DEFA14A

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Filed by the Registrant  x                             Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

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¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
¨ Definitive Proxy Statement
x Definitive Additional Materials
¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

SYNACOR, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box)

x No fee required.
¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1)

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(2)

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(3)

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(4)

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SYNC
SYNC
1
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
SYNACOR
THE TRUSTED TECH, SERVICES AND REVENUE PARTNER
SYNACOR
THE TRUSTED TECH, SERVICES AND REVENUE PARTNER
NEW LEADERSHIP EXECUTING THE RIGHT STRATEGY TO CREATE
SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
APRIL 16 2015
NEW LEADERSHIP EXECUTING THE RIGHT STRATEGY TO CREATE
SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
APRIL 16 2015
SYNC


SYNC
SYNC
2
SAFE HARBOR AND IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Important Additional Information
Synacor, Inc. (the "Company") has provided to its stockholders a definitive proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 27, 2015,
and an accompanying proxy card in connection with the Company's 2015 annual meeting of stockholders (the "2015 Annual Meeting"). The Company, its directors and certain
of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting. Information
concerning the interests of these directors and executive officers in connection with the matters to be voted on at the 2015 Annual Meeting is included in the definitive proxy
statement filed by the Company with the SEC in connection with such meeting. In addition, information concerning the Company's directors and executive officers is available
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2015. To the extent holdings of the Company's
securities have changed since the amounts contained in the definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting, such changes have
been reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 and Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 4 filed with the
SEC. Such documents are, or will be, available free of charge at the SEC website at
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE DEFINITIVE PROXY
http://www.sec.gov.
"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This communication contains forward-looking statements concerning Synacor's expected
financial performance for the first quarter of 2015. These results are preliminary, have not been reviewed or audited by Synacor’s independent registered public accounting
firm, and are accordingly subject to adjustment prior to Synacor’s reporting its complete financial results for the first fiscal quarter.  The achievement or success of the
matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions
prove incorrect, the company's results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements the company makes.
The risks and uncertainties referred to above include - but are not limited to - risks associated with: adjustments to our preliminary estimates for the financial results of the
first quarter; issues encountered in the completion of the quarterly review; and general economic conditions.
Further information on these and other factors that could affect the company's financial results is included in filings it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission
from time to time, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the company's most recent Form 10-K, as amended, filed with the SEC. These documents are available on
the SEC Filings section of the Investor Information section of the company's website at http://investor.synacor.com/. All information provided in this release and in the
attachments is available as of April 16, 2015, and Synacor undertakes no duty to update this information.
STATEMENT FILED BY THE COMPANY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION,
INCLUDING INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICIPANTS.


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3
NEW LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCED BOARD EXECUTING THE RIGHT STRATEGY TO
CREATE SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
o
Highly-qualified
and
experienced
Board
in
place
,
committed
to
creating
sustainable
stockholder
value
o
Board
named
a
new
CEO
in
August
2014,
after
an
extensive
executive
search
process,
to
turnaround
and
grow
the
company
o
Company
restructured
on
September
30
2014
to
reduce
costs
and
return
to
profitability
o
Management team executing on a clear strategic plan, well received by analysts, that we believe will drive profitable growth
in four areas of market opportunity:
Increasing value for existing customers by optimizing user experience and monetization
Innovating on Synacor-as-a-platform for advanced services
Winning new customers in current and related verticals
Extending our product portfolio into emerging growth areas
o
The
strategic
plan
is
already
yielding
financial
results
,
evidenced
in
Synacor’s
Q4
2014
results,
and
continuing
in
Q1
2015:
Q4 2014 was the second highest revenue and highest adjusted EBITDA quarter in the history of the company
Q1 2015 will also be EBITDA profitable, with results expected to be at the high-end or to exceed guidance
Drove 5% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4, expected to continue in Q1
o
Stock
price
reflects
renewed
stockholder
confidence
SYNC
rose
by
19.2%
between
the
first
trading
day
after
the
announcement of Q2 2014 results from prior leadership (8/13/14) and the Annual Meeting record date (3/23/15 ):
SYNC outperformed Nasdaq Composite Index by 620bp, Nasdaq Computer Index by 790bp, and Russell 2000 Index by 840bp
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.


SYNC
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4
FIRST 6 MONTHS AS CEO…
o
Himesh
Bhise
named
CEO
on
August
4
2014
,
after
an
extensive
executive
search
process,
to
turnaround
and
grow
the
company
o
On August 12 2014, the company announced the prior quarter results (from prior leadership), which included the loss of a major
customer and the loss of $7.3M of cash
o
Met with key stakeholders to gather feedback and determine the right path to maximize stockholder value
o
Reviewed product portfolio, current investments, and market opportunity with the Board and management team
o
Met with major customers
o
Reached out to major stockholders, including JEC/Ratio
o
Met with industry experts and analysts
o
Quickly took action on September 30 2014 to restructure the business and restore profitability
o
Right-sized the current business, reducing ~20% of the workforce
o
Focused R&D on the highest-revenue opportunities
o
Reduced operating expenses by ~$1.5 million per quarter
o
On October 30 2014 reported positive adjusted EBITDA for Q3, and announced strategic plan built on four pillars of attractive
market opportunity
o
Added
Scott
Murphy
to
the
Board
of
Directors
-
former
US
Congressman
and
Managing
Director
of
Advantage
Capital,
for
his
entrepreneurial
experience,
governance
expertise,
and
additional
stockholder
representation
o
Executing against strategic plan with focus and operating discipline. Making measurable progress on revenue growth and
profitability
-
evidenced by partner/customer announcements and record Q4 financial results
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and
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owned
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Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.


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STREAMLINE OPERATIONS AND
DEVELOP OUR TALENT
5
FOUNDATION: OPERATING DISCIPLINE & SOUND FINANCIAL FOOTING
o
Reduced ~70 positions, ~20% of the
workforce
o
Organized talent aligned to products,
creating role and career path clarity
o
Restored positive adjusted EBITDA
and cash flow
Contains
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owned
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Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
FOCUS AND PRIORITIZE SPEND ON
HIGHEST REVENUE-GENERATING ITEMS
o
Reduced overall R&D spend –
better
build vs. buy decisions
o
Focused R&D spend on strategic
product priorities
o
Increased emphasis on sales and
marketing
RESTRUCTURING EXPECTED TO DELIVER $6M+ OF ANNUALIZED SAVINGS


SYNC
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6
PROFITABLE GROWTH: STRATEGIC PLAN TO MAXIMIZE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Return to profitable revenue growth
Instill operating discipline and get Synacor back on sound financial footing
Streamline operations and develop our talent
Focus & prioritize R&D on highest revenue-generating opportunities
Increase value for existing
customers by optimizing
experience & monetization
Accelerate deployment & usage of new
portal and communication products
Build & deploy mobile experiences
Optimize monetization –
grow video
inventory and data
Innovate on Synacor-as-a-platform
for advanced services
Broaden Cloud ID across providers and
services
Scale and extend metadata-driven
search & discovery
Create a professional services team to
deliver end-to-end video solutions
Win new customers in current and
related verticals
Continue to pursue remaining broadband
and pay-TV providers
Syndicate ‘start’
modules in related
verticals and devices: Wireless, OEMs,
Publishers
Extend product portfolio into
emerging growth areas
Focused growth in international
Opportunistically explore new
services:
Business services
Bill-thru premiums
SYNC


SYNC
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7
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS AGAINST OUR STRATEGIC PLAN AND THE FOUR PILLARS OF
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Synacor
is
the
trusted
technology
development,
multiplatform
services
and
revenue
partner
for
video,
internet
and
communications
providers,
and
device
manufacturers.
We
deliver
modern,
digital
experiences
and
advertising
to
their
consumers
that
require
scale,
actionable
data
and
sophisticated
implementation.


SYNC
SYNC
Contains
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and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
SYNC
POSITIVE FINANCIAL MOMENTUM IN 2H 2014
REVENUE
ADJUSTED EBITDA
8
FY
2014:
$2.2M;
vs.
August
12
2014
guidance
of
($2.5)M
($1.0)M
4Q14: highest EBITDA quarter in the history of the company; 44%
YoY increase
FY
2014:
$106.6M;
vs.
August
12
2014
guidance
of
$100M
$103M
4Q14: second highest revenue quarter in the history of the company;
5% YoY increase


SYNC
CREATING STOCKHOLDER VALUE
RENEWED STOCKHOLDER CONFIDENCE IN BUSINESS HAS DRIVEN A 19.2% APPRECIATION* IN SYNC
STOCK -
OUTPERFORMING THE NASDAQ COMPOSITE BY 620BP AND RUSSELL 2000 INDEX BY 840BP
9
* Between the first trading day after the announcement of Q2 2014 results from prior leadership (8/13/14) and the Annual Meeting record date (3/23/15 )
Contains
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and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Synacor: 19.20%               NASDAQ Composite: 13.00%         
NASDAQ Computer: 11.30%                         Russell
2000:
10.80%
SYNC


SYNC
SYNC
10
HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED BOARD WHO ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING
SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
o
Operating leadership
of newly appointed CEO Himesh Bhise
o
Synacor’s Board and Senior Management have the depth and diversity of skills and expertise needed to continue
executing on the Four Pillar strategy
o
The Board is comprised of seven highly-qualified and proven leaders, including six independent directors
o
The Board includes current and former C-level executives from Fortune 500 companies, and veteran professionals
responsible for investing hundreds of millions of dollars in growth companies
o
The
Board
has
the
business
experience,
commitment
and
stockholder
representation
that
we
believe
is
necessary
to act in the best interests of all Synacor stockholders
o
The Board is active and engaged, overseeing the implementation of the Company’s Four Pillar strategy and driving
results
o
The Board of Directors is committed to creating sustainable stockholder value
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.


SYNC
SYNC
11
RIGHT LEADERSHIP TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Himesh Bhise,
Chief Executive Officer
& Director
CEO and Director since August 2014
Leading broadband, multiscreen and mobile executive
Comcast Cable –
VP, New Services & Platforms
Charter Communications –
VP, General Manager of High Speed Internet
AOL –
VP, General Manager of Mobile Division
McKinsey & Company –
Associate Partner, Telecom and M&A practices
M.B.A. –
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania


SYNC
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12
RIGHT LEADERSHIP TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE [CONTD]
Andrew
Kau,
Director
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
Jordan Levy,
Chairman of the Board
Partner at Softbank Capital
Former senior executive at Software Etc., now GameStop (NYSE:GME)
Co-founder of Software Distribution Services, now known as Ingram Micro
(NYSE:IM)
Previously served on the boards of ZipList (sold to Condé
Nast), OMGPOP (sold to
Zynga), Hyperpublic (sold to Groupon), and Lorex Technology Inc.
Managing Director at Walden International, the leading firm focused on cross-
border investments including: GoPro (Nasdaq: GPRO); Inphi Corp. (NYSE:IPHI);
iKANG Healthcare Group (Nasdaq:KANG); Semiconductor Manufacturing
International (NYSE: SMI)
Strategic
Planning
Associates,
LLC
management
consultant
Booz,
Allen
and
Hamilton,
Inc.
management
consultant


13
RIGHT LEADERSHIP TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE [CONTD]
o
Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at
Advantage Capital Partners
o
Former U.S. Congressman
o
Co-founded three tech companies, including an online
auction company that was sold to eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY)
and a website-building company that was sold to iXL
Enterprises, now part of Microsoft
o
Former CEO at Sega GameWorks
o
Former senior executive at DreamWorks Studios and
The Walt Disney Company
o
Board member of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.
(Nasdaq: DWA)
o
Executive Vice President of Corporate
Marketing and Communications at Time
Warner Inc.
o
Former EVP at News Corporation
o
Former Board Member of Audible (Nasdaq:
ADBL; acquired by Amazon)
o
Former EVP of Motorola Mobility, responsible for
leading Motorola’s Home business
o
Former EVP of Strategy and CTO of Charter
Communications
o
Former SVP and CTO of Adelphia Communications
Gary
Ginsberg
Michael
Montgomery
Scott
Murphy
Marwan Fawaz
SYNC
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
,
Director
,
Director
,
Director
,
Director


14
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON JEC/RATIO’S MISLEADING STATEMENTS AND
QUESTIONABLE MOTIVES
o
JEC/Ratio is seeking to displace the new CEO and disrupt the positive momentum generated by the Four Pillar
business strategy
o
JEC/Ratio has not offered any constructive alternative business plan or new ideas to create sustainable
stockholder value
o
The JEC/Ratio nominees lack the public company board level experience and qualifications of the Synacor
nominees
o
Current Directors have not sold a single share of Synacor since our new CEO joined the Company.  In fact,
Directors
and
Senior
Management
have
purchased
over
100,000
additional
shares
of
Synacor
during
this
time
o
Current Board and executive officers, together with their affiliates, own 24.8% of the Companys stock, so
stockholder interests are well represented on the Board
o
Synacor’s current Management has reached out to JEC/Ratio and remains open to constructive ideas from all
stockholders
o
The current Board is committed to doing what is in the best interests of all Synacor stockholders
o
JEC/Ratio
appears
to
have
questionable
motives
for
waging
a
public
campaign
of
insults
and
attacks
SYNACOR’S CURRENT BOARD AND MANAGEMENT IS EXECUTING ON THE
FOUR PILLAR STRATEGIC PLAN AND ALREADY DELIVERING POSITIVE RESULTS
SYNC
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.


15
SUMMARY: NEW LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCED BOARD EXECUTING THE RIGHT
STRATEGY TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.
NOW
IS
NOT
THE
TIME
TO
DISRUPT
THE
MOMENTUM
OF
THE
BUSINESS
o
Highly-qualified
and
experienced
Board
in
place
,
committed
to
creating
sustainable
stockholder
value
o
Board
named
a
new
CEO
in
August
2014
,
after
an
extensive
executive
search
process,
to
turnaround
and
grow
the
company
o
Company
restructured
on
September
30
2014
to
reduce
costs
and
return
to
profitability
o
Management team executing on a clear strategic plan, well received by analysts, that we believe will drive profitable growth in four
areas of market opportunity:
Increasing value for existing customers by optimizing user experience and monetization
Innovating on Synacor-as-a-platform for advanced services
Winning new customers in current and related verticals
Extending our product portfolio into emerging growth areas
o
The
strategic
plan
is
already
yielding
financial
results
,
evidenced
in
Synacor’s
Q4
2014
results,
and
continuing
in
Q1
2015:
Q4 2014 was the second highest revenue and highest adjusted EBITDA quarter in the history of the company
Q1 2015 will also be EBITDA profitable, with results expected to be at the high-end or to exceed guidance
Drove 5% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4, expected to continue in Q1
o
Stock
price
reflects
renewed
stockholder confidence
SYNC
rose
by
19.2%
between
the
first
trading
day
after
the
announcement
of
Q2 2014 results from prior leadership (8/13/14) and the Annual Meeting record date (3/23/15 ):
SYNC outperformed Nasdaq Composite Index by 620bp, Nasdaq Computer Index by 790bp, and Russell 2000 Index by 840bp`
SYNC


16
THANK YOU
SYNC
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.


17
APPENDIX
SYNC
Contains
proprietary
and
confidential
information
owned
by
Synacor,
Inc.
©
/
2015
Synacor,
Inc.