DEF 14A 1 smsi-def14a_20210608.htm DEF 14A 2021 PROXY smsi-def14a_20210608.htm

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

 

 

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Definitive Proxy Statement

 

 

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

 

 

Soliciting Material under 240.14a-12

Smith Micro Software, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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

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April 28, 2021

Dear Smith Micro Stockholders:

 

We are pleased to invite you to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Smith Micro Software, Inc. to be held  on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time via live webcast at the virtual meeting site, www.meetingcenter.io/269570579.  

 

We will conduct a virtual online Annual Meeting this year, so our shareholders can participate from any geographic location with Internet connectivity. We believe this is will enhance accessibility to our Annual Meeting for all of our stockholders, and is particularly important for our stockholders, employees, and community again this year in light of ongoing public health and safety considerations posed by the continued spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Stockholders will be able to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting online, vote shares electronically, and submit questions prior to and during the Annual Meeting as described in the enclosed proxy statement.  We are pleased to embrace the latest technology to provide expanded access and enable greater stockholder attendance and participation from any location around the world.

The expected actions to be taken at the Annual Meeting, which include the election of two directors, are described in the attached Proxy Statement and Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In addition to the Proxy Statement, we are mailing or making available to you a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which we encourage you to read. Our Annual Report includes our audited financial statements for 2020 and information about our operations, markets and products.

We are mailing to most of our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) instead of a paper copy of the attached Proxy Statement and our 2020 Annual Report.  The Notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet. The Notice also contains instructions on how to request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including the attached Proxy Statement, our 2020 Annual Report and a form of proxy card. All stockholders who have previously requested a paper copy of our proxy materials will continue to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to participate in the Annual Meeting, which will be held online this year, you can be sure your shares are represented at the meeting by promptly voting your shares as instructed in the Notice, or by requesting a printed proxy card, if you prefer, and completing, signing, dating and returning the printed proxy card by mail. If you later decide to participate in the Annual Meeting and wish to change your vote, you may do so simply by voting online during the meeting.  

To log in to and participate in this year’s virtual Annual Meeting, you will need the stockholder control number and meeting password located on the Notice, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. Please keep this information in a safe place so it is available to you for the meeting.

We look forward to having you join us online at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William W. Smith, Jr.

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

 

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Smith Micro Software, Inc.

 

 

 

 


 

 

SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

5800 Corporate Dr., 5th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JUNE 8, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Smith Micro Software, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at the virtual meeting site www.meetingcenter.io/269570579.  The Annual Meeting will be held solely online, and as such there is no physical address for the Annual Meeting.  The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice:

 

1.

Election of Directors. The election of two (2) directors to serve on our Board of Directors until the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

2.

“Say-On-Pay” Proposal. Non-binding advisory vote to approve the 2020 compensation of named executive officers.

 

3.

Ratification of the appointment of SingerLewak LLP. Ratification of the appointment of SingerLewak LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.  

 

4.

Other Business. Any other business properly brought before the stockholders at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The close of business on April 14, 2021 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only stockholders of record at such time will be so entitled to vote. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for inspection by stockholders on the Annual Meeting site at www.meetingcenter.io/269570579.

You are cordially invited to participate in the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to participate in the Annual Meeting online, we urge you to ensure your representation by voting by proxy promptly in accordance with the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) or by requesting a printed proxy card, if you prefer, and completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card, or the form forwarded by your bank, broker or other holder of record, by mail. If you attend the Annual Meeting online and vote your shares at that time, your proxy will not be used.

A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote must be represented at the Annual Meeting in order to constitute a quorum. Please vote your shares in accordance with the Notice or return your proxy card in order to ensure that a quorum is obtained.

 

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy C. Huffmyer

 

 

Timothy C. Huffmyer

 

 

Corporate Secretary

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

April 28, 2021

 

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the stockholder meeting to be held June 8, 2021: The Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at http://www.edocumentview.com/SMSI.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to each stockholder of record, we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request to receive them in accordance with the instructions provided in the Notice. The Notice contains instructions on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials over the Internet. The Notice also instructs how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received a Notice and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.

 

 


 

 

SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held June 8, 2021

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

General

This Proxy Statement contains information related to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Smith Micro Software, Inc. (“Smith Micro,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”), which will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and any postponements or adjournments thereof.  We will host the Annual Meeting solely online via live webcast this year, so our shareholders can participate from any geographic location with Internet connectivity. We believe this is will enhance accessibility to our Annual Meeting for all of our stockholders, and is particularly important for our stockholders, employees, and community this year in light of continuing public health and safety considerations posed by the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to each stockholder of record, we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials other than as described below. The Notice contains instructions on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials over the Internet. The Notice also instructs how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received a Notice and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 14, 2021 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. It is anticipated that the Notice will first be sent to stockholders, and this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy relating to our Annual Meeting, are being first mailed or made available to stockholders on or about April 28, 2021. These materials are available for viewing, printing and downloading on the Internet at www.edocumentview.com/SMSI.  

Purpose of the Meeting

The specific proposals to be considered and acted upon at the Annual Meeting are summarized in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders accompanying this Proxy Statement and are described in more detail in this Proxy Statement. We are not aware of any matter to be presented other than those described in this Proxy Statement.

How to Participate in the Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted exclusively by webcast. You are entitled to participate in the Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder of the Company as of the close of business on the Record Date, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. No physical meeting will be held.

You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.meetingcenter.io/269570579. You also will be able to vote your shares online by attending the Annual Meeting by webcast.  To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need to enter the control number and meeting password included on your Notice, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance using the instructions below.

The online meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in. Online access will begin at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time.  Please follow the registration instructions as outlined in this Proxy Statement.  

Registration to Participate in the Annual Meeting

If you are a stockholder of record, meaning that your shares are represented by certificates or book entries in your name so that you appear as a shareholder on the records of Computershare, our stock transfer agent, you do not need to register to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet. Please follow the instructions on the Notice or proxy card that you received.

If you own shares in street name, meaning that your shares are held by a bank, brokerage firm, or other intermediary, you

 


 

must register in advance to participate in the Annual Meeting. To register to participate in the Annual Meeting online by webcast you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Company stock holdings along with your name and email address to Computershare. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 3, 2021.  You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after your registration materials have been received.

Requests for registration should be directed to the following:

 

By email:  Forward the email from your bank, broker, or other intermediary, or attach an image of your legal proxy, to legalproxy@computershare.com

 

By mail:  Computershare, Smith Micro Software, Inc. Legal Proxy, P.O. Box 43001, Providence, RI 02940-3001

Voting

Our outstanding common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) is the only class of securities entitled to vote on the proposals presented at the Annual Meeting. Common Stockholders of record on the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 51,645,718 shares of Common Stock outstanding and approximately 87 holders of record, according to information provided by our transfer agent. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal. Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors. A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes count as present for establishing a quorum but will not be counted as votes cast. If a quorum is not present, the meeting may be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.

All votes will be tabulated by our inspector of elections for the Annual Meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and “broker non-votes” (i.e., shares held by a broker or other nominee having discretionary power to vote on some matters but not others). Broker non-votes occur when your broker or other nominee submits a proxy for your shares (because the broker or other nominee has received instructions from you on one or more proposals, but not all, or has not received instructions from you but is entitled to vote your shares on a particular “discretionary” matter) but does not indicate a vote for a particular proposal because the broker or other nominee either does not have the authority to vote on that proposal and has not received voting instructions from you, or has discretionary authority but chooses not to exercise it. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business. In all proposals other than the election of directors, abstentions will be counted towards the tabulations of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. In the election of directors, the two nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes shall be elected; broker non-votes, abstentions and votes marked “withhold” will not affect the outcome of the election. Proposals 2 and 3 require the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining whether such proposals have been approved. With respect to Proposal 2, as an advisory vote this proposal is non-binding on the Company; however, the Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions.

How to Vote

The manner in which your shares may be voted depends on how your shares are held. If you are a stockholder of record, meaning that your shares are represented by certificates or book entries in your name so that you appear as a shareholder on the records of Computershare, our stock transfer agent, you may vote by proxy, meaning you authorize the individuals named on your proxy card or Notice to vote your shares. If you choose to vote by proxy, you may do so by telephone, via the Internet or by mail. Each of these methods is explained below. If you hold your shares of Common Stock in multiple accounts, you should vote your shares as described in each set of proxy materials you receive. If no direction is made on your proxy and it is otherwise properly executed, your proxy will be voted FOR the election of the two director nominees and FOR each of the other proposals at the Annual Meeting.  You also may participate in and vote during the Annual Meeting.

Voting by proxy.  You may vote your shares by proxy by telephone, via the Internet or by mail:

 

By Telephone. You may transmit your proxy voting instructions by calling the telephone number specified on the Notice, or if you received a printed version of the proxy materials by mail, by following the instructions provided with your proxy materials and on your proxy card. You will need to have the Notice or proxy card in hand when you call. If you choose to vote by telephone, you do not have to return a proxy card by mail.

 

Via the Internet. You may transmit your proxy voting instructions via the Internet by accessing the website specified on the Notice, or if you received a printed version of the proxy materials by mail, by following the

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instructions provided with your proxy materials and on your proxy card. You will need to have the Notice or proxy card in hand when you access the website. If you choose to vote via the Internet, you do not have to return a proxy card by mail.

 

By Mail. If you received printed proxy materials, you may vote by proxy by completing, signing and dating the proxy card enclosed with your printed proxy materials and returning it in the enclosed prepaid envelope.

Voting online during the Annual Meeting:  Stockholders who elect to participate in the Annual Meeting may vote online during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions provided.  Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting so that if you should become unable to attend the Annual Meeting your shares will still be voted in accordance with your direction.

Telephone and Internet voting for stockholders of record will be available up until voting has closed at the Annual Meeting, and mailed proxy cards must be received by June 7, 2021 in order to be counted at the Annual Meeting. If the Annual Meeting is adjourned or postponed, this deadline may be extended.

The voting deadlines and availability of telephone and Internet voting for beneficial owners of shares held in “street name” will depend on the voting processes of the organization that holds your shares. Therefore, we urge you to carefully review and follow the voting instruction card and any other materials that you receive from that organization.

Revoking a Proxy; Changing Your Vote

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy before the vote is taken at the meeting:

 

by submitting a new proxy with a later date before the Annual Meeting either signed and returned by mail or transmitted using the telephone or Internet voting procedures described in the “How to Vote” section above;

 

by voting online at the virtual meeting site; or

 

by filing a written revocation with our corporate Secretary.

If your shares are held in “street name,” you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your broker or other organization holding your account. You may also vote online at the Annual Meeting, which will have the effect of revoking any previously submitted voting instructions, if you obtain a legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares as described in the “How to Vote” section above.

Your attendance alone at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy.

Difference Between a “Stockholder of Record” and a Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in “Street Name”

Stockholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare, then you are considered the “stockholder of record” of those shares. In this case, your Notice or printed proxy materials have been sent to you directly by us. You may vote your shares by proxy prior to the Annual Meeting by following the instructions contained on the Notice or, if you received a printed version of the proxy materials by mail, by following the instructions provided with your proxy materials and on your proxy card.

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank, trust or other nominee or custodian, then you are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, which are held in “street name.” In this case, your proxy materials have been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct that organization as to how to vote the shares held in your account by following the instructions contained on the voting instruction card provided to you by that organization.

Solicitation

Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting as described in this Proxy Statement, and Smith Micro will bear the entire cost of solicitation, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of the Notice, this Proxy Statement, the proxy card and any additional solicitation materials furnished to the stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others so that they may forward the solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. We may reimburse such persons for their costs in forwarding the solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. In addition, the original solicitation of proxies

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by mail may be supplemented by a solicitation by Internet or other means by our directors, officers or employees. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services, although we may reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Deadlines for Receipt of Stockholder Proposals

Stockholders may present proposals for action at a future meeting only if they comply with the requirements of the proxy rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and our Bylaws. For stockholder proposals submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) to be presented at and included in our proxy statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2022 Annual Meeting”), such proposals must be submitted to and received by the Company’s corporate Secretary no later than December 29, 2021. Pursuant to our Bylaws, any stockholder intending to present a proposal for action at an annual meeting must give written notice to the Company’s corporate Secretary not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date of the annual meeting, except that if less than 40 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, then the deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal is the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Under our Bylaws, the deadline for submitting a nomination for a director to be included in our proxy materials for an annual meeting is 60 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. In addition, the proxy solicited by the Board of Directors for the 2022 Annual Meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on any stockholder proposal presented at that meeting, unless we receive notice of such proposal no later than March 14, 2022, which is 45 calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the mailing of this Proxy Statement. Stockholder proposals and nominations must be in writing and should be addressed to our corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices located at 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The Chairman of the Annual Meeting reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements, including conditions set forth in our Bylaws and conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We have not been notified by any stockholder of his or her intent to present a stockholder proposal from the floor at this year’s Annual Meeting. Your proxy grants the proxy holders discretionary authority to vote on any matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting that is not included in this Proxy Statement.

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MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT ANNUAL MEETING

PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for our Board of Directors (the “Board”) to be divided into three classes.  Each class of directors serves for a three-year term, with one class being elected by the Company’s stockholders at each annual meeting.  Our Board currently has six directors: Andrew Arno, Thomas G. Campbell, Steven L. Elfman, Samuel Gulko, William W. Smith, Jr. and Gregory J. Szabo. Messrs. Campbell and Elfman serve as directors with terms expiring at this year’s Annual Meeting, Messrs. Arno and Gulko serve as directors with terms of office expiring at the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, and Messrs. Smith and Szabo serve as directors with terms expiring at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.  

Two directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve three-year terms expiring on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2024 (the “2024 Annual Meeting”) or until their respective successors shall have been elected and qualified. The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors has recommended to the Board for nomination, and the Board has nominated, Messrs. Campbell and Elfman as its nominees for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting. Your proxy will be voted, unless authority is withheld or the proxy is revoked, FOR the election of Messrs. Campbell and Elfman to hold office until the date of our 2024 Annual Meeting or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified or until in either case they earlier resign, become disqualified or disabled, or are otherwise removed. Each returned proxy cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the nominees named on the proxy. In the unanticipated event that a nominee becomes unable or declines to serve at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for a substitute person recommended by the Governance and Nominating Committee and approved by the Board.  Messrs. Campbell and Elfman have agreed to serve if elected, and the Board has no reason to believe that they will be unavailable to serve.

 

DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES  

Provided below is certain information with respect to each nominee for election as a director and each continuing director.

Director Nominees for Terms Ending at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Present Position with the Company

Thomas G. Campbell (1)

 

70

 

Director

Steven L. Elfman (2)

 

65

 

Director

 

(1)

Member of the Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees

(2)

Member of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating, and Mergers and Acquisitions Committees

Mr. Campbell became a director in July 1995. From March 1999 to the present, he has served as the Executive Vice President of King Printing, Inc., a book printing and manufacturing company. From July 1996 to March 1999, he was the Vice President of Operations of Complete Concepts, Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of women’s accessories. From November 1995 to July 1996, Mr. Campbell was an independent management consultant specializing in corporate turnarounds. From February 1995 to November 1995, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Laser Atlanta Optics, Inc. From 1985 to February 1995, he served in several senior management positions at Hayes, Inc., including Vice President of Operations and Business Development and as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Practical Peripherals, a Hayes subsidiary. Prior to 1985, Mr. Campbell was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation. Mr. Campbell attended Boston University. Mr. Campbell brings to our Board extensive executive management experience in the retail and consumer products industries, along with particular strengths with respect to leadership, management, financial, international business and corporate governance skills.

Mr. Elfman became a director in November 2014. He is the former President of Network Operations and Wholesale at Sprint, a telecommunications company and leading wireless carrier, having had responsibility for product, technology development, network, wholesale operations, value-added services, procurement and real estate, and digital. Mr. Elfman joined the Sprint senior leadership team in May 2008 from mobile data technology services company, Infospace, where he was Executive Vice President of Infospace Mobile, then President and Chief Operating Officer of Motricity following the acquisition of Infospace Mobile. He also has held leadership positions at Terabeam, as Executive Vice President of Operations, and at AT&T Wireless, where he was Chief Information Officer. Mr. Elfman was the CIO at GE Capital (Fleet Services Company) as well as head of IT at 3M Company for international operations. Mr. Elfman graduated from the University of

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Western Ontario in Canada with a degree in computer science and business. He currently serves on the board of directors of Syntonic Limited, a software company and provider of mobile software solutions, where he serves as non-executive chairman and as a member of the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Mr. Elfman previously served on the boards of Affirmed Networks, Inc., a mobile network solutions company, CollabIP, Inc., a communications intelligence platform provider, Competitor Carrier Association, Bethany College and Clearwire. Mr. Elfman brings to our Board extensive knowledge of the telecommunications and wireless data and cellular industries, particularly with respect to large wireless providers.

Vote Required for Approval and Recommendation of Board of Directors

The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required for approval of the election of directors standing for election at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE OR THEIR SUBSTITUTES AS SET FORTH HEREIN.

 

Continuing Directors with Terms Ending at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Present Position with the Company

Andrew Arno (1)

 

61

 

Director

Samuel Gulko (2)

 

89

 

Director

 

(1)

Member of the Governance and Nominating and Mergers and Acquisitions Committees

(2)

Member of Audit and Compensation Committees

Mr. Arno joined our Board of Directors in July 2011 and has 30 years of experience working with emerging growth companies. He is currently Vice Chairman of Special Equities Group, LLC, a privately held investment banking firm affiliated with Dawson James Securities Inc. (and prior thereto affiliated with Bradley Woods & Co. Ltd. and prior thereto affiliated with Chardan Capital Markets, LLC).  From June 2013 until July 2015 he served as Managing Director of Emerging Growth Equities, an investment bank, and Vice President of Sabr, Inc., a family investment group. He was previously President of LOMUSA Limited, an investment banking firm. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Arno served as Vice Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer of Unterberg Capital, LLC, an investment advisory firm that he cofounded. He was also Vice Chairman and Head of Equity Capital Markets of Merriman Capital LLC, an investment banking firm, and served on the board of the parent company, Merriman Holdings, Inc. Mr. Arno currently serves on the boards of Oncocyte Corporation, a biotechnology company, Independa Inc., a software company, and Comhear Inc., an audio technology R&D company.

Mr. Gulko became a director in October 2004. Since September 2002, he has provided tax and consulting services on a part-time basis to a limited number of clients. From July 1996 until his retirement in September 2002, Mr. Gulko served as the Chief Financial Officer, and as the Vice President of Finance, Secretary and Treasurer of Neotherapeutics, Inc., a publicly traded biotechnology company (now known as Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). During this same period, he also served as a member of the board of directors of Neotherapeutics, Inc. From April 1987 to July 1996, Mr. Gulko was self-employed as a certified public accountant and business consultant, as well as the part time chief financial officer of several privately-owned companies. Mr. Gulko was a partner in the audit practice of Ernst & Young LLP, an accounting and business services firm, from September 1968 until March 1987. Mr. Gulko holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California. As a senior finance executive, Mr. Gulko brings to our Board extensive qualifications and experience in finance and public accounting, including his prior service as an audit partner at Ernst & Young LLP and as the CFO of a publicly-traded company.

Continuing Directors with Terms Ending at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Present Position with the Company

William W. Smith, Jr.

 

73

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Gregory J. Szabo (1)

 

73

 

Director

 

(1)

Member of the Audit and Mergers and Acquisitions Committees

 

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Mr. Smith co-founded Smith Micro and has served as our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer since inception in 1982. Mr. Smith was employed by Rockwell International Corporation in a variety of technical and management positions from 1975 to 1984. Mr. Smith served with Xerox Data Systems from 1972 to 1975 and RCA Computer Systems Division from 1969 to 1972 in mainframe sales and pre-sale technical roles. Mr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Grove City College. As co-founder and the most senior executive of our Company, Mr. Smith provides the Board with valuable insight into the Company’s business operations, opportunities and challenges, as well as his extensive knowledge of the telecommunications and wireless industries, garnered during his more than 35 years of service with our Company. Mr. Smith also possesses particular strengths with respect to leadership and management skills.

Mr. Szabo re-joined the Board in July 2011. He previously served from June 2001 to April 2010. Mr. Szabo has over 30 years of wireless communications experience and is a co-founder of Ertek Inc., a company that provides antenna technology to the wireless industry, including high-performance, low-cost RFID Tag antennas. Mr. Szabo has served in a series of senior management positions during a 13-year career with AirTouch's wireless communications operations, through its acquisition by Vodafone and merger with Verizon Wireless in 2000. As Senior Vice President-Network Services, he directed the engineering and operations of the company's cellular systems in the eastern United States. He also served as Executive Director, Global Technology for Vodafone. Mr. Szabo previously held managerial positions with Motorola and Martin Marietta. Mr. Szabo received a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University. Mr. Szabo brings to our Board substantial market knowledge and in-depth insights into the worldwide telecommunications and wireless data and cellular industries.

 

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PROPOSAL 2:

“SAY-ON-PAY” PROPOSAL

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires that we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding and advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). At our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our Board of Directors recommended, and our stockholders voted on an advisory basis, to conduct this vote annually.  Since the vote on this compensation program is advisory in nature, it will not affect any compensation already awarded to any named executive officer and will not be binding on or overrule any decisions made by the Compensation Committee or the Board with respect to compensation to be awarded in the future. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation. Rather, this vote relates to the compensation of our named executive officers as a whole, as described in this Proxy Statement.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews named executive officer compensation, as discussed in this Proxy Statement. As discussed in the narrative under the heading “Executive Compensation” beginning on page 16 of this Proxy Statement, our compensation program is designed to align executive pay with Company performance, and we seek to closely align the interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our stockholders.

The Compensation Committee and the Board will consider the results of this advisory vote when formulating future executive compensation policy. As such, your vote will serve as an additional tool to guide the Compensation Committee and the Board in continuing to align the Company’s executive compensation program with the interests of the Company and its stockholders. Your vote will also guide the Compensation Committee and the Board to ensure that our executive compensation program is consistent with our commitment to high standards of corporate governance.

We ask our stockholders to vote on the following resolution at the 2021 Annual Meeting:

"RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve on an advisory basis the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the compensation tables and narrative disclosure contained therein."

Vote Required for Approval and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

Approval of this resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining whether the resolution has been approved.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL, ON A NON-BINDING ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

 

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PROPOSAL 3:

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

SingerLewak LLP (“SingerLewak”) has been engaged as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since December 2005. The Audit Committee has selected SingerLewak as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 and has further directed that the selection of the independent auditors be submitted for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder ratification of the selection of SingerLewak as the Company’s independent auditors is not required by the Company’s Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of SingerLewak to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain SingerLewak. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.  Representatives of SingerLewak are not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and accordingly will not have an opportunity to make a statement or be available to respond to questions from stockholders.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The following is a summary of the fees billed to Smith Micro by SingerLewak for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020:

 

Fee Category

 

Fiscal 2019 Fees

 

Fiscal 2020 Fees

 

Audit Fees

 

$

335,842

 

$

252,500

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

36,571

 

$

20,527

 

Tax Fees

 

$

 

$

 

All Other Fees

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

Audit Fees: This category consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees: This category consists of assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.”

Tax Fees: This category consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. For each proposed service, the independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. Such a member must report any decisions to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled meeting.

Vote Required for Approval and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is being sought to ratify the appointment of SingerLewak LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SINGERLEWAK LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2021.

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors and Committees of the Board

Our Board of Directors, elected by the stockholders, is the ultimate decision-making body of the Company, except with respect to those matters reserved to the stockholders. The Board acts as an advisor and counselor to executive management and oversees and monitors its performance.  

Our Board of Directors held seven meetings during 2020.  Each director attended either in person or via teleconference at least 75% of the aggregate of all Board and applicable committee meetings during fiscal 2020 for the period in which they served as director.  Although we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board of Directors at our annual meeting of stockholders, directors are encouraged to attend our annual meetings.  None of our current directors attended our annual meeting of stockholders in 2020.

Our Board of Directors has established four standing committees: an Audit Committee; a Compensation Committee; a Governance and Nominating Committee; and a Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. Each of these committees has adopted a written charter.

Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee is comprised of three members: Messrs. Campbell, Gulko and Szabo. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards as well as within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, and that each Audit Committee member is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. The Audit Committee reviews our financial statements and accounting practices, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm and reviews the results and scope of our annual audit and other services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is responsible for establishing, and has established, procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. In addition, all related party transactions are reviewed and subject to approval by the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has adopted and approved a written charter for the Audit Committee. A current copy of this charter is posted on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com under the Investor Relations section. Mr. Gulko is the Audit Committee Chairman and the Board has determined that he qualifies as a financial expert, as that term is described in SEC regulations. The Audit Committee held five meetings during 202019.

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of three members: Messrs. Campbell, Elfman and Gulko. The Board of Directors has determined that all the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards and applicable SEC regulations. The Compensation Committee administers our executive compensation programs and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning officer and director compensation. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to administer our Plan, and to make awards under the Plan. The Board of Directors has adopted and approved a written charter for the Compensation Committee. A current copy of this charter is posted on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com under the Investor Relations section. The Compensation Committee held two meetings during 2020.

The Compensation Committee’s primary objectives in structuring and administering our executive officer compensation program are to attract, motivate and retain talented and dedicated executive officers; tie annual and long-term cash and stock incentives to achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance objectives; and reinforce business strategies and objectives to enhance stockholder value.  To achieve these goals, our Compensation Committee maintains compensation plans that tie a portion of executives’ overall compensation to key strategic goals such as the Company’s financial and operational performance, as measured by metrics such as total revenue and non-GAAP operating expense. Our Compensation Committee evaluates individual executive performance along with our CEO (other than with respect to his own performance) as part of the review process. Our Compensation Committee periodically reviews our executive officers’ compensation to determine whether we provide adequate incentives and motivation to our executive officers and whether we adequately compensate our executive officers relative to comparable officers in other similarly situated companies.  The Committee did not engage any compensation consultants during 2020.  Management plays a significant role in the compensation-setting

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process for executive officers, other than the CEO, by evaluating employee performance, recommending business performance targets and establishing objectives, and recommending salary levels, bonuses and equity-based awards.

Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of three members: Messrs. Arno, Campbell and Elfman. The Board of Directors has determined that all the members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards and applicable SEC regulations. The Governance and Nominating Committee receives proposed nominations to the Board of Directors, reviews the eligibility of each proposed nominee, and recommends for nomination by the Board of Directors, new members of the Board of Directors to be submitted to the stockholders for election at each annual meeting. The Board of Directors has adopted and approved a written charter for the Governance and Nominating Committee. A current copy of this charter is posted on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com under the Investor Relations section. The Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings during 2020.

When considering a potential candidate for membership on our Board of Directors, our Governance and Nominating Committee considers relevant business and industry experience and demonstrated character and judgment. The Governance and Nominating Committee considers diversity in identifying candidates by generally seeking to achieve a diversity of occupational and personal backgrounds on the Board. However, the Governance and Nominating Committee has no formal policy regarding diversity. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider stockholder nominations for directors submitted in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article II, Section 12 of our Bylaws. The procedure provides that a notice relating to the nomination must be timely given in writing to our Corporate Secretary prior to the meeting. Such notice shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of each such person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (iii) the class and number of shares of Smith Micro Common Stock that are beneficially owned by such person and (iv) any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including, without limitation, such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on our books and (ii) the class and number of shares of Smith Micro common stock that are beneficially owned by such stockholder. There are no differences in the manner in which the Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates a candidate that is recommended for nomination for membership on our Board of Directors by a stockholder.

Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. The Mergers and Acquisitions Committee (the “M&A Committee”) is comprised of three members: Messrs. Arno, Elfman and Szabo. The Board of Directors has determined that all the members of the M&A Committee are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards. The M&A Committee evaluates and reviews potential acquisition targets, strategic investments and divestitures, and makes recommendations regarding the same to our Board of Directors. The M&A Committee is also charged with overseeing the due diligence process with respect to proposed acquisitions, strategic investments and divestitures. The Board of Directors has adopted and approved a written charter for the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. A current copy of this charter is posted on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com under the Investor Relations section. The M&A Committee held one meeting during 2020.

Board Member Independence

The Board of Directors has determined that, except for William W. Smith, Jr., all of the members of the Board of Directors are independent as defined in the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards and applicable SEC regulations. Mr. Smith, who also serves as Chairman of the Board, is employed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President.

Executive Sessions

Independent directors meet in executive session without the presence of our CEO and Chairman or other members of management to review the criteria upon which the performance of the CEO and Chairman is based, to review the performance of the CEO and Chairman against those criteria, to ratify the compensation of the CEO and Chairman as approved by the Compensation Committee, and to discuss any other relevant matters.

Board Leadership Structure

The Board’s current leadership structure is characterized by:

 

a combined Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer;

 

a robust Committee structure with oversight of various types of risks; and

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an engaged and independent Board.

The Board believes that its current leadership structure provides independent board leadership and engagement while deriving the benefits from having our CEO also serve as Chairman of the Board. As the individual with primary responsibility for managing the Company’s day-to-day operations and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Company, he is best positioned to chair regular Board meetings as we discuss key business and strategic issues. This combined structure provides independent oversight while avoiding unnecessary confusion regarding the Board’s oversight responsibilities and the day-to-day management of business operations. We do not have a lead independent director.

Risk Oversight

Our Board oversees an enterprise-wide approach to risk management, designed to support the achievement of our strategic and organizational objectives, improve long-term organizational performance and enhance stockholder value. A fundamental part of risk oversight is to understand the risks our Company faces and the steps management is taking to manage those risks and to assess management’s overall appetite for risk. It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring material risks facing our Company to the Board’s attention. Our Board receives regular reports from management on matters relating to strategic and operational initiatives, financial performance and legal developments which are each integrated with enterprise-risk exposures. Our Board also approves our CEO’s performance goals for each year. In doing so, the Board has an opportunity to ensure that the CEO’s goals include responsibility for broad risk management. The involvement of the full Board in setting our strategic plan is a key part of its assessment of the risks inherent in our corporate strategy.

The Committees of the Board are also involved in evaluating and overseeing the management of risks particular to their respective areas of oversight. For example, the Audit Committee focuses on financial risk and internal controls, and receives an annual risk assessment report from our external auditors. The Compensation Committee evaluates and sets compensation programs that encourage decision-making predicated upon a level of risk-taking consistent with our business strategy. The Compensation Committee also reviews compensation and benefit plans and the risks associated with them.  The Governance and Nominating Committee oversees governance and succession risk, including Board and CEO succession and evaluates director skills and qualifications to appoint particular directors to our standing committees based upon the needs of that committee. Each Committee reports its activities to the full Board of Directors to ensure that the Board is regularly informed about these risks.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our employees, executive officers and directors. We will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics upon request made by email to investor-relations@smithmicro.com or in writing to Smith Micro Software, Inc. at 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, Attention: Investor Relations. The full text of our Code of Ethics is posted on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com under the Investor Relations section. We intend to disclose any amendment to the Code of Ethics or waiver of a provision of the Code of Ethics applicable to our executive officers or directors, including the name of the executive officer or director to whom the amendment applies or for whom the waiver was granted, at the same location on our website identified above. The inclusion of our website address in this proxy statement does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this proxy statement or our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Board Communications

Stockholders may communicate with members of the Board of Directors by mail addressed to the full Board, a specific member of the Board or a particular committee of the Board at our principal executive offices located at 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Since the beginning of our last fiscal year, there have not been any transactions, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, in which the Company was or is to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeded $120,000, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.  

 

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which include the consolidated balance sheets of Smith Micro as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the notes thereto. The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference in such filing.

Review with Management. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements with management.

Review and Discussions with Independent Accountants. The Audit Committee has discussed with SingerLewak LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2020, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standard No. 16 (Communications with Audit Committees), which includes, among other items, matters related to the conduct of the audit of our financial statements.

The Audit Committee has also received written disclosures and the letter from SingerLewak LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence and has discussed with SingerLewak LLP its independence.

The Audit Committee has also received written disclosures and the letter from SingerLewak LLP required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (which relates to the accountant’s independence from us and our related entities) and has discussed with SingerLewak LLP its independence.

Conclusion. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to our Board that our audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 for filing with the SEC.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Thomas G. Campbell

Samuel Gulko

Gregory J. Szabo

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information known to us as of March 31, 2021 except where another date is noted below), with respect to beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by (i) each person (or group of affiliated persons) who is known by us to own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of our outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all current directors, executive officers and named executive officers as a group, together with the approximate percentages of outstanding Common Stock owned by each of them.  The following table is based upon information supplied by directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. A person has beneficial ownership of shares if the person has the power to vote or dispose of such shares. This power can be exclusive or shared, direct or indirect. In addition, a person is considered by SEC rules to beneficially own shares underlying options and convertible securities that are presently exercisable or convertible or will become exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date that beneficial ownership is calculated.  Unless otherwise indicated the address of each beneficial owner is c/o Smith Micro Software, Inc., 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 51,645,718 shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021.  

 

Common Stock

 

Name or Group of Beneficial Owners

Number of Shares

Percent (1)

 

 

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William W. Smith, Jr.

5,820,358

(2)

11.09

%

 

 

 

Andrew Arno

271,355

(3)

*

 

 

 

 

Thomas G. Campbell

75,750

(4)

*

 

 

 

 

Steven L. Elfman

113,750

(5)

*

 

 

 

 

Samuel Gulko

124,250

(6)

*

 

 

 

 

Gregory J. Szabo

142,750

(7)

*

 

 

 

 

Timothy C. Huffmyer

342,441

(8)

*

 

 

 

 

Gail Redmond

310,982

(9)

*

 

 

 

 

David P. Sperling

374,164

(10)

*

 

 

 

 

All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)

7,575,800

(11)

14.42

%

 

 

 

 

5% Stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based solely on our review of shares owned as set forth in applicable 13D/13G filings, no other person is known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

(1)

The percentage beneficial ownership of each of our directors and named executive officers, all executive officers and directors as a group, and each 5% stockholder, if any, is based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares beneficially held by such holder or group of holders, in the case of all executive officers and directors as a group, and the denominator of which is equal to the sum of the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding at March 31, 2021 plus the number of shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise by such holder or group of holders of warrants or options held by such holder or group of holders which are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of such date.  An asterisk (*) represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

(2)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 4,546,479 unrestricted shares (of which, 455,028 shares are held in the William W. Smith, Jr. Revocable Trust and 6,000 shares held in the William W. Smith, Jr. IRA), 423,879 restricted shares, and 850,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant currently held by William W. Smith, Jr. and Dieva L. Smith.  

(3)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 244,688 unrestricted shares (of which 10,000 shares are held by Mr. Arno’s spouse, and 10,000 shares each are held by MJA Investments and JBA Investments, with respect to which Mr. Arno makes investment decisions but disclaims beneficial ownership), 22,917 restricted shares and 3,750 shares subject to options which are currently exercisable.

(4)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 49,083 unrestricted shares, 22,917 restricted shares and 3,750 shares subject to options which are currently exercisable.

(5)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 90,833 unrestricted shares and 22,917 restricted shares.

(6)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 96,333 unrestricted shares, 22,917 restricted shares and 5,000 shares subject to options which are currently exercisable.

(7)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 116,083 unrestricted shares, 22,917 restricted shares and 3,750 shares subject to options which are currently exercisable.

(8)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 81,482 unrestricted shares and 260,959 restricted shares.

(9)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 37,523 unrestricted shares, 260,959 restricted shares and 12,500 shares subject to options which are currently exercisable.

(10)  

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of 113,205 unrestricted shares and 260,959 restricted shares.

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(11)

Shares of Common Stock reported are comprised of shares beneficially owned by our executive officers and directors, as reported in the above table and described in the foregoing notes 2-10.

 

 

 

 

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such person.  Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to us and written representations from such reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and more than 10% stockholders were met in a timely manner.  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our executive officers are appointed and serve at the discretion of our Board of Directors.  The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers and certain key executives as of March 31, 2021:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

William W. Smith, Jr.

 

73

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

David Blakeney

 

60

 

Senior Vice President, Engineering

Timothy C. Huffmyer

 

47

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

Marco Leal Goncalves

 

43

 

Vice President, Worldwide Products

Charles B. Messman

 

50

 

Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

Gail Redmond

 

59

 

Senior Vice President, Sales Worldwide

Kenneth Shebek

 

58

 

Vice President, Chief Information Officer

David P. Sperling

 

52

 

Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

 

For background information regarding Mr. Smith, see “Proposal 1—Election of Directors.”

Mr. Blakeney joined the Company in 2011 and is responsible for Development Engineering. Prior to this role, he led the development team for several Smith Micro products as well as the Wireless Products Quality Engineering team. Prior to joining Smith Micro, he served as Vice President, Research and Development of Tollgrade Communications, Inc., and prior thereto, Mr. Blakeney served as Vice President of Product Development for Marconi’s Broadband Switching Division and Vice President of ATM Engineering at Fore Systems. Previous positions also include engineering management roles at 3Com Corporation and Texas Instruments. Mr. Blakeney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Mr. Huffmyer joined the Company in June 2017 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Huffmyer also serves as the Company’s Treasurer and Secretary, and oversees all finance, accounting and control functions for the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Huffmyer served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance of Black Box Corporation (“Black Box”) from October 2012, and prior thereto served in financial leadership roles at Black Box, including Director of Finance from February 2008 and Corporate Controller from June 2004. Earlier in his career, he held various financial leadership and accounting roles at Ernst & Young, PrintCafe, Inc., CoManage Corporation and ITPI Staffing. Mr. Huffmyer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Leal Goncalves joined the Company in July 2016 as a result of the Company’s acquisition of iMobileMagic and soon thereafter became the Company’s Vice President, Worldwide Products.  He is an experienced professional in the mobile products and services area with a career that spans over 16 years across technical, management and executive roles. Mr. Leal Goncalves started his career at MobiComp, playing a key role in its product development and innovation strategy, helping the company grow and expand internationally. After MobiComp’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2008, he took the role of Principal Group Program Manager where he helped deliver high profile mobile products and data services. Mr. Leal Goncalves left Microsoft in 2011 to start iMobileMagic as its co-founder and CEO. He is a graduate of the Computer Science and Systems Engineering program at the Universidade do Minho in Braga, Portugal.

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Mr. Messman joined the Company in April 2016 as Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations.  Mr. Messman brings over 20 years of experience in working with a large range of technology companies providing investor relations counsel, strategy, financing alternatives, and M&A. Prior to joining Smith Micro, Mr. Messman was the Vice President of Finance & Corporate Development at eGain Corporation, as well as having co-founded The MKR Group, serving as its President. He has worked with over 50 companies with market caps ranging from $10 million to $2.5 billion and is well known on Wall Street for having a strong marketing presence throughout many diverse industries. Mr. Messman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Iowa State University.

Ms. Redmond joined the Company in 2011 and since 2016, leads the Company’s global sales team as Senior Vice President, Sales Worldwide.  Prior to her current role, Ms. Redmond served the Company as its Vice President Sales, Americas Strategic, and prior to that as Vice President Sales, Central U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining Smith Micro, Ms. Redmond served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for Hillcrest Bank, prior its acquisition by National Bank Holdings Corp. Prior to her role at Hillcrest Bank, Ms. Redmond served as Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Sozotek, Inc., a mobile imaging start-up, and prior thereto was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Telespree Communications, a mobile provisioning start-up. Previously, Ms. Redmond held several executive roles at Sprint, including Vice President of Strategic Account Sales and Vice President/General Manager of Sprint Products Group. Ms. Redmond holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Southwest University and an M.B.A. from the University of Kansas.

Mr. Shebek joined the Company in December 2010 as the Vice President of Operations where he led the Enterprise Mobility Product platform. Mr. Shebek currently is responsible for Information Technology throughout the Company as well as overseeing the Pittsburgh facility. Prior to joining Smith Micro, he was Vice President of Operations for Tollgrade Communications, Inc. He also served as Vice President of Supply & Logistics for Ericsson, Inc. and worked for Marconi as Vice President of Supply Chain and Vice President of North American Operations. He joined Fore Systems in 1994, and previously held management positions with IBM. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Sperling joined the Company in April 1989 and has been the Director of Software Engineering since April 1992. He assumed the Chief Technology Officer position in September 1999.  Mr. Sperling began his professional career as a software engineer with us and he is currently a named inventor on five of the Company’s patents for various Internet and connectivity technologies. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Irvine.

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Summary Compensation Table below summarizes the compensation of the executive officers named therein (our “named executive officers” or “NEOs”) during 2020 and 2019.  Our NEOs for 2020 were as follows:

 

William W. Smith. Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Timothy C. Huffmyer, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

 

Gail Redmond, Senior Vice President, Sales Worldwide

 

David P. Sperling, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

The principal elements of our executive compensation program are base salary, cash incentive compensation, long-term equity incentives in the form of restricted stock, and other benefits and perquisites, including certain reimbursements and matching contributions under our 401(k) savings plan.  We view these components of compensation as related but distinct. Although our Compensation Committee does review total compensation, we do not believe that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should negate or offset compensation from other components. Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented and dedicated executive officers, who are critical to our success. Under this program, a significant portion of our executive officers’ overall compensation is tied to the achievement of key strategic financial and operational goals, as measured by metrics such as revenue and adjusted profitability. The following highlights our approach to executive compensation:

Competitive Positioning: We seek to establish the overall compensation of our executive officers at levels that we believe are roughly comparable with the average levels of compensation of executives at other fast-growing technology companies of similar size.

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Significant Portion of Executive Officer Compensation Tied to Performance: Our executive compensation program has four primary components: base salary; cash incentive compensation; equity compensation in the form of restricted stock awards; and other benefits and perquisites.  Among these components, both cash incentive compensation and equity compensation are tied in whole or in part to the satisfaction of performance criteria.  Performance-based incentive compensation constitutes a significant portion of potential compensation for our executive officers.

Limited other Compensation: Consistent with our “pay-for-performance” philosophy, we restrict all other forms of compensation to our executive officers to levels that are consistent with competitive market practices.

Base Salary Compensation

We provide our named executive officers and other executives with base salaries that we believe enable us to hire and retain highly qualified individuals in a competitive environment and to reward individual performance and contributions to our overall business goals, while taking into account the unique circumstances of our company. We review base salaries for our named executive officers annually and increases or decreases, are generally based on Company and individual performance. We also take into account the base compensation paid by companies that we believe to be our competitors and by other public companies with which we believe we generally compete for executives.

Bonus Compensation

In order to retain and motivate our named executive officers and other executives, the Compensation Committee approved a quarterly cash bonus program and the applicable bonus amounts thereunder in which each of our named executive officers participated during 2020. The Committee approved the same quarterly bonus program and the applicable bonus amount thereunder for Mr. Smith during 2019.  Pursuant to the bonus program, eligible participants received a quarterly cash bonus payment provided that they remained employed by the Company as of the last day of the applicable quarter.  The total of these payments is equal to the amount reflected in the “bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Performance-based Cash Bonus Awards

As part of our compensation program and in order to maintain appropriate financial incentives, the Company maintains an annual cash bonus plan in which our named executive officers participate, with the exception of Ms. Redmond who instead participates in a sales compensation plan as detailed below. Pursuant to the cash bonus plan, our participating NEOs and other executives are eligible for cash bonus compensation. Under the plan, cash bonuses are determined and paid each fiscal year on a quarterly basis based upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. Our cash bonus plan is designed to focus our management on achieving key corporate financial objectives, motivate certain desirable behaviors and reward achievement of our key corporate financial objectives and individual goals. Under the terms of the cash bonus plan, the Compensation Committee establishes performance objectives and annual target cash bonus amounts for each named executive officer participating in the plan. In determining the appropriate level of annual target cash bonus for each officer the Compensation Committee considers information provided through independent, third-party surveys and other information collected from public sources for similar positions at peer companies, relative base salary and bonus amounts for each individual and the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer.

Since the Company has had a turnaround focus for the past several years, the Company has maintained performance-based cash bonus awards to incentivize short-term tactical behavior related to reaching revenue and cost targets on a quarterly basis due to the recent volatility of the business.

Our bonus plan contains performance objectives with a dollar value ascribed to each objective, so that the sum total equals the approved annual target cash bonus for each named executive officer. In each of 2019 and 2020 the objectives for NEOs participating in the plan were related to (1) revenue achievement and (2) operating expense management, which were evenly weighted in terms of target cash bonuses. For each objective, the Compensation Committee applied the percentage by which the objective was achieved (which could exceed 100% in the case of quantitative performance objectives) to the dollar value ascribed to each objective. The dollar values for each objective were then combined to determine the actual cash bonuses paid to each such NEO.

Achievement of the quantitative performance objectives was determined on a quarterly basis based on our financial results for the preceding quarter. As a result, the cash paid in a given fiscal year is the result of the overlap of the attainment achieved for the fourth quarter of the previous year and the first three quarters of the current year. The total of these payments is equal to the amount of non-equity plan compensation reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. Performance objectives are set by the Compensation Committee by quarter for each fiscal year.

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The table below outlines the quantitative performance objectives that were established for each named executive officer participating in the plan and the actual results that correspond with their performance cash bonus payouts during 2020:  

 

(in thousands)

 

Q4 2019

 

 

Q1 2020

 

 

Q2 2020

 

 

Q3 2020

 

Revenue – target

 

$

10,661

 

 

$

12,782

 

 

$

14,601

 

 

$

15,717

 

Revenue – actual

 

$

12,278

 

 

$

13,322

 

 

$

12,933

 

 

$

12,629

 

Operating Expenses* - target

 

$

6,627

 

 

$

8,000

 

 

$

8,862

 

 

$

9,447

 

Operating Expenses* - actual

 

$

6,964

 

 

$

8,125

 

 

$

8,629

 

 

$

9,455

 

 

*

excluding stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, and other non-recurring charges and before the reclassification of engineering expenses to cost of goods sold  

 

We believe that the performance objectives for our named executive officers participating in the plan were sufficiently challenging to achieve and that performance at a high level, while devoting full time and attention to their responsibilities, is required for our participating named executive officers to earn their respective cash bonuses.

Sales Compensation Plan

As the executive leader of our worldwide sales organization, Ms. Redmond participated in a sales compensation plan during 2020 pursuant to which she was eligible to earn cash compensation for achievement of specified revenue targets.  A target commission amount was established for each quarter.  The amount of commission actually earned was determined and paid on a quarterly basis following the end of each quarter, and was based on the percentage of target revenue actually achieved.  As a result of the timing of calculation and payment of commission amounts earned, the cash actually paid under the sales compensation plan during 2020 is the amount achieved for the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first three quarters of 2020.  The total of these payments is equal to the amount of non-equity plan compensation reflected for Ms. Redmond in the Summary Compensation Table.  

The table below outlines the revenue objectives that were established under the sales compensation plan for Ms. Redmond and the actual results that correspond with her sales compensation plan payouts during 2020:

 

(in thousands)

 

Q4 2019

 

 

Q1 2020

 

 

Q2 2020

 

 

Q3 2020

 

Revenue* – target

 

$

10,161

 

 

$

13,345

 

 

$

13,625

 

 

$

15,898

 

Revenue* – actual

 

$

12,181

 

 

$

13,215

 

 

$

12,701

 

 

$

12,508

 

 

*

excluding revenue items not within sales executive responsibility

 

We believe that the revenue and associated commission targets under the sales compensation plan were sufficiently challenging to achieve and that performance at a high level, while devoting full time and attention to her responsibilities, is required for our participating NEO to earn the commission amounts under the plan.

Equity Compensation

We believe that for growth companies in the software technology sector, such as Smith Micro, equity awards are a significant compensation-related motivator in attracting and retaining executive-level employees. Accordingly, we have provided our named executive officers and other executives with long-term equity incentive awards that incentivize those individuals to stay with us for long periods of time, which in turn should provide us with greater stability over such periods than we would experience without such awards. We provided grants of restricted stock to each of our named executive officers in 2020.  No other equity awards were granted to our named executive officers during 2020.  

Our 2020 restricted stock grants vest over a period of four years from the grant date. Half of each total grant vests on a monthly basis and will be earned based on continuous service by the executive over the vesting period. The vesting of the remaining half is subject to the Company’s achievement of certain performance-based criteria. One quarter of each total grant will be earned if the Company achieves a specific annual revenue target, and an additional one quarter of each total grant will be earned if the Company achieves a specific annual operating expense target (determined on a non-GAAP basis, excluding stock-based compensation, the amortization of intangible assets and before reclassification of engineering COGS), with a proportionate adjustment to the total performance portion of the grant if the targets are not fully met. Shares earned under the performance conditions cannot exceed the total number of performance shares, even if the sum of the revenue attainment and the expense attainment exceed 100%. Once performance against this criteria is determined, the “earned” shares will vest 25%

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on the determination (earnings) date and then ratably over the next thirty-six months, based on continuous service by the executive.

Executive Benefits and Perquisites

We provide the opportunity for our named executive officers and other executives to receive certain perquisites and general health and welfare benefits. We also offer participation in our defined contribution 401(k) plan to our named executive officers. We provide a 20% match on all eligible employee contributions to our 401(k) plan. We provide these benefits to create additional incentives for our executives and to remain competitive in the general marketplace for executive talent.

Summary Compensation Table – 2020 and 2019

 

 Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

($)

 

 

Bonus ($) (1)

Stock

Awards

($) (2)

 

 

Non-Equity

Plan

Compensation

($) (3)

 

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

 

Total ($)

 

William W. Smith, Jr.

 

2020

 

 

495,833

 

 

100,000

 

1,120,000

 

 

 

196,045

 

 

 

11,770

(4)

 

 

1,923,649

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2019

 

 

475,000

 

 

100,000

 

396,000

 

 

 

201,299

 

 

 

14,635

(5)

 

 

1,186,934

 

Timothy C. Huffmyer

 

2020

 

 

261,667

 

 

40,000

 

640,000

 

 

 

98,023

 

 

 

3,900

(6)

 

 

1,043,589

 

Vice President, CFO, Secretary and Treasurer

 

2019

 

 

243,334

 

 

--

 

247,500

 

 

 

103,195

 

 

 

3,800

(6)

 

 

597,829

 

Gail Redmond

 

2020

 

 

215,000

 

 

40,000

 

640,000

 

 

 

195,403

 

 

 

3,900

(6)

 

 

1,094,303

 

Senior Vice President, Sales Worldwide

 

2019

 

 

212,500

 

 

--

 

247,500

 

 

 

217,102

 

 

 

3,800

(6)

 

 

680,902

 

David P. Sperling

 

2020

 

 

263,333

 

 

40,000

 

640,000

 

 

 

98,023

 

 

 

3,900

(6)

 

 

1,045,256

 

Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

 

2019

 

 

255,000

 

 

--

 

247,500

 

 

 

100,140

 

 

 

3,800

(6)

 

 

606,440

 

 

(1)

The amounts in this column reflect the cash awards paid pursuant to our quarterly cash bonus program in 2020 and 2019.

(2)

The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of Restricted Shares computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Generally, the aggregate grant date fair value is the amount that the company expects to expense in its financial statements over the award’s vesting schedule. These amounts reflect the Company’s accounting expense and do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the named executive officers. For Restricted Shares, the fair value is calculated using the closing price of our stock on the date of grant. The assumptions we used with respect to the valuation of stock grants are set forth in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

(3)

The amounts in this column reflect the cash awards paid pursuant to our annual cash incentive bonus plan (with respect to Messrs. Smith, Huffmyer and Sperling) and annual sales commission plan (with respect to Ms. Redmond) in 2020 and 2019.  

(4)

Amount comprised of $7,870 in tax preparation fees paid by the Company and 401(k) matching contributions of $3,900 made by the Company.

(5)

Amount comprised of $10,835 in tax preparation fees paid by the Company and 401(k) matching contributions of $3,800 made by the Company.

(6)

Amount comprised of 401(k) matching contributions made by the Company.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2020

The following table sets forth the number of securities underlying outstanding equity awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2020, comprised of outstanding unvested shares of restricted stock as of such date.  There were no option awards outstanding for any of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020.

 

 

Stock Awards

Named Executive Officer

Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have

Not Vested (#)

 

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that

Have Not Vested ($) (1)

William W. Smith, Jr.

39,325

(2)

213,142

 

108,334

(3)

587,170

 

156,771

(4)

849,699

Timothy C. Huffmyer

39,325

(2)

213,142

 

67,709

(3)

366,983

 

89,584

(4)

485,545

Gail Redmond

39,325

(2)

213,142

 

67,709

(3)

366,983

 

89,584

(4)

485,545

David P. Sperling

39,325

(2)

213,142

 

67,709

(3)

366,983

 

89,584

(4)

485,545

 

(1)

Determined by multiplying the number of shares by $5.42, the closing price for our stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 31, 2020.

(2)

Unvested portion of an award granted during 2018, 50% of which was subject to time-based vesting and 50% of which was subject to performance and time-based vesting. Shares are currently vesting in monthly installments. Shares will be fully vested in March 2022.

(3)

Unvested portion of an award granted during 2019, 50% of which was subject to time-based vesting and 50% of which was subject to performance and time-based vesting. Shares are currently vesting in monthly installments.  Shares will be fully vested in March 2023.

(4)

Unvested portion of an award granted during 2020, 50% of which was subject to time-based vesting and 50% of which was subject to performance and time-based vesting. Shares are currently vesting in monthly installments.  Shares will be fully vested in March 2024.

 

Employment Agreements

Agreement with William W. Smith, Jr.

In June 2005, we agreed to make to William W. Smith, Jr., our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, a lifetime payment of $6,000 annually, subject to annual increases of 5%, to commence at the time of his future retirement or resignation from employment. The agreement provides that we may, at our option, discharge our obligations under the agreement by purchasing a single premium annuity for the benefit of Mr. Smith. We estimate that it would cost approximately $65,000 to purchase such an annuity.

Other than as disclosed above, none of the named executive officers has an employment agreement with us, and the employment of each of the named executive officers may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The terms of the restricted stock award agreements associated with restricted stock granted under our Plan provide that the shares of restricted stock granted thereunder automatically become fully vested, no longer subject to restrictions and freely transferable upon a “Change of Control” as such term is defined in our Plan.  We provide this benefit in order to properly incentivize our executives to support a Change of Control that would be deemed beneficial to our shareholders.

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Director Compensation

The following table sets forth compensation that our directors (other than Mr. Smith, who is a named executive officer and does not separately receive any compensation for his board service) earned during 2020 for services as members of our Board of Directors.  

 

Name

 

Fees earned

or paid in

cash ($)

 

 

Stock

Awards ($)

(1)

 

 

Total ($)

 

Andrew Arno

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

180,000

 

Thomas G. Campbell

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

180,000

 

Steven L. Elfman

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

180,000

 

Samuel Gulko

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

180,000

 

Gregory J. Szabo

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

180,000

 

 

(1)

The amounts shown represent the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions we used with respect to the valuation of stock and option grants are set forth in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Summary of Director Compensation

Non-employee members of the Board of Directors receive quarterly fees for Board and committee service, and are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in connection with service on the Board of Directors. During 2020, the quarterly fee paid to our non-employee directors was $5,000.  Non-employee members of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive discretionary awards under our Plan.  On February 11, 2020, each director then serving received a special discretionary grant of 25,000 shares of restricted stock valued at $6.40 per share which vested in equal installments over a period of 12 months from the grant date.

ANNUAL REPORT

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2018 fiscal year, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2021, is being mailed along with this Proxy Statement to all stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and is not considered proxy solicitation material. Stockholders may also obtain a copy of the Annual Report, including the financial statements and financial statement schedules, without charge, by writing to Investor Relations at our principal executive offices located at 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. We will furnish upon request any exhibits to the Form 10-K upon the payment by the requesting stockholder of our reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibits. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as certain other reports, proxy statements and other information regarding Smith Micro, are also available on our website at http://www.smithmicro.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public website at http://www.sec.gov.

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HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement and annual report addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” is intended to provide extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are Company stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. For stockholders requesting paper copies of the proxy statement, a single annual report and proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, you may (1) if you are not a stockholder of record, notify your broker, or (2) if you are a stockholder of record, direct your written request to Investor Relations, Smith Micro Software, Inc., 5800 Corporate Drive, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or your oral request to the Smith Micro at (412) 837-5300. If you currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at your address and would like to request “householding” of these communications, please contact your broker if you are not a stockholder of record; or contact our Investor Relations department if you are a stockholder of record, using the contact information provided above.

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OTHER MATTERS

We know of no other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting. If any other matter is properly presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the proxies will be voted by the persons named therein in accordance with their judgment on such matters. Discretionary authority with respect to such other matters is granted by a stockholder’s submission of their proxy.

All stockholders are urged to vote by following the instructions on the Notice or, if printed proxy materials were received, by following the instructions provided with printed proxy materials.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

/s/ Timothy C. Huffmyer

Timothy C. Huffmyer

Corporate Secretary

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

April 28, 2021

 

 

 


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