UNITEDSTATES
SECURITIESAND EXCHANGECOMMISSION Washington,D.C.20549
SCHEDULE 14AINFORMATION
Proxy StatementPursuantto Section14(a)ofthe SecuritiesExchange Actof1934
Filed by the RegistrantS
Filed by a party other than the Registrant£
Checktheappropriatebox:
☐ | | PreliminaryProxyStatement |
☐ | | Confidential,forUseofthe CommissionOnly(aspermittedbyRule14a-6(e)(2)) |
☒ | | Definitive Proxy Statement |
☐ | | DefinitiveAdditionalMaterials |
☐ | | SolicitingMaterialunderRule14a-12 |
|
VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. |
(Name of the Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
x | No fee required. |
o | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
| 1. | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| 2. | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| 3. | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| 4. | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ______________________________ |
| 5. | Total fee paid: ______________________________ |
o | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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| 3. | Filing Party: ________________________________________ |
| 4. | Date Filed: _________________________________________ |
VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS,INC.
101 W. Renner Road, Suite 300
Richardson, TX 75082
NOTICEOFANNUALMEETINGOFSHAREHOLDERS
TotheStockholdersofVertical Computer Systems,Inc.:
Theannualmeeting(the“AnnualMeeting”)of shareholdersofVertical Computer Systems,Inc., a Delawarecorporation(“VCSY” andthe“Company”)willbeheldattheCompany’sofficebuilding,locatedat 101 W. Renner Road, Richardson, Texas, 75082,on Wednesday,February25, 2015,at11:00a.m.,CentralStandardTime.Themeetingwillbeconvenedfor thefollowingpurposes:
| (1) | ToelecttwodirectornomineesdescribedintheProxyStatementtoserve untilthenextAnnual |
MeetingofShareholdersandtheelectionandqualificationoftheirsuccessors;
| (2) | To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of common stock to 2,000,000,000,000 as contemplated by the Certificate of Amendment attached hereto as Appendix I. |
| (3) | Toconsideranadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensation; |
| (4) | Toconsideranadvisoryvoteonthefrequencyof futureadvisoryvotesonexecutivecompensation; |
| (5) | Toratifythe selectionof Malone Bailey,LLPasourindependentregisteredpublicaccountantfortheyearendedDecember 31, 2014;and |
| (6) | TotransactsuchotherbusinessasmayproperlycomebeforetheAnnualMeetingandatanyadjournmentsthereof. |
OnlyholdersofrecordoftheCompany’sCommonStockandthe Company’sSeries A 4% CumulativeConvertiblePreferredStock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”)atthecloseofbusinessonJanuary 5,2015areentitledtonoticeofandtovoteattheAnnualMeetingoranyadjournmentsthereof.
EvenifyounowexpecttoattendtheAnnualMeeting,youarerequestedtomark,sign,date,andreturntheaccompanyingproxycardbyfaxorbymail.IfyouattendtheAnnualMeeting,you mayvoteinperson,whetherornotyou havesentinyourproxy.Aproxymayberevokedatanytimepriorto the votingthereof.
| | By Order of the Board of Directors |
| | |
| | /s/ William Mills |
| | William Mills, Corporate Secretary, |
| | Richardson, Texas |
| | January 30, 2015 |
This Noticeof AnnualMeetingand theattachedProxy Statementdated January 30,2015shouldberead incombinationwiththeCompany’sAnnual ReportonForm10-K,forthefiscalyearended December 31,2013.Collectively, thesedocumentscontainallof theinformationanddisclosuresrequired inconnectionwith theAnnualMeetingof Shareholders.Copiesofall thesematerialscanbefoundatwww.vcsy.com/investor/index.php.
VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS,INC.
101 W. Renner Road, Suite 300
Richardson, TX 75082
PROXY STATEMENT January30,2015
ThisProxyStatementisfurnishedto theshareholdersofVertical Computer Systems,Inc.,a Delawarecorporation(the“Company” or “VCSY”)inconnectionwiththesolicitationonbehalfoftheBoardofDirectors(the “Board”)ofproxiesfor useattheannualmeetingofshareholders(the“AnnualMeeting”)tobe heldatthe Company’soffices,locatedat101 W. Renner Road, Richardson, TX 75082,on Wednesday,February 25, 2015at 11:00a.m.,CentralStandardTime,andatanyadjournmentsthereof.
ThisProxy Statementandthe enclosedformofproxy, togetherwithacopyoftheCompany’sAnnualReporton Form10-Kfortheyearended December 31, 2013(“AnnualReport”)are firstbeingmadeavailable toshareholdersonoraboutJanuary 30,2015,andthecostof solicitingproxies intheenclosedformwillbebornebytheCompany.Proxiesmaybe solicitedbypersonalinterview,telephone,facsimileandelectronicmeans.Banks,brokeragehousesandothernomineesor fiduciarieshavebeenrequested toforward the solicitingmaterial to theirprincipalsandtoobtainauthorizationfortheexecutionofproxies,andthe Companywill, uponrequest,reimburse themfortheirexpensesinsoacting.
QUESTIONSANDANSWERS ABOUTTHEPROXY
MATERIALS ANDOURANNUALMEETING
Q: WhatisthepurposeoftheAnnualMeeting?
A: ThisistheAnnualMeetingofShareholdersheldpursuanttoourBylawsandtheDelaware General Corporation Law.TheAnnualMeetingisbeingheldtopermitourshareholderstoconsiderand voteupon:
| (1) | the election of two directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected; |
| (2) | the approval of an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect an increase in the authorized shares of common stock of the Company from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000; |
| (3) | an advisory vote on executive compensation; |
| (4) | an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; |
| (5) | the ratification of the selection of Malone Bailey, LLP as our independent registered public accountant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014; and |
| (6) | the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof. |
Q: What istheBoard’s Recommendationregardingthese proposals?
A: TheBoard’srecommendationsare setforthtogetherwithadescriptionoftheproposalsinthisProxy
Statement.Insummary,theBoardrecommendsthatyou vote:
| · | FOR the election of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement to serve on our Board as described under “Election of Directors;” |
| · | FOR the approval of the Certificate of Amendment to increase the authorized shares of common stock to 2,000,000,000 (see Proposal No. 2); |
| · | FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (Proposal No. 3); |
| · | FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, that future advisory votes on executive compensation occur every three years (Proposal No. 4); and |
| · | FOR the ratification of the selection of Malone Bailey, LLP as our independent registered public accountant for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Proposal No. 5). |
Q: WhoisentitledtovoteattheAnnualMeeting?
A: OnlyholdersofrecordofsharesofCommon Stockand holdersofrecordofsharesofSeries APreferred Stockasofthecloseofbusiness(5:00p.m.,EasternStandardTime)onJanuary5,2015,therecorddatefixedbytheBoard(the “RecordDate”),willbeentitled toreceivenoticeofand tovoteatthe AnnualMeeting.Asof January 5,2015, therewere 999,735,151sharesofCommon Stockissuedandoutstandingand48,500sharesofSeries APreferredstockissuedandoutstandingandconvertibleinto 24,250,000sharesofCommon Stock,fora totalof 1,023,985,151Common Stockequivalentsavailable tovote.
Q: WhatsharescanIvote?
A: YoumayvoteallsharesofVCSY’sCommonStockandallsharesofVCSY’sSeries APreferred Stockownedby youasofthe closeofbusinessonthe RecordDate.YoumaycastonevotepershareofCommon Stockthatyou heldonthe RecordDate.EachshareofSeries APreferredStockwill be entitled tovoteonanas-convertedbasisattheconversionrateof 500sharesof Common Stock.Alistof record shareholdersentitledtovoteattheAnnualMeetingwillbeavailableduringordinarybusinesshoursatthe Company’sprincipalexecutiveofficeslocatedat101 W. Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75082,foraperiodofatleast10dayspriortotheAnnualMeeting.
Q: HowcanIvotemy shares?
A: Youcanvoteyoursharesusingoneofthefollowingmethods:
| · | Vote through the Internet atwww.proxyvote.com using the instructions included in the proxy card or voting instruction card; |
| · | Vote by telephone using the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials; |
| · | Complete and return a written proxy or voting instruction card using the proxy card or voting instruction card if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials; or |
| · | Attend and vote in person at the meeting. If your shares are held in street or account name by a broker and you intend to vote in person at the meeting, you will need a copy of your account statement and verification from your broker that you were the beneficial owner of the shares in the account as of the Record Date. |
Internetandtelephonevotingareavailable24hoursaday,andifyouuseoneofthose methods,youdonotneedtoreturnaproxyor votinginstructioncard. Unless youareplanningtovoteinpersonattheAnnualMeeting,yourvotemustbereceivedby11:59p.m.EasternStandardTime,onFebruary 24,2015.
Evenifyousubmityourvotebyoneofthefirstthree methodsmentionedabove,you maystillvoteatthemeetingifyouaretherecordholderofyoursharesor holda legalproxyfromtherecordholder.YourvoteattheAnnualMeetingwillconstitutearevocationofyourearlierproxyorvotinginstructions.
Q: Howwillmy sharesbevotedif Ireturn ablankproxycard?
A: Ifyou sendinyourproxycard,butdonotspecifyhowyouwanttovoteyourshares,yourshareswillbe
votedbythe namedproxiesasfollows:
| · | FOR the election of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement to serve on our Board as described under “Election of Directors;” |
| · | FOR the approval of the Certificate of Amendment to increase the authorized shares of common stock to 2,000,000,000 (see Proposal No. 2); |
| · | FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (Proposal No. 3); |
| · | FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, that future advisory votes on executive compensation occur every three years (Proposal No. 4); and |
| · | FOR the ratification of the selection of Malone Bailey, LLP as our independent registered public accountant for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Proposal No. 5). |
Q: WhathappensifadditionalmattersarepresentedattheAnnualMeeting?
A: Other thanthe 5proposalsdescribed inthisProxy Statement,wearenotawareofanyotherbusiness tobeacteduponatthe AnnualMeeting.Ifyougrant aproxy,thepersonsnamedasproxyholders,Richard Wade,Chief ExecutiveOfficerandWilliam Mills,Secretary, willhave thediscretion tovoteyoursharesonanyadditionalmattersproperlypresentedforavoteattheAnnualMeeting.
Q: Whowillcountthevotes?
A: Arepresentativeofthe CompanywillbeappointedattheAnnualMeetingto tabulatethe votesandactas
InspectorofElections.
Q: WherecanIfindthevotingresultsoftheAnnualMeeting?
A: Wewillannouncepreliminaryvotingresultsatthe AnnualMeetingandpublishfinalresultsinaCurrentReportonForm8-Kfiledwith theSecuritiesandExchangeCommissionwithinfourbusinessdaysfollowingthe AnnualMeeting.Inaddition, areportof the finalvoteswillbemadeavailableonourcorporatewebsiteatwww.VCSY.com.
Q: Whowillbearthe costof solicitingvotesfortheAnnualMeeting?
A: Thesolicitationofproxieswillbeconductedprimarilybymail and electronically over the Internet,andthe Companywillbearallattendantcosts.Thesecosts willinclude theexpenseofpreparingandmailingproxysolicitationmaterials for the Annual Meeting and reimbursements paid to brokerage firms and others for their expenses incurred in forwarding solicitation materials regarding the Annual Meeting to beneficial owners of our Common Stock. We may conduct further solicitation personally, telephonically, through the Internet or by facsimile through our officers, directors and employees, none of whom will receive additional compensation for assisting with the solicitation. We may generate other expenses in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting, which we will pay.
Q: MayIproposemattersforconsiderationatnextyear’sAnnualMeetingornominateindividualstoserveasdirectors?
A: Yes.Ifyouwishtoproposeamatterforconsiderationatthenext AnnualMeetingofShareholdersorifyouwish tonominate apersonforelectionasadirectoroftheCompany,seetheinformationsetforth in“ShareholderProposals”below. The Company has made a limited exception for this Annual Meeting to allow and consider shareholder proposals which are submitted by February 15, 2015 in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws.
Q: What do IneedforadmissiontotheAnnualMeeting?
A: Youareentitled toattend theAnnualMeetingonly ifyouareashareholderofrecordorabeneficialownerasof theRecord Date,oryouholdavalidproxyfor theAnnualMeetingfrom ashareholderofrecord. Youshouldbe prepared topresentphoto identificationforadmittance.Ifyouaretheshareholderofrecord,yournamewillbeverifiedagainstthelistofshareholdersofrecordprior toyourbeingadmitted to theAnnualMeeting.Ifyouholdyoursharesinstreetname,you mustprovideproofofbeneficialownershipontheRecordDate,suchasabrokerageaccountstatementshowing thatyouowned VCSYstockasofthe RecordDate, acopyofthe VotingInstruction Formprovidedby yourbroker,bankorothernominee,orothersimilarevidenceofownershipasof theRecord Date.Ifyoudonotprovidephoto identificationorcomplywiththeotherproceduresoutlinedaboveuponrequest,youwillnotbeadmitted to theAnnualMeeting.
QUORUMANDVOTINGREQUIREMENTS
QuorumRequirement
AmajorityofthevotesofavotinggroupentitledtobecastattheAnnualMeetingonallmattersconstitutesaquorumofthatvotinggroup.Ifyou submitaproperlycompletedproxyorifyouappearattheAnnualMeetingtovoteinperson, yourshareswillbeconsideredpartofthequorum. Directionstowithholdauthoritytovoteforanydirector,abstentionsandbrokernon-votes(describedbelow)willbecountedtodetermineifaquorumforthe transactionofbusinessispresent. Onceaquorumispresent,votingonspecificproposalsmayproceed.Iflessthan aquorumofoursharesisrepresentedattheAnnualMeeting,amajorityofthesharesactuallyrepresentedmayadjournthemeetingwithoutfurthernoticeforaperiodnottoexceed30daysatanyoneadjournment.Atsuchadjournedmeetingatwhichaquorumispresentorrepresented,anybusinessmaybetransacted whichmighthavebeentransactedattheAnnualMeetingasoriginallynotified. Onceashareisrepresentedforanypurposeatthe AnnualMeeting,includingthe purposeofdeterminingthataquorumexists,itisdeemedpresentforquorumpurposesfortheremainderofthemeetingandanyadjournmentthereof,unlessanewrecorddateis setfortheadjournedmeeting.Theshareholderspresentatadulyorganizedmeetingmaycontinueto transactbusinessuntiladjournment,notwithstanding thewithdrawalofshareholdersso thatlessthanaquorumremains.
RecordDateandVotingPower
TheCompanyhas fixed thecloseofbusiness(5:00p.m.Eastern StandardTime)onJanuary5,2015asthe“Record Date”todeterminethoseshareseligible tovoteattheAnnualMeeting. OnlypersonsholdingsharesoftheCompany’scommonstock,parvalue$0.00001pershare(“Common Stock”)orSeries AConvertiblePreferred Stock(“Series APreferred Stock”)asofJanuary 5, 2015,areentitled tovoteatthemeeting. On January 5,2015, therewere 999,735,151sharesofCommon Stockissuedandoutstandingand48,500sharesofSeries APreferred Stockissuedandoutstanding.Atthe AnnualMeeting,eachshareof CommonStockoftheCompany isentitled toonevotepershare.EachshareofSeries APreferred Stockwhenvotedasaclassisentitled to500votes per share and when votedwiththeCommonStock,onanas-convertedbasis,votesattheconversionrateof500sharesofCommonStock. Votingonanas-convertedbasis withtheCommon Stock,the holdersofthe Series APreferred Stockas aclassholdtheequivalentof24,250,000sharesofCommon Stock,outofa totalof1,023,985,151commonshareequivalentsavailable tovote. The Company would not be authorized to issue shares of Common Stock upon any conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (or any other series of Preferred Stock convertible into common stock).
Description of Securities
Common Stock.The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of which 998,985,151 and 997,935,151 were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Each share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions related to the common stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other subscription rights.
Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. We have authorized the issuance of 250,000 shares of Series A 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), of which there are 48,500 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012. Holders of these shares of Series A Preferred Stock were entitled to vote on an as-converted basis with the holders of common stock, except that the holders are entitled to vote as a separate class on any matters affecting the Series A Preferred Stock stockholders, on the sale of the business, the increase in the number of directors, the payment of a dividend on any junior stock, and the issuance of any stock that is on parity or senior to the Series A Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to 500 votes per share. Dividends accrue at an annual rate of 4% of the liquidation preference and are payable quarterly subject to the board’s discretion. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into 500 shares of common stock of the Company. In the event of liquidation, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to a preference of $200, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, prior to the holders of any junior class of stock.
Series B 10% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. We have authorized the issuance of 375,000 shares of Series B 10% Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), of which there were 7,200 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on matters presented to the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. Cash or stock dividends accrue cumulatively at an annual rate of 10% per annum on March 15 and September 15 of each year and are payable subject to the board’s discretion. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 3.788 shares of common stock of the Company. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock are redeemable at a rate of $6.25 per share, or $45,000 if all outstanding shares are redeemed. In the event of liquidation, each share will be entitled to a preference of all dividends accrued and unpaid on each share up to the date fixed for distribution to any holders of any class of common stock.
Series C 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. We have authorized the issuance of 200,000 shares of Series C 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”), of which there were 50,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on matters presented to the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. Cash dividends accrue at an annual rate of 4% of the liquidation preference and are payable quarterly subject to the board’s discretion. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into 400 shares of common stock of the Company; however, of the 50,000 shares of the Company’s Series “C” Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock that are outstanding, the holder of 37,500 shares waived the conversion rights associated with these shares pursuant to an agreement in 2010. In the event of liquidation, each share will be entitled to a preference of all dividends accrued and unpaid on each share up to the date fixed for distribution to any holder of any class of common stock. In the event of liquidation, each share of Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to a preference of $100, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, prior to the holders of any junior class of stock.
Series D 15% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. We have authorized the issuance of 300,000 shares of Series D 15% Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”), of which there were 25,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Holders of these shares are not entitled to vote on matters presented to the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. Cash dividends accrue cumulatively at an annual rate of 15% per annum on March 15 and September 15 of each year and are payable subject to the board’s discretion. Any aggregate deficiency shall be cumulative and shall be fully paid or set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or set apart for payment of any class of common stock. Each share of Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into 3.788 shares of common stock of the Company. The shares of Series D Preferred Stock are redeemable at a rate of $6.25 per share, or $156,250 if all outstanding shares are redeemed. In the event of liquidation, each share will be entitled to a preference of all dividends accrued and unpaid on each share up to the date fixed for distribution to any holders of any class of common stock.
Assumingthepresenceofaquorum,theaffirmativevoteof(1)apluralityofthe votescastattheAnnualMeeting(inpersonorbyproxy)isrequiredfor theelectionofdirectors(cumulativevotingisnotallowed),(2) holdersofamajorityoftheCommonStockpresentattheAnnualMeeting(inpersonorbyproxy)andentitledtovoteisrequired toapprovetheproposalsregarding the Certificate of Amendment in order to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock,aswellastheratificationoftheselectionofMalone Bailey, LLPasourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm.
Theadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensationwillbedecidedbytheaffirmativevoteofamajorityoftheshares,presentinpersonorrepresentedbyproxy,andentitledtovoteattheAnnualMeeting.Theadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensationisanon-bindingadvisoryvote; however,theBoardof Directorsintends toconsidertheoutcomeofthe votewhenconsideringfutureexecutivecompensationdecisions.Abstentionswillbe consideredsharesentitledtovoteinthetabulationof votescastonthisproposal,and willhavethesameeffectasnegativevotes.Brokernon-votesare notcountedforthepurposeofdeterminingwhetheramatterhasbeenapproved.
Theadvisoryvoteonthe frequencyoftheadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensationwillbedecided by the alternative receivingtheaffirmativevoteofthehighestnumberof shares,presentinpersonorrepresentedbyproxy,andentitledtovoteattheAnnualMeeting.Becausetheadvisoryvoteonthe frequencyoftheadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensation isanon-bindingadvisoryvote,theBoard maydecidethatitisin thebestinterestsofshareholdersandthe Companytoholdanadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensationmoreorlessfrequentlythantheoptionapprovedbytheshareholders.
EffectofAbstentionsandBrokerNon-Votes
Becausetheelectionofdirectorsisdeterminedonthebasisofapluralityofthevotescast,abstentionshavenoeffectontheelectionofdirectors.However,because theapprovalofamajorityofsharespresentandentitledtovoteisrequiredtoapprovetheadoptionoftheamendmentstoour CertificateofIncorporationandtheratificationoftheselectionofourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm,abstentionshavethesameeffectasavoteagainst theseproposals.
Ifyou holdsharesthroughabrokerorothernominee,yourbrokeror nomineeispermittedtoexercisevotingdiscretiononly withrespecttocertain,routinematters.Brokernon-votesaresharesheldbybrokersorothernomineesthatdonothavediscretionaryvotingauthoritywithrespectto amatterand have notreceivedspecificvotinginstructionsfromthebeneficialowner.Brokernon-voteswillbecountedforpurposesofestablishing aquorumbutwillotherwisehavenoeffectontheoutcomeofthe voteonanyofthematterspresentedforyourvote,exceptasdescribedabove.
HowYouCanVote
Youcan voteyoursharesusingoneofthe followingmethods:
| · | Vote throughtheInternetatwww.proxyvote.com usingtheinstructions included intheproxy card or voting instruction card; |
| · | Vote by telephone using the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials; |
| · | Complete and return a written proxy or voting instruction card using the proxy card or voting instruction card if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials; or |
| · | Attend and vote in person at the meeting. If your shares are held in street or account name by a broker and you intend to vote in person at the meeting, you will need a copy of your account statement and verification from your broker that you were the beneficial owner of the shares in the account as of the Record Date. |
Internetandtelephonevotingareavailable24hoursaday,andifyouuseoneofthose methods,youdonotneedtoreturnaproxyor votinginstructioncard. Unless youareplanningtovoteinpersonattheAnnualMeeting,yourvotemustbereceivedby11:59p.m.EasternStandardTime,onFebruary 24,2015.
Evenifyousubmityourvotebyoneofthefirstthree methodsmentionedabove,you maystillvoteatthemeetingifyouaretherecordholderofyoursharesor holda legalproxyfromtherecordholder.YourvoteattheAnnualMeetingwillconstitutearevocationofyourearlierproxyorvotinginstructions.
YouMayRevokeorChange YourVote
Youmayrevokeaproxyatanytimepriorto itsexercisebyfiling withtheSecretaryoftheCompanyawrittenrevocationoradulyexecutedproxybearinga laterdate.AshareholderwhovotesinpersonattheAnnualMeeting inamannerinconsistentwithaproxypreviouslyfiledonthe shareholder’sbehalfwillbe deemedtohaverevokedsuchproxyasitrelatesto themattervoteduponinperson.AttendanceattheAnnualMeetingwillnotinandof itselfconstitutearevocationofaproxy.
PROPOSALNO.1
ELECTIONOFDIRECTORS
TheCompany’sCertificateofIncorporation and the Amended and Restated By-Laws, dated January 13, 2015,providethattheBoardshallconsistofaminimumof oneandamaximumof sixdirectors. The number of directors is fixed by the Board. TheBoardcurrentlyconsistsof two members:Messrs. Richard S. Wade and William K. Mills.
TheBoardhasfixedthenumberofdirectorstobeelectedattheAnnualMeetingat two.Eachdirectorelectedatthe AnnualMeetingwillholdofficeforaone-year termuntilthe next AnnualMeetingofShareholdersor untilhissuccessorisdulyelected,unlesspriortheretothedirectorresignsorthedirector’sofficebecomesvacantbyreasonofdeathorothercause.Ifany suchpersonisunableor unwilling toserveasanomineefortheofficeofdirectorat thedateoftheAnnualMeetingoranypostponementoradjournmentthereof,theproxiesmaybe votedforasubstitutenominee,designatedbytheproxyholdersorbythepresentBoardtofillsuchvacancy,or forthebalanceofthose nomineesnamedwithoutnominationofasubstitute,andtheBoard maybereducedaccordingly.TheBoardhasnoreasontobelievethatanyofsuchnomineeswillbe unwillingorunabletoserveifelectedasadirector.
NomineeBiographies
Richard S. Wade, President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) and Director of VCSY, Chairman and Director of NOW Solutions
Age: 71
Directorsince1999
Richard S. Wade is President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Company and has been a director since October 1999. Before coming to Externet World, Inc. in mid-1999, and then transitioning to what is now the Company in late 1999, Mr. Wade held a number of executive positions with companies in the Pacific Rim from 1983 through early 1999, including the position of Chief Operating Officer of Struthers Industries, Inc., a public company in the business of wireless applications. Prior to these executive positions, Mr. Wade spent over 10 years with Duty Free Shoppers, Inc., culminating in his attaining the positions of president of their Mid-Pacific Division and then president of their U.S. Division. Prior to that, Mr. Wade was a CPA and staff auditor with Peat, Marwick & Mitchell. Over the course of his career, Mr. Wade has accumulated experience in retail operations, distribution, international operations, and financial matters. The breadth of Mr. Wade’s managerial and operational experience led the Board of Directors to believe this individual is qualified to serve as a director of the Company. Mr. Wade earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Brigham Young University, a Master of Science in Business Policy from Columbia University Business School and received a certificate of recognition from the government of Guam.
William K. Mills, Secretary and Director of VCSY
Age: 56
Directorsince 2000
William K. Mills has been a director since December 2000. Mr. Mills is a founding partner of Parker Mills, LLP (“Parker Mills”) where he specializes in complex commercial business representations, including transactional and litigation matters, such as legal malpractice, intellectual property and general corporate and governmental representations since 1995. Between 1991 and 1994, Mr. Mills was a senior attorney and partner with Lewis, D’Amato, Brisbois & Bisgaard, prior to which he was a senior attorney with Radcliff & West from 1989 to 1991, senior associate with Buchalter, Nemer Fields & Younger from 1987 to 1991 and an attorney with Daniels, Baratta & Fine from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Mills holds a J.D. from UCLA Law School and an A.B. in American Government from Harvard College. Active in professional and community organizations, Mr. Mills has served as General Counsel to the California Association of Black Lawyers, a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Judicial Appointments Committee, and a Board Member of the John M. Langston Bar Association. Mr. Mills has also served on the boards of the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Foundation, the United Way’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Region Board, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, and the Los Angeles County Judicial Procedures Commission. The breadth of Mr. Mills’ professional and legal experience led the Board of Directors to believe this individual is qualified to serve as a director of the Company.
DirectorQualifications
Innominatingindividualstobecomemembersofthe Company’sBoardofDirectors,the current Boardstrivestoachieveparticipationthatrepresentsadiversemixofskills,qualifications,experience,perspectives,talents,backgroundsandeducationthatwillassisttheBoardofDirectorsinfulfillingitsresponsibilities,oversee management’sexecutionofstrategicobjectives,andrepresenttheinterestsofalloftheCompany’sshareholders.
AsofthedateofthisProxyStatement,ourCommonStockis notlistedonanyexchangeandweare notcurrentlysubjecttocorporategovernancestandardsoflistedcompanies,whichrequire,amongotherthings,that the majorityoftheBoardofDirectorsbeindependent.While weare notcurrentlysubjecttocorporategovernancestandardsrelating to theindependenceofourdirectors, wechoosetodefinean“independent”directorinaccordancewiththe NASDAQCapitalMarket’srequirementsforindependentdirectors(MarketplaceRule5605(a)(2)),whichincludesaseriesofobjectivetests,suchasthatthedirectoris notanemployeeofthe Companyandhas notengagedinvarioustypesofbusinessdealingswiththeCompany.OnememberoftheCompany’sBoardofDirectors -- William Mills --ifelected,willbeconsidered an“independentdirector”assuchtermisdefinedinNASDAQRule4200(a)(15).
FurtherinformationabouttheCompany’scorporategovernancepractices,theresponsibilitiesandfunctioningoftheBoardanditscommittees,directorcompensationandrelatedpartytransactionsis foundthroughoutthisProxy Statement.
Ifanynomineeshoulddeclineorbeunabletoserveforanyreason,voteswillinsteadbecastforasubstitutenomineedesignatedbytheBoard.TheBoardhasnoreason tobelieve thatanynominee willdecline tobeacandidateor,ifelected,willbeunableor unwilling toserve.TheCompany’sdirectorsareelectedbyapluralityvote. Unlessauthority iswithheld, thepersonsnamed intheenclosedproxywillvotethesharesrepresentedbytheproxiesreceived fortheelectionofthetwo nomineesnamedabove.Thedirectorselectedwillserveone-year termsuntilthenextAnnualMeetingofShareholdersandtheirrespectivesuccessorsareelectedorappointedandqualified.
BOARDOFDIRECTORSANDCOMMITTEES
ElectionandMeetings
Directors currently hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors have been elected or appointed and duly qualified. Executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and hold office until their successors are appointed and duly qualified. Vacancies on the Board which are created by the retirement, resignation or removal of a director may be filled by the vote of the remaining members of the Board, with such new director serving the remainder of the term or until his/her successor shall be elected and qualify.
TheBoardofDirectorsiselectedbyandisaccountabletoourshareholders.TheBoardestablishespolicyandprovidesstrategicdirection,oversight,andcontrol.TheBoard met two timesduringfiscalyear2014.Alldirectorsattended100percentofthemeetingsoftheBoard.
Board of Directors Meetings and Subcommittees.
Meetings. Our Board of Directors held several meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. All board actions were completed through unanimous written consents.
Audit Committee and Financial Expert. Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) does not have a separate audit committee. Although Mr. Wade (a member of the Board) has the qualifications of an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5), Mr. Wade would not be deemed independent since he is an employee of the Company. At this point, we do not intend to establish a separate audit committee as this function will be performed by our full Board of Directors.
Compensation Committee. As all our executive officers are currently under employment agreements or are at-will employees, we do not have a separate compensation committee. We do not currently intend to establish a separate compensation committee as this function will be performed by our full Board of Directors.
Nominating Committee. We do not currently have a separate nominating committee as this function is performed by our full Board of Directors.
Director Independence; Board Leadership Structure
The Company’s common stock is quoted through the OTC Bulletin Board System. For purposes of determining whether members of the Company’s Board of Directors are “independent,” the Company’s Board utilizes the standards set forth in the NASDAQ Stock Market Marketplace Rules. At present, the Company’s entire Board serves as its Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that, of the Company’s present directors, William Mills, constituting one of the two members of the Board, is an “independent director,” as defined under NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rules, for purposes of qualifying as an independent member of the Board and an Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board, but that Richard Wade is not an “independent director” since he serves as executive officer of the Company. In reaching its conclusion, the Board determined that Mr. Mills does not have a relationship with the Company that, in the Board’s opinion, would interfere with his exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, nor does Mr. Mills have any of the specific relationships set forth in NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rules that would disqualify him from being considered an independent director.
Currently, Mr. Richard Wade serves as both Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. As noted above, Mr. William Mills is the sole independent director.
The Company’s Board of Directors is of the view that the current leadership structure is suitable for the Company at its present stage of development, and that the interests of the Company are best served by the combination of the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
As a matter of regular practice, and as part of its oversight function, the Company’s Board of Directors undertakes a review of the significant risks in respect of the Company’s business. Such review is conducted in concert with the Company’s in-house legal staff, and is supplemented as necessary by outside professionals with expertise in substantive areas germane to the Company’s business. With the Company’s current governance structure, the Company’s Board of Directors and senior executives are, by and large, the same individuals, and consequently, there is not a significant division of oversight and operational responsibilities in managing the material risks facing the Company.
Codeof Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and other persons performing executive functions, as well as all other employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Our Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 14.1 to our 2013 10-K Report, and is also available at our Internet website located athttp://www.vcsy.com/investor.
Wehaveestablished aCodeofBusinessEthicsthatappliestoourofficers,directorsandemployees.TheCodeofBusinessEthicscontainsgeneralguidelinesforconductingourbusinessconsistentwiththehigheststandardsofbusinessethics,andisintended toqualifyasa“codeofethics”withinthemeaningofSection406of theSarbanes- OxleyActof2002andtherulespromulgated thereunder.Wewillpostonourwebsitewww.vcsy.comanyamendments toorwaiversfromaprovisionofourCodeofBusinessEthics thatappliestoourprincipalexecutiveofficer,principalfinancialofficer,principalaccountingofficer,controllerorpersonsperformingsimilarfunctionsandthatrelates toanyelementoftheCodeofBusinessEthics.
RiskOversight
OurBoardhasoverallresponsibilityfortheoversightofriskmanagementatourCompany.Day-to-dayriskmanagementistheresponsibilityof management,whichhasimplementedprocessesto identify,assess,manageandmonitorrisksthatfaceourCompany.OurBoard,eitherasawholeorthroughitsCommittees,regularlydiscusseswithmanagementourmajorriskexposures,theirpotentialimpactonourCompany,andthe steps wetaketomonitorandcontrolsuchexposures.
OurBoardhasgeneraloversightresponsibilityforriskatourCompany,andoverseesrisksrelatedtocorporategovernance,generallyreviewinganddiscussingtheCompany’spoliciesandguidelineswithrespecttoriskassessmentandrisk management The Board also focuseson themanagementoffinancialriskexposureandoverseesfinancialstatementcomplianceandcontrolenvironmentriskexposureoverseeingpolicieswithrespecttofinancialriskassessment andconsidersfinancialriskmanagementincluding,risksrelatingto liquidity,accesstocapitalandmacroeconomic trendsandrisks.TheBoardoversees themanagementofrisksarisingfromourcompensationpolicies,andprogramsrelatedtoassessment,selection,successionplanning,trainingand developmentofexecutivesofthe Company.
RecommendationoftheBoardofDirectors
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
EXECUTIVECOMPENSATION
Compensation for our key executives is comprised of three main components: base salary, annual performance-based cash bonus and long-term equity awards. We do not target a specific weighting of these three components or use a prescribed formula to establish pay levels. Rather, the board of directors considers changes in the business, external market factors and our financial position each year when determining pay levels and allocating between long-term and current compensation for the named executive officers.
Cash compensation is comprised of base salary and an annual performance-based cash bonus opportunity. The board of directors generally seeks to set a named executive officer’s targeted total cash compensation opportunity within a range that is the average of the applicable peer company and/or general industry compensation survey data, adjusted as appropriate for individual performance and internal pay equity and labor market conditions.
Where we have included an equity component as part of our compensation package, we do so because we believe that equity-based compensation aligns the long-term interests of our named executive officers with those of stockholders.
These cash and equity compensation components of pay are supplemented by various benefit plans that provide health benefits, which are substantially the same as the benefits provided to all of our U.S. based employees. The Company also provides life, accident, and disability voluntary benefit plans, which are plans where employees generally make most or all of the contributions toward the respective benefit plan.
The below table shows information of compensation of the named officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013:
| | Annual Compensation | | Long-Term Compensation | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Awards | | | | | | Payouts | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary | | Bonus(6) | | Other Annual Compensation | | Restricted Stock Award(s) | | Options / SARs | | LTIP Payouts | | All Other Compen- sation | |
| | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | (#) | | ($) | | ($) | |
Richard Wade(1) | | | 2013 | | $ | 300,000 | (1) | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - |
President/ Chief Executive Officer | | | 2012 | | $ | 300,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Freddy Holder(2) | | | 2012 | | $ | 140,500 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Chief Financial Officer | | | 2013 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Luiz Valdetaro(3) | | | 2013 | | $ | 200,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Chief Technology Officer | | | 2012 | | $ | 200,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Laurent Tetard(4) | | | 2013 | | $ | 165,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Chief Operating Officer-SaaS | | | 2012 | | $ | 163,750 | | | - | | | - | | $ | 13,500 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
_____________
No stock options were exercised by the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.
| (1) | Mr. Wade deferred $881,688 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2008, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012 and 2013, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Wade of $63,500 and $37,500, respectively. |
| (2) | Mr. Holder began to serve as our Chief Financial Officer on December 6, 2010. In December 2010, we issued 600,000 shares of VCSY common stock to Mr. Holder pursuant to a restricted stock agreement whereby the shares vest in equal installments over a three year period. Of these shares, 200,000 had vested at December |
| | 31, 2011. Mr. Holder resigned in August of 2012 and the remaining 400,000 shares were forfeited. In 2012, Mr. Holder deferred $46,500 of salary. Mr. Holder continues to provide accounting services to the Company. |
| (3) | Mr. Valdetaro deferred $467,071 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2007, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012 and 2013, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Valdetaro of $41,667 and $66,667, respectively. |
| (4) | Prior to 2012, Mr. Tetard served as the Executive Vice President of International Operationsof NOW Solutions. Mr. Tetard deferred $98,438 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2007, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Tetard of $20,625. Pursuant to a restricted stock agreement with the Company in March 2012, Mr. Tetard was granted 600,000 unregistered shares of VCSY common stock (at a fair market value of $13,500 based upon the total number of shares issued and the share price on the date of the issuance), vesting in equal installments over a two-year period, of which 400,000 shares had vested as of December 31, 2013, and an additional 200,000 had vested as of April 15, 2014. Mr. Tetard was also given 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Shares of VHS which vest over a two year period in equal installments (at a fair market value which is nominal). |
Nooptionsorwarrantsheldbyexecutiveofficersordirectorswere granted orexercisedduringthefiscalyearsended
December 31, 2013and 2012.
In December 2001, we executed an employment agreement with Richard Wade pursuant to which Mr. Wade serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. The agreement currently renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Wade receives an annual base salary of $300,000 In the event the agreement is terminated by Mr. Wade’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Wade would receive base compensation for the remainder of the employment term.
In January 2012, we executed an employment agreement with Luiz Valdetaro to serve as Chief Technology Officer of the Company and its subsidiaries. The initial term of the agreement was 2 years and renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Valdetaro receives an annual base salary of $200,000. In the event the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Valdetaro’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due for the lesser of 12 months or through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Valdetaro would receive base compensation for no less than six months of the remainder of the employment term. Mr. Valdetaro may also terminate his employment for good reason and shall be entitled to continued health insurance benefits and base compensation at the rate in effect at the time of his termination for good reason through the end of twelve months after which his employment is terminated for good reason.
In February 2012, we executed an employment agreement with Laurent Tetard to serve as Chief Operating Officer-SaaS of the Company and its subsidiaries. The initial term of the agreement was 2 years and renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Tetard receives an annual base salary of $165,000. In the event the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Tetard’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due for the lesser of 12 months or through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Tetard would receive base compensation for no less than six months of the remainder of the employment term. Mr. Tetard may also terminate his employment for good reason and shall be entitled to continued health insurance benefits and base compensation at the rate in effect at the time of his termination for good reason through the end of twelve months after which his employment is terminated for good reason. In connection with the employment agreement, the Company issued Mr. Tetard 600,000 shares of its common stock at a fair market value of $13,500 and VHS issued 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock of VHS at a fair market value which is nominal.
All executives are entitled to an annual bonus from a bonus pool for executives equal to 5% of the Company taxable income before net operating loss deduction and special deductions from the federal tax return filed. Each executive’s share of the bonus pool is equal to the percentage of their annual base compensation to the total of the combined annual base compensation of all executives in the pool.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The below table shows information of outstanding equity awards of the named officers at the end of 2013:
|
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (2013) |
Option Awards | | Stock Awards | |
Name | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) non- exercisable | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | | Equity ncentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Valueof Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | |
Laurent Tetard COO-SaaS(1) | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 200,000 | | 4,500 | | - | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (1) | Pursuant to a restricted stock agreement with the Company, Mr. Tetard was issued 600,000 unregistered shares of VCSY common stock (at a fair market value of $13,500 in February 2012, based upon the total number of shares issued and the share price on the date of the issuance), vesting in equal installments over a two-year period, of which 400,000 shares had vested at December 31, 2013 and an additional 200,000 shares had vested at April 15, 2014. |
Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table
Stock Option Plan.The Company has no formal stock option plan and has issued no stock options or warrants to any employees or to any other parties and do not have any stock options outstanding.
Stock Awards. The common stock issued to Mr. Tetard was issued on the same terms as the stock issued to other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company’s restricted stock agreements generally provide for the stock to vest over a 1 or 3 year period. In the event the employee is terminated without cause, a portion of the remaining unvested stock will vest on a pro-rata basis.
COMPENSATIONOFDIRECTORS
WedonotpayanycompensationtoouremployeedirectorsfortheirserviceontheBoard.However,wedopayournon-employeedirectorsasindicatedbelow.
The below table provides compensation for all non-employee directors in 2013:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
Name | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | | | Stock Awards | | | Option Awards | | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | | | | Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | | | | All Other Compensation | | | | Total | |
| | | ($) | | | ($) | | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | (#) | | | | ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
William Mills | | | 42,000 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 42,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table
Non-employee directors are entitled to receive $3,500 per month in 2013 and 2012.
Reimbursementof Expenses
TheCompanyreimbursestravelexpensesof membersfortheirattendanceatBoard meetings.
CompensationRisksAssessment
AsrequiredbyrulesadoptedbytheSEC,managementhas madeanassessmentofthe Company’scompensationpoliciesandpracticeswithrespecttoallemployees todeterminewhetherrisksarisingfromthosepoliciesandpracticesarereasonablylikelytohaveamaterialadverseeffectonthe Company.Indoingso,managementconsideredvariousfeaturesandelementsofthecompensationpoliciesandpracticesthatdiscourageexcessiveorunnecessaryrisktaking.Asaresultoftheassessment,the Companyhasdeterminedthatitscompensationpoliciesandpracticesdonotcreaterisksthatarereasonablylikelytohaveamaterialadverseeffectonthe Company.
2014 Compensation
The Company did not have an annual shareholders meeting in 2014. As a result, the Company is holding the Annual Meeting on February 25, 2015 in conjunction with the Annual Report filed for the period ended December 31, 2013. The Company has elected to include further disclosure with respect to executive compensation for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2014 (please see Appendix II). The executive compensation set forth in Appendix II will also be reflected in the Annual Report for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2014.
SECURITYOWNERSHIPOFCERTAINBENEFICIALOWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock as of January 5, 2015, by each of our directors and executive officers and any person or entity known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock. The table also shows the beneficial ownership of our stock by all directors and executive officers as a group. The table includes the number of shares subject to outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The percentages are based on 999,735,151 shares of common stock outstanding as January 5, 2015, together with options, warrants or other securities convertible or exchangeable by the beneficial owners into shares of common stock within 60 days of January 5, 2015.
| Title of Class | | | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | | | Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | | | | Percent of Class | |
| Common | | | Richard Wade | | | 75,042,716 | (2) | | | 7.51 | % |
| Common | | | William K. Mills | | | 283,333 | (3) | | | * | |
| Common | | | All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (2 persons) | | | 75,326,049 | | | | 7.54 | % |
___________________________
* Less than 1%.
| (1) | The address of each director and officer is c/o Vertical Computer Systems, Inc., 101 West Renner Road, Suite 300, Richardson, TX 75082. |
| (2) | Includes 72,122,560 shares owned by MRC- MRC has pledged 57,000,000 common shares as collateral to secure various promissory notes issued in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,286,946. Of these pledged shares, we are currently obligated to reimburse MRC with 1,309,983 common shares in connection with the payment of a $96,946 note issued in February 2008 to a third party lender and are currently pursuing our rights to recover damages concerning 1,500,000 shares held or sold by the lender. In addition, Mr. Wade and MRC have personally guaranteed the payment of $275,000 Note issued in March |
| | 2012 whereby, Mr. Wade and MRC are obligated to sell common shares owned by Wade and/or MRC in the event payments are not made.In October 2013, MRC transferred 1,000,000 shares to a third party lender in connection with a $100,000 loan, which the company is obligated to reimburse MRC with in October 2014. Mr. Wade is the President and CEO of the Company. MRC is a corporation controlled by the W5 Family Trust and Mr. Wade is the trustee of the W5 Family Trust. |
| (3) | Includes 33,333 shares of VCSY common stock owned by Parker Mills. William Mills is a Director of the Company and a partner of Parker Mills. |
Section16(a)BeneficialOwnershipReportingCompliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the best of the Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to it, or written representations that no other forms were required, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders were complied with during fiscal 2013.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In July 2011, the Company and Robert Farias, an employee of the Company, agreed to cancel $364,679 of outstanding debt owed to Mr. Farias and in exchange for such cancellation; the Company issued two notes with principal of $274,679 and $90,000, respectively. Beginning February 1, 2012, the interest rate increased to 10% on the outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest accrued through January 31, 2012 under the respective note. Also in February 2012, NOW Solutions granted Mr. Farias a junior security interest in all of its assets to secure the obligations under the $274,679 note in consideration of a personal guarantee made by Mr. Farias to secure the obligations under a note in the principal amount of $105,300 issued to Lakeshore Investment, LLC for a loan to NOW Solutions. Mr. Farias resigned as an employee on December 31, 2012. On January 9, 2013, the Company paid off these notes owed to Robert Farias and the security interest granted to Robert Farias was cancelled.
In August 2013, Luiz Valdetaro, on behalf of the Company, transferred 1,000,000 unrestricted shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Valdetaro to Lakeshore in exchange for an extension to having common shares of NOW Solutions returned, representing a 25% interest the Company was obligated to transfer to Lakeshore. The fair-market value of these shares was valued at $47,000. Also in August 2013, in connection with the transfer, the Company entered into an indemnity and reimbursement agreement to reimburse Mr. Valdetaro with 1,000,000 shares of our common stock within one year and pay for all costs associated with the transfer of shares to Lakeshore and the reimbursement of shares to Mr. Valdetaro. Mr. Valdetaro is the Chief Technology Officer of the Company.
In October 2013, MRC pledged 1,000,000 shares of our common stock to secure a $50,000 loan made to the Company by a third party lender. MRC is a corporation controlled by the W5 Family Trust. Mr. Wade, the President and CEO of the Company, is the trustee of the W5 Family Trust. The Company is obligated to replace these shares if these shares are transferred to the lender. This note is currently in default and therefore these shares have been classified as a derivative liability as of December 31, 2013 became past due. The initial fair value of these shares was determined to be $72,000 as of December 9, 2013.
Also in in October 2013, MRC transferred 1,000,000 unrestricted shares of our common stock owned by MRC to a third party lender in connection with a $100,000 loan to the Company. The fair-market value of these shares was valued at $85,000. Also in October 2013, in connection with the transfer, the Company entered into an indemnity and reimbursement agreement to reimburse MRC with 1,000,000 shares of our common stock within one year and pay for all costs associated with the transfer of shares to the lender and the reimbursement of shares to MRC.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company had accounts payable to two employees in an aggregate amount of $23,594. The payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The affirmative vote of a majority of the 998,985,151 shares issued and outstanding of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock voting on an as converted basis, is required for the approval of the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and effect the increase in the authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share, from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000.
The Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation that reflects the increase in the authorized common stock is attached hereto as Appendix I. The increase in the authorized common stock will become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which is expected to occur as soon as is reasonably practicable following shareholder approval of this proposal.
As of January 5, 2015, the Company had 999,735,151 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The Company also has 48,500 Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on an as converted basis. There are 1,023,985,150 shares of common stock eligible to vote on a fully diluted basis which includes the following: (i) 999,735,151 shares of common stock issued and outstanding; (ii) 24,250,000 shares of Common Stock for the Series A Preferred Stock. Therefore, on a fully-diluted basis, the Company is not able to convert the Series A Preferred Stock in its entirety, which requires us to seek approval to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock.
In addition, as of January 5, 2015, we have determined that we currently have (i) the following shares of common stock issued, and (ii) outstanding shares of preferred stock which are convertible into the shares of common stock indicated below and a contractual commitment to issue the shares of common stock indicated below:
| | |
---|
999,735,151 | | Common Stock Granted and Outstanding |
4,309,983 | | Common Shares Company Is Obligated to Reimburse to officers of the Company for pledged shares sold and transferred on the Company’s behalf |
24,250,000 | | Common Shares convertible from Preferred Series A Stock (48,500 shares outstanding) |
27,274 | | Common Shares convertible from Preferred Series B Stock (7,200 shares outstanding) |
5,000,000 | | Common Shares convertible from Preferred Series C Stock (50,000 shares outstanding) |
94,700 | | Common Shares convertible from Preferred Series D Stock (25,000 shares outstanding) |
1,033,417,108 | | Total Common Shares Outstanding and Accounted For/Reserved |
| | |
In addition, the Company has $30,000 in an outstanding convertible debenture that had been issued to a third party.
Accordingly, given the fact that the Company currently has 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, on a fully diluted basis the Company would exceed its authorized shares of common stock by approximately 34,000,000 shares if all of the financial instruments described in the table above were exercised or converted into shares of common stock (which does not include the shares that would be converted from the $30,000 outstanding debenture noted above).
Reason for Increase
The primary reason for the increase is to avoid any liability relating to the conversion of the preferred stock, derivative liabilities and contractual obligation set forth above. The Board would not be authorized to issue such shares upon such conversion and the Company would therefore be liable to any holders of the preferred stock of the Company that is convertible into common stock pursuant to the terms of the applicable agreements.
Further, in order to permit the Company to raise capital or issue its common stock for any other business purposes, the Company needs to increase the number of shares of its authorized common stock for issuance under its Certificate of Incorporation. As a result of the increase in authorized common stock, the Company will be able to issue shares from
time to time as may be required for proper business purposes, such as raising additional capital for ongoing operations, establishing strategic relationships with corporate partners, acquiring or investing in complementary businesses or products, providing equity incentives to employees, and effecting stock splits or stock dividends.
The Company is at all times investigating additional sources of financing which the board of directors believes will be in the Company’s best interests and in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders. While the Company hopes to raise money in the near future, it currently has no plans, arrangements or understandings for the issuance of additional shares at the present time.
Effects of Increase
With an increase in the Company’s authorized common shares, the board of directors will be able to issue those additional shares without the approval of the Company’s shareholders, except as may be required by applicable law. In general, the issuance of any new shares of common stock will cause immediate dilution to the Company’s existing stockholders, may affect the amount of any dividends paid to such stockholders and may reduce the share of the proceeds of the Company that they would receive upon liquidation of the Company. Another effect of increasing the Company’s authorized common stock may be to enable the Board of Directors to render it more difficult to, or discourage an attempt to, obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of present management. Such an issuance of shares of common stock would increase the number of outstanding shares, thereby possibly diluting the interest of a party attempting to obtain control of the Company. The Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated attempt, to acquire control of the Company, and this resolution was not presented with the intent that the increase in the Company's authorized common stock be utilized as an anti-takeover measure.
RecommendationoftheBoardofDirectors
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND TO EFFECT AN INCREASE OF THE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY TO 2,000,000,000 SHARES.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company is providing its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation as described below. We believe that it is appropriate to seek the views of shareholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation program.
Our overall goal for the executive compensation program is to attract, motivate, and retain a talented and creative team of executives who will provide leadership for our success in very competitive markets in a competitive industry. The Company seeks to accomplish this goal in a way that rewards performance and that is aligned with shareholders’ long-term interests. We believe that our executive compensation program, which utilizes both short-term and long-term equity awards, satisfies this goal and is strongly aligned with the long-term interest of our shareholders. The Company did not have a Compensation Committee during fiscal 2013 or 2014.
The Company requests shareholder approval of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s compensation rules (which include the narrative disclosures that accompany the compensation tables).
As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding upon the Company. However, the Board, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by shareholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers.
Vote Required
Approval of Proposal No. 3 requires that the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION PAID TO THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO ITEM 402 OF REGULATION S-K.
PROPOSAL NO. 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF SAY-ON-PAY VOTES
The Company is providing shareholders an advisory vote to approve how often the Company votes on executive compensation as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act. Section 14A was added to the Exchange Act by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The advisory vote to approve executive compensation is not a vote on the Company’s general compensation policies or the compensation of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Company to hold the advisory vote to approve executive compensation at least once every three years. We believe that our compensation policies and procedures align with the Company’s strategic objectives and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Our compensation program is guided by the philosophy that total executive compensation should vary based on achievement of goals and objectives, both individual and corporate, and should be focused on long-term strategies to build stockholder value. We believe that our philosophy and practices have resulted in executive compensation decisions that are appropriate and that have benefited the Company over time.
The Board will generate an executive compensation program, which is intended to reward named executive officers for sustaining our financial and operating performance and leadership excellence, along with the limited use of executive perquisites and reasonable severance pay multiples contribute to an executive compensation program that is competitive yet strongly aligned with stockholder interests.
This Proposal No. 4 provides shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on how often the Company should include a “say-on-pay” vote in its proxy materials for future annual shareholder meetings (or a special shareholder meeting for which we must include executive compensation information in the proxy statement for that meeting). Under this Proposal No.4, shareholders may vote to have the say-on-pay vote every three years, or they may abstain.
We believe that say-on-pay votes should be conducted every three years. This is the first year that shareholders are provided with the opportunity to cast a say-on-pay vote, and the Board, which administers our executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by shareholders and will consider the outcome of these votes in making its decisions on executive compensation in the future.
Vote Required
The option of “one year,” “two years,” or “three years” which receives the highest number of votes will be the option recommended by the shareholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of this approval.
Recommendation of the Board
The Board recommends that shareholders vote to hold say-on-pay votes EVERY THREE YEARS (as opposed to every one year or every two years).
PROPOSALNO. 5
RATIFICATIONOFSELECTIONOFMALONE BAILEY, LLP
ASINDEPENDENTREGISTEREDPUBLICACCOUNTANT
TheBoardhasselectedMalone Bailey, LLP(“Malone Bailey”)as the Company’sIndependentRegisteredPublic AccountingFirmforthefiscalyearendedDecember 31, 2014andhas furtherdirectedthatmanagementsubmitthe selectionofourIndependentRegisteredPublic AccountingFirmforratificationbytheshareholdersattheAnnualMeeting.Malone Baileyhasauditedthe Company’sfinancialstatementssinceSeptember2006.RepresentativesofMalone BaileyareexpectedtobepresentattheAnnualMeeting.Theywillhaveanopportunity tomakeastatement iftheysodesireandwillbeavailabletorespondtoappropriatequestions.
Neitherthe Company’sBylawsnorothergoverningdocumentsorlawrequireshareholderratificationofthe
selectionofMalone Baileyas the Company’sIndependentRegisteredPublicAccounting Firm.However,theBoardis submitting theselectionofMalone Baileyto theshareholdersforratificationasamatterofgoodcorporatepractice.Iftheshareholdersfailtoratifytheselection, theBoardwillreconsiderwhetheror not toretainthatfirm.Eveniftheselection isratified,theBoardin itsdiscretionmaydirecttheappointmentofadifferentIndependentRegisteredPublicAccounting Firmatanytimeduring theyear ifthe Boarddetermines thatsuch achangewouldbeinthebestinterestsoftheCompanyanditsshareholders.
Theaffirmativevoteofthe holdersofamajorityofthesharespresentinpersonorrepresentedbyproxyandentitled tovoteattheannualmeetingwillberequiredtoratifytheselectionofMalone Bailey.Abstentionswillbecounted towardthetabulationof votescastonproposalspresentedto theshareholdersandwillhavethe sameeffectasnegativevotes.Brokernon-votesarecountedtowardsaquorum,butare notcountedforanypurposeindeterminingwhetherthismatterhasbeenapproved.
IndependentRegisteredPublicAccountingFirmFees
AuditFees. Auditservicesconsistoftheauditoftheannualconsolidatedfinancialstatementsofus,andotherservicesrelatedtofilingsandregistrationstatementsfiledbyusandoursubsidiariesandotherpertinentmatters.The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accounting firm of Malone Bailey were $82,273 and $72,000 for the audit of our annual financial statements for 2013 and 2012, which included the reviews of the financial statements in our Forms 10-Q for the applicable fiscal years.
Tax Fees,AuditRelated Fees,andAll Other Fees. Malone Baileyhad notprovidedanyconsultingservices(including taxconsultingandcomplianceservicesoranyfinancial informationsystemsdesignandimplementationservices) tousinfiscalyears2013and2012.Subsequent toyearend, Malone Baileywasengaged toperform taxcomplianceservicesfortheCompany.
TheBoardconsideredandauthorizedallservicesprovidedbyMalone Bailey.
AuditorIndependence
The Boardconsideredthattheworkdoneforusinfiscal2013byMalone BaileywascompatiblewithmaintainingMalone Bailey’sindependence.
REPORTOFTHEBOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directorsoverseesourfinancialreportingprocess.Managementhas theprimaryresponsibilityforthe financialstatementsandthereportingprocess,includingthesystemsofinternalcontrols.
Wehavereviewedanddiscussed withmanagementourauditedfinancialstatementsasofand forthefiscal yearendedDecember 31, 2013.Wehavediscussedwithourindependentregisteredpublicaccountant,Malone Bailey, LLP,themattersthatarerequiredtobediscussedbyU.S.AuditingStandardsasestablishedbythe AuditingStandardsBoardoftheAmericanInstituteof CertifiedPublicAccountants,whichincludesareviewofthefindingsoftheindependentregisteredpublicaccountantduringitsexaminationofourfinancialstatements.
WehavereceivedandreviewedwrittendisclosuresandtheletterfromMalone Bailey, LLP,whichisrequiredbyIndependenceStandardNo.1,IndependenceDiscussionswithAuditCommittees,asamended,bytheIndependenceStandardsBoard,andwe havediscussedwithMalone Bailey, LLPtheirindependenceundersuchstandards.Wehaveconcludedthattheindependentregisteredpublicaccountantisindependentfromusandourmanagement.
Basedonourreviewanddiscussionsreferredtoabove, wehaverecommendedthatourauditedfinancialstatementsbeincludedinourAnnualReportonForm10-K forthefiscalyearendedDecember 31,2013,for filing withtheSEC.
SubmittedbytheBoard of Directors:
Richard Wade
William Mills
VoteRequired
ApprovaloftheappointmentoftheIndependentRegisteredPublicAccountingFirmrequirestheaffirmativevoteof amajorityofthesharespresentandentitled tovoteattheannualmeeting.
Recommendation
THEBOARDRECOMMENDSA VOTE“FOR”APPROVALOFTHESELECTIONOFMALONE BAILEY, LLPASTHECOMPANY’SINDEPENDENTREGISTEREDPUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM.
PROPOSAL NO. 6
OTHERMATTERS
ShareholderProposals
Proposalsbyshareholdersforpossible inclusion intheCompany’sproxymaterialsforpresentationatthenext AnnualMeetingofShareholdersmustbereceivedbythe SecretaryoftheCompany (x) not later than the close of business on the Ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the One Hundred and Twentieth (120th) day in advance of the anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting if such meeting is to be held on a day which is not more than 30 days in advance of the anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting or not later than 70 days after the anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting; and (y) with respect to any other annual meeting of stockholders, no later than the close of business on the thirtieth 30th day following the date of public disclosure by the Company of the date of such meeting. All shareholder proposals must contain the information required in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws and as required by the SEC.For the purposes of this Annual Meeting, the Board will accept shareholder proposals through February 15, 2015.
Ashareholder’snoticetotheSecretaryshallsetforth(i)astoeachpersonwhomtheshareholderproposestonominateforelectionorreelectionasadirector(A)the name,age,businessaddressandresidenceaddressofsuchperson,(B)theprincipaloccupationoremploymentof suchperson,(C)theclassandnumberofsharesoftheCompanywhicharebeneficiallyownedbysuchpersononthedateofsuchshareholder’snotice,and(D)anyother informationrelatingtosuchpersonthatisrequiredtobedisclosedinsolicitationsofproxiesforelectionofdirectors,orisotherwiserequired,ineachcasepursuanttoRegulation14AundertheExchangeAct,oranysuccessorstatute thereto(includingwithoutlimitationsuchperson’swrittenconsenttobeingnamedintheproxystatementasanomineeandtoservingasadirectorifelected);(ii)asto the shareholdergivingthenotice(A)the nameandaddress,astheyappearonthe Company’s(oritsagent’s)books,ofsuchshareholderandanyothershareholdersknownbysuchshareholdertobe supportingsuchnominee(s),(B)theclassand numberofsharesoftheCompanywhicharebeneficiallyownedbysuchshareholderonthedateofsuchshareholder’snotice,and(C)arepresentationthattheshareholderisaholderofrecordofstockoftheCompanyentitledtovoteat suchmeetingandintendstoappearinpersonorbyproxyatthemeetingtonominatethepersonorpersonsspecified inthe notice;and(iii)adescriptionofallarrangementsor understandingsbetweentheshareholderandeachnomineeandotherpersonorpersons(namingsuchpersonorpersons)pursuantto
whichthe nominationor nominationsaretobemadebytheshareholder. Upon reasonable request, the Company shall waive such requirements for this Annual Meeting.
CommunicationstotheBoardofDirectors
OurBoardofDirectorsmaintainsaprocessforshareholdersandinterestedpartiestocommunicatewiththeBoard.Shareholdersmaywriteto theBoardofDirectors,c/o Richard Wade,Chief of Executive Officer,Vertical Computer Systems,Inc.,101 W. Renner Road, Suite 300, Richardson, TX 75082.Communicationsaddressedto individualBoardmembersandclearlymarkedasshareholdercommunicationswillbeforwardedbytheCorporateSecretaryunopenedto theindividualaddressees. Anycommunicationsaddressedonlyto theBoardof Directorsandclearlymarkedasshareholdercommunicationswillbe forwardedbythe CorporateSecretaryunopenedto theNominatingCommittee.
WHEREYOUCANFINDMOREINFORMATION
Weare subjectto theinformationandreportingrequirementsoftheExchangeActunderwhichwe fileannual, quarterlyandcurrentreports,proxystatementsandotherinformationwiththeSEC.You mayreadandcopyanymaterialswehavefiledwiththeSECattheSEC’spublicreferenceroomat100FStreet,N.E.,Room1580,Washington,D.C.20549.PleasecalltheSECat1-800-SEC-0330for furtherinformationonthepublicreferenceroom. OurSECfilingsarealsoavailableto thepublicfromtheSEC’sInternetwebsiteathttp://www.sec.gov.
YoumayrequestacopyofanyofourfilingswiththeSECat nocost,bywriting,e-mailing,ortelephoningusatthefollowingaddress,e-mailaddressorphonenumber:
Vertical Computer Systems,Inc.
101 W. Renner Road, Suite 300
Richardson, Texas, 75082
Attention: Richard Wade,ChiefExecutive Officer
ir@vcsy.com;(972) 537-5200
THISPROXYSTATEMENTDOESNOTCONSTITUTETHESOLICITATIONOFAPROXYINANYJURISDICTIONTOORFROMANYPERSONTOWHOMORFROMWHOMITISUNLAWFULTOMAKE SUCHPROXYSOLICITATION.YOUSHOULDRELYONLYONTHEINFORMATION CONTAINEDIN THISPROXYSTATEMENTTOVOTEYOURSHARES AT THEANNUALMEETING. WEHAVENOTAUTHORIZEDANYONETOPROVIDE YOUWITHINFORMATIONTHATISDIFFERENTFROMWHATISCONTAINEDIN THISPROXYSTATEMENT.THISPROXY STATEMENTISDATEDJANUARY 30, 2015. YOUSHOULDNOTASSUMETHATTHEINFORMATIONCONTAINEDINTHISPROXYSTATEMENTISACCURATE ASOFANYDATEOTHERTHANTHATDATE,ANDTHEMAILINGOFTHISPROXYSTATEMENTTO SHAREHOLDERS DOESNOTCREATE ANYIMPLICATIONTO THECONTRARY.
APPENDIX I
[FORM OF]
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.
Vertical Computer Systems, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST: That pursuant to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Vertical Computer Systems, Inc., the following resolution amending the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation has been adopted by the vote of stockholders of said corporation holding a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon. The resolution setting forth the amendment is as follows:
RESOLVED, that Article IV of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
"The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is: 2,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock having a par value of $.0000l per share ("Common Stock"'); 1,000,000 shares of Series "A" Preferred Stock having a par value of $.001 per share; 375,000 shares of Series "B" Preferred Stock having a par value of $.001 per share; 375,000 shares of Series "C" Preferred Stock having a par value of $.001 per share; and 300,000 shares of Series "D" Preferred Stock having a par value of $.001 per share (collectively "Preferred Stock"). "
The Board of Directors is authorized subject to limitations prescribed by law and the provisions of this Article Fourth, to provide by resolution or resolutions for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable laws of Delaware, to establish from time to time the number of shares included in any such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of any such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof
SECOND: That these resolutions have been adopted by written consent of stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
THIRD: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Vertical Computer Systems, Inc., has caused this certificate to be signed by its President, this __th day of ________, 2015.
| | | |
---|
| | VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. | |
| By: | Richard Wade, President and CEO | |
APPENDIX II
The below table shows information of compensation of the named officers for fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 :
| | | Annual Compensation | | | Long-Term Compensation | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Awards | | | | | | Payouts | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | | | Year | | | Salary | | | Bonus(6) | | | Other Annual Compensation | | | Restricted Stock Award(s) | | | Options/ SARs | | | LTIP Payouts | | | All Other Comp- ensation | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | ($) | | | ($) | | | ($) | | | (#) | | | ($) | | | ($) | | | ($) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Richard Wade(1) | | | 2014 | | $ | 300,000 | (1) | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
President/Chief | | | 2013 | | $ | 300,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Executive Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Luiz Valdetaro(2) | | | 2014 | | $ | 200,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Chief Technology | | | 2013 | | $ | 200,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Laurent Tetard(3) | | | 2014 | | $ | 178,540 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Chief Operating | | | 2013 | | $ | 165,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Officer-SaaS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
James Salz (4) | | | 2014 | | $ | 165,000 | | | | | | - | | $ | 3,200 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Corporate | | | 2013 | | $ | 110,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | |
Counsel | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
_____________
No stock options were exercised by the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
(1) | | Mr. Wade deferred $881,688 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2008, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012, 2013, and 2014, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Wade of $63,500, $37,500, and $25,000 respectively. |
(2) | | Mr. Valdetaro deferred $467,071 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2007, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012, 2013, and 2014, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Valdetaro of $41,667, $66,667, and $41,667 respectively. |
(3) | | Prior to 2012, Mr. Tetard served as the Executive Vice President of International Operationsof NOW Solutions. Mr. Tetard deferred $98,438 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2007, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012, 2013, and 2014., the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Tetard of $20,625. Mr. Tetard was granted 600,000 unregistered shares of VCSY common stock (at a fair market value of $13,500 based upon the total number of shares issued and the share price on the date of the issuance), vesting in equal installments over a two-year period, of which 600,000 shares had vested as of December 31, 2014. Mr. Tetard was also granted 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Shares of VHS which vest over a two year period in equal installments (at a fair market value which is nominal). |
(4) | | Mr. Salz deferred $185,914 of salary earned during the period from 2002 through 2007, as adjusted in connection with an agreement to defer payroll claims between the Company and certain employees of the Company executed in 2010. For 2012, 2013, and 2014, the Company accrued unpaid salary for Mr. Salz of $27,498, $55,000, and $73,336, respectively. Pursuant to a restricted stock agreement with the Company in March 2012, Mr. Salz was granted 600,000 unregistered shares of VCSY common stock (at a fair market value of $10,200) based upon the total number of shares issued and the share price on the date of the issuance), vesting in equal installments over a two-year period, of which 600,000 shares had vested as of December 31, 2014. Mr. Salz was also granted 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Shares of VHS which vest over a two year period in equal installments (at a fair market value which is nominal). Mr. Salz was granted 200,000 shares of unregistered shares of VCSY common stock (at a fair market value of $3,200 based upon the total number of shares issued and the share price on the date of the issuance) that have vested. |
Nooptionsorwarrantsheldbyexecutiveofficersordirectorswere granted orexercisedduringthefiscalyearsended
December 31, 2014and 2013.
In December 2001, we executed an employment agreement with Richard Wade pursuant to which Mr. Wade serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. The agreement currently renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Wade receives an annual base salary of $300,000 In the event the agreement is terminated by Mr. Wade’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Wade would receive base compensation for the remainder of the employment term.
In January 2012, we executed an employment agreement with Luiz Valdetaro to serve as Chief Technology Officer of the Company and its subsidiaries. The initial term of the agreement was 2 years and renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Valdetaro receives an annual base salary of $200,000. In the event the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Valdetaro’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due for the lesser of 12 months or through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Valdetaro would receive base compensation for no less than six months of the remainder of the employment term. Mr. Valdetaro may also terminate his employment for good reason and shall be entitled to continued health insurance benefits and base compensation at the rate in effect at the time of his termination for good reason through the end of twelve months after which his employment is terminated for good reason.
In February 2012, we executed an employment agreement with Laurent Tetard to serve as Chief Operating Officer-SaaS of the Company and its subsidiaries. The initial term of the agreement was 2 years and renews on annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under the agreement, Mr. Tetard receives an annual base salary of $165,000. In the event the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Tetard’s death, his estate shall be entitled to compensation accrued to the time of death plus the lesser of one year’s base compensation or the compensation due for the lesser of 12 months or through the remainder of the employment term. In the event of termination by the Company without cause, Mr. Tetard would receive base compensation for no less than six months of the remainder of the employment term. Mr. Tetard may also terminate his employment for good reason and shall be entitled to continued health insurance benefits and base compensation at the rate in effect at the time of his termination for good reason through the end of twelve months after which his employment is terminated for good reason. In connection with the employment agreement, the Company issued Mr. Tetard 600,000 shares of its common stock at a fair market value of $13,500 and VHS issued 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock of VHS at a fair market value which is nominal.
All executives are entitled to an annual bonus from a bonus pool for executives equal to 5% of the Company taxable income before net operating loss deduction and special deductions from the federal tax return filed. Each executive’s share of the bonus pool is equal to the percentage of their annual base compensation to the total of the combined annual base compensation of all executives in the pool.
Outstanding Equity Awards
There were no outstanding equity awards of the named officers at the end of 2014
Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
Stock Option Plan.The Company has no formal stock option plan and has issued no stock options or warrants to any employees or to any other parties and do not have any stock options outstanding.
Stock Awards. The Company’s restricted stock agreements generally provide for the stock to vest over a 1 or 3 year period. In the event the employee is terminated without cause, a portion of the remaining unvested stock will vest on a pro-rata basis.
COMPENSATIONOFDIRECTORS
WedonotpayanycompensationtoouremployeedirectorsfortheirserviceontheBoard.However,wedopayournon-employeedirectorsasindicatedbelow.
The below table provides compensation for all non-employee directors in 2014:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | | Stock Awards | | Option Awards | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | | All Other Compensation | | Total |
| | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | ($) | | | | (#) | | | | ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
William Mills | | | 42,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 42,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table
Non-employee directors are entitled to receive $3,500 per month in 2014 and 2013.
Reimbursementof Expenses
The Company reimburses travel expenses of members for their attendance at Board meetings.
CompensationRisksAssessment
As required by rules adopted by the SEC, management has made an assessment of the Company’s compensation policies and practices with respect to all employees to determine whether risks arising from those policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In doing so, management considered various features and elements of the compensation policies and practices that discourage excessive or unnecessary risk taking. As a result of the assessment, the Company has determined that its compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
| | | VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com |
| | | Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. |
| Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. 101 W. Renner Road, Suite 300 Richardson, TX 75082 ATTN: Richard Wade, CEO | | |
| | ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS |
| | If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. |
| | | |
| | | VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 |
| | | Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. |
| | | |
| | | VOTE BY MAIL |
| | | Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: | KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
| DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. |
| | | | | | | For All | | Withhold All | | For All Except | | | To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. | | | | | | | |
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FOR the following: | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1. | Election of Directors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nominees | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 01 | Richard S. Wade | 02 | William K. Mills | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2 | Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation to increase authorized common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000 | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | |
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| 3 | Advisory vote on approval of executive compensation | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | |
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| The Board of Directors recommends you vote 3 YEARS on the following proposal: | | 1 year | | 2 years | | 3 years | |
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| 4 | Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | |
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| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 5 and 6. | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
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| 5 | To ratify the selection of Malone & Bailey, LLP as our independent registered public accountant for the year ended December 31, 2014 | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | |
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| 6 | In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | |
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| NOTE: The shares represented by this proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions given. If no such instructions are given, the shares represented by this proxy will be voted in favor of the: (1) election of all of the nominees for directors designated by the board of directors; (2) amendment to certificate of incorporation; (3) approval of executive compensation; (4) for 3 years for Proposal 4, and (5) such other business as may properly come before the meeting. | | | | | | | |
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| Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. | | | | | | | |
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| Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] | | Date | | | | | Signature (Joint Owners) | | Date | | | | | |
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0000224547_1 R1.0.0.51160
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report is/are available at www.proxyvote.com . |
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| VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. | |
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| PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
| FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS | |
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| THE UNDERSIGNED, revoking all previous proxies, hereby appoints RICHARD WADE and/or WILLIAM MILLS, as attorney, agent and proxy with power of substitution, and with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, to vote all shares of Common Stock and/ or the Series A Preferred Stock of Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, to be held on February 25, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. local time at the Company’s offices located at 101 W. Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75082, and at all adjournments thereof. | |
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| (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE) | |
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0000224547_1 R1.0.0.51160