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

 

Filed by the Registrant  ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Smith Micro Software, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

 

 

 

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April 22, 2019

Dear Smith Micro Stockholders:

We are pleased to invite you to the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Smith Micro Software, Inc. to be held at our offices located at 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

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, 2018, which we encourage you to read. Our Annual Report includes our audited financial statements for 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 attend the Annual Meeting, 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 attend the Annual Meeting and wish to change your vote, you may do so simply by voting in person at the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

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SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

5800 Corporate Dr., 5^th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JUNE 4, 2019

Notice is hereby given that the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Smith Micro Software, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at the offices of the Company, located at 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, for the following purposes as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice:

The close of business on April 10, 2019 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 at our executive offices located at 5800 Corporate Drive, 5^th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, and at the Annual Meeting.

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, 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 and vote your shares in person, 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.

 

 

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Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the stockholder meeting to be held June 4, 2019: 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.

 

 

 

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SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held June 4, 2019

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

General

This Proxy Statement contains information related to the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Smith Micro Software, Inc. (“Smith Micro,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”), which will be held at the offices of the Company, located at 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and any postponements or adjournments thereof.  

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 2018 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 10, 2019 (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 22, 2019. These materials are available for viewing, printing and downloading on the Internet at http://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.

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 32,064,848 shares of Common Stock outstanding and approximately 109 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.

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How to Vote

If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares in one of two ways: either by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting. 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.

Telephone and Internet voting for stockholders of record will be available up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on June 3, 2019 and mailed proxy cards must be received by June 3, 2019 in order to be counted at the Annual Meeting. If the Annual Meeting is adjourned or postponed, these deadlines 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:

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 in person 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.

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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 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 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2020 Annual Meeting”), such proposals must be submitted to and received by the Company’s corporate Secretary no later than December 24, 2019. 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 2020 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 8, 2020, 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, 5^th 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. Arno and Gulko serve as directors with terms of office expiring at this year’s Annual Meeting, Messrs. Smith and Szabo serve as directors with terms expiring at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, and Messrs. Campbell and Elfman serve as directors with terms expiring at the 2021 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 2022 (the “2022 Annual Meeting”) or until their respective successors shall have been elected and qualified. The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors with Mr. Arno abstaining as to himself has recommended to the Board for nomination, and the Board has nominated, Messrs. Arno and Gulko 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. Arno and Gulko to hold office until the date of our 2022 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. Arno and Gulko 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 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

 

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 The Special Equities Group at Chardan Capital Markets, LLC, a privately held investment banking firm, and from June 2013 until July 2015 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 and Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., biotechnology companies, 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. Mr. Gulko also serves on the board of directors of Airborne Wireless Network, a wireless technology company, where he serves as chairman of the audit committee and as a member of the compensation committee. As a senior

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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.

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 2019 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 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

 

 

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. He also serves on the Board of Advisors at Across Techs, LLC. 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.

Continuing Directors with Terms Ending at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

 

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

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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 Western Ontario in Canada with a degree in computer science and business. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Affirmed Networks, Inc., a mobile network solutions company, CollabIP, Inc., a communications intelligence platform provider, and 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 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.

 

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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 18 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 2019 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 2019 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, 2019 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, 2017 and December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

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, 2019.

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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, 2019.

 

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 ten meetings during 2018.  Each director attended either in person or via teleconference at least 75% of the aggregate of all Board and applicable committee meetings during fiscal 2018 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 2018.

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 eight meetings during 2018.

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of two members: Messrs. Campbell 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 six meetings during 2018.

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 2018.  Management plays a significant role in the compensation-setting 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.

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Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of two members: Messrs. Arno and Campbell. 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 three meetings during 2018.

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. However, the Governance and Nominating Committee has not received any recommended nominations from any of our stockholders in connection with the 2019 Annual Meeting.

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 Board of Directors has adopted and approved a written charter for the M&A Committee. The M&A Committee held four meetings during 2018.

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:

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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, 5^th 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, 5^th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Pursuant to the charter of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, all transactions between us and any of our directors, executive officers or related parties are subject to review by the Audit Committee.  Since January 1, 2017, we have been party to certain transactions in which the amount involved exceeded the lesser of (i) one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for our last two completed fiscal years; or (ii) $120,000, and in which any director, executive officer or beneficial holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities or members of such person’s immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.  Each of these related party transactions were reviewed and approved in special meetings by the Board, excluding in each instance any director participating in such a transaction, were reported in previously filed Current Reports on Form 8-K, and are summarized below.

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On February 7, 2017, the Company entered into a short-term secured borrowing arrangement with William W. Smith, Jr. and Dieva L. Smith (collectively, “Smith”), and on February 8, 2017, the Company entered into a short-term secured borrowing arrangement with Steven L. and Monique P. Elfman (“Elfman”), pursuant to which Smith and Elfman each loaned to the Company $1.0 million and the Company issued to each of them a Secured Promissory Note (the “Original Notes”) bearing interest at the rate of 18% per annum.  William W. Smith, Jr. is the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steven L. Elfman is a director of the Company.  The Original Notes were due on March 24, 2017 and were secured by the Company’s accounts receivable and certain other assets.  The Original Notes for Elfman and Smith were amended to extend their maturity dates to June 23 and June 26, 2017, respectively.

On May 16, 2017, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Andrew Arno (“Arno”) in a private placement pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 50,000 shares of its common stock at a price per share of $1.10. Andrew Arno is a director of the Company.  

The Company’s borrowings under the Original Notes with Smith and Elfman were refinanced on June 30, 2017. In connection with such refinancing, the Company issued each of Smith and Elfman a new Secured Promissory Note in the amount of $1.0 million, bearing interest at the rate of 12% per annum and maturing on September 25, 2017 (each, a “Replacement Note”). Each of the Replacement Notes is secured by the Company’s accounts receivable and other assets.  The maturity date under the Smith Replacement Note was amended on January 30, 2018 to extend the maturity date to July 25, 2018, and was again amended on March 6, 2018 to further extend the maturity date to March 25, 2020, in each case as described below. The maturity date under the Elfman Replacement Note was extended to February 11, 2018, as described below, and has since been fully paid and is no longer outstanding.

On August 23, 2017, the Company entered into a new borrowing arrangement with Smith, under which the Company borrowed $0.8 million and issued to Smith a new Secured Promissory Note, bearing interest at the rate of 12% per annum, and maturing on January 25, 2018. In September 2017, this new Secured Promissory Note was exchanged by Smith for shares of our Series B Preferred Stock in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock transaction described below, and is no longer outstanding.

On August 24, 2017, the Company entered into a new borrowing arrangement with Arno, under which the Company borrowed $0.3 million and issued to Arno and to Next Generation TC FBO Andrew Arno IRA 1663 (the “Arno IRA”) Secured Promissory Notes (collectively, the “Arno Notes”) with an aggregate principal balance of $0.3 million, bearing interest at the rate of 12% per annum, and maturing on January 31, 2018. A portion of the debt under the Arno borrowing arrangement was exchanged by Arno for shares of our Series B Preferred Stock in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock transaction described below.  The Arno Notes were amended on January 30, 2018 to extend the maturity date for the remaining balance to July 25, 2018, and were again amended on March 6, 2018 to further extend the maturity date to March 25, 2020, in each case as described below.

On September 29, 2017, the Company exchanged shares of the Company’s newly designated Series B 10% Convertible Preferred Stock for outstanding indebtedness with a principal amount of $2.8 million owed to Smith and Arno for 2,750 and 50 shares, respectively, of Series B Preferred Stock.

On January 30, 2018, the Company entered into amendments to certain of its existing Secured Promissory Notes for the sole purpose of extending the relevant maturity dates. The Elfman Replacement Note was amended to extend its maturity date to February 11, 2018, and the Smith Replacement Note was amended to extend its maturity date to July 25, 2018, in each case as described above. The Arno Notes were amended to extend the maturity date of each to July 25, 2018.

On March 6, 2018, the Company completed a private placement with several investors, wherein a total of 2,857,144 shares of the Company’s Common Stock was issued at a purchase price of $1.75 per share, with each investor also receiving a warrant to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by such investor in the offering at an exercise price of $2.17 per share, for a total purchase price of $5,000,000 (the “March Offering”). In connection with the March Offering, on March 5, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “March Purchase Agreement”) with investors containing customary representations and warranties. Pursuant to the terms of the March Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to use its best efforts to cause the conversion of all shares of the Company’s Series B 10% Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Certificate of Designation (the “Certificate of Designation”) with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock. In connection therewith, the Company entered into Letter Agreements with each of Smith and Arno, whereby each of Smith and Arno agreed to take certain action to convert the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by them pursuant to terms outlined in the March Purchase Agreement, and further agreed that their shares upon conversion shall not be subject to resale registration rights. Pursuant to the terms of the March Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into voting

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agreements with each of its directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders, by which each such person agreed to vote all shares of Company capital stock held by them in favor of waiving any applicable beneficial ownership threshold in the Company’s existing Certificate of Designation for the Series B Preferred Stock.  In addition, as a condition to closing of the Offering, Smith, Arno and the Arno IRA amended their existing Secured Promissory Notes for the sole purpose of extending the relevant maturity dates to March 25, 2020.  The Company engaged Chardan Capital Markets, LLC (“Chardan”) as placement agent for the March Offering pursuant to an engagement letter agreement.  The Company paid Chardan a cash placement fee equal to 8.0% of the gross proceeds of the offering, and issued to Chardan a warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock equal to 3.0% of the number of shares sold in the Offering (the “Chardan Warrant”).  The Chardan Warrant has an exercise price of $2.365 per share, a term of 5.5 years from the closing date of the Offering, and otherwise identical terms to the warrants to be issued to the investors in the Offering.  Andrew Arno, a member of the Company’s Board, is currently Vice Chairman of The Special Equities Group at Chardan.

On May 3, 2018, the Company completed a private placement with several investors, wherein a total of 3,170,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock was issued at a purchase price of $2.21 per share, with each investor also receiving a warrant to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by such investor in the offering at an exercise price of $2.11 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $7.0 million (the “May Offering”). The Company engaged Chardan as placement agent for the May Offering pursuant to an engagement letter agreement. The Company agreed to pay Chardan a cash placement fee equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds of the May Offering. As described above, Andrew Arno, a member of the Company’s Board, is currently Vice Chairman of The Special Equities Group at Chardan.

On November 7, 2018, the Company completed a private placement with several investors, wherein a total of 3,239,785 shares of the Company’s Common Stock was issued at a purchase price of $2.32 per share, with each investor also receiving a warrant to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by such investor in the offering at an exercise price of $2.20 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $7.5 million (the “November Offering”). The Company engaged Chardan as placement agent for the November Offering pursuant to an engagement letter agreement. The Company agreed to pay Chardan a cash placement fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the November Offering. As described above, Andrew Arno, a member of the Company’s Board, is currently Vice Chairman of The Special Equities Group at Chardan.

 

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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, 2018, which include the consolidated balance sheets of Smith Micro as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, 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, 2018 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, 2019 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 and executive officers as a group, together with the approximate percentages of outstanding Common Stock owned by each of them. Since none of our directors or executive officers (including our named executive officers) own any shares of Series B Preferred Stock, we have omitted those columns from the table.  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, 5^th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 32,064,848 shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2019.

 

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

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, 2019:

 

 

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 2018 and 2017.  Our NEOs for 2018 were as follows:

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.

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 2017 and 2018 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.

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 2018:

 

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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 2018 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 2018 is the amount achieved for the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first three quarters of 2018.  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 2018:

 

 

 

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 executive officers in 2018.  No other restricted stock or other equity awards were granted to our named executive officers during 2018.  

Our 2018 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 remaining half is subject to a performance-based hurdle required for each executive. 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 these hurdles is determined, the “earned” shares will vest 25% 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.

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Summary Compensation Table – 2018 and 2017

 

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2018

The following table sets forth the number of securities underlying outstanding equity awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2018, 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, 2018.

 

 

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 $70,000 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) earned during 2018 for services as members of our Board of Directors.  

 

 

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 2018, the quarterly fee paid to our non-employee directors was $2,500.  In March 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved an increase in the quarterly fee payable to directors to $3,750.  Non-employee members of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive discretionary awards under our Plan.  On March 12, 2018, each director then serving received a special discretionary grant of 25,000 shares of restricted stock valued at $1.48 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 27, 2019, 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, 5^th 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, 5^th 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SMITHMICRO VOTE SOFTWARE 000004 ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________SACKPACK________________    C123456789 ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6  000000000.000000 ext00000000.0000000 ext000000000.000000 ext000000000000000 ext   000000000.000000 xt 000000000 OOOOOO ext Your vote matters - here’s how to vote! You can vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card Votes submitted electronically must be received by 11:59pm(Eastern Time),on june 3,2019. Online  Go to WWW.envisionreports.com/SMSI or Scan the QR code-logindetails are located in the shaded bar below. phone call toll free1-800652-VOTE(8683) within the USA,US terriotories and canada Save paper,time and money!SIgn UP for electronic delivery at WWW.envisionreports.com/SMSI Using a black ink, pen,Mark your votes with an X as shown in this example Please do not write outside the designated areas. 2019 Annual Meeting Proxy Card_______________________________________________________________________________(1234 56789012 345) if VOTING BY MAIL,SIGN,DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE A: Proposals- The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. 1.Election of Diretors.To elect two(2) directors to serve for a three year team ending at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or untill their successors are duly elected and qualifid: 01-Andrew Arno for withhold 02 Sammuel Gulko for withhold  2.Non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of named executive officetrs. For Against Abstain 3.Ratification of the appointementof singerLewak LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the company for the fiscal year ending December 31,2019. For Against Abstain B: Authorized Signatutres-This section must be completed for yopur vote to count. Please data and sign below.  Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon.Joint owners should each sign.When signing as attorney,executor,administrator,corporate officr,trustee,guardan, or oustodian,please give full title. Date(mm/dd/yy)-Please print date below Signature 1-Please keep signature within the box. signature2-Please keep signature within the box. C 1234567S90 JNT 22BV 416201 MRA SAMPLE(THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMODATE140CHARACTERS)MRASAMPLEANDMRASAMPLEANDMRASAMPLEANDSAMPLEANDMRASAMPLEANDMRASAMPELANDMRASAMPLEAND 03IQLB

 

 

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2019 Annual Meeting ADMISSION TICKET 2019 Annual Meetng of Smith Micro Softwre,Inc. Stockholders June 4, 2019, 10:00am ET Smith Micro Softwre,Inc. 5800 Corporate Drive,Pittsburgh,PA 15237 Upon arrival, please present this admission ticket and photo identification at the registration desk. Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meetings of Stockholders The material is available at: www.envisionreports.com/SMSI.Small steps make an impact Help the environment by consenting to recieve eletronic delivery,sign up at www.envisionreports.com/SMSI  IF VOTING BY MAIL,SIGN,DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.Proxy-Smith Micro Softwre,Inc.Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Solicited Board of Directors far Annual Meeting - June 4,2019  William W.Smith, Jr. and Timothy C.Huffmyer, or either of them, each with the power of substitution, are here-by authorized as Proxies of the undersiqned to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present at the-Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Smith Micro Software, Inc to be held on June 4, 2019 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.Shams represented by this proxy will be voted as directed herein by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FDR the election of drectors and FOR items 2 and 3, In their discretion. the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such Other business as may properly come before the meeting.(items to be voted appear on reverse side) C Non-Voting items change of Adress-Please print new address below. Comments-Please print your comments below.