UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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Payment Data Systems, Inc.
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PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JUNE 21, 2005
June 12, 2008
The annual meeting of stockholders of Payment Data Systems, Inc. (the "Company")
will be held at the Hilton San Antonio Airportour principal executive office located at 611 NW Loop 410,12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216, on Tuesday,Thursday, June 21, 2005,12, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, (the "Annual Meeting") for the following purposes:
To elect one director to serve until the 20082011 annual meeting of stockholders.
To ratify the appointment of the independent auditors of the Company.
Payment Data Systems, Inc.
To transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 29, 200528, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof (the
"Record Date").
thereof.
If you cannot attend the Annual Meeting in person, please sign and date the accompanying Proxy and return it promptly to the Company.us. This way, your shares will be voted as you direct even if you can'tcan’t attend the meeting.
MICHAEL
![[paymentdatasystemdef14a002.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/DEF 14A/0001354488-08-000719/paymentdatasystemdef14a002.gif)
Michael R. LONG
Long
Chief Executive Officer
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR PROXY BY COMPLETING, SIGNING, DATING, AND PROMPTLY MAILING THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE SO THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED.
PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JUNE 21, 2005
This Proxy Statement, the Notice of the Annual Meeting and the accompanying
Proxy are being mailed to stockholders on or about May 6, 2005.
12, 2008
Proxy Solicitation Information
General
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Payment Data Systems, Inc. (the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held onat 10:00 a.m.00a.m., Central Time, Tuesday,Thursday, June 21, 2005,12, 2008, at the Hilton San Antonio Airportour principal executive office located at 611 NW Loop
410,12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216 and at any adjournments thereof (the "Meeting").
adjournments.
Cost of Solicitation
The cost of this solicitation, including expenses in connection with preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement, will be borne by the Company.us. In addition, the Companywe will reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of our Common Stock of the Company for their expenses in forwarding proxy material to such beneficial owners. In addition to solicitation by mail, our officers, directors and employees, of the Company, who will receive no extra compensation for their services, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or facsimile.
Mailing of Proxy Statement and Proxy
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy will be mailed on or about May 6, 2005,12, 2008, to all Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at theour Annual Meeting.
Form 10-KSB
10-K
A copy of the Company'sour Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20042007 will be mailed concurrently with this Proxy Statement to each stockholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report is not part of the Proxy Statement. The CompanyWe will provide, without charge, a copy of the Company'sour Annual Report on Form 10-KSB10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20042007 and related financial statements and financial statement schedules to each stockholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, who requests a copy of such orally or in writing. Requests should be sentmade by calling (210) 249-4100 or sending a written request to Payment Data Systems, Inc., 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
Stockholders Entitled to Vote
The close of business on April 29, 200528, 2008 has been fixed as the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the close of business on April 29, 2005,28, 2008, there were 28,884,529100,822,128 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote. With respect to all matters that will come before the Meeting, each stockholder may cast one vote for each share registered in his or her name on the record date.
Quorum
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of our Common Stock issued, outstanding, and entitled to vote must be present to hold the Meeting.AnnualMeeting. This is referred to as a quorum. Proxies received that withhold authority to vote for a nominee for election as a director and those that are marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.
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Votes Required for Election of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the MeetingAnnualMeeting is required for the election of directors. This means that the nominee receiving the highest number of "For"“For” votes will be elected as director. A properly executed proxy marked "Withhold"“Withhold” or “For All Except” with respect to the election of a nominee will not be counted as a vote "cast"“cast” or have any effect on the election of such nominee.
Votes Required for Ratification of Auditors
The affirmative vote of the holders of ten percenta majority of the votes cast by the stockholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the MeetingAnnualMeeting is required for the approval of the vote for ratification of auditors. A properly executed proxy marked "Abstain"“Abstain” with respect to this proposal will be treated as shares present or represented and entitled to vote on such proposal and will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
Returned Proxy Cards Which Do Not Provide Voting Instructions
Proxies that are signed and returned will be voted in the manner instructed by a stockholder. If you sign and return your proxy card with no instructions, the proxy will be voted "For Nominee"“For The Nominee” with respect to the election of the nominee for director named in this Proxy Statement and "For"“For” the proposal set forth in Item 2.
Broker Non-Votes
If you hold your shares of Common Stock in "street name"“street name” (that is, through a broker, bank or other representative), you are considered the beneficial owner of the shares held in street name. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker how to vote. Brokers who have not received instructions from beneficial owners generally have the authority to vote on certain "routine"“routine” matters, including the election of directors and ratification of the selection of auditors. With respect to a non-routine matter, a broker is not permitted to vote such shares on your behalf as to such matter. Shares representing such "broker non-votes"“broker non-votes” with respect to a non-routine matter will not be voted in favor of such matter and will also not be counted as votes cast on such matter. Accordingly, "broker non-votes"“broker non-votes” will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
Changing Your Vote
You may revoke the proxy that you give the Companyto us at any time before the proxy is voted at the Meeting.AnnualMeeting. In order to do this, you must:
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send a written notice, stating your desire to revoke your proxy, to the
Company,
- us,
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send the Companyus a signed proxy that bears a later date than the one you intend to revoke, or
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attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. In this case, you must notify the Inspector of Elections that you intend to vote in person.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, to our knowledge, certain information concerning
the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of April 26, 2005 by each
stockholder known by us to be (i) the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each current director, (iii) each of
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table who were serving
as executive officers at the end of the 2004 fiscal year and (iv) all of our
directors and current executive officers as a group:
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
5% STOCKHOLDERS
CheckFree Investment Corporation 3,058,242(2) 9.9%
2920 Green Valley Road
Building 3, Suite 321-19
Henderson, NV 89014
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Michael R. Long 3,313,175(3) 11.0%
Louis A. Hoch 2,904,829(4) 9.7%
Larry Morrison 519,039(5) 1.8%
Peter G. Kirby 593,500(6) 2.0%
All executive officers and directors as a group (4 people) 7,330,543(7) 23.1%
(1) Based on a total of 28,794,529 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April 26, 2005.
(2) Includes 2,179,121 shares that CheckFree has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock
warrants.
(3) Includes 1,298,334 shares that Mr. Long has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(4) Includes 1,190,000 shares that Mr. Hoch has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(5) Includes 200,000 shares that Mr. Morrison has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock
options.
(6) Includes 293,000 shares that Mr. Kirby has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(7) The address of all individual directors and executive officers is c/o Payment Data Systems, Inc.,
12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
As established by the Company'sour Bylaws, theour Directors are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. As of April 29, 2005,the date of this Proxy Statement, Michael R. Long, Louis A. Hoch and Peter G. Kirby are the only members of theour Board of Directors of the Company.Directors. Peter G. Kirby is the only nominee for election to theour Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Kirby'sDirectors. Dr. Kirby’s term on the Board of Directors, if elected thereto, will expire on the 2008our 2011 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders
of the Company.
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Stockholders.
The individuals named as proxies will vote the enclosed Proxy FOR the election of the nominee unless you direct them to withhold your vote. If the nominee becomes unable to serve as a Director before the Annual Meeting (or decides not to serve), the individuals named as proxies may vote for a substitute or may reduce the number of members of the Board.
Below are the names and ages of the Directors and the nominee for Director, the years they became Directors, their principal occupations or employment for at least the past five years and certain of their other directorships, if any.
Class III Director Nominee for Election to a Three-Year Term Ending with the
2008 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company
Peter G. Kirby, Ph.D. SPHR CM. Age 65. Mr. Kirby has been our Director since
June 2001. Mr. Kirby distinguished himself in professional and community
activities in a career that spans thirty-five years. He is an accomplished
public speaker and has provided consulting services to Fortune 100 firms. Mr.
Kirby has published numerous works in the fields of management, decision-making
and human resources. He has been a director on many university advisory councils
and boards and has served on many charitable committees and foundations. Mr.
Kirby is currently a tenured professor of Management at Our Lady of the Lake
University in San Antonio, Texas, where he has taught for the past fifteen
years.
Class II Director with a Three-Year Term Ending with the 2006 Annual Meeting of
the Stockholders of the Company
Louis A. Hoch. Age 39. Mr. Hoch has been our President, Chief Operating
Officer, and Director since July 1998. Mr. Hoch has more than fifteen years of
management experience in large systems development; earning him national
recognition as an expert in call centers, voice-systems and computer telephony
integration. Mr. Hoch has held various key management positions with U.S. Long
Distance, Billing Concepts, Inc. and Anderson Consulting. Mr. Hoch holds a BBA
in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in International Business Management,
both from Our Lady of the Lake University Business School. In 2000 and 2001, he
served as a board member of Office e-procure, which provides branded office
supply e-commerce sites for businesses.
Class I Director with a Three-Year Term Ending with the 20072010 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company
Michael R. Long.Long. Age 60.63. Mr. Long has been our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and Director since July 1998. In addition, Mr. Long has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 2003. Mr. Long has more than thirty years of senior executive management and systems development experience in six publicly traded companies, as well as operating a systems consulting business. Before assuming the top position at Payment Data Systems, Mr. Long was Vice President of Information Technology at Billing Concepts, Inc., the largest third party billing clearinghouse for the telecommunications industry. Mr. Long's career experience also includes financial services industry business development for Anderson Consulting and several executive positions in publicly traded telecommunications and financial services companies.
Class II Director with a Three-Year Term Ending with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Louis A. Hoch. Age 42. Mr. Hoch has been our President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director since July 1998 and also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hoch has more than fifteen years of management experience in large systems development; earning him national recognition as an expert in call centers, voice-systems and computer telephony integration. Mr. Hoch has held various key management positions with U.S. Long Distance, Billing Concepts, Inc. and Anderson Consulting. Mr. Hoch holds a BBA in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in International Business Management, both from Our Lady of the Lake University Business School.
Class III Director Nominee for Election to a Three-Year Term Ending with the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Peter G. Kirby, Ph.D. SPHR CM. Age 68. Dr. Kirby has been our Director since June 2001. Dr. Kirby distinguished himself in professional and community activities in a career that spanned over thirty-five years. He is an accomplished public speaker and has provided consulting services to Fortune 100 firms. Dr. Kirby has published numerous works in the fields of management, decision-making and human resources. He has been a director on many university advisory councils and boards and has served on many charitable committees and foundations. Dr. Kirby retired in 2006 as a tenured professor of Management at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, where he taught for seventeen years. Dr. Kirby served as Chair of the QFN Economic Development Corporation, a Canadian corporation, from April 2007 to May 2008.
Recommendation of Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company recommends a voteFOR the nominee for election to the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION
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PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch receive no compensation for serving on theAKIN, DOHERTY, KLEIN & FEUGE, P.C. AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, appointed Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as independent auditors to examine our consolidated financial statements for the Company duefiscal year ending December 31, 2008 and to their statusrender other professional services as officersrequired. Our Board of the Company.
In 2004, we did not pay any cash compensation toDirectors believes that ratification of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as our independent Directorauditors for his services onthe fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 is in our Board of Directors. However, on December 30, 2003, we
granted options to purchase 175,000 sharesbest interests and those of our Common Stock withstockholders.
We are submitting the appointment of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. to stockholders to obtain your ratification. Representatives of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a one-year
vesting period at an exercise price of $0.14 per sharestatement if they desire to our independent
director, Peter G. Kirby, as compensation for his service as a Director.
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PROCEEDINGS WITH DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND AFFILIATES
Beginning in December 2000, we pledged as loan guarantees certain funds held as
money market fundsdo so and certificates of depositare expected to collateralize margin loans for
the following executive officers: (1) Michael R. Long, then Chairmanbe available to respond to questions.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; (2) Louis A. Hoch, then
President and Chief Operating Officer; (3) Marshall N. Millard, then Secretary,
Senior Vice President, and General Counsel; and (4) David S. Jones, then
Executive Vice President. Mr. Millard and Mr. Jones are no longer employed by
us.
The margin loans were obtained in March 1999 from institutional lenders and
were secured by sharesBoard recommends a voteFOR the ratification of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, to our knowledge, certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of our common stock ownedCommon Stock as of April 28, 2008 by these officers. The pledged
funds were held in our name in accounts with the lenders that held the margin
loans of the officers. Our purpose in collateralizing the margin loans was to
prevent the sale of our common stock owned by these officers while we were
pursuing efforts to raise additional capital through private equity placements.
The sale of that common stock could have hindered our ability to raise capital
in such a manner and compromised its continuing efforts to secure additional
financing. The highest total amount of funds pledged for the margin loans
guaranteedeach stockholder known by us was approximately $2.0 million. Atto be (i) the time the funds were
pledged, we believed we would have access to them because (a) the stock price
was substantial and the stock pledged by the officers, if liquidated, would
produce funds in excessbeneficial owner of the loans payable, and (b) with respect to one of the
institutional lenders (who was also assisting us as a financial advisor at the
time), even if the stock price fell, we had received assurances from that
institutional lender that the pledged funds would be made available as needed.
During the fourth quarter of 2002, we requested partial release of the funds for
operating purposes, which request was denied by an institutional lender. At that
time, the stock price had fallen as well, and it became clear that both
institutional lenders would not release the pledged funds. In light of these
circumstances, we recognized a loss on the guarantees of $1,278,138 in the
fourth quarter of 2002 and recorded a corresponding payable under related party
guarantees on our balance sheet at December 31, 2002 because it became probable
at that point that we would be unable to recover our pledged funds. During the
quarter ended March 31, 2003, the lenders applied the pledged funds to satisfy
the outstanding balances of the loans. The total balance of the margin loans
guaranteed by us was zero at December 31, 2004. We may institute litigation or
arbitration in collectionmore than 5% of the outstanding repayment obligationsshares of Mr. Long,
Mr. Hoch, Mr. Millard, and Mr. Jones, which currently total $1,278,138.
Presently, we have refrained from initiating action to recover these funds from
Mr. Long, Mr. Hoch, and Mr. Millard because they may have offsetting claims that
total $1,445,500 collectively by virtueCommon Stock, (ii) each current director, (iii) each of the change of control clause in their
respective employment agreements based on our preliminary analysis. We
understand that these individuals may assert such claims based on our sale of
substantially all of our assets to Harbor Payments, Inc. on July 25, 2003. We
have not initiated any formal settlement negotiations with these individuals
because they have been under an extended employment contract with us or have not
been amenable to such an action. On July 25, 2004, our employment agreements
with Michael Long, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and
Louis Hoch, President and Chief Operating Officer, expired. We intend to enter
into new employment agreements with both of these individuals and are currently
negotiating the terms of such agreements. We have not pursued the outstanding
repayment obligation of Mr. Jones because we do not consider a recovery attempt
to be cost beneficial. In order to attempt a recovery from Mr. Jones, we
estimate that we would incur a minimum of $20,000 in estimated legal costs with
no reasonable assurance of success in recovering his outstanding obligation of
approximately $38,000. Because of the limited amount of the obligation, we also
anticipate difficulty in retaining counsel on a contingency basis to pursue
collection of this obligation. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot
presently be determined.
On July 25, 2003, certain of our stockholders (those stockholders being Mike
Procacci, Jr., Mark and Stefanie McMahon, Anthony and Lois Tedeschi, Donna and
James Knoll, John E. Hamilton, III, William T. Hagan, Samuel A. Fruscione, Dana
Fruscione-Penzone, Gia Fruscione, Alicia Fruscione, Joseph Fruscione, Robert
Evans, John Arangio, Gary and JoAnne Gardner, Lee and Margaret Getson, G. Harry
Bonham, Jr., Gary Brewer, Bob Lastowski, Robert Filipe, Mitchell D. Hovendick,
Dr. John Diephold, Joseph Maressa, Jr., and Charles Brennan) commenced legal
action against us, Ernst & Young, LLP, and certain of our current and former
directors (including the executive officers named above) in the District CourtSummary Compensation Table who were serving as executive officers at the end of the 45th Judicial District, Bexar County, Texas. With respect to us2007 fiscal year and the
current and former directors named in the suit, the plaintiffs allege that we,
acting through such directors, misstated in our 2000 and 2001 Form 10-Ks our
ability to use for operational purposes the funds pledged as security for margin
loans of certain(iv) all of our directors and current executive officers as discussed above. a group:
| | | | | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | | Percent of Class (1) |
5% Stockholder | | | | | | |
Robert Evans,
P.O. Box 56,
Williamsville, IL 62693 | | 11,520,000 | | | 11.4 | % |
| | | | | | |
Named Executive Officers and Directors | | | | | | |
Louis A. Hoch | | 20,939,081 | (2) | | 20.6 | % |
Michael R. Long | | 18,630,858 | (3) | | 18.3 | % |
Larry Morrison | | 2,187,490 | (4) | | 2.2 | % |
Peter G. Kirby | | 1,818,500 | (5) | | 1.8 | % |
All executive officers and directors
as a group (4 people) | | 43,575,929 | (6) | | 42.1 | % |
———————
(1)
Based on a total of 100,822,128 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April 28, 2008.
(2)
Includes 1,011,147 shares that Mr. Hoch has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(3)
Includes 781,833 shares that Mr. Long has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(4)
Includes 226,795 shares that Mr. Morrison has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(5)
Includes 618,000 shares that Dr. Kirby has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options.
(6)
The plaintiffs
allegeaddress of all individual directors and seek resulting economicexecutive officers is c/o Payment Data Systems, Inc., 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under U.S. securities laws, directors, certain executive officers and exemplary damages, rescission, interest,
attorneys' fees and costspersons holding more than 10% of court. We believe this suit is without merit and
intend to vigorously defend the company and the directors named in the suit. As
5our Common Stock must report their initial ownership of the dateCommon Stock, and any changes in that ownership, to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission has designated specific due dates for these reports. Based solely on our review of this report, there have been no material developmentscopies of the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we believe all persons subject to reporting timely filed the required reports in the suit
other than the case being set for trial in late 2005. The results2007, except that Robert Evans filed a Form 3 on February 14, 2008 as a result of legal
proceedings cannot be predicteda stock purchase occurring on March 8, 2007 and filed a Form 4 on February 14, 2008 with certainty. If we failrespect to prevail in this
legal matter, our financial position, results of operations,twelve stock purchases occurring between June 6, 2007 and cash flows
could be materially adversely affected.
July 10, 2007.
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COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MEETINGS
The
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is currently comprised of our only independent director, Mr.Dr. Kirby, and it operates under a written charter adopted by theour Board of Directors. Mr.Dr. Kirby meets the independence standards for independent directors under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market published in the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The composition of the Audit Committee, the attributes of its members and the responsibilities of the Committee, as reflected in its charter, are intended to be in accordance with applicable requirements for corporate audit committees. The Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis.
As set forth in more detail in its charter, the Audit Committee'sCommittee’s purpose is to assist the Board of Directors in its general oversight of the Company'sour financial reporting, internal control and audit functions. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company'sour financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C., the
Company'sour independent auditing firm, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
The Audit Committee members are not professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of management and the independent auditor, nor can the Audit Committee certify that the independent auditor is "independent"“independent” under applicable rules. The Audit Committee serves a board-level oversight role, in which it provides advice, counsel and direction to management and the auditors on the basis of the information it receives, discussions with management and the auditors and the experience of the Audit Committee'sCommittee’s members in business, financial and accounting matters.
Among other matters, the Audit Committee monitors the activities and performance of the Company'sour internal and external auditors, including the audit scope, external audit fees, auditor independence matters and the extent to which the independent auditor may be retained to perform non-audit services. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors have ultimate authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, when appropriate, replace the Company'sour independent auditor. The Audit Committee also reviews the results of the internal and external audit work with regard to the adequacy and appropriateness of the
Company'sour financial, accounting and internal controls. Management and independent auditor presentations to and discussions with the Audit Committee also cover various topics and events that may have significant financial impact or are the subject of discussions between management and the independent auditor. In addition, the Audit Committee generally oversees the Company'sour internal compliance programs.
In overseeing the preparation of the Company'sour financial statements, the Audit Committee has had access to the Company'sour management to review and discuss all financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant accounting issues. Management advised the Audit Committee that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has met with the Company'sour independent auditors with regard to theour audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2004.2007. For the year ended December 31, 2004,2007, the Audit Committee did receive the independent auditor'sauditor’s letter and written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).
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For the year ended December 31, 2004,2007, the only member of the Audit Committee was Mr.Dr. Kirby. The Audit Committee met one timefour times in relation to the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company does2007. We do not have an audit committee financial expert serving on itsour Audit Committee because the Company haswe have been unable to replace the independent director serving as the audit committee financial expert after his resignation during 2003. The Company isWe are still seeking an independent director to serve as the audit committee financial expert.
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Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company'sour previous filings under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, this Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
General. The Company's
General. Our Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee with authority to set all forms of compensation of the Company'sour executive officers, including the grant of stock options and restricted shares. Mr.Dr. Kirby, our independent Director, is the sole member of the Compensation Committee.
Compensation Philosophy. Philosophy. The Board of Director 'sDirector's compensation philosophy is to reward executive officers for the achievement of short and long-term corporate and individual performance, as measured by the attainment of specific goals for the creation of long-term shareholderstockholder value. Also, to ensure that the Company iswe are strategically and competitively positioned for the future, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to attribute significant weight to other factors in determining executive compensation, such as maintaining competitiveness, expanding markets, pursuing growth opportunities and achieving other long-range business and operating objectives. The level of compensation should also allow the Companyus to attract, motivate, and retain talented executive officers that contribute to theour long-term success of the Company.success. The compensation of theour Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Company is comprised of cash compensation and long-term incentive compensation in the form of base salary, restricted stock awards and stock options.
Total Compensation for Executives. For 2004, the Company's2007, our total compensation for executive officers consisted of base salary and common stock awards.awards, including bonuses paid under employment agreements. In setting 20042007 and future compensation, the Compensation Committee considered the specific factors discussed below:
Base Salary. In setting the executive officers base salaries, the Compensation Committee considers the performance of the executive officers' respective business units, as well as individual performance. Base salaries are targeted to approximate the average base salaries paid to executives of similar companies for each position. To ensure that each executive is paid appropriately, the Compensation Committee considers the executive'sexecutive’s level of responsibility, prior experience, overall knowledge, contribution to business results, executive pay for similar positions in other companies, and executive pay within the Company.
our company.
Stock Plans. In addition to the foregoing, our executive officers of the
Company may be compensated through grants of our Common Stock or options to purchase our Common Stock. In 2007, our named executive officers did not receive a discretionary stock grant as part of the Company.
Chief Executive Officer Compensationtheir compensation. However, On January 9, 2008, we granted our named executive officers a total of 16,200,000 shares of restricted stock as follows: Mr. Long's annual base salary for 2004 was $190,000. He received a commonLong, 7,750,000 shares; Mr. Hoch, 7,750,000 shares; and Mr. Morrison, 700,000 shares. This stock award of 321,174 shares grantedvests on January 7, 2005 valued at $96,352 in lieu of
$65,769 of his unpaid base salary for 2004, resulting in total compensation for
Mr. Long for 2004 of $220,583.
9, 2018.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
For the year ended December 31, 2004, Mr.2007, Dr. Kirby was the only member of the Compensation Committee. To carry out its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee met one timeonce during 2004.
2007.
7
The Nominating Committee
The Company considers
We consider recommendations for Director candidates from itsour Directors, officers, employees, shareholders,stockholders, customers, and vendors. Stockholders wishing to nominate individuals to serve as directors may submit such nominations, along with a nominee's qualifications, to our Board of Directors at Payment Data Systems, Inc., 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216, and the Board of Directors will consider such nominee. The Board of Directors selects the Director candidates slated for election. The Company
doesWe do not have a Nominating Committee in light of resource allocations made by the Board of Directors in its business judgment.
The Entire Board
During 2004, the2007, our entire Board of Directors of the Company met twofour times for regular and Annual meetings. During this period, each Director attended all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee on which he served. In all other instances in 2004,2007, the Board of Directors acted by unanimous written consent.
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF AKIN, DOHERTY, KLEIN & FEUGE, P.C. AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, appointed
Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as independent auditors to examine the
Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2005
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Named Executive Officers and to render other professional services as required.
The Company is submitting the appointment of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C.
to stockholders to obtain your ratification. Representatives of Akin, Doherty,
Klein & Feuge, P.C. will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be
available to respond to questions.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company believes that ratification of Akin,
Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as the Company's independent auditors for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 is in the best interests of the Company and
its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification
of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. as the Company's independent auditors for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under U.S. securities laws, directors, certain executive officers and persons
holding more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock must report their initial
ownership of the Common Stock, and any changes in that ownership, to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission has
designated specific due dates for these reports. Based solely on its review of
copies of the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
written representations of its directors and executive officers, the Company
believes all persons subject to reporting timely filed the required reports in
2004, except that Mr. Kirby filed a Form 4 on December 29, 2004 with respect to
a stock sale occurring on December 9, 2004.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The names and ages of all of our directors andBiographies
Our named executive officers, along with their respective positions term of office and period such position(s) was held,
isthe year they joined our company, are as follows:
| | | | |
Name | | Position(s) Held Age
- -------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---
| | Year |
Michael R. Long | | Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the 60
Board and Director
- --------------------
| | 1998 |
Louis A. Hoch | | President, and Chief Operating Officer and Director 39
- --------------------
Vice Chairman of the Board | | 1998 |
Larry Morrison | | Vice President, Business Development 45
- --------------------
Peter G. Kirby Director 65
| | 2003 |
8
Biographies of Officers and Directors
Michael R. Long.Long. See biography of Mr. Long on page 4.
3.
Louis A. Hoch. See biography of Mr. Hoch on page 4.
3.
Larry Morrison. Age 48. Mr. Morrison has been our Vice President, Business Development since July 2003. Mr. Morrison has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of sales and sales management. Before joining Payment Data Systems, Inc. to oversee all sales and marketing functions, Mr. Morrison served as a major accounts executive for a tier one telecommunications provider and vice president of sales and operations for a major two-way communications firm. His background also includes management and implementation of large government communication systems installations both domestic and abroad.
Peter G. Kirby. See biography of Mr. Kirby on page 4.
EXECUTIVE
8
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
The following table sets forthshows the compensation earned during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 20032007 and 2002 to our Chief Executive Officer and each
other2006 by all executive officerofficers that earned over $100,000 during the year ended December 31, 2004.
Annual Compensation (1) Long Term Compensation
--------------------------- ------------------------------
Awards
-----------
Securities All Other
Underlying Compensation
Name and Principal Position(s) Year Salary Bonus Options (#)(2) (3)
- --------------------------------- ---- ------- ------- ------- -------
Michael R. Long 2004 $220,583 - $11,529
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 2003 $190,000 400,000 $11,529
and Chief Financial Officer 2002 $190,000 340,000 $11,130
Louis A. Hoch 2004 $193,103 $15,000 - $900
President and Chief Operating 2003 $175,000 425,000 $900
Officer 2002 $175,000 340,000 $1,950
Larry Morrison 2004 $116,096 - $360
Vice President, Business 2003 $46,154 100,000 $180
Development
(1) In 2004, salary compensation for each of the named officers includes the fair market value of common stock
received in lieu of base salary as follows: Mr. Long, $96,352 in lieu of $65,769; Mr. Hoch, $65,219 in lieu of
$47,115; and Mr. Morrison, $50,712 in lieu of $34,615.
(2) We did not grant any stock options to any of our named executive officers during fiscal year 2004.
(3) 2007.Summary Compensation Table
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position (a) | | Year Ended Dec. 31, (b) | | Salary ($) (c) | | Bonus ($)(1) (d) | | Stock Awards ($)(2) (e) | | Option Awards ($)(3) (f) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compen-sation ($) (g) | | Non-qualified Deferred Compen-sation Earnings ($) (h) | | All Other Compen-sation ($)(4) (i) | | Total ($) (j) |
Michael R. Long | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chairman, Chief | | 2007 | | 190,000 | | 231,000 | | 153,208 | | — | | — | | — | | 12,117 | | 586,325 |
Executive Officer | | 2006 | | 190,000 | | — | | 84,588 | | — | | — | | — | | 12,117 | | 286,705 |
and Chief
Financial Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Louis A. Hoch | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vice Chairman, | | 2007 | | 175,000 | | 231,000 | | 166,588 | | — | | — | | — | | 2,520 | | 575,108 |
President and | | 2006 | | 175,000 | | — | | 83,724 | | — | | — | | — | | 2,520 | | 261,244 |
Chief Operating
Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Larry Morrison | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vice President, | | 2007 | | 100,000 | | — | | 19,776 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,902 | | 121,678 |
Business | | 2006 | | 100,000 | | — | | 10,776 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,008 | | 111,784 |
Development | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
———————
(1)
On November 1, 2007, we granted Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch 3,085,715 shares of common stock each as an annual bonus valued at $216,000 pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements. On February 27, 2007, we executed employment agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch and subsequently paid $15,000 to each as a signing bonus under the terms of their respective employment agreements.
(2)
Amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to fiscal year in accordance with FAS 123R. On February 27, 2007, we executed employment agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch and subsequently issued 500,000 shares of common stock to each under the terms of their respective employment agreements. We also issued 2,500,000 shares of common stock to each as a long-term incentive under the terms of their respective employment agreements. The incentive stock is restricted and vests annually over five years in increments of 500,000 shares beginning on February 28, 2009. On December 27, 2006, we granted our named executive officers a total of 7,583,944 shares of restricted stock as follows: Mr. Long, 2,500,611 shares; Mr. Hoch, 4,083,333 shares; and Mr. Morrison, 1,000,000 shares. This stock vests on December 27, 2016.
(3)
There were no stock options granted to any of our named executive officers during fiscal year 2006 or 2007.
(4)
Reflects premiums paid for term life insurance coverage.
9
Option ExercisesThe amount for Mr. Morrison in 2007 also includes a required minimum contribution of $894 to Mr. Morrison’s 401(k) Plan account because the 401(k) Plan was determined to be top-heavy.Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements
We entered into an employment agreement with Michael R. Long effective February 27, 2007. Under the agreement, Mr. Long serves as our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Year-End Values
Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides for base annual salaries of $190,000 for 2007, $300,000 for 2008 and $375,000 for 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition, Mr. Long will receive an annual bonus of $216,000 during the term of the agreement to be paid in cash or stock at our sole discretion. Upon execution of the agreement, Mr. Long received cash of $15,000, 500,000 shares of common stock from our Employee Stock Plan, and 2,500,000 shares of restricted common stock that vest annually in increments of 500,000 shares beginning on February 28, 2009.
9
We entered into an employment agreement with Louis A. Hoch effective February 27, 2007. Under the agreement, Mr. Hoch serves as our Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Operating Officer. The agreement provides for base annual salaries of $175,000 for 2007, $275,000 for 2008 and $350,000 for 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition, Mr. Hoch will receive an annual bonus of $216,000 during the term of the Agreement to be paid in cash or stock at our sole discretion. Upon execution of the agreement, Mr. Hoch received cash of $15,000, 500,000 shares of common stock from our Employee Stock Plan, and 2,500,000 shares of restricted common stock that vest annually in increments of 500,000 shares beginning on February 28, 2009.
We do not have an employment agreement with Mr. Morrison.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table provides certain information related to the exerciseshows grants of unexercised stock options during the year endedand unvested stock by grant date outstanding on December 31, 2004 by2007, the last day of our fiscal year, to each of the named executive officers included in the Summary Compensation Table.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Option awards (1) | | Stock awards (1) |
Name (a) | | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable (b) | | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable (c) | | Option exercise price ($) (e) | | Option expiration date (f) | | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#)(2) (g) | |
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)(3) (h) |
Michael R. Long | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12/30/2003 | | 400,000 | | — | | 0.14 | | 12/30/2013 | | — | | — |
3/28/2005 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 367,333 | | 20,203 |
12/29/2005 | | 381,833 | | — | | 0.082 | | 12/29/2015 | | 1,355,972 | | 74,578 |
12/27/2006 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 2,500,611 | | 137,534 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Louis A. Hoch | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12/30/2003 | | 425,000 | | — | | 0.14 | | 12/30/2013 | | — | | — |
3/28/2005 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 333,316 | | 18,332 |
12/29/2005 | | 586,147 | | — | | 0.082 | | 12/29/2015 | | 2,081,536 | | 114,484 |
12/27/2006 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 4,083,333 | | 224,583 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Larry Morrison | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7/17/2003 | | 100,000 | | — | | 0.09 | | 7/17/2013 | | — | | — |
12/30/2003 | | 100,000 | | — | | 0.14 | | 12/30/2013 | | — | | — |
3/28/2005 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 50,000 | | 2,750 |
12/29/2005 | | 26,795 | | — | | 0.082 | | 12/29/2015 | | 95,156 | | 5,234 |
12/27/2006 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 1,000,000 | | 55,000 |
———————
(1)
We do not have any equity incentive plan awards.
(2)
Unvested common stock granted on March 28, 2005 vests on March 28, 2008, common stock granted on December 29, 2005 vests on December 29, 2015, and common stock granted on December 27, 2006 vests on December 27, 2016.
(3)
Calculated using the numberOTCBB closing price of $0.055 per share of our common stock on December 31, 2007.
10
Retirement Benefits
We do not have any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans. We do have a tax-qualified defined contribution plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of our eligible full and part-time employees who meet certain age requirements may participate in this 401(k) plan. Participants may contribute between 1% and 15% of their pre-tax compensation. The 401(k) plan allows for us to make discretionary and matching contributions. We made no such contributions during 2007 or 2006. In 2007, we made a required minimum contribution of $894 to Mr. Morrison because the 401(k) Plan was determined to be top-heavy.
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
We do not have any non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Our employment agreements with Michael Long and Louis Hoch each provide that upon termination of his employment with us due to death or disability, involuntary termination without cause, termination for good reason or default by us, termination due to non-renewal of the agreement, or change of control, he is entitled to deferred compensation. This deferred compensation shall be the amount which is calculated as the greater of the base salary payments that each would have received had his employment continued for the remaining term of the agreement (including yearly increases calculated at the maximum increase for the prior two years), or an amount equal to 2.95 times the higher annual compensation earned by him in the past two years. In addition to this compensation, each shall be entitled to all of the benefits otherwise provided in his agreement during that period of time which is the greater of the remaining term of the agreement, or one year, and an amount equal to the pro rata portion of his bonus compensation for the year in which his employment is terminated. In addition, all stock options and restricted stock granted to each executive become fully vested upon his termination for any of these reasons. Also, in consideration of the executive’s obligations for a period of two years after the termination of his employment under a non-competition clause in the employment agreement, he shall be paid an amount equal to 2 times the base salary paid to him in the year prior to the expiration of the agreement.
11
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation earned by our independent director in fiscal 2007.
Director Compensation Table
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name (a) | | Fees earned or paid in cash ($) (b) | | Stock awards ($)(1) (c) | | Option awards ($)(2) (d) | | Non-equity Incentive
plan
compen-
sation earnings ($) (e) | | Non-qualified Deferred compen-
sation earnings ($) (f) | | All other Compen-
sation ($) (g) | | Total ($) (h) |
Peter G. Kirby | | — | | 23,604 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 23,604 |
———————
(1)
Amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to fiscal 2007 in accordance with FAS 123R. At December 31, 2007, Dr. Kirby had outstanding 400,000 shares of common stock with a grant date fair value of options held by the named executive officers at$36,000 granted on December 27, 2006 that vest on December 27, 2016 and 300,000 shares of common stock with a grant date fair value of $60,000 granted on March 28, 2005 that vest one-third on each of March 28, 2006, March 28, 2007 and March 28, 2008.
(2)
At December 31, 2004.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
Shares Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Acquired Value Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options at
On Exercise Realized Options at Fiscal Year-End (#) Fiscal Year- End ($) (1)
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Name. (#) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
Michael R. Long - $0 1,248,334 50,000 $109,400 $9,000
Louis A. Hoch - $0 1,115,000 75,000 $109,400 $13,500
Larry Morrison - $0 200,000 - $41,000 -
(1) Calculated using the year-end per share price of $0.32.
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
In 2004, we did not pay any cash compensation to our independent directors for
their services on our Board of Directors. However, on December 30, 2003, we
granted2007, Dr. Kirby had outstanding options to purchase 175,000618,000 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock.Narrative to Director Compensation Table
We do not have an agreement with a one-year
vesting period at an exercise price of $0.14 per share to our independent director, Peter G. Kirby, as compensationto compensate him for his service on our Board of Directors. Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch receive no compensation for serving on our Board of Directors due to their status as a Director.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
On July 25, 2004,officers of our company.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In December 2002, we recognized losses of $535,302 and $449,371 under loan guarantees we made to collateralize margin loans for Michael R. Long, then Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, and Louis A. Hoch, then President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, for which they were obliged to repay us. In February 2007, we entered into employment agreements with MichaelMr. Long, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and LouisMr. Hoch, our President and Chief Operating Officer, expired.that require each executive officer to repay his respective obligation to us in four equal annual payments of cash or stock or any combination thereof. On December 29, 2007, we accepted common stock and stock options valued at $133,826 and $112,343 from Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch, respectively, in satisfaction of their annual payments for 2007 as provided for under their employment agreements. Mr.&nbs p;Long’s payment consisted of 1,285,714 shares of our common stock valued at $96,429 and options to purchase a total of 898,334 shares of our common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.18 to $2.81 per share. These options were valued at $37,397. Mr. Hoch’s payment consisted of 1,061,041 shares of our common stock valued at $79,623 and options to purchase a total of 765,000 shares of our common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.18 to $2.81 per share. These options were valued at $32,720. The common stock accepted from Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch was valued at $0.075 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on December 19, 2007. We intendrecorded the common stock accepted from Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch as treasury stock with a total cost of $176,052. We determined the fair value of each stock option accepted from Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We canceled the options accepted from Mr. Long and Mr. Hoc h on December 29, 2007 and recorded a total direct charge to enter into new employment agreementsequity of $70,117.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we paid Herb Authier a total of $35,500 for consulting services related to network engineering and administration that he provided to us. The amount paid to Mr. Authier consisted of $7,500 in cash and 352,674 shares of our common stock valued at $28,000. Mr. Authier is the father-in-law of Louis Hoch, our President and Chief Operating Officer.
12
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Changes in and Disagreements with bothAccountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Fees Paid to the Independent Accountants
The aggregate fees billed to us for professional accounting services, including the audit of these individualsour annual consolidated financial statements by our principal accountant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 included in our Form 10-K, are currently negotiatingset forth in the termstable below.
| | | | | |
| 2007 | | 2006 |
Audit fees | $ | 51,825 | | $ | 42,000 |
Tax fees | | 2,750 | | | 2,750 |
Total fees | $ | 54,575 | | $ | 44,750 |
For purposes of such
agreements.
the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as follows:
·
Audit Fees—These are fees for professional services billed for the audit of the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K filings, the review of consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-Q filings, comfort letters, consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. The fees in the 2007 column include amounts billed to us through the date of this Proxy Statement for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the fees in the 2006 column include amounts billed to us through the date of this Proxy Statement for the years ended December 31, 2006.
·
Tax Fees—These are fees for professional services rendered by our independent accountant for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax compliance involves preparation of original and amended tax returns. Tax planning and tax advice encompass a diverse range of subjects, including assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to dispositions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.
We may not engage our independent accountant to render any audit or non-audit service unless our Audit Committee approves the service in advance. All of the services performed by our independent accountant described above were approved in advance by our Audit Committee.
ANNUAL MEETING ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
A stockholder may recommend a nominee to become a Director of the Company by giving Michael R. Long, theour Chief Executive Officer, of the Company, a written notice mailed to 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216 and setting forth certain information, including: (1) the name, age, and business and residence addresses of the person intended to be nominated, (2) a representation that the nominating stockholder is in fact a holder of record of our Common Stock of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting and that he or she intends to be present at the meeting to nominate the person specified, (3) a description of all arrangements between the nominating stockholder, the nominee and other persons concerning the nomination, (4) any other information about the nominee that must be disclosed in proxy solicitations under Rule 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (5) the nominee's written consent to serve, if elected. Such nominations must be made pursuant to the same advance noticenotic e requirements for stockholder proposals.
The Company's 2005
Our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is currently scheduled for June 2006.2009. Copies of the Company'sour Bylaws are available upon written request made to Michael R. Long, theour Chief Executive Officer, of the Company, at 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216. The requirements described above do not supersede the requirements or conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for stockholder proposals to be included in the Company'sour proxy materials for a meeting of stockholders. The Chairman of the meeting may refuse to bring before a meeting any business not brought in compliance with applicable law and the Company'sour Bylaws.
10
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
None.
Fees Paid to the Independent Accountants
The aggregate fees billed to us for professional accounting services, including
the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements by our principal
accountant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 included in our
Form 10-KSB, are set forth in the table below. The amount for 2003 includes
approximately $38,450 of fees billed to us by Ernst & Young LLP, our former
independent auditor, related to audit and non-audit services.
2004 2003
---------- ----------
Audit fees $ 48,025 $ 51,450
Tax fees 5,125 7,000
---------- ----------
Total fees $ 53,150 $ 58,450
========== ==========
For purposes of the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as
follows:
- Audit Fees-These are fees for professional services billed for the audit
of the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-KSB
filings, the review of consolidated financial statements included in our
Form 10-QSB filings, comfort letters, consents and assistance with and
review of documents filed with the SEC. The fees in the 2004 column include
amounts billed to us through the date of this Proxy Statement for the year
ended December 31, 2004 and the fees in the 2003 column include amounts
billed to us through the date of this Proxy Statement for the years ended
December 31, 2003.
- Tax Fees-These are fees for professional services rendered by our
independent accountant for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax
compliance involves preparation of original and amended tax returns. Tax
planning and tax advice encompass a diverse range of subjects, including
assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to dispositions,
and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.
All of the services performed by our independent accountant described above were
approved in advance by our Audit Committee.
13
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's
Our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20042007 and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are incorporated herein by reference to the Company's 2004our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-KSB10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is being mailed to stockholders with this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSALS BY STOCKHOLDERS
In accordance with rules established by the Securities Exchange Commission, any stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 intended for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for next year's Annual Meeting must be received by the Companyus no later than December 31, 2005.2008. Proposals should be submitted to Michael R. Long, the Company'sour Chief Executive Officer, at 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas 78216. To be included in the proxy statement, the proposal must comply with the requirements as to form and substance established by the Securities Exchange Commission and must be a proper subject for stockholder action under Nevada law. No shareholderstockholder proposals will be considered for the 20062009 Annual Meeting after December 31, 2005.
11
2008.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, theour Board of Directors of the Company does not know of any business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than that specified herein and in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If other matters are presented, it is the intention of the persons designated as proxies to vote in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY STATEMENT
Some banks, brokers, and other record holders may participate in the practice of “householding” proxy statements. This means that, unless stockholders give contrary instructions, only one copy of this Proxy Statement may be sent to multiple stockholders sharing an address. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of this document to any stockholder at a shared address upon written or oral request by such stockholder at the following address or telephone number: Payment Data Systems, Inc., 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216, (210) 249-4100. Any stockholder who wants to receive a separate copy of this Proxy Statement in the future, or any stockholder who is receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy per household, should contact such stockholder’s bank, broker, or other record holder, or such stockholder may contact us at the above address or telephone number.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Proxy Statement contains forward-looking statements including statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends"“believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends” and words of similar import. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company'sour actual results or outcomes to be materially different from those anticipated and discussed herein. Important factors that the Company believeswe believe might cause such differences include: (1) concentration of the Company'sour assets into one industry segment; (2) the nature of the Company'sour business (as defined herein); (3) the impact of changing economic conditions; (4) the actions of competitors, including pricing and new product introductions; and (5) those specific risks that are discussed in the cautionary statements accompanying the forward-looking statements in this Proxy Statement and in the Risk Factors detailed in the Company's previousour filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In assessing forward-lookingforward-lo oking statements contained herein, stockholders are urged to read carefully all cautionary statements contained in this Proxy Statement and in those other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Appendix A
PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
12500 San Pedro, Suite 120
San Antonio, Texas 78216
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Michael R. Long, Louis A. Hoch, or any one or
more of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her substitute,
and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated
below, all the shares of common stock of Payment Data Systems, Inc. (the
"Company") held of record by the undersigned on April 29, 2005 at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 21, 2005, or any adjournments
thereof.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
June 21, 2005
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
\/ Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. \/
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF DIRECTOR AND "FOR" PROPOSAL 2.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK
INK AS SHOWN HERE [x]
1. Election of Director: 2. Proposal to ratify the FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
appointment of Akin, Doherty, [ ] [ ] [ ]
NOMINEE: Klein & Feuge, P.C., certified
public accountants, as the
[ ] FOR NOMINEE Peter G. Kirby independent auditors of the
Company for the year ending
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY December 31, 2005.
FOR NOMINEE In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the
manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder.
If no direction is made as to a proposal, this proxy will be
voted FOR such Proposal.
To change the address on your account, [ ]
please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address
space above. Please note that changes to
the registered name(s) on the account may
not be submitted via this method.
Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:
Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When
shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor,
administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If
the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized
officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.
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