UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

xAnnual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act

of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or

oTransition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act

of 1934 for the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-13865

SKYTERRA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 390-1899

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.01 par value

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  o    No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of June 30, 2008, was $256,882,543.

As of February 18, 2009, there were 48,822,787 shares of our voting common stock and 59,958,499 shares of our non-voting common stock outstanding.

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of this most recent amendment is to provide certain technical amendments to Item 13 to the amended Form 10K-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 30, 2009, which amended and restated Part III of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2009 (the “Form 10-K”). The amended and restated items are as follows:

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

These items were omitted from the Form 10-K in reliance on instructions included in Form 10-K permitting the Registrant to incorporate such items by reference to the Registrant’s proxy statement, provided such proxy statement is filed within 120 days of the Registrant’s fiscal year-end. As the Registrant intends to file its proxy statement later than 120 days from its fiscal year-end, it is providing these items as part of this Form 10-K/A.

As used in this amendment on Form 10-K/A, the words “we,” “our,” “us,” “SkyTerra,” and the “Company” refer to SkyTerra Communications, Inc., its predecessors and subsidiaries, except as otherwise specified, and capitalized terms used in this amendment on Form 10-K/A but not defined herein have the meanings given such terms in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Commission on March 2, 2009.

 

 

PART III

The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s executive officers and directors as of April 28, 2009:

                                              

 

 

Executive Officers

Alexander H. Good – Chief Executive Officer and President, Chairman. Mr. Good has been the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President since December 2006. Mr. Good was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company on April 9, 2008 and became the Chairman of the Board of Directors on April 24, 2008. Mr. Good has served as SkyTerra LP’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Vice Chairman of the Board since April 2004. In 2002 and 2003, prior to joining SkyTerra LP, Mr. Good served as the Executive Chairman of Affinity Internet and Executive Chairman of Nexverse Networks, Inc., now Veraz Networks, Inc., and also served as a director of NextLevel Communications, Inc. Mr. Good was Chairman and CEO of @Link Networks, Inc. from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Good was Executive Vice President of Bell Atlantic Corporation (now Verizon) from 1997 to 1999. He served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development of Bell Atlantic Corporation from 1995 to 1997 and was Chairman and CEO of Bell Atlantic International from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Good served as Senior Vice President of Mtel Communications, Inc. and CEO of MTEL International from 1990 to 1994.

 

 

Scott Macleod – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Macleod has been the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 2006. Mr. Macleod has served as SkyTerra LP’s Executive Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer since January 2006. From May 2003 to January 2006, Mr. Macleod served as a Managing Director of Rothschild Inc. From May 1999 to January 2003, Mr. Macleod was Chief Corporate Development Officer of XO Communications, and from 1992 to 1999, worked in Merrill Lynch’s Global Communications Group, serving most recently as Managing Director of such group.

Gary Epstein - Executive Vice President of Law and Regulation. Mr. Epstein has been the Company’s Executive Vice President of Law and Regulation since March 2009. From February through March 2009 Mr. Epstein served at the Federal Communications Commission to provide interim leadership for the digital television transition.  From November 2008 to January 2009 Mr. Epstein served as a team leader on the Economics and International Trade Team in the Obama-Biden transition.  From 1983 to 2008 Mr. Epstein was a partner and Global Head of the Communications Practice at Latham & Watkins LLP.  Mr. Epstein also serves as Board Chair of DC Appleseed.

Marc Montagner - Executive Vice President of Strategy, Development and Distribution. Mr. Montagner has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Strategy, Development and Distribution since February 2009. From 2007 to 2009 Mr. Montagner was Managing Director and Co-Head of the Global Telecom, Media and Technology Merger and Acquisition Group at Banc of America Securities. From 2002 to 2006 Mr. Montagner was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Nextel, and then Sprint Nextel. From 1994 to 2002, Mr. Montagner was a Managing Director in the Telecom and Media Group at Morgan Stanley.

Andrew Caplan – Chief Network Officer. Mr. Caplan has served as SkyTerra LP’s Chief Network Officer since January 2007. From 2005 to 2007 Mr. Caplan consulted with venture capital and private equity firms investing in telecommunications and technology companies, including serving as Executive in Residence for Columbia Capital. From 1996 to 2005 he founded and led Nextel Communications' national engineering organization, responsible for development, engineering, planning, and deployment of new technologies, products, and services, highlighted by the introduction of Nextel's nationwide and international Push-to-Talk feature. Prior to joining Nextel, Mr. Caplan served in progressive engineering, operations, and product development roles with MCI Communications from 1983 to 1995.

Randy S. Segal – Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Segal has served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 25, 2008. Ms. Segal has also been SkyTerra LP’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2004. From May 2001 to September 2004, Ms. Segal was Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Hughes Network Systems Inc. and served on Hughes Network Systems Inc.’s international subsidiaries’ boards of directors. Ms. Segal also served on the boards of directors of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. from 1999 to 2002 and SkyTerra GP Inc. from 2000 to 2001. From 1992 to 2001, Ms. Segal was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Motient Corporation. Ms. Segal practiced with Debevoise & Plimpton from 1983 prior to joining Motient Corporation in 1992. She also served as a Federal Law Clerk in the United States District Court, the Southern District of New York from 1981 to 1982 and in the Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals from 1982 to 1983.

James A. Wiseman – Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer). Mr. Wiseman has been the Company’s Vice President and Corporate Controller since August 2007. From May 2005 through August 2007, Mr. Wiseman, served as the Vice President Finance and Worldwide Controller of MicroStrategy, Inc.  From August 2004 through May 2005, Mr. Wiseman served as Vice President Corporate Finance, and from March 2001 through August 2004 as Vice President Corporate Accounting and Reporting of Discovery Communications. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Wiseman served as Corporate Controller for Surety Technologies, Inc. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Wiseman served various roles with Arthur Andersen, primarily audit, business consulting, and from 1996 to 1997, served as a senior leader of the Audit Continual Improvement Practice at Andersen’s World Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

 

 

Directors

Jose A. Cecin, Jr.  Mr. Cecin has served as a director of the Company since April 2008.   Currently, he is the President and founder of Lumina Advisors, a strategy, operations and corporate development advisory company. From 2003 to 2008, Mr. Cecin was Managing Director and Group Head of the Communications Investment Banking practice at BB&T Capital Markets, the investment banking division of BB&T Corporation. In 1999, he co-founded Cambrian Communications, a facilities-based telecommunications service provider, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Cecin was also a founder of Wave International, a financier and builder of telecommunications infrastructure in emerging markets, where from 1996 to 1999 he helped acquire, fund and build out competitive telecommunications infrastructure in Venezuela’s 5 largest cities. Mr. Cecin also previously served as Managing Director of Corporate Development at Bell Atlantic Corporation (now Verizon). He also previously served as an officer in the United States Army’s 25th Infantry Division. Mr. Cecin is currently an independent director of RCN Corporation, a triple-play cable television and telecommunications services company, and Arbinet-the Exchange Inc., a leading provider of international voice and IP solutions. Mr. Cecin earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.B.A. from Stanford University. Mr. Cecin serves on our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Special Committee.

Jeffrey M. Killeen. Mr. Killeen has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since October 1998. Since January 1, 2002, Mr. Killeen has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Globalspec, Inc., an information services company. Mr. Killeen was the Chief Executive Officer of Forbes.com from August 1999 to March 2001. Prior to that, from January 1998 to March 1999, Mr. Killeen was the Chief Operating Officer of barnesandnoble.com. Before joining barnesandnoble.com, Mr. Killeen served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Bell Interactive Media from August 1994 to January 1998. Mr. Killeen serves on the board of directors of drugstore.com, Inc. Mr. Killeen serves on our Audit Committee and Special Committee.

Paul S. Latchford, Jr. Mr. Latchford has served as a director of the Company since April 2008.  Mr. Latchford is Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spencer Trask Media & Communications Group LLC.  Prior to joining Spencer Trask in June 1999, Mr. Latchford served as Principal Vice President for Global Business Development in Bechtel Group, Inc. from February 1997 to June 1999.  Beginning in the early 1990’s Mr. Latchford held several regional business development positions in Bell Atlantic International, Inc. and was appointed Vice President of Business Development for the Asia Pacific Region in 1994. Mr. Latchford serves on our Compensation Committee.

William F. Stasior.  Mr. Stasior has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since April 2000. Mr. Stasior was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc., a management and technology consulting firm, from 1991 to 1999. Since October 1999, Mr. Stasior has been the Senior Chairman of Booz Allen. Mr. Stasior also serves on the boards of directors of OPNET Technologies, Inc., a software company that specializes in enhancing network performance for enterprises and service providers, and Vanu, Inc., a leading developer of software-defined radio technology. Mr. Stasior serves on our Audit Committee and Special Committee.

Michael D. Weiner. Mr. Weiner has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since June 2005. Mr. Weiner has been Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Ares Management since September 2006. Previously, Mr. Weiner was employed with Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private investment management firm and served as general counsel of the Apollo organization from 1992 to September 2006. Prior to joining Apollo, Mr. Weiner was a partner in the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius specializing in securities law, public and private financings, and corporate and commercial transactions. Mr. Weiner also serves on the board of directors of Hughes Communications, Inc.

Audit Committee

The Company’s Audit Committee is currently composed of three outside directors, Mr. Cecin, Mr. Killeen and Mr. Stasior, all of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent under Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Cecin is an “audit committee financial expert” within the applicable definition of the SEC.

 

 

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for its senior executive officers and senior financial officers, including its principal accounting officer and controller. This code of ethics has been approved by our Board of Directors, and has been designed to deter wrongdoing among directors, officers and employees and to promote honest and ethical conduct, full, fair, accurate and timely disclosure, compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, prompt internal reporting of code violations, and accountability for adherence to our code. A copy of the Code is filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K/A.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2008 its officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that with respect to two restricted stock grants to its directors Messrs. Killeen and Stasior the Form 4 filings were filed but delayed past the specified deadline.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Company’s Compensation Committee is empowered to review and approve, or recommend for the approval of the full Board of Directors, the annual compensation for the executive officers of the Company, as well as the officers of the subsidiary, SkyTerra LP. Our Compensation Committee takes an active role in reviewing compensation policies with respect to our executive officers who are also executive officers of SkyTerra LP, as SkyTerra LP is a consolidated subsidiary.

Objectives of Compensation Program

The primary objective of our compensation program, including our executive compensation program, is to attract and retain qualified management who can work in the Company’s dynamic business environment. A further objective of our compensation program is to provide incentives and reward each member of management for their contribution to the Company. In addition, we strive to promote an ownership mentality among key leadership and the Board of Directors. Finally, we endeavor to ensure that our compensation program is perceived as fundamentally fair to all stakeholders.

What Our Compensation Program is Designed to Reward

Our compensation program is designed to reward each executive’s contribution to the Company. In measuring the executive officers’ contribution to the Company, the Compensation Committee considers numerous subjective factors, which historically have focused on the transactional nature of the Company’s business in recent years, rather than more traditional metrics in light of the fluid nature of the Company’s business.

Regarding most compensation matters, including executive and director compensation, our management provides recommendations to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has not historically delegated any of its functions to others in setting compensation. We do not currently engage any consultant related to executive and/or director compensation matters.

Stock price performance has not been a significant factor in determining annual compensation because the price of the Company’s common stock is subject to significant fluctuations due to a variety of factors outside our control. The Company does not have an exact formula for allocating between cash and non-cash compensation, though historically we have provided little non-cash compensation, other than our equity programs. Cash compensation is generally paid as earned.

 

 

Elements of Our Compensation Plan and How They Relate to Our Objectives

Annual executive officer compensation consists of a base salary component and a discretionary annual bonus. It is the Compensation Committee’s intention to set total executive cash compensation sufficiently high to attract and retain a strong motivated leadership team, and recognize our executives’ roles in accomplishing extraordinary transactions. In 2008, in addition to their base salaries the Company’s executive officers received discretionary bonuses in accordance, where applicable, with their respective employment agreements or offer letter. Except for Robert Lewis, our former Senior Vice President and General Counsel whose employment terminated in April 2008, these bonuses were awarded based on the respective officers’ roles in helping the Company achieve or exceed certain pre-established objectives and operational milestones in 2008, including, among other things, completion of debt financings, achievement of technical milestones regarding our next generation network, and progress on strategic initiatives. The Compensation Committee considered these factors as well as other factors such as the current credit environment, individual officers’ performance and experience, and other non-quantitative criteria in exercising discretion to determine the amounts of each officer’s bonus payment.  

In April 2008 the Company’s Compensation Committee recommended revisions to certain aspects of Mr. Good’s and Mr. Macleod’s employment agreements in an effort to ensure retention of their services through a critical stage of the Company’s development. The Company entered into new employment contracts with Mr. Good and Mr. Macleod on May 5, 2008, the details of which are described below under “Employment Contracts.”

Similarly, in order to retain Mr. Caplan’s services through a critical stage of the Company’s development the Company’s Compensation Committee determined it was prudent to provide Mr. Caplan incentives aimed at retaining his services. On August 4, 2008 the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Caplan whereby it agreed to pay Mr. Caplan a retention bonus in two installments: the first installment of $175,000 was paid on August 15, 2008, and the second installment of $175,000 was paid on December 29, 2008. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, if prior to August 15, 2010, Mr. Caplan’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause, as defined in the Company’s 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan, or he terminates his employment with the Company for any reason or for no reason, he will repay to the Company that portion of the retention bonus that has previously been paid to him (without interest) within 30 days following actual termination. Additionally, as part of that agreement, the Company granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Caplan. The award was granted August 15, 2008 and will vest in full on August 15, 2010, unless Mr. Caplan’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause or he terminates his employment with the Company for any reason or for no reason.

Each of our executive officers has received stock option grants and/or restricted stock under either the Company’s 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan or the Company’s 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

On August 6, 2008 we completed an offer to all SkyTerra LP option holders as of that date, to grant them new SkyTerra options, generally in exchange for surrender and termination of their SkyTerra LP options (the “Option Exchange”). All participating U.S. SkyTerra LP option holders received options to purchase shares of SkyTerra common stock pursuant to the terms of the Option Exchange at a ratio of 2.82 SkyTerra options for each SkyTerra LP option terminated, with an exercise price equal to the exercise price of the SkyTerra LP options terminated divided by 2.82. Sale of all shares subject to the options received upon exchange is subject to restriction until May 1, 2010, with certain exceptions that could result in earlier release of the restrictions. All of the Company’s named executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table below who held SkyTerra LP options participated in the Option Exchange.

To date, the number of Company stock options or shares of Company restricted stock that have been granted to our named executive officers has been determined on a discretionary rather than a formula basis by the Compensation Committee. The 2006 fiscal year was the first year that we granted restricted stock, as opposed to options, to our named executive officers. The 2006 awards of restricted stock were designed to enhance retention and performance by providing for a three-year vesting schedule for one-third of the grant, and tying the other two-thirds to stock performance metrics. Subsequent grants were made without performance vesting elements, but in some cases included additional option grants that vested only upon achieving specified individual performance objectives, as summarized below.

 

 

On May 5, 2008 the Company granted Mr. Good and Mr. Macleod 600,000 and 400,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock. Each award vests in three equal, annual tranches beginning January 1, 2009. No other SkyTerra or SkyTerra LP equity awards were granted to any of the named executive officers in 2008, other than the restricted stock grant made to Mr. Caplan as summarized above.

On February 23, 2009 the Company granted Mr. Montagner the following options to purchase common stock of the Company: an option to purchase 300,000 shares at a strike price of $3.375 per share, which vests in three equal, annual tranches beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and an option to purchase 300,000 shares at a strike price of $3.375 per share, which vests upon the achievement of at least one performance condition from among several outlined in the grant, including completion of specified capital raising, distribution, or other strategic transactions. Additionally, on February 23, 2009 the Company granted Mr. Montagner 100,000 shares of restricted stock of the Company which vest in three equal, annual tranches beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

On March 6, 2009 the Company granted Mr. Epstein the following options to purchase common stock of the Company: an option to purchase 300,000 shares at a strike price of $2.85 per share, which vests in three equal, annual tranches beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and an option to purchase 300,000 shares at a strike price of $2.85 per share, which vests upon the achievement of at least one performance condition from among several outlined in the grant, including achievement of specified regulatory, spectrum and strategic milestones. Additionally, on March 6, 2009 the Company granted Mr. Epstein 100,000 shares of restricted stock of the Company which vest in three equal, annual tranches beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

How the Company Chose Amounts for Each Element

Each executive’s current and prior compensation is considered in setting future compensation. In addition, we informally review the compensation practices of other companies. The elements of our plan (e.g., base salary, bonus and stock options or restricted stock) are similar to the elements used by many companies. The exact base pay, stock grant, and bonus are chosen in an attempt to balance our competing objectives of fairness to all stakeholders and attracting/retaining our executives. For additional information regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, please see the Summary Compensation Table below.

Grant Policies

Subject to certain exceptions set forth below, the Company’s annual stock option grants to executives and others in recent years have coincided with the meeting of the Compensation Committee following year-end at which discretionary bonuses are considered. Except in the case of new hires, the Compensation Committee does not generally grant options on other dates. The grant date is established when the Company’s Compensation Committee approves the grant. The exercise price of each of our stock options grants under the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan is, in accordance with the 2006 Plan, to be at fair market value on the date of grant based on the average of the closing bid and ask price on the grant date. The 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan similarly provides for grants at the fair market value on the date of grant, though we do not expect significant activity under that plan. If at the time of any planned option grant date any member of our Board of Directors or executive team is aware of material non-public information, the Company would not generally make the planned stock option grant. In such event, as soon as practical after material information is made public, the Compensation Committee will have a specially called meeting and/or otherwise take all necessary steps to authorize a stock option grant. The Compensation Committee has fixed the form of agreement for such grants and delegated authority within a narrowly defined matrix for the Chief Executive Officer of the Company to make grants of options to purchase shares of Company common stock at the time of beginning employment with the Company or any subsidiary to individuals at the level of Vice President and below. For additional information regarding the grants of stock options and restricted stock to our named executive officers in 2008, please see the table entitled 2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards below.

As certain options issued by the Company to its employees were issued at exercise prices that were significantly above the then-fair market value of the underlying securities due to a significant decline in the trading value of the Company’s common stock subsequent to their respective issuances, the Compensation Committee determined that in order to properly incent and retain its employees, the exercise price of those options should be modified to the current market value of the underlying securities. On February 22, 2008 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a modification of certain outstanding options to purchase the Company’s common stock that decreased the exercise prices of certain options to an exercise price equal to the current fair market value of the underlying common stock.

 

 

Accounting and Tax Considerations

Under SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payments, we are required to value unvested stock options and restricted stock granted prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), and all options and restricted stock granted after our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), under the fair value method and expense those amounts in the income statement over the stock option’s vesting period.

We have generally structured our compensation program to comply with Internal Revenue Code Sections 162(m) and 409A. Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, a limitation is placed on tax deductions of any publicly-held corporation for individual compensation to certain executives of such corporation exceeding $1,000,000 in any taxable year, unless the compensation is performance-based. If an executive is entitled to nonqualified deferred compensation benefits that are subject to Section 409A, and such benefits do not comply with Section 409A, then the benefits are taxable in the first year they are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. In such case, the executive is subject to regular federal income tax, interest and an additional federal income tax of 20% of the benefit includible in income.

The 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan provides us with the ability to make cash based awards, as defined in the Plan, to an individual participant in the Plan of up to $2,500,000, in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis to be included in this Form 10-K/A. Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in this Form 10-K/A.

Compensation Committee

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2008, and Robert Lewis, for whom disclosure would have been provided but for the fact that he was not serving as an executive officer as of December 31, 2008 (collectively, the “named executive officers”).

                                              

 

 

 

(8)    Includes $9,200 of employer contributions to the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan, and $2,013 related to long-term disability benefits.

(9)    Includes $9,000 of employer contributions to the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan, and $2,339 related to long-term disability benefits.

 

 

Employment Contracts

Each of the named executive officers is party to an employment agreement, offer letter, or other contract that governs certain terms of their employment. The principal terms of these agreements are summarized below.

Mr. Good

Mr. Good is party to an employment agreement dated May 5, 2008, providing his employment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman, as well as Chief Executive Officer and President of SkyTerra LP and Vice Chairman of SkyTerra LP. Under Mr. Good’s employment agreement, during his term of employment, the Company and SkyTerra LP are required to nominate Mr. Good for election to their respective Boards of Directors. Mr. Good’s employment agreement has a three-year term and renews on a day-by-day, continuous basis. However, the remaining term may be modified upon a majority vote of the Boards of Directors of the Company and SkyTerra LP to be a three-year fixed term with automatic two-year renewals unless either party gives written notice at least 24 months prior to the term’s expiration that the term will not be extended.

Mr. Good’s annual base salary under his employment agreement is $625,200, and he is entitled to an annual bonus payment equal to 100% of his base salary. The Boards of the Company and SkyTerra LP may, however, elect to pay a bonus to Mr. Good that is less than 100% of base salary if the boards determine that Mr. Good failed to satisfactorily perform objectives mutually agreed upon by him and the Compensation Committee, and, in some circumstances, giving Mr. Good a reasonable period of time to cure such failure. The Boards of the Company and SkyTerra LP may also approve a bonus in an amount greater than 100% of base salary if Mr. Good

 

 

exceeds the Board’s expectations of his performance. The agreement also provides that the Company and SkyTerra LP will maintain life insurance for Mr. Good in an amount equal to two times his annual base salary and accident/long-term disability insurance at a level equal to 50% of his base salary.

Mr. Good’s employment agreement also provides severance benefits under the circumstances described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.” Mr. Good’s employment agreement also provides for certain benefits upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the employment agreement) described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

On December 18, 2006, Mr. Good was granted 400,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Good Restricted Stock”) under the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Good Restricted Stock will vest as follows: (i) 33.34% of the shares of Good Restricted Stock (133,334 shares) on December 18, 2009; (ii) 33.33% of the shares of Good Restricted Stock (133,333 shares) on the first day following the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the last sale price of the Company’s common stock or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of the common stock exceeds $20 per share; and (iii) 33.33% of the shares of Good Restricted Stock (133,333 shares) on the first day following the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the last sale price of the Company’s common stock or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of the common stock exceeds $25 per share.

Mr. Macleod

Mr. Macleod is party to an employment agreement dated May 5, 2008, providing his employment as the Company’s and SkyTerra LP’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement has a three-year term and renews on a day-by-day, continuous basis. However, the remaining term may be modified upon a majority vote of the Boards of Directors of the Company and SkyTerra LP to be a three-year fixed term with automatic one-year renewals unless either party gives written notice at least 12 months prior to the term’s expiration that the term will not be extended.

Mr. Macleod’s annual base salary under his employment agreement is $390,750, and he is entitled to an annual bonus payment equal to 75% of his base salary. The Boards of the Company and SkyTerra LP may, however, elect to pay a bonus to Mr. Macleod that is less than 75% of base salary if the boards determine that Mr. Macleod failed to satisfactorily perform objectives mutually agreed upon by him and the Compensation Committee, and, in some circumstances, giving Mr. Macleod a reasonable period of time to cure such failure. The Boards of the Company and SkyTerra LP may also approve a bonus in an amount greater than 75% of base salary if Mr. Macleod exceeds the Board’s expectations of his performance. The agreement also provides that the Company and SkyTerra LP will maintain life insurance for Mr. Macleod in an amount equal to two times his annual base salary and accident/long-term disability insurance at a level equal to 50% of his base salary.

Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement also provides severance benefits under the circumstances described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.” Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement also provides for certain benefits upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the employment agreement) described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

On December 18, 2006, Mr. Macleod was granted 200,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Macleod Restricted Stock”) under the Plan. The Macleod Restricted Stock will vest as follows: (i) 33.34% of the shares of Macleod Restricted Stock (66,667 shares) on December 18, 2009; (ii) 33.33% of the shares of Macleod Restricted Stock (66,666 shares) on the first day following the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the last sale price of the Company’s common stock or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of the common stock exceeds $20 per share; and (iii) 33.33% of the shares of Macleod Restricted Stock (66,666 shares) on the first day following the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the last sale price of the Company’s common stock or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of the Common Stock exceeds $25 per share.

 

 

Mr. Caplan

Mr. Caplan is party to an offer letter with SkyTerra LP dated January 13, 2007. Under this agreement, Mr. Caplan’s original base salary was $275,000 (which base salary has since been increased to $351,767) and his discretionary bonus target is 50% of his annualized salary. Mr. Caplan is also a party to certain retention bonus and restricted stock award aimed at retaining his services. On August 4, 2008 the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Caplan whereby it agreed to pay Mr. Caplan a retention bonus in two installments: the first installment of $175,000 was paid on August 15, 2008, and the second installment of $175,000 was paid on December 29, 2008. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, if prior to August 15, 2010, Mr. Caplan’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause, as defined in the Company’s 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan, or he terminates his employment with the Company (other than for “Good Reason” as defined in the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan), he will repay to the Company that portion of the retention bonus that has previously been paid to him (without interest) within 30 days following actual termination. Additionally, as part of that agreement, the Company granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Caplan. The award was granted August 15, 2008 and will vest in full on August 15, 2010, unless Mr. Caplan’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause or he terminates his employment with the Company (other than for “Good Reason” as defined in the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan). Mr. Caplan’s offer letter also provides severance benefits under the circumstances described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

Mr. Wiseman

Mr. Wiseman is party to an offer letter with SkyTerra LP dated July 13, 2007. Under this agreement, Mr. Wiseman’s original base salary was $220,000 (which base salary has since been increased to $232,706) and his discretionary bonus target is 30% of his annualized salary.  Under the offer letter, Mr. Wiseman received a one-time sign-on bonus of $44,000.  Mr. Wiseman’s offer letter also provides severance benefits under the circumstances described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

Ms. Segal

Ms. Segal is party to an executive severance agreement with SkyTerra Communications Inc. which provides severance and other benefits under the circumstances described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

Messrs. Montagner and Epstein

Messrs. Montagner and Epstein are each a party to an offer letter with SkyTerra Communications. Under their respective agreements, Messrs. Montagner’s and Epstein’s base salaries are each $407,161, and they are each eligible for an annual discretionary bonus equal to 75% of their respective base compensation, as determined by corporate and individual performance. Messrs. Montagner and Epstein’s respective offer letters also provide for certain benefits upon termination by the Company or by each of them for “Good Reason” as described under the caption “Potential Payments Upon Termination and Change of Control.”

 

 

2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table contains information concerning grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers in 2008.

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End - 2008

The following table shows outstanding SkyTerra equity awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2008.

As described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” on August 6, 2008 the Company completed an offer to all SkyTerra LP option holders as of that date, to grant them new SkyTerra options, generally in exchange for surrender and termination of their SkyTerra LP options (the “Option Exchange”). All participating U.S. SkyTerra LP option holders received options to purchase shares of SkyTerra common stock pursuant to the terms of the Option Exchange at a ratio of 2.82 SkyTerra options for each SkyTerra LP option terminated, with an exercise price equal to the exercise price of the SkyTerra LP options terminated divided by 2.82. Sale of all shares subject to the options received upon exchange is subject to restriction until May 1, 2010, with certain exceptions that could result in earlier release of the restrictions.

 

                                              

On May 5, 2008 a grant of 600,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Good became effective. The award vests in three equal, annual tranches beginning January 1, 2009.

 

 

which the last sale price or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of our common stock exceeds $20 per share; and (iii) 33.33% of the shares (66,666 shares) on the first day following the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the last sale price or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of our common stock exceeds $25 per share.

On May 5, 2008 a grant of 400,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Macleod became effective. The award vests in three equal, annual tranches beginning January 1, 2009.

On August 15, 2008 a grant of 50,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Caplan became effective. The award will vest in full on August 15, 2010.

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested – 2008

The following table summarizes the exercise of stock options and the vesting of stock awards held by our named executive officers during 2008.

                                              

On January 27, 2006, SkyTerra LP granted 50,000 phantom SkyTerra LP Limited Investor Units to Mr. Macleod. This phantom unit award vests over five years as follows: 20,000 units vested on the second anniversary of the grant and 10,000 units will vest on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant thereafter, subject to certain acceleration provisions. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, upon vesting, the phantom SkyTerra LP Limited Investor Units are payable either in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at a ratio of 2.82 shares of the

 

 

common stock per limited investor unit (ratio of options to purchase shares of SkyTerra common stock received in exchange for SkyTerra LP options by participants in the Option Exchange). Upon the vesting of 20,000 units in January 2008 the Company paid Mr. Macleod $365,895 cash in lieu of shares.

 

Pension Plan / Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

None of the named executive officers participate in any deferred benefit pension plan or nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

Mr. Good

Mr. Good has entered into an employment agreement with the Company (described above under “Employment Contracts”). Pursuant to the employment agreement, if Mr. Good's employment is terminated without Cause (as defined below) or upon Mr. Good’s termination of his employment for Good Reason (as defined below), Mr. Good will be entitled to the following:

Mr. Good’s employment may not be terminated for Good Reason unless he provides the Company and SkyTerra LP with written notice stating the basis of such termination and the Company and SkyTerra LP fail to cure the action or inaction constituting such basis within 30 days after receipt of such notice.

For purposes of Mr. Good’s employment agreement, the term “Cause” means:

(a)  the willful and continued failure of the executive to substantially perform his duties with the Company and SkyTerra LP (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the executive by the Boards of the Company and SkyTerra GP Inc., SkyTerra LP’s corporate general partner, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the executive has not substantially performed his duties;

(b)  the willful engaging by the executive in gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company or SkyTerra LP;

(c)  material breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or SkyTerra LP that results in personal profit to the executive at the expense of the Company or SkyTerra LP; or

(d)  the executive is convicted of or pleads nolo contendre to a state or Federal felony, or the executive willfully violates any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations, misdemeanors or similar offenses) or cease-and-desist order, court order, judgment or supervisory agreement, which violation is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company or SkyTerra LP.

 

 

For purposes of Mr. Good’s employment agreement, the term “Good Reason” means:

(a)  a material diminution in the executive’s duties inconsistent with the executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities contemplated by the employment agreement, or any other action by the Company or SkyTerra LP which results in a material diminution in any respect in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith that is remedied by the Company or SkyTerra LP promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the executive;

(b)  a change in the executive’s reporting from solely and directly to the Boards of the Company and SkyTerra LP;

(c)  a material reduction in annual base salary or a material reduction in annual bonus from the existing level of 100% of base salary;

(d)  the Company or SkyTerra LP requiring the executive to be based at any office more than 25 miles from the executive’s current office in Reston, VA;

(e)  a material diminution in the executive’s benefits as a result of the failure by the Company or SkyTerra LP (i) to continue in effect any compensation plan in which the executive participates that is material to the executive’s total compensation, unless he has been offered participation in an economically equivalent compensation arrangement or (ii) to continue the executive’s participation in any such compensation plan on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of compensation provided and the level of the executive’s participation relative to other participants, than existed prior to such failure;

(f)the material failure by the Company or SkyTerra LP to continue to provide the executive with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by the executive under any of the Company’s or SkyTerra LP’s pension, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability or other welfare plans in which the executive was participating immediately prior to such failure; or

Mr. Good’s employment agreement provides that, immediately prior to a change in control (as defined below), the vesting of all Company and SkyTerra LP options and restricted stock will be accelerated and, in the case of stock options, shall remain exercisable for their respective original terms.

For purposes of Mr. Good’s employment agreement, the term “change in control” means any of the following:

(a)  any person or group of persons (as defined in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), but other than Harbinger Capital Partners or affiliated funds of Harbinger Capital Partners, together with its affiliates, excluding employee benefit plans, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company or SkyTerra LP representing 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s or SkyTerra LP’s then outstanding securities;

(b)  the dissolution or liquidation of SkyTerra LP or a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company or SkyTerra LP with one or more other entities in which the Company or SkyTerra LP is not the surviving entity, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company or SkyTerra LP to another person or entity (excluding a merger of SkyTerra LP into the Company);

(c)  any transaction (including without limitation a merger or reorganization in which the Company or SkyTerra LP is the surviving entity) which results in any person or entity (other than Harbinger Capital Partners or affiliated funds of Harbinger Capital Partners) owning more than 50% of the combined voting power of all classes of securities of the Company or SkyTerra LP;

(d)  in instances where Harbinger Capital Partners or affiliated funds of Harbinger Capital Partners own or control more than 50% of the combined voting power of all classes of securities of the Company or SkyTerra LP, any transaction which results in a third party owning or controlling more than 50% of Harbinger Capital Partners’ or affiliated funds of Harbinger Capital Partners’ combined voting power of all classes of securities in the Company or SkyTerra LP; and

 

 

 

(e)  individuals who at the beginning of any two-year period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company or SkyTerra GP Inc., plus new directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders or SkyTerra LP’s partners is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors of the Company or SkyTerra GP Inc. still in office who were directors at the beginning of such two-year period, cease for any reason during such two-year period to constitute at least two-thirds of the members of the applicable Board.

A change in control does not include (i) an initial public offering by SkyTerra LP or any successor thereto, (ii) the consummation of the conversion of SkyTerra LP or its business into a corporation or (iii) any transaction resulting in SkyTerra’s ownership in SkyTerra LP increasing.

Mr. Good’s employment agreement requires the Company and SkyTerra LP to make a “gross-up” payment to Mr. Good in an amount necessary to cover any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on payments to Mr. Good in the event of a change in control or if any other payments or benefits payable to Mr. Good under the employment agreement or otherwise are subject to such excise tax.

Mr. Macleod

Mr. Macleod has entered into an employment agreement with the Company (described above under “Employment Contracts”). Pursuant to the employment agreement, if Mr. Macleod’s employment is terminated without Cause (as defined above in the description of Mr. Good’s agreement) or upon Mr. Macleod’s termination of his employment for Good Reason (as defined below), Mr. Macleod will be entitled to the following:

Mr. Macleod’s employment may not be terminated for Good Reason unless he provides the Company and SkyTerra LP with written notice stating the basis of such termination and the Company and SkyTerra LP fail to cure the action or inaction constituting such basis within 30 days after receipt of such notice.

For purposes of Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement, the term “Good Reason” has the same meaning as described above for Mr. Good under his employment agreement, except that clause (b) in such definition refers to a change in the executive’s reporting from solely and directly to Mr. Good (other than by reason of Mr. Good’s voluntary termination, termination due to death or disability, or termination for Cause).

Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement provides that, immediately prior to a change in control (as defined above in the description of Mr. Good’s agreement), the vesting of all Company and SkyTerra LP options and restricted stock will be accelerated and, in the case of stock options, shall remain exercisable for their respective original terms.

Mr. Macleod’s employment agreement requires the Company and SkyTerra LP to make a “gross-up” payment to Mr. Macleod in an amount necessary to cover any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on payments to Mr. Macleod in the event of a change in control or if any other payments or benefits payable to Mr. Macleod under the employment agreement or otherwise are subject to such excise tax.

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Awards for Messrs. Good and Macleod   

The agreements governing Mr. Good’s and Mr. Macleod’s Company restricted stock awards provide that upon the termination by the Company of the executive’s employment other than for “Cause” (as defined in the agreement and as described below), or as a result of death or disability, or if the executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement and as described below), all vesting restrictions will lapse with respect to any time vesting shares, and performance vesting shares will remain outstanding on such terms as are set forth in the agreement. Upon a change of control of the Company, the restricted stock will remain outstanding and subject to the vesting restrictions contained in the agreement.

For purposes of Mr. Good’s and Mr. Macleod’s restricted stock award agreements, “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure by the executive substantially to perform his or her duties and obligations to the Company or a subsidiary, including without limitation, repeated refusal to follow the reasonable directions of the employer, knowing violation of law in the course of performance of the duties of the executive’s employment with the Company or a subsidiary, repeated absences from work without a reasonable excuse, or intoxication with alcohol or illegal drugs while on the premises of the Company or a subsidiary during regular business hours (other than any such failure resulting from his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) fraud, dishonesty or other conduct that negatively effects the Company or a subsidiary, or other willful misconduct by the executive that is in the good faith opinion of the Compensation Committee injurious to the Company or a subsidiary; (iii) a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to a felony or a crime involving material dishonesty; or (iv) refusal to cooperate in any lawful internal investigation approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

For purposes of Mr. Good’s and Mr. Macleod’s restricted stock award agreements, “Good Reason” means the occurrence (without the executive’s express written consent) of any of the following events: (i) a ten or more percent reduction in the executive’s annual base salary (including any base salary paid by SkyTerra LP to executive) as in effect immediately prior the date of the agreement; (ii) being stripped of the title of CEO or CFO, as the case may be, at either the Company or SkyTerra LP; or (iii) the relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the executive’s principal place of employment immediately prior to the date hereof or the Company’s requiring the executive to be based anywhere other than such principal place of employment (or permitted relocation thereof) except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the executive’s business travel obligations prior to the date of the agreement.

Mr. Caplan

Mr. Caplan’s offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated during the three year period following January 29, 2007 without cause, Mr. Caplan is entitled to (i) the sum of his annual base salary and target bonus and (ii) immediate vesting of and continued ability to exercise options for one year following termination of employment and continued vesting or exercise of restricted stock.

The agreement covering Mr. Caplan’s Company stock options provides that: (i) upon the termination by SkyTerra LP of Mr. Caplan’s employment other than for Cause (as defined in the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan), all unvested options will immediately vest and remain exercisable for one year from the date of termination; (ii) upon the termination by Mr. Caplan of his employment with the Company for good reason within one year following a change of control of the Company, all unvested options will immediately vest and remain exercisable for one year from the date of such termination; and (iii) upon the termination by Mr. Caplan of his employment with the Company, other than for good reason, within one year following a change of control of the Company, Mr. Caplan has 90 days from the termination to exercise any vested options and all unvested options are extinguished on the date of such termination.  

The agreement covering Mr. Caplan’s Company restricted stock provides that: (i) upon the termination by SkyTerra LP of Mr. Caplan’s employment other than for Cause (as defined in the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan), all unvested restricted stock will immediately vest.

Under Mr. Caplan’s Change of Control Agreement with SkyTerra LP, if  a change of control of SkyTerra LP (as defined in the  agreement) occurs and, within two years following such change of control, SkyTerra LP terminates Mr. Caplan’s employment without cause or Mr. Caplan terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Caplan is entitled to (i) a lump sum severance payment in an amount equal to the sum of  Mr. Caplan’s base salary and his average bonus for 12  months; and (ii) continued coverage of group term life insurance, health insurance, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits for a period of 12 months following the termination.

 

 

Ms. Segal

Ms. Segal has entered into an executive severance agreement with the Company. The term of the agreement extends through June 30, 2012, with provisions for annual extensions or termination beginning July 1, 2011, on 15 months’ notice. Pursuant to the severance agreement, if Ms. Segal’s employment is terminated without Cause (as defined above in the description of Mr. Good’s agreement) or upon Ms. Segal’s termination of her employment for Good Reason (as defined below), Ms. Segal will be entitled to the following:

Ms. Segal may not terminate her employment for Good Reason unless she provides the Company with written notice stating the basis of such termination, the Company fails to cure the action or inaction constituting such basis within 30 days after receipt of such notice, and Ms. Segal then terminates her employment within six months following the initial existence of such Good Reason.

For purposes of Ms. Segal’s agreement, the term “Good Reason” has the same meaning as described above for Mr. Good under his employment agreement, except that clause (a) provides that “Good Reason” would include any change in Ms. Segal’s function, status and/or title so that she is no longer the chief officer responsible for her function at the Company, clause (b) is not included, and clause (c) references Ms. Segal’s target bonus.

Under Messrs. Montagner’s and Epstein’s offer letters, if their respective employment is terminated without Cause (as defined below) or upon their respective termination of employment for Good Reason (as defined below), each of them would be entitled to the following:

Messrs. Montagner and Epstein’s employment may not be terminated for Good Reason unless they provide the Company with written notice stating the basis of such termination and the Company fails to cure the action or inaction constituting such basis within 30 days after receipt of such notice.

For purposes of Messrs. Montagner and Epstein’s offer letters, the following definitions are provided:

The term “Cause” shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure of the executive to substantially perform his duties with the company (other than as may result from incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) the willful engaging by the executive in gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company; (iii) material breach of fiduciary duty to the Company that results in personal profit to the executive at the expense of the Company; or (iv) the executive is convicted or pleads nolo contendre to a felony under Federal or state law or willfully violates any law, rule or regulation, or any cease-and-desist order, court order, judgment or supervisory agreement, which violation is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

 

 

The term “Good Reason” shall mean any material adverse change to the offer letter, including (i) a material reduction of salary or bonus; (ii) a material reduction in title and/or scope of responsibilities; and (iii) relocation of the office to greater than 50 miles from the Reston office location.

Mr. Wiseman

Mr. Wiseman’s offer letter provides that if his employment is terminated during the two year period following August 20, 2007 without cause, Mr. Wiseman is entitled to six months of salary and target bonus.

The agreement covering Mr. Wiseman’s Company stock options provides that: (i) upon the termination by the Company or SkyTerra LP of Mr. Wiseman’s employment other than for Cause (as defined in the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan), all unvested options will immediately vest and remain exercisable for one year from the date of termination; (ii) upon the termination by Mr. Wiseman of his employment with the Company for good reason within one year following a change of control of the Company, all unvested options will immediately vest and remain exercisable for one year from the date of such termination; and (iii) upon the termination by Mr. Wiseman of his employment with the Company, other than for good reason, within one year following a change of control of the Company, Mr. Wiseman has 90 days from the termination to exercise any vested options and all unvested options are extinguished on the date of such termination.  

Under Mr. Wiseman’s Change of Control Agreement with SkyTerra LP, if  a change of control of SkyTerra LP (as defined in the  agreement) occurs and, within two years following such change of control, SkyTerra LP terminates Mr. Wiseman’s employment without cause or Mr. Wiseman terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Wiseman is entitled to (i) a lump sum severance payment in an amount equal to the sum of  Mr. Wiseman’s base salary and his average bonus for 12  months; and (ii) continued coverage of group term life insurance, health insurance, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits for a period of 12 months following the termination.

 

Quantification of Potential Payments

Assuming that the named executive officer's employment was terminated on the last day of our 2008 fiscal year, the table below shows the amounts that would have been paid to each of our named executive officers based on the termination circumstances set forth in the table.

                                              

 

 

 

This amount also includes the value of 30,000 SkyTerra LP phantom units that would vest upon termination following a change in control of SkyTerra LP or termination without cause. Because the phantom award is payable in shares of SkyTerra stock instead of SkyTerra LP limited partnership interests, the market value shown is based on the market value of $1.815 per share of SkyTerra common stock on December 31, 2008 and a conversion ratio of 2.82 shares of SkyTerra common stock per unit of SkyTerra LP limited partnership interest. Excludes the value of 133,333 unvested shares of the Company’s restricted stock that have performance vesting conditions that would not have been met as of the last day of our 2008 fiscal year.

 

Compensation of Directors

Prior to April 2008, each non-employee director received a per meeting fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors and $500 for each committee meeting attended, along with expenses incurred in connection with attending each meeting.

 

In April 2008, as a result of a study demonstrating that the Company’s existing Board compensation arrangements were significantly below the norm for similar companies in its industry, the Board approved a revised compensation program for outside directors. As of April 2008, each non-employee director is paid an annual retainer of $30,000, each member of the Audit Committee is paid an annual retainer of $7,500, and each member of the Compensation Committee is paid an annual retainer of $2,500. These annual retainers are in lieu of payments on a per meeting basis. A one time payment of $50,000 and $25,000 was made in 2008 to the special committee chair and to the members, respectively, and they receive quarterly retainers of $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.

 

On May 1, 2008 the Company granted an option to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $8.15 per share, to each non-executive director serving as of that date. From time to time, directors may be granted additional options to purchase common stock, or other equity awards, under our 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan.

 

On April 8, 2008, the Board also made grants of restricted stock to Mr. Killeen and Mr. Stasior, both of whom are independent directors, in recognition of their long-time service to the Board during periods when the Board’s director compensation arrangements were below industry norms. Mr. Killeen was granted a restricted stock award of 80,000 shares, and Mr. Stasior was granted a restricted stock award of 55,000 shares. Both of these awards were scheduled to vest upon the earlier of December 1, 2008, two days following the filing by the Company of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, or such date as the director is not re-nominated for election to the Board of Directors. On November 10, 2008 the Compensation Committee of the Company modified the vesting conditions of Mr. Killeen’s grant.  As a result of this modification Mr. Killeen’s option is scheduled to vest on the earlier of July 1, 2009 or such date he is not re-nominated for the Board. Mr. Stasior’s option vested in accordance with the original terms on November 12, 2008.

 

 

2008 Director Compensation

                                              

 

 

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table and notes thereto set forth certain information, as of April 24, 2009 (except as noted otherwise), regarding beneficial ownership of the shares of voting common stock of the Company by (i) each person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of such common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s named executive officers, (iii) each director and nominee for director, and (iv) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the stockholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as owned by them. Except as otherwise noted below, the street address of the beneficial owner is c/o SkyTerra Communications, Inc., 10802 Parkridge Boulevard, Reston, Virginia 20191.

 

 

 

 

                                              

 

 

The amount shown in this column excludes 2,077,533 shares of voting common stock currently held in escrow, which certain of the Harbinger funds referenced above have the right to receive upon the FCC’s approval of Harbinger’s application to acquire control of the Company, and as to which such Harbinger funds disclaim beneficial ownership.

The Master Fund may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of and voting power with respect to 44,766,897 shares of our voting common stock with Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (“Harbinger LLC”), the Investment Manager of the Master Fund; Harbinger Holdings, LLC (“Harbinger Holdings”), the Managing Member of Harbinger LLC; and Philip Falcone, the Managing Member of Harbinger Holdings and the Portfolio Manager of the Master Fund. Each of Harbinger LLC, Harbinger Holdings, and Philip Falcone disclaims beneficial ownership of the Master Fund shares, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. The Special Situations Fund may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of and voting power with respect to 18,932,323 shares of our voting common stock with Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC (“HCPSS”), the General Partner of the Special Situations Fund; Harbinger Holdings, the Managing Member of HCPSS; and Philip Falcone, the Portfolio Manager of the Special Situations Fund. Each of HCPSS, Harbinger Holdings, and Philip Falcone disclaims beneficial ownership of the Special Situations Fund’s shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. HCP Fund I may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of and voting power with respect to 1,016,956 shares of our voting common stock with Harbinger Capital Partners GP, LLC, the General Partner of HCP Fund I; Harbinger Holdings, the managing member of Harbinger Capital Partners GP, LLC, and Philip Falcone, the managing member of Harbinger Holdings. Harbinger Capital Partners GP, LLC, Harbinger Holdings and Philip Falcone disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares owned by HCP Fund I except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

The amount shown in this column excludes 7,906,737 shares of non-voting common stock currently held in escrow, which certain of the Harbinger funds referenced above have the right to receive upon the FCC’s approval of Harbinger’s application to acquire control of the Company, and as to which such Harbinger funds disclaim beneficial ownership.   

 

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS

The following table and notes thereto set forth, as of December 31, 2008, information with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock which may be issued under existing equity compensation plans and individual arrangements.

 

                                     

 

 

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Employment Agreements

For a description of the employment agreements between us and certain of our executive officers, please see the descriptions included in Item 11 – Executive Compensation under the heading “Employment Contracts and Change in Control Arrangements.”

Apollo Investment Fund IV L.P. and Affiliates

Apollo Advisors L.P. and its affiliates (Apollo) held a significant number of shares of SkyTerra common stock through April 2008. Two of the six Directors of SkyTerra were partners at Apollo through such time. As such, transactions with entities controlled by or affiliated with Apollo, through April 2008 are related party transactions.

  Hughes Network Systems LLC

Hughes Network Systems LLC (HNS) is a former subsidiary of SkyTerra and indirectly controlled by Apollo. SkyTerra LP acquired services and equipment from HNS in an amount of $21.5 million, $8.8 million and $8.4 million, during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In October 2006, SkyTerra LP entered into a preferred provider agreement with HNS. Under this agreement, for a period of five years SkyTerra LP will grant preferred provider status to HNS for the provision of certain engineering and other services and the manufacture of certain equipment, in each case expected to be used by SkyTerra LP in developing and deploying its next generation integrated network. In November 2006, SkyTerra LP entered into an agreement with HNS to purchase four satellite base transceiver subsystems for a price, as amended of $43.7 million.

TerreStar Networks

TerreStar Corporation owns a controlling interest in TerreStar Networks. The Company owns 11.1% of TerreStar Networks. SkyTerra LP had granted options to purchase the common stock of TerreStar Networks to certain employees of SkyTerra LP prior to the spin-off of TerreStar Networks, which are vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2008. SkyTerra LP and TerreStar Networks operate under an intellectual property development sharing arrangement.

In May 2005, SkyTerra LP and TerreStar Networks entered into a management services agreement whereby SkyTerra LP provides technical and program management efforts associated with ATC network development as well as administrative support required to accomplish these tasks. In May 2006, SkyTerra LP discontinued providing management services to TerreStar Networks, but continued to share intellectual property development.

According to publicly available information, the Company understands that Harbinger owns a significant investment in TerreStar Corporation.

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons

Under our standing practices and procedures, transactions with related persons must be approved by the independent members of our Board of Directors. Certain limited transactions, such as transactions previously approved by our Board of Directors and disclosed in our Form 10-Ks and proxy statements, compensation arrangements between us and our officers and directors and transactions entered into the ordinary course of business are excluded from these requirements.

We do not have a written conflicts of interest policy, but it is specifically understood by us and our Board of Directors, that each of our directors, officers and employees has a responsibility to avoid, and to cause their immediate family members to avoid, any interest, activity or relationship that may interfere or conflict with, the performance of his or her duties to the company in a loyal and effective manner to the best of his or her ability and

 

 

in the company’s best interest. It is also recognized that conflicts of interest do not include any interest, relationship or activity in which an interested person has a direct or indirect involvement or interest if the terms of such interest, relationship or activity are at least as favorable to the company as terms that would be available at the time for a comparable interest, relationship or activity in arm’s length dealings with unrelated third parties.

Other

Certain of our directors and officers serve on the board of directors of affiliates, including SkyTerra LP. Such directors and officers have received stock-based compensation from such affiliates for their service. The amount of stock-based compensation received by our directors and officers is comparable to stock-based compensation awarded to other non-executive members of the affiliates’ board of directors.

On December 15, 2006, our Board of Directors approved a form of Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”) to be entered into between us and our directors and officers. Effective as of December 18, 2006, we entered into a separate Indemnification Agreement with each of the following persons: Andrew Africk, Alexander Good, Jeffrey Killeen, Jeffrey Leddy, Robert Lewis, Scott Macleod, William Stasior, Aaron Stone and Michael Weiner. We executed agreements with Messrs. Cecin and Latchford as of April 10, 2008. We may from time to time enter into additional indemnification agreements with future directors and officers or other key personnel.

Each of the Indemnification Agreements provides, among other things, that we will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless each indemnitee if, by reason of such indemnitee’s status as a director or officer of SkyTerra, such indemnitee was, is or is threatened to be made a party or a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, against all losses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in writing in advance by us) and incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. In addition, each of the Indemnification Agreements provides for the advancement of expenses incurred by the indemnitee in connection with any proceeding covered by the agreement, subject to certain exceptions. None of the Indemnification Agreements precludes any other rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses to which the indemnitee may be entitled, including but not limited to, any rights arising under our governance documents, or any other agreement, any vote of our stockholders or any applicable law.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We operate our business according to high standards of ethical conduct, integrity and accountability. We have implemented governance policies and practices, that we believe meet or exceed the standards defined in the applicable laws and regulations, including the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

In determining the independence of our directors, the Board of Directors has adopted independence standards that mirror exactly the criteria specified by the Marketplace Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. Applying these independence standards, our Board has determined that all of our directors other than Mr. Good are “independent” within the meaning of the Marketplace Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. In making this determination, the Board of Directors considered all transactions in which we and any director were participants, including those discussed under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” above and other transactions that were ordinary course of business transactions in which the independent directors did not have a material direct or indirect interest. Mr. Good, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is not “independent” within the meaning of the Marketplace Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Aggregate fees for professional services rendered to us and SkyTerra LP by Ernst & Young LLP for work performed during the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized in the table below.

 

 

 

Pursuant to a pre-approval policy, the Audit Committee approved all audit services and the payment of audit, audit related fees, tax fees and all other fees during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

Dated: May 8, 2009

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.