. Grants of RSUs are valued
on the basis of the fair value of the Corporation's common stock, as defined in the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan as the average of
the opening and closing prices quoted on the NYSE on the date of grant. |
| (2) | Dr. Armstrong, Ms. Hirschfeld and Mr. Yap were not directors during 2014. |
Directors’ fees were restructured effective
July 1, 2013 following research against relevant comparator groups (consisting of similar companies listed in the United States,
Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and Papua New Guinea, reflecting the domicile of InterOil directors) conducted by Guerdon
Associates who were engaged by the Compensation Committee to provide guidance on the appropriate level of compensation payable
to non-executive directors. As a result, meeting fees of $1,500 payable to non-executive members of the Audit Committee for attendances
at meetings of that committee were abolished and membership fees for standing Board committees were introduced, and remain as at
the date of this Circular, as follows:
| (i) | Audit Committee and Compensation Committee – Chairman $15,000 (previously $5,000) and members
$6,000 per annum; and |
| (ii) | Nominating and Governance Committee and Reserves Committee – Chairman $6,000 and members
$2,000 per annum. |
Previously retainers had been paid to the chairs
of the Audit Committee of $5,000 per annum and to the Chairman of the Compensation and Reserves committees of $2,500 per annum.
No increases have been made to directors’ retainers since 2010 other than an increase to the compensation of Mr. Ford Nicholson
to reflect the commensurate increase in his duties on his assuming the role of Deputy Chairman in 2014, and to the former Chairman,
Dr. Gaylen Byker, to reflect the commensurate increase in his duties on his assuming the role of Chairman in 2012. The compensation
of Mr. Christopher Finlayson, who was appointed Chairman on October 16, 2014, does not include any such increment.
In 2014 the Board introduced a Stock Ownership
Policy for non-executive directors and executive officers and senior management. That policy, which was incorporated in the Corporation’s
Insider Trading Policy, requires non-executive directors to hold stock in the Corporation (including for this purpose RSUs) having
a value of not less than $400,000. No non-executive director is required to acquire stock for the purpose of conforming to this
policy, but no non-executive director should dispose of any common shares resulting from the grant of RSUs by the Corporation until
the minimum holding is achieved. A copy of the Insider Trading Policy is available on the InterOil website at www.interoil.com.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly change
for the five years ended December 31, 2014 in the cumulative total Shareholder return on our Common Shares against the cumulative
total return for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P 1500 Index. The comparison of total return on an investment for
each of the periods assumes that C$100 was invested on January 1, 2010 in our Common Shares, the S&P/TSX Composite Index, the
S&P 1500 Index, and that all dividends were reinvested.
COMPARISON OF THE FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL
SHAREHOLDER RETURN ON COMMON SHARES
|
|
Years Ended
December 31, |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
InterOil |
|
C$ |
93.83 |
|
|
C$ |
66.57 |
|
|
C$ |
72.30 |
|
|
C$ |
67.04 |
|
|
C$ |
63.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&P1500 |
|
C$ |
114.17 |
|
|
C$ |
113.87 |
|
|
C$ |
129.43 |
|
|
C$ |
168.41 |
|
|
C$ |
186.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&P/TSX Composite |
|
C$ |
114.45 |
|
|
C$ |
101.78 |
|
|
C$ |
105.85 |
|
|
C$ |
115.97 |
|
|
C$ |
124.57 |
|
InterOil’s Common Shares currently trade
on the NYSE. Share price data is sourced from Bloomberg LLP for the period.
As demonstrated in the graph above, the Corporation’s
total shareholder return has decreased 36.48% since January 1, 2010. The Corporation’s cumulative performance was less than
the two comparator indices over the five most recently completed financial years.
For the period January 1, 2010 to December
31, 2014, assuming a C$100 initial investment and reinvestment of all dividends, the Corporation’s cumulative total shareholder
return on Common Shares was C$63.52 as compared with C$124.57 for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and C$ 186.74 for the S&P
1500 Index.
During this period, the Corporation has undergone
substantial change as it advanced the development of its core assets. This process has necessitated a number of changes to the
Corporation’s executive officer compensation as described more fully below. This has in some cases resulted in an increase
in executive compensation while total shareholder return has decreased. Total shareholder return is influenced by a number of factors,
including macroeconomic factors such as commodity prices, which are outside the control of the Corporation.
Total shareholder return is one of the factors
considered by the Board during its deliberations on the base salaries and short and long term incentive components of executive
officer compensation. For the purposes of this discussion, executive officer compensation is defined as the aggregate annual compensation
equalling the sum of base salary, non-monetary benefits, annual fixed cash bonus, short term incentive and long term incentives
including RSUs and stock options.
Base salaries for executive officers were reviewed
during reporting period of 2010. For those executive officers remunerated in Australian dollars, costs to the Corporation increased
noticeably from 2010 when the Australian dollar appreciated sharply against the U.S. dollar.
Long term incentives in the form of stock incentive
grants were a major component of remuneration for executive officers throughout the period, with increasing use being made of RSUs
and with the more limited uses of stock options being made subject to certain conditions.
Stock incentive grants were made to certain
executive officers in 2010 as part of a substantial review of their compensation. Such grants were to ensure that executive total
remuneration remained competitive, and commensurate with the demands involved with employment as an officer in the Corporation
at a pivotal stage of its development.
Base salaries and other fixed elements of executive
officer compensation are established at the commencement or renewal of an executive officer’s employment. Base salaries for
executive officer compensation have increased in line with the relevant employment market factors associated with attracting and
retaining executives and are not directly linked to the share price of the Common Shares.
Short term and long term incentives such as
stock incentive grants under the Stock Plan have been used by the Board as a tool to reward executive officers for performance
and to secure retention of key personnel.
During 2013 and 2014 the composition of the
Corporation’s executive officer Leadership Team altered significantly. In addition, the strategic direction of the Corporation
changed to focus on the development of oil and gas assets, reflected in the divestiture of the Corporation’s Downstream and
Midstream businesses in 2014. These were factors taken into consideration when establishing the revised remuneration framework
for the Corporation’s executive officers during 2014. In 2013 and 2014 the Board introduced an incentive program for executive
officers that rewarded the achievement of significant Milestones associated with the progress of developing the Corporation’s
oil and gas assets, aligned with the strategic direction of the Corporation. These Milestone Bonuses are discussed in the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis above. While total shareholder return has decreased during this period, the payment of the Milestone Bonuses
reflects the attainment of significant corporate milestones, the full value of which may not be presently reflected in the trading
price of our Common Shares.
The Board reviewed executive remuneration in
2014 and additional changes were introduced effective January 1, 2015 to further align executive remuneration and the creation
of long term Shareholder value. The year 2015 has seen the introduction of a Corporate Scorecard which is a key element to assessing
executive officer Short Term Incentives. An element of this scorecard is Relative Total Shareholder Return. The year 2015 has also
seen the introduction of a revised Long Term Incentive Plan which prescribes that a portion of the annual Long Term Incentive award
is to be performance tested against Relative Total Shareholder Return. These changes are discussed in the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis above.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table provides information regarding
our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.
Note:
Plan Category | |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | | |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| 509,528 | | |
US$ | 60.75 | | |
| 1,034,832 | |
The only equity compensation plan in use as
at the date of this Circular is the 2009 Plan approved by Shareholders in June 2009.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
None of our current or former directors or
executive officers owed any debts to us or any of our subsidiaries at any time during 2014 or as of April 20, 2015. We did not
provide any financial assistance to any directors to purchase any of our securities in 2014.
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Circular
and on the basis of information provided by directors and executive officers, no director or executive officer of the Corporation
and no person who beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the outstanding Common Shares
(collectively, an "Informed Person") and no associate or affiliate of any Informed Person, had any material interest,
direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Corporation's last financial year or in any proposed transaction
that materially affects or would materially affect the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICE
Corporate governance relates to the activities
of the Board, the members of which are elected by and are accountable to the Shareholders, and the evaluation of the role of the
individual members of management who are appointed by the Board and who are charged with the day-to-day management of InterOil.
The Board believes that effective corporate
governance is critical to our continued and long-term success. The Board strongly believes that commitment to sound corporate governance
practices is in the best interests of its Shareholders and contributes to effective and efficient decision making.
The disclosure of InterOil's corporate governance
practices is presented pursuant to the requirements of National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance
Practices and is set out in Appendix "A" to this Circular.
MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTS
No management functions of the Corporation
or any of its subsidiaries were to any substantial degree performed other than by the Directors or executive officers of the Corporation
or subsidiary in 2014.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding us is available
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Information regarding our business is provided in our annual information form (“AIF”)
for the year ended December 31, 2014. Financial information is provided in our comparative financial statements and management's
discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014. The disclosure required by NI 52-110 is found in our AIF under the
heading “Audit Committee”. Shareholders may contact InterOil Corporation at 163 Penang Road, #06-02 Winsland House
II, Singapore 238463 (attention Mr. Geoffrey Applegate, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary) or through our website at www.interoil.com
to obtain, without charge, copies of these documents and additional copies of this Circular.
APPENDIX “A”
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DISCLOSURE
FORM 58-101F1
Disclosure Requirement |
|
InterOil Corporation
Corporate Governance Practices |
1. Board of Directors |
|
|
(a) Disclose the identity of directors who are independent. |
|
The following directors are independent as
that term is defined in NI 58-101 and N1 52-110 and under applicable NYSE Rules: Mr. Christopher Finlayson, Mr. Ford Nicholson,
Mr. Roger Lewis, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Sir Wilson Kamit, Dr. Ellis Armstrong, Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld and Mr. Yap Chee Keong.
|
(b) Disclose
the identity of directors who are not independent, and describe the basis for that determination. |
|
Dr. Michael Hession is not independent as he
is an executive officer of InterOil. Proposed director Mr. Isikeli Taureka is not independent as he is an executive officer of
InterOil.
|
(c) Disclose whether or not a majority of directors is independent. If a majority of directors is not independent, describe what the Board of Directors does to facilitate its exercise of independent judgment in carrying out its responsibilities. |
|
A majority of our nine directors is independent
under NI 58 - 101. A majority of our directors will be independent if all ten persons nominated for election at the Meeting are
elected.
|
|
|
|
(d) If a director is presently a director of any other issuer that is a reporting issuer (or the equivalent) in a jurisdiction or a foreign jurisdiction, identify both the director and the other issuer. |
|
Mr. Ford Nicholson is Chairman of BNK Petroleum
Inc., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Sir Rabbie Namaliu is a director of Marengo Mining Limited, a company listed
on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Australian Securities Exchange and the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, a director of Bougainville Copper
Limited, a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and a director of Kina Asset Management Limited, a company
listed on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange. Dr. Ellis Armstrong is a director of Lamprell Plc., a company listed on the London Stock
Exchange. Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld is a director of Transfield Services Limited and Toxfree Solutions Limited, both of which are
listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Mr. Yap Chee Keong is a director of ARA Asset Management Limited and Tiger Airways
Holdings Limited, both of which are listed on Singapore Exchange Limited, and The Straits Trading Company Limited which is listed
on Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. None of our other directors is currently
serving on the board of any other reporting issuer or other publicly-traded corporation.
|
(e) Disclose
whether or not the independent directors hold regularly scheduled meetings at which non-independent directors and members of management
are not in attendance. If the independent directors hold such meetings, disclose the number of meetings held since the beginning
of the issuer's most recently completed financial year. If the independent directors do not hold such meetings, describe what the
board does to facilitate open and candid discussion among its independent directors.
|
|
At a minimum of two meetings of our Board each
year, a session of independent directors is held in person without management being present, facilitated if required by the Corporate
Secretary. At least one of these sessions is also attended, in part, by our auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers. During 2014, our
independent directors met on two occasions without the presence of management and non-independent directors.
Since December 2014, a separate session of
independent directors is held as part of each scheduled Board meeting.
|
(f) Disclose
whether or not the chair of the board is an independent director. If the board has a chair or lead director who is an independent
director, disclose the identity of the independent chair or lead director, and describe his or her role and responsibilities. If
the board has neither a chair that is independent nor a lead director that is independent, describe what the board does to provide
leadership for its independent directors.
|
|
Mr. Christopher Finlayson is Chairman of the Board and is an independent director. As Chairman and independent director, Mr. Finlayson provides leadership for the Board’s independent directors, as did his predecessor, Dr. Byker, who was also an independent director during the period in 2014 during which Dr. Byker was a director and Chairman until his retirement on October 16, 2014. |
(g) Disclose
the attendance record of each director for all board meetings held since the beginning of the issuer's most recently completed
financial year.
|
|
Please
refer to Appendix "B" to this Circular for the attendance record of directors for all Board meetings and
meetings of each standing Board Committee. |
|
|
|
2. Board Mandate |
|
|
Disclose the text of the board's written mandate. If the board does not have a written mandate, describe how the board delineates its role and responsibilities. |
|
Please refer to Appendix "C" to this Circular for the Board’s written charter. The charter is also available on our website at www.interoil.com. |
3. Position Descriptions |
|
|
(a) Disclose
whether or not the board has developed written position descriptions for the chair and the chair of each board committee. If the
board has not developed written position descriptions for the chair and/or the chair of each board committee, briefly describe
how the board delineates the role and responsibilities of each such position. |
|
The Board has developed and approved written position descriptions for the Chairman and for the chairs of each Board committee. Charters have also been developed and approved for each standing Board committee. |
|
|
|
(b) Disclose whether or not the board and Chief Executive Officer have developed a written position description for the Chief Executive Officer. If the board and Chief Executive Officer have not developed such a position description, briefly describe how the board delineates the role and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer. |
|
The Board has developed and agreed a written position description with the Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
4. Orientation and Continuing Education |
|
|
(a) Briefly
describe what measures the board takes to orient new directors regarding:
|
|
|
(i) the role of the board, its committees and its directors, and |
|
New directors are provided with a copy of all
Board and committee mandates and policies, articles and by-laws, pertinent corporate information and other reference materials,
and are introduced to all existing directors and to senior management. The Corporate Secretary provides a briefing and responds
to any questions raised.
|
(ii) the nature and operation of the issuer's business. |
|
New directors are provided with copies of the Corporation’s fact sheet, analysts’ research reports, press releases and presentations, a transcript of live conference calls of financial briefings for the most recent quarter, and copies of all recent PNG media releases. They are also given an orientation tour of our operations in Papua New Guinea at the first opportunity, and hold meetings with executive officers, other senior financial, corporate and operations personnel and existing directors upon joining the Board. In these meetings, new directors are provided with presentations detailing our current operations and activities, together with an outline of the Corporation’s history and its strategic plans and objectives. |
(b) Briefly describe what measures, if any, the board takes to provide continuing education for its directors. If the board does not provide continuing education, describe how the board ensures that its directors maintain the skill and knowledge necessary to meet their obligations as directors. |
|
The Board takes a number of measures to provide
continuing education for our directors. The Board encourages directors to identify courses which they feel would be of individual
educational benefit to them in their capacity as directors and affords them as far as reasonably practicable the opportunity to
participate in them. For example, in 2014 the Company sponsored one director’s attendance at the Company Directors’
skills course offered by the INSEAD Business School, France. Board papers and other materials circulated periodically are provided
to directors by way of update, guidance and information to enhance directors’ knowledge on current topical developments or
otherwise contribute to their professional skills. Relevant briefing sessions are included in meetings of directors to enhance
their professional development, led where appropriate by internal or external specialists. A quarterly Risk overview, including
a formal risk report, is provided at alternate Board meetings. Updates on the Corporation’s activities are provided to directors
in each month. “Continuing Director Education” is a standing agenda item of each scheduled Board meeting. All
directors are entitled to attend any meeting of a Board standing committee in the capacity of observers or invitees if they are
not appointed Committee members.
|
5. Ethical Business Conduct |
|
|
(a) Disclose
whether or not the board has adopted a written code for the directors, officers and employees. If the board has adopted a written
code:
|
|
We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business
Conduct which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees.
|
(i) disclose how a person or company may obtain a copy of the code; |
|
Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is
accessible on our website at www.interoil.com and also the SEDAR website located at www.sedar.com. Our employees
and directors are all provided with a copy of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct upon joining InterOil.
|
(ii) describe how the board monitors compliance with its code, or if the board does not monitor compliance, explain whether and how the board satisfies itself regarding compliance with its code; and |
|
Our management and all employees are required
to acknowledge their understanding of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and all new employees are required to accept its
terms as a condition of their employment. The Corporate Secretary and Chief Financial Officer monitor compliance
with the Code and report to the Board, or to its Audit or its Nominating and Governance Committee as required. In addition, the
Board (through its Audit Committee) encourages reporting of any non-compliance with the Code, including through the Corporation’s
whistleblower policy.
|
(iii) provide
a cross-reference to any material change report filed since the beginning of the issuer's most recently completed financial year
that pertains to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the code.
|
|
Our Board did not grant any waivers to our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct during 2014 and no other departures from the Code were requested. Any future waivers will be disclosed in the appropriate filings on the SEDAR website located at www.sedar.com. |
(b) Describe
any steps the board takes to ensure directors exercise independent judgment in considering transactions and agreements in respect
of which a director or executive officer has a material interest. |
|
Directors are required to disclose any matters
in which they may have, or may be perceived to have, a material interest prior to consideration of the matter. Upon such disclosure
and upon advice from the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary where necessary, the director and the Board will determine whether
the director should refrain from discussing or voting on the matter, or absent himself from the meeting while the matter is discussed.
Generally the director is unable to vote. Any transaction in which a director or executive officer has a material interest is required
to be approved by members of the Audit Committee not having an interest in the matter. In addition, in certain instances special
Board committees are established to deal with matters where potential conflicts of interest may arise.
|
(c) Describe any other steps the board takes to encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct. |
|
The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is supported by a number of policies which require adherence by all InterOil personnel to all applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical business practices prescribed by the Corporation. These policies include an Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, a Political Donations Policy and an Insider Trading Policy, copies of which are available on the Corporation’s website at www.interoil.com. A whistleblower policy and facility are in place which provide employees with the ability to report, on a confidential and anonymous basis, any violations of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct or other unethical conduct. |
6. Nomination of Directors |
|
|
(a) Describe the process by which the board identifies new candidates for board nomination. |
|
The Board, co-ordinated through its Nominating
and Governance Committee and with the assistance of independent external experts as necessary, considers personal characteristics
and core competencies required of Board members when evaluating persons to be nominated for election to the Board, taking into
account the composition of the Board as a whole. In addition, the Board considers a candidate's qualification as "independent,"
as well as a candidate's depth of experience and availability, the balance of the business interests and experience of the incumbent
or nominated directors and the need for any specific expertise to ensure an appropriate mix of relevant skills are present on the
Board and its committees.
In addition to the criteria described above,
the Board may consider other qualifications and attributes which they believe are appropriate in evaluating the ability of an individual
to serve as a member of the Board. The Board’s goal is to assemble a Board that possesses a variety of perspectives and skills
derived from high quality business and professional experience in various relevant geographies. In order to ensure that the Board
consists of members with a variety of perspectives and skills, the Nominating and Governance Committee has not set any minimum
qualifications and also considers candidates with appropriate non-business backgrounds. Other than ensuring that at least three
members of the Board are financially literate, that a sufficient number of the Board members meet applicable independence requirements
and identifying key areas of core competency necessary to replace outgoing directors or augment those of continuing Board members,
the Committee has not set any specific skills that it believes are necessary for any individual director to possess.
|
|
|
In February 2014 the Board of directors initiated
a process of Board renewal, which was conducted throughout 2014 under the stewardship of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
That Committee engaged independent external consultants to conduct a global search for potential candidates within the areas of
core competency, expertise and experience identified by the Board as necessary to replace those of retiring directors and to complement
those of ongoing Board members to achieve the skill sets and balance between Director experience and new perspectives necessary
for effective strategic oversight. The results of that search were evaluated by the Nominating and Governance Committee whose reports
and recommendations formed the basis of assessment and decision by the Board.
In March 2015, the Board adopted a Diversity
Policy under which the Board and Nominating and Governance Committee will, when identifying candidates to nominate for election
to the Board: (a) consider individuals who are highly qualified, based on their talents, experience, functional expertise and personal
skills, character and qualities having regard to the Corporation’s current and future plans and objectives, as well as anticipated
regulatory and market developments; (b) consider criteria that promote diversity, including with regard to gender and ethnicity;
and (c) consider the level of representation of women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds on the Board when making recommendations
for nominees to the Board and in general with regard to succession planning for the Board. |
|
|
|
(b) Disclose whether or not the board has a nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors. If the board does not have a nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors, describe what steps the board takes to encourage an objective nomination process. |
|
There are five members of our Nominating and
Governance Committee: Mr. Ford Nicholson (member and Chairman from June 23, 2014), Mr. Christopher Finlayson, Mr. Roger Lewis,
Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld. Mr. Lewis and former director (until March 12, 2015) Mr. Samuel L. Delcamp were
members of the Nominating and Governance Committee throughout 2014. Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Mr. Finlayson were appointed to the
Committee effective June 23, 2014 and October 16, 2014 respectively. Ms. Hirschfeld was appointed to the Committee on
March 12, 2015. Dr. Gaylen Byker was a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee until his retirement as a director on
October 16, 2014 and its Chairman until June 23, 2014. Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Finlayson, Mr. Lewis, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Ms. Hirschfeld
are each independent. Dr. Byker and Mr. Delcamp were each independent throughout the period during which they were members of the
Committee in 2014 and, for Mr. Delcamp in 2015. Accordingly, the Committee is and was throughout 2014 comprised entirely of independent
directors.
|
(c) If the board has a nominating committee, describe the responsibilities, powers and operation of the nominating committee. |
|
The purpose of the Nominating and Governance
Committee is to:
· identify
and recommend to the Board individuals qualified to be nominated as members of the Board and of Board committees and oversee
the process of Board renewal;
· recommend
to the Board the members and Chairperson for each Board committee;
· periodically
review and assess the Corporation’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and make recommendations for changes thereto to
the Board;
· review
and report to the Board on a periodic basis with regard to matters of corporate governance; and
· oversee
the process to assess the independence, performance and effectiveness of the Board, Board committees and individual directors
and conduct the annual evaluation of the Corporation’s management.
In addition, the Nominating and Governance
Committee is responsible for providing advice, on a confidential basis, to Corporation employees, officers and directors pursuant
to the Corporation’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.
|
|
|
The responsibilities, powers and operation of the Nominating and Governance Committee are set out in its charter which is available on our website at www.interoil.com. |
|
|
|
7. Compensation |
|
|
(a) Describe the process by which the board determines the compensation for the issuer's directors and officers. |
|
Please refer to the "Statement of Executive
Compensation" in the Circular for details of the Corporation’s executive compensation structure and policies. In the
case of the Corporation’s officers, compensation matters are largely delegated to and dealt with by the Board’s Compensation
Committee on the basis of advice provided by human resources management and external compensation consultants where necessary.
Compensation for non-executive directors was last reviewed during 2013 under the oversight of the Compensation Committee with assistance
from external compensation consultants. Please refer to the section “Directors’ Compensation” in the Circular
for details in relation to non-executive directors.
|
(b) Disclose
whether or not the board has a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. If the board does not have a
compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, describe what steps the board takes to ensure an objective process
for determining such compensation.
|
|
There are three members of the Compensation
Committee: Mr. Christopher Finlayson (appointed to the Committee as member and Chairman with effect from Dr. Gaylen Byker’s
retirement as a director on October 16, 2014), Mr. Roger Lewis, and Ms. Katherine Hirschfeld (appointed to the Committee
on March 12, 2015). Mr. Samuel L. Delcamp was a member of the Committee throughout 2014 until his retirement as a director on March
12, 2015. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Delcamp were members of the Committee throughout 2014. Dr. Byker was a member and Chairman of the Committee
until his retirement. Each of Mr. Finlayson and Mr. Lewis is and was during 2014, independent. Ms. Hirschfeld is, and Mr. Delcamp
was during the period during which he served on the Committee, independent. Dr. Byker was independent during the period in
2014 when he was a member of the Committee.
|
|
|
Therefore, the Committee is and was throughout
2014 comprised entirely of independent directors. Each member of the Compensation Committee has direct experience relevant to executive
compensation, having held senior leadership positions in other organisations in which they have set, managed and implemented compensation
policies and practices. Each of Mr. Finlayson, Mr. Lewis and Ms. Hirschfeld has thereby obtained the skills and experience to enable
them to make decisions concerning the Corporation’s compensation arrangements, as had former Committee member and Chairman
Dr. Gaylen Byker and former member Mr. Samuel L. Delcamp.
|
(c) If the board has a compensation committee, describe the responsibilities, powers and operation of the compensation committee. |
|
The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee
are to:
· discharge
the Board's responsibilities relating to the fair and competitive compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, other executive
officers, and directors;
· review
and approve an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our management information circular for our annual meeting
of Shareholders; and
|
|
|
· administer,
approve and evaluate our compensation plans, policies and programs, including any stock incentive plan of the Corporation. |
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The Compensation Committee administers our
incentive compensation and stock option and other equity based plans in which the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers
and employees may be participants, and recommends to the Board amendments to such plans or adoption of new plans. In connection
with administering such plans, the Compensation Committee has the authority to (i) approve option guidelines and the general size
of overall grants, (ii) make grants, (iii) interpret the plans, (iv) determine the rules and regulations relating to the plans,
(v) modify or cancel existing grants and substitute new grants with the consent of grantees, (vi) designate employees
eligible to participate in the plans, and (vii) impose such limitations, restrictions and conditions upon any award as the Compensation
Committee deems appropriate and as permitted under the applicable plan.
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The Compensation Committee reviews
and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates our Chief Executive
Officer's performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determines and approves our Chief Executive Officer's compensation
level based on such evaluation. The Committee also reviews and approves the base salaries and incentive opportunities of the Corporation’s
other executive officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee may review and make recommendations to the Board in respect
of the general compensation levels of non-executive officer employees, including merit increases and incentive opportunities.
In determining the incentive component of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers such factors as our performance
relative to our peer group, the officer's performance in light of our goals and objectives relevant to the officer's compensation,
competitive market data pertaining to compensation at comparable companies, the Corporation’s financial and operating status
and such other factors as the Compensation Committee deems relevant.
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The Committee also administers our insider
trading policy as it applies to senior management and non-executive directors.
The responsibilities, powers and operation of the Compensation Committee
are set out in its charter which is available on our website at www.interoil.com.
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8. Other Board Committees |
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If the board has standing committees other than the audit, compensation and nominating committees, identify the committees and describe their function. |
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A Reserves Committee was established by the
Board in June 2008 and consists of Mr. Ford Nicholson (Chairman), Mr. Christopher Finlayson, Dr. Ellis Armstrong and Dr. Michael
Hession. Dr. Armstrong was not a member of the Committee in 2014; he was appointed to the Committee on March 12, 2015. Mr. Roger
Grundy was Chairman and Dr. Gaylen Byker was a member of the Committee until their respective retirements on June 24, 2014 and
October 16, 2014. The mandate of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in general and, in particular,
with respect to the oil and natural gas reserves and resource evaluation process and public disclosure of reserves data and other
information as required under National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The specific
duties, responsibilities, powers and operation of the Reserves Committee are set out in its charter which is available on our website
at www.interoil.com.
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9. Assessments |
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Disclose whether or not the board, its committees and individual directors are regularly assessed with respect to effectiveness and contribution. If assessments are regularly conducted, describe the process used for the assessments. If assessments are not regularly conducted, describe how the board satisfies itself that the board, its committees, and its individual directors are performing effectively. |
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InterOil has developed evaluation questionnaires and formal procedures for the evaluation of the performance, skills, specific competency and independence of each director and, to the extent applicable, the Board as a whole and the committees of the Board. The process is overseen by the Nominating and Governance Committee with the assistance of external consultants where necessary. In recent years the Board evaluation cycle has taken the form of an annual Board self-evaluation exercise, facilitated by the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, except that every third year an evaluation process is undertaken with external assistance. The evaluation process was last undertaken late in 2013 with an associated Board evaluation and effectiveness workshop in February 2014 (in each case facilitated by external consultants), when a comprehensive evaluation programme of the Board and individual directors was undertaken and a Board renewal programme was initiated. |
10. Director Term Limits and Other Mechanisms of Board Renewal |
Disclose whether or not the issuer
has adopted term limits for the directors on its board or other mechanisms of board renewal and, if so, include a description of
those director term limits or other mechanisms of board renewal. If the issuer has not adopted director term limits or other mechanisms
of board renewal, disclose why it has not done so.
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The Board has initiated a process of board renewal and has adopted guidelines on term limits for the directors. These are set out in the Board Charter, a copy of which is contained in Appendix "C" to this Circular. The Board initiated a process of regular renewal of its membership to ensure that it maintains independence, possesses the appropriate mix of skills and diversity required for effective governance, and preserves a balance between director experience/history and new, fresh perspectives. The Board has adopted Board Tenure guidelines supporting and facilitating Board renewal, providing: |
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(a) a
maximum tenure of directors (other than the Chairman of the Board) of nine years from date of first election by shareholders;
(b) a
maximum tenure of the Chairman of 12 years (inclusive of any term as a director prior to being elected as Chairman) from date of
first election by shareholders; and
(c) that
the Board may, on its initiative and on an exceptional basis, exercise its discretion to extend the maximum terms specified in
clauses (a) and (b) above where it considers that such an extension would benefit the Corporation.
The Board’s Nominating and Governance
Committee is responsible for implementing and overseeing the board renewal process.
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11. Policies Regarding the Representation of Women on the Board |
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(a) Disclose
whether the issuer has adopted a written policy relating to the identification and nomination of women directors. If the issuer
has not adopted such a policy, disclose why it has not done so.
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Until March 12, 2015, the Corporation did not have a written policy relating to the identification and nomination of women directors. However, recognizing the importance and benefit of having a Board of directors and executive officers comprised of highly talented and experienced individuals having regard to the need to foster and promote diversity among board members and executive officers with respect to attributes such as gender and ethnicity, and other factors, on March 12, 2015 the Board adopted a Diversity Policy which relates to the identification and nomination of women directors amongst other things. |
(b) If an issuer has adopted a policy referred to in (a), disclose the following in respect of the policy: |
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(i) a short summary of its objectives and key provisions, |
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In support of this goal, under the Diversity
Policy, the Board and Nominating and Governance Committee will, when identifying candidates to nominate for election to the Board
or in their review of executive officer succession planning, and the Board will, in considering the appointment of executive officers:
(a) consider
individuals who are highly qualified, based on their talents, experience, functional expertise and personal skills, character and
qualities having regard to the Corporation’s current and future plans and objectives, as well as anticipated regulatory and
market developments;
(b) consider
criteria that promote diversity, including with regard to gender and ethnicity;
(c) consider
the level of representation of women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds on the Board and in executive officer positions
when making recommendations for nominees to the Board or for appointment as executive officers and in general with regard to succession
planning for the Board and executive officers; and
(d) as
required, engage qualified independent external advisors to assist the Board in conducting its search for candidates that meet
the Board’s criteria regarding skills, experience and diversity.
A copy of the Diversity Policy is available
on the Corporation’s website www.interoil.com.
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(ii) the
measures taken to ensure that the policy has been effectively implemented,
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In the director identification and nomination
process, the Nominating and Governance Committee is authorized to consider as part of its policies and procedures measures designed
to ensure that the nominee recruitment and identification processes are appropriate in terms of depth and scope to foster identification
and progression of diverse candidates.
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(iii) annual
and cumulative progress by the issuer in achieving the objectives of the policy, and
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The policy has been only recently adopted. Annual and cumulative progress in achieving the objectives of the policy will be measured from its implementation. |
(iv) whether
and, if so, how the board or its nominating committee measures the effectiveness of the policy.
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Please see paragraph 7(ii) above. |
12. Consideration of the Representation of Women in the Director Identification and Selection Process |
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Disclose whether and, if so, how
the board or nominating committee considers the level of representation of women on the board in identifying and nominating candidates
for election or re-election to the board. If the issuer does not consider the level of representation of women on the board in
identifying and nominating candidates for election or re-election to the board, disclose the issuer’s reasons for not doing
so.
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In identifying and selecting candidates for election or re-election to the Board, regard is had by the Board and Nominating and Governance Committee to a number of factors including demonstrable excellence, expertise and experience within the skill-sets identified by the Board to maintain the optimum breadth of experience among Board members, geographic and ethnic representation and the level of representation of women on the Board. The Board welcomes diversity and no limitations are placed on the screening, evaluation or selection process that would limit the potential diversity of the Board. A Diversity Policy has been adopted under which the Nominating and Governance Committee is authorized to consider as part of its policies and procedures measures designed to ensure that the nominee recruitment and identification processes are appropriate in terms of depth and scope to foster identification and progression of diverse candidates including women. In identifying and evaluating potential candidates, regard is had to diversity without that requirement being a prerequisite which would prevent the appointment of outstanding candidates. |
13. Consideration Given to the Representation of Women in Executive Officer Appointments |
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Disclose whether and, if so, how
the issuer considers the level of representation of women in executive officer positions when making executive officer appointments.
If the issuer does not consider the level of representation of women in executive officer positions when making executive officer
appointments, disclose the issuer’s reasons for not doing so.
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In making executive officer appointments, the Corporation seeks individuals who are of the highest possible professional and reputational calibre within their field of expertise, matching the criteria set out in the Position Descriptions developed for each particular role, and selections are made applying the criteria of excellence and merit to deliver superior performance that is aligned with the creation of value for Shareholders. A Diversity Policy has been adopted under which the Nominating and Governance Committee is authorized to consider as part of its policies and procedures measures designed to ensure that the nominee recruitment and identification processes are appropriate in terms of depth and scope to foster identification and progression of diverse candidates including women. A description of that policy is set out under paragraph 7(b)(i) above, and a copy is available on the Corporation’s website www.interoil.com. In identifying and evaluating potential candidates, regard is had to diversity without that requirement being a prerequisite which would prevent the appointment of outstanding candidates. |
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14. Issuer’s Targets Regarding the Representation of Women on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions |
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(a) For
purposes of this Item, a “target” means a number or percentage, or a range of numbers or percentages, adopted by the
issuer of women on the issuer’s board or in executive officer positions of the issuer by a specific date.
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(b) Disclose
whether the issuer has adopted a target regarding women on the issuer’s board. If the issuer has not adopted a target, disclose
why it has not done so.
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The Corporation has not adopted a target regarding women on the Corporation’s Board. Given the nature and size of the Corporation’s business and its industry, the Board recognizes that it may be challenging for the Corporation to identify a qualified pool of candidates that adequately reflects the various diverse characteristics that the Corporation seeks to promote. The Corporation has therefore not adopted any specific targets, but will promote its objectives through the initiatives set out in this policy with a view to identifying and fostering the development of a suitable pool of candidates for nomination or appointment over time. |
(c) Disclose
whether the issuer has adopted a target regarding women in executive officer positions of the issuer. If the issuer has not adopted
a target, disclose why it has not done so.
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For the reasons set out in paragraph (b) above, the Corporation has not adopted a target regarding women in executive officer positions of the Corporation. |
(d) If
the issuer has adopted a target referred to in either (b) or (c), disclose:
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(i) the
target, and
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(ii) the annual and cumulative progress of the issuer in achieving the target. |
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15. Number of Women on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions |
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(a) Disclose
the number and proportion (in percentage terms) of directors on the issuer’s board who are women.
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One director (11%) of the directors) on the Corporation’s board is a woman. |
(b) Disclose
the number and proportion (in percentage terms) of executive officers of the issuer, including all major subsidiaries of the issuer,
who are women.
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No (0%) executive officers of the Corporation or its major subsidiaries are women. |
Copies of position descriptions
and mandates noted herein as being available on InterOil's website at www.interoil.com may also be obtained on request
from the Corporate Secretary at 163 Penang Road, #06-02 Winsland House II, Singapore 238463.
APPENDIX “B”
DIRECTORS' ATTENDANCE RECORDS
The following table sets out the attendance
record of each director for all Board and committee meetings held for the financial year ended December 31, 2014.
| |
| | |
Committees | |
| |
Board | | |
Audit | | |
Compensation | | |
Nominating and
Governance | | |
Reserves | |
Number of Meetings Held (1) | |
| 12 | | |
| 4 | | |
| 8 | | |
| 5 | | |
| 0 | |
Number of Meetings Attended (2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Christopher Finlayson (3) (4) (5) | |
| 4 | | |
| _ | | |
| 1 | | |
| 1 | | |
| 0 | |
Gaylen J. Byker (3) | |
| 11 | | |
| 3 | | |
| 7 | | |
| 4 | | |
| 0 | |
Ford Nicholson (4) | |
| 12 | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| 4 | | |
| 0 | |
Michael Hession (6) | |
| 12 | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| 0 | |
Roger F. Lewis | |
| 12 | | |
| 4 | | |
| 8 | | |
| 5 | | |
| _ | |
Sir Rabbie L. Namaliu (4) | |
| 12 | | |
| | | |
| _ | | |
| 4 | | |
| _ | |
Sir Wilson Kamit (6) | |
| 12 | | |
| 2 | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | |
Ellis Armstrong (7) | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | |
Katherine Hirschfeld (7) | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | |
Yap Chee Keong (7) | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | |
Roger N. Grundy (3) | |
| 5 | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| _ | | |
| 0 | |
Samuel L. Delcamp (5) | |
| 12 | | |
| 4 | | |
| 7 | | |
| 5 | | |
| _ | |
Notes:
| (1) | Additional business was conducted and
resolutions were passed during the year by way of unanimous written resolutions in lieu of meetings pursuant to Article 23 of the
Corporation’s By-Laws, and in accordance with the YBCA. |
| (2) | A director may attend meetings of any
committee of the Board. The above records do not include a director’s attendance at meetings of any Committee of which the
director was not a member. |
| (3) | Mr. Finlayson, Dr. Byker and Mr. Grundy
were directors for only part of the year. Mr. Finlayson and Dr. Byker attended all meetings of the Board during the period for
which they were directors. |
| (4) | Mr. Christopher Finlayson, Mr. Ford Nicholson
and Sir Rabbie Namaliu were members of the Nominating and Governance Committee for only part of the year. Each attended all meetings
of the Committee for the period during which they were members. |
| (5) | Mr. Christopher Finlayson was a member
of the Compensation Committee for only part of the year. He attended all meetings of the Committee for the period during which
he was a member. Mr. Delcamp recused himself from one Compensation Committee meeting. |
| (6) | Sir Wilson Kamit was a member of the Audit
Committee for only part of the year. He attended all meetings of the Committee for the period during which he was a member. |
| (7) | Dr. Armstrong, Ms. Hirschfeld and Mr.
Yap were not directors during 2014. |
APPENDIX "C"
CHARTER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
General Powers of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors (the "Board")
of InterOil Corporation (the "Corporation") has a duty to manage the business and affairs of the Corporation in
accordance with the Business Corporations Act (Yukon) and the regulations thereunder, and the articles and by-laws of the
Corporation. The powers of the Board may be exercised by resolution passed at a meeting at which a quorum is present or by resolution
in writing signed by all directors entitled to vote on the resolution.
The principal responsibility of the Board is
to promote the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders. This responsibility includes: (i) approving fundamental
operating, financial and other corporate plans, strategies and objectives; (ii) evaluating the performance of the Corporation and
its senior management; (iii) selecting, regularly evaluating and fixing the compensation of executive officers; (iv) adopting policies
of corporate governance and conduct, including compliance with stock exchange policies, applicable laws and regulations, financial
and other controls; (v) reviewing the process of providing appropriate financial and operational information to the shareholders
and the public generally; and (vi) evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Board.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that
the Corporation carries out the strategic vision for the Corporation developed by the Chairperson of the Board and the CEO, and
approved by the Board. Historically, the Corporation's vision has focused on superior growth and accepted a correspondingly increased
level of risk. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board is required to base its decisions on the Corporation's growth oriented
approach to increasing shareholder value, or such other revised strategies as may be adopted by the Chairperson of the Board and
the CEO, and approved by the Board.
General Fiduciary Duties
The Board must act in the best interests of
the Corporation and its shareholders generally. Every director of the Corporation in exercising his powers and discharging his
duties must:
| (a) | act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation; and |
| (b) | exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable
circumstances. |
Fiduciary duties include, by way of example,
the obligation to refrain from voting on contracts where personal financial or other interests conflict with those of the Corporation,
using insider information in securities transactions and appropriating a corporate opportunity for personal benefit. Directors
must act with such care as would reasonably be expected of a person having the knowledge and experience of the particular director
in question.
Directors should have sufficient information
to enable them to make knowledgeable decisions on all matters coming before the Board. It is the responsibility of each director
to ask such questions as may be necessary to satisfy him that he has been supplied with all the necessary information on which
to base his decisions. Directors should have a basic understanding of the principal operational and financial objectives, strategies
and plans of the Corporation, and the results of operations and financial condition of the Corporation.
Directors are entitled to rely in good faith
on: (i) financial statements of the Corporation which are represented by an officer of the Corporation or in a written report of
the auditors of the Corporation as fairly reflecting the financial condition of the Corporation; or (ii) an opinion or report of
a lawyer, accountant, engineer, appraiser or other person whose profession lends creditability to a statement made by him.
In order to fulfill his fiduciary duties to
the Corporation and its shareholders, each director should: (i) prepare for and attend all meetings of the Board; (ii) be sufficiently
informed about the current and proposed activities of the Corporation; (iii) review the minutes of meetings, including any meeting
not attended as well as any resolutions passed or actions taken; (iv) obtain advice from outside or independent advisors and consultants
when necessary; (v) consider whether the minutes of the previous meeting of the Board accurately represent the discussions that
took place and the resolutions that were passed; and (vi) be attentive to matters arising in respect of the Corporation's activities.
Conflicts of Interest
In addition to applicable provisions set forth
in the Corporation’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, a director who is a party to a material contract or proposed material
contract with the Corporation, or who is a director or officer of or has a material interest in any corporation or entity which
is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the Corporation, must disclose in writing to the Corporation,
or request to have entered in the minutes of meetings of directors, the nature and extent of his interest.
The disclosure required to be made by a director
where there is a conflict of interest must be made at the meeting at which a proposed contract is first considered by the Board
or, if the director had no interest in a proposed contract at the time of such meeting, at the first meeting of the Board after
he acquires an interest. If the director acquires an interest after a contract is made, he must disclose his interest at the first
meeting of the Board after acquiring the interest. If a person who has an interest in a contract later becomes a director of the
Corporation, he must disclose his interest at the first meeting of the Board after he becomes a director.
Where a proposed contract is dealt with by
a written resolution signed by all directors in lieu of a meeting of the Board, the disclosure must be made immediately upon receipt
of the resolution or, if the director had no interest at the time of receipt of the resolution, at the first meeting of the Board
after he acquires the interest.
A director who discloses a conflict of interest
must refrain from taking part in any discussions or voting on any resolution to approve the contract, unless the contract is:
| (a) | an arrangement by way of security for money loaned to or obligations undertaken by him, or by a
corporation in which he has an interest, for the benefit of the Corporation or an affiliate; |
| (b) | a contract relating primarily to his remuneration as a director, officer, employee or agent of
the Corporation or an affiliate; |
| (c) | a contract for indemnity or insurance with respect to a director or officer of the Corporation,
a former director or officer of the Corporation or a person who acts or acted at the Corporation's request as a director or officer
of a corporation of which the Corporation is or was a shareholder or creditor; or |
| (d) | a contract with an affiliate of the Corporation. Directors who serve on boards of affiliated corporations
are not required to refrain from voting on contracts between the two corporations. |
Any profits or gains realized by a director
as a result of his privileged position on the Board must be reimbursed to the Corporation, except in the case of gains resulting
from contracts with respect to which he has complied with the obligation to disclose his interest and has refrained from voting.
Mandate and Stewardship of the Corporation
The Board is responsible for the stewardship
of the Corporation and, as part of the overall stewardship responsibility, should assume responsibility (directly or through its
committees) for overseeing the following matters:
| (a) | the adoption of a strategic planning process; |
| (b) | the identification of the principal risks of the Corporation's business and endeavouring to ensure
the implementation of appropriate systems to manage those risks; |
| (d) | the implementation of a communications policy for the Corporation; |
| (e) | monitoring the integrity of the Corporation's internal control and management information systems;
and |
| (f) | overseeing the Corporation's commitment to social and community responsibility and fostering ethical
and responsible decision making by management. |
The Board has identified the following core
functions:
| (a) | choosing the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and overseeing his efforts to direct the senior
management team in managing the enterprise; |
| (b) | setting the broad parameters within which the management team operates, including adopting a strategic
planning process and approving a strategic direction; |
| (c) | defining a framework to monitor the management of business opportunities and risks; |
| (d) | providing direction and advice to the Chief Executive Officer and the management team; |
| (e) | monitoring and assessing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer; and |
| (f) | providing information to security holders and stakeholders about the integrity of the Corporation's
financial performance. |
Board
Renewal
The Board should initiate regular renewal of
its membership to ensure that it maintains independence, possesses the appropriate mix of skills and diversity required for effective
governance, and preserves a balance between director experience/history and new, fresh perspectives. The Board has adopted Board
Tenure guidelines supporting and facilitating Board renewal.
These Board Tenure guidelines provide:
| (a) | a maximum tenure of Directors (other than the Chairman) of nine years from date of first election
by shareholders; |
| (b) | a maximum tenure of the Chairman of 12 years (inclusive of any term as a Director prior to being
elected as Chairman) from date of first election by shareholders; and |
| (c) | that the Board may, on its initiative and on an exceptional basis, exercise its discretion to extend
the maximum terms specified in clauses (a) and (b) above where it considers that such an extension would benefit the Corporation. |
Corporate Opportunity
A director is precluded from obtaining for
himself or diverting to another person or corporation with whom or with which he is associated, either secretly or without the
approval of the Corporation, any property or business advantage belonging to the Corporation or with respect to which the Corporation
has been in the course of negotiations.
A director is also precluded from acting in
the manner described even after his resignation where the resignation may fairly be considered to have been prompted or influenced
by a wish to acquire for himself the opportunity sought by the Corporation, or where it was his position with the Corporation that
led to the opportunity.
In certain circumstances, a director may not
use his position as a director to make a profit, even if it was not open to the Corporation to participate in the transaction.
Duty of Independence
A director must act in the best interests of
the Corporation and its shareholders generally and not in the interest of any one shareholder or group of shareholders. In determining
whether a particular transaction or course of action is in the best interests of the Corporation, a director, if he is elected
or appointed by holders of a class or series of shares, may give special, but not exclusive, consideration to the interests of
those who elected or appointed him.
Duty of Confidentiality
Directors of the Corporation have an obligation
to maintain the confidentiality of matters discussed at meetings of the Board unless:
| (a) | it was clearly understood at the Board meeting that the information was not required to be kept
in confidence; |
| (b) | the director was required or authorized by law to disclose the information; or |
| (c) | the director was authorized expressly or implicitly by the Board to make disclosure of the information. |
Duty Not to Misuse Information or Position
A director must not misuse his position or
make improper use of information acquired by virtue of his position to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for himself or
any other person or to cause detriment to the Corporation. Directors are insiders of the Corporation and, as such, must not use
information about the Corporation to trade in securities or to assist others to trade in securities of the Corporation before the
information is available to the public.
Insider Reporting
Directors are required to report any changes
in their direct or indirect beneficial ownership of or control or direction over securities of the Corporation within ten days
of the change, or such shorter period as is required by applicable law.
Communication to Shareholders
The Board must comply with the Corporation's
Disclosure Policy regarding effective communication with its shareholders and the public generally. Directors have a responsibility
to have appropriate procedures in place so that accurate, appropriate and timely disclosure is being made to the Corporation's
shareholders and to the public.
Delegation of Authority to Officers and
Committees
The Board may delegate authority and functions
to officers and to committees of directors. The Board has the right to appoint officers to perform such duties as are assigned
to them by the Board. The persons holding such offices shall also have the powers assigned to them from time to time by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation.
The Board has established an Audit Committee,
a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Reserves Committee. The Board has established a charter for
each such committee, which includes the committee's responsibilities, the composition of the committee, various administrative
matters, and a position description for the chair of each committee. The Board may establish such other committees as it determines
are necessary or beneficial for its management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and the fulfillment of its other
responsibilities described in this Charter.
The following matters are within the sole purview
of the Board and may not be delegated by the Board to a committee of directors or to an officer of the Corporation:
| (a) | the submission to the shareholders of any question or matter requiring the approval of the shareholders; |
| (b) | the filling of a vacancy among the directors; |
| (c) | the issuance of securities, except in the manner and on the terms authorized by the Board; |
| (d) | the declaration of dividends; |
| (e) | the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of shares of the Corporation, except in the manner
and on the terms authorized by the Board; |
| (f) | the payment of a commission to any person in consideration of: (i) his purchasing or agreeing to
purchase shares of the Corporation from the Corporation or from any other person; or (ii) his procuring or agreeing to procure
purchasers for shares of the Corporation; |
| (g) | the approval of a management proxy circular; |
| (h) | the approval of any financial statements to be placed before the shareholders at an annual meeting;
or |
| (i) | the adoption, amendment or repealing of any by-laws of the Corporation. |
Financial Statements
The Board has a duty to approve the annual
financial statements of the Corporation and to submit the financial statements of the Corporation, and the auditors' report thereon,
for the preceding year to the shareholders at the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation.
A director is required to forthwith notify
both the Audit Committee and the Corporation's auditors of any error or misstatement of which he becomes aware in the audited financial
statements of the Corporation. The Board has a duty to prepare and issue corrected financial statements on being informed of an
error or misstatement by an auditor or former auditor and the duty to file these statements with or inform the appropriate securities
regulatory authorities.
Auditors
On demand from the Corporation's auditors,
each present and former director of the Corporation has a duty to furnish to the auditors any information and explanations and
allow access to any books, records, documents, accounts or vouchers of the Corporation or its subsidiaries that he is reasonably
able to furnish and which the auditors consider necessary to enable them to report on the annual financial statements.
Shareholder Meetings
The Board is required to call the annual meeting
of the shareholders and may, at any time, call a special meeting of shareholders. The Board has a duty to call a special meeting
of the shareholders to approve any matter which requires the approval of shareholders by special resolution.
Matters Requiring Board Approval
The following matters require specific approval
of the Board:
| (a) | all matters identified in this Charter as falling within the sole purview of the Board; |
| (b) | the annual budgets (including operating and capital budgets) for the Corporation and any amendments
thereto; |
| (c) | expenditures or transactions falling outside the guidelines or operating authorities approved by
the Board provided; however, that expenditures described in an approved budget and other expenditures required in an emergency
situation (i.e. environmental, health and safety) may be authorized by the CEO; |
| (d) | the appointment of executive officers of the Corporation; |
| (e) | the appointment of members to committees of the Board; |
| (f) | any transaction involving senior management that is outside corporate policy or which, because
of the nature of the transaction or the potential for conflict because the parties are not acting at arm's length should be approved
by the Board; and |
| (g) | major and significant corporate decisions, including any contract, arrangement or transaction,
which would reasonably be considered to be material or of such significance as to reasonably warrant consideration by the Board. |
Exhibit 99.2
INTEROIL CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF INTEROIL CORPORATION:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting
(the "Meeting") of shareholders of InterOil Corporation ("InterOil") will be held in the Onyx
Room at the Park Hyatt New York, 153 West 57th Street, New York, New York
10019, United States on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time). The purposes of the Meeting are:
| 1. | to receive the audited financial statements of InterOil for the year ended December 31, 2014, together
with the Auditors' Report on those statements; |
| 2. | to elect directors of InterOil for the next year; |
| 3. | to appoint auditors for InterOil for the next year and to authorize the directors to fix their
remuneration; and |
| 4. | to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof. |
Shareholders are referred to the accompanying
Information Circular dated April 20, 2015 (the "Information Circular") for more detailed information with respect to
the matters to be considered at the Meeting.
Individuals, corporations or other persons
directly registered as shareholders of InterOil on April 20, 2015 ("Registered Shareholders") are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the Meeting. Registered Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting in person are requested to date,
sign and return the accompanying form of proxy in accordance with the instructions contained in the Information Circular to Computershare
Investor Services Inc., 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2Y1, Attention: Proxy Department,
Facsimile: (416) 263-9524 or (866) 249-7775, not less than forty-eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before
the time of the Meeting or any adjournment of the Meeting. A Registered Shareholder may also vote by telephone or by internet.
Shareholders who do not hold their Common Shares
in their own name and wish to vote or to attend the Meeting and vote in person should contact their brokers or agents well in advance
of the Meeting to determine how you can do so.
Please refer to the Information Circular for information about how
to vote.
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2015.
|
By the Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
Geoffrey Applegate |
|
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
Exhibit 99.3
Exhibit 99.4
|
MEDIA
RELEASE
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Notice
of Filing of Annual Meeting Documents
Singapore
and Port Moresby, May 1, 2015: InterOil Corporation (NYSE: IOC; POMSoX: IOC) today announced
it filed its Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Management Information Circular and Form of Proxy with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 1, 2015.
The
Company also filed its Annual Report on Form 40-F (the “Annual Report”) which includes its Annual Information Form
and its audited annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (“2014 Financial Statements”)
with the SEC on March 17, 2015.
The
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Management Information Circular, Form of Proxy and Annual Report, including the 2014
Financial Statements, can be accessed on the Company's website at www.interoil.com.
The
Company will provide a hard copy of its 2014 Financial Statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests
should be directed to InterOil Corporation at 163 Penang Road, #06-02 Winsland House II, Singapore 238463 (attention Mr. Geoffrey
Applegate, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary).
___________________________________
About
InterOil
InterOil
Corporation is an independent oil and gas business with a primary focus on Papua New Guinea. InterOil’s assets include one
of Asia’s largest undeveloped gas fields, Elk-Antelope, in the Gulf Province, and exploration licenses covering about 16,000sqkm.
The company employs more than 2,000 staff and contractors. Its main offices are in Singapore and Port Moresby. InterOil is listed
on the New York and Port Moresby stock exchanges.
Investor
Contacts
Singapore |
Singapore |
United
States |
Michael
Lynn
Senior
Vice President
Investor
Relations |
David
Wu
Vice
President
Investor
Relations |
Cynthia
Black
Investor
Relations
Coordinator |
T:
+65 6507 0222
E:
michael.lynn@interoil.com |
T:
+65 6507 0222
E:
david.wu@interoil.com |
T:
+1 212 653 9778
E:
cynthia.black@interoil.com |
Media
Contacts
Singapore |
Australia |
|
Robert
Millhouse
Vice
President
Corporate
Affairs |
John
Hurst
Cannings
Corporate
Communications |
|
T:
+65 6507 0222
E:
robert.millhouse@interoil.com |
T:
+61 418 708 663
E:
jhurst@cannings.net.au |
|
Forward
Looking Statements
This
media release includes “forward-looking statements” as defined in United States federal and Canadian securities laws.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments
that InterOil expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements
are based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to us. No assurances can
be given however, that these events will occur. Actual results could differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to
the company and its shareholders. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond the control of the company, which may cause our actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed
by the forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include the risk factors discussed in the company’s filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR, including but not limited to those in the company’s annual report for
the year ended December 31, 2014 on Form 40-F and its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2014. In particular,
there is no established market for natural gas or gas condensate in Papua New Guinea and no guarantee that gas or gas condensate
from the Elk and Antelope fields will ultimately be able to be extracted and sold commercially. Investors are urged to consider
closely the disclosure in the company’s Form 40-F, available from us at www.interoil.com or from the SEC at www.sec.gov
and its Annual Information Form available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
–
ENDS –
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