UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

DISH Network Corporation

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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GRAPHIC

 

March 23, 2012

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER:

 

It is a pleasure for me to extend to you an invitation to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DISH Network Corporation.  The Annual Meeting will be held on May 2, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., local time, at DISH Network’s headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.

 

The enclosed Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe the proposals to be considered and voted upon at the Annual Meeting.  During the Annual Meeting, we will also review DISH Network’s operations and other items of general interest regarding the corporation.

 

We hope that all shareholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting.  Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting personally, it is important that you be represented.  To ensure that your vote will be received and counted, please vote electronically via the Internet, by mail or telephone, by following the instructions included with your proxy card.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and senior management, I would like to express our appreciation for your support and interest in DISH Network.  I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

GRAPHIC

 

CHARLES W. ERGEN

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

 



 

GRAPHIC

 

NOTICE OF 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DISH NETWORK CORPORATION:

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DISH Network Corporation will be held on May 2, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., local time, at our headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112, for the following purposes:

 

1.              To elect nine directors to our Board of Directors;

 

2.              To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; and

 

3.              To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

 

You may vote on these matters in person or by proxy.  Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we ask that you vote by one of the following methods to ensure that your shares will be represented at the meeting in accordance with your wishes:

 

·                  Vote electronically through the Internet or by telephone, by following the instructions included with your proxy card; or

 

·                  Vote by mail, by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed addressed stamped envelope.

 

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2012 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.  This proxy statement and proxy card were either made available to you over the Internet or mailed to you beginning on or about March 23, 2012.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

GRAPHIC

 

R. STANTON DODGE

 

Executive Vice President, General Counsel

 

and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

March 23, 2012

 

 

 

9601 S. Meridian Blvd. · Englewood, Colorado 80112 · Tel: (303) 723-1000 · Fax: (303) 723-1999

 



 

PROXY STATEMENT

OF

DISH NETWORK CORPORATION

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH Network,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Corporation”).  The Annual Meeting will be held on May 2, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., local time, at our headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.

 

This Proxy Statement is being sent or provided on or about March 23, 2012, to holders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2012 of our Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Shares”) and Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Shares”).

 

Your proxy is being solicited by our Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”).  It may be revoked by written notice given to our Secretary at our headquarters at any time before being voted.  You may also revoke your proxy by submitting a proxy with a later date or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.  To vote electronically through the Internet or by telephone, please refer to the instructions included with the proxy card.  To vote by mail, please complete the accompanying proxy card and return it to us as instructed in the proxy card.  Votes submitted electronically through the Internet or by telephone or mail must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 1, 2012.  Submitting your vote electronically through the Internet or by telephone or mail will not affect your right to vote in person, if you choose to do so.  Proxies that are properly delivered to us and not revoked before the closing of the polls during the Annual Meeting will be voted for the proposals described in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the instructions set forth on the proxy card.  The Board is currently not aware of any matters proposed to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than the election of nine directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.  If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote on that matter.  Your presence at the Annual Meeting does not of itself revoke your proxy.

 

Attendance at the Meeting

 

All of our shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2012, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting.  Seating is limited, however, and admission to the Annual Meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Registration and seating will begin at 12:30 p.m., local time, and the Annual Meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m., local time.  Each shareholder may be asked to present a valid government issued photo identification confirming his or her identity as a shareholder of record, such as a driver’s license or passport.  Cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting.

 

If your shares are held by a broker, bank, or other nominee (often referred to as holding in “street name”) and you desire to attend the Annual Meeting, you will need to bring a legal proxy or a copy of a brokerage or bank statement reflecting your share ownership as of the record date, March 7, 2012.  All shareholders must check in at the registration desk at the Annual Meeting.

 

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Securities Entitled to Vote

 

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2012 are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting.  Such shareholders may vote shares held by them at the close of business on March 7, 2012 at the Annual Meeting.  At the close of business on March 7, 2012, 208,903,746 Class A Shares and 238,435,208 Class B Shares were outstanding.  Each of the Class A Shares is entitled to one vote per share on each proposal to be considered by our shareholders.  Each of the Class B Shares is entitled to ten votes per share on each proposal to be considered by our shareholders.

 

Vote Required

 

In accordance with our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (our “Articles of Incorporation”), the presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all classes of our voting stock taken together shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.

 

The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total votes cast for directors at the Annual Meeting is necessary to elect a director.  No cumulative voting is permitted.  The nine nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast “for” will be elected.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.  The total number of votes cast “for” will be counted for purposes of determining whether sufficient affirmative votes have been cast to approve the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Abstentions from voting on a proposal by a shareholder at the Annual Meeting, as well as broker nonvotes, will be considered for purposes of determining the number of total votes present at the Annual Meeting.  Abstentions will have the same effect as votes “against” the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.  However, abstentions will not be counted as “against” or “for” the election of directors.  Broker nonvotes will not be considered in determining the election of directors or the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, currently possesses approximately 90.4% of the total voting power.  Please see “Equity Security Ownership” below.  Mr. Ergen has indicated his intention to vote: (1) for the election of each of the nine director nominees and (2) for the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.  Accordingly, the election of each of the director nominees and the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm are assured notwithstanding a contrary vote by any or all shareholders other than Mr. Ergen.

 

Householding

 

We have adopted a procedure approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) called “householding.”  Under this procedure, service providers that deliver our communications to shareholders may deliver a single copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to multiple shareholders sharing the same address, unless one or more of these shareholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies.  Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.  This householding procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

 

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We will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.  Please notify Broadridge Financial Solutions at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717 or (800) 542-1061 to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

 

If you are eligible for householding, but you and other shareholders with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of our annual reports, proxy statements and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or if you hold stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for your household, please contact Broadridge Financial Solutions at the address provided above.

 

Our Mailing Address

 

Our mailing address is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Nominees

Our shareholders will elect a board of nine directors at the Annual Meeting.  Each of the directors is expected to hold office until the next annual meeting of our shareholders or until his or her respective successor shall be duly elected and qualified.  The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total votes cast for directors is necessary to elect a director.  This means that the nine nominees who receive the most votes will be elected to the nine open directorships even if they get less than a majority of the votes cast.  Each nominee has consented to his or her nomination and has advised us that he or she intends to serve if elected.  If at the time of the meeting one or more of the nominees have become unable to serve: (i) shares represented by proxies will be voted for the remaining nominees and for any substitute nominee or nominees; or (ii) the Board of Directors may, in accordance with our bylaws, reduce the size of the Board of Directors or may leave a vacancy until a nominee is identified.

 

The nominees for director are as follows:

 

Name

 

Age

 

First Became Director

 

Position with the Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Clayton

 

62

 

2011

 

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

James DeFranco

 

59

 

1980

 

Director and Executive Vice President

Cantey M. Ergen

 

56

 

2001

 

Director and Senior Advisor

Charles W. Ergen

 

59

 

1980

 

Chairman

Steven R. Goodbarn

 

54

 

2002

 

Director

Gary S. Howard

 

61

 

2005

 

Director

David K. Moskowitz

 

53

 

1998

 

Director and Senior Advisor

Tom A. Ortolf

 

61

 

2005

 

Director

Carl E. Vogel

 

54

 

2005

 

Director and Senior Advisor

 

The following sets forth the business experience of each of the nominees over the last five years:

 

Joseph P. ClaytonMr. Clayton has served on the Board since June 2011, and currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Clayton previously served on the Board of Directors of EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) from October 2008 until June 2011.  Mr. Clayton served as Chairman of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (“Sirius”) from November 2004 through July 2008 and served as Chief Executive Officer of Sirius from November 2001 through November 2004.  Prior to joining Sirius, Mr. Clayton served as President of Global Crossing North America, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Corporation and as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales - Americas and Asia, of Thomson S.A.  Mr. Clayton is also currently serving on the Board of Directors of Transcend Services, Inc.  The Board concluded that Mr. Clayton should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his experience in the radio broadcast and telecommunications industries, including his prior service with Sirius and Frontier Corporation.

 

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James DeFrancoMr. DeFranco is one of our Executive Vice Presidents and has been one of our vice presidents and a member of the Board since our formation.  During the past five years he has held various executive officer and director positions with DISH Network and our subsidiaries.  Mr. DeFranco co-founded DISH Network with Charles W. Ergen and Cantey Ergen in 1980.  The Board concluded that Mr. DeFranco should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network since its formation, particularly in sales and marketing.

 

Cantey M. Ergen.  Mrs. Ergen has served on the Board since May 2001, is currently a Senior Advisor to us and has had a variety of operational responsibilities with us over the past 30 years. Mrs. Ergen has served on the board of directors of The Children’s Hospital of Denver since 2001 and served on the board of trustees of The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Denver from 1999 to 2001. Mrs. Ergen co-founded DISH Network with her husband, Charles W. Ergen, and James DeFranco, in 1980.  The Board concluded that Mrs. Ergen should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, her knowledge of DISH Network since its formation and her service to us in a multitude of roles over the years.

 

Charles W. ErgenMr. Ergen serves as our executive Chairman and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of DISH Network since its formation.  During the past five years, Mr. Ergen has held various executive officer and director positions with DISH Network and our subsidiaries including the position of President and Chief Executive Officer from time to time.  Mr. Ergen co-founded DISH Network with his wife, Cantey Ergen, and James DeFranco, in 1980. Mr. Ergen also serves as executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EchoStar and served as Chief Executive Officer of EchoStar from its formation in October 2007 until November 2009.  Mr. Ergen also served as EchoStar’s President from June 2008 until November 2009.  The Board concluded that Mr. Ergen should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his role as our co-founder and controlling shareholder and the expertise, leadership and strategic direction that he has contributed to us since our formation.

 

Steven R. GoodbarnMr. Goodbarn joined the Board in December 2002 and is a member of our Executive Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee, and Audit Committee, where he serves as our “audit committee financial expert.”  Since July 2002, Mr. Goodbarn has served as director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Secure64 Software Corporation, a company he co-founded. Mr. Goodbarn was Chief Financial Officer of Janus Capital Corporation (“Janus”) from 1992 until late 2000.  During that time, he was a member of the executive committee and served on the board of directors of many Janus corporate and investment entities.  Mr. Goodbarn is a CPA and spent 12 years at Price Waterhouse prior to joining Janus.  The Board has determined that Mr. Goodbarn meets the independence and “audit committee financial expert” requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.  Mr. Goodbarn served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar from its formation in October 2007 until November 2008.  The Board concluded that Mr. Goodbarn should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 2002 and his expertise in accounting, auditing, finance and risk management that he brings to the Board, in particular in light of his background as a CPA and his prior experience serving as Chief Financial Officer of Janus.

 

Gary S. Howard.  Mr. Howard joined the Board in November 2005 and is a member of our Executive Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee, and Audit Committee.  Mr. Howard has served on the board of directors of Interval Leisure Group, Inc., since August 2008.  Mr. Howard served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Liberty Media Corporation from July 1998 to February 2004 as well as serving on Liberty Media Corporation’s board of directors from July 1998 until January 2005. Additionally, Mr. Howard held several executive officer positions with companies affiliated with Liberty Media Corporation. The Board has determined that Mr. Howard meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.  The Board concluded that Mr. Howard should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 2005 and his experience in the media and telecommunications industries, including his prior service with Liberty Media Corporation.

 

David K. Moskowitz.  Mr. Moskowitz is one of our Senior Advisors and was an Executive Vice President as well as our Secretary and General Counsel until 2007. Mr. Moskowitz joined us in March 1990. He was elected to the Board in 1998. Mr. Moskowitz performs certain business functions for us and our subsidiaries from time to time. Since October 2007, Mr. Moskowitz has served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar.  Mr. Moskowitz is not standing for reelection to EchoStar’s board of directors at EchoStar’s 2012 annual meeting of shareholders. The Board concluded that Mr. Moskowitz should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 1998 and his business and legal expertise that he brings to the Board, in particular in light of his service as our General Counsel for 17 years.

 

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Tom A. Ortolf.  Mr. Ortolf joined the Board in May 2005 and is a member of our Executive Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee, and Audit Committee. Mr. Ortolf has been the President of CMC, a privately held investment management firm, for nearly twenty years. From 1988 until 1991, Mr. Ortolf served as President and Chief Operating Officer of one of our subsidiaries.  The Board has determined that Mr. Ortolf meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. Since October 2007, Mr. Ortolf has also served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar.  The Board concluded that Mr. Ortolf should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 2005 and his investment and financial experience, in part as an executive with CMC, which brings to the Board insights into finance, business and risk management.

 

Carl E. Vogel.  Mr. Vogel has served on the Board since May 2005 and is currently a Senior Advisor to us. He served as our President from September 2006 until February 2008 and served as our Vice Chairman from June 2005 until March 2009.  From October 2007 until March 2009, Mr. Vogel served as the Vice Chairman of the board of directors of, and as a Senior Advisor to, EchoStar.  From 2001 until 2005, Mr. Vogel served as the President and CEO of Charter Communications Inc. (“Charter”), a publicly-traded company providing cable television and broadband services to approximately six million customers. Prior to joining Charter, Mr. Vogel worked as an executive officer in various capacities for companies affiliated with Liberty Media Corporation.  Mr. Vogel was one of our executive officers from 1994 until 1997, including serving as our President from 1995 until 1997. Mr. Vogel is also currently serving on the boards of directors of Shaw Communications, Inc., Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Universal Electronics, Inc., NextWave Wireless Inc. and Ascent Media Corporation.  The Board concluded that Mr. Vogel should continue to serve on the Board due to, among other things, his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director and officer and his experience in the telecommunications and related industries from his service over the years as a director or officer with a number of different companies in those industries.

 

Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, currently possesses approximately 90.4% of the total voting power.  Please see “Equity Security Ownership” below. Mr. Ergen has indicated his intention to vote in favor of Proposal No. 1.  Accordingly, approval of Proposal No. 1 is assured notwithstanding a contrary vote by any or all shareholders other than Mr. Ergen.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of all of the nominees named herein (Item No.  1 on the enclosed proxy card).

 

Board of Directors and Committees and Selection Process

 

Our Board held thirteen meetings in 2011 and also took action by unanimous written consent on two occasions during 2011.  Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board held during the period in which he or she was a director, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served.  In addition, our non-employee directors held four executive sessions in 2011.

 

Directors are elected annually and serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier resignation or removal.  Officers serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules because more than 50% of our voting power is held by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman.  Mr. Ergen currently beneficially owns approximately 53.2% of our total equity securities and possesses approximately 90.4% of the total voting power.  Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership excludes 4,245,151 of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.  These trusts beneficially own approximately 2.0% of our total equity securities and possess approximately 1.6% of the total voting power.  Please see “Equity Security Ownership” below.  Therefore, we are not subject to the NASDAQ listing requirements that would otherwise require us to have: (i) a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of independent directors; (ii) compensation of our executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and (iii) director nominees selected, or recommended for the Board’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.  Nevertheless, the Corporation has created an Executive Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and a Nominating Committee, in addition to an Audit Committee, all of which are composed entirely of independent directors.  The charters of our Compensation, Audit, and Nominating Committees are available free of charge on our website at http://www.dish.com.  The function and authority of these committees are described below:

 

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Compensation CommitteeThe Compensation Committee operates under a Compensation Committee Charter adopted by the Board. The principal functions of the Compensation Committee are, to the extent the Board deems necessary or appropriate, to: (i) make and approve all option grants and other issuances of DISH Network’s equity securities to DISH Network’s executive officers and Board members other than nonemployee directors; (ii) approve all other option grants and issuances of DISH Network’s equity securities, and recommend that the full Board make and approve such grants and issuances; (iii) establish in writing all performance goals for performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to senior executive officers could exceed $1 million annually, other than standard stock incentive plan options that may be paid to DISH Network’s executive officers, and certify achievement of such goals prior to payment; and (iv) set the compensation of Mr. Ergen, who is our Chairman. The Compensation Committee held ten meetings and took action by unanimous written consent on two occasions during 2011.  The current members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Howard and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Goodbarn serving as Chairman of the Compensation Committee.  The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.

 

Audit Committee.  Our Board has established a standing Audit Committee in accordance with NASDAQ rules and Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and related SEC rules and regulations.  The Audit Committee operates under an Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board.  The principal functions of the Audit Committee are to: (i) select the independent registered public accounting firm and set their compensation; (ii) select the internal auditor; (iii) review and approve management’s plan for engaging our independent registered public accounting firm during the year to perform non-audit services and consider what effect these services will have on the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm; (iv) review our annual financial statements and other financial reports that require approval by the Board; (v) oversee the integrity of our financial statements, our systems of disclosure and internal controls, and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (vi) review the scope of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit plans and the results of their audits; and (vii) evaluate the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee held nine meetings and took action by unanimous written consent on one occasion during 2011.  The current members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Howard and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Ortolf serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee and Mr. Goodbarn serving as our “audit committee financial expert”.  The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. The Board has also determined that each member of our Audit Committee is financially literate and that Mr. Goodbarn qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by applicable SEC rules and regulations.

 

Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee operates under a Nominating Committee Charter adopted by the Board.  The principal function of the Nominating Committee is to recommend independent director nominees for selection by the Board.  The Nominating Committee held two meetings during 2011 and did not take action by written consent during 2011.  The current members of the Nominating Committee are Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Howard and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Howard serving as Chairman of the Nominating Committee.  The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.

 

The Nominating Committee will consider candidates suggested by its members, other directors, senior management and shareholders as appropriate.  No search firms or other advisors were retained to identify prospective nominees during the past fiscal year.  The Nominating Committee has not adopted a written policy with respect to the consideration of candidates proposed by security holders or with respect to nominating anyone to our Board other than nonemployee directors.  Director candidates, whether recommended by the Nominating Committee, other directors, senior management or shareholders are currently considered by the Nominating Committee and the Board, as applicable, in light of the entirety of their credentials, including but not limited to the following diverse factors: (i) their reputation and character; (ii) their ability and willingness to devote sufficient time to Board duties; (iii) their educational background; (iv) their business and professional achievements, experience and industry background; (v) their independence from management under listing standards and the Corporation’s governance guidelines; and (vi) the needs of the Board and the Corporation.

 

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Board Criteria

 

In considering whether to recommend a prospective nominee for selection by the Board, including candidates recommended by shareholders, the Nominating Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees.  However, DISH Network believes that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a diverse mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow the Board to fulfill its responsibilities. The Nominating Committee recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of experience, knowledge and abilities required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of independent directors required by applicable laws and regulations.

 

A shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for the Board should notify the Corporation’s Secretary or any member of the Nominating Committee in writing with whatever supporting material the shareholder considers appropriate. The Nominating Committee will also consider whether to nominate any person nominated by a shareholder pursuant to the provisions of the Corporation’s bylaws relating to shareholder nominations.  Communications can be directed to the Corporation’s Secretary or any member of the Nominating Committee in accordance with the process described in “Shareholder Communications” below.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Board currently separates the role of Chairman of the Board from the role of Chief Executive Officer, with Mr. Charles W. Ergen serving as Chairman and Mr. Joseph P. Clayton serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network.  Mr. Clayton is responsible for the day to day management of the Corporation and Mr. Ergen primarily identifies strategic priorities and leads the discussion and execution of strategy for DISH Network.  We believe this leadership structure is appropriate for the Corporation, among other reasons, because separating the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles allows us to efficiently develop and implement corporate strategy that is consistent with the Board’s oversight role, while facilitating strong day-to-day executive leadership.  Among other things, separation of these roles allows our Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management to focus on our day-to-day business, while at the same time the Board is able to take advantage of the unique blend of leadership, experience and knowledge of our industry and business that Mr. Ergen brings to the role of Chairman in providing guidance to, and oversight of, management.  In light of the separation of the role of Chairman of the Board from the role of Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ergen’s voting control, we believe that the creation of a lead independent director position is not necessary at this time.

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board has ultimate responsibility for oversight of the Corporation’s risk management processes.  The Board discharges this oversight responsibility through regular reports received from and discussions with senior management on areas of material risk exposure to the Corporation.  These reports and Board discussions include, among other things, operational, financial, legal and regulatory, and strategic risks.  Additionally, the Corporation’s risk management processes are intended to identify, manage and control risks so that they are appropriate considering the Corporation’s scope, operations and business objectives. The full Board (or the appropriate Committee in the case of risks in areas for which responsibility has been delegated to a particular Committee) engages with the appropriate members of senior management to enable its members to understand and provide input to, and oversight of, our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies. The Audit Committee also meets regularly in executive session without management present to, among other things, discuss the Corporation’s risk management culture and processes.  For example, as part of its charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, discussing Corporation policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, and reviewing contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Corporation.  When a Committee receives a report from a member of management regarding areas of risk, the Chairman of the relevant Committee will report on the discussion to the full Board to the extent necessary or appropriate.  This enables the Board to coordinate risk oversight, particularly with respect to interrelated or cumulative risks that may involve multiple areas for which more than one Committee has responsibility.  The Board or applicable Committee also has authority to engage external advisors as necessary.

 

Other Information About Our Board of Directors

 

Although we do not have a policy with regard to Board members’ attendance at our annual meetings of shareholders, all of our directors are encouraged to attend such meetings.  All of our directors were in attendance at our 2011 annual meeting.  We expect that all of our directors will attend our 2012 annual meeting.

 

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Equity Security Ownership

 

The following table sets forth, to the best of our knowledge, the beneficial ownership of our voting securities as of the close of business on March 7, 2012 by:  (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities; (ii) each of our directors; (iii) our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated persons acting as one of our executive officers in 2011 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”); and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.  Unless otherwise indicated, each person listed in the following table (alone or with family members) has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares listed opposite such person’s name.

 

Name (1)

 

Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership

 

Percentage
of Class

 

Class A Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen (2), (3)

 

236,324,012

 

53.2

%

Cantey M. Ergen (4)

 

235,044,012

 

53.1

%

BlackRock, Inc. (5)

 

14,377,069

 

6.9

%

Dodge & Cox (6)

 

14,113,250

 

6.8

%

James DeFranco (7)

 

4,808,886

 

2.3

%

David K. Moskowitz (8)

 

944,212

 

 

*

Bernard L. Han (9)

 

605,701

 

 

*

Carl E. Vogel (10)

 

491,119

 

 

*

Thomas A. Cullen (11)

 

440,701

 

 

*

Joseph P. Clayton (12)

 

255,000

 

 

*

R. Stanton Dodge (13)

 

238,030

 

 

*

Gary S. Howard (14)

 

110,100

 

 

*

Tom A. Ortolf (15)

 

91,200

 

 

*

Robert E. Olson (16)

 

59,396

 

 

*

Steven R. Goodbarn (17)

 

30,000

 

 

*

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (17 persons) (18)

 

245,259,069

 

60.6

%

Class B Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

234,190,057

 

98.2

%

Cantey Ergen

 

234,190,057

 

98.2

%

Trusts (19)

 

4,245,151

 

1.8

%

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (17 persons) (18)

 

234,190,057

 

98.2

%

 


*    Less than 1%.

 

(1)               Except as otherwise noted below, the address of each such person is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.  As of the close of business on March 7, 2012, there were 208,903,746 outstanding Class A Shares and 238,435,208 outstanding Class B Shares.

 

(2)               Mr. Ergen is deemed to own beneficially all of the Class A Shares owned by his spouse, Cantey Ergen. Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 791,502 Class A Shares; (ii) 19,229 Class A Shares held in the Corporation’s 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”); (iii) 1,280,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table; (iv) 235 Class A Shares held by Mr. Ergen’s spouse; (v) 1,669 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan by Mrs. Ergen; (vi) 14,320 Class A Shares held as custodian for Mr. Ergen’s children; (vii) 27,000 Class A Shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Ergen is an officer; and (viii) 234,190,057 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Mr. Ergen’s Class B Shares.  Mr. Ergen has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 190,277,477 Class B Shares. Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership of Class A Shares excludes 4,245,151 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

 

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(3)            Because each Class B Share is entitled to 10 votes per share, Mr. Ergen owns beneficially equity securities of the Corporation representing approximately 90.4% of the voting power of the Corporation (assuming no conversion of the Class B Shares and after giving effect to the exercise of Mr. Ergen’s options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table).  Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 9,181,183 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Two-Year 2010 DISH GRAT; (ii) 10,861,392 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Three-Year 2010 DISH GRAT; (iii) 11,690,556 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Four-Year 2010 DISH GRAT; and (v) 12,179,449 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT.  Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership excludes 4,245,151 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.  These trusts beneficially own approximately 2.0% of our total equity securities and possess approximately 1.6% of the total voting power.

 

(4)               Mrs. Ergen beneficially owns all of the Class A Shares owned by her spouse, Mr. Ergen, except for 1,280,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(5)               The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.  BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power as to all of the 14,377,069 Class A Shares beneficially owned by it.  The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on February 13, 2012.

 

(6)               The address of Dodge & Cox is 555 California Street, 40th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104.  Of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, Dodge & Cox has sole voting power as to 13,258,688 Class A Shares and sole dispositive power as to 14,113,250 Class A Shares.  The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Dodge & Cox with the SEC on February 10, 2012.

 

(7)               Mr. DeFranco’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 1,129,438 Class A Shares; (ii) 19,229 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 443,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table; (iv) 50,000 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of his children and grandchildren; (v) 12,160 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco as custodian for his children; (vi) 1,250,000 Class A Shares controlled by Mr. DeFranco as general partner of a limited partnership; and (vii) 1,905,059 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco as a general partner of a different limited partnership.

 

(8)               Mr. Moskowitz’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 127,779 Class A Shares; (ii) 18,421 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 760,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table; (iv) 1,328 Class A Shares held as custodian for his children; (v) 8,184 Class A Shares held as trustee for Mr. Ergen’s children; and (vi) 28,500 Class A Shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Moskowitz is a member of the board of directors.

 

(9)               Mr. Han’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 701 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (ii) 605,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(10)        Mr. Vogel’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 10,165 Class A Shares (including 10,000 shares held in an account that is subject to a margin loan); (ii) 954 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 480,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(11)        Mr. Cullen’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 701 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (ii) 440,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(12)        Mr. Clayton’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 5,000 Class A Shares; and (ii) 250,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(13)        Mr. Dodge’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 186 Class A Shares; (ii) 2,844 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 235,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

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(14)        Mr. Howard’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 80,000 Class A Shares; (ii) 100 Class A Shares owned by his spouse; and (iii) 30,000 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(15)        Mr. Ortolf’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 30,000 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table; (ii) 200 Class A Shares held in the name of one of his children; and (iii) 61,000 Class A Shares held by a partnership of which Mr. Ortolf is a partner.

 

(16)        Mr. Olson’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 396 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (ii) 59,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(17)        Mr. Goodbarn’s beneficial ownership includes: (i) 5,000 Class A Shares; and (ii) 25,000 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table.

 

(18)        Includes: (i) 2,177,510 Class A Shares; (ii) 66,149 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 5,461,002 Class A Shares subject to employee and nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table; (iv) 3,216,059 Class A Shares held in a partnership; (v) 234,190,057 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares; (vi) 92,692 Class A Shares held in the name of, or in trust for, children and other family members; (vii) 55,500 Class A Shares held by charitable foundations; and (viii) 100 Class A Shares held by a spouse.  Class A Shares and Class B Shares beneficially owned by both Mr. and Mrs. Ergen are only included once in calculating the aggregate number of shares owned by directors and executive officers as a group.

 

(19)        Held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file reports with the SEC regarding their ownership and changes in ownership of our equity securities.  We believe that during 2011, our directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.  In making these statements, we have relied upon examination of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 provided to us and the written representations of our directors and officers.

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis addresses our compensation objectives and policies for our Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, the elements of NEO compensation and the application of those objectives and policies to each element of fiscal 2011 compensation for our NEOs.

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis contains information regarding company performance targets and goals for our executive compensation program. These targets and goals were disclosed to provide information on how executive compensation was determined in 2011 but are not intended to be estimates of future results or other forward-looking guidance.  We caution investors against using these targets and goals outside of the context of their use in our executive compensation program as described herein.

 

Overall Compensation Program Objectives and Policies

 

Compensation Philosophy

 

DISH Network’s executive compensation program is guided by the following key principles:

 

·                  Attraction, retention and motivation of executive officers over the long-term;

·                  Recognition of individual performance;

·                  Recognition of the achievement of company-wide performance goals; and

·                  Creation of shareholder value by aligning the interests of management and DISH Network’s shareholders through equity incentives.

 

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General Compensation Levels

 

The total direct compensation opportunities, both base salaries and long-term incentives, offered to DISH Network’s NEOs have been designed to ensure that they are competitive with market practice, support DISH Network’s executive recruitment and retention objectives, reward individual and company-wide performance and contribute to DISH Network’s long-term success by aligning the interests of its executive officers and shareholders.

 

The Compensation Committee of DISH Network, without Mr. Ergen present, determines Mr. Ergen’s compensation. Mr. Ergen recommends to the Board of Directors, but DISH Network’s Board of Directors ultimately approves, the base compensation of DISH Network’s other NEOs.  DISH Network’s Compensation Committee has made and approved grants of options and other equity-based compensation to DISH Network’s NEOs, and established in writing performance goals for any performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to any of DISH Network’s NEOs could exceed $1 million annually. DISH Network’s Compensation Committee has also certified achievement of those performance goals prior to payment of performance-based compensation.

 

In determining the actual amount of each NEO’s compensation, the Compensation Committee of DISH Network reviews the information described in “Compilation of Certain Proxy Data” below, the Compensation Committee’s subjective performance evaluation of the individual’s performance (after reviewing Mr. Ergen’s recommendations with respect to the NEOs other than himself), the individual’s success in achieving individual and company-wide goals, whether the performance goals of any short-term or long-term incentive plans were met and the payouts that would become payable upon achievement of those performance goals, equity awards previously granted to the individual, and equity awards that would be normally granted upon a promotion in accordance with DISH Network’s policies for promotions.  DISH Network’s Compensation Committee and Board have also considered the extent to which individual extraordinary efforts of each of DISH Network’s NEOs resulted in tangible increases in corporate, division or department success when setting base cash salaries and short term incentive compensation.

 

Furthermore, the Compensation Committee of DISH Network also makes a subjective determination as to whether an increase should be made to Mr. Ergen’s compensation based on its evaluation of Mr. Ergen’s contribution to the success of DISH Network, whether the performance goals of any short-term or long-term incentive plans were met, the respective payouts that would become payable to Mr. Ergen upon achievement of those performance goals, the respective options and other stock awards currently held by Mr. Ergen and whether such awards are sufficient to retain Mr. Ergen.

 

This approach to general compensation levels is not formulaic and the weight given to any particular factor in determining a particular NEO’s compensation depends on the subjective consideration of all factors described above in the aggregate.

 

With respect to incentive compensation, DISH Network attempts to ensure that each NEO has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to such individual’s annual cash compensation to ensure that each of DISH Network’s NEOs has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Network’s Class A Shares. Therefore, DISH Network may grant more options to one particular NEO in a given year if a substantial portion of the NEO’s equity incentives are vested and the underlying stock is capable of being sold. In addition, if an NEO recently received a substantial amount of equity incentives, DISH Network may not grant any equity incentives to that particular NEO.

 

Compilation of Certain Proxy Data

 

In connection with the approval process for DISH Network’s executive officer compensation, DISH Network’s Board of Directors and Compensation Committee had management prepare a compilation of the compensation components for the NEOs of companies selected by the Compensation Committee, as disclosed in their respective publicly-filed proxy statements (the “Proxy Data”). These surveyed companies included: The DirecTV Group, Inc., Comcast Corporation, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Charter Communications, Inc., Liberty Media Corporation, Liberty Global, Inc., AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications, Inc., Qwest Communications International, Inc., CenturyLink, Inc., Sprint Nextel Corporation, Level 3 Communications, Inc, Apple Inc., Viacom Inc., News Corporation, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Oracle Corporation.  The Proxy Data, along with other information obtained by committee members from media reports, such as newspaper or magazine articles or other generally available sources related to executive compensation, and from corporate director events attended by committee members, is used solely as a subjective frame of reference, rather than a basis for benchmarking compensation for DISH Network’s NEOs.  DISH Network’s

 

11



 

Compensation Committee and Board of Directors do not utilize a formulaic or standard, formalized benchmarking level or element in tying or otherwise setting DISH Network’s executive compensation to that of other companies.  Generally, DISH Network’s overall compensation lags behind competitors in the area of base pay, severance packages, and short-term incentives and may be competitive over time in equity compensation.  If DISH Network’s stock performance substantially outperforms similar companies, executive compensation at DISH Network could exceed that at similar companies.  Barring significant increases in the stock price, however, DISH Network’s compensation levels generally lag its peers.

 

Deductibility of Compensation

 

Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) places a limit on the tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain “covered employees” of a publicly held corporation (generally, the corporation’s chief executive officer and its next three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the chief financial officer) in the year that the compensation is paid).  This limitation applies only to compensation that is not considered performance-based under the Section 162(m) rules.  The Compensation Committee conducts an ongoing review of DISH Network’s compensation practices for purposes of obtaining the maximum continued deductibility of compensation paid consistent with DISH Network’s existing commitments and ongoing competitive needs.  However, nondeductible compensation in excess of this limitation may be paid.

 

Use of Compensation Consultants

 

No compensation consultants were retained by the Company, the Board or the Compensation Committee to either evaluate or recommend the setting of executive compensation during the past fiscal year.

 

Implementation of Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Policies

 

Weighting and Selection of Elements of Compensation

 

As described in “General Compensation Levels” above, neither DISH Network’s Board of Directors nor its Compensation Committee has in the past assigned specific weights to any factors considered in determining compensation, and none of the factors are more dispositive than others.

 

Elements of Executive Compensation

 

The primary components of DISH Network’s executive compensation program have included:

 

·                  base cash salary;

·                  short-term incentive compensation, including conditional and/or performance-based cash incentive compensation and discretionary bonuses;

·                  long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock units offered under DISH Network’s stock incentive plans;

·                  401(k) plan; and

·                  other compensation, including perquisites and personal benefits and post-termination compensation.

 

These elements combine to promote the objectives and policies described above.  Base salary, 401(k) benefits and other benefits and perquisites provided generally to DISH Network employees provide a minimum level of compensation for our NEOs.  Short-term incentives reward individual performance and achievement of annual goals important to DISH Network. Long-term equity-incentive compensation aligns NEO compensation directly with the creation of long-term shareholder value and promotes retention.

 

DISH Network has not required that a certain percentage of an executive’s salary be provided in one form versus another.  However, the Compensation Committee’s goal is to award compensation that is reasonable in relation to DISH Network’s compensation program and objectives when all elements of potential compensation are considered.  Each element of DISH Network’s historical executive compensation and the rationale for each element is described below.

 

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Base Cash Salary

 

DISH Network has traditionally included salary in its executive compensation package under the belief that it is appropriate that some portion of the compensation paid to its executives be provided in a form that is fixed and liquid occurring over regular intervals. Generally, for the reasons discussed in “Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation,” DISH Network has weighted overall compensation towards equity components as opposed to base salaries. DISH Network’s Compensation Committee and Board of Directors have traditionally been free to set base salary at any level deemed appropriate and typically review base salaries once annually.  Any increases or decreases in base salary on a year-over-year basis have usually been dependent on a combination of the following factors:

 

·                  the Compensation Committee’s and Board of Directors’ respective assessment of DISH Network’s overall financial and business performance;

·                  the performance of the NEO’s business unit;

·                  the NEO’s individual contributions to DISH Network; and

·                  the rate of DISH Network’s standard annual merit increase for employees who are performing at a satisfactory level.

 

Short-Term Incentive Compensation

 

This compensation program, if implemented for a particular year, generally provides for a bonus that is linked to annual performance as determined by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year when it establishes the short-term incentive plan for that year.  The objective of the short-term incentive plan is to compensate NEOs in significant part based on the achievement of specific annual goals that the Compensation Committee believes will create an incentive to maximize long-term shareholder value.  This compensation program also permits short-term incentive compensation to be awarded in the form of discretionary cash bonuses based on individual performance during the year.

 

During 2011, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee elected not to implement a short-term incentive program.  The decision not to implement a short-term incentive program during 2011 was made based upon, among other things, the adoption of the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan, or 2008 LTIP. The 2008 LTIP is discussed below.  During 2009, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $1 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers which resulted in the vesting of approximately 10% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards.  Accordingly, the $1 billion cumulative free cash flow goal under the 2008 LTIP was retired.  During 2011, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $3 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of approximately 45% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards during 2011.  Accordingly, the $2 billion and $3 billion cumulative free cash flow goals under the 2008 LTIP were retired.

 

Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation

 

DISH Network has traditionally operated under the belief that executive officers will be better able to contribute to its long-term success and help build incremental shareholder value if they have a stake in that future success and value. DISH Network has stated it believes this stake focuses the executive officers’ attention on managing DISH Network as owners with equity positions in DISH Network and aligns their interests with the long-term interests of DISH Network’s shareholders. Equity awards therefore have represented an important and significant component of DISH Network’s compensation program for executive officers. DISH Network has attempted to create general incentives with its standard stock option grants and conditional incentives through conditional awards that may include payouts in cash or equity.

 

General Equity Incentives

 

With respect to equity incentive compensation, DISH Network attempts to ensure that each NEO has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to such individual’s annual cash compensation to ensure that each of DISH Network’s NEOs has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Network’s Class A Shares. Therefore, DISH Network may grant more options to one particular NEO in a given year if a substantial portion of the NEO’s equity incentives are vested and the underlying stock is capable of being sold. In addition, if an NEO recently received a substantial amount of equity incentives, DISH Network may not grant any equity incentives to that particular NEO.  In particular, in granting awards for 2011, the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, the amount necessary to retain our executive officers and that our executive officers had been granted options under the 2008 LTIP.

 

13



 

In granting equity incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee also takes into account whether the NEO has been promoted in determining whether to award equity awards to that individual.  Finally, from time to time, the Compensation Committee may award one-time equity awards based on a number of subjective criteria, including the NEO’s position and role in DISH Network’s success and whether the NEO made any exceptional contributions to DISH Network’s success.

 

To encourage executive officers to remain in DISH Network’s employ, options granted under DISH Network’s stock incentive plans generally vest at the rate of 20% per year and have exercise prices not less than the fair market value of DISH Network’s Class A Shares on the date of grant or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the date of grant is not a trading day). Other than performance-based awards such as those granted under the 2005 LTIP, 2008 LTIP or those granted to Messrs. Ergen, Clayton, Cullen, Han and Dodge, DISH Network’s standard form of option agreement given to executive officers has included acceleration of vesting upon a change in control of DISH Network for those executive officers that are terminated by DISH Network or the surviving entity, as applicable, for any reason other than for cause during the twenty-four month period following such change in control.

 

Practices Regarding Grant of Equity Incentives

 

DISH Network has generally awarded equity incentives as of the last day of each calendar quarter and has set exercise prices at not less than the fair market value of DISH Network’s Class A Shares on the date of grant or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the last day of the calendar quarter is not a trading day).

 

2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

We have adopted an employee stock incentive plan, which we refer to as the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan is to provide incentives to attract and retain executive officers and other key employees. Awards available to be granted under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan include: (i) stock options; (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (iv) performance awards; (v) dividend equivalents; and (vi) other stock-based awards.

 

Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan

 

We have adopted a Class B Chairman stock option plan, which we refer to as the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan is to promote the interests of DISH Network and its subsidiaries by aiding in the retention of Charles W. Ergen, the Chairman of DISH Network, who our Board of Directors believes is crucial to assuring our future success, to offer Mr. Ergen incentives to put forth maximum efforts for our future success and to afford Mr. Ergen an opportunity to acquire additional proprietary interests in DISH Network.  Mr. Ergen abstained from our Board of Directors’ vote on this matter.  Awards available to be granted under the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan include nonqualified stock options and dividend equivalent rights with respect to DISH Network’s Class B Shares.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

We have adopted an employee stock purchase plan, which we refer to as our ESPP. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide our eligible employees with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in us by the purchase of our Class A Shares. All full-time employees who are employed by DISH Network for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees are not permitted to deduct an amount that would permit such employee to purchase our capital stock in an amount that exceeds $25,000 in fair market value of capital stock in any one year. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code and thereby provide participating employees with an opportunity to receive certain favorable income tax consequences as to stock purchased under the ESPP.

 

14



 

Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan

 

We have adopted a non-employee director stock option plan, which we refer to as the 2001 Director Plan. The purpose of the 2001 Director Plan is to advance our interests through the motivation, attraction and retention of highly-qualified non-employee directors. The 2001 Director Plan grants our new non-employee directors, upon their initial election or appointment to our Board, an option to acquire a certain number of shares of DISH Network’s Class A Shares. We may also grant, in our discretion, any non-employee directors further options to acquire our shares of Class A Shares.

 

2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

During January 2005, DISH Network adopted the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or 2005 LTIP, within the terms of DISH Network’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2005 LTIP is to promote DISH Network’s interests and the interests of its shareholders by providing key employees with financial rewards through equity participation upon achievement of DISH Network reaching the milestone of 15 million subscribers. The employees eligible to participate in the 2005 LTIP include DISH Network’s executive officers, vice presidents, directors and certain other key employees designated by DISH Network’s Compensation Committee. Awards under the 2005 LTIP consist of a one-time grant of: (a) an option to acquire a specified number of shares priced at the market value as of the last day of the calendar quarter in which the option was granted or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the last day of the calendar quarter is not a trading day); (b) rights to acquire for no additional consideration a specified smaller number of DISH Network’s Class A Shares; or (c) in some cases, a corresponding combination of a lesser number of option shares and such rights to acquire DISH Network’s Class A Shares. The options and rights vest in 10% increments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant and then at the rate of 20% per year thereafter; provided, however, that none of the options or rights shall be exercisable until DISH Network reaches the milestone of 15 million subscribers. The performance goal under the 2005 LTIP was not achieved in 2011. Mr. Ergen has 900,000 stock options under the 2005 LTIP that were granted on September 30, 2005. Mr. Han has 90,000 stock options and 30,000 restricted stock units under the 2005 LTIP that were granted on September 30, 2006. Mr. Dodge has 37,500 stock options and 12,500 restricted stock units under the 2005 LTIP that were granted on March 31, 2005, and 45,000 stock options under the 2005 LTIP that were granted on June 30, 2007.  Mr. Cullen has 60,000 restricted stock units under the 2005 LTIP that were granted on December 31, 2006.  Mr. Olson does not have any awards under the 2005 LTIP.

 

2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

During December 2008, DISH Network adopted the 2008 LTIP, within the terms of our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. After the expiration of the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan on April 16, 2009, awards under the 2008 LTIP to new employee hires or employees who are promoted have been granted pursuant to the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan.  The purpose of the 2008 LTIP is to promote DISH Network’s interests and the interests of its shareholders by providing key employees with financial rewards through equity participation upon achievement of a specified long-term cumulative free cash flow goal while maintaining a specified long-term subscriber threshold. The employees eligible to participate in the 2008 LTIP include DISH Network’s executive officers, vice presidents, directors and certain other key employees designated by DISH Network’s Compensation Committee. Awards under the 2008 LTIP consist of a one-time grant of: (a) an option to acquire a specified number of shares priced at the market value as of the last day of the calendar quarter in which the option was granted or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the last day of the calendar quarter is not a trading day); (b) rights to acquire for no additional consideration a specified smaller number of DISH Network’s Class A Shares; or (c) in some cases, a corresponding combination of a lesser number of option shares and such rights to acquire DISH Network’s Class A Shares.  Under the 2008 LTIP, the cumulative free cash flow goals and the total net subscriber threshold are measured on the last day of each calendar quarter commencing on March 31, 2009 and continuing through and including December 31, 2015.

 

15



 

In the event that a cumulative free cash flow goal is achieved and the total net subscriber threshold is met as of the last day of any such calendar quarter: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option/restricted stock unit will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneous with filing of the Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, in accordance with the following schedule (for those employees that received equity awards under the 2008 LTIP before April 1, 2009):

 

Cumulative Free
Cash Flow Goals

 

Total Net Subscriber
Threshold

 

Cumulative Vesting
Schedule

 

$

1 billion

 

13 Million

 

10

%

$

2 billion

 

13 Million

 

25

%

$

3 billion

 

13 Million

 

45

%

$

4 billion

 

13 Million

 

70

%

$

5 billion

 

13 Million

 

100

%

 

Employees who were granted equity awards after April 1, 2009 under the 2008 LTIP received a reduced number of options to acquire DISH Network’s Class A Shares relative to the amounts that were granted to employees at the same level prior to April 1, 2009; such shares are subject to a vesting schedule that varies based upon the date on which such shares are granted.

 

Mr. Ergen was granted 900,000 stock options under the 2008 LTIP on December 31, 2008. Messrs. Han, Cullen and Dodge were each granted 300,000 stock options under the 2008 LTIP on December 31, 2008.  Mr. Olson was granted 240,000 stock options under the 2008 LTIP on June 30, 2009 in connection with the commencement of his employment. During 2009, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $1 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers which resulted in the vesting of approximately 10% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards.  Accordingly, the $1 billion cumulative free cash flow goal under the 2008 LTIP was retired.  During 2011, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $3 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of approximately 45% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards during 2011.  Accordingly, the $2 billion and $3 billion cumulative free cash flow goals under the 2008 LTIP were retired.

 

401(k) Plan

 

DISH Network has adopted a defined-contribution tax-qualified 401(k) plan for its employees, including its executives, to encourage its employees to save some percentage of their cash compensation for their eventual retirement. DISH Network’s executives have participated in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as DISH Network’s other employees. Under the plan, employees have become eligible for participation in the 401(k) plan upon completing ninety days of service with DISH Network and reaching age 19.  401(k) plan participants are able to contribute up to 50% of their compensation in each contribution period, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Code. DISH Network may also make a 50% matching employer contribution up to a maximum of $1,500 per participant per calendar year. In addition, DISH Network may also make an annual discretionary profit sharing contribution to the 401(k) plan with the approval of its Compensation Committee and Board of Directors.  401(k) plan participants are immediately vested in their voluntary contributions and earnings on voluntary contributions.  DISH Network’s employer contributions to 401(k) plan participants’ accounts vest 20% per year commencing one year from the employee’s date of employment.

 

Perquisites and Personal Benefits, Post-Termination Compensation and Other Compensation

 

DISH Network has traditionally offered numerous plans and other benefits to its executive officers on the same terms as other employees. These plans and benefits have included medical, vision, and dental insurance, life insurance, and the employee stock purchase plan as well as discounts on DISH Network’s services. Relocation benefits may also be reimbursed, but are individually negotiated when they occur. DISH Network has also permitted certain NEOs to use its corporate aircraft for personal use. DISH Network has also paid for annual tax preparation costs for certain NEOs.

 

16



 

DISH Network has not traditionally had any plans in place to provide severance benefits to employees. However, certain non-performance based stock options and restricted stock units have been granted to its executive officers subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control.

 

Shareholder Advisory Vote on Compensation

 

DISH Network provided its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation at the annual meeting of shareholders held in May 2011.  Over 99% of the voting power represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on that matter voted in favor of the executive compensation proposal.  The Compensation Committee of DISH Network reviewed these voting results.  Since the voting results affirmed shareholders’ support of DISH Network’s approach to executive compensation, DISH Network did not change its approach in 2011 as a direct result of the vote.  As set forth at the annual meeting of shareholders held in May 2011, DISH Network intends to continue to seek a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation once every three years.

 

2011 Executive Compensation

 

DISH Network has historically made decisions with respect to executive compensation for a particular compensation year in December of the preceding compensation year or the first quarter of the applicable compensation year.  With respect to the executive compensation of each NEO for 2011, the Compensation Committee (along with Mr. Ergen, for each of the NEOs other than himself) reviewed total compensation of each NEO and the value of (a) historic and current components of each NEO’s compensation, including the base salary and bonus paid to the NEO in the prior year, and (b) stock options and restricted stock units held by each NEO in DISH Network’s incentive plans. DISH Network’s Compensation Committee (along with Mr. Ergen, for each of the NEOs other than himself) also reviewed the Proxy Data prepared for 2011 and other information described in “Compilation of Certain Proxy Data” above. As described in “General Compensation Levels” above, DISH Network aims to provide base salaries and long-term incentives that are competitive with market practice with an emphasis on providing a substantial portion of overall compensation in the form of equity incentives.  In addition, DISH Network’s Compensation Committee has discretion to award performance based compensation that is based on performance goals different from those that were previously set or that is higher or lower than the anticipated compensation that would be awarded under DISH Network’s incentive plans if particular performance goals were met.  DISH Network’s Compensation Committee did not exercise this discretion in 2011.

 

Compensation of our Chairman and our President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2011 Base Salary.  Mr. Ergen’s base salary for 2011 was determined based on a review by the Compensation Committee of the expected base salaries in 2011 of each of DISH Network’s other NEOs. The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Ergen’s performance met expectations for 2010 and that Mr. Ergen was therefore eligible for our standard annual merit increase.  In addition, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Ergen should receive an additional increase in base salary based on the Compensation Committee’s subjective determination of the amount required to maintain Mr. Ergen’s salary within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data and taking into consideration, among other things, our practices with respect to base salaries and the hiring of Mr. Clayton as our President and Chief Executive Officer at an annual base salary of $900,000.  DISH Network’s Compensation Committee noted that Mr. Ergen’s base salary continued to be substantially lower than the base salaries of the executive officers of the significant majority of the surveyed companies in the 2011 Proxy Data.  Consequently, Mr. Ergen’s annual base salary was increased to $900,000, effective July 1, 2011.

 

Mr. Clayton’s base salary was agreed to between DISH Network and Mr. Clayton in June 2011 in connection with the commencement of Mr. Clayton’s employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network.

 

2011 Cash Bonus.  No bonus was paid to Mr. Ergen or to Mr. Clayton in 2011.

 

2011 Equity Incentives.  With respect to equity incentives, DISH Network attempts to ensure that the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman have equity awards at any given time that are significant in relation to their annual cash compensation to ensure that they have appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Network’s Class A Shares.

 

17



 

Mr. Clayton’s 2011 Equity Incentives

 

The Compensation Committee determined that in connection with the commencement of Mr. Clayton’s employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network in June 2011, he should receive 750,000 options to purchase the Corporation’s Class A Shares, with such options vesting at the rate of one-third per year commencing December 31, 2011, and 300,000 restricted stock units (RSUs), with such awards vesting incrementally before December 31, 2013 according to the respective vesting schedules described below.

 

One hundred thousand (100,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton vest based upon achieving the following specified cumulative free cash flow goals while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers:

 

Cumulative Free
Cash Flow Goals

 

Number of RSUs
Vesting

 

$

250 million

 

10,000

 

$

500 million

 

10,000

 

$

750 million

 

10,000

 

$

1 billion

 

10,000

 

$

1.25 billion

 

10,000

 

$

1.5 billion

 

10,000

 

$

1.75 billion

 

10,000

 

$

2 billion

 

10,000

 

$

2.25 billion

 

10,000

 

$

2.5 billion

 

10,000

 

 

In the event that the total net subscriber threshold is met and a cumulative free cash flow goal is achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment(s) of the RSU awards will vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.

 

One hundred thousand (100,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton vest based upon achieving the following specified total net subscriber goals while achieving and maintaining the specified cumulative free cash flow goal:

 

Cumulative Free
Cash Flow Goals

 

Total Net
Subscriber Goal

 

Number of RSUs
Vesting

 

$

250 million

 

14,250,000

 

10,000

 

$

500 million

 

14,500,000

 

10,000

 

$

750 million

 

14,750,000

 

10,000

 

$

1 billion

 

15,000,000

 

10,000

 

$

1.25 billion

 

15,250,000

 

10,000

 

$

1.5 billion

 

15,500,000

 

10,000

 

$

1.75 billion

 

15,750,000

 

10,000

 

$

2 billion

 

16,000,000

 

10,000

 

$

2.25 billion

 

16,250,000

 

10,000

 

$

2.5 billion

 

16,500,000

 

10,000

 

 

In the event that the cumulative free cash flow goal is met (or has already been retired and continues to be met) and a total net subscriber goal is achieved as of the last day of any such calendar quarter: (i) the applicable total net subscriber goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the RSU awards will vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.

 

18



 

Fifty thousand (50,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton vest at the rate of 5,000 RSUs per quarter when, in any such quarter, (i) the quarterly net subscriber additions of the Corporation are greater than the quarterly net subscriber additions of DirecTV, as measured by net subscriber additions based on the announced subscriber counts in each company’s respective Form 10-Q or 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC; and (ii) the quarterly net subscriber additions of the Corporation are greater than zero.

 

The remaining fifty thousand (50,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton vest at the rate of 10,000 RSUs for each of the below criteria met in a given year, contemporaneous with the release of the National Quarterly American Customer Satisfaction Index (the “ACSI”) scores in May 2012 and May 2013.  The criteria are as follow:

 

1.              The ACSI score of the Corporation is greater than or equal to a specified figure;

2.              The ACSI score of the Corporation is greater than or equal to certain of the Corporation’s competitors; or

3.              The ACSI score of the Corporation is greater than or equal to all companies in the Corporation’s industry

 

However, in no event shall more than a total of fifty thousand (50,000) RSUs vest under the ACSI criteria above.

 

Mr. Ergen’s 2011 Equity Incentives

 

During 2011, the Compensation Committee also determined that Mr. Ergen should receive 1,200,000 options to purchase the Corporation’s Class A Shares, with such awards vesting incrementally before June 30, 2021 according to the respective vesting schedules described below.

 

Fifty percent (50%) of the option awards granted to Mr. Ergen vest based upon achieving the following specified cumulative free cash flow goals while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers:

 

Cumulative Free
Cash Flow Goals

 

Number of
Options Vesting

 

$

250 million

 

30,000

 

$

500 million

 

30,000

 

$

750 million

 

30,000

 

$

1 billion

 

30,000

 

$

1.25 billion

 

30,000

 

$

1.5 billion

 

30,000

 

$

1.75 billion

 

30,000

 

$

2 billion

 

30,000

 

$

2.25 billion

 

30,000

 

$

2.5 billion

 

30,000

 

$

2.75 billion

 

30,000

 

$

3 billion

 

30,000

 

$

3.25 billion

 

30,000

 

$

3.5 billion

 

30,000

 

$

3.75 billion

 

30,000

 

$

4 billion

 

30,000

 

$

4.25 billion

 

30,000

 

$

4.5 billion

 

30,000

 

$

4.75 billion

 

30,000

 

$

5 billion

 

30,000

 

 

In the event that the total net subscriber threshold is met and a cumulative free cash flow goal is achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.

 

19



 

The other fifty percent (50%) of the option awards granted to Mr. Ergen vest based upon achieving the following specified total net subscriber goals while achieving and maintaining the specified cumulative free cash flow goal:

 

Cumulative Free
Cash Flow Goals

 

Total Net
Subscriber Goal

 

Number of
Options Vesting

 

$

250 million

 

14,250,000

 

30,000

 

$

500 million

 

14,500,000

 

30,000

 

$

750 million

 

14,750,000

 

30,000

 

$

1 billion

 

15,000,000

 

30,000

 

$

1.25 billion

 

15,250,000

 

30,000

 

$

1.5 billion

 

15,500,000

 

30,000

 

$

1.75 billion

 

15,750,000

 

30,000

 

$

2 billion

 

16,000,000

 

30,000

 

$

2.25 billion

 

16,250,000

 

30,000

 

$

2.5 billion

 

16,500,000

 

30,000

 

$

2.75 billion

 

16,750,000

 

30,000

 

$

3 billion

 

17,000,000

 

30,000

 

$

3.25 billion

 

17,250,000

 

30,000

 

$

3.5 billion

 

17,500,000

 

30,000

 

$

3.75 billion

 

17,750,000

 

30,000

 

$

4 billion

 

18,000,000

 

30,000

 

$

4.25 billion

 

18,250,000

 

30,000

 

$

4.5 billion

 

18,500,000

 

30,000

 

$

4.75 billion

 

18,750,000

 

30,000

 

$

5 billion

 

19,000,000

 

30,000

 

 

In the event that the cumulative free cash flow goal is met (or has already been retired and continues to be met) and a total net subscriber goal is achieved as of the last day of any such calendar quarter: (i) the applicable total net subscriber goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.

 

Compensation of Other Named Executive Officers

 

2011 Base Salary.

 

Base salaries for each of the other NEOs are determined annually by DISH Network’s Board of Directors primarily based on Mr. Ergen’s recommendations. The Board of Directors places substantial weight on Mr. Ergen’s recommendations in light of his role as Chairman and as co-founder and controlling shareholder of DISH Network. Mr. Ergen made recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the 2011 base salary of each of the other NEOs after considering (a) the NEO’s base salary in 2010, (b) the range of the percentage increases in base salary for NEOs of the companies contained in the Proxy Data, (c) whether the NEO’s base salary was appropriate in light of DISH Network’s goals, including retention of the NEO, (d) the expected compensation to be paid to other NEOs in 2011 in relation to a particular NEO in 2011, (e) whether the NEO was promoted or newly hired in 2011, and (f) whether in Mr. Ergen’s subjective determination, the NEO’s performance in 2010 warranted an increase in the NEO’s base salary in 2011.  Placing primary weight on (a) the NEO’s base salary in 2010 and (b) whether, in Mr. Ergen’s subjective view, an increase in 2011 base salary was necessary to retain the NEO, Mr. Ergen recommended the base salary amounts indicated in “Executive Compensation and Other Information - Summary Compensation Table” below. The basis for Mr. Ergen’s recommendation with respect to each of the other NEOs is discussed below.  The Board of Directors accepted each of Mr. Ergen’s recommendations on base salaries for each of the other NEOs.

 

20



 

Mr. CullenIn determining Mr. Cullen’s 2011 base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Cullen’s existing base compensation was already within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data in light of DISH Network’s practices with respect to base salaries and that therefore an increase over Mr. Cullen’s 2010 base salary was not necessary.

 

Mr. Dodge.  In determining Mr. Dodge’s 2011 base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Dodge’s existing base compensation was already within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data in light of DISH Network’s practices with respect to base salaries and that therefore an increase over Mr. Dodge’s 2010 base salary was not necessary.

 

Mr. Han.  In determining Mr. Han’s 2011 base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Han’s performance met expectations for 2010 and that Mr. Han was therefore eligible for our standard annual merit increase.  In addition, Mr. Ergen determined that Mr. Han should receive an additional increase in base salary based on Mr. Ergen’s subjective determination of the amount required to maintain Mr. Han’s salary within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data and taking into consideration our practices with respect to base salaries.

 

Mr. Olson.  Mr. Olson’s salary was agreed between DISH Network and Mr. Olson on April 27, 2009 in connection with the commencement of Mr. Olson’s employment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DISH Network on April 28, 2009.  In determining Mr. Olson’s 2011 base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Olson’s performance met expectations for 2010 and that Mr. Olson was therefore eligible for our standard annual merit increase.  In addition, Mr. Ergen determined that Mr. Olson should receive an additional increase in base salary based on Mr. Ergen’s subjective determination of the amount required to maintain Mr. Olson’s salary within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data and taking into consideration our practices with respect to base salaries.

 

2011 Cash Bonus.  Consistent with prior years, Mr. Ergen generally recommended that other NEOs receive cash bonuses only to the extent that such amounts would be payable pursuant to the existing short-term incentive plan, if any.  As discussed above, in light of the prior grants of options, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee elected not to implement a short-term incentive program for 2011.  During 2011, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $3 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of approximately 45% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards during 2011.  However, due to the individual performance of Mr. Cullen, Mr. Han and Mr. Dodge, a one-time discretionary cash bonus of $100,000 was awarded to Mr. Cullen, and a one-time discretionary cash bonus of $50,000 was awarded to each of Mr. Han and Mr. Dodge, in 2011.

 

2011 Equity Incentives.  With respect to equity incentives, DISH Network primarily evaluates the position of each NEO to ensure that each individual has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to the NEO’s annual cash compensation to ensure that the NEO has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Network’s Class A Shares. This determination is made by the Compensation Committee primarily on the basis of Mr. Ergen’s recommendation.  As discussed above, in granting awards to the other NEOs for 2011, Mr. Ergen based his recommendation on, and the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, what was necessary to retain our executive officers.  In particular, in granting awards for 2011, the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, the amount necessary to retain our executive officers.  On March 31, 2011, based on Mr. Ergen’s subjective evaluation of Mr. Cullen’s, Mr. Han’s and Mr. Dodge’s respective contributions to the Corporation’s performance and to align their interests with the long-term interests of DISH Network’s shareholders, Mr. Ergen recommended, and the Compensation Committee agreed, to grant each of Mr. Cullen, Mr. Han and Mr. Dodge an option to acquire 100,000 Class A Shares with such option vesting at the rate of 20% per year.

 

During 2011, we generated cumulative free cash flow in excess of $3 billion while also maintaining 13 million subscribers, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of approximately 45% of the 2008 LTIP stock awards during 2011, and accordingly: (i) 315,000 Class A Shares of the stock option granted to Mr. Ergen under the 2008 LTIP vested and became exercisable; (ii) 105,000 Class A Shares of the stock option granted to Mr. Cullen under the 2008 LTIP vested and became exercisable; (iii) 105,000 Class A Shares of the stock option granted to Mr. Han under the 2008 LTIP vested and became exercisable; (iv) 105,000 Class A Shares of the stock option granted to Mr. Dodge under the 2008 LTIP vested and became exercisable; and (v) 84,000 Class A Shares of the stock option granted to Mr. Olson under the 2008 LTIP vested and became exercisable.

 

21



 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of DISH Network Corporation to discharge certain of the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of DISH Network’s executive officers.

 

The Compensation Committee, to the extent the Board deems necessary or appropriate, will:

 

·                  Make and approve all option grants and other issuances of DISH Network’s equity securities to DISH Network’s executive officers and Board members other than nonemployee directors;

·                  Approve all other option grants and issuances of DISH Network’s equity securities, and recommend that the full Board make and approve such grants and issuances;

·                  Establish in writing all performance goals for performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to senior executive officers could exceed $1 million annually, other than standard Stock Incentive Plan options that may be paid to DISH Network’s executive officers, and certify achievement of such goals prior to payment; and

·                  Set the compensation of the Chairman.

 

Based on the review of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and discussions with management, we recommended to DISH Network’s management that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Corporation’s proxy statement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

The DISH Network Executive Compensation Committee

 

 

 

Steven R. Goodbarn (Chairman)

 

Gary S. Howard

 

Tom A. Ortolf

 

 

The report of the Compensation Committee and the information contained therein shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or under the Exchange Act, irrespective of any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any such filing, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference into a document we file under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

22



 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Our executive officers are compensated by certain of our subsidiaries.  The following table sets forth the cash and noncash compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for the NEOs.

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)

 

Stock
Awards
($)

 

Option
Awards (1)
($)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)

 

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compensation
(2)  ($)

 

Total
($)

 

Joseph P. Clayton (3)

 

2011

 

$

467,307

 

$

 

$

306,700

 

$

9,071,625

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

9,845,632

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

2011

 

$

450,000

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

$

981,070

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

1,536,570

 

Executive Vice President,

 

2010

 

$

450,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

455,500

 

Corporate Development

 

2009

 

$

433,464

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,500

 

$

536,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard L. Han

 

2011

 

$

470,192

 

$

50,000

 

$

 

$

981,070

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

1,506,762

 

Executive Vice President

 

2010

 

$

450,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

455,500

 

and Chief Operating Officer

 

2009

 

$

451,923

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

$

1,158,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,500

 

$

1,713,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

2011

 

$

300,000

 

$

50,000

 

$

 

$

981,070

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

1,336,570

 

Executive Vice President, General

 

2010

 

$

298,846

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

304,346

 

Counsel and Secretary

 

2009

 

$

296,155

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

$

1,238,402

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,500

 

$

1,638,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen (3)

 

2011

 

$

750,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

208,441

 

$

958,441

 

Chairman

 

2010

 

$

600,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

197,909

 

$

797,909

 

 

 

2009

 

$

623,078

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

376,835

 

$

999,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

2011

 

$

346,154

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

351,654

 

Executive Vice President

 

2010

 

$

306,923

 

$

 

$

 

$

171,790

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

484,213

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

2009

 

$

200,769

 

$

 

$

 

$

854,165

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,551

 

$

1,057,485

 

 


(1)                    The amounts reported in the “Option Awards” column reflect grant date fair values.  These amounts include both performance and non-performance based awards.  The grant date fair values for performance awards are based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions under the awards and do not necessarily reflect the amount of compensation actually realized or that may be realized.

 

23



 

Assuming achievement of all performance conditions underlying the performance awards included in this column, the total grant date fair values would be as follows:

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value

 

 

 

2011 Performance
Awards

 

2010 Performance
Awards

 

2009 Performance
Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Clayton

 

$

9,201,000.00

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

$

17,724,240.00

 

$

1,084,427.00

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

$

 

$

8,513,556.00

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard L. Han

 

$

 

$

8,513,556.00

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

$

 

$

8,513,556.00

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

$

 

$

217,257.00

 

$

1,566,432.00

 

 

Assumptions used in the calculation of grant date fair values are included in Note 15 to the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2012.  Amounts for 2010 include the incremental fair value for performance awards as a result of the repricing related to the Corporation’s 2009 cash dividend.

 

(2)                    “All Other Compensation” for all of the NEOs includes amounts contributed pursuant to our 401(k) matching program, relocation payments and our profit sharing program.  Mr. Ergen’s “All Other Compensation” also includes tax preparation payments in each year.  In addition, with respect to Mr. Ergen, “All Other Compensation” includes $170,551, $163,264, and $345,090 for Mr. Ergen’s personal use of corporate aircraft during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We calculated the value of Mr. Ergen’s personal use of corporate aircraft based upon the incremental cost of such usage to DISH Network.

 

(3)                    Mr. Clayton replaced Mr. Ergen as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation on June 20, 2011.

 

24



Grant of Plan-Based Awards

 

The following table provides information on equity awards in 2011 for the Named Executive Officers.

 

 

 

 

 

Date of
Compensation

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards

 

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or

 

All Other
Option
Awards:

 

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option

 

Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and

 

Name

 

Grant
Date

 

Committee
Approval

 

Threshold
($)

 

Target
($)

 

Maximum
($)

 

Threshold
(#)

 

Target
(#)

 

Maximum
(#)

 

Units (1)
(#)

 

Options
(#)

 

Awards
($/sh)

 

Option
Awards (2)

 

Joseph P. Clayton

 

6/30/2011

 

6/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

$

 

$

306,700

 

 

 

6/30/2011

 

6/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

750,000

 

$

30.67

 

$

9,071,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

4/1/2011

 

1/14/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

203

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

3/31/2011

 

3/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

$

24.36

 

$

981,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard L. Han

 

4/1/2011

 

1/14/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

203

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

3/31/2011

 

3/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

$

24.36

 

$

981,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

4/1/2011

 

1/14/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

203

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

3/31/2011

 

3/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

$

24.36

 

$

981,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

4/1/2011

 

1/14/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

203

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

6/30/2011

 

6/30/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

1,200,000

 

 

 

$

30.67

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

4/1/2011

 

1/14/2011

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

203

 

 

$

 

$

 

 


(1)       The amounts reported in the “All Other Stock Awards” column represent shares awarded to the eligible NEOs during 2011 pursuant to our profit sharing program.

(2)       These amounts include both performance and non-performance based awards.  The grant date fair values for performance awards are based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions under the awards and do not necessarily reflect the amount of compensation actually realized or that may be realized.

 

Assuming achievement of all performance conditions underlying the performance awards included in this column, the total grant date fair values would be as follows:

 

 

 

2011
Performance
Awards

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Clayton

 

$

9,201,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

$

17,724,240.00

 

 

Assumptions used in the calculation of grant date fair values are included in Note 15 to the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2012.

 

25



 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

 

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (1)
($)

 

Joseph P. Clayton

 

250,000

 

500,000

 

 

$

30.67

 

6/30/2021

 

 

$

 

300,000

 

$

8,544,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

200,000

 

 

 

$

29.62

 

12/31/2016

 

 

$

 

60,000

(3)

$

1,708,800

 

 

 

32,001

 

 

 

$

32.10

 

12/31/2016

(2)

 

$

 

12,000

(2)

$

251,280

 

 

 

135,000

 

 

165,000

 

$

9.09

 

3/31/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

105,000

 

120,000

 

 

$

9.09

 

12/31/2018

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

$

18.15

 

6/30/2020

 

 

$

 

200,000

(4)

$

5,696,000

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

$

24.36

 

3/31/2021

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard L. Han

 

350,000

 

 

90,000

 

$

25.22

 

9/30/2016

 

 

$

 

30,000

(5)

$

854,400

 

 

 

70,000

 

 

18,000

 

$

27.63

 

9/30/2016

(2)

 

$

 

6,000

(2)

$

125,640

 

 

 

135,000

 

 

165,000

 

$

9.09

 

3/31/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

120,000

 

180,000

 

 

$

9.11

 

3/31/2019

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

$

18.15

 

6/30/2020

 

 

$

 

200,000

(4)

$

5,696,000

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

$

24.36

 

3/31/2021

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

10,000

 

 

 

$

22.01

 

3/31/2013

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

$

24.38

 

3/31/2013

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

$

25.23

 

3/31/2014

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

$

27.64

 

3/31/2014

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

$

23.56

 

6/30/2014

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

$

25.96

 

6/30/2014

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

37,500

 

$

22.32

 

3/31/2015

 

 

$

 

12,500

(6)

$

356,000

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

7,500

 

$

24.69

 

3/31/2015

(2)

 

$

 

2,500

(2)

$

52,350

 

 

 

60,000

 

 

165,000

 

$

9.09

 

3/31/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

80,000

 

20,000

 

45,000

 

$

34.05

 

6/30/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

16,000

 

4,000

 

9,000

 

$

36.61

 

6/30/2017

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

40,000

 

120,000

 

 

$

14.21

 

6/30/2019

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

$

18.15

 

6/30/2020

 

 

$

 

200,000

(4)

$

5,696,000

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

$

24.36

 

3/31/2021

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

80,000

 

 

 

$

22.01

 

3/31/2013

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

16,000

 

 

 

$

24.38

 

3/31/2013

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

400,000

 

 

 

$

23.56

 

6/30/2014

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

80,000

 

 

 

$

25.96

 

6/30/2014

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

$

25.64

 

12/31/2014

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

$

28.06

 

12/31/2014

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

900,000

 

$

22.58

 

9/30/2015

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

180,000

 

$

24.96

 

9/30/2015

(2)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

495,000

 

$

9.09

 

3/31/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

300,000

 

200,000

 

 

$

26.73

 

3/31/2018

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

1,200,000

 

$

30.67

 

9/30/2021

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

18,000

 

 

156,000

 

$

14.21

 

3/31/2017

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

36,000

 

60,000

 

 

$

14.21

 

6/30/2019

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

5,000

 

20,000

 

 

$

18.15

 

6/30/2020

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

26



 


(1)                    Amount represents the number of unvested, performance-based restricted stock units multiplied by $28.48 or $20.94, the closing market prices of DISH Network’s and EchoStar’s Class A Shares, respectively, on December 30, 2011.

 

(2)                    Amounts represent outstanding awards received by our NEOs from EchoStar as a result of the Spin-off.

 

(3)                    Restricted stock awarded on December 31, 2006 under DISH Network’s Stock Incentive Plans.

 

(4)                    Restricted stock awarded on June 30, 2010 under DISH Network’s Stock Incentive Plans.

 

(5)                    Restricted stock awarded on September 30, 2006 under DISH Network’s Stock Incentive Plans.

 

(6)                    Restricted stock awarded on March 31, 2005 under DISH Network’s Stock Incentive Plans.

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)

 

Value Realized
on Exercise (1)
($)

 

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

 

Value
Realized on
Vesting
($)

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

75,000

 

$

1,504,500

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

60,000

 

$

1,117,808

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

315,000

 

$

5,205,150

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

70,000

 

$

882,673

 

 

$

 

 


(1)                    The value realized on exercise is computed by multiplying the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the market price of the Class A Shares on the date of exercise by the number of shares with respect to which the option was exercised.

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination Following a Change in Control

 

As discussed in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above, our standard form of non-performance based option agreement given to executive officers includes acceleration of vesting upon a change in control of DISH Network for those executive officers that are terminated by us or the surviving entity, as applicable, for any reason other than for cause during the twenty-four month period following such change in control.

 

Generally a change in control is deemed to occur upon: (i) a transaction or a series of transactions the result of which is that any person (other than Mr. Ergen, our controlling shareholder, or a related party) individually owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the total equity interests of either (A) DISH Network or (B) the surviving entity in any such transaction(s) or a controlling affiliate of such surviving entity in such transaction(s); and (ii) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of DISH Network are not continuing directors.

 

27



 

Assuming a change in control were to have taken place as of December 31, 2011, and the executives are terminated by DISH Network or the surviving entity at such date, the estimated benefits that would have been provided are as follows:

 

Name

 

Maximum
Value of
Accelerated
Vesting of
Options

 

Joseph P. Clayton (1)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Cullen

 

$

2,738,800

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard L. Han

 

$

3,898,600

 

 

 

 

 

R. Stanton Dodge

 

$

2,695,200

 

 

 

 

 

Charles W. Ergen

 

$

350,000

 

 

 

 

 

Robert E. Olson

 

$

1,062,800

 

 


(1)         The value of potentially accelerated unvested options as of December 31, 2011 was zero because all non-performance based unvested stock options held by Mr. Clayton were out-of-the-money.

 

Director Compensation and Nonemployee Director Option Plans

 

Our employee directors are not compensated for their services as directors. Each nonemployee director receives an annual retainer of $60,000 which is paid in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each calendar quarter; provided such person is a member of the Board on the last day of the applicable calendar quarter.  Our nonemployee directors also receive $1,000 for each meeting attended in person and $500 for each meeting attended by telephone.  Additionally, the chairperson of each committee of the Board receives a $5,000 annual retainer, which is paid in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each calendar quarter; provided such person is the chairperson of the committee on the last day of the applicable calendar quarter.  Furthermore, our nonemployee directors receive:  (i) reimbursement, in full, of reasonable travel expenses related to attendance at all meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees and (ii) reimbursement, in full, of reasonable expenses related to educational activities undertaken in connection with service on the Board of Directors and its committees.

 

Name

 

Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($)

 

Stock
Awards
($)

 

Option
Awards (1)
($)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)

 

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compensation
($)

 

Total
($)

 

Steven R. Goodbarn

 

$

67,500

 

$

 

$

109,247

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

176,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary S. Howard

 

$

65,500

 

$

 

$

109,247

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

174,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 </