form10k2011.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
     
     
FORM 10-K
     
     

þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission File Number:  001-33206
     
     
 
CAL DIVE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
     
 
     
Delaware
 
61-1500501
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
2500 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 2200
Houston, Texas
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
77042
(Zip Code)
(713) 361-2600
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
     
     
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Common Stock ($.01 par value)
 
New York Stock Exchange
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
     
     
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o  No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o  No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ  No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer þ
   
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not
check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant based on the closing sales price of the Registrant’s common stock as of June 30, 2011 was approximately $483 million.
As of February 29, 2012, the Registrant had 96,159,939 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 15, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 
 

 
 

 
CAL DIVE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
Page
PART I                                                                                                                                 
1
 
Business
1
 
Risk Factors
12
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
19
 
Properties
19
 
Legal Proceedings
20
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
21
PART II                                                                                                                                 
22
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
22
 
Selected Financial Data
24
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
24
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
34
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
35
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
62
 
Controls and Procedures
62
PART III                                                                                                                              
65
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
65
 
Executive Compensation
65
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
65
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
65
 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
65
PART IV                                                                                                                                 
65
 
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
65
SIGNATURES                                                                                                                            
67
EXHIBIT INDEX                                                                                                                             
69

 
i
 

 
 

 
 
 
PART I
 
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
 
This annual report contains or incorporates by reference statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Our forward-looking statements express our current expectations or forecasts of possible future results or events, including projections of future performance, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and savings, forecasts of trends, and statements of management’s plans and objectives and other matters.  These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and often use words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and other words and expressions of similar meaning. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we give no assurance that such expectations will be realized or achieved in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this annual report, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to “the company,” “our company,” “the registrant,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “CDI” and “Cal Dive International” means Cal Dive International, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  Please refer to the subsection “— Certain Definitions” on page 11 for definitions of additional terms used in this annual report.
 
Item 1.                 Business
 
Overview
 
We are a marine contractor that provides manned diving, pipelay and pipe burial, platform installation and platform salvage services to a diverse customer base in the offshore oil and natural gas industry. We offer our customers these complementary services on an integrated basis for more complex offshore projects, which maximizes efficiencies for our customers and enhances the utilization of our fleet.  Our headquarters are located in Houston, Texas.
 
Our global footprint encompasses operations on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (or “OCS”), the Northeastern U.S., Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, Australia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. We currently own a diversified fleet of 29 vessels, including 19 surface and saturation diving support vessels, six pipelay/pipebury barges, one dedicated pipebury barge, one combination derrick/pipelay barge and two derrick barges.
 
We were organized in February 2006 as a Delaware corporation to facilitate the spin-off by Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (or “Helix”) of its shallow water marine contracting business.  On December 11, 2007, we completed an acquisition of Horizon Offshore, Inc. (or “Horizon”), which significantly enhanced the offshore construction and decommissioning component of our overall business as a complement to our diving services.  During 2009, Helix reduced its ownership to 500,000 of our shares, or less than 1% of our common stock, at December 31, 2009.  In the first quarter of 2011, Helix sold all of its remaining shares of our common stock.
 
Our Services
 
The origin of our business traces historically to California Divers, Inc., which pioneered the use of mixed gas diving in the early 1960s when oilfield exploration off the Santa Barbara coast moved to water depths below 250 feet. We commenced operations on the Gulf of Mexico OCS in 1975, and since that time, our principal business has been centered in this region.   We provide essential marine contracting services to support the entire production lifecycle of the offshore oil and natural gas industry (including subsea services on production platforms, risers, subsea production systems and pipelines).  Our customers include major and independent oil and natural gas producers, pipeline transmission companies and offshore engineering and construction firms.
 
 

 
Our diversified fleet allows us to offer services in all phases of the production lifecycle of the offshore oil and natural gas industry.  During the early phase of infrastructure installation, our services include pipeline installation and trenching, shore approaches, tie-ins, and platform installations.  During the middle phase of production and well remediation, our services include inspection, repairs, and maintenance.  During the late phase of decommissioning and salvage, our services include pipeline P&A and removal, platform removal and well P&A.  Customer spending for the early infrastructure stage is more sensitive to changes in commodity prices as compared to spending for the middle and late phases which is less discretionary in nature.
 
Our diving services include saturation, surface and mixed gas diving.  Collectively, these enable us to provide a full complement of manned diving services to our customers in water depths of up to 1,000 feet. We provide our saturation diving services in water depths of 200 to 1,000 feet through our fleet of eight saturation diving vessels and nine portable saturation diving systems. A number of these vessels have capabilities such as DP, hyperbaric rescue chambers, multi-chamber saturation diving systems to accommodate operations at multiple depths and moon pool deployment, which allow us to operate effectively in a variety of challenging offshore environments. We also provide surface and mixed gas diving services in water depths that are typically less than 300 feet through our 11 surface diving vessels.  We believe that our fleet of diving support vessels is the largest in the world.
 
We also provide pipelay and pipebury services with our six pipelay/pipebury barges.  These barges install, bury and repair pipelines with outside diameters of up to 36 inches, and employ conventional S-lay technology that is appropriate for the Gulf of Mexico OCS and the international areas where we currently operate.
 
Conventional S-lay pipeline installation involves the sequential assembly of pipe segments through an assembly line of welding stations that run the length of the pipelay vessel. The welds are inspected and coated on the deck of the pipelay barge and the pipe is then offloaded off the stern and into the water via a ramp, or “stinger.” The stinger, which supports the pipe as it is lowered into the water, prevents over-stressing as the pipe curves into a horizontal position toward the sea floor. The barge is then moved forward by its anchor winches as the pipeline is laid on the sea floor. The suspended pipe forms an elongated “S” shape as it undergoes a second bend above the point where contact is made with the sea floor.  Pipelay and pipe burial operations typically require continuous use of our diving services with divers regularly inspecting the pipeline while it is being laid.
 
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, (or “BSEE”), formed as part of a reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (or “BOEMRE”), formerly the Minerals Management Service, requires pipelines installed on the Gulf of Mexico OCS in water depths of 200 feet or less to be buried at least three feet below the sea floor. Jet sleds, which are either self-propelled or towed behind pipelay/pipebury barges, are used to bury pipelines.  Jet sleds use a high-pressure stream of water that is pumped from the barge to create a trench in the sea floor into which the pipe settles. For larger pipe burying projects, or where a deeper trench is required, we typically use our dedicated pipebury barge.  We also own a pipeline plow which we use to bury pipelines in areas where the use of jet sleds is not allowed due to environmental concerns.
 
We also provide platform installation and salvage services using our two derrick barges, each of which is equipped with cranes designed to lift and place platforms, structures or equipment into position for installation. In addition, our derrick barges are used to disassemble and remove platforms and prepare them for salvage or refurbishment. Our two derrick barges have lift capacities of 1,000 and 500 tons, respectively. We also have a combination derrick/pipelay vessel with a lift capacity of 1,200 tons, which we use to install up to 36” diameter pipe, and to install and remove offshore fixed platforms.
 
Because of our broad range of complementary service capabilities, we are able to offer a full range of these services on an integrated basis for complex offshore projects.  We believe the combination of scheduling flexibility available to us by virtue of our large diversified fleet of vessels, the wide range of capabilities of our assets and the advanced technical skills of our personnel distinguishes us from our competitors and makes us a leading marine contracting service provider.
 


Geographic Areas
 
Revenues by geographic area were as follows for the past three fiscal years (dollars in thousands):
 
      Year Ended December 31,  
     
2011
     
%
     
2010
     
%
     
2009
     
%
 
United States 
  $ 280,745       59 %   $ 426,245       79 %   $ 555,413       67 %
International    
    199,066       41 %     110,223       21 %     273,949       33 %
    $ 479,811       100 %   $ 536,468       100 %   $ 829,362       100 %

     
     

We strategically evaluate the deployment of our assets and globally reposition vessels based on the demands of our clients and the markets in which they operate.  As of December 31, for the years presented, the physical location of net property and equipment by geographic area was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
    As of December 31,  
     
2011
     
%
     
2010
     
%
  
United States   
  $ 331,881       67 %   $ 401,771       71 %
International     
    164,890       33 %     166,020       29 %
    $ 496,771       100 %   $ 567,791       100 %

     
     

Our Industry
 
Marine contracting is cyclical and typically driven by actual or anticipated changes in oil and natural gas prices and capital spending by upstream producers. Historically, sustained high commodity prices have led to increases in expenditures for offshore drilling and completion activities and, as a result, greater demand for our services.
 
The April 2010 Macondo well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico further compounded the negative effects from the sustained global recession that began in 2008.  The aftermath of this blowout significantly and adversely affected oil and gas exploration activities in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 and 2011 and has increased uncertainty in the market and regulatory environment for our industry.  We anticipate the cumulative effect of these factors along with the reduced natural gas prices will continue to challenge our customers’ spending levels for the near term.  However, we believe the long-term outlook for our business remains favorable in both domestic and international markets as capital spending will be required to replenish oil and natural gas production, and for domestic industry participants to satisfy new “idle iron” regulations and other directives promulgated by BSEE regarding the decommissioning of offshore platforms and pipelines. We expect all of these factors to continue to drive long-term demand for our services.

Key Indicators
 
Commodity prices.  Our business is dependent upon the level of capital expenditures by oil and natural gas companies for offshore exploration, development and production operations.  The willingness of oil and natural gas companies to fund capital expenditures for exploration and development is generally dependent upon oil and natural gas prices, which can be volatile.  The majority of our customers on the Gulf of Mexico OCS drill for, produce and transport natural gas.  If natural gas prices remain at their current reduced levels for a sustained period, we would expect a continued negative impact on our domestic new construction business.  The following table sets forth U.S. oil and natural gas prices for the last three years:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2011 to 2010
   
2010 to 2009
 
U.S. natural gas price (1)
  $ 4.00     $ 4.37     $ 3.94     $ (0.37 )     (8 %)   $ 0.43       11 %
NYMEX oil price(2)
  $ 95.11     $ 79.61     $ 62.09     $ 15.50       19   $ 17.52       28 %
 
 _______________________
(1)  Annual average of the Henry Hub Gulf Coast natural gas spot price per MMBtu as reported by U. S. Energy Information Administration Independent Statistics and Analysis as of January 4, 2012.
(2)  Annual average of New York Mercantile Exchange ( or “NYMEX”) Cushing, OK West Texas Intermediate crude oil daily spot price per barrel, as reported by U. S. Energy Information Administration Independent Statistics and Analysis as of January 4, 2012.

     
     

 
3

Drilling activity.  Demand for our new construction services generally lags behind successful drilling activity by a period of six to 18 months and sometimes longer.  While demand for our marine contracting services typically has a high correlation with offshore rig counts, increases in project complexity, capital spending per project and demand for hurricane-related repair work also affect utilization and day rates.  The following table details worldwide and Gulf of Mexico rig count and utilization, and Gulf of Mexico platform installations and removals for the last three years:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
Worldwide jackup and drill barge rig count(1) 
530
   
514
   
495
   
16
 
3
%
 
19
 
4
%
                                     
Worldwide jackup and drill barge rig utilization(2) 
66
%
 
68
%
 
73
%
 
(2
%)
(3
%)
 
(5
%)
(7
%)
                                     
Gulf of Mexico jackup and drill barge rig count(1) 
81
   
80
   
74
   
1
 
1
%
 
6
 
8
%
                                     
Gulf of Mexico jackup and drill barge rig utilization(2)
44
%
 
44
%
 
43
%
 
%
%
 
1
%
3
%
                                     
Gulf of Mexico platform installations(3)
18
   
23
   
29
   
(5
)
(22
%)
 
(6
)
(21
%)
                                     
Gulf of Mexico platform removals(3)
166
   
161
   
221
   
5
 
3
%
 
(60
)
(27
%)
 ______________________                                    
(1)
Source:  RigLogix.com; represents annual average of contracted jackup and drill barge rigs as of January 17, 2012.
(2)
Source:  RigLogix.com; represents annual average of rig-by-rig utilization of jackup and drill barge rigs as of January 17, 2012.
(3)
Source:  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement as of January 27, 2012, subject to change due to periodic updates.

     
     

Our Competitive Strengths

Our competitive strengths include:

·  
Successful Project Execution Track Record.  The collective experience of the members of our project management team and offshore supervisory personnel is rooted in the marine construction industry.  We have built a professional record of safe, successful and timely project execution spanning the spectrum of our services offered worldwide.  We believe our commitment to safe and superior project execution positions us to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations and leads to opportunities for repeat business.  In addition, we believe our reputation for quality project execution encourages customers to seek our participation in more complex, higher margin projects.

· 
Proven management team with extensive experience in the marine contracting business.  Most of our executive officers and senior managers have spent the majority of their careers in the marine contracting business, working at various levels of the industry in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally. This senior management team, which has an average of 25 years of industry experience, includes recognized leaders in diving services and offshore marine construction. We believe the knowledge and experience of our management team provide us with a valuable competitive strength.
 
 
4

·  
Leader in the Gulf of Mexico OCS diving services market.  We believe the size and diversified capabilities of our fleet, and our offshore workforce of approximately 1,000 diving and marine personnel, make us the market leader for diving services on the Gulf of Mexico OCS and contribute to our significant share of diving services contracts in this market.
 
·  
Diversified operating capabilities provide clients with an integrated solution.  We offer a comprehensive range of complementary manned diving, pipelay and pipe burial and derrick barge services.  Because of the diving support typically required to facilitate pipeline and platform installation and decommissioning work, we often seek to enter into contracts to provide a full range of these services on an integrated basis for a particular project.  We believe this approach makes us more accountable to our customers and allows for a more seamless transition between phases of a project.  In addition, our ability to provide these services on an integrated basis enhances utilization of our fleet and gives us greater control over operational and commercial risks than if we subcontracted a significant portion of the scope of such work to third parties.
 
·  
Highly skilled workforce.  Our market leadership and future growth plans depend upon our ability to employ the most highly-skilled divers, offshore workforce and support staff in the industry. We have historically invested, and continue to invest, significant resources in our workforce.  These investments ensure our employees are vested with a sound knowledge base and the skill set necessary for offshore construction operations and safety and their long-term career development.
 
In January 2011, we launched “Cal Dive College” with dedicated training centers located at our Fourchon, Louisiana and Port Arthur, Texas docks, as well as our Broussard, Louisiana operating facility.  These training centers are purposefully situated in accessible and convenient locations for our onshore and offshore workforce, and offer courses on our policies and procedures, safety mission, career development, advancement opportunities and leadership skills.  We also aim to structure our compensation and benefit plans to be competitive with our peers and to properly incentivize our workforce.  We believe these factors have enabled us to attract and retain a strong core of skilled employees.
 
·  
Excellent, long-standing customer relationships.  We have built a reputation as a premier marine contractor during more than 35 years of operating in the Gulf of Mexico and have developed a large and stable customer base comprised of some of the largest energy producers in the world. We believe this historical success is a result of consistently and timely providing a high level of comprehensive services and maintaining a strong safety track record.
 
Our Business Strategy
 
The principal elements of our strategy include:
 
·  
Increase our presence in high-growth international markets.  We believe that certain international regions, such as Latin America, the Middle East, Australia and West Africa, offer promising long-term growth opportunities.  This belief stems from anticipated future increases in capital spending in these markets and the highly fragmented nature of the competition currently engaged in these regions.  We continually evaluate potential projects, joint ventures, partnerships, strategic alliances and acquisition opportunities that could strengthen our presence and competitive position in these targeted markets.
 
Australia
 
We continued to perform work in 2011 related to the Gorgon Liquefied Natural Gas Development Project in Australia for which we provide diving services and offshore support for a subcontractor to Chevron Corporation, with additional activity expected in the first quarter of 2012.  We experienced an active and profitable 2011 fiscal year in Australia and believe our potential in this market remains promising due to the significant number of large liquefied natural gas developments projected to materialize over the next decade.
 
5

 
Mexico
 
We expect to see activity increasing substantially as Petroleos Mexicanos (or “Pemex”) works to replenish its production.  We were awarded two projects in 2011 in Mexico, one of which was substantially completed, and the second of which commenced, in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
West Africa
 
We are still in the start-up phase of a joint venture in West Africa and remain positive about the long-term prospects in that region.
 
· 
Diversify into complementary service offerings.  A key part of our strategy is to diversify our market reach beyond our traditional diving and integrated construction services into complementary service offerings.  In late 2011, we announced our entry into the light well intervention market segment where we have received significant interest from our customers.  To facilitate our entry into this market, the MSV Uncle John underwent an upgrade to its dynamic positioning and derrick systems, which will enable this vessel to perform light well intervention work in water depths of up to 3,500 feet.  We expect to use the Uncle John as a work platform on which well intervention techniques will be performed by third parties.  These well intervention techniques may include the use of wireline or coiled tubing in support of temporary and permanent abandonment activities, as well as some limited intervention in producing wells under relatively low pressure in shallow to intermediate water depths.
 
Focus on securing contracts for projects requiring integrated diving and marine construction services.  Our business strategy is focused on securing contracts for substantial integrated projects that require both our diving and marine construction services. The integration of these services enhances the utilization of our fleet and maximizes efficiencies in project completion at a qualified lump sum price for our customers.  We significantly expanded our operating capabilities to perform such projects through our December 2007 acquisition of Horizon, and we continue to seek to maintain our leadership position in the marine construction market by enhancing the capabilities of our existing assets, opportunistically acquiring complementary assets or businesses and continuing to provide a high level of customer service.  We also pursue integrated projects outside of the oil and gas industry, including wind energy, marine terminal and other similar offshore marine construction projects.
 
·  
Capitalize on potential increased demand for decommissioning and salvage services. In September 2010,  BSEE issued a “Notice to Lessees” requiring lessees of platforms on the Gulf of Mexico OCS to plug all wells that have been idle for five years and to decommission related equipment. These lessees were given until mid-February 2011 to submit plans for decommissioning these facilities and wells. We believe these regulations will increase demand for our salvage and decommissioning services and have a positive impact on our business, operations and revenues.  We have recently been awarded a contract for a multi-pipeline, multi-well P&A project that we expect to commence in the second quarter of 2012.  We anticipate this lump-sum project will generate gross revenues of approximately $24 million, and prior to year-end we received a $10 million prepayment on this project which is included in advanced billings on contracts in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011.
 
Seasonality
 
As a marine contractor with significant operations on the Gulf of Mexico OCS, our vessel utilization is typically lower during the winter and early spring due to unfavorable weather conditions in this region. As is common in our industry, we typically bear the risk of delays caused by some, but not all, adverse weather conditions. We believe that the technological capabilities of our DP saturation diving fleet and our ability to operate those assets effectively in challenging offshore environments allows us to continue to operate those assets during winter months and mitigates the impact of weather-related delays on the remainder of the fleet.  We also pursue business opportunities in international areas that we believe will mitigate the seasonality of our operations on the Gulf of Mexico OCS or where upstream capital spending is anticipated to increase with the potential to create long-term growth opportunities for our business.
 
6

 
Customers
 
Our customers include major and independent oil and natural gas producers, pipeline transmission companies and offshore engineering and construction firms. The level of our customers’ marine contracting capital expenditures varies from year to year due to the concentrated nature of construction and installation expenditures and the unpredictability of repair work. Consequently, customers that may account for a significant portion of contract revenues in one fiscal year may only represent an immaterial portion of contract revenues in subsequent fiscal years. The percent of consolidated revenue of major customers that accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues for each of the last three years was as follows:  2011 — AJ Lucas Australia 14% and Chevron Corporation 13%; 2010 — Chevron Corporation 16%, BP Exploration and Production 13% and Apache Corporation 10%; and 2009 — Chevron Corporation 13%. We provided marine contracting services to over 100 customers in 2011.
 
Backlog
 
As of December 31, 2011, our backlog supported by written agreements or contract awards totaled approximately $178.2 million, compared to approximately $191.5 million as of December 31, 2010.  Approximately 76% of our current backlog is expected to be performed during 2012, with $43 million expected to be performed in 2013 and beyond.  The contracts included in our backlog are cancellable without penalty in most cases.  Backlog is not a reliable indicator of total annual revenues because it does not include the substantial portion of our revenues that is derived from the spot market.
 
Contracting and Tendering
 
Our services are performed under contracts that are typically awarded through competitive bidding. Contract terms vary depending on the services required and are often determined through negotiation. Most of our contracts can be categorized as either dayrate or qualified lump-sum. Under dayrate contracts, we are paid a daily rate throughout the term of the contract for our vessel services, which consists of a base rate for our vessel and crews as well as cost reimbursement for materials and ancillary activities. Qualified lump-sum contracts, on the other hand, define the services that we will provide for an agreed upon fixed price and certain cost protections. This type of contract is most commonly used for complex projects with a defined scope of work, where the customers desire greater control over costs.
 
We seek to optimize our mix of dayrate and qualified lump-sum contracts based on prevailing market conditions. As part of that effort, we also attempt to strike the appropriate balance between short-term and long-term dayrate contracts. Our goal is to diversify our sources of revenue while maximizing profitability in a given business environment.
 
Assets we have gained through our acquisitions have also diversified our operating capabilities and enable us to offer a comprehensive range of manned diving, pipelay and pipe burial services, and derrick barge services. Because of the diving support typically required to facilitate pipeline and platform installation and decommissioning work, we often seek to enter into contracts to provide a full range of these services on an integrated basis for a particular project. We believe this approach makes us more accountable to our customers and allows for a more seamless transition between different phases of a project.  In addition, our ability to provide these services on an integrated basis for our customers enhances utilization of our fleet and gives us greater control over operational and commercial risks than if we subcontracted a significant portion of the scope of work to third parties.
 
Competitors
 
The marine contracting business is highly competitive. Competition for marine contracting work in the markets we serve has historically been based on price, the location and type of equipment available, the ability to timely deploy such equipment and the safety and quality of such services. In recent years, price has been the primary factor in obtaining contracts, but our ability to acquire specialized vessels, to attract and retain skilled personnel, and to demonstrate a good safety record have also been important competitive factors.
 
Our principal competitors for diving services on the Gulf of Mexico OCS include Global Industries, Ltd. (or “Global”), recently acquired by Technip, S.A., Tetra Technologies Inc. (through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Epic Divers & Marine, L.L.C.) (or “Tetra”) and Oceaneering International, Inc. (or “Oceaneering”), as well as a number of smaller companies that often compete solely on price. Based on the size of our fleet, we are the largest saturation and surface diving service provider on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
 
7

 
Our principal competitors for pipelay services on the Gulf of Mexico OCS include Helix, Global, Chet Morrison Contractors, Inc., Bisso Marine Co. and several smaller companies. Because shallow water marine construction activities generally are less complex and involve lower upfront capital expenditures, there are a number of companies with one or more pipelay barges capable of installing pipelines in shallow water.
 
For the installation and removal of production platforms, we compete primarily with Offshore Specialty Fabricators, Inc., Global, Superior Energy Services, Inc. (or “Superior”), Tetra and several smaller companies. We believe that our reputation, asset capabilities, highly experienced personnel and low-cost structure are key advantages for us in this market.
 
Internationally, the marine construction industry is comprised of a small number of major international construction companies, government owned or controlled companies and smaller indigenous companies that operate in specific areas.  International contracts are typically awarded through competitive bidding and generally have longer lead times than those on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.  Our major competitors internationally are Helix, Global, J. Ray McDermott, S.A., Subsea 7 S.A., Swiber Offshore Construction Pte. Ltd., Permaducto S.A. de C.V., (formerly Protexa S.A. de C.V.), and several local competitors.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 1,700 employees, approximately 72% of whom work offshore and approximately 28% of whom work onshore. In addition, throughout the year we contracted with third parties to provide approximately 200 offshore workers. We are not unionized and none of our employees are employed pursuant to any collective bargaining agreement or any similar arrangement. We believe we have strong professional relationships with our employees.
 
Training and Safety
 
Assuring the safety of our workforce is one of our core values. Our goal, based upon the belief that all incidents are preventable, is to provide an incident and injury-free workplace by emphasizing the importance of safe behavior by our employees. Our behavioral safety procedures and training programs were developed by management personnel who started their careers working in the offshore industry, and who have firsthand knowledge of the mental and physical challenges of the offshore and subsea worksite. As a result, we believe that our overall safety management system is among the best in the industry. Nevertheless, we are constantly engaged in a company-wide effort to enhance our behavioral safety procedures and training programs.  We place significant emphasis on awareness and open communication between management and all offshore and onshore employees. We currently document all daily observations and analyze data both at the immediate worksite and at the corporate level. Worksite condition inspections, known as “Hazard Hunts,” are conducted with required “actions by” and close out dates. Annual progressive audits are carried out throughout our fleet, facilities and worksites by our environmental, health and safety department to provide an avenue of understanding and mechanism to identify training requirements throughout our diverse fleet. Management site visits are conducted regularly to assist in face to face communication across the fleet.  In January 2011, we launched “Cal Dive College” with dedicated training centers located at our Fourchon, Louisiana and Port Arthur, Texas docks, as well as our Broussard, Louisiana operating facility.  These training centers are purposefully situated in accessible and convenient locations for our onshore and offshore workforce, and offer courses on our policies and procedures, safety mission, career development, advancement opportunities and leadership skills.
 
Government Regulation
 
The marine contracting industry is subject to extensive governmental and industry rules and regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (or “OSHA”), the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (or “EPA”), BSEE, International Safety Management and the U.S. Customs Service.  We comply with the requirements of applicable Classification Societies, including the American Bureau of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas, Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas.  We also support and voluntarily comply with standards of the Association of Diving Contractors International and the International Marine Contractors Association. Among the more significant standards we follow are those established by the U.S. Coast Guard, which sets safety standards, authorizes investigations into vessel and diving accidents and recommends improved safety standards. We are required by various other governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain various permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our vessels and operations.
 
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In addition, we depend on the demand for our services from the oil and natural gas industry.  As a result, our business is affected by laws and regulations, as well as changing tax regulations and policies relating to the oil and natural gas industry generally. In particular, the development and operation of oil and natural gas properties located on the OCS of the United States is regulated primarily by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (or “BOEM”) and BSEE, each formed in connection with the reorganization of BOEMRE.  Because our operations rely on offshore oil and natural gas production, if the government were to restrict the availability of offshore oil and natural gas leases, such action could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of the Macondo blowout, BSEE implemented regulations which require that our customers who are operators of leases on the OCS establish and maintain a Safety and Environmental Management System (or “SEMS”).  In turn, our customers now require all contractors working within the lease to execute a bridging agreement to harmonize the operator’s SEMS program with the contractor’s safety program.  The SEMS requirements consist of 15 components, most of which were already satisfied by our existing safety and environmental programs.  We have worked with industry groups to evaluate the regulations and to develop best practices for the contractor community.  We also improved our existing safety program to meet and properly document compliance with SEMS requirements.
 
Certain of our employees are also covered by provisions of the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act and general maritime laws.  These laws make liability limits under state workers’ compensation laws inapplicable and permit these employees to bring suit for job related injuries with generally no limits on our potential liability.  Our operations are also subject to provisions of the Jones Act that limit certain activities on the OCS to vessels that qualify for “coastwise” trade.  Our fleet is comprised of both coastwise and foreign-flagged vessels, the diversity of which affords us a competitive advantage in complying with the Jones Act.
 
Environmental Regulation
 
Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local as well as international laws and regulations governing environmental protection, health and safety, including those relating to climate change and the discharge of materials into the environment. Numerous governmental departments issue rules and regulations to implement and enforce laws that are often complex, impose significant compliance costs and carry substantial administrative, civil and possibly criminal penalties for noncompliance. Under these laws and regulations, we may be liable for remediation or removal costs, damages, including damages to natural resources, and other costs associated with releases of hazardous materials, including oil, into the environment, and such liability may be imposed on us even if the acts that resulted in the releases were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time such acts were performed. Some of the environmental laws and regulations that are applicable to our business operations are discussed below.
 
Legislation to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases has been introduced in Congress, and there has been a wide-ranging policy debate, both nationally and internationally, regarding the impact of these gases and possible means for their regulation. In 2009 the U.S. House of Representatives approved adoption of the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.  The U.S. Senate also approved its own version, but neither law passed.  In addition, the EPA has undertaken new regulatory efforts to collect information regarding greenhouse gas emissions and their effects.  The EPA declared that certain greenhouse gases represent a danger to human health and proposed to expand its regulations relating to those emissions.

Efforts continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban in 2011.  While we cannot determine to what extent our future operations may be affected by such legislation, to the extent it would prohibit or restrict offshore drilling or impose additional environmental protection requirements resulting in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, our business could be adversely affected.  We continue to monitor these regulations and their potential affect on both our business and the industry in which we operate.
 
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The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended (or “OPA”), imposes a variety of requirements on “Responsible Parties” related to the prevention of oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills in waters of the United States. A “Responsible Party” includes the owner or operator of an onshore facility, a vessel or a pipeline, and the lessee or permittee of the area in which an offshore facility is located. OPA imposes liability on each Responsible Party for oil spill removal costs and for other public and private damages from oil spills. Failure to comply with OPA may result in the assessment of civil and criminal penalties. OPA establishes liability limits of $350 million for onshore facilities, all removal costs plus $75 million for offshore facilities and the greater of $600 per gross ton or $500,000 for vessels other than tank vessels. The liability limits are not applicable, however, if (i) the spill is caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) results from violation of a federal safety, construction, or operating regulation; or (iii) if a party fails to report a spill or fails to cooperate fully in the cleanup. Few defenses exist to the liability imposed under OPA.
 
OPA also imposes ongoing requirements on a Responsible Party, including preparation of an oil spill contingency plan and maintenance of proof of financial responsibility to cover a majority of the costs in a potential spill. With respect to financial responsibility, OPA requires the Responsible Party for certain offshore facilities to demonstrate financial responsibility of not less than $35 million, with the financial responsibility requirement potentially increasing up to $150 million if the risk posed by the quantity or quality of oil that is explored for or produced indicates that a greater amount is required.  BSEE has promulgated regulations implementing these financial responsibility requirements for covered offshore facilities. Under the BSEE regulations, the amount of financial responsibility required for an offshore facility is increased above the minimum amounts if the “worst case” oil spill volume calculated for the facility exceeds certain limits established in the regulations.
 
OPA also requires owners and operators of vessels over 300 gross tons to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with evidence of financial responsibility to cover the cost of cleaning up oil spills from such vessels. We currently own 18 vessels over 300 gross tons. Satisfactory evidence of financial responsibility has been provided to the U.S. Coast Guard for those of our vessels operating in U.S. waters.
 
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (or “Clean Water Act”), and analogous state laws impose strict controls on the discharge of pollutants, including oil and other substances, into the navigable waters of the United States and state waters and impose potential liability for the costs of remediating releases of such pollutants. The controls and restrictions imposed under the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws have become more stringent over time, and it is possible that additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits must be obtained to discharge pollutants into state and federal waters. Certain state regulations and the general permits issued under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program prohibit the discharge of produced waters and sand, drilling fluids, drill cuttings and certain other substances related to the exploration for and production of oil and natural gas into certain coastal and offshore waters. The Clean Water Act and analogous state laws provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for any unauthorized discharge of oil and other hazardous substances and impose liability on responsible parties for the costs of cleaning up any environmental contamination caused by the release of a hazardous substance and for natural resource damages resulting from the release. Our vessels routinely carry diesel fuel for their own use. Offshore vessels operated by us have facility and vessel response plans to deal with potential spills of oil or its derivatives.  Additionally, all vessels over 79 feet in registered length, regardless of flag, that are operating as a means of transportation within the inland and offshore waters of the U.S. (but not beyond the three nautical mile territorial sea limit) must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Vessel General Permit (or “VGP”) for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels. For our vessels, that includes ballast water, bilge water, graywater, cooling water, chain locker effluent, deck wash down and runoff, cathodic protection, and other such type runoff. The company believes that it is in full compliance with the VGP.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (or “CERCLA”), and comparable state laws contains provisions requiring the remediation of releases of hazardous substances into the environment and imposes liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons including current and former owners and operators of contaminated sites where the release occurred and those companies that transport, dispose of or arrange for disposal of hazardous substances released at the site. Under CERCLA, such persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. Neighboring parties and third parties may also file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances into the environment. In the ordinary course of business, we handle hazardous substances. Governmental agencies or third parties could seek to hold us responsible under CERCLA for all or part of the costs to clean up a site at which such hazardous substances may have been released or deposited.
 
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We have incurred in the past, and expect to incur in the future, capital and other expenditures related to environmental compliance. Such expenditures, however, are included within our overall capital and operating budgets and are not separately accounted for. We do not anticipate that compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations will have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. However, changes in the environmental laws and regulations, or claims for damages to persons, property, natural resources or the environment, could result in substantial costs and liabilities, and thus there can be no assurance that we will not incur material environmental costs or liabilities in the future.
 
Available Information
 
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on our website at www.caldive.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (or “SEC”).  Information contained on our website is not part of this annual report.
 
Certain Definitions
 
Defined below are certain terms helpful to understanding the services rendered and equipment utilized in the marine contracting industry:
 
·  
Dive support vessel (or “DSV”):  Specially equipped vessel that performs services and acts as an operational base for divers, ROVs and specialized equipment.
 
·  
Drydock:  The process of docking a vessel so that it is fully supported out of the water for the purposes of regulatory certification, inspection, maintenance and repair. Drydocking allows full work access to the vessel hull.
 
·  
Dynamic positioning (or “DP”):  Computer-directed thruster systems that use satellite-based positioning and other positioning technologies to ensure the proper counteraction to wind, current and wave forces, enabling the vessel to maintain its position without the use of anchors. Two DP systems (DP-2) are necessary to provide the redundancy required to support safe deployment of divers, while only a single DP system is necessary to support ROV operations.
 
·  
4 point mooring:  A mooring system that uses four anchors, which are spooled out to the sea floor by deck-mounted anchor winches, to secure a vessel in open waters.
 
·  
Gulf of Mexico OCS:  The Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, defined as the area in the Gulf of Mexico extending from the shoreline to water depths up to 1,000 feet.
 
·  
Hyperbaric rescue chamber (or “HRC”):  An additional chamber, connected to the saturation diving system, that acts as a floating pressurized lifeboat in the event of a vessel emergency.
 
·  
Mixed gas diving:  Diving technique used in water depths between 170 and 300 feet. The inert nitrogen normally found in air is replaced with helium, which provides longer bottom times at greater depths and eliminates the narcotic effect of nitrogen under pressure.
 
·  
Moon pool:  An opening in the bottom center of a vessel through which a diving bell or ROV may be deployed, allowing safer deployment in adverse weather conditions.
 
 
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·  
Multi-purpose support vessel (or “MSV”):  A DP DSV that is capable of performing coring and well operations in addition to working in diving and ROV modes.
 
·  
P&A:  “Plug and Abandon” - A process by which subsea structures, including pipelines and/or wells, are capped and abandoned, leaving them in place by burial, cutting or other methods as required by regulation.
 
·  
Pipelay and pipe burial:  Pipelay barges provide offshore work stations that allow for the welded assembly of multiple sections of pipe on deck and the laying out of the pipeline on the sea floor. In water depths less than 200 feet, U.S. federal law requires that pipelines be buried at least three feet below the sea floor. Pipeline burial is accomplished by plowing or jetting out a trenched ditch from under the pipeline.
 
·  
Portable saturation diving system:  Saturation diving system that is transportable to various offshore locations. These systems are typically deployed on barges and rigs that do not consistently require deep dive support.
 
·  
Qualified lump-sum:  A lump-sum bid sent in response to a client’s request for quote that sets forth a defined scope of work, a lump-sum price to complete that work, extra work rates for anything outside the defined scope of work and a list of clarifications and qualifications applicable to the project or contract.
 
·  
Remotely operated vehicle (or “ROV”):  Robotic vehicles used to complement, support and increase the efficiency of diving and subsea operations and for tasks beyond the capability of manned diving operations.
 
·  
Saturation diving:  Provides for efficient work time on the sea floor in water depths between 200 and 1,000 feet. Divers stay under pressure in a vessel-mounted chamber and are transported to the sea floor in a diving bell. One-time decompression is conducted after completion of the job or a 30-day period, whichever is shorter. A split-level saturation diving system has an additional chamber that allow extra divers to “store” at a different pressure level, which allows the divers to work at different depths.
 
·  
Surface diving:  Diving operations conducted in shallower waters, typically limited to depths of approximately 170 feet. At greater depths, bottom times become limited and decompression times increase significantly. Compressed air and communications are supplied to the diver through a dive umbilical tethered to the surface. Based on factors of depth and time, divers must decompress after each dive.
 
·  
Surface diving system:  Dive equipment components required for air or gas surface diving operations, which typically includes air compressors, dive hoses, communication radios, air/gas manifolds and decompression chambers.
 
Item 1A.                      Risk Factors
 
You should carefully consider the risk factors described below in addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K.  In addition to the following risk factors, we may also be affected in the future by additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial.  If any of the events described in the following risk factors and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K should occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  In addition, the trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of the events described in these risk factors.
 
Risks Relating to Our Business
 
The regulatory response to the Macondo well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico could continue to have a significant effect on exploration and production activities in United States coastal waters and demand for our services.
 
With the enhanced safety regulations and inspection requirements of BSEE in response to the Macondo well blowout, there continues to be significant delay in the pace of issuance of permits on the Gulf of Mexico OCS. Although exploration activity in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico was allowed to re-commence in 2010, new safety and permitting requirements have been imposed on shallow water operators, and the pace of issuance of new drilling permits has been significantly slower than before the blowout.  At the same time, various bills are being considered by Congress which, if enacted, could either significantly increase the costs of conducting drilling and exploration activities in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in deep waters, or drive a substantial portion of drilling and operational activity out of the Gulf of Mexico. Once the regulatory landscape becomes clearer, compliance costs for any future exploration activity may have the effect of limiting exploration to only the largest oil companies, which could significantly reduce the number of customers requiring our services.
 
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Among the uncertainties which have arisen in the aftermath of the Macondo well blowout include (i) whether Congress will repeal the $75 million cap on non-reclamation liabilities under OPA, (ii)  whether insurance will continue to be available at a reasonable cost and with reasonable policy limits to support drilling and exploration activity in the Gulf of Mexico, and (iii) the extent to which the overall legislative and regulatory response to the blowout will discourage investment in oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.
 
Negative developments associated with any one or more of these uncertainties could reduce demand for our services and adversely affect our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. However, until the regulatory environment following this blowout becomes more certain, we cannot accurately predict the effect of this catastrophic event on our customers and similarly, the longer term impact on our core business.  Any regulatory response that has the effect of materially curtailing drilling and exploration activity in the Gulf of Mexico will ultimately adversely affect our domestic operations in this region.
 
We have significant indebtedness, which could restrict our operations and impair our financial condition.
 
We have a senior secured credit facility which matures on April 26, 2016, consisting of a term loan and a $150 million revolving credit facility.  At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding debt of $150 million under the term loan, no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of credit of $0.2 million.
 
Our significant level of corporate debt may:
 
·  
reduce the availability of our cash flow or limit our ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms to effectively fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, and other general corporate requirements;
 
·  
increase our vulnerability to downturns in the general economy or industry;
 
·  
put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to those of our competitors who are not as leveraged;
 
·  
increase our exposure to rising interest rates because a material portion of our borrowings bear adjustable interest rates; and
 
·  
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate.
 
If our cash flow and capital resources are not sufficient to service our debt obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital, or restructure or refinance our debt. These measures might not be adequate to permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. A default on these debt obligations could cause a default under our other debt instruments and materially impair our financial condition and liquidity.
 
Economic conditions could negatively impact our business.
 
Our operations are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions, the demand for oil and gas and the general fiscal condition of the oil and natural gas industry.  The consequences of a lower level of economic activity, decreased offshore exploration and drilling and increased uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our services.  Adverse market conditions could also jeopardize the performance of certain counterparty obligations, including those of our insurers, suppliers, customers and financial institutions. Although we monitor the creditworthiness of our counterparties, any disruptions could lead to sudden changes in a counterparty’s liquidity. In the event any such party fails to perform, our financial results and liquidity could be adversely affected and we could incur losses. These negative economic factors could also result in a future impairment of our long-lived assets.
 
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Our business largely depends on offshore exploration, development and production activity in the oil and natural gas industry.
 
Our business is substantially dependent upon the condition of the oil and natural gas industry and, in particular, the willingness of oil and natural gas companies to make capital expenditures for offshore exploration, development and production operations. The level of capital expenditures generally depends on the prevailing views of future oil and natural gas prices, which are influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to:
 
·  
changes in United States and international economic conditions;
 
·  
demand for oil and natural gas, especially in the United States, China and India;
 
·  
worldwide political conditions and political actions, particularly in significant oil-producing regions such as the Middle East, West Africa and Latin America which can result in nationalization and seizures of assets;
 
·  
actions taken by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
 
·  
the availability and discovery rate of new oil and natural gas reserves in offshore areas;
 
·  
the rate of depletion of existing and new oil and natural gas reserves;
 
·  
the cost of offshore exploration for, and production and transportation of, oil and natural gas, both on an absolute basis and as compared to the exploration and development costs of other regions;
 
·  
the ability of oil and natural gas companies to generate funds or otherwise obtain external capital for exploration, development, construction and production operations;
 
·  
the sale and expiration dates of offshore leases in the United States and overseas;
 
·  
technological advances affecting energy exploration, production, transportation and consumption;
 
·  
weather conditions;
 
·  
environmental or other government regulations (both domestic and foreign), including the promulgation of regulations associated with climate change;
 
·  
domestic and foreign tax policies; and
 
·  
the pace adopted by foreign governments for the exploration, development and production of their oil and natural gas reserves.
 
Oil and natural gas prices have historically been volatile.  The institution of additional climate change regulation or negative public perception regarding a continued reliance on and use of carbon-based sources of energy could reduce the demand for oil and natural gas in the global marketplace.  Such regulations or negative perceptions could also have an adverse effect on our business, as demand for our services is highly dependent on the level of exploration, development and production activity.  The recent weakness of the worldwide economy has also led to businesses being more focused on liquidity and access to capital, which has caused many oil and natural gas companies to curtail or defer planned capital spending, which may negatively affect our operations.  A sustained period of low offshore drilling and production activity, low commodity prices or reductions in industry budgets could reduce demand for our services and would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
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Market conditions in the marine contracting industry are highly cyclical and subject to rapid change. Due to the short-term nature of most of our contracts, adverse changes in market conditions can have an immediate impact on our results of operations.
 
Historically, the marine contracting industry has been highly cyclical, with periods of high demand and high dayrates often followed by periods of low demand and low dayrates.  Periods of low demand can result in vessels and diving systems being idle and we may be required to idle certain vessels or diving systems or reduce contract rates in response to market conditions in the future.  On the Gulf of Mexico OCS, contracts are generally short-term, and oil and natural gas companies tend to respond quickly to changes in commodity prices. Due to the historical short-term nature of many of our contracts, changes in market conditions can have immediate negative consequences on our results of operations. In addition, customers generally have the right to terminate our contracts with little or no notice and without penalty. As a result of the cyclicality of our industry, our results of operations are subject to volatility.
 
A significant part of our business is on the Gulf of Mexico OCS, and the mature nature of this region could result in less exploration, development and production activities in the area, thereby reducing demand for our services.
 
The Gulf of Mexico OCS is a mature oil and natural gas production region that has experienced substantial exploration, development, construction and production activity for many years. Because a large number of oil and natural gas prospects in this region have already been drilled, additional prospects of sufficient size and quality could be more difficult to identify, and other regions may offer superior or more cost-effective drilling prospects. Moreover, oil and natural gas companies may be unable to obtain the financing necessary to drill prospects in this region. The decrease in the size of oil and natural gas prospects, the decrease in production or the failure to obtain such financing may result in reduced exploration, development, construction and production activity on the Gulf of Mexico OCS and a corresponding demand for our services.
 
Intense competition in our industry may reduce our profitability and weaken our financial condition.
 
The businesses in which we operate are highly competitive. Our contracts traditionally have been awarded on a competitive bid basis, and while customers may consider, among other things, the reputation, safety record and experience of the contractor, price competition is often the primary factor in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a job. This competition has become more intense in recent years as mergers among oil and natural gas companies have reduced the number of available customers. Contract pricing is partially dependent on the supply of competing vessels. Generally, excess offshore service capacity puts downward pressure on contract rates.  We are currently experiencing this downward pressure in some of the international markets in which we operate as new assets, the commitments for which were made prior to the weakened global economy, have been placed into service in these markets.  If other companies construct new vessels or relocate existing vessels to our markets, competition may further increase and drive down the rates we may charge our customers. We believe that the competition for contracts will continue to be intense in the foreseeable future particularly in the international markets due to increased capacity coming to market. Our inability to compete successfully may reduce our profitability and adversely affect our financial condition.
 
We require highly skilled personnel and the loss of the services of one or more of our key employees, or our failure to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our financial results.
 
Our continued success depends on our ability to attract and retain experienced subsea and marine construction professionals capable of performing our available work at a level of competency that will allow us to serve our business. Our industry has experienced significant attrition of these professionals over the past several years for a variety of reasons. Unionization or a significant increase in the wages paid by other employers could result in a reduction in our workforce, increases in the wage rates we pay, or both. Additionally, if the Employee Free Choice Act or a similar law is enacted, it will be much easier for unions to organize U.S. workforces. If any of these events occur for any significant period of time, our revenues and profitability could be diminished and our growth potential could be impaired.
 
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The operation of marine vessels is risky, and we may incur losses or other liabilities that are not covered by insurance that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Marine contracting involves a high degree of operational risk. Hazards, such as vessels sinking, grounding, colliding and sustaining damage from severe weather conditions, are inherent in marine operations, and may become exacerbated to the extent severe weather conditions in regions in which we operate are intensified as a result of global climate change. These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage and suspension of operations. Damage arising from such occurrences may result in lawsuits asserting large claims. We maintain such insurance protection as we deem prudent, including maritime employer’s liability and protection and indemnity insurance which provides coverage for our liability to our employees under the Jones Act and general maritime law, as well as hull insurance on our vessels. Such insurance may not be sufficient or effective under all circumstances or against all hazards to which we may be subject. A successful claim for which we are not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, our ability to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that we consider reasonable may be limited. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our insurance policies are subject to change and could escalate. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage.  In the event of property loss due to a catastrophic marine disaster, mechanical failure or collision, insurance may not cover a substantial loss of revenues, increased costs and other liabilities, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance if we were to lose any of our large vessels.
 
We may experience limitations on the use of our aging fleet in certain foreign countries, or equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, reduce revenues and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements.
 
The successful execution of contracts requires a high degree of reliability of our vessels, barges and equipment. Breakdowns not only add to the costs of executing a project, but they can also delay the completion of subsequent contracts, which are scheduled to utilize the same assets. While we operate a scheduled maintenance program designed to maintain our aging fleet in good working order, breakdowns of our vessels can and do occur.  Additionally, some foreign countries either restrict or prohibit the use of vessels beyond a certain age in their waters, which could limit our ability to operate some of our older assets in those locations.  Neither the U.S. government nor any of our customers place restrictions on the age of vessels operating on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
 
Our contracting business declines in winter, and adverse weather conditions on the Gulf of Mexico OCS can adversely affect our revenues.
 
Marine operations conducted on the Gulf of Mexico OCS are typically seasonal and depend, in part, on weather conditions. Historically, we have experienced our lowest vessel utilization rates during the winter and early spring, when weather conditions are least favorable for offshore exploration, development and construction activities. As is common in the industry, in more competitive market conditions, we typically bear the risk of delays caused by some, but not all, adverse weather conditions. Typically our customers choose to perform most of the Gulf of Mexico OCS work between May and October. Accordingly, our results in any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of annual results or continuing trends.
 
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from a small number of our larger assets.

A significant portion of our revenue is generated from a small number of our larger, more capable assets which attract higher rates and support large integrated projects. Accordingly, our future revenues and profitability are highly dependent on our ability to continuously secure work for and maintain these assets.  In the event one or more of these assets are damaged, destroyed or remain idle for any significant period of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation and financial condition.

Our original estimates of the costs associated with our qualified lump-sum projects and capital projects may be incorrect and result in reduced profitability, losses or cost over-runs on those projects.
 
Many of our projects are performed on a qualified lump-sum basis where a defined work scope is delivered for a fixed price and extra work, which is subject to customer approval, is billed separately. The revenue, cost and gross profit realized on a qualified lump-sum contract can vary from the estimated amount because of changes in offshore job conditions, variations in labor and equipment productivity from the original estimates, and the performance of subcontractors. These variations and risks inherent in the marine construction business may result in our experiencing reduced profitability or losses on certain projects.  In addition, estimates for capital projects, including recertification costs, may be inadequate due to unknown factors associated with the work to be performed and market conditions and can result in cost over-runs.
 
16

 
We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and other laws and regulations that could adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of conducting our operations.
 
Our marine construction, intervention, inspection, maintenance and decommissioning operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations. In order to conduct our operations in compliance with these laws and regulations, we must obtain and maintain numerous permits, approvals and certificates from various federal, state and local governmental authorities. Any actual or alleged violation of permit requirements or failure to obtain any required permit could result in restrictions or prohibitions on our operations or criminal sanctions. Alternatively, we may have to incur substantial expenditures to obtain, maintain or renew authorizations to conduct existing projects.  Due to adverse operating market conditions or unfavorable financing conditions, there also may be occasions when certain recertification efforts may be delayed, temporarily suspending certain vessel operations, until more favorable market or cost of capital conditions arise.  If a project cannot be performed as planned due to changing requirements or local opposition, we may suffer expensive delays, extended periods of non-operation or significant loss of value in a project.
 
In addition, our costs of compliance may increase if existing laws and regulations are revised or reinterpreted, or if new laws and regulations become applicable to our operations that may, for instance, require us to obtain additional permits, approvals and certificates for proposed projects.  Any increases in our costs of compliance or a failure to comply with such laws and regulations, as interpreted and enforced, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  See Item 1, “Business — Government Regulation.”
 
We may incur substantial costs and liabilities with respect to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
 
We may incur substantial costs and liabilities as a result of environmental, health and safety requirements relating to, among other things, our marine construction and intervention, inspection, maintenance and decommissioning operations. These costs and liabilities could arise under a wide range of environmental, health and safety laws, including regulations and enforcement policies, which have tended to become increasingly strict over time. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, imposition of cleanup and site restoration costs and liens, and the issuance of orders enjoining or limiting our current or future operations. Compliance with these laws and regulations also increases the cost of our operations and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of a given operation. In addition, claims for damages, including damages to natural resources, to persons or property may result from environmental and other impacts of our operations.
 
Strict, joint and several liability to remediate contamination may be imposed under certain environmental laws, which could cause us to become liable for, among other things, the conduct of others or for consequences of our own actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time those actions were taken. New or modified environmental, health or safety laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be more stringent and impose unforeseen liabilities or significantly increase compliance costs. Therefore, the costs to comply with environmental, health or safety laws or regulations or the liabilities incurred in connection with them could have a significant adverse effect our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Item 1, “Business — Environmental Regulation.”
 
In addition, in December 2009 the EPA published findings that the emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases are contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes, presenting an endangerment to human health and the environment. The EPA then promulgated rules in 2010 and 2011 requiring certain industries to report greenhouse gas emissions, establishing technology controls of mobile sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and Clean Air Act permitting of greenhouse gas emissions from certain large stationary sources. Because our business and services are highly dependent on the continued exploration for and production of fossil fuels (predominantly oil and natural gas), the enactment of additional regulations related to climate change or greenhouse gases could reduce worldwide demand for oil and natural gas and have a corresponding adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
17

 
A possible terrorist attack or armed conflict could harm our business.
 
Terrorist activities, anti-terrorist efforts or acts of piracy and other armed conflict involving the U.S. may adversely affect the U.S. and global economies and could prevent us from meeting our debt service, financial and other contractual obligations. If any of these events occur, the resulting political instability and societal disruption could reduce overall demand for our services. Oil and natural gas related facilities and assets, including our marine equipment, could be direct targets for terrorist attacks or acts of piracy, and our operations could be adversely impacted if infrastructure integral to our customers’ operations is damaged or destroyed. Costs for insurance and other security may increase as a result of these threats, and some insurance coverage may become more difficult to obtain, if available at all. Our operations in international areas abroad may increase our exposure to these risks.
 
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
 
Provisions in our corporate governance documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us that our other stockholders may consider favorable.
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions include supermajority voting requirements with respect to the removal of directors and amendment of certain provisions of our organizational documents, provisions for a classified board of directors and a prohibition on the ability of our stockholders to act by written consent. Our board of directors also has the right to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer.
 
In addition to anti-takeover protections contained in our corporate governance documents, Delaware law also imposes certain restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These restrictions under Delaware law apply to any stockholder seeking to acquire control of our company.
 
Although we believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics and thereby provide for an opportunity to receive a higher bid by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders.  While our board of directors may consider the approval and adoption of other customary anti-takeover measures to attempt to mitigate these risks, such as the adoption of a shareholder rights plan, no decision in this regard has been made by our board.
 
Our common stock is subject to restrictions on foreign ownership.
 
We are subject to government regulations pursuant to the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended, the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, as amended, the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as such laws and regulations may be amended from time to time. In an effort to assure that we remain in compliance with the citizenship requirements of these laws, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions limiting non-U.S. citizenship ownership of our capital stock. Generally speaking, under such restrictions, transfers or purported transfers of our capital stock that result in one or more non-U.S. citizens owning or controlling capital stock (or the voting power thereof) in the aggregate in excess of 25% of our outstanding capital stock, are void (subject to our board of directors determining otherwise) and any shares owned or controlled by a non-U.S. citizen in excess of such percentage shall not be entitled to receive dividends or distributions or to vote with respect to any matter submitted to our stockholders. Such restrictions may make our capital stock less attractive to potential investors, which may result in our common stock having a lower market price than it might have in the absence of such restrictions and redemption rights. In addition, if we do not comply with these restrictions, we could be deemed to have undertaken an unapproved foreign transfer, resulting in significant penalties and fines.
 
18

 
 
Item 1B.                      Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.                 Properties
 
Our Vessels
 
We currently own a diversified fleet of 29 vessels, of which 19 are surface and saturation diving support vessels, six are shallow water pipelay vessels, one is a dedicated pipebury barge, one is a combination pipelay/derrick barge and two are derrick barges. Our fleet of diving support vessels consists of 11 surface diving support vessels capable of working in water depths up to 300 feet, and eight saturation diving support vessels that typically work in water depths of 200 to 1,000 feet. Five of our saturation diving support vessels have DP capabilities.  Our ten construction barges have a range of capabilities and perform construction projects in water depths up to 1,000 feet.
 
The following table provides select information about each of the vessels we own:
 
Vessel
Flag State
Placed in
Service by
Cal Dive (1)
Length (Feet)
DP or Anchor
Moored
Saturation Diving
       
DP DSV Eclipse    
Bahamas
3/2002
367
DP
DP DSV Mystic Viking  
Bahamas
6/2001
253
DP
DP DSV Kestrel
Vanuatu
9/2006
323
DP
DP MSV Texas
Vanuatu
12/2007
341
DP
DP MSV Uncle John  
Bahamas
11/1996
254
DP
DSV American Constitution
Panama
11/2005
200
4 point
DSV Cal Diver I
U.S.
7/1984
196
4 point
DSV Cal Diver II  
U.S.
6/1985
166
4 point
Surface Diving
       
DSV American Star   
U.S.
11/2005
165
4 point
DSV American Triumph  
U.S.
11/2005
164
4 point
DSV American Victory  
U.S.
11/2005
165
4 point
DSV Dancer    
U.S.
3/2006
173
4 point
DSV Mr. Fred    
U.S.
3/2000
166
4 point
DSV Midnight Star  
Vanuatu
6/2006
197
4 point
Cal Diver IV  
U.S.
3/2001
120
Fox     
U.S.
10/2005
130
Polo Pony       
U.S.
3/2001
110
Sterling Pony   
U.S.
3/2001
110
White Pony   
U.S.
3/2001
116
Pipelay/Pipebury
       
Brave     
U.S.
11/2005
275
Anchor
Rider      
U.S.
11/2005
260
Anchor
American 
U.S.
12/2007
180
Anchor
Lone Star   
Vanuatu
12/2007
313
Anchor
Brazos  
Vanuatu
12/2007
210
Anchor
Pecos   
U.S.
12/2007
256
Anchor
Pipebury
       
Canyon 
Vanuatu
12/2007
330
Anchor
Derrick/Pipelay Combination
       
Sea Horizon  
Vanuatu
12/2007
360
Anchor
Derrick
       
Atlantic  
U.S.
12/2007
420
Anchor
Pacific  
U.S.
12/2007
350
Anchor
_______________________
(1)     Represents the date Cal Dive placed the vessel in service and not its date of commissioning.
     
     

 
19

 
In addition to our saturation diving vessels, we currently own nine portable saturation diving systems.
 
All of our vessels other than the Sea Horizon and the Eclipse are subject to vessel mortgages securing our credit facility.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
We incur routine drydock, inspection, maintenance and repair costs pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations and in order to maintain our vessels in class under the rules of the applicable class society. For 2011, these costs were $8.6 million.  We defer these costs and amortize them over the period commencing with the date the vessel returned to service following completion of the drydock and certification process to the next certificate expiry date, which typically ranges from 24 months to 60 months.  These costs can fluctuate widely from year to year based on the number of vessels, the scope of the related work plan, availability of drydock capacity and general prevailing market conditions. In addition to complying with these requirements, we have our own vessel maintenance program that we believe permits us to continue to provide our customers with well maintained, reliable vessels. In addition to the deferred drydock costs discussed above, during 2011, we incurred $42.5 million in capital expenditures primarily related to replacements and vessel improvements.  In the normal course of business, we charter other vessels on a short-term basis, such as tugboats, cargo barges, utility boats and dive support vessels.

Our Facilities
 
Our corporate headquarters are located at 2500 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas. Our primary subsea and marine services operations are based in Broussard, Louisiana. All of our facilities are leased except for our Broussard, Louisiana facility, approximately 6 1/2 acres that we own at our Port of Iberia, Louisiana facility (the remainder of which we lease), our Port Arthur, Texas facility and our Southeast Asia maintenance base and office in Singapore.  The remaining terms of these leases range from less than one to 10 years.
 
The following table provides select information about our material facilities:
 
Location
Function
Size
Houston, Texas 
Corporate Headquarters, Project
89,000 square feet
 
Management and Sales Office
 
Broussard, Louisiana
Operations, Offices and Warehouse
16 acres (Buildings:  84,000 sq. ft.)
Port of Iberia, Louisiana
Training and Warehouse
23 acres (Building 68,602 sq. ft.)
Fourchon, Louisiana
Marine, Operations and Dock
16 acres (Buildings: 4,700 sq. ft.)
Port Arthur, Texas
Marine/Spool base
23 acres (Building 6,000 sq. ft.)
Singapore 
Marine, Operations, Offices,
48,821 sq. ft.
 
Project Management and Warehouse
 
Perth, Australia 
Operations, Offices and Project Management
33,906 sq. ft.
Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico
Operations, Offices and Dock
94,561 sq. ft.

     
     

Item 3.                 Legal Proceedings
 
Insurance and Legal Proceedings
 
Our operations are subject to the inherent risks of offshore marine activity, including accidents resulting in personal injury and the loss of life or property, environmental mishaps, mechanical failures, fires and collisions. We insure against these risks at levels consistent with industry standards. We also carry workers’ compensation, maritime employer’s liability, general liability and other insurance customary in our business. All insurance is carried at levels of coverage and deductibles we consider financially prudent. Our services are provided in hazardous environments where accidents involving catastrophic damage or loss of life could occur, and litigation arising from such events may result in our being named a defendant in lawsuits asserting large claims. Although there can be no assurance the amounts of insurance we carry are sufficient to protect us fully in all events, or that such insurance will continue to be available at current levels of cost or coverage, we believe that our insurance protection is adequate for our business operations. A successful liability claim for which we are underinsured or uninsured could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
20

 
We are involved in various legal proceedings, primarily involving claims for personal injury under the General Maritime Laws of the United States and the Jones Act as a result of alleged negligence. In addition, we from time to time incur other claims, such as contract disputes, in the normal course of business. Although these matters have the potential of significant additional liability, we believe the outcome of all such matters and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Tax Assessment
 
During the fourth quarter of 2006, Horizon received a tax assessment related to fiscal 2001 from the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (or “SAT”), the Mexican taxing authority, for approximately $283.5 million pesos, including penalties and interest accrued through that date (U.S. $22.0 million, including penalties and interest, and adjusted for inflation using the foreign exchange rate at December 31, 2011.)  The SAT’s assessment claims unpaid taxes related to services performed among our subsidiaries as well as penalties and accrued interest.  After consulting with our Mexican counsel, we believed that under the Mexico and United States double taxation treaty these services are not taxable and the tax assessment itself is invalid.  Accordingly, we did not record a liability for the SAT’s assessment for the 2001 tax year in our consolidated financial statements.  On February 14, 2008, we received notice from the SAT upholding the original assessment.  On April 21, 2008, we filed a petition in Mexico tax court disputing the assessment.  At a hearing of the Mexico tax court on February 21, 2012, the five justices unanimously decided to set aside the tax assessment and declared it null and void.  The SAT will have 15 business days following service of the written decision in which to appeal the decision to the Circuit Collegiate Court.  Regardless of whether or not the SAT appeals this decision, we do not believe the outcome of this proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The SAT also claimed unpaid taxes related to services performed among our subsidiaries for Horizon’s 2002 through 2007 taxable years.  During 2009, we successfully completed negotiations with the SAT with respect to their claim of unpaid taxes related to Horizon’s 2002 through 2007 taxable years, and paid an aggregate of approximately $3.3 million in settlement of these periods.  Horizon’s 2002 through 2004 tax audits were closed in 2009, settling this particular claim by the SAT.  In 2009 we also filed amendments for tax years 2005 through 2007 using the same methodology used in the settlement for the 2002 through 2004 years.  The amended returns were accepted by the Mexican tax authority in March 2010, effectively settling this particular claim.  Even though we have settled this issue for these years, under Mexican tax law there is a five-year statute of limitations, so our tax years 2006 through 2011 remain open for examination in Mexico.
 
Item 4.                 Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
 


 
PART II
 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “DVR.”  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales price per share of our common stock on the NYSE:
 
   
Common Stock
Price
 
   
High
     
Low
 
Fiscal Year 2010
             
First Quarter  
  $ 8.14       $ 6.35  
Second Quarter  
    7.97         4.75  
Third Quarter  
    6.69         4.48  
Fourth Quarter 
    5.99         4.79  
Fiscal Year 2011
                 
First Quarter    
  $ 7.50       $ 5.67  
Second Quarter    
    8.19         5.31  
Third Quarter    
    6.21         1.83  
Fourth Quarter   
    2.91         1.50  
Fiscal Year 2012
                 
First Quarter (through February 29)  
  $ 3.50        $ 2.29   

     
     

As of February 29, 2012, there were approximately 172 registered stockholders of our common stock.
 
Dividend Policy
 
We do not pay cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, for the future operation and growth of our business.  In addition, our financing arrangements prohibit the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Stock Performance Graph
 
The information included under the caption “Stock Performance Graph” in this Item 5 of this annual report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be incorporated by reference into any filings we make under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.
 
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock for the period from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2011, to the cumulative total stockholder return for (i) the stocks of the S&P 500 Index, (ii) the Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index (or “OSX”), a price-weighted index of leading oil service companies and (iii) a peer group (the “Peer Group”) selected in good faith by us and consisting of the following companies:  Dril-Quip, Inc., Gulfmark Offshore, Inc., Helix, Hercules Offshore, Inc., Hornbeck Offshore, Inc. (or “Hornbeck”), Matrix Services Company (or “Matrix”), Newpark Resources, Inc., PHI, Inc. (or “PHI”), TETRA and Tidewater Inc.  Prior to 2011 the Peer Group also included Global, Oceaneering and Superior.  However, Global was acquired during 2011 and its stock is no longer listed on NASDAQ, and we determined that Oceaneering and Superior were no longer comparable to us in size so we have removed these three companies from the Peer Group for all periods in the graph below and replaced them with Hornbeck, Matrix and PHI.  The returns of each member of the Peer Group have been weighted according to its equity market capitalization as of December 31, 2011.  We believe that the members of the Peer Group provide services and products more comparable to us than the companies included in the OSX.
 
22

 
 
 
Base Date
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
12/31/06
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
Cal Dive
100
 
107.21
 
52.71
 
61.21
 
45.91
 
18.22
Peer Group Index
100
 
100.10
 
39.38
 
58.30
 
64.77
 
65.13
Oil Service Index
100
 
139.83
 
56.28
 
90.37
 
113.64
 
100.27
S&P 500 Index
100
 
103.01
 
63.36
 
78.23
 
88.23
 
88.22

     
     

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
The table below summarizes the repurchases of our common stock in the fourth quarter of 2011:
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program
   
Maximum Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Programs
 
   
(in thousands)
                   
October 1 to October 31, 2011
        $              
November 1 to November 30, 2011(1)
    88       2.18              
December 1 to December 31, 2011(1)
    271,816       2.00              
      271,904     $ 2.00              
______________________
 
(1)
Represents shares surrendered to us by employees in order to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted shares.

     
     

 
23

 
Item 6.                 Selected Financial Data
 
The consolidated results of operations data and cash flow data and the consolidated balance sheet data presented below were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto.
 
You should read the information contained in this table in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Results of Operations Data:
                           
Revenues
$
479,811 
 
$
536,468 
 
$
829,362
 
$
856,906
 
$
623,615
Net income (loss) (1)
 
(66,897)
   
(315,849)
   
76,627
   
109,499
   
105,600
Net income (loss) per common share:
                           
Basic and diluted
$
(0.73)
 
$
(3.47)
 
$
0.81
 
$
1.03
 
$
1.24

 
December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
                           
Net property and equipment
$
496,771
 
$
567,791
 
$
609,233
 
$
604,242
 
$
562,318
Total assets
 
704,940
   
752,301
   
1,155,979
   
1,309,608
   
1,274,050
Long-term debt, less current maturities
 
144,000
   
106,008
   
155,000
   
235,000
   
315,000
Total stockholders’ equity
 
329,641
   
387,711
   
694,798
   
705,697
   
587,907
______________________                            
(1)  
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes an after-tax, non-cash impairment charge of $30.4 million related to fixed assets impairment. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes after-tax, non-cash charges of $302.5 related to the impairment of goodwill and fixed assets.

     
     

Item 7.                 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following management discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, such as those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Business and Outlook
 
Our 2011 performance continued to be affected by challenging market conditions on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.  The significantly reduced drilling activity in 2010 associated with the Macondo well blowout and our inability to secure work in the highly competitive market in Southeast Asia had significant negative consequences on our business in 2011.
 
Positive contributions to our financial results during 2011 included strong diving activity in Australia, the successful execution of a large construction project in the Bahamas which was completed in the second quarter of 2011, the substantial completion of a successful pipelay project in Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the commencement of a second pipelay project in Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011 that we expect to be completed in the second quarter of 2012.  Markets in Southeast Asia continue to be highly competitive due to the increased marine construction capacity that has come into service.  As a result, we have reduced our operational scope and overhead in that region.
 
24

 
After Macondo, there continues to be a significant amount of uncertainty in the market regarding the United States regulatory environment for our industry.  We believe this uncertainty, coupled with reduced natural gas prices, will continue to affect our customers’ spending levels for the near term.  Nonetheless, although the recovery on the Gulf of Mexico OCS following the Macondo well blowout has been slow, the permitting process, which affects all phases of our business, is improving.  We believe this improvement will benefit our operating results for fiscal 2012, as demand for our construction services typically lags behind drilling activity by six to 18 months and sometimes longer.  We also expect to benefit in 2012 from our significant cost saving initiatives implemented in 2011, which included headcount reductions.
 
While we expect the challenging market conditions that we have been experiencing since 2010 to continue into early 2012 with some improvement, it is unclear how long these factors will continue to disrupt the market conditions for our industry.  We believe the intermediate and long-term outlook for our business remains favorable in both domestic and international markets as capital spending will be required to replenish offshore oil and natural gas production, and for domestic industry participants to satisfy “idle iron” regulations and other directives promulgated by BSEE regarding the decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in the United States Gulf of Mexico, which should drive long-term demand for our services.

Fiscal 2011 Performance
 
We generated a net loss of $66.9 million ($.73 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2011, which includes $30.4 million ($.33 per diluted share) of after-tax, non-cash impairment charges related to fixed assets.  This compares to a net loss of $315.8 million, or $3.47 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2010, which included $302.5 million ($3.32 per diluted share) of after-tax, non-cash impairment charges related to goodwill and fixed assets.  Excluding the impairment charges in 2011 and 2010, we recorded a net loss of $36.5 million, or $.40 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a net loss of $13.3 million, or $.15 per diluted share in 2010.  The increase in 2011 net loss (excluding the impairment charges) is primarily due to lower activity on the Gulf of Mexico OCS, which experienced a temporary period of elevated activity in 2010 related to cleanup efforts for the oil spill that resulted from the Macondo well blowout.  Partially offsetting this decline was increased diving related work in Australia and reduced overhead costs as the result of our cost reduction efforts.

Vessel Utilization

We believe vessel utilization is one of the most important performance measurements for our business.  Utilization is a strong indicator of demand for our vessels and, as a result, the contract rates we may charge for our services.   As a marine contractor with significant operations in the Gulf of Mexico, our vessel utilization is typically lower during the winter and early spring due to unfavorable weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.  Accordingly, we attempt to schedule our drydock inspections and other routine and preventative maintenance programs during this period.  From time to time, we temporarily remove from service certain vessels based on current market conditions.  The bid and award process during the first two quarters typically leads to the commencement of construction activities during the second and third quarters.
 
The seasonal trend for vessel utilization can be disrupted by hurricanes, which can cause severe offshore damage and generate significant demand for our services from oil and natural gas companies trying to restore shut-in production.  This production restoration focus has led to increased demand for our services for prolonged periods following hurricanes, as was the case in the first half of 2009 following hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009, and reflected in our results for the year ended December 31, 2011, our operations on the Gulf of Mexico OCS returned to more customary seasonal conditions.  The negative effect of this seasonality was further exacerbated by reduced construction work in 2011 resulting from significantly less drilling activity in 2010, as well as reduced activity levels compared to the same period of 2010 when activity levels were higher due to oil spill cleanup efforts following the Macondo well blowout.  These factors resulted in a net decrease in vessel utilization of 8% across our fleet for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the prior year period.  Partially offsetting these negative factors was an increase in vessel utilization related to our construction project in the Bahamas, which was completed in the second quarter 2011, and our Mexico project, which was substantially completed in the fourth quarter 2011.
 
25

 
The following table shows the size of our fleet and effective utilization of our vessels during the past three fiscal years:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Number
of Vessels
   
Utilization
(1)
   
Number
of Vessels
   
Utilization
(1)
   
Number
of Vessels
   
Utilization
(1)
 
Saturation Diving
    8       56 %     8       65 %     8       79 %
Surface and Mixed Gas Diving
    11       39 %     11       51 %     13       57 %
Construction Barges
    10       25 %     10       29 %     10       41 %
Entire Fleet
    29       39 %     29       47 %     31       57 %
 
______________________            
(1)  Effective vessel utilization is calculated by dividing the total number of days the vessels generated revenues by the total number of days the vessels were available for operation in each year, including those temporarily removed from service, but excluding vessels while in drydock.

     
     

Results of Operations
 
Operating Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Revenues  
$
479,811
 
$
536,468
 
$
829,362
 
$
(56,657)
(11%)
 
$
(292,894)
(35%)
Gross profit
 
14,266
   
62,442
   
215,885
   
(48,176)
(77%)
   
(153,443)
(71%)
                                 
Vessel Utilization 
 
39%
   
47%
   
57%
   
(8%)
(17%)
   
(10%)
(18%)

     
     

Revenues decreased from 2010 to 2011 by $56.7 million, or 11%, and gross profit decreased by $48.2 million or 77%.  Vessel utilization declined from 47% in 2010 to 39% in 2011.  The decreases in revenues and gross profit in 2011 as compared to 2010 were primarily a result of reduced activity and lower margins in the Gulf of Mexico in 2011 resulting from slower than expected recovery in permitting activity levels and continued uncertainty in the region, compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 when activity levels were temporarily higher due to temporary oil spill cleanup efforts following the Macondo well blowout.  Offsetting this decline were revenues related to strong diving activity in Australia, the successful execution of a large construction project in the Bahamas which was completed in the second quarter of 2011, the substantial completion of a successful pipelay project in Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the commencement of a second pipelay project in Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011 that we expect to complete in the second quarter of 2012.

Revenues decreased from 2009 to 2010 by $292.9 million, or 35%, and gross profit decreased by $153.4 million or 71%.  Vessel utilization declined from 57% in 2009 to 47% in 2010. The decreases in revenues and gross profit in 2010 as compared to 2009 were primarily a result of (i) fewer substantial integrated construction projects (as compared to a liquefied natural gas project located offshore Boston and two significant pipelay projects in China and Mexico which were ongoing in 2009 that utilized multiple vessels and yielded significant profits), (ii) decreased demand for hurricane related repair work and salvage activity as compared to the increased activity experienced during 2009 as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike that passed through the Gulf of Mexico in the third quarter of 2008 and (iii) significantly lower day rates.

Goodwill impairment

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Goodwill impairment
$
—  
 
$
292,469
 
$
—  
 
$
(292,469)
(100%)
 
$
292,469
100%

     
     

 
26

Prompted by the significant decline in market capitalization, adverse change in the business climate and significant declines in operating results, during 2010 we completed an impairment test of our goodwill and intangible assets which resulted in $292.5 million of goodwill impairment charges.  As a result of this impairment, we do not carry an amount for goodwill as of December 31, 2011.  There were no comparable impairment charges during 2009 or 2011.

Fixed assets impairment

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Fixed assets impairment
$
38,199
 
$
23,242
 
$
—  
 
$
14,957
64%
 
$
23,242
100%

     
     

During 2011 and 2010 we incurred $38.2 million and $23.2 million, respectively, of pre-tax impairment charges related to certain fixed assets.  In the 2011 period, these impairment charges included a dive support vessel that experienced low utilization in the Southeast Asia region, and an idle shallow water pipelay barge from which most of its equipment had been removed.  In the 2010 period, these impairment charges included four construction barges, for which the outlook for their future utilization was uncertain.

Selling and administrative expenses
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
59,181
 
$
60,138
 
$
73,787
 
$
(957)
(2%)
 
$
(13,649)
(18%)
Selling and administrative expenses as a
    percentage of revenues
 
12%
   
11%
   
9%
   
1%
10% 
   
2% 
22% 

     
     

Selling and administrative expenses decreased from 2010 to 2011 by $1.0 million, or 2% primarily due to our cost saving initiatives, as well as decreases in certain accruals relating to certain employee benefit plans.  These were partially offset by $2.5 million in one-time severance costs related to headcount reductions.  As a percentage of revenue, selling and administrative expenses were 12% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 11% for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased from 2009 to 2010 by $13.6 million, or 18%.  The decreases were primarily due to lower incentive cash compensation in 2010, cost control measures initiated by management in the fourth quarter of 2009 in response to the downturn in business activity, and lower amortization expense for certain intangible assets recognized as part of the Horizon acquisition, which became fully amortized in the second quarter of 2009.
 
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Provision for (recovery of)
    doubtful accounts 
$
(2,240)
 
$
(167)
 
$
7,992
 
$
(2,073)
(1,241%)
 
$
(8,159)
(102%)

     
     

No provision for doubtful accounts was recorded during 2011.  The $2.2 million reversal of provision for doubtful accounts during 2011 is due to a collection of a receivable previously reserved as bad debt on a West Africa project.  The $0.2 million reversal of provision for doubtful accounts recorded during 2010 resulted from the collection of trade receivables from the court administering the bankruptcy of a previous customer.
 
27


The provision for doubtful accounts recorded during 2009 was comprised of $2.5 million reserved for customers that filed for bankruptcy protection during the year and $5.5 million for contract disputes with customers.  We intend to pursue all commercial and legal avenues for collection of the receivables currently reserved for in our allowance for doubtful accounts.
 
Gains on sales and other expense, net
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Gain on sale of assets
$
3,670
 
$
1,325
 
$
301
 
$
2,345
177%
 
$
1,024
340% 
Other expense, net
 
337
   
317
   
2,069
   
20
6%
   
(1,752)
(85%)

     
     

In 2011 we sold miscellaneous equipment to various third parties for $0.4 million, and we recognized a net gain on the sales of $0.4 million.  We also sold our Sabine Pass facility, one of our barges that was previously damaged by fire and miscellaneous equipment to various third parties for an aggregate of $3.9 million, and we recognized a net gain on the sales of $0.5 million.  During 2011, we received an insurance settlement in the amount of $2.8 million for a specific claim incurred in a prior year related to a fire that damaged one of our barges.

In 2010, we sold a portable saturation system to a third party for cash proceeds totaling $3.7 million and recognized a gain on the sale of $1.1 million.  We sold two utility vessels to different third parties for $0.6 million and recognized a gain on the sale of $0.1 million.

Other income (expense) is primarily from foreign currency gains and losses on transactions conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  In addition, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million during 2009 for abandonment of buildings and leasehold improvements.
 
Interest expense, net
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest expense, net
$
9,227
 
$
9,060
 
$
13,801
 
$
167
2%
 
$
(4,741)
(34%)

     
     

The increase in interest expense, net from 2010 to 2011 is primarily due to changes in variable interest rates.

The decrease in interest expense, net from 2009 to 2010 is primarily due to lower outstanding borrowings.  Our debt level under our credit facility was $150.0 million, $165.3 million and $235.0 million at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease) (1)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
Income tax expense (benefit) including goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges
$
(19,871)
 
$
(5,443)
 
$
41,910
 
$
(14,428)
   
$
(47,353)
 
Effect of the goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges
 
7,843 
   
13,108 
   
   
(5,265)
     
13,108 
 
Income tax expense (benefit) excluding goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges
$
(12,028)
 
$
7,665 
 
$
41,910
 
$
(19,693)
   
$
(34,245)
 
                                 
 (1)     Percentage is not meaningful.                                
 
     
     

 
28

Our effective tax rate was 22.9%, 1.7% and 35.4%, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Because we generated a pre-tax loss for the year ended December 31, 2011, the higher effective tax rate compared to 2010 results in a higher tax benefit realized in 2011. The change in our effective tax rate during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to the impairment charges related to non-deductible goodwill recorded in 2010, which did not re-occur in 2011.  These impairment charges decreased the 2010 effective tax rate by approximately 30%.
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011 to 2010
 
2010 to 2009
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss)
$
(66,897)
 
$
(315,849)
 
$
76,627
 
$
248,952
79%
 
$
(392,476)
(512%)
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
91,742 
   
91,067 
   
91,927
   
675
1%
   
(860)
(1%)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.73)
 
$
(3.47)
 
$
0.81
 
$
2.74
79%
 
$
(4.28)
(528%)

     
     

Net loss, including the impairment charges, for 2011 improved from 2010 by $249.0 million, or 79%, and diluted loss per share improved from 2010 by $2.74, or 79%, as a result of the factors described above.

Net income decreased from a net income of $76.6 million in 2009 to a net loss of $315.8 million in 2010, and diluted earnings per share decreased from $0.81 in 2009 to a loss per share of $3.47 in 2010.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We require capital to fund ongoing operations, organic growth initiatives and pursue joint ventures or acquisitions. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from our operations, available cash and cash equivalents and availability under our revolving credit facility.  We use, and intend to continue using, these sources of liquidity to fund our working capital requirements, maintenance capital expenditures, strategic investments and acquisitions.  For 2012, we anticipate capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions or investments in joint ventures, of approximately $30.5 million for vessel improvements and replacements, and $8.5 million for regulatory drydock costs.  In connection with our business strategy, we regularly evaluate acquisition and joint venture opportunities, including vessels and marine contracting businesses. We expect to be able to fund our activities for the next twelve months with cash flows generated from our operations, available cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing under our revolving credit facility.  Our access to liquidity to fund our business activities and achieve our near-term and long-term growth objectives depends on the availability of financing in the capital markets which have recently experienced significant volatility. Given the current market conditions and our reliance on our credit facility, further deterioration in the market conditions could adversely affect our liquidity position.
 
Credit Facility

We have a senior secured credit facility, consisting of a variable-interest term loan and a variable-interest $150 million revolving credit facility, with certain financial institutions.  At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding debt of $150 million under our term loan, including current maturities and no debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility.  The revolving credit facility and the term loan mature on April 26, 2016.  We may prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance of the term loan without prepayment penalty.  We may borrow from or repay the revolving credit facility as business needs merit.  At December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all debt covenants under our credit facility.

By an amendment dated October 7, 2011, but effective as of October 11, 2011, we amended the credit agreement to, among other things, (i) increase our permitted maximum consolidated leverage (debt to earnings before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization (or “EBITDA”)) ratio to 5.0x for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2011; (ii) permanently reduce the size of the revolving credit facility from $300 million to $150 million and temporarily remove the $100 million accordion feature; (iii) for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, temporarily limit the amount available for borrowing and letters of credit under the $150 million revolving credit facility to $75 million and waive the leverage ratio covenant; (iv) eliminate the current EBITDA to interest financial covenant effective immediately, and, beginning in the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2012, replace it with a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of not less than 1.25x; and (v) temporarily add a collateral coverage sublimit on the amount available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.  Following the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, and assuming we are in compliance with the covenants described above, the full $150 million of the revolver will again be available for borrowing and letters of credits (subject to the leverage ratio covenant), and our maximum permitted leverage ratio covenant will increase to 5.75x for the quarter ending June 30, 2012.  The amendment made no changes to the $150 million term loan or its amortization schedule.  Depending on our compliance with certain financial ratio covenants, we may be required to prepay a portion of our term loan with the proceeds from any asset sales.
 
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At December 31, 2011, we had $15.6 million of cash on hand, issued and outstanding letters of credit of $0.2 million under our revolving credit facility, and $2.4 million of outstanding warranty and bid bonds.  The amount we can borrow under our revolver is limited by outstanding borrowing, letters of credit, and our consolidated leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio covenant.  Under the credit agreement, our permitted leverage ratio was 5.0x for the period through December 31, 2011.  Based on our consolidated leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio and outstanding borrowing and letters of credit as of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $53.2 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

Cash Flows
 
Our cash flows depend on the level of spending by oil and natural gas companies for marine contracting services. Certain sources and uses of cash, such as the level of discretionary capital expenditures, issuance and repurchases of debt and of our common stock, are within our control and are adjusted as necessary based on market conditions.  The following table summarizes our cash flows from operations, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
Net cash provided by (used in):
         
Operating activities     
$
31,438 
 
$
79,374 
Investing activities  
 
(25,080)
   
(37,873)
Financing activities    
 
(15,336)
   
(69,664)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
—  
   
326 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
$
(8,978)
 
$
(27,837)

     
     

Operating Activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $31.4 million during 2011, including a $10 million prepayment on a decommissioning project, compared to $79.4 million during 2010.  The primary reason for the decrease in cash flows from operating activities is the net loss, excluding non-cash impairment charges, for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $36.5 million, compared to net loss, excluding non-cash impairment charges, for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $13.3 million.   Additionally, working capital and other balance sheet accounts used $17.2 million of cash during 2011 compared to $15.9 million of cash provided in 2010.  This increase in cash used was primarily due to accelerated payment terms related to accounts receivables on a large project in 2010.

Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities was $25.1 million during 2011 compared to $37.9 million during 2010.  During 2011 and 2010, cash used for capital expenditures was $32.3 million and $42.3 million, respectively, and cash provided from sales of assets and insurance proceeds was $7.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
 
Financing Activities.  Net cash used in financing activities was $15.3 million during 2011 compared $69.7 million in 2010.  During 2011, we borrowed $236.2 million under our revolving credit facility due to our normal working capital requirements.  We made scheduled payments of $15.3 million under our term loan and re-paid the entire $236.2 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, which resulted in no amounts being outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2011.  During 2010, we borrowed $25.0 million under our revolving credit facility due to our normal working capital requirements.  We made scheduled payments of $69.7 million under our term loan and re-paid the entire $25.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, which resulted in no amounts being outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2010.
 
30

 
Contractual and Other Obligations
 
We lease several facilities worldwide and accommodations for certain employees located outside the U.S. under noncancelable operating leases.
 
At December 31, 2011, our contractual obligations for long-term debt, operating leases, purchase commitments and other payables were as follows (in thousands):

   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1 to 3 years
   
3 to 5 years
   
More than
5 Years
 
Long-term financing obligations(1)
                             
Principal
  $ 150,000     $ 6,000     $ 30,000     $ 114,000     $  
Interest
    32,715       8,627       15,547       8,541        
Noncancelable operating leases and charters(2)
    12,487       3,074       5,639       3,394       380  
Total contractual obligations
  $ 195,202     $ 17,701     $ 51,186     $ 125,935     $ 380  
 
 (1) Represents the term loan under our credit facility - see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.  Assumes an interest rate based on three month LIBOR at December 31, 2011 plus a margin of 4.25% and commitment fees of 0.8% on the unused portion of the revolver.
 (2) See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements under the caption “Lease Commitments.”
 
     
     

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of December 31, 2011, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements. For information regarding our principles of consolidation, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
 
Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.  We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our results of operations and financial condition, as reflected in our consolidated financial statements and related notes, are subject to management’s evaluation and interpretation of business conditions, changing capital market conditions and other factors that could affect the ongoing viability of our business and our customers. We believe the most critical accounting policies in this regard are those described below. While these issues require us to make judgments that are somewhat subjective, they are generally based on a significant amount of historical data and current market data.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We determine the appropriate revenue recognition accounting method for each of our contracts at the beginning of the project.  Most of our revenues are derived from contracts that have a short duration. These contracts contain either qualified lump-sum provisions or provisions for specific time, material and equipment charges, which we bill in accordance with the terms of such contracts.
 
Revenue generated from qualified lump-sum contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion.  Changes in the expected cost of materials and labor, productivity, scheduling and other factors may affect the total estimated costs. Additionally, external factors, including weather or other factors outside of our control, may also affect the progress and estimated cost of a project’s completion and, therefore, delay the timing of income and revenue recognition. We routinely review estimates related to our contracts and reflect revisions to profitability in earnings on a current basis. If a current estimate of total contract cost indicates an ultimate loss on a contract, we recognize the projected loss in full when it is first determined as required under generally accepted accounting principles. We recognize additional contract revenue related to claims when the claim is probable and legally enforceable.
 
31

 
In determining whether a contract should be accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method, we follow the accounting guidelines for the performance of construction-type contracts.  The use of this method is based on our experience and history of being able to prepare reasonably dependable estimates of the cost to complete our projects.  Although we constantly seek to improve our ability to estimate revenue, contract costs and profitability, adjustments to total contract costs due to unanticipated events could be significant in future periods.
 
Revenues generated from specific time, materials and equipment contracts are generally earned on a dayrate basis and recognized as delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured.
 
Property and Equipment
 
We record our property and equipment at cost, net of recorded impairments.  We depreciate our assets primarily on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Our estimates of useful lives of our assets are as follows: vessels — 15 to 20 years; portable saturation diving systems — ten to 20 years; machinery and equipment — five to ten years; and buildings and leasehold improvements — three to 20 years. Major replacements and improvements, which extend the vessel’s economic useful life or functional operating capability, are capitalized and depreciated over their economic useful lives. We expense the costs of repairs and maintenance which do not materially prolong the useful life of the property and equipment as incurred. Inherent in this process are estimates we make regarding the specific cost incurred and the period that the incurred cost will benefit.
 
We evaluate our property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of our property and equipment may not be recoverable.  We base our evaluation on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements and other external market conditions.  If such impairment indicators are present, we determine whether an impairment has occurred through projected net undiscounted cash flows based on expected operating results over the remaining life of the asset group.  The cash flows are based on historical data adjusted for management estimates of future market performance that rely on existing market data, industry trends, expected utilization and margins.  Management’s estimates may vary considerably from actual outcomes due to future adverse market conditions, poor operating results, or other factors that could result in our inability to recover the current carrying value of long-lived assets, which could possibly require an impairment charge in the future.  In 2011 we recorded $38.2 million of impairment charges related to certain fixed assets, including a dive support vessel that experienced low utilization for an extended period of time in the Southeast Asia region, and an idle shallow water pipelay barge from which most of its equipment had been removed.  In 2010 we recorded $23.2 million of impairment charges related to certain fixed assets, consisting of four idle construction barges for which the outlook for future utilization was uncertain.  We recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million in 2009 for buildings and leasehold improvements we have abandoned.

Fixed Asset Impairments
 
Under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, we perform an annual impairment review of our long-lived assets.  For long-lived assets, we base our evaluation of recoverability on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, historical or future profitability measurements and other relevant external market conditions or factors.  If we determine that an impairment of a long-lived asset has occurred, we recognize a loss on our financial statements equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.

During 2011, we determined that impairment indicators existed with respect to certain of our long-lived fixed assets including a dive support vessel that experienced low utilization for an extended period of time in the Southeast Asia region and an idle shallow water pipelay barge from which most of its equipment had been removed.  We evaluated the recoverability of these fixed assets, the fair value of which we included in the impairment analysis determined by using the income valuation approach, market based appraisals and estimated scrap value.  As a result of this analysis we recorded $36.6 million of pre-tax fixed assets impairment expense for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, our dive support vessel was further impaired by $1.6 million based on a market price offer received in February 2012. This vessel is classified as assets held for sale and included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011.
 
32


During 2010, we performed an impairment test on four idle construction barges and determined that they were subject to impairment indicators resulting from the uncertain outlook regarding their future utilization.  The fair values of three of the barges were determined using the income valuation approach and the fair value of the fourth barge was based on its scrap value.  As a result of this analysis we recorded $23.2 million of pre-tax fixed assets impairment expense for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We use derivative financial instruments to hedge the impact of market price risk exposure primarily due to variable interest rate exposure related to our debt.  To reduce the impact of these risks on earnings and to increase the predictability of our cash flows, we enter into interest rate swaps from time to time.  We formally document all relations between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and our methods for assessing and testing correlation and hedge effectiveness.  We also assess, both at inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in our hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.  Changes in the assumptions used could impact whether the fair value change in an interest rate swap is charged to earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income.

Income Taxes
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, we recognize income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. The current provision for income tax is based upon the current tax laws and our interpretation of these laws, as well as the probable outcomes of any foreign or domestic tax audits. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We compute deferred income taxes using the liability method. We provide for deferred income taxes on all temporary differences between the financial-reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities by applying enacted statutory tax rates, applicable to future years. Allowable tax credits are applied currently as reductions to the provisions for income taxes.
 
Our most significant judgments on tax related matters include tax valuation allowances and uncertain tax positions.  These matters involve the exercise of significant judgment which could change and materially impact our financial condition or results of operations.  The realization of our deferred tax assets depends on recognition of sufficient future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during periods in which those temporary differences are deductible.  Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts we believe are more likely than not to be recovered.  In evaluating our valuation allowance, we consider the reversal of existing temporary differences, the existence of taxable income in prior carryback years, tax planning strategies and future taxable income for each of our taxable jurisdictions, the latter two of which involve the exercise of significant judgment.  Changes to our valuation allowance could materially impact our results of operations.  We have liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions connected with ongoing examinations and open tax years.  Changes in our assessment of these liabilities may require us to increase the liability and record additional tax expense or reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit which would positively or negatively impact our effective tax rate.
 
We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings intended to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations.
 
For financial reporting purposes, our provision for income taxes has been computed on the basis that we have completed and filed separate federal income tax returns for all periods presented.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to record accounts receivable at their net realizable value.  A significant amount of judgment is involved in recording and making adjustments to this reserve.  Allowances have been recorded for receivables believed to be uncollectible, including amounts for the resolution of potential credit and other collection issues such as disputed invoices, customer satisfaction claims and pricing discrepancies.  Depending on how these issues are resolved, or if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, adjustments to the allowance may be required.
 
33

 
 
Loss Contingencies
 
We accrue loss contingency reserves when our assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of our liabilities are based on an evaluation of potential outcomes and currently available facts.  We attempt to resolve these matters through settlements, mediation and arbitration proceedings when possible.  Actual results may differ from our estimates, and our estimates can be revised in the future, either negatively or positively, depending upon actual outcomes or changes in expectations based on the facts surrounding each matter.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of certain new accounting pronouncements that may affect our consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 7A.                      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to market risks in our normal business activities.  Market risk is the potential loss that may result from market changes associated with existing or forecasted financial transactions.  The types of market risks to which we are exposed are credit risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.
 
Credit Risk.  Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  Cash equivalents such as deposits and temporary cash investments are held by major banks.  Our trade receivables are with a variety of U.S., international and foreign-country national oil and natural gas companies.  Management considers this credit risk to be limited due to the financial resources of these companies.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and we generally do not require material collateral to support contractual payment obligations.  We maintain reserves for potential credit losses.
 
Interest Rate Risk.  At December 31, 2011, we had $150 million of variable-rate debt outstanding under our credit facility.  Changes based on the floating interest rates under this facility could result in an increase or decrease in our annual interest expense and related cash outlay.  To reduce the potentially adverse impact of changes in interest rates on our variable rate term loan, in August 2010 we entered into a twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts a portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.645%.  This interest rate swap began to settle in December 2010 and expired in December 2011.  In May 2011, we entered into a second twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts the same portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.82%.  This interest rate swap began to settle in December 2011 and will expire in December 2012.  In August 2011, we entered into a third twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts the same portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.585%.  This interest rate swap will begin to settle in December 2012 and will expire in December 2013.  All of these interest rate swap instruments qualify as cash flow hedges under hedge accounting.  From time to time, there may be economic sharing among more than one counterparty related to our interest rate swaps.  We expect the current interest rate swap to effectively fix our variable interest payments made on $100 million of our term loan, or approximately 67% as of December 31, 2011, at 0.645% on a weighted average basis plus the current average applicable loan margin of approximately 4.25% for a total interest rate of 4.90%.  A hypothetical increase of 10% in quoted interest rates as of December 31, 2011 would increase interest expense by $0.7 million and $0.7 million in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk.  We have operations in foreign locations that subject us to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Although the vast majority of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars, we transact business in Euro-dollars, Mexican pesos, Singapore dollars, and Australian dollars, among others.  Historically, foreign currency exchange rate risk has not been material to our business and we have not entered into any foreign exchange contracts.  At various times, we utilize the payment structure of customer contracts to selectively hedge our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations in connection with monetary assets, liabilities, cash flows and commitments denominated in certain foreign currencies.  As we continue to grow our international operations, foreign currency exchange rate risk may become more significant and we may mitigate our foreign currency risk with foreign currency derivative instruments in the future.
 


 
Item 8.                 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2011
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements







  
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.   An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 

 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Houston, Texas
 
March 2, 2012
 


 
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 15,598     $ 24,576  
Accounts receivable:
               
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,664 and $6,039, respectively
    67,000       86,239  
Contracts in progress
    41,420       26,829  
Income tax receivable
    24,432       2,182  
Deferred income taxes
          3,425  
Other current assets
    32,482       17,439  
Total current assets
    180,932       160,690  
                 
Property and equipment
    752,994       799,757  
Less - Accumulated depreciation
    (256,223 )     (231,966 )
Net property and equipment
    496,771       567,791  
                 
Other assets:
               
Deferred drydock costs
    15,770       14,602  
Other assets, net
    11,467       9,218  
Total assets
  $ 704,940     $ 752,301  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 78,277     $ 58,685  
Advanced billings on contracts
    10,683       5  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    6,000       59,328  
Income tax payable
    2,955       4,462  
Deferred income taxes
    3,269        
Accrued liabilities
    19,868       23,276  
Total current liabilities
    121,052       145,756  
                 
Long-term debt
    144,000       106,008  
Deferred income taxes
    104,667       109,434  
Other long-term liabilities
    5,580       3,392  
Total liabilities
    375,299       364,590  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, 240,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value,
Issued and outstanding: 96,159 and 95,465 shares, respectively
    962       954  
Capital in excess of par value of common stock
    415,583       406,891  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,110       1,969  
Retained deficit
    (89,014 )     (22,103 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    329,641       387,711  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 704,940     $ 752,301  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues
  $ 479,811     $ 536,468     $ 829,362  
Cost of sales                                                                                  
    465,545       474,026       613,477  
Gross profit                                                                                  
    14,266       62,442       215,885  
Goodwill impairment
          292,469        
Fixed assets impairment
    38,199       23,242        
Selling and administrative expenses
    59,181       60,138       73,787  
Gain on sale of assets
    3,670       1,325       301  
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
    (2,240 )     (167 )     7,992  
Income (loss) from operations
    (77,204 )     (311,915 )     134,407  
Interest expense, net                                                                                  
    9,227       9,060       13,801  
Other expense, net                                                                                  
    337       317       2,069  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (86,768 )     (321,292 )     118,537  
Income tax expense (benefit)                                                                                  
    (19,871 )     (5,443 )     41,910  
Net income (loss)
  $ (66,897 )   $ (315,849 )   $ 76,627  
Net income (loss) per common share:
                       
Basic                                                                              
  $ (0.73 )   $ (3.47 )   $ 0.81  
Diluted                                                                              
  $ (0.73 )   $ (3.47 )   $ 0.81  
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
Basic                                                                              
    91,742       91,067       91,884  
Diluted                                                                              
    91,742       91,067       91,927  
                         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
  
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)

                     
Accumulated
             
                     
Other
             
               
Capital
   
Compre-
   
Retained     
   
Total
 
   
Common Stock
   
in Excess
   
hensive
   
Earnings
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Shares
   
Par value
   
of Par
   
Income (loss)
   
(Deficit)
   
Equity
 
Balances at December 31, 2008
    107,498     $ 1,075     $ 488,841     $ (1,338 )   $ 217,119     $ 705,697  
Net income
                                    76,627       76,627  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            1,539               1,539  
Decrease in unrealized loss from cash flow hedge (net of income tax of $384)
                            713               713  
Comprehensive income
                                            78,879  
Repurchase and retirement of stock from Helix
    (15,212 )     (152 )     (99,848 )                     (100,000 )
Stock-based compensation plans
    1,647       16       10,206                       10,222  
Balances at December 31, 2009
    93,933       939       399,199       914       293,746       694,798  
Net loss
                                    (315,849 )     (315,849 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            796               796  
Decrease in unrealized loss from cash flow hedge (net of income tax of $139)
                            259               259  
Comprehensive loss
                                            (314,794 )
Stock-based compensation plans
    1,532       15       7,692                       7,707  
Balances at December 31, 2010
    95,465       954       406,891       1,969       (22,103 )     387,711  
Net loss
                                    (66,897 )     (66,897 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            215               215  
Increase in unrealized loss from cash flow hedge (net of income tax of $40)
                            (74 )             (74 )
Comprehensive loss
                                            (66,756 )
Stock-based compensation plans
    694       8       8,692                       8,700  
Other
                                    (14 )     (14 )
Balances at December 31, 2011
    96,159     $ 962     $ 415,583     $ 2,110     $ (89,014 )   $ 329,641  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



  
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (66,897 )   $ (315,849 )   $ 76,627  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    66,692       68,961       76,313  
Stock compensation expense
    9,565       7,427       7,272  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    5,179       (12,755 )     2,427  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
    (3,670 )     (1,325 )     99  
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
    (2,240 )     (167 )     7,992  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    1,822       1,497       1,172  
Goodwill impairment
          292,469        
Fixed assets impairment
    38,199       23,242       530  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable, net
    7,113       31,391       128,729  
Income tax receivable and payable, net
    (23,998 )     (1,448 )     (8,138 )
Other current assets
    (1,687 )     2,732       (298 )
Deferred drydock costs
    (6,564 )     (6,639 )     (12,868 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    14,646       (10,187 )     (45,375 )
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net
    (6,722 )     25       382  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    31,438       79,374       234,864  
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
                       
Additions to property and equipment
    (32,347 )     (42,328 )     (63,024 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    7,267       4,455       17  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (25,080 )     (37,873 )     (63,007 )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
                       
Draws on revolving credit facility
    236,200       25,000       100,000  
Repayments of revolving credit facility
    (236,200 )     (25,000 )     (100,000 )
Repayments on term loan under credit facility
    (15,336 )     (69,664 )     (80,000 )
Repurchase of common stock
                (100,000 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (15,336 )     (69,664 )     (180,000 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
          326        
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,978 )     (27,837 )     (8,143 )
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    24,576       52,413       60,556  
Balance, end of year
  $ 15,598     $ 24,576     $ 52,413  
Supplemental cash flow information:
                       
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 6,572     $ 7,454     $ 10,996  
Income taxes paid (refunded), net
  $ (852 )   $ 11,779     $ 48,050  
Non-cash changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Changes in additions to property and equipment
                       
in accounts payable
  $ 10,200     $ 160     $ (4,259 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Organization
 
We are a marine contractor that provides manned diving, pipelay and pipe burial, platform installation and platform salvage services to a diverse customer base in the offshore oil and natural gas industry.  We offer our customers these complementary services on an integrated basis for more complex offshore projects, which maximizes efficiencies for our customers and enhances the utilization of our fleet.  Our headquarters are located in Houston, Texas.
 
Our global footprint encompasses operations on the Gulf of Mexico, OCS, the Northeastern U.S., Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, Australia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.  We currently own a diversified fleet of 29 vessels, including 19 surface and saturation diving support vessels, six pipelay/pipebury barges, one dedicated pipebury barge, one combination derrick/pipelay barge and two derrick barges.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of all majority owned and controlled subsidiaries after the elimination of all significant intercompany transactions.  Our financial statements for prior periods include reclassifications that are made to conform to the current year presentation.  These reclassifications did not impact our reported net income (loss) or stockholders’ equity.
 
We consolidate entities when we either (i) have the ability to control the operating and financial decisions and policies of that entity or (ii) are allocated a majority of the entity’s losses and/or returns through our variable interests in that entity.  The determination of our ability to control or exert significant influence over an entity and whether we are allocated a majority of the entity’s losses and/or returns involves the use of judgment.  We apply the equity method of accounting where we can exert significant influence over, but do not control, the policies and decisions of an entity and where we are not allocated a majority of the entity’s losses and/or returns.  We use the cost method of accounting where we are unable to exert significant influence over the entity.
 
Subsequent Events
 
We conducted our subsequent events review through the date these annual consolidated financial statements were filed with the SEC.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, equity investments, intangible assets and goodwill, property and equipment, income taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, revenues, expected costs to complete construction and capital projects and contingent liabilities. In making judgments about the estimated carrying values of assets and liabilities, we use our historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may be revised from time to time with changes in experience or in assumptions, and actual results may differ from estimates.
 
41

 
Revenue Recognition
 
We determine the appropriate revenue accounting method for each of our contracts at the beginning of the project.  Most of our revenues are derived from contracts that have a short duration. These contracts contain either qualified lump-sum provisions or provisions for specific time, material and equipment charges, which we bill in accordance with the terms of such contracts. We recognize revenue as it is earned at estimated collectible amounts.
 
Revenues generated from specific time, materials and equipment contracts are generally earned on a dayrate basis and recognized as amounts are earned in accordance with contract terms. Under these contracts, we may receive revenues for the mobilization of equipment and personnel, and incur incremental costs for mobilization of equipment and personnel to the contracted site, which typically consist of materials, supplies and transit costs.  We defer revenue and costs related to mobilization and amortize them on a straight-line basis over the estimated contract service period, which is consistent with the general pace of activity, level of services being provided and dayrates being earned over the service period of the contract. Mobilization costs to move vessels when a contract does not exist are expensed as incurred.
 
Revenue on significant qualified lump-sum contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. In determining whether a contract should be accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method, we consider whether:
 
·  
the customer provides specifications for the construction of facilities or for the provision of related services;
 
·  
we can reasonably estimate our progress towards completion and our costs;
 
·  
the contract includes provisions as to the enforceable rights regarding the goods or services to be provided, consideration to be received and the manner and terms of payment;
 
·  
the customer can be expected to satisfy its obligations under the contract; and
 
·  
we can be expected to perform our contractual obligations.
 
Under the percentage-of-completion method, we recognize estimated contract revenue based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs. Changes in the expected cost of materials and labor, productivity, scheduling and other factors may affect the total estimated costs. Additionally, external factors, including weather or other factors outside of our control, may also affect the progress and estimated cost of a project’s completion and, therefore, delay the timing of income and revenue recognition. We routinely review estimates related to our contracts and reflect revisions to profitability in earnings on a current basis. If a current estimate of total contract cost indicates an ultimate loss on a contract, we recognize the projected loss in full when it is first determined. We recognize additional contract revenue related to claims when the claim is probable and legally enforceable.
 
The asset “contracts in progress” represents revenues from time, materials and equipment contracts for work performed during the period that has not yet been invoiced, and costs and estimated earnings recognized as revenue on the percentage-of-completion method in excess of amounts billed as determined on an individual contract basis.  The liability “advance billings on contracts” represents amounts billed in excess of costs, and estimated earnings recognized as revenue on the percentage-of-completion method on an individual contract basis. All amounts included in contracts in progress at December 31 are expected to be billed and collected within one year.  The following is a summary of the components of contracts in progress (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Unbilled revenue from time, material and equipment contracts
  $ 27,463     $ 8,813  
Revenue recognized on the percentage-of-completion method in excess of amounts billed
    13,957       18,016  
    $ 41,420     $ 26,829  

     
     

 
42

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
We define cash and cash equivalents as cash and all highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of less than three months.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to record accounts receivable at their net realizable value.  A significant amount of judgment is involved in recording and making adjustments to this reserve.  Allowances have been recorded for receivables believed to be uncollectible, including amounts for the resolution of potential credit and other collection issues such as disputed invoices, customer satisfaction claims and pricing discrepancies.  Depending on how these issues are resolved, or if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, adjustments to the allowance may be required and are charged to expense.  The allowance for doubtful accounts was $2.7 million and $6.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Included in accounts receivable at December 31, 2010 and 2011 is $5.2 million owed from a customer in Southeast Asia which is overdue but could not be collected due to our customer’s involvement in certain customs issues with a local government.  We are not involved in these issues, our receivable is not disputed and was confirmed by our customer in 2011. Also, our customer’s client, a joint venture including a major U.S. oil and gas company, has acknowledged the ultimate payment being owed to us and confirmed that they have not yet paid our customer pending the outcome of the customs issues.  Based on our customer’s confirmation and the fact that the end client has not yet paid our customer but acknowledged our receivable, we believe that we will ultimately collect our receivable from either our customer or directly from the end client.

Retention is not immediately collectible under the retainage provisions of our contracts.  We include retainages expected to be collected within one year in accounts receivable - trade.  Retainages expected to be collected after one year are included in other assets.  The following amounts represent retainages on contracts (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Retainages expected to be collected within one year
  $ 3,636     $ 2,210  
Retainages expected to be collected after one year
           
Total retainages
  $ 3,636     $ 2,210  

     
     

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net of recorded impairments. We depreciate our assets primarily on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense was $57.0 million, $57.6 million and $53.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The following is a summary of the components of property and equipment (in thousands):
 
 
Estimated
 
December 31,
 
 
Useful Life
 
2011
   
2010
 
Vessels                                                                                
15 to 20 years
  $ 587,703     $ 632,952  
Portable saturation diving systems  
10 to 20 years
    73,057       73,218  
Machinery and equipment   
  5 to 10 years
    53,957       47,454  
Buildings, leasehold improvements and other
  3 to 20 years
    38,277       46,133  
  Total property and equipment    
    $ 752,994     $ 799,757  

     
     

The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to operations as incurred, while the cost of improvements is capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Total repair and maintenance charges were $12.0 million, $16.5 million and $25.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  When equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the equipment and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in income.
 
43

 
For long-lived assets to be held and used, excluding goodwill, we base our evaluation of recoverability on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements and other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether an impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows analysis of the asset group. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted market prices, is based on an estimate of discounted cash flows the asset will generate in the future.  In 2011, we recorded $38.2 million in pre-tax impairment charges related to certain fixed assets including a dive support vessel that experienced low utilization for an extended period of time in the Southeast Asia region, and an idle shallow water pipelay barge from which most of its equipment had been removed.  In 2010, we recorded $23.2 million in pre-tax impairment charges related to certain fixed assets, consisting of four idle construction barges for which the outlook for future utilization was uncertain.  We recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million in 2009 for buildings and leasehold improvements we had abandoned.
 
Assets are classified as held for sale and included in other current assets when we have a plan for disposal of certain assets and those assets meet the held for sale criteria as set forth in authoritative accounting guidance. Included in current assets as assets held for sale at December 31, 2011 are our Singapore facility and a dive support vessel located in Southeast Asia.  At December 31, 2010, we had no assets held for sale.
 
Capitalization of Interest
 
Interest on borrowed funds is capitalized on major capital projects until the assets are ready for their intended use. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying asset and is amortized over the useful life of the asset in the same manner as for the underlying asset. Interest capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
 
Recertification Costs and Deferred Drydock Charges
 
Our vessels are required by regulation to be recertified after certain periods of time.  Typically, these recertification costs are incurred while the vessel is in drydock. In addition, while the vessel is in drydock, routine repairs and maintenance of the vessel and, if necessary, major replacements and improvements, are performed. We expense routine repairs and maintenance costs when they are incurred. We defer and amortize drydock and related recertification costs over the period for which the certificate issued is valid, which ranges from 24 months to 60 months. A drydock and related recertification process typically takes between one to two months, a period during which the vessel is not available to earn revenue. Major replacements and improvements that extend the vessel’s economic useful life or functional operating capability, are capitalized as property and equipment and depreciated over the remaining estimated economic useful life of the vessel. Inherent in this process are estimates we make regarding the specific cost incurred and the period that the incurred cost will benefit.
 
Prior to January 1, 2010, we generally amortized drydock and recertification costs over 30 months. Effective January 1, 2010, we changed the period for amortization of these costs to commence with the date the vessel returned to service following completion of the drydock process to the next certificate expiry date, which typically ranges from 24 months to 60 months. The change in this amortization period was based on management’s assessment that the period for which the certificate is valid is a better measure of the length of time for which we expect to receive future benefits from the recertification and drydock process.  This change in the estimated service life of our drydock and recertification costs had the effect of lengthening the amortization period for these costs, which decreased our loss from operations by $3.5 million ($.04 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2010. This change in estimate had no impact on our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, capitalized deferred drydock and related recertification costs totaled $15.8 million and $14.6 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, drydock amortization expense was $7.4 million, $9.1 million and $19.6 million, respectively.
 
44

 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill Impairment
 
Under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, we perform an annual impairment test of goodwill. We elected November 1st as our annual impairment assessment date for goodwill and other intangible assets. In certain circumstances, we also test for impairment of goodwill between annual tests if a triggering event occurs, such as significant adverse change in the business climate, unexpected significant declines in operating results, an adverse action by a regulator, emergence of unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel or a decline in market capitalization. Our goodwill impairment test is based on our single operating and reporting unit and involves a comparison of the fair value of the unit with its carrying amount. The fair value is determined using market-related valuation models and discounted cash flows.
 
During 2010, our market capitalization declined significantly by approximately 22% from $551.2 million at June 30, 2010 to $430.4 million at August 31, 2010, which was lower by $256.4 million, or 37%, than our equity book value at August 31, 2010. We believe the uncertain market conditions following the Macondo well blowout contributed to the significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization, and this prompted us to conclude that a triggering event had occurred requiring us to perform an interim impairment test. As a result, we commenced an interim assessment of our goodwill, which we completed as of August 31, 2010. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. In the first step, if the fair value of our reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the process is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any.
 
Under the first step of the process, we estimated the fair value of our reporting unit using both a market-related and discounted cash flow valuation approach.  Under the market-related approach, the fair value of our reporting unit is calculated by applying an average peer total invested capital to EBITDA multiple to forecasted EBITDA for the reporting unit. We exercise our judgment in selecting peer companies that operate in the same or similar lines of business as ours and are potentially subject to similar market risks. Under the income approach, a discounted cash flow analysis is performed requiring us to make various assumptions about our discount rate, future revenue, operating margins, capital expenditures and growth rates. These assumptions are based on historical operating results, long-term business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. These fair value measurements fall within Level 3 under ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
 
The second step of the process compared the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. To the extent that our reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, through allocation of the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination.
 
Based on the first step calculation of our goodwill impairment test, the carrying amount of our reporting unit exceeded its fair value, which required us to perform the second step of the impairment test. In the second step, the fair value of goodwill and fixed assets was generally estimated using an income valuation approach. Based on our 2010 goodwill impairment analysis, we recorded $292.5 million of pre-tax goodwill impairment expense.  As a result of this impairment, we did not carry an amount for goodwill as of December 31, 2011.
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
 
Balance at December 31, 2009  
  $ 292,469  
Impairment charges  
    (292,469 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
     
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $  

     
     

 
45

Intangible Assets

A summary of other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

   
As of December 31, 2011
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
 
Estimated
Gross
 
Accumulated
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
 
 
Useful Life
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Customer relationships 
5 to 7 years
  $ 6,758     $ (5,334 )   $ 6,758     $ (4,261 )
Trade name
7 years
    490       (284 )     490       (214 )
Total    
    $ 7,248     $ (5,618 )   $ 7,248     $ (4,475 )

     
     

Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are recorded as other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life.  Total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  A summary of the estimated amortization expense for the remaining useful life is as follows (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
     
2012
  $ 1,107  
2013
    454  
2014
    69  

     
     

Fixed Asset Impairment

Under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, we perform an annual impairment review of our long-lived assets.  For long-lived assets, we base our evaluation of recoverability on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, historical or future profitability measurements and other relevant external market conditions or factors.  If we determine that an impairment of a long-lived asset has occurred, we recognize a loss on our financial statements equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.

During 2011, we determined that impairment indicators existed with respect to certain of our long-lived fixed assets including a dive support vessel that experienced low utilization for an extended period of time in the Southeast Asia region and an idle shallow water pipelay barge from which most of its equipment had been removed.  We evaluated the recoverability of these fixed assets, the fair value of which we included in the impairment analysis determined by using the income valuation approach, market based appraisals and estimated scrap value.  As a result of this analysis we recorded $36.6 million of pre-tax fixed assets impairment expense for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, our dive support vessel was further impaired by $1.6 million based on a market price offer received in February 2012. This vessel is classified as assets held for sale and included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011.

During 2010, we performed an impairment test on four idle construction barges and determined that they were subject to impairment indicators resulting from the uncertain outlook regarding their future utilization.  The fair values of three of the barges were determined using the income valuation approach and the fair value of the fourth barge was based on its scrap value.  As a result of this analysis we recorded $23.2 million of pre-tax fixed assets impairment expense for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.
 
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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

To reduce the potentially adverse impact of changes in interest rates on our variable rate term loan, in August 2010 we entered into a twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts a portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.645%.  This interest rate swap began to settle in December 2010 and expired in December 2011.  In May 2011, we entered into a second twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts the same portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.82%.  This interest rate swap will begin to settle in December 2011 and will expire in December 2012.  In August 2011, we entered into a third twelve-month interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100 million that converts the same portion of our anticipated variable-rate interest payments under our term loan to fixed-rate interest payments of 0.585%.  This interest rate swap will begin to settle in December 2012 and will expire in December 2013.  All of these interest rate swap instruments qualify as cash flow hedges under hedge accounting.  From time to time, there may be economic sharing among more than one counterparty related to our interest rate swaps.  At December 31, 2011, the interest rate swap instruments had a negative fair value of $0.3 million, which is recorded as current accrued liabilities.  We reclassify any unrealized loss from our interest rate swap into earnings upon settlement.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, $0.1 million of after-tax unrealized loss from our interest rate swap was recorded in other comprehensive income.  The estimated net amount of the loss that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is $0.2 million.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, we reclassified $0.2 million of after-tax unrealized losses into interest expense, net, in the consolidated statement of operations related to all settled cash flow hedges.
 
Changes in the fair value of an interest rate swap are deferred to the extent it is effective and are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the anticipated interest payments occur and are recognized in interest expense.  The ineffective portion of an interest rate swap, if any, will be recognized immediately in earnings.

We use derivative financial instruments to hedge the impact of market price risk exposure primarily due to variable interest rate exposure related to our debt.  To reduce the impact of these risks on earnings and to increase the predictability of our cash flows, we enter into interest rate swaps from time to time.  We formally document all relations between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and our methods for assessing and testing correlation and hedge effectiveness.  We also assess, both at inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in our hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.  Changes in the assumptions used could impact whether the fair value change in an interest rate swap is charged to earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income.

Fair Value Measurements

We follow the provisions of the FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  The standard on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. This standard defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.

This standard also establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. This standard establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; or

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.
 
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The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

(A)  
Market approach – uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

(B)  
Income approach – uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectations about those future amounts, including present value.  Critical estimates used in this approach include discount rates, useful lives and scrap values.

(C)  
Cost approach – based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of the asset (replacement cost).

We measure our interest rate swaps on a recurring basis using an income approach where expected future cash flows are converted to a single present amount based on market expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models). The following table provides additional information related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 
December 31,
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
 
2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Current accrued liabilities
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 344     $     $ 344     $  

     
     

The following table provides additional information related to the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
December 31,
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
 
2010
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Current accrued liabilities
                       
Interest rate swaps 
  $ 282     $     $ 282     $  

     
     

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded an impairment expense of $38.2 million related to certain fixed assets. After recording the impairment expense and fourth quarter depreciation on assets held for use, the fair values of the impaired fixed assets held for use and certain assets held for sale were reduced to $18.4 million and $10.0 million, respectively.  The fair value of the assets held for use was determined using the income valuation approach, market based appraisals and estimated scrap value.  The fair value of the asset held for sale was determined by an offer to purchase our dive support vessel, which was received in February 2012.  The following table provides additional information related to the fixed assets that were impaired in the current year and measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

   
December 31,
   
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
   
2011
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Surface diving  
  $ 4,136     $     $     $ 4,136  
Saturation diving (1)
    15,889                   15,889  
Construction barges 
    8,329                   8,329  
    $ 28,354     $     $     $ 28,354  

(1)     
Includes $10,000 which is included in assets held for sale at December 31, 2011.

     
     

 
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The following table provides additional information related to the fixed assets that were impaired in the year ended December 31, 2010 and measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

   
December 31,
   
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
   
2010
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Construction barges  
  $ 36,426     $     $     $ 36,426  

     
     

Loss Contingencies
 
We recognize liabilities for contingencies when we have an exposure that, when fully analyzed, indicates it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Estimates of our liabilities are based on an evaluation of potential outcomes and currently available facts.  We attempt to resolve these matters through settlements, mediation and arbitration proceedings when possible.  Actual results may differ from our estimates, and our estimates can be revised in the future, either negatively or positively, depending upon actual outcomes or changes in expectations based on the facts surrounding each matter.  Where the most likely outcome of a contingency can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for that amount.  Where the most likely outcome cannot be estimated, a range of potential losses is established and if no one amount in that range is more likely than any other, the low end of the range is accrued.
 
Income Taxes
 
We recognize income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. The current provision for income tax is based upon the current tax laws and our interpretation of these laws, as well as the probable outcomes of any foreign or domestic tax audits. We compute deferred income taxes using the liability method. We provide for deferred income taxes on all temporary differences between the financial-reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities by applying enacted statutory tax rates, applicable to future years. Allowable tax credits are applied currently as reductions to the provisions for income taxes. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings intended to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations.
 
We account for uncertain tax positions using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach: (1) a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion and (2) a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit is recorded.  Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold. We normally recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The functional currency of our operations in Australia is the local currency. The U.S. dollar is the designated functional currency for all of our other foreign operations. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and the resulting translation adjustments are accumulated as a component of stockholders’ equity. All foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
We measure restricted stock awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees and recognize compensation cost in our financial statements over the requisite service period.
 
 
 

 
The fair value of the liability incurred for performance share units is revalued at the end of each reporting period through settlement using the Monte Carlo simulation methodology.  Changes in the fair value of the liability for performance share units that occur during the requisite service period are recognized as compensation expense based on the percentage share of the requisite service that has been rendered at that date.  As it is the intent of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to pay cash to settle our liability for performance share units, if any, at the end of the service period, we record a liability for these financial instruments on our balance sheet rather than as an increase to equity.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income - Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  The objective of this update is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. Among other things, it eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  ASU No. 2011-05 also made other financial reporting changes, the effects of which were deferred by FASB ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 issued in December 2011. Upon adoption in the first quarter of 2012, we do not expect that this guidance will have any material effect on our financial statements, but it will impact our financial statement presentation as we currently present items of other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity.

We do not believe that any other recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

3.   Related Party Transactions
 
Prior to December 2006, we were wholly-owned by Helix.  In December 2006, Helix and its subsidiaries contributed and transferred to us all of the assets and liabilities of its shallow water marine contracting business, including 23 surface and diving support vessels capable of operating in water depths of up to 1,000 feet and three shallow water pipelay vessels, and then we, through an IPO, became a separate company from Helix.
 
As of December 31, 2008, Helix owned 61,506,691 shares of our common stock, which represented approximately 57.2% of our common stock.  During 2009, Helix reduced its ownership to 500,000 of our shares, or less than 1% of our common stock, by completing the following transactions:
 
·  
We repurchased and retired approximately 15.2 million shares of our common stock from Helix in two separate transactions for $100 million, or a weighted average price of $6.57 per share.  We funded the share repurchase by borrowing $100 million under our revolving credit facility.
 
·  
Helix sold 45.8 million shares of our common stock to third parties in two separate secondary public offerings.  We did not receive any proceeds from Helix’s sale of our common stock.
 
In the first quarter of 2011, Helix sold all of its remaining shares of our common stock.  In contemplation of our IPO, we entered into several agreements with Helix addressing the rights and obligations of each respective company, including a Master Agreement, a Corporate Services Agreement, an Employee Matters Agreement, a Registration Rights Agreement and a Tax Matters Agreement.  See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of the Tax Matters Agreement.  Helix exercised its demand registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement to sell its shares of our common stock in 2009, as described above, and, upon its sale of its remaining shares of our common stock in the first quarter of 2011, has no further rights under this agreement.  Once Helix ceased to own a significant percentage of our common stock, all material rights and obligations contained in the other agreements were eliminated and the Master Agreement, Corporate Services Agreement and the Employee Matters Agreement were terminated.  All final payments under those agreements made in 2009 were immaterial.
 
50

 
In the ordinary course of business, we provided marine contracting services to Helix and recognized revenues of $33.0 million in 2009.  Helix provided ROV services to us and we recognized operating expenses of $9.7 million in 2009.  These services were performed at prevailing market rates.

4.   Details of Certain Accounts

Other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Insurance claims to be reimbursed    
  $ 226     $ 1,806  
Prepaid job costs          
    3,298       2,847  
Prepaid insurance    
    3,597       4,102  
Prepaid other       
    1,887       417  
Other receivables        
    2,853       4,379  
Assets held for sale (1)       
    14,771        
Supplies and spare parts inventory   
    1,528       2,154  
Other        
    4,322       1,734  
    $ 32,482     $ 17,439  
 
_____________________________   
(1)
Included in current assets as assets held for sale are our Singapore facility and a dive support vessel located in Southeast Asia. We elected to market these assets for sale to reduce our cost and operational structure in the Southeast Asia region due to the highly competitive nature of that market and the increased marine construction capacity now available in that area. We estimate that the sale of these assets will be completed within the next 12 months although no assurances can be given on this timing.
 

     
     

Other long-term assets, net, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, net   
  $ 1,630     $ 2,773  
Deferred financing costs              
    8,684       3,644  
Equipment deposits and other     
    1,153       2,801  
    $ 11,467     $ 9,218  

     
     
 
   Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Accrued payroll and related benefits    
  $ 3,831     $ 7,762  
Unearned revenue            
    567        
Insurance claims to be reimbursed     
    224       1,806  
Accrued insurance            
    7,281       7,529  
Interest rate swap                   
    344       282  
Accrued taxes other than income          
    2,845       2,320  
Accrued interest            
    591       225  
Other                    
    4,185       3,352  
    $ 19,868     $ 23,276  

     
     
 
 
51

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Uncertain tax position liability   
  $ 4,077     $ 1,194  
Amounts owed to Helix     
    425       717  
Other     
    1,078       1,481  
    $ 5,580     $ 3,392  

     
     

5.   Long-term Debt
 
We have a senior secured credit facility with certain financial institutions, which matures on April 26, 2016, consisting of a variable-interest term loan and a $150 million variable-interest revolving credit facility.  At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding debt of $150 million under the term loan, with no quarterly principal payments required until June 30, 2012, when quarterly principal payments of $2 million commence.  The quarterly principal payments will remain at $2 million until June 30, 2013 when they increase to $4 million for the duration of the facility.  A final payment of approximately $94 million will be due at maturity on April 26, 2016.  Additionally, as of December 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and $0.2 million of issued and outstanding letters of credit under our revolving credit facility and approximately $2.4 million of outstanding warranty and bid bonds.  Except as otherwise noted below with respect to the October 2011 amendment to our credit facility, the amount we can borrow under our revolving credit facility is limited by outstanding borrowing, letters of credit, and our consolidated leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio covenant.

Under the credit facility, our permitted leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio was 4.25x for the period through September 30, 2011, and after giving effect to the October 2011 amendment to our credit facility, our permitted leverage ratio was increased to 5.0x for the period through December 31, 2011.  Based on our consolidated leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio and outstanding borrowing and letters of credit as of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $53.2 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.

By an amendment dated October 7, 2011, but effective as of October 11, 2011, we amended our senior secured credit facility.  Under the amendment, our consolidated leverage ratio covenant (debt to EBITDA) was increased to 5.0x for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2011, and the size of the revolving credit facility was permanently reduced from $300 million to $150 million.  The amendment also temporarily eliminates our ability to exercise the “accordion” feature of the revolving credit facility to increase the amount of the facility to up to an additional $100 million.

In addition, for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, the amendment temporarily limits the amount available for borrowing and letters of credit under the $150 million revolving credit facility to $75 million, and requires us to meet either the leverage ratio covenant of 5.0x or have consolidated EBITDA for the trailing twelve months ending on March 31, 2012 of at least $25.2 million.  As long as either covenant is met, the full $75 million will be available for borrowing and letters of credit and will not be limited by the leverage ratio.

Following the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, and assuming we are in compliance with the covenants described above, the full $150 million of the revolver will again be available for borrowing and letters of credit (subject to the leverage ratio covenant), and our maximum permitted leverage ratio covenant will increase to 5.75x for the quarter ending June 30, 2012, decrease to 4.25x through September 30, 2012, decrease to 4.00x through December 31, 2012, and will return to 3.75x thereafter.  Prior to the amendment, the maximum permitted leverage ratio was 4.25x for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and 3.75x for the quarter ending December 31, 2011 and thereafter.

Prior to the amendment, we were subject to an EBITDA to interest financial covenant.  As part of the amendment, this covenant was eliminated effective immediately, and beginning in the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2012, will be replaced with a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant.  Under the new covenant, our fixed charge coverage ratio must not be less than 1.25x at any time during the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2012 or any fiscal quarter thereafter.
 
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The amendment also temporarily imposes a collateral coverage sublimit on the amount available under the revolving credit facility equal to the sum of (i) 80% of the orderly liquation value of each of our vessels that are subject to a vessel mortgage, and (ii) 80% of the value of all of our and our subsidiaries’ account receivables, less the outstanding amount of the term loan.  The amendment also temporarily limits or reduces permitted liens, investments, dispositions, and restricted payments under the negative covenants included in the credit agreement.

Once we deliver a compliance certificate that demonstrates a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 3.75x and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.25x as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter, the collateral coverage sublimit will be removed, the $100 million accordion feature will be restored, and the various limits and restrictions in the negative covenants will be restored to the levels provided in the credit agreement, effective as of the date such compliance certificate is delivered.   The amendment made no changes to the $150 million term loan or its amortization schedule.  Depending on our compliance with certain financial ratio covenants, we may be required to prepay a portion of our term loan with proceeds from any asset sales.

The term loan and the revolving loans (together, the “Loans”) may consist of loans bearing interest equal to the highest of the Federal Funds Rate plus ½ of 1 percent, the Bank of America prime rate and LIBOR plus 1 percent, known as Base Rate Loans, and loans bearing interest equal to LIBOR, known as Eurodollar Rate Loans, in each case plus an applicable margin.  After giving effect to the amendment, the interest rate margins on the Loans range from 3.50% to 4.25% on Eurodollar Rate Loans and 2.50% to 3.25% on Base Rate Loans.  The prior range for Eurodollar Rate Loans and Base Rate Loans was 2.50% to 3.25% and 1.50% to 2.25%, respectively.  The interest rate margins on the Loans will fluctuate in relation to our consolidated leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio as provided in the credit agreement.  Under the amendment, for the period through March 31, 2012 we must either meet a maximum permitted leverage (debt to EBITDA) ratio of 5.0x or have consolidated EBITDA for the trailing twelve months ending on March 31, 2012 of at least $25.2 million.

At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all debt covenants contained in our credit facility. The credit facility is secured by vessel mortgages on all of our vessels (except for the Sea Horizon and the Eclipse), a pledge of all of the stock of all of our domestic subsidiaries and 66% of the stock of three of our foreign subsidiaries, and a security interest in, among other things, all of our equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and general tangible assets.

Aggregate maturities of principal amounts under our credit facility for each year through maturity are as follows (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,
     
2012                                                                   
  $ 6,000  
2013                                                                   
    14,000  
2014                                                                   
    16,000  
2015                                                                   
    16,000  
2016                                                                   
    98,000  
    $ 150,000  

     
     

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we deferred fees in connection with the amendment to our credit facility of $6.9 million, which are being amortized over the remainder of the term of the credit facility ending with the facility’s maturity in April 2016.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, deferred financing costs totaled $8.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
 
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6.   Income Taxes
 
Income (loss) before income taxes was comprised of the following (in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Domestic and foreign summary:
                 
U.S.
  $ (93,653 )   $ (293,034 )   $ 107,426  
Foreign
    6,885       (28,258 )     11,111  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (86,768 )   $ (321,292 )   $ 118,537  

     
     

Components of the provision for income taxes reflected in the statements of operations consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Current:
                 
U.S.                                                                                     
  $ (27,866 )   $ 10,299     $ 37,678  
Foreign                                                                                     
    3,204       (2,988 )     1,805  
Total current provision for income taxes 
    (24,662 )     7,311       39,483  
                         
Deferred:
                       
U.S. 
    (2,683 )     (12,058 )     4,495  
Foreign
    7,714       (4,120 )     (1,928 )
Change in valuation allowance 
    (240 )     3,424       (140 )
Total deferred provision for income taxes
    4,791       (12,754 )     2,427  
Total provision for income taxes
  $ (19,871 )   $ (5,443 )   $ 41,910  

     
     

The change in our valuation allowance is as follows (in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance  
  $ 6,601     $ 3,177     $ 3,317  
Certain foreign jurisdictions net operating loss
    (240 )     3,424        
Equity investments 
                (140 )
Change in valuation allowance 
    (240 )     3,424       (140 )
Ending balance  
  $ 6,361     $ 6,601     $ 3,177  

     
     

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded a valuation allowance for certain foreign jurisdictions as they had cumulative losses or we expect them to have a loss for three consecutive years.  Additional valuation allowances may be made in the future if in management’s opinion it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will not be utilized.
 
The primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate and our effective rate were as follows:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
U.S. statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Foreign activity taxed at local rates
    (7.7 )     (2.3 )      
Change in valuation allowance
    0.3       (1.1 )     (0.1 )
Uncertain tax positions
    (3.3 )     0.5        
Goodwill impairment
          (30.3 )      
Other
    (1.4 )     (0.1 )     0.5  
Effective rate
    22.9 %     1.7 %     35.4 %

     
     
 
 
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Deferred income taxes result from the effect of transactions that are recognized in different periods for financial and tax reporting purposes. The nature of these differences and the income tax effect of each as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
           
Depreciation   
  $ 111,798     $ 116,307  
Deferred drydock costs 
    3,856       4,312  
Prepaid and other  
    7,995       (743 )
Total deferred tax liabilities  
    123,649       119,876  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Reserves, accrued liabilities and other  
    (11,384 )     (9,655 )
Net operating loss  
    (6,595 )     (7,263 )
Foreign tax credit     
    (4,095 )     (3,550 )
Total deferred tax assets    
    (22,074 )     (20,468 )
Valuation allowance      
    6,361       6,601  
Net deferred tax liability     
  $ 107,936     $ 106,009  
                 
Deferred income tax is presented as:
               
Current deferred tax (asset) liability   
  $ 3,269     $ (3,425 )
Non current deferred tax liability       
    104,667       109,434  
Net deferred tax liability  
  $ 107,936     $ 106,009  

     
     

We do not provide U.S. tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries where management intends to keep the earnings permanently invested overseas. For 2011, the amount of permanently invested income was $0.7 million. We have cumulative net unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries of approximately $38.1 million as of December 31, 2011. A determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries is not practicable due to uncertainty regarding the use of foreign tax credits which may become available as a result of a repatriation of earnings.
 
For U.S federal income tax purposes, we have net operating loss (or “NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $8.9 million that, if not utilized, will expire at various times beginning in 2016. Additionally, we have foreign NOL carryforwards of approximately $16 million, which do not expire. We provide a valuation allowance against NOL carryforwards for each jurisdiction based on our consideration of existing temporary differences and expected future earning levels in each jurisdiction. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have foreign tax credit carryforward of approximately $4.1 million, which if not utilized, begin to expire in 2016.
 
Under U.S. federal tax law, the amount and availability of tax benefits are subject to a variety of interpretations and restrictive tests applicable to Cal Dive and our subsidiaries. The utilization of such tax benefits could be limited or effectively lost upon certain changes in ownership. The utilization of our U.S. NOL carryforwards is limited due to changes in control for tax purposes occurring both prior to, and in connection with, our acquisition of Horizon on December 11, 2007.  As a result, U.S. NOLs of approximately $8.9 million have an annual limit of approximately $0.6 million.  We estimate that the limitation of the tax benefits for periods prior to December 11, 2007 that can be utilized during the NOL carryforward period will not adversely affect our cash flow.
 
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The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance as of January 1
  $ 955     $ 767     $ 1,900  
Increases related to current year tax positions
    3,000              
Increases related to prior year tax positions
          188       755  
Changes related to expiration of statutes of limitations
    (200 )            
Settlements with taxing authorities
                (1,888 )
Balance as of December 31
  $ 3,755     $ 955     $ 767  

     
     

Our unrecognized tax benefit of $3.8 million, $1.0 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, would reduce our provision for income taxes if recognized and reduce the effective tax rate.
 
The changes in our interest and penalty related to our unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance as of January 1
  $ 239     $ 1,984     $ 3,500  
Changes related to prior year tax positions
    47       (1,745 )     (113 )
Changes related to expiration of statutes of limitations
    36              
Settlements with taxing authorities
                (1,403 )
Balance as of December 31
  $ 322     $ 239     $ 1,984  

     
     

We recorded a $2.9 million income tax expense, a $1.6 million income tax benefit and a $0.9 million income tax expense in net unrecognized income tax benefit, interest and penalty in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Our unrecognized tax benefit of $3.8 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, would reduce our provision for income taxes if not recognized and affect the effective tax rate.  To the extent accrued interest and penalties of $0.3 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, relating to unrecognized tax benefits, are not actually assessed, the liability will be reversed with an impact on our provision for income taxes and affect the effective tax rate.  We do not expect a material change to the unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months.
 
We file tax returns in the U.S. and in various state, local and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Our two major jurisdictions are the U.S. and Mexico.  We anticipate that any potential adjustments to our federal, state, local and non-U.S. jurisdiction tax returns by tax authorities would not have a material impact on our financial position.  Our tax years for 2008 through 2011 remain subject to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Our 2006 through 2011, as well as Horizon’s 2006 and 2007 tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate international governmental agencies and Horizon’s U.S. NOL carryforward is subject to review.
 
Tax Assessment
 
During the fourth quarter of 2006, Horizon received a tax assessment related to fiscal 2001 from the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (or “SAT”), the Mexican taxing authority, for approximately $283.5 million pesos, including penalties and interest accrued through that date (U.S. $22.0 million, including penalties and interest, and adjusted for inflation using the foreign exchange rate at December 31, 2011.)  The SAT’s assessment claims unpaid taxes related to services performed among our subsidiaries as well as penalties and accrued interest.  After consulting with our Mexican counsel, we believed that under the Mexico and United States double taxation treaty these services are not taxable and the tax assessment itself is invalid.  Accordingly, we did not record a liability for the SAT’s assessment for the 2001 tax year in our consolidated financial statements.  On February 14, 2008, we received notice from the SAT upholding the original assessment.  On April 21, 2008, we filed a petition in Mexico tax court disputing the assessment.  At a hearing of the Mexico tax court on February 21, 2012, the five justices unanimously decided to set aside the tax assessment and declared it null and void.  The SAT will have 15 business days following service of the written decision in which to appeal the decision to the Circuit Collegiate Court.  Regardless of whether or not the SAT appeals this decision, we do not believe the outcome of this proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The SAT also claimed unpaid taxes related to services performed among our subsidiaries for Horizon’s 2002 through 2007 taxable years.  During 2009, we successfully completed negotiations with the SAT with respect to their claim of unpaid taxes related to Horizon’s 2002 through 2007 taxable years, and paid an aggregate of approximately $3.3 million in settlement of these periods.  Horizon’s 2002 through 2004 tax audits were closed in 2009, settling this particular claim by the SAT.  In 2009 we also filed amendments for tax years 2005 through 2007 using the same methodology used in the settlement for the 2002 through 2004 years.  The amended returns were accepted by the Mexican tax authority in March 2010, effectively settling this particular claim.  Even though we have settled this issue for these years, under Mexican tax law there is a five-year statute of limitations, so our tax years 2006 through 2011 remain open for examination in Mexico.
 
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While we believe our recorded assets and liabilities are reasonable, tax laws and regulations are subject to interpretation and tax litigation is inherently uncertain.  As a result, our assessments involve a series of complex judgments about future events and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions.
 
Tax Matters Agreement
 
In December 2006, we entered into the Tax Matters Agreement with Helix. The following is a summary of the material terms of the Tax Matters Agreement:
 
·  
Liability for Taxes.  Each party has agreed to indemnify the other for all taxes for which it is responsible under the Tax Matters Agreement. Helix is generally responsible for all federal, state, local and foreign income taxes that are attributable to us for all tax periods ending on or before December 14, 2006.  We are generally responsible for all federal, state, local and foreign income taxes that are attributable to us beginning after December 14, 2006. We are also responsible for all taxes other than income taxes attributable to us for all tax periods.
 
·  
Tax Benefit Payments.  As a result of certain taxable income recognized by Helix in conjunction with our IPO, we will become entitled to certain tax benefits that are expected to be realized by us in the ordinary course of our business and otherwise would not have been available to us. These benefits are generally attributable to increased tax deductions for amortization of tangible and intangible assets and to increased tax basis in nonamortizable assets. Under the Tax Matters Agreement, for ten years following the date of our IPO, we will be required to make annual payments to Helix equal to 90% of our tax savings realized as a result of these increased tax benefits. The timing of our payments will depend upon, among other things, the amount of our taxable income and the timing at which certain assets are sold or disposed. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, this tax benefit was $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  The current portion of $0.3 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is recorded as a component of accounts payable.  The long-term portion of $0.4 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is recorded in other long-term liabilities.
 
7.  Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
On January 1, 2009, we adopted an update to accounting standards which provides that unvested share-based payment awards which receive non-forfeitable dividend rights or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and are required to be included in computing earnings per share under the two-class method. 
 


Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shares by the basic weighted-average shares of outstanding common stock.  The calculation of diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS, except the denominator includes dilutive common stock equivalents.  The components of basic and diluted EPS for common shares under the two-class method for the three years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (66,897 )   $ (315,849 )   $ 76,627  
Less:  Net income allocated to unvested restricted stock
                2,205  
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares
  $ (66,897 )   $ (315,849 )   $ 74,422  
                         
Denominator:
                       
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    91,742       91,067       91,884  
Dilutive employee stock purchase plan(1)
                43  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    91,742       91,067       91,927  
                         
Earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (0.73 )   $ (3.47 )   $ 0.81  
Diluted
  $ (0.73 )   $ (3.47 )   $ 0.81  
                                     
_____________________________
   
 (1)   No losses were allocated to unvested restricted shares outstanding in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.
 
     
     

8.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
Lease Commitments
 
We lease several facilities worldwide and accommodations for certain employees located outside the U.S. under noncancelable operating leases. Future minimum rentals under these leases are approximately $3.1 million in 2012, $2.8 million in 2013, $2.8 million in 2014, $2.7 million in 2015 and $1.1 million thereafter. Total rental expense under these operating leases was approximately $4.9 million, $5.0 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Insurance
 
We carry hull and increased value insurance, which provides coverage for physical damage to an agreed amount for each vessel. We maintain deductibles that vary between $25,000 and $500,000 based on the value of each vessel.  With our July 1, 2011 renewal and certain insured value changes, our marine package annual aggregate deductible remained $3,000,000. We also carry protection and indemnity (or “P&I”) insurance, which covers liabilities arising from vessel operations, and general liability insurance, which covers liabilities arising from construction operations. The deductible on both the P&I and general liability is $100,000 per occurrence. Onshore employees are covered by workers’ compensation which is subject to a $250,000 per occurrence deductible. Offshore employees, including divers and tenders and marine crews, are covered by a separate P&I policy covering our maritime employers liability (or “P&I/MEL”).  The P&I/MEL policy has a deductible of $100,000 per occurrence plus a $2 million annual aggregate for claims prior to July 1, 2009.  For claims arising after July 1, 2009, the P&I/MEL insurance policy deductible was increased to $250,000 per occurrence with $750,000 in coverage available above the deductible.  However, this $750,000 coverage layer is subject to a $3.0 million annual aggregate deductible. In addition, we carry umbrella liability insurance with a total limit of $500 million in excess of primary limits, subject to an additional aggregate deductible of $1 million for MEL claims only. Our self-insured retention on our medical and health benefits program for employees is $400,000 per participant.
 
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We incur maritime employers’ liability, workers’ compensation and other insurance claims in the normal course of business, which management believes are covered by insurance. We analyze each claim for potential exposure and estimate the ultimate liability of each claim. Amounts due from insurance companies, above the applicable deductible limits, are reflected in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amounts were $0.2 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. See related accrued liabilities at Note 4 - “Details of Certain Accounts.” We have not historically incurred significant losses as a result of claims denied by our insurance carriers.
 
During 2009, we recognized an insurance recovery of $3.9 million for a specific claim incurred in a prior year during the normal course of business, which we have reflected as a reduction to cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
 
Litigation and Claims
 
We are involved in various legal proceedings, primarily involving claims for personal injury under the General Maritime Laws of the United States and the Jones Act as a result of alleged negligence. In addition, we from time to time incur other claims, such as contract disputes, in the normal course of business. Although these matters have the potential of significant additional liability, we believe the outcome of all such matters and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
9.   Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk
 
Our customers consist primarily of major and independent oil and natural gas producers, pipeline transmission companies and offshore engineering and construction firms. We generally do not require material collateral to support contractual payment obligations. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and provide allowances for probable credit losses when necessary. The percent of revenue of major customers that accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues for each of the last three years was as follows: 2011 — AJ Lucas Australia 14% and Chevron Corporation 13%; 2010 — Chevron Corporation 16%, BP Exploration and Production 13%, and Apache Corporation 10%; and 2009 — Chevron Corporation 13%.
 
10.   Employee Benefit Plans
 
Defined Contribution Plan
 
Under a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan provided by us for the purpose of providing retirement benefits for substantially all of our employees, both the employees and we have historically made contributions to the plan. In 2009, we matched a portion of each employee’s contribution, and our contributions were in the form of cash and equaled 50% of each employee’s contribution, up to 5% of the employee’s salary. Our costs related to our employees participating in these plans totaled $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In the first quarter of 2010, we suspended our matching contributions indefinitely.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
Under an incentive plan adopted by us on December 9, 2006, as amended and restated and approved by our stockholders on May 7, 2007, up to 9,000,000 shares of our common stock may be issued to key personnel and non-employee directors in the form of stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock units.  The plan is administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors, which has broad authority to select the persons to whom awards will be made, fix the terms and conditions of each award, and construe, interpret and apply the provisions of the plan and any award made under the plan.  Our Chief Executive Officer has the authority to grant incentives (for no more than 100,000 shares per fiscal year) as inducements to hire or promote candidates who will not be Section 16 officers.  Until 2009, awards of restricted stock granted to employees under the plan typically vested 20% per year over a five-year period.  Beginning with certain employee grants in 2009, the restricted stock vests 33% per year over a three-year period, and all grants, subject to certain exceptions, are not transferable until the restrictions lapse.
 
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The following table summarizes information about our restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value(1)
   
Shares
   
Fair Value(1)
   
Shares
   
Fair Value(1)
 
Restricted shares outstanding:
                                   
Beginning of year
    3,852,825     $ 7.05       3,235,138     $ 8.01       2,776,195     $ 8.61  
Granted
    1,526,446     $ 2.48       1,557,994     $ 5.77       1,178,227     $ 7.09  
Vested
    (1,286,385 )   $ 7.23       (854,547 )   $ 8.33       (595,662 )   $ 8.99  
Forfeited
    (493,722 )   $ 6.48       (85,760 )   $ 7.36       (123,622 )   $ 8.02  
End of year
    3,599,164     $ 5.12       3,852,825     $ 7.05       3,235,138     $ 8.01  
_______________________
 
(1)  Represents the weighted average grant date market value.
 

     
     

Compensation cost, determined by multiplying the number of restricted shares granted by the closing market price of our stock on the grant date, is recognized over the respective vesting periods on a straight-line basis.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, compensation expense related to restricted shares was $9.5 million, $7.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively.  The total fair value of shares vested during 2011 was $9.3 million.  Future compensation cost associated with unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2011 totaled approximately $16.8 million.  The weighted average vesting period related to nonvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2011 was approximately 2.7 years.
 
In December 2011, 2010 and 2009, we granted to certain of our officers a total of 700,576, 488,323 and 403,206 performance share units, respectively, which constitute restricted stock units under the incentive plan that vest 100% following the end of a three-year performance period.  During 2011, 158,211 performance share units granted in December 2009 and 2010 were forfeited back to plan.  During 2010, 51,036 performance share units granted in December 2009 were forfeited back to the plan.  Each performance share unit represents a contingent right to receive the cash value of one share of our common stock dependent upon our total shareholder return relative to a peer group of companies over a three-year performance period. The awards are payable in cash unless the compensation committee determines to pay in stock.  A maximum of 200% of the number of performance shares granted may be earned if performance at the maximum level is achieved.
 
The fair value of the performance share units is remeasured at each reporting period until the awards are settled. At December 31, 2011, the fair values of the awards granted in 2010 and 2009 were $0.57 and $0.06 per unit, respectively.  The fair values of the awards granted in December 2011 will not be calculated until the first quarter of 2012.  The fair value is calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation model which incorporates the historical performance, volatility and correlation of our stock price with our peer group. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the performance share unit liability, reflected in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
Total cumulative expense recognized for the performance units from grant date through December 31, 2011 was $0.1 million based on the current estimated fair values discussed above. The amount and timing of the recognition of additional expense or benefit will be dependent on the estimated fair value at each quarterly reporting date. Any increases or decreases in the fair value may not occur ratably over the remaining performance periods; therefore share-based compensation expense related to the performance share units could vary significantly in future periods.
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
In December 2006, we adopted the Cal Dive International, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which allows employees to acquire shares of common stock through payroll deductions over a six-month period.  The purchase price is equal to 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on either the first or the last day of the subscription period, whichever was lower.  Purchases under the plan are limited to 10% of an employee’s base salary.  We may issue a total of 1,500,000 shares of common stock under the plan.  From the plan’s inception through December 31, 2009, we issued 1,144,925 shares of common stock to our employees.  We recognized compensation expense related to stock purchases under the Cal Dive ESPP of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  We had no compensation expense related to stock purchases under the Cal Dive ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 because we suspended the employee stock purchase plan indefinitely in the first quarter of 2010.
 
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11.   Business Segment Information
 
We have one reportable segment, Marine Contracting. We perform a portion of our marine contracting services in foreign waters. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we earned revenues of $199.1 million, $110.2 million and $273.9 million, respectively, from foreign locations. The remainder of our revenues were generated in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. waters.  Net property and equipment in foreign locations were $164.9 million and $166.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
12.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
  $ 2,333     $ 2,118  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
    (223 )     (149 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 2,110     $ 1,969  

     
     

13.   Subsequent Event

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we entered into an Option to Purchase for the sale of our Singapore facility for approximately $6.5 million.  The Option to Purchase contains all terms of the sale.  When the buyer exercises its option, the Option to Purchase becomes a binding contract of purchase and sale, subject only to the consent of the Jurong Town Corporation (or “JTC”), a local Singapore government entity.  The buyer exercised its option on January 18, 2012 and we received JTC approval on January 26, 2012.  We expect to close the sale in the first quarter of 2012, although no assurances can be given as to this timing.



Supplemental Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
The offshore marine construction industry in the Gulf of Mexico may be seasonal as a result of weather conditions and the timing of capital expenditures by the oil and natural gas companies. Historically, a substantial portion of our services has been performed during the summer and fall months, and as a result, a disproportionate amount of our revenues and net income is earned during this period.  The following is a summary of consolidated quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
Fiscal 2011
                       
Revenues
  $ 95,431     $ 124,040     $ 132,906     $ 127,434  
Gross profit (loss)
    (7,226 )     1,654       12,050       7,788  
Net income (loss) (1) 
    (18,745 )     (5,014 )     (34,367 )     (8,771 )
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.37 )   $ (0.10 )
                                 
Fiscal 2010
                               
Revenues
  $ 57,418     $ 124,217     $ 193,793     $ 161,040  
Gross profit (loss)
    (15,409 )     7,457       46,721       23,673  
Net income (loss) (2) 
    (19,129 )     (10,966 )     (283,372 )     (2,382 )
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (3.11 )   $ (0.03 )
         _________________________________   
(1)  
The third and fourth quarters of 2011 include after-tax, non-cash impairment charges of $28.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, related to fixed assets impairments.
(2)  
The third quarter of 2010 includes after-tax, non-cash charges of $302.5 related to the impairment of goodwill and fixed assets.

     
     
 

Item 9.                 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.                      Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our CEO and CFO, with the participation of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.  Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 


MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In making its assessment, management has utilized the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (or “COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements included in this annual report, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  This report appears on the following page.
 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Cal Dive International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
 
We have audited Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 of Cal Dive International, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March 2, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Houston, Texas
March 2, 2012

 

PART III
 
Item 10.                      Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Code of Ethics
 
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, applicable to all employees, officers and directors, as well as a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers specific to those officers.  Copies of these documents are available free of charge on our website at www.caldive.com.
 
The remaining information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Item 11.                      Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Item 12.                      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Item 13.                      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Item 14.                      Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.                      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)         The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
 
(1)                 Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years Ended December 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three years Ended December 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years Ended December 31, 2011
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
65

(2)                 Financial Statement Schedules.
 
The following financial statement schedule is filed with this report:
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
 
All other financial statement schedules are omitted because the information is not required or because the information required is in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
 
(3)                 Exhibits.
 
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index.
 

 

SIGNATURES
 
 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
CAL DIVE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Brent D. Smith
 
 
 
 
March 2, 2012
 
Brent D. Smith
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   

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

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Todd A. Dittmann
Director
March 2, 2012
Todd A. Dittmann
   
     
     
/s/ David E. Preng
Director
March 2, 2012
David E. Preng
   
     
     
/s/ William L. Transier
Director
March 2, 2012
William L. Transier
   
     
     
/s/ John T. Mills
Director
March 2, 2012
John T. Mills
   
     
     
/s/ Quinn J. Hébert
Chairman, President and
March 2, 2012
Quinn J. Hébert
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
/s/ Brent D. Smith
Executive Vice President, Chief
March 2, 2012
Brent D. Smith
Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
 



SCHEDULE II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)

   
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
   
Deductions
   
Charged
to Other
Accounts
   
Balance
at End of
Period
 
2011
                             
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 6,039     $ (2,240 )   $ (1,135 )   $     $ 2,664  
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    6,601             (240 )           6,361  
2010
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 7,286     $ (167 )   $ (1,080 )   $     $ 6,039  
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    3,177       3,424                   6,601  
2009
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 4,604     $ 7,992     $ (5,310 )   $     $ 7,286  
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    3,317             (140 )           3,177  

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 

         
Filed
             
 
Exhibit
     
with this
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
 
Number
 
Exhibit Title
 
Form 10-K
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cal Dive International, Inc.
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/1/07
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cal Dive International, Inc.
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
8/31/10
 
 
4.1
 
Specimen Common Stock certificate of Cal Dive International, Inc.
     
S-1
 
333-134609
 
5/31/06
 
 
10.1
 
Tax Matters Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/1/07
 
 
10.2
 
Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2011 among Cal Dive International, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administration Agent, together with the other lenders parties thereto 
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
4/27/11
 
 
10.3
 
Amendment No. 1. to Credit Agreement dated October 7, 2011, but effective as of October 11, 2011, among Cal Dive International, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, together with the other lenders parties thereto.
     
8-K
 
001-33206
 
10/13/11
 
 
10.4*
 
Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Quinn J. Hébert
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/28/08
 
 
10.5*
 
Amendment No. 1 to Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2009, between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Quinn J. Hébert
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/2/11
 
 
10.6*
 
Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/28/08
 
 
10.7*
 
Amendment No. 1 to Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2009, between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/23/09
 
 
10.8*
 
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2010, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of Quinn J. Hébert and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
8-K
 
001-33206
 
9/16/10
 
 
10.9* 
 
Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2010, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and Brent D. Smith
     
8-K
 
001-33206
 
8/31/10
 
 
10.10*
 
Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2011, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and John R. Abadie, Jr.
     
10-Q
 
001-33206
 
11/2/11
 
 
10.11*
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2009, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and John R. Abadie, Jr.
 
X
             
 
 
10.12*
 
Severance and Change of Control Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and G. Kregg Lunsford, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of January 1, 2009, as further amended by Amendment No. 2 thereto, dated as of September 10, 2010
     
10-Q
 
001-33206
 
11/2/11
 
 
10.13*
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement by and between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
5/11/07
 
 
10.14*
 
Amended and Restated Annual Performance Bonus Plan
     
10-K
 
001-33206
 
2/26/10
 
 
10.15*
 
Cal Dive International, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
12/16/09
 
 
10.16*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for 2006 Grants to Quinn J. Hébert, G. Kregg Lunsford, and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/1/07
 
 
10.17*
 
Amendment No. 1 to Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2007, by and among Cal Dive International, Inc. and Quinn J. Hébert, G. Kregg Lunsford and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/28/08
 
 
10.18*
 
Amendment No. 2 to Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2008, by and among Cal Dive International, Inc. and Quinn J. Hébert, G. Kregg Lunsford and Lisa M. Buchanan
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
12/17/08
 
 
10.19*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for 2008 Grants between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its executive officers
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/28/08
 
 
10.20*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for 2008 Grants to Outside Directors
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
2/23/09
 
 
10.21*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its executive officers for 2009 grants
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
12/16/09
 
 
10.22*
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its executive officers for 2009 grants
     
8-K
 
000-33206
 
12/16/09
 
 
10.23*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its outside directors for 2010 grants
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/2/11
 
 
10.24*
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its executive officers for 2010 grants
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/2/11
 
 
10.25*
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement between Cal Dive International, Inc. and each of its executive officers for 2011 grants
 
X
             
 
10.26*
 
Cal Dive International, Inc. Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
 
X
             
 
14.1
 
Code of Ethics
     
10-K
 
000-33206
 
3/1/07
 
 
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of Cal Dive International, Inc.
 
X
             
 
23.1
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 
X
             
 
31.1
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Quinn J. Hébert, Chief Executive Officer
 
X
             
 
 
31.2
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Brent D. Smith, Chief Financial Officer
 
X
             
 
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
X
             
 
  101
 
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2011; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2011; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2011; and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that the interactive data files in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
                 
   
*Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 
71