Definitive Proxy Statement
Table of Contents

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.         )

 

Filed by the Registrant x

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

x Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

ConocoPhillips


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 


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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

x No fee required.

 

¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

 

  1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 


 

  2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 


 

  3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 


 

  4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 


 

  5) Total fee paid:

 


 

¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

  1) Amount Previously Paid:

 


 

  2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 


 

  3) Filing Party:

 


 

  4) Date Filed:

 



Table of Contents

LOGO

NOTICE OF 2011 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING

AND PROXY STATEMENT

March 31, 2011

Dear ConocoPhillips Stockholder:

On behalf of your board of directors and management, you are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible. You may vote on the Internet, by telephone, or, if this proxy statement was mailed to you, by completing and mailing the enclosed traditional proxy card. Please review the instructions on the proxy card or the electronic proxy material delivery notice regarding each of these voting options. Please note that submitting a proxy using any one of these methods will not prevent you from attending the meeting and voting in person. You will find information regarding the matters to be voted on at the meeting in the proxy statement.

In addition to the formal items of business to be brought before the meeting, there will be a report on ConocoPhillips’ operations during 2010 followed by a question and answer period. Your interest in ConocoPhillips is appreciated. We look forward to seeing you on May 11th.

Sincerely,

LOGO

J. J. Mulva

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Notice of 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

     1   

About the Annual Meeting

     2   

Corporate Governance Matters and Communications with the Board

     8   

Board Leadership Structure

     9   

Board Risk Oversight

     9   

Code of Business Ethics and Conduct

     10   

Related Party Transactions

     10   

Nominating Processes of the Committee on Directors’ Affairs

     10   

Election of Directors and Director Biographies (Proposal 1)

     11   

Audit & Finance Committee Report

     19   

Proposal to Ratify the Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (Proposal 2)

     20   

Executive Compensation

  

Role of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee

     22   

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report

     23   

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     24   

Stock Performance Graph

     39   

Executive Compensation Tables

     40   

Executive Severance and Changes in Control

     61   

Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation (Proposal 3)

     67   

Advisory Vote on Frequency of Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Proposal 4)

     68   

Non-Employee Director Compensation

     69   

Equity Compensation Plan Information

     75   

Stock Ownership

  

Holdings of Major Stockholders

     77   

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

     77   

Securities Ownership of Officers and Directors

     78   

Approval of 2011 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (Proposal 5)

     79   

Stockholder Proposals (Proposals 6-13)

     87   

Submission of Future Stockholder Proposals

     107   

Available Information

     107   

Appendix A – 2011 Omnibus Stock Performance and Incentive Plan of ConocoPhillips

     A-1   

Appendix B – Financial Information

     B-1   


Table of Contents

NOTICE OF 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Time

9:00 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011

 

Place

Omni Houston Hotel at Westside
 13210 Katy Freeway

Houston, Texas 77079

 

Items of Business

To elect Directors (page 11);

 

  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2011 (page 20);

 

  To provide an advisory approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (page 67);

 

  To indicate a preference on the frequency of the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (page 68);

 

  To approve the 2011 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan of ConocoPhillips (page 79);

 

  To consider and vote on eight stockholder proposals (pages 87 through 106); and

 

  To transact other business properly coming before the meeting.

 

Who Can Vote

You can vote if you were a stockholder of record as of March 14, 2011.

 

Voting by Proxy

Please submit a proxy as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the meeting in accordance with your instructions. You may submit your proxy:

 

  -    Over the Internet

 

-    By telephone, or

 

  -    By mail.

 

Date of Mailing

This notice and the proxy statement are first being mailed to stockholders on or about March 31, 2011.

By Order of the Board of Directors

LOGO

Janet Langford Kelly

Corporate Secretary

 

1


Table of Contents

About the Annual Meeting

Who is soliciting my vote?

The Board of Directors of ConocoPhillips is soliciting your vote at the 2011 Annual Meeting of ConocoPhillips’ stockholders.

How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?

The Board’s recommendation can be found with the description of each item in this proxy statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:

 

   

FOR the Board’s proposal to elect nominated Directors;

 

   

FOR the Board’s proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as ConocoPhillips’ independent registered public accounting firm for 2011;

 

   

FOR the advisory approval of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers;

 

   

FOR the approval of the 2011 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan of ConocoPhillips; and

 

   

AGAINST each of the stockholder proposals.

Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.

The Board has elected to make no recommendation regarding the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers. Where no instruction is given on this proposal, no vote will be made by the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card.

Who is entitled to vote?

You may vote if you were the record owner of ConocoPhillips common stock as of the close of business on March 14, 2011. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. As of March 14, 2011, we had 1,455,786,878 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. There is no cumulative voting.

How many votes must be present to hold the meeting?

Your shares are counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you attend the meeting and vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by Internet, telephone or mail. In order for us to hold our meeting, holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock as of March 14, 2011, must be present in person or by proxy at the meeting. This is referred to as a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting.

 

2


Table of Contents

What is a broker non-vote?

If a broker does not have discretion to vote shares held in street name on a particular proposal and does not receive instructions from the beneficial owner on how to vote those shares, the broker may return the proxy card without voting on that proposal. This is known as a broker non-vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for any matter properly introduced at the meeting.

How many votes are needed to approve each of the proposals?

Each of the director nominees and all proposals submitted, other than the frequency of the vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, require the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of those shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. With respect to the advisory vote on frequency of the vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, the Board expects that it will adopt the frequency receiving the highest number of votes.

How do I vote?

You can vote either in person at the meeting or by proxy without attending the meeting.

This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card and the Company’s 2010 Summary Annual Report to Stockholders are being made available to the Company’s stockholders on the Internet at www.proxyvote.com through the notice and access process. The year 2010 consolidated financial statements and auditors’ report, management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, information concerning the quarterly financial data for the past two fiscal years, and other information are provided in Appendix B to this proxy statement.

To vote by proxy, you must do one of the following:

 

   

Vote over the Internet (instructions are on the proxy card);

 

   

Vote by telephone (instructions are on the proxy card); or

 

   

If you elected to receive a hard copy of your proxy materials, fill out the enclosed proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

If you hold your ConocoPhillips stock in a brokerage account (that is, in “street name”), your ability to vote by telephone or over the Internet depends on your broker’s voting process. Please follow the directions on your proxy card or voter instruction form carefully.

Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by proxy. If you plan to vote in person at the Annual Meeting and you hold your ConocoPhillips stock in street name, you must obtain a proxy from your broker and bring that proxy to the meeting.

How do I vote if I hold my stock through ConocoPhillips’ employee benefit plans?

If you hold your stock through ConocoPhillips’ employee benefit plans, you must either:

 

   

Vote over the Internet (instructions are in the email sent to you or on the notice and access form);

 

3


Table of Contents
   

Vote by telephone (instructions are on the notice and access form); or

 

   

If you received a hard copy of your proxy materials, fill out the enclosed voting instruction form, date and sign it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

You will receive a separate voting instruction form for each employee benefit plan in which you have an interest. Please pay close attention to the deadline for returning your voting instruction form to the plan trustee. The voting deadline for each plan is set forth on the voting instruction form. Please note that different plans may have different deadlines.

Can I change my vote?

Yes. You can change or revoke your vote at any time before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. You can do this by:

 

   

Voting again by telephone or over the Internet prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 10, 2011;

 

   

Signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to us prior to the meeting;

 

   

Sending our Corporate Secretary a written document revoking your earlier proxy; or

 

   

Voting again at the meeting.

Who counts the votes?

We have hired Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to count the votes represented by proxies and cast by ballot, and Jim Gaughan of Carl T. Hagberg and Associates has been appointed to act as Inspector of Election.

Will my shares be voted if I don’t provide my proxy and don’t attend the Annual Meeting?

If you do not provide a proxy or vote your shares held in your name, your shares will not be voted.

If you hold your shares in street name, your broker may be able to vote your shares for certain “routine” matters even if you do not provide the broker with voting instructions. Only the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2011 is considered to be a routine matter.

If you do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares the broker will return the proxy card without voting on proposals not considered “routine.” This is a broker non-vote. Without instructions from you, the broker may not vote on any proposals other than the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2011.

As more fully described on your proxy card, if you hold your shares through certain ConocoPhillips’ employee benefit plans and do not vote your shares, your shares (along with all other shares in the plan for which votes are not cast) may be voted pro rata by the trustee in accordance with the votes directed by other participants in the plan who elect to act as a fiduciary entitled to direct the trustee of the applicable plan on how to vote the shares.

 

4


Table of Contents

How are votes counted?

For all proposals, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.” If you “ABSTAIN,” it has the same effect as a vote “AGAINST.”

What if I return my proxy but don’t vote for some of the matters listed on my proxy card?

If you return a signed proxy card without indicating your vote, your shares will be voted “FOR” the director nominees listed on the card, “FOR” the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as ConocoPhillips’ independent registered public accounting firm, “FOR” the approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, “FOR” the approval of the 2011 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan of ConocoPhillips, and “AGAINST” each of the stockholder proposals. Since the Board of Directors has not made a recommendation on the advisory vote on the frequency of the vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, if you return a signed proxy card without indicating your vote on this matter, your shares will not be voted on this matter.

Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

We have been notified of a possible proposal on our board membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that may be presented at the meeting by Walden Asset Management. If this or any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in your proxies will vote in accordance with their best judgment. Discretionary authority to vote on other matters is included in the proxy.

Who can attend the meeting?

The Annual Meeting is open to all holders of ConocoPhillips common stock. Each stockholder is permitted to bring one guest. No cameras, recording equipment, large bags, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the Annual Meeting, and security measures will be in effect to ensure the safety of attendees.

Do I need a ticket to attend the Annual Meeting?

Yes, you will need an admission ticket or proof of ownership of ConocoPhillips stock to enter the meeting. If your shares are registered in your name, you will find an admission ticket attached to the proxy card sent to you. If your shares are in the name of your broker or bank or you received your materials electronically, you will need to bring evidence of your stock ownership, such as your most recent brokerage statement. All stockholders will be required to present valid picture identification. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE VALID PICTURE IDENTIFICATION AND EITHER AN ADMISSION TICKET OR PROOF THAT YOU OWN CONOCOPHILLIPS STOCK, YOU MAY NOT BE ADMITTED INTO THE MEETING.

How can I access ConocoPhillips’ proxy materials and annual report electronically?

This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card and the Company’s 2010 Summary Annual Report are being made available to the Company’s stockholders on the Internet at www.proxyvote.com through the notice and access process. Most stockholders can elect to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail.

 

5


Table of Contents

If you own ConocoPhillips stock in your name, you can choose this option and save us the cost of producing and mailing these documents by checking the box for electronic delivery on your proxy card, or by following the instructions provided when you vote by telephone or over the Internet. If you hold your ConocoPhillips stock through a bank, broker or other holder of record, please refer to the information provided by that entity for instructions on how to elect to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet.

If you choose to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet, you will receive a Notice of Internet Availability next year containing the Internet address to use to access our proxy statement and annual report. Your choice will remain in effect unless you change your election following the receipt of a Notice of Internet Availability. You do not have to elect Internet access each year. If you later change your mind and would like to receive paper copies of our proxy statements and annual reports, you can request both by phone at (800) 579-1639, by email at sendmaterial@proxyvote.com and through the Internet at www.proxyvote.com. You will need your 12 digit control number located on your Notice of Internet Availability to request a package. You will also be provided with the opportunity to receive a copy of the proxy statement and annual report in future mailings.

Will my vote be kept confidential?

The Company’s Board of Directors has a policy that all stockholder proxies, ballots, and tabulations that identify stockholders are to be maintained in confidence. No such document will be available for examination, and the identity and vote of any stockholder will not be disclosed, except as necessary to meet legal requirements and allow the inspectors of election to certify the results of the stockholder vote. The policy also provides that inspectors of election for stockholder votes must be independent and cannot be employees of the Company. Occasionally, stockholders provide written comments on their proxy card that may be forwarded to management.

What is the cost of this proxy solicitation?

Our Board of Directors has sent you this proxy statement. Our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies by mail, by email, by telephone or in person. Those persons will receive no additional compensation for any solicitation activities. We will request banking institutions, brokerage firms, custodians, trustees, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of common stock held of record by those entities, and we will, upon the request of those record holders, reimburse reasonable forwarding expenses. We will pay the costs of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing the proxy materials used in the solicitation of proxies. In addition, we have hired Mackenzie Partners, Inc. to assist us in soliciting proxies, which it may do by telephone or in person. We anticipate paying Mackenzie Partners, Inc. a fee of $15,500, plus expenses.

Why did my household receive a single set of proxy materials?

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules permit us to deliver a single copy of an annual report and proxy statement to any household not participating in electronic proxy material delivery at which two or more stockholders reside, if we believe the stockholders are members of the same family. This benefits both you and the Company, as it eliminates duplicate mailings that stockholders living at the same address receive and it reduces our printing and mailing costs. This rule applies to any annual reports, proxy statements, proxy statements combined with a prospectus or information statements. Each stockholder will continue to receive a separate proxy card or voting instruction card. Your household may have received a single set of proxy materials

 

6


Table of Contents

this year. If you prefer to receive your own copy now or in future years, please request a duplicate set by phone at (800) 579-1639, through the Internet at www.proxyvote.com, by email at sendmaterial@proxyvote.com, or by writing to ConocoPhillips, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. If a broker or other nominee holds your shares, you may continue to receive some duplicate mailings. Certain brokers will eliminate duplicate account mailings by allowing stockholders to consent to such elimination, or through implied consent if a stockholder does not request continuation of duplicate mailings. Since not all brokers and nominees may offer stockholders the opportunity this year to eliminate duplicate mailings, you may need to contact your broker or nominee directly to discontinue duplicate mailings to your household.

 

7


Table of Contents

Corporate Governance Matters and Communications with the Board

The Committee on Directors’ Affairs and our Board annually review the Company’s governance structure to take into account changes in SEC and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules, as well as current best practices. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, posted on the Company’s Internet site under the “Governance” caption and available in print upon request (see “Available Information” on page 107), address the following matters, among others: director qualifications, director responsibilities, Board committees, director access to officers, employees and independent advisors, director compensation, Board performance evaluations, director orientation and continuing education, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) evaluation and succession planning.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines also contain director independence standards, which are consistent with the standards set forth in the NYSE listing standards, to assist the Board in determining the independence of the Company’s directors. The Board has determined that each director, except Mr. Mulva, meets the standards regarding independence set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines and is free of any material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company). In making such determination, the Board specifically considered the fact that many of our directors are directors, retired officers and stockholders of companies with which we conduct business. In addition, some of our directors serve as employees of, or consultants to, companies which do business with ConocoPhillips and its affiliates (as further described in “Related Party Transactions” on page 10). Finally, some of our directors may purchase retail products (such as gasoline, fuel additives or lubricants) from the Company. In all cases, it was determined that the nature of the business conducted and the interest of the director by virtue of such position were immaterial both to the Company and to such director.

The Board of Directors maintains a process for stockholders and interested parties to communicate with the Board. Stockholders and interested parties may write or call our Board of Directors by contacting our Corporate Secretary, Janet Langford Kelly, as provided below:

 

 

Mailing Address: Corporate Secretary ConocoPhillips P.O. Box 4783 Houston, TX 77210-4783

 

 

Phone Number: (281) 293-3075

Relevant communications are distributed to the Board or to any individual director or directors, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. In that regard, the Board has requested that certain items that are unrelated to its duties and responsibilities be excluded, such as: business solicitations or advertisements; junk mail and mass mailings; new product suggestions; product complaints; product inquiries; resumes and other forms of job inquiries; spam; and surveys. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable will be excluded. Any communication that is filtered out is made available to any outside director upon request.

Recognizing that director attendance at the Company’s Annual Meeting can provide the Company’s stockholders with an opportunity to communicate with Board members about issues affecting the Company, the Company actively encourages its directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In 2010, all of the Company’s directors attended the Annual Meeting with the exception of Mr. Norvik, who could not attend due to flight cancellations related to then-ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland.

 

8


Table of Contents

Board Leadership Structure

ConocoPhillips is focused on the Company’s corporate governance practices and values independent board oversight as an essential component of strong corporate performance to enhance stockholder value. Our commitment to independent oversight is demonstrated by the fact that all of our directors, except Mr. Mulva, are independent. In addition, all members of the Audit and Finance Committee, Committee on Directors’ Affairs, Human Resources and Compensation Committee and Public Policy Committee are independent.

While the Board retains the authority to separate the positions of Chairman and CEO if it deems appropriate in the future, the Board currently believes it is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to combine them. Doing so places one person in a position to guide the Board in setting priorities for the Company and in addressing the risks and challenges the Company faces. The Board believes that, while its independent directors bring a diversity of skills and perspectives to the Board, the Company’s CEO, by virtue of his day-to-day involvement in managing the Company, is best suited to perform this unified role.

The Board also believes that its current structure and processes encourage its independent directors to be actively involved in guiding the work of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee on Directors’ Affairs, Mr. Auchinleck, presides at executive sessions of the independent directors, which are held each time the Board meets. The Chairs of the Board’s Committees establish their agendas and review their committee materials in advance, communicating directly with other directors and members of management as each deems appropriate. Moreover, each director is free to suggest agenda items and to raise matters at Board and Committee meetings that are not on the agenda.

The Board believes there is no single organizational model that is the best and most effective in all circumstances. As a consequence, the Board periodically considers whether the offices of Chairman and CEO should be combined and who should serve in such capacities. The Board will continue to reexamine its corporate governance policies and leadership structures on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet the Company’s needs.

Board Risk Oversight

While the Company’s management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks to the Company, the Board has broad oversight responsibility for the Company’s risk management programs. In this oversight role, the Board is responsible for satisfying itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by the Company’s management are functioning as intended, and that necessary steps are taken to foster a culture of risk-adjusted decision-making throughout the organization. In carrying out its oversight responsibility, the Board has delegated to individual Board Committees certain elements of its oversight function. In this context, the Board delegated authority to the Audit and Finance Committee to facilitate coordination among the Board’s Committees with respect to oversight of the Company’s risk management programs. As part of this authority, the Audit and Finance Committee regularly discusses the Company’s risk assessment and risk management policies to ensure that our risk management programs are functioning properly. Additionally, the Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee meets with the Chairs of the other Board Committees each year to discuss the Board’s oversight of the Company’s risk management programs. The Board receives regular updates from its Committees on individual areas of risk, such as updates on financial risks from the Audit and Finance Committee, health, safety and environmental risks from the Public Policy Committee and compensation program risks from the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. The Board exercises its oversight function with respect to all material risks to the Company, which are identified and discussed in the Company’s public filings with the SEC.

 

9


Table of Contents

Code of Business Ethics and Conduct

ConocoPhillips has adopted a worldwide Code of Business Ethics and Conduct for Directors and Employees designed to help directors and employees resolve ethical issues in an increasingly complex global business environment. Our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct applies to all directors and employees, including the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer. Our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct covers topics including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest, insider trading, competition and fair dealing, discrimination and harassment, confidentiality, payments to government personnel, anti-boycott laws, U.S. embargos and sanctions, compliance procedures and employee complaint procedures. Our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is posted on our Internet site under the “Governance” caption. Stockholders may also request printed copies of our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct by following the instructions located under the caption “Available Information” on page 107.

Related Party Transactions

Our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct requires that all directors and executive officers promptly bring to the attention of the General Counsel and, in the case of directors, the Chairman of the Committee on Directors’ Affairs or, in the case of executive officers, the Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee, any transaction or relationship that arises and of which she or he becomes aware that reasonably could be expected to constitute a related party transaction. Any such transaction or relationship is reviewed by the Company’s management and the appropriate Board Committee to ensure that it does not constitute a conflict of interest and is reported appropriately. Additionally, the Committee on Directors’ Affairs conducts an annual review of related party transactions between each of our directors and the Company (and its subsidiaries) and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the continued independence of each board member. In 2010, there were no related party transactions in which the Company (or a subsidiary) was a participant and in which any director or executive officer (or their immediate family members) had a direct or indirect material interest. The Committee on Directors’ Affairs also considered relationships which, while not constituting related party transactions where a director had a direct or indirect material interest, nonetheless involved transactions between the Company and a company with which a director is affiliated, whether through employment status or by virtue of serving as director. Included in its review were ordinary course of business transactions with companies employing a director, including ordinary course of business transactions with The McGraw-Hill Companies, of which Mr. McGraw serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Lowe’s Companies, Inc., of which Mr. Niblock serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Committee determined that there were no transactions impairing the independence of any director.

Nominating Processes of the Committee on Directors’ Affairs

The Committee on Directors’ Affairs (the “Committee”) comprises four non-employee directors, all of whom are independent under NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Committee identifies, investigates and recommends director candidates to the Board with the goal of creating balance of knowledge, experience and diversity. Generally, the Committee identifies candidates through business and organizational contacts of the directors and management. Our By-Laws permit stockholders to nominate candidates for director election at a stockholders meeting whether or not such nominee is submitted to and evaluated by the Committee on Directors’ Affairs. Stockholders who wish to submit nominees for election at an annual or special meeting of stockholders should follow the procedures described on page 107. The Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders. If a stockholder wishes to recommend a candidate for nomination by the Committee, he or she should follow the same procedures set forth above for nominations to be made directly by the stockholder. In addition, the stockholder should provide such other information as it may deem relevant to the Committee’s evaluation. Candidates recommended by the Company’s stockholders are evaluated on the same basis as candidates recommended by the Company’s directors, CEO, other executive officers, third-party search firms or other sources.

 

10


Table of Contents

Election of Directors and Director Biographies

(Proposal 1 on the Proxy Card)

What am I voting on?

You are voting on a proposal to re-elect 13 directors to a one-year term as directors of the Company. As discussed on page 17, Mr. Shackouls has decided not to stand for reelection, and the Board has reduced the size of the Board to 13 directors, effective as of the end of Mr. Shackouls’ current term.

What is the makeup of the Board of Directors and how often are the members elected?

Our Board of Directors currently has 14 members. Directors are elected at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders every year. Any director vacancies created between annual stockholder meetings (such as by a current director’s death, resignation or removal for cause or an increase in the number of directors) may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors then in office. Any director appointed in this manner would hold office until the next election. If a vacancy resulted from an action of our stockholders, only our stockholders are entitled to elect a successor. Each director is required to retire at the next annual stockholders’ meeting of the Company following his or her 72nd birthday.

What if a nominee is unable or unwilling to serve?

That is not expected to occur. If it does and the Board does not elect to reduce the size of the Board, shares represented by proxies will be voted for a substitute nominated by the Board of Directors.

How are directors compensated?

Please see our discussion of director compensation beginning on page 69.

How often did the Board meet in 2010?

The Board of Directors met eight times in 2010. Each director attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate of:

 

   

the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which she or he has been a director); and

 

   

the total number of full-committee meetings held by all Committees of the Board on which she or he served (during the periods that she or he served).

Do the Board committees have written charters?

Yes. The charters for our Audit and Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Human Resources and Compensation Committee, Committee on Directors’ Affairs and Public Policy Committee can be found on ConocoPhillips’ Web site at www.conocophillips.com under the “Governance” caption (accessed through the “Investor Relations” link). Stockholders may also request printed copies of our Board Committee charters by following the instructions located under the caption “Available Information” on page 107.

 

11


Table of Contents

What are the Committees of the Board?

 

Committee    Members        Principal Functions   Number of
Meetings
in 2010
 
Audit and Finance   

James E. Copeland, Jr.*

Robert A. Niblock

Harald J. Norvik

Victoria J. Tschinkel

    Discusses with management, the independent auditors, and the internal auditors the integrity of the Company’s accounting policies, internal controls, financial statements, financial reporting practices, and select financial matters, covering the Company’s capital structure, complex financial transactions, financial risk management, retirement plans and tax planning.     13   
         Reviews significant corporate risk exposures and steps management has taken to monitor, control and report such exposures.    
         Monitors the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors and internal auditors.    
         Monitors our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate governance, including our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct.    
           Maintains open and direct lines of communication with the Board and our management, internal auditors and independent auditors.        
Executive   

James J. Mulva*

Richard H. Auchinleck

James E. Copeland, Jr.

Ruth R. Harkin

William E. Wade, Jr.

    Exercises the authority of the full Board between Board meetings on all matters other than (1) those matters expressly delegated to another committee of the Board, (2) the adoption, amendment or repeal of any of our By-Laws and (3) matters which cannot be delegated to a committee under statute or our Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws.       
Human Resources and Compensation   

William E. Wade, Jr.*

Harold W. McGraw III

Kathryn C. Turner

    Oversees our executive compensation policies, plans, programs and practices.     8   
       Assists the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the fair and competitive compensation of our executives and other key employees.    
         Annually reviews the performance (together with the Directors’ Affairs Committee) and sets the compensation of the CEO.    
Directors’ Affairs   

Richard H. Auchinleck *

Richard L. Armitage

Harold W. McGraw III

Kathryn C. Turner

    Selects and recommends director candidates to the Board to be submitted for election at the Annual Meeting and to fill any vacancies on the Board.     7   
       Recommends committee assignments to the Board.    
       Reviews and recommends to the Board compensation and benefits policies for our non-management directors.    
         Reviews and recommends to the Board appropriate corporate governance policies and procedures for our Company.    
         Conducts an annual assessment of the qualifications and performance of the Board.    
         Reviews and reports to the Board annually on the performance of, and succession planning for, the CEO.    
         Together with the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, annually reviews the performance of the CEO.    
Public Policy   

Ruth R. Harkin*

Kenneth M. Duberstein

William K. Reilly

Bobby S. Shackouls

    Advises the Board on current and emerging domestic and international public policy issues.     6   
       Assists the Board in the development and review of policies and budgets for charitable and political contributions.        

 

* Committee Chairperson

 

12


Table of Contents

What criteria were considered by the Committee on Directors’ Affairs in selecting the nominees?

In selecting the 2011 nominees for director, the Committee on Directors’ Affairs sought candidates who possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and are committed to representing the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders. In addition to reviewing a candidate’s background and accomplishments, the Committee reviewed candidates for director in the context of the current composition of the Board and the evolving needs of the Company’s businesses. The Committee also considered the number of boards on which the candidate already serves. It is the Board’s policy that at all times at least a substantial majority of its members meets the standards of independence promulgated by the NYSE and the SEC, and as set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Committee also seeks to ensure that the Board reflects a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity, and expertise, particularly in the areas of accounting and finance, management, domestic and international markets, leadership, and oil and gas related industries, sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interests. The Board seeks to maintain a diverse membership, but does not have a separate policy on diversity. The Board also requires that its members be able to dedicate the time and resources necessary to ensure the diligent performance of their duties on the Company’s behalf, including attending Board and applicable committee meetings.

The following are some of the key qualifications and skills the Committee on Directors’ Affairs considered in evaluating the director nominees. The individual biographies below provide additional information about each nominee’s specific experiences, qualifications and skills.

 

  O  

CEO experience. We believe that directors with experience as CEO of public corporations provide the Company with valuable insights. These individuals have a demonstrated record of leadership qualities and a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk and risk management and the methods to drive change and growth. Through their service as top leaders at other organizations, they also bring valuable perspective on common issues affecting both their company and ConocoPhillips.

 

  O  

Financial reporting experience. We believe that an understanding of finance and financial reporting processes is important for our directors. The Company measures its operating and strategic performance by reference to financial targets. In addition, accurate financial reporting and robust auditing are critical to the Company’s success. We seek to have a number of directors who qualify as audit committee financial experts, and we expect all of our directors to be financially knowledgeable.

 

  O  

Industry experience. We seek to have directors with experience as executives, directors or other leadership positions in the energy industry. These directors have valuable perspective on issues specific to the Company’s business.

 

  O  

Government experience. We seek directors with governmental experience because the energy industry is heavily regulated and is directly affected by governmental actions and decisions. The Company recognizes the importance of working constructively with governments around the world and directors with government experience offer valuable insight in this regard.

 

  O  

Global experience. As a global, integrated energy company, the Company’s future success depends, in part, on its success in growing its businesses outside the United States. Our directors with global business experience provide valued perspective on our operations.

 

  O  

Environmental experience. The perspective of directors who have experience within the environmental regulatory field is valued as we implement policies and conduct operations in order to ensure that our actions today will not only provide the energy needed to drive economic growth and social well-being, but also secure a stable and healthy environment for tomorrow.

 

13


Table of Contents

Who are this year’s nominees?

The following directors are standing for annual election this year to hold office until the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Included below is a listing of their name, age, tenure and qualifications.

 

LOGO

  

Richard L. Armitage, 65,

Director since March 2006

 

Mr. Armitage has served as President of Armitage International since March 2005. He is a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and held a wide variety of high ranking U.S. diplomatic positions from 1989 to 1993 including: Special Mediator for Water in the Middle East; Special Emissary to King Hussein of Jordan during the 1991 Gulf War; and Ambassador, directing U.S. assistance to the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. He served as Assistant U.S. Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs from 1983 to 1989. He serves on the boards of ManTech International Corporation and Transcu, Ltd.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Armitage’s experience in a wide range of high ranking diplomatic positions makes him uniquely qualified to provide valuable insight and expertise in the context of the Company’s global operations with substantial governmental interface. Mr. Armitage has specific expertise in many of the Company’s key operating regions. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

Richard H. Auchinleck, 59,

Director since August 2002

 

Mr. Auchinleck began his service as a director of Conoco Inc. in 2001 prior to its merger with Phillips Petroleum Company in 2002. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Canada Resources Limited from 1998 until its acquisition by Conoco in 2001. Prior to his service as CEO, he was Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Canada from 1997 to 1998 and Chief Executive Officer for Gulf Indonesia Resources Limited from 1997 to 1998. Mr. Auchinleck currently serves on the boards of Enbridge Commercial Trust and Telus Corporation and previously served on the board of Red Mile Entertainment Inc. from 2005 to 2008.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Auchinleck has served as a director of ConocoPhillips and its predecessors since Gulf Canada Resources was acquired by Conoco in 2001. His extensive experience in the industry and as a CEO of an energy company provides him with valuable insights into the Company’s business. In addition, Mr. Auchinleck has extensive industry experience in Canada, the location of many key Company assets and operations. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

James E. Copeland, Jr., 66,

Director since February 2004

 

Mr. Copeland served as Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte & Touche and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from 1999 to 2003. Mr. Copeland formerly served as Senior Fellow for Corporate Governance with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and as a Global Scholar with the Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University. Mr. Copeland is currently a member of the boards of Equifax Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc. and previously served on the board of Coca Cola Enterprises from 2003 to 2008.

 

Skills and Qualifications: As the former CEO of one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, Mr. Copeland provides a wealth of financial and accounting expertise. In addition, Mr. Copeland’s experience as a CEO at a large, global corporation allows him to provide valuable insights on managing a global business. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

 

14


Table of Contents

LOGO

  

Kenneth M. Duberstein, 66,

Director since August 2002

 

Mr. Duberstein began his service as a director of Conoco Inc. in 2000 prior to its merger with Phillips Petroleum Company in 2002. He has served since 1989 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Duberstein Group, a strategic planning and consulting company. Prior to this, Mr. Duberstein was the White House Chief of Staff from 1988 to 1989 and Deputy Chief of Staff in 1987 to President Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Duberstein currently serves on the boards of The Boeing Company, Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, and The Travelers Companies, Inc.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Duberstein’s extensive experience, including serving as White House Chief of Staff, allows him to provide valuable expertise on governmental matters, particularly in the United States. Mr. Duberstein has extensive global and domestic strategic advisory experience which allows him to provide valuable insights into the Company’s global strategic plans. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

Ruth R. Harkin, 66,

Director since August 2002

 

Ms. Harkin began her service as a director of Conoco Inc. in 1998 prior to its merger with Phillips Petroleum Company in 2002. Ms. Harkin served as Senior Vice President, International Affairs and Government Relations of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and was Chair of United Technologies International, UTC’s international representation arm, from June 1997 to February 2005. She also is a former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Ms. Harkin currently serves on the board of AbitibiBowater Inc. She previously served on the Board of Bowater Incorporated from 2005 to 2007. She is a member of the Board of Regents of the State of Iowa.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Harkin’s extensive experience in advising international corporations on foreign investments and government affairs provides the Company with valuable insight applicable to its global operations. The Board believes her experience and expertise in these matters make her well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

Harold W. McGraw III, 62,

Director since September 2005

 

Mr. McGraw currently serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Prior to his service as Chairman, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The McGraw-Hill Companies from 1998 to 2000 and President and Chief Operating Officer of The McGraw-Hill Companies from 1993 to 1998. Mr. McGraw currently serves on the boards of The McGraw-Hill Companies and United Technologies Corporation.

 

Skills and Qualifications: As an active CEO of a large, global public company with a significant role in the financial reporting industry, Mr. McGraw’s experience allows him to provide the Company with valuable financial and operational expertise. In addition, with experience in operations worldwide, he is well-qualified to advise the Company on its global operations. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

James J. Mulva, 64,

Director since August 2002

 

Mr. Mulva is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips, serving in such capacities since 2004 and 2002, respectively. Mr. Mulva served as President from 2002 through 2008. Mr. Mulva began his career over 35 years ago with Phillips Petroleum Company. Beginning in 1999 and continuing through its merger with Conoco Inc. in 2002, Mr. Mulva served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Petroleum Company. He also served as a member of the Board of Phillips Petroleum Company beginning in 1994 and as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Phillips Petroleum Company from 1994 to June 1999. He currently serves on the board of General Electric Company.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Mulva’s 35-year career, first at Phillips Petroleum and, since 2002, as CEO of ConocoPhillips, makes him uniquely and well qualified to serve both as a director and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Mulva’s extensive experience in the industry and as the global representative of ConocoPhillips makes his service as a director invaluable to the Company. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

 

15


Table of Contents

LOGO

  

Robert A. Niblock, 48,

Director since February 2010

 

Mr. Niblock is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., a position he has held since January 2005. He also served as Lowe’s President from 2003 to 2006, and joined its board of directors when he was named Chairman and CEO-elect in 2004. Mr. Niblock joined Lowe’s in 1993 and, during his career with the company, has served as Vice President and Treasurer, Senior Vice President, and Executive Vice President and CFO. Before joining Lowe’s, Mr. Niblock had a nine-year career with accounting firm Ernst & Young.

 

Skills and Qualifications: After an extensive search, Mr. Niblock became a member of the Board in 2010. The Committee on Directors’ Affairs valued his experience as a CEO and in financial reporting matters. With Mr. Niblock’s experience as an actively serving CEO of a large public company, he provides the Board with valuable operational and financial expertise. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

Harald J. Norvik, 64,

Director since July 2005

 

Mr. Norvik currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Telenor ASA. He was Chairman and a partner at Econ Management AS from 2002 to 2008 and was a strategic advisor there from 2008 to 2010. He served as Chairman, President & CEO of Statoil from 1988 to 1999. He currently serves on the boards of Telenor ASA and Petroleum Geo-Services ASA.

 

Skills and Qualifications: As a former CEO of an international energy corporation, Mr. Norvik brings valuable experience and expertise in industry and operational matters. In addition, Mr. Norvik provides valuable international perspective as a citizen of Norway, a country in which the Company has significant operations. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

William K. Reilly, 71,

Director since August 2002

 

Mr. Reilly began his service as a director of Conoco Inc. in 1998 prior to its merger with Phillips Petroleum Company in 2002. Since June 1999 he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aqua International Partners, an investment group which finances water improvements in developing countries. He is also a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital. He was Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1989 to 1993. Mr. Reilly currently serves on the boards of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Most recently, Mr. Reilly was appointed by President Obama as co-chair of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Reilly’s extensive environmental regulatory experience with the U.S. government makes him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Reilly’s active role in the discussion on environmental issues allows him to provide unique and valuable perspective on matters critical to the Company’s operations. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

Victoria J. Tschinkel, 63,

Director since August 2002

 

Ms. Tschinkel began her service as a director of Phillips Petroleum Company in 1993 prior to its merger with Conoco Inc. in 2002. Ms. Tschinkel served as Director of the Florida Nature Conservancy from 2003 to 2006 and was a Senior Environmental Consultant to Landers & Parsons, a Tallahassee, Florida law firm, from 1987 to 2002. Ms. Tschinkel was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation from 1981 to 1987. She currently serves as Chairwoman of 1000 Friends of Florida.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Tschinkel’s extensive environmental regulatory experience makes her well qualified to serve as a member of the Board. In addition, her relationships and experience working within the environmental community position her to advise the Board on the impact of our operations in sensitive areas. The Board believes her experience and expertise in these matters make her well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

 

16


Table of Contents

LOGO

  

Kathryn C. Turner, 63,

Director since August 2002

 

Ms. Turner began her service as a director of Phillips Petroleum Company in 1995 prior to its merger with Conoco Inc. in 2002. Ms. Turner is currently the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Technology, Inc., a management technology solutions firm she founded in 1985. She currently serves on the board of Carpenter Technology Corporation and served on the board of Schering-Plough Corporation from 2001 to 2009.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Turner’s experience as a CEO in the information technology field positions her to provide valuable insights on the Company’s managerial issues. Ms. Turner’s experience in the information technology field also enables her to provide valuable insights into technology and innovation, which are vital to the Company’s future success. The Board believes her experience and expertise in these matters make her well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

LOGO

  

William E. Wade, Jr., 68,

Director since March 2006

 

Mr. Wade served as a director of Burlington Resources Inc. from 2001 through the time of its acquisition by ConocoPhillips in 2006. Mr. Wade served as President of Atlantic Richfield Company from 1998 to 1999 and Executive Vice President of Atlantic Richfield Company from 1993 to 1998. Prior to this, he served in a series of management positions with Atlantic Richfield Company beginning in 1968.

 

Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Wade’s extensive experience in senior management within the industry and in areas of significant Company operations makes him uniquely and well qualified to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Wade’s prior service as a director of Burlington Resources Inc. also provides him with valuable insights in the assets acquired as part of the acquisition of that company. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member of the Board.

What directors are retiring?

On February 16th, the Company announced that Mr. Shackouls had elected not to stand for reelection to the Board of Directors due to his interest in pursuing other business opportunities. Mr. Shackouls’ term will expire following the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The following is Mr. Shackouls’ biographical information:

 

LOGO

  

Bobby S. Shackouls, 60,

Director since March 2006

 

Mr. Shackouls was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Burlington Resources Inc. at the time of its acquisition by ConocoPhillips in 2006. Mr. Shackouls served as Chairman of Burlington Resources Inc. beginning in 1997 and President and Chief Executive Officer beginning in 1995. Mr. Shackouls currently serves on the board of The Kroger Co.

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

Each nominee requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.

What if a director nominee does not receive a majority of votes cast?

Our By-Laws require directors to be elected by the majority of the votes cast with respect to such director (i.e., the number of votes cast “for” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director). If a nominee who is serving as a director is not elected at the annual meeting and no one else is elected in place of that director, then, under Delaware law, the director

 

17


Table of Contents

would continue to serve on the Board as a “holdover director.” However, under our By-Laws, the holdover director is required to tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Committee on Directors’ Affairs then considers the resignation and recommends to the Board whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, or whether some other action should be taken. The Board of Directors would then make a decision whether to accept the resignation taking into account the recommendation of the Committee on Directors’ Affairs. The director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in the Board’s decision. The Board is required to publicly disclose (by a press release, a filing with the SEC or other broadly disseminated means of communication) its decision regarding the tendered resignation and the rationale behind the decision within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results. In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors will be a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

What does the Board recommend?

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR.

 

18


Table of Contents

Audit and Finance Committee Report

The Audit and Finance Committee (the “Audit Committee”) assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to provide independent, objective oversight for ConocoPhillips’ financial reporting functions and internal control systems. The Audit Committee currently comprises four non-employee directors. The Board has determined that the members of the Audit Committee satisfy the requirements of the NYSE as to independence, financial literacy and expertise. The Board has determined that at least one member, James E. Copeland, Jr., is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in the written charter adopted by ConocoPhillips’ Board of Directors and last amended on December 2, 2009, and which is available on our Web site www.conocophillips.com under the caption “Governance.” One of the Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements. The following report summarizes certain of the Committee’s activities in this regard for 2010.

Review with Management. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2010, included therein.

Discussions with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for ConocoPhillips, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and has discussed with that firm its independence from ConocoPhillips.

Recommendation to the ConocoPhillips Board of Directors. Based on its review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in ConocoPhillips’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

THE CONOCOPHILLIPS AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

James E. Copeland, Jr., Chairman

Robert A. Niblock

Harald J. Norvik

Victoria J. Tschinkel

 

19


Table of Contents

Proposal to Ratify the Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP

(Item 2 on the Proxy Card)

What am I voting on?

You are voting on a proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2011. The Audit and Finance Committee has appointed Ernst & Young to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

What services does the independent registered public accounting firm provide?

Audit services of Ernst & Young for fiscal year 2010 included an audit of our consolidated financial statements, an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and services related to periodic filings made with the SEC. Additionally, Ernst & Young provided certain other services as described in the response to the next question. In connection with the audit of the 2010 financial statements, we entered into an engagement agreement with Ernst & Young that sets forth the terms by which Ernst & Young will perform audit services for us. That agreement is subject to alternative dispute resolution procedures.

How much was the independent registered public accounting firm paid for 2010 and 2009?

Ernst & Young’s fees for professional services totaled $19.8 million for 2010 and $19.1 million for 2009. Ernst & Young’s fees for professional services included the following:

 

   

Audit Services—fees for audit services, which relate to the fiscal year consolidated audit, the audit of the effectiveness of internal controls, quarterly reviews, registration statements, comfort letters, statutory and regulatory audits and accounting consultations, were $17.0 million for 2010 and $16.7 million for 2009.

 

   

Audit-Related Services—fees for audit-related services, which consisted of audits in connection with proposed or consummated dispositions, benefit plan audits, other subsidiary audits, special reports, and accounting consultations, were $2.0 million for 2010 and $1.7 million for 2009.

 

   

Tax Services—fees for tax services, consisting of tax compliance services and tax planning and advisory services, were $0.8 million for 2010 and $0.7 million for 2009.

 

   

Other Services—fees for other services were negligible in 2010 and 2009.

The Audit and Finance Committee has considered whether the non-audit services provided to ConocoPhillips by Ernst & Young impaired the independence of Ernst & Young and concluded they did not.

The Audit and Finance Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy that provides guidelines for the audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services that may be provided by Ernst & Young to the Company. The policy (a) identifies the guiding principles that must be considered by the Audit and Finance Committee in approving services to ensure that Ernst & Young’s independence is not impaired; (b) describes the audit, audit-related, tax and other services that may be provided and the non-audit services that are prohibited; and (c) sets forth pre-approval requirements for all permitted services. Under the policy, all services to be provided by Ernst & Young must be

 

20


Table of Contents

pre-approved by the Audit and Finance Committee. The Audit and Finance Committee has delegated authority to approve permitted services to the Committee’s Chair. Such approval must be reported to the entire Committee at the next scheduled Audit and Finance Committee meeting.

Will a representative of Ernst & Young be present at the meeting?

Yes, one or more representatives of Ernst & Young will be present at the meeting. The representatives will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from the stockholders.

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. If the appointment of Ernst & Young is not ratified, the Audit and Finance Committee will reconsider the appointment.

What does the Board recommend?

THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR 2011.

 

21


Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

Role of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee

Authority and Responsibilities

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) of the Board of Directors of ConocoPhillips is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight for ConocoPhillips’ executive compensation programs and determining the compensation of anyone who meets our definition of a “Senior Officer.” Currently, our internal guidelines define a Senior Officer as an employee who is a senior vice president or higher, an executive who reports directly to the CEO, or any other employee considered an officer under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 22 Senior Officers. All of the officers shown in the compensation tables that follow are Senior Officers or, in the case of the retired executives, were Senior Officers during 2010. In addition, the HRCC acts as plan administrator of the compensation programs and benefit plans for Senior Officers and as an avenue of appeal for current and former Senior Officers regarding disputes over compensation and benefits.

One of the HRCC’s responsibilities is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” found starting on page 24 of this proxy statement. That report summarizes certain of the HRCC’s activities during 2010 and 2011 concerning compensation earned during 2010.

A complete listing of the authority and responsibilities of the HRCC is set forth in the written charter adopted by ConocoPhillips’ Board of Directors and last amended on December 2, 2009, which is available on our Web site www.conocophillips.com under the caption “Governance.”

Members

The HRCC currently consists of three members. The members of the HRCC and the member to be designated as Chair, like the members and Chairs of all of the Board Committees, are reviewed and recommended annually by the Committee on Directors’ Affairs to the full Board. The Board of Directors has final approval of the committee structure of the Board. The only pre-existing requirements for service on the HRCC are that members of the HRCC must meet the independence requirements for “non-employee” directors under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, for “independent” directors under the NYSE listing standards, and for “outside” directors under the Internal Revenue Code.

Meetings

The HRCC has regularly scheduled meetings in association with each regular Board meeting and meets by teleconference between such meetings as necessary to discharge its duties. The HRCC reserves time at each regularly scheduled meeting to review matters in executive session with no members of management or management representatives present except as specifically requested by the HRCC. Additionally, the Committee meets jointly with the Committee on Directors’ Affairs at least annually to evaluate the performance of the CEO. In 2010, the HRCC had seven regularly scheduled meetings and one meeting via teleconference. More information regarding the HRCC’s activities at such meetings can be found in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 24.

 

22


Table of Contents

Continuous Improvement

The HRCC is committed to a process of continuous improvement in exercising its responsibilities. To that end, the HRCC also:

 

   

Receives ongoing training regarding best practices for executive compensation;

 

   

Regularly reviews its responsibilities and governance practices in light of ongoing changes in the legal and regulatory arena and trends in corporate governance, which review is aided by the Company’s management, compensation consultants, and, when deemed appropriate, independent legal counsel;

 

   

Annually reviews its charter and proposes any desired changes to the Board of Directors;

 

   

Annually conducts a self-assessment of its performance that evaluates the effectiveness of the Committee’s actions and seeks ideas to improve its processes and oversight; and

 

   

Regularly reviews and assesses whether the Company’s executive compensation programs are having the desired effects and do not encourage an inappropriate level of risk.

 

 

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report

Review with Management. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) has reviewed and discussed with management the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” presented in this proxy statement starting on page 24. Members of management with whom the HRCC discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Vice President, Human Resources.

Discussion with Independent Executive Compensation Consultant. The HRCC has discussed with Cogent Compensation Partners (“Cogent”), an independent executive compensation consulting firm, the executive compensation programs of the Company, as well as specific compensation decisions made by the HRCC. Cogent was retained directly by the HRCC, independent of the management of the Company. The HRCC has received written disclosures from Cogent confirming no other work has been performed for the Company by Cogent, has discussed with Cogent its independence from ConocoPhillips, and believes Cogent to have been independent of management.

Recommendation to the ConocoPhillips Board of Directors. Based on its review and discussions noted above, the HRCC recommended to the Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in ConocoPhillips’ proxy statement on Schedule 14A (and, by reference, included in ConocoPhillips’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010).

THE CONOCOPHILLIPS HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

William E. Wade, Jr., Chairman

Harold W. McGraw III

Kathryn C. Turner

 

23


Table of Contents

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis, or CD&A, explains how we compensate our Chief Executive Officer and certain other officers of ConocoPhillips. In addition to the six named executive officers listed for SEC purposes (the “Named Executive Officers”), the Company has elected to provide information for two additional individuals (Mr. Garland and Mr. Chiang) who are part of the Company’s senior executive team (together with the “Named Executive Officers,” the “Listed Executive Officers”). The CD&A is divided into two sections:

 

   

2010 Executive Compensation—A Summary & Analysis (p. 24)

 

   

ConocoPhillips Executive Compensation Program Structure (p. 27)

 

 

2010 Executive Compensation—A Summary & Analysis

 

 

Executive Summary

Program Goals—Our goals are to attract, retain and motivate high-quality employees and to maintain high standards of principled leadership so that we can responsibly deliver energy to the world and provide sustainable value for our stakeholders, now and in the future. We believe that our ability to responsibly deliver energy and to provide sustainable value is driven by superior individual performance. Moreover, we believe employees in leadership roles within the organization are motivated to perform at their highest levels by making performance-based pay a significant portion of their compensation.

Program Structure—Our executive compensation program has four primary components: Base Salary; the Variable Cash Incentive Program (VCIP); the Stock Option Program; and the Performance Share Program (PSP). Awards under our performance-based programs (VCIP, Stock Option Program and PSP) are based on Company performance measured against the criteria we believe are most likely to drive successful long-term performance. Since our compensation programs are not formulaic, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the HRCC or Committee) evaluates these measurements subjectively and also considers overall Company and individual performance in making its decisions.

2010 Compensation—In 2010, the Company experienced solid operational results and successfully executed on its strategic plans. The Company also had the safest year in its history. The Company’s successes were reflected in its 39% total shareholder return in 2010, the highest return among its peers for that period. The HRCC evaluated the Company’s one-year performance under the criteria utilized under the VCIP and determined corporate performance under such measures was 180% of target. For each of our Listed Executive Officers, other than Mr. Mulva, whose award is based solely on corporate performance, the HRCC determined that the combined corporate and respective award unit performance merited base awards of between 151% and 162% of target. The HRCC also evaluated the Company’s three-year performance under the criteria utilized under the PSP and determined corporate performance under such measures merited base awards of 140% of target. Finally, the HRCC approved individual adjustments under the VCIP and PSP programs ranging from 10% to 30% for the Listed Executive Officers. This reflected the HRCC’s evaluation of the performance of Company’s management and the effectiveness with which the Company executed its long-term strategy.

 

 

 

24


Table of Contents

Analysis of 2010 Executive Compensation

The following is a discussion and analysis of the decisions of the HRCC in compensating our Listed Executive Officers in 2010.

In determining performance-based compensation awards for our Listed Executive Officers for performance periods concluding in 2010, the HRCC began by considering overall Company performance, including the following accomplishments and operating conditions:

 

   

The development and implementation of a strategic plan to enhance the Company’s operating and financial position;

 

   

138% organic reserve replacement for the Exploration and Production segment, excluding the impact of acquisitions and dispositions;

 

   

Achievement of barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) production and capacity utilization targets;

 

   

Significant progress in high grading the Company’s asset portfolio while strengthening liquidity;

 

   

Successful exploration efforts;

 

   

Improved performance in all HSE areas;

 

   

Participation as a founding member of the Marine Well Containment Company, an industry initiative to aid in the response to future Gulf of Mexico deepwater drilling incidents; and

 

   

Advancement of the Company’s succession plans.

The Committee then considered any adjustments to the awards under our three performance-based compensation programs (VCIP, Stock Option Program and PSP) in accordance with their terms and pre-established criteria, while retaining the discretion to adjust awards based solely on the Committee’s determination of appropriate payouts.

As a result, the Committee made the following award decisions under the Company’s performance-based compensation programs.

2010 VCIP Awards

In determining award payouts under VCIP for 2010, the Committee considered the following performance criteria:

 

- Company Performance for 2010—In 2010, our VCIP program used both quantitative and qualitative performance measures relating to the Company as a whole, including:

 

  O  

Ranking 1st in relative annual total stockholder return compared with our performance-measurement peer group (ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Total, and Chevron);

 

  O  

Ranking 2nd in percentage change and 3rd in absolute change in improvement in relative annual adjusted return on capital employed compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

  O  

Ranking 3rd in percentage and absolute change in relative annual adjusted cash return on capital employed compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

25


Table of Contents
  O  

Ranking 2nd in relative adjusted cash contribution per BOE compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

  O  

Our health, safety and environmental performance; and

 

  O  

Advancement and support of our key strategic initiatives and plans.

Based on such review, management recommended, and the Committee concluded, that the Company’s performance under these measures in 2010 merited award of 180% of the targeted amount.

 

- Business Unit Performance in 2010—In determining award unit performance, management’s determinations of performance by the Company’s award units under their performance criteria were reviewed and approved by the Committee. Each executive participated in the operational and staff award units, respectively, over which they had responsibility, weighted to reflect their time of service within such units. The Committee determined that the combined corporate and award unit performance merited base awards of between 151% and 162% of target for each of our Listed Executive Officers, other than Mr. Mulva. As noted under “Business Unit Performance Criteria” beginning on page 37, Mr. Mulva’s award, as CEO, is based on individual and overall Company performance.

 

- Individual Performance Adjustments—Finally, the Committee considered individual adjustments for each Listed Executive Officer’s 2010 VCIP award based upon a subjective review of the individual’s impact on the Company’s financial and operational success during the year. The Committee considered the totality of the executive’s performance in deciding the individual adjustments. Based on the foregoing, the Committee approved individual performance adjustments of between 10% and 30% for each of our Listed Executive Officers. The individual adjustments for these officers reflect the Committee’s recognition of these individuals’ contributions to the strong 2010 operational performance of their respective operating units.

Stock Option Awards

Although the Committee retains discretion to adjust stock option awards by up to 30 percent from the specified target, the Committee did not elect to exercise such discretion with respect to the Stock Option Awards granted in February 2010.

PSP Awards (2008-2010 Performance Period)

In December 2007, the Committee established the sixth performance period under the PSP, for the three-year period beginning January 1, 2008, and ending December 31, 2010 (PSP VI). In February 2011, in determining awards under the PSP for this period, the Committee considered quantitative and qualitative performance measures relating to the Company as a whole, including:

 

   

Ranking 3rd in relative total stockholder return compared with our performance-measurement peer group (ExxonMobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, and Total);

 

   

Ranking 6th in percentage change and 3rd in absolute change in relative improvement in adjusted return on capital employed compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

   

Ranking 2nd in relative adjusted cash contribution per BOE compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

   

Ranking 6th in relative adjusted income per BOE compared with the same peer group noted above;

 

26


Table of Contents
   

Our health, safety and environmental performance;

 

   

Advancement and implementation of the Company’s strategic plans; and

 

   

Leadership development and succession planning.

Based on this review, the Committee determined that the Company’s performance under the stated criteria during the three-year performance period merited award of 140% of the targeted amount. With respect to individual adjustments, similar to the 2010 VCIP program, the Committee considered PSP individual adjustments for each Listed Executive Officer (other than Messrs. Hirshberg and Garland, who joined the Company in 2010 and did not participate in PSP VI) in recognition of the individual’s personal leadership and contribution to the Company’s financial and operational success over the three-year performance period. Based on the foregoing, the Committee approved individual performance adjustments of between 10% and 25% for such Listed Executive Officers.

2011 Target Compensation

In addition to determining the 2010 compensation payouts, the HRCC established the targets for 2011 compensation for our Listed Executive Officers (other than Messrs. Carrig and Cornelius, who retired from the Company on March 1, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively) under our four primary compensation programs. As discussed under “Performance-Based Pay Programs” beginning on page 32, with the exception of salary, the targeted amounts shown below are performance-based and, therefore, actual amounts received under such programs, if any, may differ from these targets.

 

Name   Salary        2011 VCIP
Target
Value
       2011 Stock
Option
Award
Target
Value
       PSP IX
(2011-2013)
Target
Value
       Total 2011
Target
Compensation
    

J.J. Mulva

    $ 1,500,000           $ 2,025,000           $ 6,487,500           $ 6,487,500           $ 16,500,000      

W.C.W. Chiang

      725,000             645,250             1,196,250             1,196,250             3,762,750      

G.C. Garland

      725,000             645,250             1,196,250             1,196,250             3,762,750      

A.J. Hirshberg

      725,000             645,250             1,196,250             1,196,250             3,762,750      

R.M. Lance

      725,000             645,250             1,196,250             1,196,250             3,762,750      

J.W. Sheets

      600,000             498,000             729,400             945,000             2,772,400      

ConocoPhillips Executive Compensation Program Structure

 

 

The Objectives and Process of Compensating Our Executives

Our Goals: Our goals are to attract, retain and motivate high-quality employees and to maintain high standards of principled leadership so that we can responsibly deliver energy to the world and provide sustainable value for our stakeholders, now and in the future.

Our Philosophy: We believe that our ability to responsibly deliver energy and to provide sustainable value is driven by superior individual performance. We believe that a company must offer competitive compensation to attract and retain experienced, talented and motivated employees. Moreover, we believe employees in leadership roles within the organization are motivated to perform at their highest levels by making performance-based pay a significant portion of their compensation.

 

27


Table of Contents

Our Principles: To achieve our goals, we implement our philosophy through the following guiding principles:

 

   

Establish target compensation levels that are competitive with those of other companies with whom we compete for executive talent;

 

   

Create a strong link between executive pay and Company performance;

 

   

Encourage prudent risk taking by our executives;

 

   

Motivate performance by considering specific individual accomplishments in determining compensation;

 

   

Retain talented individuals with the Company until retirement; and

 

   

Integrate all elements of compensation into a comprehensive package that aligns goals, efforts, and results throughout the organization.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee

The HRCC is responsible for all compensation actions related to our Senior Officers, including all of our Listed Executive Officers. Although the Committee’s charter permits it to delegate authority to subcommittees or other Board Committees, the Committee made no such delegations in 2010.

Compensation Program Design

Our executive compensation programs take into account marketplace compensation for executive talent, internal pay equity with our employees, past practices of the Company, corporate, business unit and individual results and the talents, skills and experience that each individual executive brings to ConocoPhillips. Our Listed Executive Officers each serve without an employment agreement. At the time of Mr. Hirshberg’s employment, as an incentive to his acceptance of an employment offer and in recognition of his foregoing compensation from his prior employer, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Hirshberg. A discussion of this agreement is set forth on page 63 under “Other Arrangements.” All compensation for these officers is set by the Committee as described below.

The HRCC begins by establishing target levels of total compensation for our Senior Officers for a given year. Once an overall target compensation level is established, the Committee considers the weighting of each of our primary compensatory programs (Base Salary, VCIP, Stock Option Program and PSP) within the intended total target compensation.

Salary Grade Structure

Management, with the assistance of outside compensation consultants, thoroughly examines the scope and complexity of jobs throughout ConocoPhillips and studies the competitive compensation practices for such jobs. As a result of this work, management develops a compensation scale under which all positions are designated with specific “grades.” For our executives, the base salary midpoint increases at each increasing grade, but at a lesser rate than increases in target incentive compensation percentages. The result is an increased percentage of “at risk” compensation as the executive’s grade is increased. Any changes in compensation for our Senior Officers resulting from a change in salary grade are approved by the HRCC.

 

28


Table of Contents

Benchmarking

With the assistance of our outside compensation consultants, we set target compensation by referring to multiple relevant compensation surveys that include but are not limited to large energy companies. We then compare that information to our salary grade targets (both for base salary and for incentive compensation) and make any changes needed to bring the cumulative target for each salary grade to broadly the 50th percentile for similar positions as indicated by the survey data.

For our Listed Executive Officers, we conduct benchmarking, using available data, for each individual position. For example, although we determine targets by benchmarking against other large, publicly held energy companies, we often use broader measures, such as mid-sized publicly held energy companies and other large, publicly held companies outside the energy industry, in setting targets for our executives. Cogent then reviews and independently advises on the conclusions reached as a result of this benchmarking, and the Committee uses the results of these surveys as a factor in setting compensation structure and targets relating to our Listed Executive Officers.

The HRCC’s use of primary peer groups in the context of our compensation programs generally falls into two broad categories: setting compensation targets and measuring Company performance.

 

  - Setting Compensation Targets

In setting total compensation targets and targets within each individual program the Committee uses the following primary peer group for benchmarking purposes—Exxon Mobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc, BP p.l.c., and Chevron Corporation.

The Committee also utilizes a secondary group of peer companies for benchmarking the compensation of our Listed Executive Officers—Valero Energy Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and, for staff executives, other large, publicly held companies, including those outside the energy industry.

We utilize the primary peer group in setting compensation targets because these companies are broadly reflective of the industry in which we compete for business opportunities and for executive talent, and because they provide a good indicator of the current range of executive compensation.

 

  - Measuring Performance

We believe our performance is best measured against the largest publicly held, international, integrated oil and gas companies against which we compete in our business operations. Therefore, for our performance-based programs, the Committee assesses our actual performance for a given period by using ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Total S.A., and Chevron as our primary benchmarking peer group.

Developing Performance Measures

We have attempted to develop performance metrics that assess the performance of the Company relative to its primary peer group rather than assessing absolute performance. This is based on the belief that absolute performance can be affected positively or negatively by industry-wide factors over which our executives have no control, such as prices for crude oil and natural gas. We have selected multiple metrics, as described below, because we believe no one metric is sufficient to capture the

 

29


Table of Contents

performance we are seeking to drive, and any metric in isolation is unlikely to promote the well-rounded executive performance necessary to enable us to achieve long-term success. The Committee reassesses performance metrics periodically.

Internal Pay Equity

We believe our compensation structure provides a framework for an equitable compensation ratio between executives, with higher targets for jobs at salary grades having greater duties and responsibilities. Taken as a whole, our compensation program is designed so that the individual target level rises as salary grade level increases, with the portion of performance-based compensation rising as a percentage of total targeted compensation. One result of this structure is that an executive’s actual total compensation as a multiple of the total compensation of his or her subordinates is designed to increase in periods of above-target performance and decrease in times of below-target performance. In addition, the HRCC also reviews the compensation of Senior Officers periodically to ensure officers with similar levels of responsibilities are compensated equitably.

Alignment of Interests—Stock Holding Requirements

We place a premium on aligning the interests of executives with those of our stockholders. Our Stock Ownership Guidelines require executives to own stock and/or have an interest in restricted stock units valued at a multiple of base salary, ranging from 1.8 times salary for lower-level executives, to 6 times salary for the CEO. Employees have five years from the date they become subject to these Guidelines to comply. The multiple of equity held by each of our Listed Executive Officers exceeds our established guidelines for his or her position. Company policies prohibit our executives from trading in derivatives of the Company’s stock.

In addition, we have historically required our executives to hold restricted stock units received under the PSP, and under predecessor programs, until death, disability, retirement, layoff, or severance after a change in control. The units were generally forfeited if an executive voluntarily left the Company’s employ when not retirement eligible. We were informed by our compensation consultants that this was a highly unusual feature. In light of this fact, the Committee considered our programs and determined, for performance periods beginning in 2009, restrictions on restricted stock unit awards will lapse five years from the anniversary of the issuance of the units, although Senior Officers may elect to defer the lapsing of such restrictions. The Committee believes this change ensures our executives maintain their focus on long-term performance, while also allowing the Company’s programs to be more competitive with those of our peers.

Risk Assessment

The Company has considered the risks associated with each of its executive and broad-based compensation programs and policies. As part of the analysis, the Company considered the performance measures used and described under the section entitled “Measuring our Performance under our Compensation Programs” beginning on page 35, as well as the different types of compensation, the varied performance measurement periods and the extended vesting schedules utilized under each incentive compensation program for both executives and other employees. As a result of this review, the Company has concluded the risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. As part of the Board’s oversight of the Company’s risk management programs, the HRCC conducts an annual review of the risks associated with the Company’s executive and broad-based compensation programs. The Committee’s independent consultant and the Company’s compensation consultant noted their agreement with management’s conclusion that the risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

30


Table of Contents

Statutory and Regulatory Considerations

In designing our compensatory programs, we consider and take into account the various tax, accounting and disclosure rules associated with various forms of compensation. The HRCC also reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and designs its compensation programs with the intent that they comply with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Committee seeks to preserve tax deductions for executive compensation. However, the Committee has awarded compensation that might not be fully tax deductible when it believes such grants are nonetheless in the best interests of our stockholders.

Option Pricing

When the Committee grants options to its Listed Executive Officers, the Company uses an average of the stock’s high and low prices on the date of grant (or the preceding business day, if the markets are closed on the date of grant) to determine the exercise price of the options. Option grants are generally made at the HRCC’s February meeting (the date of which is determined at least a year in advance) or, in the case of new hires, on the date of commencement of employment or the date of Committee approval, whichever is later.

Independent Consultants

Beginning in 2004, the Committee had retained Towers Perrin (which has subsequently merged with Watson Wyatt and been renamed Towers Watson) as its independent executive compensation consultant. In 2009, as a result of the then pending merger of Watson Wyatt and Towers Perrin and the expected retirement of its principal engagement representative to the Committee, the Committee considered whether to replace its independent consultant. The Committee determined to retain its principal engagement representative at Towers Perrin through the early part of 2010 to provide continuity while making decisions during the February 2010 compensation decision process. The Committee subsequently retained Cogent Compensation Partners to serve as its independent executive compensation consultant.

The Committee has adopted specific guidelines for outside compensation consultants, which (1) require that work done by such consultants for the Company at management’s request be approved in advance by the Committee; (2) require a review of the advisability of replacing the independent consultant after a period of five years; and (3) prohibit the Company from employing any individual who worked on the Company’s account for a period of one year after leaving the employ of the independent consultant. Towers Perrin and Cogent each have provided an annual attestation of its compliance with these guidelines.

The Committee strongly discourages Company proposals to retain the Committee’s independent consultant for any work other than advising the Committee and does not approve any work proposed by the Company that it believes would compromise the consultant’s independence. The Committee previously approved a Company request to continue purchasing multi-company non-executive compensation surveys from Towers Perrin in the ordinary course of business at a nominal cost. The Committee does not believe that this activity compromised the independence of Towers Perrin as a consultant to the Committee, and it concurred with management’s assessment that Towers Perrin was better suited to provide the requested services than alternative providers. No other work proposals for Towers Perrin were submitted by management in 2010. The fees for all services provided by Towers Perrin, other than their services as an independent consultant to the Committee, did not exceed $120,000 in 2010. No work proposals for Cogent were submitted by management in 2010 and no fees were paid to Cogent by the Company other than for their services as an independent consultant to the Committee.

 

31


Table of Contents

 

The Types of Compensation We Provide Our Executives

Base Salary

Base salary is a major component of the compensation for all of our salaried employees, although it becomes a smaller component as an employee rises through the ConocoPhillips salary grade structure. Base salary is important to give an individual financial stability for personal planning purposes. There are also motivational and reward aspects to base salary, as base salary can be increased or decreased to account for considerations such as individual performance and time in position.

Performance-Based Pay Programs

Annual Incentive—The VCIP is an annual incentive program that is broadly available to our employees throughout the world, and it is our primary vehicle for recognizing Company, business unit, and individual performance for the past year. We believe that having an annual “at risk” compensation element for all employees, including executives, gives them a financial stake in the achievement of our business objectives and therefore motivates them to use their best efforts to ensure the achievement of those objectives. We believe that measuring and rewarding performance on an annual basis in a compensation program is appropriate because, like our primary peers and other public companies, we measure and report our business accomplishments annually. Additionally, our valuation is derived, in part, from comparisons of these annual results with those of our primary peers and relative to prior annual periods. We also believe that one year is a time period over which all employees who participate in the program can have the opportunity to establish and achieve their specified goals. The base award is weighted equally for corporate and business unit performance for the Listed Executive Officers other than the CEO, and solely on corporate performance for the CEO. The HRCC has discretion to adjust the base award up or down based on individual performance and makes its decision on individual performance adjustments based on the input of the CEO for all Listed Executive Officers (other than for himself).

Long-Term Incentives—Our primary long-term incentive compensation programs for executives are the Stock Option Program and the PSP.

Our program targets generally provide approximately 50 percent of the long-term incentive award in the form of stock options and 50 percent in the form of restricted stock units awarded under the PSP.

 

  o Stock Option Program—The Stock Option Program is designed to maximize medium- and long-term stockholder value. The practice under this program is to set option exercise prices at not less than 100 percent of the Company stock’s fair market value at the time of the grant. Because the option’s value is derived solely from an increase in the Company’s stock price, the value of a stockholder’s investment in the Company must appreciate before an option holder receives any financial benefit from the option. Our stock options have three-year vesting provisions and ten-year terms in order to incentivize our executives to increase the Company’s share price over the long term.

 

  o Performance Share Program—The PSP rewards executives based on their individual performances and the performance of the Company over a three-year period. Each year the Committee establishes a three-year performance period over which it compares the performance of the Company with that of its performance-measurement peer group using pre-established criteria. Thus, in any given year, there are three overlapping performance periods. Use of a multi-year performance period helps to focus management on longer-term results.

 

32


Table of Contents

Each executive’s individual award under the PSP is subject to a potential positive or negative performance adjustment at the end of the performance period. Although the HRCC maintains final discretion to adjust compensation in accordance with any extraordinary circumstances that may arise, and has done so in the past, program guidelines generally result in an award range between 0 to 200 percent of target. Final awards are based on the Committee’s subjective evaluation of the Company’s performance relative to the established metrics (discussed below under the heading “Measuring Our Performance under Our Compensation Programs”) and of each executive’s individual performance. The Committee considers input from the CEO with respect to Senior Officers. Targets for participants whose salary grades are changed during a performance period are prorated for the period of time such participant remained in each relevant salary grade.

The combination of the Stock Option Program, the PSP, and the PSP’s extended restricted stock unit holding periods, provides a comprehensive package of medium- and long-term compensation incentives for our executives that align their interests with those of our long-term stockholders. Such extended holding periods also enable the Company to more readily withdraw awards should circumstances arise that merit such action. To date, no Listed Executive Officers have been subject to reductions or withdrawals of prior grants or payouts of restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock option awards.

 

  o Other Possible Awards—ConocoPhillips may make awards outside the Stock Option Program or the PSP (off-cycle awards). Off-cycle awards (also commonly referred to as “ad hoc” or “special purpose” awards) are awards granted outside the context of our regular compensation programs. Currently, off-cycle awards are granted to certain incoming executive personnel, typically on the first day of employment, for one or more of the following reasons (1) to induce an executive to join the Company (occasionally replacing compensation the executive will lose because of termination from the prior employer); (2) to induce an executive of an acquired company to remain with the Company for a certain period of time following the acquisition; or (3) to provide a pro-rata equity award to an executive who joins the Company during an ongoing performance period for which he or she is ineligible under the standard PSP or Stock Option Program provisions. In these cases, the HRCC has sometimes approved a shorter period for restrictions on transfers of restricted stock units than those issued under the PSP or Stock Option Program. Pursuant to the Committee’s charter, any off-cycle awards to Senior Officers must be approved by the HRCC. Two such awards were made in 2010, as an inducement for Messrs. Hirshberg and Garland to join the Company. The details of these awards are discussed in footnote 1 to the Grant of Equity Based Awards Table beginning on page 47.

Broadly Available Plans

Our Listed Executive Officers participate in the same basic benefits package as our other U.S. salaried employees. This includes retirement, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, expatriate benefits and accident insurance plans, as well as flexible spending arrangements for health care and dependent care expenses.

Other Compensation and Personal Benefits

In addition to our four primary compensation programs, we provide our Listed Executive Officers a limited number of additional benefits. In order to provide a competitive package of compensation and benefits, we provide our Listed Executive Officers with executive life insurance coverage and defined benefit plans. We also provide other benefits that are designed primarily to minimize the amount of time the Listed Executive Officers devote to administrative matters other than Company business, to

 

33


Table of Contents

promote a healthy work/life balance, to provide opportunities for developing business relationships, and to put a human face on our social responsibility programs. All such programs are approved by the HRCC.

 

- Comprehensive Security Program—Because our executives face personal safety risks in their roles as representatives of a global, integrated energy company, our Board of Directors has adopted a comprehensive security program for our executives.

 

- Personal Entertainment—We purchase tickets to various cultural, charitable, civic, entertainment and sporting events for business development and relationship-building purposes, as well as to maintain our involvement in communities in which the Company operates. Occasionally, our employees, including our executives, make personal use of tickets that would not otherwise be used for business purposes. We believe these tickets offer an opportunity to increase morale at a very low or no incremental cost to the Company.

 

- Tax Gross-Ups—Certain of the personal benefits received by our executives are deemed to be taxable income to the individual by the Internal Revenue Service. When we believe that such income is incurred for purposes more properly characterized as Company business than personal benefit, we provide further payments to the executive to reimburse the cost of the inclusion of such item in the executive’s taxable income. Most often, these tax gross-up payments are provided for travel by a family member or other personal guest to attend a meeting or function in furtherance of Company business, such as Board meetings, Company-sponsored events, and industry and association meetings where spouses or other guests are invited or expected to attend.

 

- Executive Life Insurance—We maintain life insurance policies and/or death benefits for all of our U.S.-based salaried employees (at no cost to the employee) with a face value approximately equal to the employee’s annual salary. For each of our executives, we maintain an additional life insurance policy and/or death benefits (at no cost to the executive) with a value equal to her or his annual salary. In addition to these two plans, we also provide our executives the option of purchasing group variable universal life insurance in an amount up to eight times their annual salaries. We believe this is a benefit valued by our executives that can be provided at no cost to the Company.

 

- Defined Contribution Plans—We maintain the following nonqualified defined contribution plans for our executives. These plans allow deferred amounts to grow tax-free until distributed, while enabling the Company to utilize the money for the duration of the deferral period for general corporate purposes.

 

  O  

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans—The purpose of our voluntary nonqualified deferred compensation plans is to allow executives to defer a portion of their salary and annual incentive compensation so that such amounts are taxable in the year in which distributions are made.

 

  O  

Make-Up Plans—The purpose of our nonqualified defined contribution make-up plans is to provide benefits that an executive would otherwise lose due to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on qualified plans.

 

-

Defined Benefit Plans—We also maintain nonqualified defined benefit plans for our executives. The primary purpose of these plans is to provide benefits that an executive would otherwise lose due to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on qualified plans. With regard to our Listed Executive Officers, the only such arrangement under which they are entitled to benefits of this type is the Key Employee Supplemental Retirement Plan (KESRP). This plan is designed to

 

34


Table of Contents
 

replace benefits that would otherwise not be received due to limitations contained in the Internal Revenue Code that apply to qualified plans. The two such limitations that most frequently impact the benefits to employees are the limit on compensation that can be taken into account in determining benefit accruals and the maximum annual pension benefit. In 2010, the former limit was set at $245,000, while the latter was set at $195,000. The KESRP determines a benefit without regard to such limits, and then reduces that benefit by the amount of benefit payable from the related qualified plan, the ConocoPhillips Retirement Plan. Thus, in operation the combined benefits payable from the related plans for the eligible employee equal the benefit that would have been paid if there had been no limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. This design is common among our competitors and we believe that lack of such a plan would put the Company at a great disadvantage in attracting and retaining talented executives. Further information on the KESRP is provided in the Pension Benefits table and notes beginning on page 53.

Severance Plans and Changes in Control

We maintain plans to address severance of our executives in certain circumstances as described under the heading “Executive Severance and Changes in Control” beginning on page 61. The structure and use of these plans are competitive within the industry and are intended to aid the Company in attracting and retaining executives.

 

 

Measuring Our Performance Under Our Compensation Programs

We use corporate and business unit performance criteria in determining individual payouts. In addition, our programs contemplate that the Committee will exercise discretion in assessing and rewarding individual performance.

Corporate Performance Criteria

We utilize multiple measures of performance under our programs to ensure that no single aspect of performance is driven in isolation. We have employed the following measures of overall Company performance under our performance-based programs:

 

  O  

Relative Total Stockholder Return—Total stockholder return represents the percentage change in a company’s common stock price from the beginning of a period of time to the end of the stated period, and assumes common stock dividends paid during the stated period are reinvested into that common stock. We use a total stockholder return measure because it is the most tangible measure of the value we have provided to our stockholders during the relevant program period. We recognize that total stockholder return is not a perfect measure. It can be affected by factors beyond management’s control and by market conditions not related to the intrinsic performance of the Company. Stockholder return over the short-term can also fail to fully reflect the value of longer-term projects. We seek to mitigate the influence of industry-wide or market-wide conditions on stock price by using total stockholder return relative to our primary peer group.

 

  O  

Relative Adjusted Return on Capital Employed—Our businesses are capital intensive, requiring large investments, in most cases over a number of years, before tangible financial returns are achieved. Therefore, we believe that a good indicator of long-term Company and management performance, both absolute and relative to our primary peer group, is the measure known as return on capital employed (ROCE). Relative ROCE is a measure of the profitability of our capital employed in our business compared with that of our peers. We

 

35


Table of Contents
 

calculate ROCE as a ratio, the numerator of which is net income plus after-tax interest expense, and the denominator of which is average total equity plus total debt. The use of ROCE as a comparative measure is complicated by the fact that two different accounting methods were used for business combinations prior to June 2001. Accounting for a combination on the “purchase” method generally resulted in a much higher amount of capital employed after the combination than did the “pooling-of-interests” method. While we were required to utilize the “purchase” method for all of our significant business combinations, several members of our performance-measurement peer group utilized the “pooling-of-interests” method for their significant combinations. For comparability, in performance periods beginning prior to 2009, we adjust “capital employed” to take into account the difference in these accounting methods. We also adjust the net income of the Company and our peers for certain non-core earnings impacts. For performance periods beginning in 2008, our programs considered our improvement on Adjusted ROCE relative to our performance-measurement peer group.

 

  O  

Relative Adjusted Income per BOE—An important measure of operating efficiency and management performance is a comparison of the income earned by the Company per BOE produced by our Exploration & Production (E&P) business segment, and per barrel of petroleum products sold by our Refining & Marketing (R&M) business segment, versus those of our peers. This measure allows us to compare our operating efficiency in producing and refining/marketing products against that of our performance-measurement peer group. The measure is calculated by dividing adjusted income attributable to our E&P and R&M segments by the number of BOE produced or barrel of petroleum products sold, respectively. A weighted average of these two segment-level metrics is then calculated and compared against that of our peers. As with our calculation of Adjusted ROCE, we adjust both our own income and that of our peers to reflect certain non-core earnings impacts. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2007 and 2008.

 

  O  

Relative Adjusted Cash Contribution per BOE—Like ROCE, another important measure of operating efficiency and management performance is the Company’s cash contributions per BOE produced by our E&P segment, and per barrel of petroleum products sold by our R&M segment. This measure is another way to compare our operating efficiency in producing and refining/marketing products against that of our performance-measurement peer group. The measure is calculated by dividing the adjusted income from operations plus the depreciation, depletion and amortization attributable to our E&P or R&M segments by the number of BOE produced or barrel of petroleum products sold, respectively. A weighted average of these two segment-level metrics is then calculated, and compared against that of our peers. As with our calculation of Adjusted ROCE, we adjust both our own income and that of our peers to reflect certain non-core earnings impacts. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2008.

 

  O  

Relative Adjusted Improvement in Cash Return on Capital Employed—Similar to ROCE, adjusted cash return on capital employed (CROCE) measures the Company’s performance in efficiently allocating its capital. However, while ROCE is based on adjusted net income, CROCE is based on cash flow, measuring the ability of the Company’s capital employed to generate cash. CROCE is calculated by dividing adjusted EBIDA (earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for non-core earnings impacts) by average capital employed (total equity plus total debt). Our improvement in CROCE is compared against that of our peers. We added this metric for performance periods under our VCIP beginning in 2010.

 

36


Table of Contents
  O  

Health, Safety and Environmental Performance—We seek to be a good employer, a good community member and a good steward of the environmental resources we manage. Therefore, we incorporate metrics of health, safety and environmental performance in our annual incentive compensation program.

 

  O  

Implementation and Advancement of Strategic Plan—This measure is a subjective analysis of the Company’s progress in implementing its strategic plan over a given performance period. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

 

  O  

Succession Planning/Leadership Development—This measure is a subjective analysis of the Company’s progress in developing and implementing a comprehensive succession plan for senior management, and the development and implementation of a Company-wide program for identifying and developing future leaders within the Company. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2007.

 

  O  

Financial Management—This measure is a subjective analysis of the Company’s progress in managing the Company’s capital profile and liquidity needs. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2009.

 

  O  

Support of Strategic Corporate Initiatives—This measure is a subjective analysis of our progress in implementing key elements of the Company’s strategic initiatives including, but not limited to, cash returned to stockholders, financial management relationships, climate change, reputation, people/diversity, culture, opportunity capture and execution of Company initiatives. We added this metric for performance periods beginning in 2009.

Business Unit Performance Criteria

There are approximately 100 discrete award units within the Company designed to measure performance and to reward employees according to business outcomes relevant to the award group. Although most employees participate in a single award unit designated for the operational or functional group to which such employee is assigned, a Senior Officer can participate in a blend of the results of more than one of these award units depending on the scope and breadth of his or her responsibilities over the performance period. Moreover, because our CEO is responsible for overall Company performance, his award is based solely on individual and overall Company performance.

Performance criteria are goals consistent with the Company’s operating plan and include quantitative and qualitative metrics specific to each business unit, such as income from continuing operations (adjusted to neutralize the impact of changes in commodity prices), control of costs, health, safety and environmental performance, support of corporate initiatives, and various milestones set by management. At the conclusion of a performance period, management makes a recommendation based on the unit’s performance for the year against its performance criteria. The HRCC then reviews management’s recommendation regarding each award unit’s performance and has discretion to adjust any such recommendation in approving the final awards.

Individual Performance Criteria

Individual adjustments for our Listed Executive Officers are approved by the HRCC, based on the recommendation of the CEO (other than for himself). The CEO’s individual adjustment is determined by the Committee taking into account the prior review of the CEO’s performance, which is conducted jointly by the HRCC and the Committee on Directors’ Affairs.

 

37


Table of Contents

Tax-Based Program Criteria

Our incentive programs are also designed to conform to the requirements of section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows for deductible compensation in excess of $1 million if certain criteria, including the attainment of pre-established performance criteria, are met. In order for a Listed Executive Officer to receive any award under either VCIP or PSP certain threshold criteria must be met. This tier of performance measure and methodology is designed to meet requirements for deductibility of these items of compensation under section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Pursuant to this tier, maximum payments for the performance period under VCIP and PSP are set, but they are subject to downward adjustment through the application of the generally applicable methodology for VCIP and PSP awards previously discussed, so this effectively establishes a ceiling for VCIP and PSP payments to each Listed Executive Officer. Performance criteria for the 2010 program year differed between the two programs, due primarily to VCIP being a one-year program while PSP is a three-year program. For VCIP, the criteria required that the Company meet one of the following measures as a threshold to an award being made to any Listed Executive Officer: (1) Top two-thirds of specified companies in improvement in return on capital employed (adjusted net income); (2) Top two-thirds of specified companies in total stockholder return; (3) Top two-thirds of specified companies in cash per BOE; or (4) Cash from operations (normalized for the impact of asset sales and assumptions made in our budgeting process as to price for oil equivalents and excluding non-cash working capital) of at least $8.356 billion. For PSP, the criteria for the 2010 program year required that the Company meet one of the following measures as a threshold to an award being made to any Listed Executive Officer: (1) Top two-thirds of specified companies in improvement in return on capital employed (adjusted net income); (2) Top two-thirds of specified companies in total stockholder return; (3) Top two-thirds of specified companies in cash per BOE; or (4) Cash from operations (normalized for the impact of asset sales and assumptions made in our budgeting process as to price for oil equivalents and excluding non-cash working capital) of at least $30.7 billion. In both cases, the specified companies for comparison were ConocoPhillips, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and Total. The performance criteria for this purpose are set by the HRCC and may change from year to year, although the criteria must come from a list of possible criteria set forth in the stockholder-approved 2009 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan. The award ceilings are also set by the HRCC each year, although they may not exceed limits set in the stockholder-approved 2009 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan. Determination of whether the criteria are met is made by the HRCC after the end of each performance period. Since the merger of companies that created ConocoPhillips in 2002, threshold criteria have always been met and the ceiling has never been reached.

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

Stock Performance Graph

This graph shows ConocoPhillips’ cumulative total stockholder return over the five-year period from December 31, 2005, to December 31, 2010. The graph also shows the cumulative total returns for the same five-year period of the S&P 500 Index and our performance peer group of companies consisting of BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and Total, weighted according to the respective peer’s stock market capitalization at the beginning of each annual period. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2005, in ConocoPhillips stock, in the S&P 500 Index and in ConocoPhillips’ peer group and assumes that all dividends were reinvested.

Five-Year Cumulative Total Stockholder Return

LOGO

Five Years Ended December 31, 2010

 

                 December 31  
     Initial            2006      2007      2008      2009      2010  

ConocoPhillips

   $100.0             $ 126.5       $ 158.6       $ 95.5       $ 98.3       $ 136.4   

Peer Group(1)

   $100.0             $ 124.7       $ 152.1       $ 116.4       $ 124.5       $ 129.5   

S&P 500

   $100.0             $ 115.8       $ 122.2       $ 77.0       $ 97.3       $ 112.0   

 

(1) Performance Peer Group consists of BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Total

 

39


Table of Contents

Executive Compensation Tables

The following tables and accompanying narrative disclosures provide information concerning total compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and certain other officers of ConocoPhillips. In addition to the six named executive officers listed for SEC purposes (the “Named Executive Officers”), the Company has elected to provide information for two additional individuals (Mr. Garland and Mr. Chiang) who are part of the Company’s senior executive team (together with the “Named Executive Officers,” the “Listed Executive Officers”). Please also see our discussion of the relationship between the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” to these tables under “Analysis of Compensation Paid to Our Executives” beginning on page 25. The data presented in the tables that follow include amounts paid to the Listed Executive Officers by ConocoPhillips or any of its subsidiaries for 2010.

 

40


Table of Contents

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The Summary Compensation Table below reflects amounts earned with respect to 2010 and performance periods ending in 2010. We also provide 2011 target compensation for Listed Executive Officers (other than those who have retired) on page 27. We have excluded arrangements that are generally available to our U.S.-based salaried employees, such as our medical, dental, life and accident insurance, disability, and health savings and flexible spending account arrangements, since all of our Listed Executive Officers are U.S.-based salaried employees. Based on the salary and total compensation amounts for Listed Executive Officers for 2010 shown in the table below, salary accounted for approximately 8 percent of the total compensation of the Listed Executive Officers and incentive compensation programs (stock awards, option awards, and non-equity incentive plan compensation) accounted for approximately 65.6 percent. For the CEO alone in 2010, salary accounted for approximately 8.4 percent of his total compensation and incentive compensation programs accounted for approximately 90 percent of his total compensation. These numbers reflect the emphasis placed by the Company on performance-based pay.

 

Name and Principal
Position
  Year     Salary
($)(1)
    Bonus
($)(2)
    Stock
Awards
($)(3)
    Option
Awards
($)(4)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(5)
    Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)(6)
    All Other
Compensation
($)(7)
    Total ($)  

J.J. Mulva

Chairman & CEO

    2010      $ 1,500,000      $ —        $ 6,148,572      $ 5,737,680      $ 4,252,500      $ —        $ 294,143      $ 17,932,895 (12) 
    2009        1,500,000        —          5,669,518        5,737,576        1,278,788        —          202,779        14,388,661 (12) 
    2008        1,500,000        —          5,454,676        5,738,304        1,417,500        9,776,065        519,007        24,405,552   

J.A. Carrig(8)

President (retired)

    2010        1,165,000        —          3,803,787        3,549,780        2,134,979        3,590,672        113,015        14,357,233   
    2009        1,145,000        —          3,507,419        3,549,650        1,474,560        2,487,509        133,033        12,297,171   
    2008        967,333        —          3,938,728        1,748,208        1,054,944        3,644,373        143,670        11,497,256   

W.C.W. Chiang

Senior Vice President, Refining, Marketing, Transportation & Commercial

    2010        643,758        —          1,426,584        920,790        917,338        153,873        71,644        4,133,987   
    2009        575,508        —          882,436        893,282        557,920        137,601        63,610        3,110,357   
    2008        486,767        —          911,554        609,840        401,053        41,556        76,563        2,527,333   

G.C. Garland(9)

Senior Vice President, Exploration & Production– Americas

    2010        173,011        —          2,819,115        —          272,699        2,005,824        26,132        5,296,781   
    2009        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2008        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

A.J. Hirshberg(10)

Senior Vice President, Planning and Strategy

    2010        173,011        9,357,436        4,719,144        —          270,389        359,280        10,910        14,890,170   
    2009        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2008        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

R.M. Lance

Senior Vice President, Exploration & Production– International

    2010        683,758        —          1,381,976        1,038,960        956,219        634,646        71,529        4,767,088   
    2009        649,508        —          996,020        1,008,436        637,117        693,413        53,171        4,037,665   
    2008        590,167        —          814,518        857,648        512,371        460,200        85,007        3,319,911   

J.W. Sheets

Senior Vice President, Finance, and CFO

    2010        496,840        —          880,262        489,060        696,942        699,405        58,571        3,321,080   
    2009        461,000        —          468,796        475,150        437,950        616,475        41,707        2,501,078   
    2008        418,403        —          497,415        327,184        297,075        399,892        61,814        2,001,783   

S.L. Cornelius(11)

Senior Vice President (retired)

    2010        710,008        —          1,178,126        1,099,800        956,739        879,700        95,606        4,919,979   
    2009        688,008        —          1,055,177        1,068,808        575,615        926,945        73,968        4,388,521   
    2008        599,667        —          814,518        857,648        514,522        774,791        106,244        3,667,390   

 

(1) Includes any amounts that were voluntarily deferred to the Company’s Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(2) Because our primary short-term incentive compensation arrangement for salaried employees (the Variable Cash Incentive Program or VCIP) has mandatory performance measures that must be achieved before there is any payout to Listed Executive Officers, amounts paid under VCIP are shown in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) column of the table, rather than the Bonus ($) column. As an inducement to his employment, the HRCC approved (i) a bonus payment to Mr. Hirshberg of $3,000,000 at his employment on October 6, 2010 and (ii) the creation of a deferred compensation account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, credited with $6,357,436, vesting as to 47% on the first anniversary of employment, as to 47% on the second anniversary of employment, and as to the remainder on the third anniversary of employment.

 

41


Table of Contents
(3) Amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of awards made under the Performance Share Program (PSP) during each of the years indicated, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See the “Share- Based Compensation Plans” section of Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in this determination.

The amounts shown for stock awards are from our PSP or for off-cycle awards, although no off-cycle awards were granted to any of the Listed Executive Officers during 2010, 2009, or 2008, except for off-cycle awards to Messrs. Garland and Hirshberg at their employment on October 6, 2010, as discussed further below. These may include awards that are expected to be finalized as late as 2013. The amounts shown for awards from PSP relate to the three-year performance period that began in the years presented. Performance periods under PSP generally cover a three-year period and, as a new performance period has begun each year since the program commenced, there are three overlapping performance periods ongoing at any time.

Amounts shown are targets set for awards for 2010, 2009, and 2008, since it is most probable at the setting of the target for the applicable performance periods that targets will be achieved. If payout was made at maximum levels for company performance, the amounts shown would double from the targets shown, although the value of the actual payout would be dependent upon the stock price at the time of the payout. If payout was made at minimum levels, the amounts would be reduced to zero. No adjustment is made to the target shown for prior years based upon any change in probability subsequent to the time the target is set. Changes to targets resulting from promotion or demotion of a Listed Executive Officer are shown as awards in the year of the promotion or demotion, even though the awards may relate to a program period that began in an earlier year. Actual payouts with regard to the targets set for 2008 were approved by the HRCC at its February 2011 meeting, at which the Committee determined the payouts to be made to Senior Officers (including the Listed Executive Officers) for the performance period that began in 2008 and ended in 2010. Those payouts were as follows (with values shown at fair market value on the date of payout): Mr. Mulva, $8,095,370; Mr. Carrig, $4,372,434; Mr. Chiang, $1,145,702; Mr. Garland, $0; Mr. Hirshberg, $0; Mr. Lance, $1,196,683; Mr. Sheets, $705,668; and Mr. Cornelius, $1,200,399.

Awards under PSP are made in restricted stock or restricted stock units that will generally be forfeited if the employee is terminated prior to the end of the escrow period set in the award (other than for death or following disability or after a change in control). For target awards for program periods beginning in 2008 and earlier, the escrow period lasts until separation from service, except in the cases of termination due to death, layoff, or retirement, or after disability or a change in control, when the escrow period ends at the exceptional termination event. For target awards for program periods beginning in 2009 and later, the escrow period lasts five years from the grant of the award (which would be more than eight years after the beginning of the program period, when measured including the performance period) unless the employee makes an election prior to the beginning of the program period to have the escrow period last until separation from service instead; except that in the cases of termination due to death, layoff, or retirement, or after disability or a change in control, the escrow period ends at the exceptional termination event. In the event of termination due to layoff or retirement after age 55 with five years of service, a value for the forfeited restricted stock or restricted stock units will generally be credited to a deferred compensation account for the employee for awards made prior to 2005; for later awards, restrictions lapse in the event of termination due to layoff or early retirement after age 55 with five years of service, unless the employee has elected to defer receipt of the stock until a later time.

Messrs. Garland and Hirshberg became employees of ConocoPhillips on October 6, 2010. As inducements to their employment, the HRCC approved the grant of certain restricted stock units to each, effective on the date of employment. Mr. Garland received 16,877 units (valued at $999,962), the restrictions on which lapse as to one-half of the units on the first anniversary of his employment, while the restrictions on the remainder lapse on the second anniversary of his employment. Mr. Hirshberg received 48,945 units (valued at $2,899,991), the restrictions on which lapse on the third anniversary of his employment. Other terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit awards for each officer reflect the standard terms and conditions of restricted stock unit awards under PSP. The amounts reflected in the Table include these awards, as well as their target awards under PSP.

 

(4) Amounts represent the dollar amount recognized as the aggregate grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See the “Share-Based Compensation Plans” section of Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in this determination. All such options were awarded under the Company’s Stock Option Program. Options awarded to Listed Executive Officers under that program generally vest in three equal annual installments beginning with the first anniversary from the date of grant and expire ten years after the date of grant. However, in the event that a Listed Executive Officer has attained the early retirement age of 55 with five years of service, the value of the options granted is taken in the year of grant or over the number of months until the executive attains age 55 with five years of service.

Option awards are made in February of each year at a regularly-scheduled meeting of the HRCC. Occasionally, option awards may be made at other times, such as upon the commencement of employment of an individual. In determining the number of shares to be subject to these option grants, the HRCC used a Black-Scholes-Merton-based methodology to value the options.

 

42


Table of Contents
(5) Includes amounts paid under VCIP, our primary non-equity short-term incentive arrangement, and includes amounts that were voluntarily deferred to the Company’s Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. See also note (2) above.

 

(6) Amounts represent the actuarial increase in the present value of the Listed Executive Officer’s benefits under all pension plans maintained by the Company determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements. Interest rate assumption changes have a significant impact on the pension values with periods of lower interest rates having the effect of increasing the actuarial values reported and vice versa.

 

(7) As discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 24 of this proxy statement, ConocoPhillips provides its executives with a number of compensation and benefit arrangements. The tables below reflect amounts earned under those arrangements. We have excluded arrangements that are generally available to our U.S.-based salaried employees, such as our medical, dental, life and accident insurance, disability, and health savings and flexible spending account arrangements, since all of our Listed Executive Officers are U.S.-based salaried employees. Certain of the amounts reflected below were paid in local currencies, which we value in this table in U.S. dollars using a monthly currency valuation for the month in which costs were incurred. All Other Compensation includes the following amounts, which were determined using actual cost paid by the Company unless otherwise noted:

 

Name             Personal
Use of
Company
Aircraft(a)
            Automobile
Provided
by
Company(b)
            Home
Security(c)
            Financial
Planning(d)
            Annual
Physical(e)
           

Executive
Group

Life
Insurance
Premiums(f)

            Tax
Reimbursement
Gross-Up(g)
    

J.J. Mulva

      2010           $ 31,274               $ 32,379               $     —                 $ —                 $ 2,689               $ 11,880               $ 65,045      
      2009             3,375                 14,967                 874                 —                   1,964                 11,880                 17,954      
      2008             54,802                 25,409                 230                 20,000                 3,032                 11,880                 27,163      

J.A. Carrig

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   6,012                 —        
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   795                 5,908                 745      
      2008             —                   —                   —                   —                   867                 4,898                 —        

W.C.W. Chiang

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   1,777                 6,353      
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   1,207                 1,036                 2,322      
      2008             —                   —                   —                   10,000                 —                   861                 734      

G.C. Garland

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   334                 —        
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        
      2008             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        

A.J. Hirshberg

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   218                 —        
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        
      2008             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        

R.M. Lance

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   1,262                 1,231                 3,521      
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   1,169                 —        
      2008             —                   —                   —                   9,500                 —                   1,054                 367      

J.W. Sheets

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   1,371                 1,825      
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   1,272                 1,109      
      2008             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   1,146                 4,001      

S.L Cornelius

      2010             —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   3,664                 8,275      
      2009             —                   —                   —                   —                   638                 3,550                 823      
      2008             —                   —                   —                   10,000                 1,276                 1,633                 1,252      

 

43


Table of Contents
Name                  Relocation(h)             Expatriate(i)             Retirement
Presentations(j)
            Director
Charitable
Gift
Program(k)
            Matching
Gift
Program(l)
            Matching
Contributions
Under the
Tax-Qualified
Savings
Plans(m)
            Company
Contributions
to
Non-Qualified
Defined
Contribution
Plans (n)
    

J.J. Mulva

      2010               $     —                 $ —                 $ —                 $ —                 $ 15,000               $ 14,651               $ 121,225      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   18,000                 13,947                 119,818      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   113,537                 18,500                 22,576                 221,878      

J.A. Carrig

      2010                 —                   —                   —                   —                   5,000                 14,651                 87,352      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   30,000                 13,947                 81,638      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   2,500                 22,576                 112,829      

W.C.W. Chiang

      2010                 —                   —                   —                   —                   15,000                 14,651                 33,863      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   15,000                 13,947                 30,098      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   15,000                 22,512                 27,456      

G.C. Garland

      2010                 15,106                 —                   —                   —                   —                   10,692                 —        
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        

A.J. Hirshberg

      2010                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   10,692                 —        
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   —        

R.M. Lance

      2010                 —                   5,224                 —                   —                   5,000                 14,651                 40,640      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   —                   13,947                 38,055      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   1,000                 22,576                 50,510      

J.W. Sheets

      2010                 —                   —                   —                   —                   13,500                 15,396                 26,479      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   5,500                 14,107                 19,719      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   8,023                 21,534                 27,110      

S.L. Cornelius

      2010                 —                   —                   10,452                 —                   14,350                 14,651                 44,214      
      2009                 —                   —                   —                   —                   14,250                 13,947                 40,760      
      2008                 —                   —                   —                   —                   13,300                 22,576                 56,207      

 

  (a) The Comprehensive Security Program of the Company requires that Mr. Mulva fly on Company aircraft, unless a determination is made by the Manager of Global Security that other arrangements are an acceptable risk. Numbers above represent the approximate incremental cost to ConocoPhillips for personal use of the aircraft, including travel for any family member or guest. Approximate incremental cost has been determined by calculating the variable costs for each aircraft during the year, dividing that amount by the total number of miles flown by that aircraft, and multiplying the result by the miles flown for personal use during the year. Included in incremental costs reported are $0 associated with flights to the Company hangar or other locations without passengers, commonly referred to as “deadhead” flights. In 2007, the Company and Mr. Mulva entered into a Time Share Agreement with regard to certain of the Company’s aircraft, pursuant to which Mr. Mulva agreed to reimburse the Company for his personal use of the aircraft, subject to certain limitations required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The amounts shown for incremental costs related to the personal use of an aircraft by Mr. Mulva reflect the net incremental costs to the Company after giving effect to any reimbursements received under the Time Share Agreement.

 

  (b) The value shown in the table represents the approximate incremental cost to the Company of providing and maintaining an automobile, excluding Company security personnel. Approximate incremental cost was calculated using actual expenses incurred during the year. Other executives and employees of the Company may also be required to use Company-provided transportation and security personnel, especially when traveling or living outside of the United States, in accordance with risk assessments made by the Company’s Manager of Global Security.

 

  (c) The use of a home security system is required as part of ConocoPhillips’ Comprehensive Security Program for certain executives and employees, including the Listed Executive Officers noted above, based on risk assessments made by the Company’s Manager of Global Security. Amounts shown represent the approximate incremental cost to ConocoPhillips for the installation and maintenance of the home security system with features required by the Company in excess of the cost of a “standard” system typical for homes in the neighborhoods where the Listed Executive Officers’ homes are located. The Listed Executive Officer pays the cost of the “standard” system himself.

 

44


Table of Contents
  (d) Historically, the Company had an Executive Financial Planning Program under which financial and tax planning expenses incurred by eligible executives were reimbursed by the Company up to $20,000 for the CEO and up to $10,000 for other Listed Executive Officers. This personal benefit was discontinued effective at the end of 2008.

 

  (e) Historically, the Company maintained a program under which costs associated with annual physical examinations of eligible employees, including the Listed Executive Officers, were paid for by the Company. This program was discontinued effective at the end of 2010.

 

  (f) The amounts shown are for premiums paid by the Company for executive group life insurance provided by the Company, with a value equal to the employee’s annual salary. In addition, certain employees of the Company, including the Listed Executive Officers, are eligible to purchase group variable universal life insurance policies for which the employee pays all costs, so that there is no incremental cost to the Company.

 

  (g) The amounts shown are for payments by the Company relating to certain taxes incurred by the employee. These primarily occur when the Company requests family members or other guests to accompany the employee to Company functions and, as a result, the employee is deemed to make a personal use of Company assets (for example, when a spouse accompanies an employee on a Company aircraft). The Company believes that such travel is appropriately characterized as a business expense and, if the employee is imputed income in accordance with the applicable tax laws, the Company will generally reimburse the employee for any increased tax costs.

 

  (h) These amounts reflect relocation expenses approved by the HRCC in the offer letter to Mr. Garland in connection with his hiring. The amounts were calculated pursuant to the standard relocation policy of the Company.

 

  (i) These amounts reflect net expatriate benefits under our standard policies for such service outside the United States, and these amounts include payments for increased tax costs related to such expatriate assignments and benefits. Not included in the footnote table are amounts returned to the Company in the normal course of the expatriate tax protection process that may relate to a prior period. These amounts are returned to the Company when they are known or received through the tax reporting and filing process. The amounts noted for Mr. Lance were $(176,325) in 2010, $(314,163) in 2009, and $(43,857) in 2008. Amounts shown in the table above also reflect amended tax equalization and similar payments under our expatriate services policies that were made to and from the Named (or Listed) Executive Officer that were paid or received during 2010 but apply to earnings of prior years, but which were unknown or not capable of being estimated with any reasonable degree of accuracy in prior years.

 

  (j) These amounts reflect the practice of the Company to make presentations to its retiring employees, especially those of long service. The amounts shown reflect the invoiced cost to the Company.

 

  (k) Mr. Mulva is a member of the Board of Directors and as such was entitled to participate in the Director Charitable Gift Program. This program allowed eligible directors to designate charities and tax-exempt educational institutions to receive a donation from the Company of up to $1 million upon his or her death. Directors were vested in the program after one year of service on the Board, and Mr. Mulva was thus eligible. In 2008, as part of its regular review of the compensation of directors, the Committee on Directors’ Affairs decided to discontinue the Director Charitable Gift Program for current directors and future director appointees. With respect to current directors, the Company made payments equal to the net present value of the outstanding awards to charities designated by such directors in 2008. Amounts above reflect the cost to the Company of the 2008 payments, less any costs reported in previous periods with respect to the Director Charitable Gift Program.

 

  (l) The Company maintains a Matching Gift Program under which certain gifts by employees to qualified educational or charitable institutions are matched. For executives, the program matches up to $15,000 with regard to each program year. Administration of the program can cause more than $15,000 to be paid in a single fiscal year of the Company, due to processing claims from more than one program year in that single fiscal year. The amounts shown are for the actual payments by the Company during the year. In December 2009, the Board of Directors approved changes in the Matching Gift Program provisions for employees that brought it into parity with the provisions for executives, effective in 2010.

 

  (m) Under the terms of its tax-qualified defined contribution plans, the Company makes matching contributions and allocations to the accounts of its eligible employees, including the Listed Executive Officers.

 

  (n) Under the terms of its nonqualified defined contribution plans, the Company makes contributions to the accounts of its eligible employees, including the Listed Executive Officers. See the narrative, table, and notes to the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table” for further information.

 

(8) Mr. Carrig retired from ConocoPhillips effective March 1, 2011. Prior to October 6, 2010, Mr. Carrig served as President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

(9) Mr. Garland became an employee of ConocoPhillips on October 6, 2010. Prior to joining ConocoPhillips, Mr. Garland was President and Chief Executive Officer for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC. ConocoPhillips owns a 50 percent interest in Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC. None of the compensation or benefits earned by Mr. Garland as an employee of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC is included in the Table.

 

45


Table of Contents
(10) Mr. Hirshberg became an employee of ConocoPhillips on October 6, 2010.

 

(11) Mr. Cornelius retired from ConocoPhillips effective January 1, 2011. Prior to October 6, 2010, Mr. Cornelius served as Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer.

 

(12) In accordance with SEC rules prohibiting issuers from reporting a negative value in the “Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)” column, Mr. Mulva’s total compensation excludes the effect of a $246,639 decrease in the net present value of Mr. Mulva’s pension benefits in 2010 and a $7,885,466 decrease in the net present value of Mr. Mulva’s pension benefits in 2009. Including the effects of these decreases in value, Mr. Mulva’s total compensation, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, would have been $17,686,256 in 2010 and $6,503,195 in 2009.

 

46


Table of Contents

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE

The Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table is used to show participation by the Listed Executive Officers in the incentive compensation arrangements described below.

The columns under the heading Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards show information regarding the VCIP. The amounts shown in the Table are those applicable to the 2010 program year using a minimum of zero and a maximum of 250 percent of VCIP target for each participant and do not represent actual payouts for that program year. Actual payouts for the 2010 program year were made in February 2011 and are shown in the Summary Compensation Table under the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.

The columns under the heading Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards show information regarding PSP. The amounts shown in the Table are those set for 2010 compensation tied to the 2010 through 2012 program period under PSP (PSP VIII) and do not represent actual payouts for that program year. Actual payouts of restricted stock or restricted stock units, if any, for PSP VIII are not expected to be made until February 2013, after the close of the three-year performance period.

 

47


Table of Contents

The All Other Option Awards column reflects option awards granted under the Stock Option Program. The option awards shown were granted on the same day that the target was approved. For the 2010 program year under the Stock Option Program, targets were set and awards granted at the regularly scheduled February 2010 meeting of the HRCC.

 

Name   Grant
Date(1)
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(2)
    Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(3)
    All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)(4)
    All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(5)
    Exercise
or Base
Price Of
Option
Awards
Average
Price
($Sh)(6)
    Exercise
or Base
Price Of
Option
Awards
Closing
Price
($Sh)(7)
   

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and

Option
Awards(8)

 
    Threshold
($)
   

Target

($)

    Maximum
($)
    Threshold
(#)
    Target
(#)
    Maximum
(#)
           

J.J. Mulva

    $     —        $ 2,025,000      $ 5,062,500        —          —          —          —          —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          127,076        254,152        —          —          —          —          6,148,572   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          490,400        48.39        48.67        5,737,680   

J.A. Carrig

      —          1,281,500        3,203,750        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          78,615        157,230        —          —          —          —          3,803,787   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          303,400        48.39        48.67        3,549,780   

W.C.W. Chiang

      —          543,976        1,359,940        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          20,372        40,744        —          —          —          —          985,699   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          78,700        48.39        48.67        920,790   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          302        604        —          —          —          —          17,430   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          2,745        5,490        —          —          —          —          158,428   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          4,592        9,184        —          —          —          —          265,027   

G.C. Garland

      —          153,980        384,950        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          16,877        —          —          —          999,962   
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          10,832        21,664        —          —          —          —          641,796   
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          19,871        39,742        —          —          —          —          1,177,357   

A.J. Hirshberg

      —          153,980        384,950        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          48,945        —          —          —          2,899,991   
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          10,832        21,664        —          —          —          —          641,796   
    10/6/2010        —          —          —          —          19,871        39,742        —          —          —          —          1,177,357   

R.M. Lance

      —          577,776        1,444,440        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          22,988        45,976        —          —          —          —          1,112,274   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          88,800        48.39        48.67        1,038,960   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          338        676        —          —          —          —          19,508   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          1,705        3,410        —          —          —          —          98,404   
    10/1/2010        —          —          —          —          2,630        5,260        —          —          —          —          151,790   

J.W. Sheets

      —          389,191        972,978        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          10,831        21,662        —          —          —          —          524,058   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          41,800        48.39        48.67        489,060   
    6/1/2010        —          —          —          —          512        1,024        —          —          —          —          26,230   
    6/1/2010        —          —          —          —          2,523        5,046        —          —          —          —          129,254   
    6/1/2010        —          —          —          —          3,918        7,836        —          —          —          —          200,720   

S.L. Cornelius

      —          589,307        1,473,268        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          24,349        48,698        —          —          —          —          1,178,126   
    2/12/2010        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          94,000        48.39        48.67        1,099,800   

 

(1) The grant date shown is the date on which the HRCC approved the target awards, except with regard to the June 1, 2010 award shown for Mr. Sheets, the October 1, 2010 awards shown for Messrs. Chiang and Lance, and the October 6, 2010 awards shown for Messrs. Garland and Hirshberg. With regards to Messrs. Sheets, Chiang and Lance, under the terms of the PSP, an adjustment in the target and maximum awards under three on-going performance periods automatically occurred on the effective date of their promotions, which promotions were effective June 1, 2010, and October 1, 2010, and was approved by the HRCC. Messrs. Garland and Hirshberg became employees of ConocoPhillips on October 6, 2010. As inducements to their employment, the HRCC approved the grant of certain restricted stock units to each. Mr. Garland received 16,877 units, the restrictions on which lapse as to one-half of the units on the first anniversary of his employment, while the remainder lapse on the second anniversary of his employment. Mr. Hirshberg received 48,945 units, the restrictions on which lapse on the third anniversary of his employment. Other terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit awards for each officer reflect the standard terms and conditions of restricted stock unit awards under the PSP. The HRCC also approved their receiving pro-rata targets for two on-going performance periods running from 2009—2011 and 2010—2012 under the terms of the PSP, effective with their date of hire. Both Messrs. Garland’s and Hirshberg’s pro-rata targets for 2009—2011 and 2010—2012 are 10,832 units and 19,871 units, respectively.

 

48


Table of Contents
(2) Threshold and maximum awards are based on the program provisions under the VCIP. Actual awards earned can range from zero to 200 percent of the target awards for corporate and business unit performance, with a further possible adjustment of up to 50 percent of the target awards for individual performance. Amounts reflect estimated possible cash payouts under the VCIP after the close of the performance period. The estimated amounts are calculated based on the applicable annual target and base salary for each Listed Executive Officer in effect for the 2010 performance period. If threshold levels of performance are not met, then the payout can be zero. The HRCC also retains the authority to make awards under the program at its discretion, including the discretion to make awards greater than the maximum payout. Actual payouts under the VCIP for 2010 are based on actual base salaries earned in 2010 and are reflected in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) column of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

(3) Threshold and maximum are based on the program provisions under the PSP. Actual awards earned can range from zero to 200 percent of the target awards. The HRCC retains the authority to make awards under the program at its discretion, including the discretion to make awards greater than the maximum payout.

 

(4) Messrs. Garland and Hirshberg became employees of ConocoPhillips on October 6, 2010. As inducements to their employment, the HRCC approved the grant of certain restricted stock units to each. Mr. Garland received 16,877 units, the restrictions on which lapse as to one-half of the units on the first anniversary of his employment, while the restrictions on the remainder lapse on the second anniversary of his employment. Mr. Hirshberg received 48,945 units, the restrictions on which lapse on the third anniversary of his employment. Other terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit awards for each officer reflect the standard terms and conditions of restricted stock unit awards under PSP.

 

(5) These amounts represent stock options granted during 2010.

 

(6) The exercise price is the average of the high and low prices of ConocoPhillips common stock, as reported on the NYSE, on the date of the grant (or on the last preceding date for which there was a reported sale, in the absence of any reported sales on the grant date); therefore, on the grant date, the option has no immediately realizable value and any potential payout reflects an increase in share price after the grant date. The Company’s stockholder-approved 2009 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan provides for the use of such an average price in setting the exercise price on options, unless the HRCC directs otherwise. The immediate predecessor plan, the stockholder-approved 2004 Omnibus Stock and Performance Incentive Plan, had the same provision. Grants made before May 13, 2009, were made under the 2004 Plan.

 

(7) The closing price is the closing price of ConocoPhillips common stock, as reported on the NYSE, on the date of the grant.

 

(8) For equity incentive plan awards, these amounts represent the grant date fair value at target level under PSP as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For option awards, these amounts represent the grant date fair value of the option awards using a Black-Scholes-Merton-based methodology to value the options. Actual value realized upon option exercise depends on market prices at the time of exercise. For other stock awards, these amounts represent the grant date fair value of the restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. See the “Share-Based Compensation Plans” section of Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in this determination.

 

49


Table of Contents

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

 

     Option Awards(1)     Stock Awards(6)  
Name   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable (2)
    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
($)
 

J.J. Mulva

    478,000          —            —        $ 27.385        10/8/2011        —        $ —          —        $ —     
    1,500,000          —            —          25.655        11/17/2011        —          —          —          —     
    1,500,000          —            —          32.065        11/17/2011        —          —          —          —     
    12,738          —            —          23.550        10/22/2012        —          —          —          —     
    413,062          —            —          23.550        10/22/2012        —          —          —          —     
    606,000          —            —          24.370        2/10/2013        —          —          —          —     
    745,200          —            —          32.810        2/8/2014        —          —          —          —     
    392,800          —            —          47.830        2/4/2015        —          —          —          —     
    268,800          —            —          59.075        2/10/2016        —          —          —          —     
    276,500          —            —          66.370        2/8/2017        —          —          —          —     
    197,600          98,800 (3)        —          79.380        2/14/2018        —          —          —          —     
    171,066          342,134 (4)        —          45.470        2/12/2019        —          —          —          —     
    —            490,400 (5)        —          48.385        2/12/2020        —          —          —          —     
                  2,976,203        202,679,424        251,763        17,145,060   

J.A. Carrig(7)

    10,200          —            —          27.385        10/8/2011        —          —          —          —     
    49,662          —            —          23.550        10/22/2012        —          —          —          —     
    122,200          —            —          24.370        2/10/2013        —          —          —          —     
    126,200          —            —          32.810        2/8/2014        —          —          —          —     
    104,600          —            —          47.830        2/4/2015        —          —          —          —     
    78,500          —            —          59.075        2/10/2016        —          —          —          —     
    80,800          —            —          66.370        2/8/2017        —          —          —          —     
    60,200          30,100 (3)        —          79.380        2/14/2018        —          —          —          —     
    105,833          211,667 (4)        —          45.470        2/12/2019        —          —          —          —     
    —            303,400 (5)        —          48.385        2/12/2020        —          —          —          —     
                  508,077        34,600,044        155,752        10,606,711   

W.C.W. Chiang

    21,600          —            —          23.550        10/22/2012        —          —          —          —     
    18,400          —            —          24.370        2/10/2013        —          —          —          —     
    28,400          —            —          32.810        2/8/2014        —          —          —          —     
    20,800          —            —          47.830        2/4/2015        —          —          —          —     
    14,600          —            —          59.075        2/10/2016        —          —          —          —     
    15,800          —            —