EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1408278
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1408278_10-K_2021_0001408278-21-000050.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our Business
We are a digital technology company that provides email and collaboration software, cloud-based identity management platforms, managed web and mobile portals, and advertising solutions. Our customers include communications providers, media companies, government entities and enterprises. We are their trusted partner for enterprise software platforms and monetization solutions that we deliver through public and private cloud software-as-a-service, software licensing, and professional services. Our platforms enable our clients to deepen engagement with their consumers and users.
On February 10, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger ("the Merger Agreement") with CLP SY Holding, LLC ("Parent") and SY Merger Sub Corporation an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Purchaser") an affiliate of Centre Lane Partners, LLC, a New York-based private investment firm, to be acquired in an all-cash transaction that values Synacor, in the aggregate, at approximately $92 million. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Parent on March 3, 2021 commenced a tender offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Synacor at a purchase price of $2.20 per share payable net to the seller in cash, without interest, subject to any withholding of taxes required by applicable law (such consideration as it may be amended from time to time pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the “Offer Price”). The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, as soon as practicable following the acceptance and purchase by Purchaser of the shares of Synacor common stock in the Offer, Purchaser will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, with the Merger to be effected pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”). Because the Merger will be governed by Section 251(h) of the DGCL, assuming the requirements of Section 251(h) of the DGCL are met, no vote of the stockholders of the Company will be required to consummate the Merger. As a result of, and at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Synacor common stock not purchased in the Offer (other than (1) shares of Synacor common stock owned by Parent, Purchaser or the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent or the Company, including all shares of Synacor common stock held by the Company as treasury stock, or (2) shares of Synacor common stock that are held by any stockholder who is entitled to demand and properly demands appraisal in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with the provisions of, Section 262 of the DGCL with respect to such shares) will be converted into the right to receive the Offer Price from Purchaser.
Products and Services
Cloud ID Authentication
Synacor develops and operates a cloud-based identity and access management platform for large enterprises that runs authentication, user lifecycle management and identity security for our customer’s end users when they need to sign-in to online applications and access their services with networked devices.
Consumers access their online services and subscription content using a myriad of devices where many find the login process frustrating. Enterprises are challenged to handle the digital identities of tens of millions of consumers and resiliently unlock access during online events that require thousands of verifications per second, often breaking under the load.
Synacor Cloud ID managed identity services resiliently scale to handle the largest enterprises without requiring customers to install on-premises identity management systems. Cloud ID simplifies the end user experience by offering native single sign on, home-based authentication and device management to reduce login friction and improve security.
Email/Collaboration
Our open and extensible Email/Collaboration platform is used by service providers, regulated entities (government & financial institutions), enterprises, and small and medium sized businesses around the world. Branded as Zimbra, our open-standards-based Email/Collaboration platform powers hundreds of millions of mailboxes globally through our network of over 1,900 channel partners (value-added resellers, or VARs, and Business Service Providers, or BSPs) and about 4,000 licensed customers. Zimbra is delivered as software-as-a-service through public and private cloud infrastructure, and as licensed software. Our Email/Collaboration Services include white-label hosting, security and migration.
Managed Portals and Advertising
Our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions provide our customers with substantial revenue opportunities generated by their consumers’ engagement across devices. Our Managed Portals are intended to be daily destinations for consumers and are delivered across devices and under our customers’ own brand names. To help our customers increase their consumers’ engagement, we deliver relevant content, such as top news, entertainment, and long and short-form video and apps, on our Managed Portals. We have licensing and distribution agreements with a wide range of programmers and content and service providers. In addition, consumers have the ability through our portals to manage their email and messaging, pay bills, receive special promotions and perform other account management needs.
We monetize the online traffic generated by consumers through search advertising, digital advertising (including video), and syndicated content on our Managed Portals. As we monetize our customers’ online traffic on our Managed Portals, we share a portion of this revenue with our customers, resulting in a mutually beneficial partnership.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is, with operational and financial discipline, to:
•increase value for existing customers by optimizing consumer experience and monetization;
•innovate on Synacor-as-a-platform for advanced services;
•win new customers in current and related verticals; and
•extend our product portfolio into emerging growth areas.
Innovating on Synacor-as-a-platform for advanced services
Our Cloud ID Authentication platform is reported as having some of the highest consumer login success rates in the industry.
Cloud ID supports four of the top OTT players, simplifying their consumer log-in experiences under extreme traffic loads. Synacor is the leading provider of ISP on-network home-based authentication and Apple Single Sign-On for TV providers. Since 2019, Cloud ID has built on a record of success by delivering highly-scalable authorization of video streaming to enter new markets for consumer identity and access management, now serves 20 million unique users per month. Cloud ID, empowers our clients, in aggregate reaching over 100 million accounts, to utilize Synacor's managed identity services to reliably unlock access for their subscribers in the simplest manner possible and to quickly extend services to new distribution partners and the latest consumer electronics devices.
Winning new customers in current and related verticals
We have an established presence among broadband and pay-TV providers in the U.S. and Canada. Some of these providers use our complete suite of solutions, and others use only certain components. We view this as a growth opportunity within our existing customer base.
In 2020, Synacor added 330 new Zimbra Email and Collaboration Suite enterprise and government customers around the world.
Increasing value for existing customers by optimizing user experience and monetization
With respect to our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions, we have made major upgrades to our portal platform that yield significant benefits. Our new platform has increased page performance by 60% and reduced bounce rate by over 50% on average. Our portal, with its engaging user experience and responsive design for desktop and mobile web, have video threaded throughout and is designed to optimize consumer engagement and monetization. Our latest upgrades increase page performance and deliver a cleaner user experience that results in improved user engagement while decreasing the implementation time for customers to launch and also decreasing the resources necessary to maintain and support the product.
Extending our product portfolio into emerging growth areas
We plan to capitalize on opportunities such as international expansion and delivery of business services. Through our acquisition of the Zimbra assets we have expanded our international customer base, and we believe this represents an opportunity to find new customers for our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions.
Technology and Operations
Technology Architecture
Our products leverage technology that is reliable, fault tolerant and scalable through the addition of more servers as usage grows. In 2020 we invested heavily in providing these same capabilities using public cloud technologies. In addition to the existing reliable/fault tolerant infrastructure, cloud technologies enable us to provide self-healing software, auto-scaling, and automated deployments.
Data Center Facilities
We currently operate and maintain five data centers in regionally diverse locations and have a network operations center that is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our primary data centers are located in shared facilities in Allen, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Lewis Center, Ohio; Toronto, Canada; and Watertown, Massachusetts. All systems are fully monitored for reporting continuity and fault isolation. The data centers are each in a physically secure facility using monitoring, environmental alarms, closed circuit television and redundant power sources. Our network operations center also is located in a secure facility.
Customers
Our recurring and fee-based customers consist of high-speed internet service providers along with enterprises, government and nonprofit organizations, either directly or through resellers. Contracts with these customers typically have an initial term of one to three years and frequently provide for one or more automatic renewal terms of one to two years each. Our recurring and fee-based customer contracts also typically contain service level agreements that call for specific system “up times” and 24 hours per day, seven days per week support. As of December 31, 2020, we had agreements, both directly and indirectly through resellers, with over 120 high-speed internet service providers and over 4,000 enterprise, government and nonprofit customers.
Our Managed Portals and Advertising customers principally consist of high-speed internet service providers. Contracts with these customers typically have an initial term of two to three years from the deployment of our Managed Portals and frequently provide for one or more automatic renewal terms of one to two years each.
Content and Service Providers
We license the content available in our Managed Portals, as well as premium services, from numerous third-party content and service partners. These partners provide a variety of content, including news and information, entertainment, video, games, shopping, travel, and finance. Our relationships with content providers give consumers access to over five hundred thousand articles and one million short-form videos each month. To obtain this content, we enter into a variety of licensing arrangements with the content providers. These arrangements are typically one to two years in duration with payment terms that may be based on traffic, advertising revenue share, number of subscribers, flat fee payments over time, or some combination thereof. In addition to using licensed content to populate our Managed Portals, we also provide premium services that subscribers may purchase for additional fees.
Sales and Marketing
Email/Collaboration
We market our Email/Collaboration product through both direct and indirect sales channels. Our regional sales and marketing teams host several events each year with partners and run various campaigns to generate sales leads. Once a lead has been identified, our internal sales representatives work closely with our regional partners on better identifying the opportunity and gathering customer requirements.
We sell to internet service providers primarily through a direct sales force consisting of regional account executives. Sales cycles can be six months or longer. We sell to prospective government, nonprofit and enterprise customers through a two-tier indirect model via more than 1,590 channel partners (VARs and BSPs). Our VARs sell on-premise licenses to end customers while our BSPs sell a cloud service to the end customer. Sales cycles can range from thirty days to six months, depending on size and scope.
Managed Portals and Advertising Solutions
Synacor’s managed portal network and publisher-focused advertising platform reaches over 200 million monthly unique visitors. Our advertising solutions enable our customers to earn incremental revenue by monetizing media from their consumers across all popular devices.
Our advertising sales team sells advertising inventory directly to advertisers and/or to advertising agencies representing those advertisers, as well as employing programmatic ad monetization strategies utilizing ad exchanges via real-time bidding. These advertisers may be small companies with the advertising locally or regionally focused on the Managed Portals of one customer, or large companies with nationwide advertising on the Managed Portals of many customers as well as on our syndicated group of publishers’ sites. We have a team of direct advertising sales employees, independent advertising sales representatives, and programmatic ad specialists focused on this effort and expect to continue to develop this team and attempt to grow the amount of advertising revenue generated with our customers. As of December 31, 2020, we had arrangements with over 100 advertising partners.
Managed Portals
Our managed portal network consists of white-labeled browser start pages and iOS/Android start apps that serve as daily destinations for consumers. Powered by our media and programming library which includes news, entertainment, and short and long form video, these products increase consumer engagement and generate advertising revenue. They also provide consumers with self-management capabilities for email and messaging, bill paying and other account management activities.
Syndicated Advertising
Synacor’s syndicated advertising platform works with hundreds of publishers to deliver brand-safe monetization that leverages scale, premium brands and programmatic technology across desktop and mobile. We help publishers dynamically target different audiences by matching relevant content to the right users across multiple devices. Publishers also leverage our demand facilitation services to connect premium advertisers and brands with their target audiences on brand-safe sites.
Government Regulation
As a cloud-based business serving global video, internet and communications providers, device manufacturers, governments and others, we are required to comply with a variety of laws and other legal obligations. Some jurisdictions, both in the United States and abroad, have enacted or proposed laws and other legal obligations governing, among other things, the internet, online entertainment and other aspects of our businesses. These laws and other legal obligations cover issues such as taxation, pricing, content, distribution, quality and delivery of products and services, electronic contracts, intellectual property rights, and privacy and security of personal information in our possession or under our control.
Federal laws of the United States that could have an impact on our business include the following: the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, which is intended to reduce the liability of online service providers of third-party content, including content that may infringe copyrights or other rights of third parties; the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which imposes restrictions on the ability of online service providers to collect information from children under 13 years of age; and the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act, which requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances.
There have been numerous laws and other legal obligations adopted in the United States and around the world regarding privacy and the collection, destruction, protection, sharing, storing, and use of personal information. The impact of these laws and other legal obligations on our business is increasing as more jurisdictions attempt to protect personal information. In light of a rapidly changing legal landscape, as well as rapidly changing technology, these laws and other legal obligations are at times subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent or conflict with laws and other legal obligations of other jurisdictions. While we are committed to remaining in compliance with all laws and other legal obligations, there may be instances when it is problematic to do so.
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), which took effect in May 2018, applies to personal information relating to individuals in the European Union in our possession or under our control. The GDPR includes comprehensive requirements for companies that process such personal information, regardless of the location of the processing, and provides for significant penalties for non-compliance.
Pursuant to the GDPR, personal information relating to individuals in the European Union can only be transferred from the European Union to other countries that have adequate laws and other legal requirements in place to protect such personal information. The European Union has determined that the United States currently does not have adequate laws and other legal requirements in place to protect such personal information. In response, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Commission adopted the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield, and the U.S. Department of Commerce and Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner adopted the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield. The purpose of the privacy shields is to enable businesses in the United States that desire to receive transfers of personal information relating to individuals in the European Union to certify to their compliance with the GDPR and other applicable law. However, on July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) invalidated the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield, and shortly thereafter, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner questioned the validity of the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield. In doing so, the CJEU suggested that U.S. businesses could use other methods available under the GDPR for meeting the so-called “adequacy requirement” (e.g. standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules), but it is possible that, in applying the same analysis used in invalidating the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield, the CJEU could at some point invalidate these other methods as well.
We initially certified to being in compliance with the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield in December 2016 and the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield in June 2017, and have renewed our certifications each year thereafter. We currently plan on renewing our certifications for the foreseeable future, in addition to, or in lieu of, using any other method available under the GDPR for complying with the “adequacy requirement” to continue transferring personal information from the European Union to the United States.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which took effect on January 1, 2020, requires certain businesses to, among other things, provide (1) certain data relating to their collection and use of personal information of California consumers, (2) data access and deletion rights to California consumers, and (3) California consumers with the right to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. While it remains unclear how some provisions of the CCPA will be interpreted, significant penalties can be imposed for non-compliance with the CCPA or data breaches. The California Attorney General began enforcing the CCPA as of July 1, 2020, and has adopted detailed regulations to clarify some of its provisions.
The California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which was recently passed, but is not effective until January 1, 2023, supplements and enhances the CCPA. Due to the requirements of the CPRA, many businesses have already begun to comply with its terms. The CPRA requires stricter protection of consumer privacy, similar to the GDPR, and imposes privacy and data security requirements for businesses. In addition, the CPRA establishes the California Privacy Protection Agency as an “independent watchdog,” vested with “full administrative power, authority, and jurisdiction to implement and enforce the [CPRA].”
There are currently pending a number of legislative proposals in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions that could impose additional obligations affecting our business, such as liability for copyright infringement. In addition, some countries and other jurisdictions are considering, or have passed, legislation that mandates local storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our products and services.
We strive to comply with all applicable laws and other legal obligations, company policies, and industry-standard codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection. Compliance with any such applicable laws and other legal obligations, company policies, and industry-standard codes of conduct (including, but not limited to, the GDPR and the CCPA) could require us to incur additional costs and expenses. At the same time, the failure to comply with such applicable laws and other legal obligations, company policies, and industry-standard codes of conduct could result in governmental enforcement actions, significant damages and fines being imposed on us, loss of the ability to transfer E.U. personal data to the United States, litigation, restrictions on our and our customers’ ability to market products and services, uncertainty of internet usage, reductions in the demand for our products and services, and mandatory changes to our privacy and data security practices, as well as our products and services.
Intellectual Property
We believe that the protection of our intellectual property is critical to our success. We rely on copyright, trademark and patent enforcement, contractual restrictions and trade secret, trade dress and domain name laws to protect our brand and other proprietary and intellectual property rights. We have entered into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and nondisclosure agreements and other agreements containing confidentiality protections with certain parties with whom we conduct business in order to limit access to, and disclosure of, our proprietary information and technology, such as trade secrets, confidential information, know-how and technical information. We have applied for patents to protect certain of our intellectual property. In addition, we have acquired intellectual property, including patents and trademarks, through our acquisitions including Zimbra, Technorati, NimbleTV and Teknision. We have three trademark registrations in the United States for SYNACOR (U.S. Registration Numbers 5108679, 2845578 and 2811272).
We endeavor to protect our internally-developed systems and maintain our trademarks. We generally control access to and use of our proprietary software and other confidential information through the use of internal and external controls, including contractual protections with employees, contractors, customers and partners, and our software is protected by United States and international copyright laws.
In addition to legal protections, we believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, new product developments, frequent product enhancements and reliable product support and services are essential to establishing and maintaining a technology leadership position.
Competition
The market for internet-based services and products in which we operate is highly competitive and involves rapidly-changing technologies and customer and consumer requirements, as well as evolving industry standards and frequent product introductions. While we believe that our technology offers considerable value and flexibility to our customers by helping them to extend their consumer relationships to a wide variety of internet-based services, we face competition at four levels:
•When one of our prospective or existing customers considers another supplier, including one of our partners, for elements of the services or products which we provide.
•When consumers choose to rely on other vendors for similar products and services.
•When content and service providers prefer to establish direct relationships with one or more of our customers.
•When one of our customers decides to make the significant headcount and technology investment to develop products and services in-house similar to those that we provide.
Our technology competes primarily with high-speed internet service providers that have internal information technology staff capable of developing similar solutions in-house.
Email/Collaboration
With respect to our Email/Collaboration solutions, we compete primarily with Google and Microsoft in the enterprise and government markets, and with Open-Xchange and OpenWave in the internet service provider markets.
We believe the principal competitive factors in the email/collaboration market include a company’s ability to:
•provide customers the ability to perform security and compliance audits of our source code;
•deliver anti-spam, anti-phishing, anti-virus and encryption technologies;
•provide products and services at lowest possible total cost of ownership (TCO);
•provide local partners the ability to store data within the legal jurisdiction of the country where their customers do business;
•provide an enterprise-ready solution suitable for large-scale deployments including such enterprise features such as delegated administration, detailed logging, and performance and availability transparency;
•offer access to real-time performance and availability statistics;
•afford customers and partners the ability to rebrand their cloud collaboration experience; and
•make available to partners both integrations and extensions to the collaboration cloud environment specific to customers’ needs.
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from potential competitors in several ways. First, we offer our Email/Collaboration products and services a la carte, enabling customers to buy only the services they need, providing for a much lower TCO. Second, our Zimbra Email/Collaboration solution is a complete feature-rich, enterprise-ready solution scalable up to 40 million mailboxes. Finally, our products are customizable and extendable and designed to meet very high standards of security.
Managed Portals and Advertising Solutions
In addition, with respect to our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions, we compete with companies such as Facebook, Inc.; Google; Verizon Media; and MSN, a division of Microsoft Corporation, or Microsoft, which have destination websites of their own or are capable of delivering content, service offerings and search or advertising models similar to ours.
We believe the principal competitive factors in our markets include a company’s ability to:
•reinforce the brands of our cable, satellite, telecom and consumer electronics customers;
•produce products that are flexible and easy to use;
•offer competitive fees for Managed Portal development and operation;
•generate additional revenue for our customers;
•enable our customers to be involved in designing the “look and feel” of their online presence;
•offer services and products that meet the changing needs of our customers and their consumers, including emerging technologies and standards;
•provide high-quality product support to assist the customer’s service representatives; and
•aggregate content to deliver more compelling bundled packages of paid content.
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from potential competitors in three principal ways. First, we provide a white-label solution that, unlike the co-branded approach of most of our competitors, creates a consumer experience that reinforces our customers’ and partners’ brands. Second, we give customers control over the sign-on process and billing function for a wide range of internet services and content by integrating with their internal systems (where applicable) thereby allowing our customers to “own the consumer.” Finally, our solutions are flexible and neutral, meaning that we allow deliverables that are customized to our customers’ specific needs.
Human Capital Resources
Due to the specialized nature of our business, our performance depends on identifying, attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining a highly skilled workforce.
As of December 31, 2020, we had 142 employees in the United States and 131 based internationally. Of these employees, 270 were full-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider current employee relations to be good.
Diversity and inclusion are a business imperative for us, as we believe it is key to our future success. We have focused our diversity and inclusion initiatives on employee recruitment, outreach, and employee training and development, such as expanding the diverse talent pipeline and employee engagement. Through these and other focused efforts, we have improved the diversity of our overall workforce and within leadership positions, specifically in the representation of women, people of color, and people with disabilities.
Corporate Information
Synacor’s predecessor company was originally formed as a New York corporation, and in November 2002, Synacor re-incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our headquarters are located at 40 La Riviere Drive, Buffalo, New York 14202, and our telephone number is (716) 853-1362.
Available Information
Our internet website address is http://www.synacor.com. We provide free access to various reports that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed or furnished. These reports include, but are not limited to, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports. Our SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website, or through http://www.sec.gov. Information on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other report we file or furnish with the SEC. Stockholders may request copies of these documents from:
Synacor, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
40 La Riviere Drive
Suite 300
Buffalo, New York 14202

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business and financial results are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described below, which could adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties, including the following risk factors and all other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, together with any other documents we file with the SEC.
Risks Related to Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and may continue to impact Synacor's operations
The spread of the COVID-19 throughout the world has also created global economic uncertainty and reduced optimism about the nearer term economic outlook, which has caused our partners, service providers and current or potential customers to closely monitor their costs, reduce their spending budgets and, in some cases, delay payments to us. Although Synacor does not sell directly to consumers, certain of Synacor’s advertising revenue included in our Portal & Advertising segment relates to businesses and industries that have been temporarily shut down or otherwise negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Synacor is continuing to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business closely. Beginning in March 2020, sharp declines in advertising expenditures as result of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a decline in revenue and lower margins in our Portal & Advertising segment. This reduction in revenue and lower margins in our Portal & Advertising segment continued into the third quarter of 2020, with recovery beginning in the 2nd half of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter of 2020. Although we have seen recovery in the past two quarters, there is not guarantee that this will continue in future periods. In addition, while there has been relatively minimal impact on our Software & Services segment thus far, the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact this business segment during future periods.
In addition, as a result of the pandemic, Synacor has implemented a work from home policy for all of its employees other than a small portion of its personnel who provide on-site technical support to Synacor’s customers. Being in an industry where telecommuting is very common, Synacor has generally been able to perform all normal business activities with minimal impact on productivity. However, Synacor’s work from home policy and travel restrictions have adversely impacted our sales and marketing staff who provide international and regional support. The potential further need to limit our operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beyond Synacor's announced restructuring plan may further reduce productivity or make developing new relationships and maintaining existing relationships more difficult.
The extent to which COVID-19 impacts Synacor’s results in future periods will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. As a result, Synacor’s sales cycle, revenues, profitability, cash flows and financial condition have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected.
A loss of any significant Portal and Advertising customer could negatively affect our financial performance.
Our future growth and profitability will depend in large part on the effectiveness and efficiency of our efforts to provide a compelling consumer experience that increases consumer engagement with our Managed Portals. We have made and will continue to make investments in features and functionality for our technology that are designed to drive consumer engagement. If the expenses that we incur in connection with these activities do not result in increased consumer engagement that in turn results in revenue increases that exceed these expenses, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.
Although we have diversified our product portfolio and our customer base, we continue to derive a substantial portion of our revenue from a small number of Managed Portal customers. For 2019, revenue attributable to one customer exceeded 10% of our total revenue, and accounted for approximately 13% of our revenue. For 2020, no customer had revenue that exceeded 10% of our total revenue, however, our top two customers accounted for approximately 13% of our revenue.
Our contracts with our Managed Portals and Advertising customers generally have an initial term of approximately two to three years from the launch of their Managed Portals and frequently provide for one or more automatic renewal terms of one to two years each. If a key contract is not renewed or is otherwise terminated, or if revenue from a significant customer declines because of competitive or other reasons, including the customer’s desire to reprioritize or deemphasize monetization of the portal, our revenue would decline and our ability to achieve or sustain profitability would be impaired. In addition to the loss of recurring and fee-based revenue, we would also lose significant revenue from the related search and digital advertising services that we provide. In addition to the decline of revenue, we may have to impair our long-lived assets, to the extent that such assets are used exclusively to support these customers, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial position.
Our search advertising partner, Google, accounts for a significant portion of our revenue, and any loss of, or diminution in, our business relationship with Google would adversely affect our financial performance.
We rely on traffic on our Managed Portals to generate search and digital advertising revenue, a substantial portion of which is derived from text-based links to advertisers’ websites as a result of internet searches. We have a revenue-sharing relationship with Google under which we include a Google-branded search tool on our Managed Portals. When a consumer makes a search request using this tool, we deliver it to Google, and Google returns search results to us that include advertiser-sponsored links. If the consumer clicks on a sponsored link, Google receives payment from the sponsor of that link and shares a portion of that payment with us. We then typically share a portion of that payment with the applicable customer. Google may terminate our agreement if we experience a change in control, if we enter into an agreement providing for a change in control, if we do not maintain certain search and digital advertising revenue levels or if we fail to conform to Google’s search and advertising policies. Google may from time to time change its existing, or establish new, methodologies and metrics for valuing the quality of internet traffic. Any changes in these methodologies, metrics and advertising technology platforms could decrease the advertising rates that we receive and/or the amount of revenue that we generate from digital advertisements. If advertisers were to discontinue their advertising via internet searches, if Google’s revenue from search-based advertising were to decrease, if Google’s share of the search revenue were to increase or if our agreement with Google were to be terminated for any reason or renewed on less favorable terms, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, consumers’ increased use of search tools other than the Google-branded search tool we provide would have similar effects.
Our Managed Portals solutions has suffered a loss of users, which may adversely affect our Portal business.
The number of active portal users has declined consistently for several years, and may further contract in the future. While we work with our customers to have their consumers’ homepages set to our Managed Portals, a consumer may easily change that setting, which would likely decrease the use of our Managed Portals. Similarly, consumers who change their device’s operating system, or internet browser, or acquire new consumer electronics devices may no longer have our Managed Portals set as their default homepage, and unless they change it back to our Managed Portals, their usage of our Managed Portals would likely decline and our results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Furthermore, the number of people who access the internet through devices other than PCs, including tablets, smartphones and connected TVs, has increased dramatically and is projected to continue to increase. Individuals are increasingly accessing the internet through apps other than internet browsers. Our Managed Portals include our responsive desktop and mobile web products and also our mobile native iOS and Android apps. If consumers do not use our mobile products at all or use these products less frequently than previously, our financial results could be negatively affected. Additionally, as new devices and new apps are continually being released, it is difficult to predict the problems we may encounter in developing new versions of our apps and other solutions for use on these alternative devices and apps, and we may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support and maintenance of such apps and solutions. If users of these devices and apps do not widely adopt the apps and other solutions we develop, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Consumer tastes continually change and are unpredictable, and sales of our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions may decline if we fail to enhance our service and content offerings to achieve continued consumer acceptance.
Our business depends on aggregating and providing services and content that our customers will place on our Managed Portals, including television programming, news, entertainment, sports and other content that their consumers find engaging, and premium services and paid content that their consumers will buy. Accordingly, we must continue to invest resources in licensing efforts, research and development and marketing to enhance our service and content offerings, and we must make decisions about these matters well in advance of product releases to implement them in a timely manner. Our success depends, in part, on unpredictable and volatile factors beyond our control, including consumer preferences, competing content providers and websites and the availability of other news, entertainment, sports and other services and content.
If our services are not responsive to the requirements of our customers or the preferences of their consumers, or the services are not brought to market in a timely and effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed. Even if our services and content are successfully introduced and initially adopted, a subsequent shift in the preferences of our customers or their consumers could cause a decline in the popularity of our services and content that could reduce our revenue and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on third parties for content that is critical to our business, and our business could suffer if we do not continue to obtain high-quality content at a reasonable cost.
We license the content that we aggregate on our Managed Portals from numerous third-party content providers, and our future success is highly dependent upon our ability to maintain and enter into new relationships with these and other content providers. In some cases, we are required under our contracts, to provide our customers’ consumers access to certain types of content. In the future, some of our content providers may not give us access to high-quality content, may fail to adapt to changes in consumer tastes or may increase the royalties, fees or percentages that they charge us for their content, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results. Our rights to the content that we offer to our customers and their consumers are not exclusive, and the content providers could license their content to our competitors. Our content providers could even grant our competitors exclusive licenses. In addition, our customers are not prohibited from entering into content deals directly with our content providers. Any failure to enter into or maintain satisfactory arrangements with content providers would adversely affect our ability to provide a variety of attractive services and products to our customers. Our reputation and operating results could suffer as a result, and it may be more difficult for us to develop new relationships with potential customers.
Many of our customers are high-speed internet service providers, and consolidation within the cable and telecommunications industries could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have significant revenue from high-speed internet service and communications providers, including our search and digital advertising revenue generated by online consumer traffic on our Managed Portals. The cable and telecommunications industries have experienced consolidation over the past several years, and we expect that this trend will continue. As a result of consolidation, some of our customers may be acquired by companies with which we do not have existing relationships and which may have relationships with one of our competitors or may have the in-house capability to perform the services we provide. As a result, such acquisitions could cause us to lose customers and the associated revenue. Under our agreements with some of our customers, they may have the right to terminate the agreement if we are acquired by one of their competitors.
We may not maintain acceptable website performance for our Managed Portals and Advertising customers, which may negatively impact our relationships with our customers and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A key element to our continued growth is the ability of our customers’ consumers in all geographies to access our Managed Portals and other offerings within acceptable load times. We refer to this as website performance. We may in the future experience platform disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, capacity constraints due to an overwhelming number of users accessing our technology simultaneously, and denial of service or fraud or security attacks.
In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these website performance problems within an acceptable period of time. It may become increasingly difficult to maintain and improve website performance, especially during peak usage times, and as our solutions become more complex and our user traffic increases. If our Managed Portals and Advertising solutions are unavailable when consumers attempt to access them or do not load as quickly as they expect, consumers may seek other alternatives to obtain the information for which they are looking, and may not use our products and services as often in the future, or at all. This would negatively impact our relationships with our customers. We expect to continue to make investments to maintain and improve website performance. To the extent that we do not effectively address capacity constraints, upgrade our systems as needed and continually develop our technology and network architecture to accommodate actual and anticipated changes in technology, our business and operating results may be harmed.
Our sales cycles and the contracting process with new customers are long and unpredictable and may require us to incur expenses before executing a customer agreement, which makes it difficult to project when, if at all, we will obtain new customers and when we will generate additional revenue and cash flows from those customers.
We market our services and products directly to high-speed internet service and communications providers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and directly and indirectly to enterprises, and governmental and nonprofit organizations. New customer relationships typically take time to obtain and finalize because of the burdensome cost of migrating from an existing solution to our platform. Due to operating procedures in many organizations, a significant time period may pass between selection of our services and products by key decision-makers and the signing of a contract. The length of time between the initial customer sales call and the realization of significant sales is difficult to predict and can range from several months to several years. As a result, it is difficult to predict when we will obtain new customers and when we will begin to generate revenue and cash flows from these potential new customers.
As part of our sales cycle, we may incur significant expenses in the form of compensation and related expenses and equipment acquisition before executing a definitive agreement with a prospective customer so that we may be ready to launch shortly following execution of a definitive agreement. If conditions in the marketplace or with a specific prospective customer change negatively, it is possible that no definitive agreement will be executed, and we will be unable to recover any expenses incurred before a definitive agreement is executed, which would in turn have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely, to a significant degree, on indirect sales channels for the distribution of our Software products, and disruption within these channels could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
We use a variety of indirect distribution methods for our offerings, including channel partners, such as cloud service providers, distributors, and value added resellers. A number of these partners in turn distribute our offerings via their own networks of channel partners with whom we have no direct relationship. These relationships allow us to offer our technologies to a much larger customer base than we would otherwise be able through our direct sales and marketing efforts.
If our channel partners or a partner in its distribution network violate applicable law or regulatory requirements or misrepresent the functionality of our offerings, our reputation could be damaged and we could be subject to potential liability. Furthermore, our channel partners may offer their own products and services that are competitive with our offerings or may not distribute and market our offerings effectively. Our existing channel partner relationships do not, and any future channel partner relationships may not, afford us exclusive marketing or distribution rights. In addition, if a channel partner is acquired by a competitor or its business units are reorganized or divested, our revenue derived from that partner may be adversely impacted.
Recruiting and retaining qualified channel partners and training them in the use of our technologies requires significant time and resources. If we fail to devote sufficient resources to support and expand our network of channel partners, our business may be adversely affected. In addition, because we rely on channel partners for the indirect distribution of our technologies, we may have little or no contact with the ultimate end-users of our technologies, thereby making it more difficult for us to establish brand awareness, ensure proper delivery and installation of our software, support ongoing customer requirements, estimate end-user demand, respond to evolving customer needs and obtain renewals from end-users. If our indirect distribution channel is disrupted, we may be required to devote more resources to distribute our offerings directly and support our customers, which may not be as effective and could lead to higher costs, reduced revenue and growth that is slower than expected.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of December 31, 2020 our cumulative U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward was $54.7 million. A failure to achieve or maintain profitability may adversely affect our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards. As a result of our pre-tax cumulative losses, we have established a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax asset, which includes our net operating loss carryforwards.
Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited.
Our services and products may become less competitive or even obsolete if we fail to respond to technological developments.
Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to modify or enhance our services and products to meet customer and consumer needs, to add functionality and to address technological advancements that would improve their performance. For example, if our smartphone and tablet products fail to capture the increased search activity on such devices or if our services and products do not adapt to the increasing video usage on the internet or to take into account evolving developments in social networking, then they could begin to appear obsolete. Similarly, if we fail to develop new ways to deliver content and services through apps other than traditional internet browsers, consumers could seek alternative means of accessing content and services.
To remain competitive, we will need to develop new services and products and adapt our existing ones to address these and other evolving technologies and standards. However, we may be unsuccessful in identifying new opportunities or in developing or marketing new services and products in a timely or cost-effective manner. In addition, our product innovations may not achieve the market penetration or price levels necessary for profitability. If we are unable to develop enhancements to, and new features for, our existing services and products or if we are unable to develop new services and products that keep pace with rapid technological developments or changing industry standards, our services and products may become obsolete, less marketable and less competitive, and our business will be harmed.
Our Zimbra Email/Collaboration solution was developed as an open-source software product. As such, it may be relatively easy for competitors, some of which may have greater resources than we have, to compete with us.
One of the characteristics of open source software is that anyone may modify and redistribute the existing open source software and use it to compete with us. Such competition can develop without the degree of overhead and lead time required by traditional proprietary software companies. In addition, some of these competitors may make their open source software available for free download and use on an ad hoc basis or may position their open source software as a loss leader. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors or that competitive pressure and/or the availability of open source software will not result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of market share, any one of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.
As a result of the rapidly changing nature of the markets in which we compete, our quarterly and annual revenue and operating results are likely to fluctuate from period to period. These fluctuations may be caused by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to the various factors set forth in this “Risk Factors” section.
International operations are subject to the economic, political, regulatory, foreign exchange and other risks of international operations.
We derive a portion of our revenue from, and have operations, outside of the United States. Revenue from customers outside of the United States was 30% of total revenue in 2020. We plan to continue to expand our product offerings internationally, particularly in Asia, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
As the international markets in which we operate continue to grow, we expect that competition in these markets will intensify. Local companies may have a substantial competitive advantage because of their greater understanding of, and focus on, the local markets. Some of our domestic competitors who have substantially greater resources than we do may be able to more quickly and comprehensively develop and grow in international markets. International expansion may also require significant financial investment including, among other things, the expense of developing localized products, the costs of acquiring foreign companies and the integration of such companies with our operations, expenditure of resources in developing customer and content relationships and the increased costs of supporting remote operations.
Other risks of doing business in international markets include the increased risks and burdens of complying with different legal and regulatory standards, difficulties in managing and staffing foreign operations, recruiting and retaining talented direct sales personnel, limitations on the repatriation of funds and fluctuations of foreign exchange rates, varying levels of internet technology adoption and infrastructure and our ability to enforce contracts and our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions.
Our agreements with some of our customers contain penalties for non-performance, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
We have entered into service level agreements with many of our customers. These agreements generally call for specific system “up times” and 24 hours per day, seven days per week support and include penalties for non-performance. We may be unable to fulfill these commitments due to circumstances beyond our control, which could subject us to substantial penalties under those agreements, harm our reputation and result in a reduction of revenue or the loss of customers, which would in turn have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, certain of our agreements with customers contain penalties for certain types of non-performance which, if not timely rectified, could result in substantial financial penalties to us.
Increasing regulatory focus on privacy issues and expanding laws could impact our business models, subject us to additional expenses and expose us to increased liability.
We are subject to laws and regulations that dictate whether, how, and under what circumstances we can transfer, process and/or receive certain data that is critical to our operations, including data shared between countries or regions in which we operate and data shared among our products and services. In addition, the interpretation and application of consumer and data protection laws in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux. Government regulators, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share and transmit personal data. This increased scrutiny may result in new interpretations of existing laws, thereby further impacting our business.
Globally, new and emerging laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in Europe, state laws in the U.S. on privacy, data and related technologies, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), potential U.S. federal legislation regarding consumer privacy, as well as industry self-regulatory codes create new compliance obligations and expand the scope of potential liability, either jointly or severally with our customers and suppliers. For example, the CCPA may precipitate additional privacy regulation by federal, state and local governments, which may increase our compliance costs and strain our technical capabilities, and such regulations may conflict with each other making it impossible to comply with all such regulations. Ensuring compliance with such laws is an ongoing commitment which involves substantial costs, and it is possible that despite our efforts, governmental authorities or third parties will assert that our business practices fail to comply. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with privacy regulations, our privacy policies or other related obligations (including in our agreements with customers), or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personal information or other subscriber data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, significant fines, loss of access to data transfer mechanisms, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our customers to lose trust in us, or, terminate their agreements with us, all of which would have an adverse effect on our business.
System failures, security breaches, computer viruses or capacity constraints could harm our business and financial performance.
The provision of our services and products depends on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems. Any damage to or failure of our systems could result in interruptions in our service. Such interruptions could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our reputation could be damaged if people believe our systems are unreliable. Our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from terrorist attacks, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, security breaches, computer malware, computer hacking attacks, computer viruses, computer denial of service attacks or other attempts to harm our systems. Our data centers are also subject to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism and to potential disruptions if the operators of the facilities have financial difficulties. Although we maintain insurance to cover a variety of risks, the scope and amount of our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover our losses resulting from system failures or other disruptions to our online operations. Any system failure or disruption and any resulting losses that are not recoverable under our insurance policies may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Not all of our data centers are on full second-site redundancy, only certain customers require this capability. We regularly back-up our systems and store the system back-ups. If we were forced to relocate to an alternate site and to rely on our system back-ups to restore the systems, we could experience significant delays in restoring the functionality of our platform and could experience loss of data, which could harm our business and our operating results.
We rely on our management team and need additional personnel to expand our business, and the loss of key officers or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our future success also depends on our ability to identify, attract and retain highly skilled technical, managerial, finance, marketing and creative personnel. We face intense competition for qualified individuals from numerous technology, marketing and media companies, and we may incur significant costs to attract them. We may be unable to attract and retain suitably qualified individuals, or we may be required to pay increased compensation in order to do so. If we were to be unable to attract and retain the qualified personnel we need to succeed, our business could suffer.
Volatility or lack of performance in the trading price of our common stock may also affect our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Many of our senior management personnel and other key employees have become, or will become, vested in Company stock or stock options. Employees may be more likely to leave us if the shares they own or the shares underlying their options have significantly declined in value relative to the original purchase prices of the shares or the exercise prices of the options or if the exercise prices of the options that they hold are significantly above the trading price of our common stock. If we are unable to retain our employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights.
The protection of our intellectual property is critical to our success. We rely on copyright and service mark enforcement, contractual restrictions and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary rights. We have entered into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and nondisclosure agreements with certain parties with whom we conduct business to limit access to and disclosure and distribution of our proprietary information. Additionally, we have applied for patents to protect certain of our intellectual property. We have registered several marks and filed many other trademark applications in the United States and internationally. We have not applied for copyright protection in any jurisdiction including in the United States. However, if we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property without authorization, and, our business may suffer from the piracy of our technology and the associated loss in revenue.
Protecting against the unauthorized use of our intellectual property and other proprietary rights is expensive, difficult and, in some cases, impossible. The steps we take may not prevent misappropriation or infringement of our property rights. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Such litigation could be costly and divert management resources, either of which could harm our business. Furthermore, many of our current and potential competitors have the ability to dedicate substantially greater resources to enforce their intellectual property rights than we do. Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property.
We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings with respect to protecting our intellectual property; however, we may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings with respect to protecting our intellectual property arising in the ordinary course of our business.
Any claims from a third party that we are infringing upon its intellectual property, whether valid or not, could subject us to costly and time-consuming litigation or expensive licenses or force us to curtail some services or products.
Companies in the internet and technology industries tend to own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. From time to time, we have been subject to claims that the presentation of certain licensed content on our Managed Portals infringes certain patents of various third parties, none of which have resulted in material direct settlement or payments by us or any determination of infringement by us, and as we face increasing competition, the possibility of further intellectual property rights claims against us grows. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third party claims or rights against their use. Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and could divert management resources and attention. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our services and products to others and may require that we procure substitute products or services for our customers.
In the case of any intellectual property rights claim, we may have to pay damages or stop using technology found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We may have to seek a license for the technology, which may not be available to us on reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating expenses. The technology also may not be available for license to us at all. As a result, we may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense. If we cannot license or develop technology for the infringing aspects of our business, we may be forced to limit our service and product offerings and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these consequences could harm our operating results.
In addition, we typically have contractual obligations to our customers to indemnify and defend them with respect to third-party intellectual property infringement claims that arise from our customers’ use of our products or services. Such claims, whether valid or not, could harm our relationships with our customers, could result in us or our customers having to enter into licenses with the claimants and could cause us to incur additional costs or experience reduced revenue. Such claims could also subject us to costly and time-consuming litigation as well as diverting management attention and resources. Satisfying our contractual indemnification obligations could also give rise to significant liability, and thus harm our business and our operating results.
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings with respect to third party claims that we or our customers’ use of our products and services are infringing upon their intellectual property; however, we may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings with respect to such claims arising in the ordinary course of our business.
Any unauthorized disclosure or theft of personal information we gather could harm our reputation and subject us to claims or litigation.
We collect, and have access to, personal information of subscribers, including names, addresses, account numbers, credit card numbers and email addresses. There are numerous federal, state and local laws, rules and guidelines around the world regarding privacy and the collection, storing, sharing, use, processing, disclosure, destruction and security of personal information and other subscriber data, the scope of which are changing, subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent between countries or conflict with other rules. Ensuring compliance with such laws is an ongoing commitment which involves substantial costs, and it is possible that despite our efforts, governmental authorities or third parties will assert that our business practices fail to comply.
Unauthorized disclosure of such personal information, whether through breach of our systems by an unauthorized party, employee theft or misuse, or otherwise, could harm our business. If there were an inadvertent disclosure of personal information, or if a third party were to gain unauthorized access to the personal information we possess, our operations could be seriously disrupted and we could be subject to claims or litigation arising from damages suffered by subscribers or our customers. In addition, we could incur significant costs in complying with the multitude of state, federal and foreign laws regarding the unauthorized disclosure of personal information. Finally, any perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of the information we collect could harm our reputation, substantially impair our ability to attract and retain customers and have an adverse impact on our business.
Risks Related to Our Industry
The growth of the market for our services and products depends on the development and maintenance of the internet infrastructure.
Our business strategy depends on continued internet and high-speed internet access growth. Any downturn in the use or growth rate of the internet or high-speed internet access would be detrimental to our business. If the internet continues to experience significant growth in number of users, frequency of use and amount of data transmitted, the internet infrastructure might not be able to support the demands placed on it and the performance or reliability of the internet may be adversely affected. The success of our business therefore depends on the development and maintenance of a sound internet infrastructure. This includes maintenance of a reliable network backbone with the necessary speed, data capacity and security, as well as timely development of complementary products, such as routers, for providing reliable internet access and services. Consequently, as internet usage increases, the growth of the market for our products depends upon improvements made to the internet as well as to individual customers’ networking infrastructures to alleviate overloading and congestion. In addition, any delays in the adoption of new standards and protocols required to govern increased levels of internet activity or increased governmental regulation may have a detrimental effect on the internet infrastructure.
The market for internet-based services and products in which we operate is highly competitive, and if we cannot compete effectively, our sales may decline and our business may be harmed.
Competition in the market for internet-based services and products in which we operate is intense and involves rapidly changing technologies and customer and subscriber requirements, as well as evolving industry standards and frequent product introductions. Our competitors may develop solutions that are similar or superior to our technology. Our primary competitors include high-speed internet service providers with internal information technology staff capable of developing solutions similar to our technology. Other competitors include: Google; Verizon Media; and MSN, a division of Microsoft. Advantages some of our existing and potential competitors hold over us include the following:
•significantly greater revenue and financial resources;
•stronger brand and consumer recognition;
•the capacity to leverage their marketing expenditures across a broader portfolio of services and products;
•ability to offer their products at significantly lower prices or at no cost;
•more extensive proprietary intellectual property from which they can develop or aggregate content without having to pay fees or paying significantly lower fees than we do;
•pre-existing relationships with content providers that afford them access to content while blocking the access of competitors to that same content;
•pre-existing relationships with high-speed internet service providers that afford them the opportunity to convert such providers to competing services and products;
•lower labor and development costs; and
•broader global distribution and presence.
If we are unable to compete effectively or we are not as successful as our competitors in our target markets, our sales could decline, our margins could decline and we could lose market share, any of which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Government regulation of the internet continues to evolve, and new laws and regulations could significantly harm our financial performance.
Over time, we expect state, federal and international legislative bodies to continue to enact more stringent laws and regulations relating to the internet. The adoption or modification of laws related to the internet could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations by, among other things, increasing our costs and administrative burden.
Due to the increasing popularity and use of the internet, many laws and regulations relating to the internet are being debated at the international, federal and state levels, which are likely to address a variety of issues such as:
•user privacy and expression;
•ability to collect and/or share necessary information that allows us to conduct business on the internet;
•export compliance;
•pricing and taxation;
•fraud;
•advertising;
•intellectual property rights;
•consumer protection;
•protection of minors;
•content regulation;
•information security; and
•quality of services and products.
Several federal laws that could have an impact on our business have been adopted. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 reduces the liability of online service providers of third-party content, including content that may infringe copyrights or rights of others, but requires strict compliance with certain provisions to qualify for the safe harbor provisions; the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act imposes additional restrictions on the ability of online services to collect user information from minors under the age of 13; and the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances.
It could be costly for us to comply with existing and potential laws and regulations, and they could harm our marketing efforts and our attractiveness to advertisers by, among other things, restricting our ability to collect demographic and personal information from consumers or to use or disclose that information in certain ways. If we were to violate these laws or regulations, or if it were alleged that we had, we could face private lawsuits, fines, penalties and injunctions and our business could be harmed.
Finally, the applicability to the internet and other online services of existing laws in various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and personal privacy is uncertain. Any new legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the internet and other online services could also increase our costs of doing business, discourage internet communications, reduce demand for our services and expose us to substantial liability.
Risks Related to the Offer and Merger
Whether or not the Offer and Merger are completed, the announcement and pendency of the Offer and Merger could impact or cause disruptions in our businesses, which could have an adverse effect on our businesses and operating results.
Whether or not the Offer and Merger are completed, the announcement and pendency of the Offer and Merger could cause disruptions in or otherwise negatively impact our businesses and operating results. Our employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles, which might adversely affect our ability to retain and hire key personnel and other employees, and customers, channel partners, vendors or suppliers may seek to modify or terminate their business relationships us, or delay or defer decisions concerning our products or services or seek alternatives to the products or services offered by us. These disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the Offer and Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement and could have an adverse effect on our businesses, operating results or prospects if the Offer and Merger are not completed.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of our businesses prior to completing the Offer and Merger, which may adversely affect our ability to execute certain of our business strategies, including the ability in certain cases to enter into contracts, incur indebtedness or incur capital expenditures, or otherwise pursue actions that are not in the ordinary course of business, even if such actions would be beneficial to us. Additionally, the attention of our management may be directed toward completion of the Offer and Merger and transaction-related considerations and may be diverted from the day-to-day operations and pursuit of other opportunities that could have been beneficial to our businesses, which could negatively affect our business, operations and financial condition.
Failure to complete the Offer and Merger in a timely manner or at all could negatively impact the market price of our common stock as well as adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
Completion of the Offer and Merger is subject to several conditions beyond the Company’s control that may prevent, delay or otherwise adversely affect its completion in a material way. The Offer and Merger cannot be completed until the conditions to closing are satisfied or (if permissible under applicable law) waived. We cannot guarantee that the closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement will be satisfied or, even if satisfied, that no event of termination will take place. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Offer and Merger will be completed, or that, if completed, it will be exactly on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement or within the expected time frame.
If the Offer and Merger are not completed within the expected time frame or at all, we may be subject to a number of material risks. The price of our common stock may decline from current market prices. The failure to complete the Offer and Merger also may result in negative publicity and negatively affect our relationship with our stockholders, employees, collaborators, customers, regulators and other business partners. In the event that the Offer and Merger are not completed for any reason, the holders of our common stock will not receive any payment for their shares of our common stock in connection with the Offer and Merger. Instead, we will remain an independent public company and the holders of our common stock will continue to own their shares of our common stock. We may also be required to devote significant time and resources to litigation related to any failure to complete the Offer and Merger or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against us to perform our obligations under the Merger Agreement.
Additionally, we have incurred and will incur substantial costs in connection with the proposed Offer and Merger, even if the Offer and Merger are not completed. In the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated or the proposed Offer and Merger are not completed, these Offer and Merger related costs may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as the price of our common stock.
Provisions of the Merger Agreement may deter alternative business combinations and could deter a potential competing acquirer that may be willing to pay more to effect an alternative transaction with us.
Under the Merger Agreement, we are generally not permitted to solicit or discuss takeover proposals with third parties, subject to certain exceptions. The Merger Agreement also provides for the payment by us of a termination fee of $3.5 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances in connection with a competing third party acquisition proposal for the Company. These provisions limit our ability to pursue offers from third parties that could result in greater value to our stockholders and may discourage a third party from pursuing an acquisition proposal. If the Merger Agreement is terminated and we determine to seek another business combination, we cannot assure our stockholders we will be able to negotiate a transaction with another acquiror on terms comparable to the terms of the Offer and Merger, or that we will avoid the termination fee associated with the termination of the Merger Agreement.
We have been, and may continue to be, the target of lawsuits related to the Offer and Merger, which could result in substantial costs and may delay or prevent the Offer and Merger from being completed.
Lawsuits are often brought against public companies that have entered into merger agreements, such as has occurred for the Company with respect to the Offer and Merger. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition. Additionally, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting completion of the Offer and Merger, then that injunction may delay or prevent the Offer and Merger from being completed, which may adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operation.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Concentration of ownership among our directors and officers and their respective affiliates could limit our other stockholders’ ability to influence the outcome of key corporate decisions, such as an acquisition of our company.
Our directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates, beneficially own or directly or indirectly control (including by voting proxy), as of March 26, 2021, approximately 25% of our outstanding common stock (including exercisable options). These stockholders, if they were to act together, would have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, these stockholders, if they act together, would have the ability to influence significantly the management and affairs of our company. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership might harm the trading price of our common stock by:
•delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control;
•impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us;
•preventing the election of directors who are nominated by our stockholders; or
•discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of stockholders or others.
There can be no assurance that a third party will not make an unsolicited takeover proposal in the future or take other action to acquire control of us or to otherwise influence our management and policies. Considering and responding to any future proposal is likely to result in significant additional costs to us, and future acquisition proposals, other stockholder actions to acquire control and the litigation that often accompanies them, if any, are likely to be costly and time-consuming and may disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees from executing our strategic plan.
Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of stockholder activism or actual or potential changes to the composition of our board of directors, may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. If customers choose to delay, defer or reduce their reliance on the services we provide or decide to do business with our competitors instead of us because of any such issues, then our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management. We have a number of anti-takeover devices in place that will hinder takeover attempts, including:
•our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors with staggered three-year terms;
•our directors may only be removed for cause, and only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote;
•only our board of directors and not our stockholders will be able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;
•only our chairman of the board, our chief executive officer or a majority of our board of directors, and not our stockholders, are authorized to call a special meeting of stockholders;
•our stockholders will be able to take action only at a meeting of stockholders and not by written consent;
•our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes undesignated preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and shares of which may be issued without stockholder approval; and
•advance notice procedures apply for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders.
These provisions and other provisions in our charter documents could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in our control. Any delay or prevention of a change in control transaction could cause stockholders to lose a substantial premium over the then-current trading price of their shares. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and could make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors of their choosing or to cause us to take other corporate actions such stockholders desire.
In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to some exceptions, prohibits “business combinations” between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder,” which is generally defined as a stockholder who becomes a beneficial owner of 15% or more of a Delaware corporation’s voting stock, for a three-year period following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. Section 203 could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.
The trading price and volume of our common stock has been and will likely continue to be volatile, and the value of an investment in our common stock may decline.
The trading price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile and could decline substantially within a short period of time. For example, since shares of our common stock were sold in our initial public offering in February 2012 at a price of $5.00 per share through the close of business on March 31, 2021, our trading price has ranged from $0.79 to $18.00. The trading price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to the various factors set forth in this “Risk Factors” section, as well as:
•variations in our financial performance;
•announcements of technological innovations, new services and products, strategic alliances, asset acquisitions, or significant agreements by us or by our competitors;
•announcements of acquisitions of, or mergers with companies
•announcements regarding our existing customer contracts;
•changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage by securities analysts;
•market conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers and the economy as a whole; and
•adoption or modification of laws, regulations, policies, procedures or programs applicable to our business or announcements relating to these matters.
In addition, if the market for technology stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or results of operations. The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. Some companies that have had volatile market prices for their securities have had securities class actions filed against them. Such a suit filed against us, regardless of its merits or outcome, could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert management’s attention.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters are located at 40 La Riviere Drive, Buffalo, New York 14202. We lease approximately 31,000 square feet of office space at this address pursuant to an agreement that expires November 2021.
We also maintain sales, administrative and product development offices in Pune, India; London, United Kingdom; Tokyo, Japan; and Singapore. Our data centers are located in Allen, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Lewis Center, Ohio; Watertown, Massachusetts; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All of our sales, administrative and product development offices are leased.
We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our current needs and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We and our Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer were named as defendants in a federal securities class action lawsuit filed April 4, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The class includes persons who purchased our shares between May 4, 2016 and March 15, 2018. The plaintiff alleged that we made materially false and misleading statements regarding our contract with AT&T and the timing of revenue to be derived therefrom, and that as a result class members suffered losses because Synacor shares traded at artificially inflated prices. The plaintiff sought an unspecified amount of damages, as well as interest, attorneys’ fees and legal expenses. On August 28, 2019, the court granted our motion to dismiss but permitted the plaintiff to seek leave to replead. The Clerk of the Court entered judgment in our favor and of the individual defendants and closed the case on November 19, 2019. Plaintiff filed its Notice of Appeal on December 16, 2019. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision to grant defendants’ motion to dismiss on October 22, 2020. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a mandate to officially close the class action on November 12, 2020.
In connection with the Offer and Merger, on March 9, 2021, a complaint captioned Cave v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02037 (the “Cave Complaint”), on March 10, 2021, a complaint captioned Delgado v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02054 (the “Delgado Complaint”), on March 11, 2021, complaints captioned Hammond v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02107 (the “Hammond Complaint”), and Gontaruk v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02128 (the “Gontaruk Complaint”), on March 15, 2021, a complaint captioned Perkins v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02250 (the “Perkins Complaint”), on March 16, 2021, complaints captioned Bushansky v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02268 (the “Bushansky Complaint”), Cook v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02271 (the “Cook Complaint”), and Kent v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02276 (the “Kent Complaint”), and on March 17, 2021, a complaint captioned Jones v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-02320 (the “Jones Complaint”) were each filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Synacor and each member of the Board and, in the case of the Gontaruk Complaint, Purchaser and Parent. On March 17, 2021, a complaint captioned Lenahan v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-01402 (the “Lenahan Complaint”), was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a complaint captioned Waterman v. Synacor, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-01296 (the “Waterman Complaint” and together with the Cave Complaint, the Delgado Complaint, the Hammond Complaint, the Gontaruk Complaint, the Perkins Complaint, Bushansky Complaint, the Cook Complaint, the Kent Complaint, the Jones Complaint and the Lenahan Complaint, the “Complaints”), was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in each case against Synacor and each member of the Board and, in the case of the Waterman Complaint, Purchaser and Parent. Each of the Complaints was brought on behalf of a purported stockholder of Synacor.
Each of the Complaints generally alleges violations of Sections 14(e), 14(d), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14d-9 promulgated thereunder in connection with the Synacor’s Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 (“Schedule 14D-9”) for the Offer and, in the case of the Cave Complaint and the Delgado Complaint, asserts common law claims of breach of fiduciary duty against members of the Board in connection with the Offer and Merger, and, in the case of the Cave Complaint, claims of aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty against the Synacor in connection with the Offer and Merger. In particular, each of the Complaints generally allege that the Schedule 14D-9 contains materially misleading and incomplete information concerning: (i) the background and process leading up to the Offer and the Merger; (ii) our financial projections set forth in the Schedule 14D-9; (iii) the description of the fairness opinion and financial analyses performed by Canaccord Genuity, LLC, which acted as our financial advisor for the Offer and Merger; and (iv) with respect to the Cave Complaint, the Bushansky Complaint, the Kent Complaint and the Perkins Complaint, certain conflicts of interest involving Synacor’s management. The Cave Complaint also alleges that the members of the Board breached their fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and good faith owed to the plaintiff in connection with the Offer and the Merger. The Delgado Complaint also alleges that the members of the Board breached their fiduciary duties of candor and disclosure owed to the plaintiff with respect to the disclosures included in or omitted from the Schedule 14D-9. The Cook Complaint alleges that the members of the Board breached their fiduciary duties owed to the plaintiff with respect to the Offer consideration. The Cook Complaint also contains additional allegations relating to the Offer consideration and certain deal protection devices agreed to by us in the Merger Agreement
The Cave Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to declare that the Merger Agreement was agreed to in breach of the Board’s fiduciary duties and is therefore unlawful and unenforceable; (iv) to direct the members of the Board to exercise their fiduciary duties to commence a sale process that is reasonably designed to secure the best possible consideration for Synacor and obtain a transaction which is in the best interests of Synacor and the plaintiff as a purported Synacor stockholder; (v) to direct us and the Board to account to plaintiff for damages sustained; and (vi) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Delgado Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the Offer unless Synacor discloses additional information discussed in the Delgado Complaint; (ii) to direct Synacor and the Board to account to plaintiff for damages sustained; and (iii) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Hammond Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to direct the defendants to disseminate revised disclosures to the Schedule 14D-9; (iii) to direct the defendants to account to plaintiff for damages sustained; and (vi) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Gontaruk Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to direct the individual defendants to disseminate revised disclosures to the Schedule 14D-9; (iv) to declare that the respective defendants violated Sections 14(e), 14(d), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder; and (iv) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Perkins Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to direct the individual defendants to disseminate revised disclosures to the Schedule 14D-9; and (iv) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Bushansky Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; and (iii) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Cook Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger until we disseminates revised disclosures to the Schedule 14D-9; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to direct the defendants to account to the plaintiffs for all damages sustained; and (iv) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Kent Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; and (iii) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Jones Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from filing any amendment to the Schedule 14D-9 unless and until the defendants agree to include in the amendment the material information addressed in the Jones Complaint; (ii) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the Offer and the Merger, unless and until the defendants disclose the information addressed in the Jones Complaint; (iii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iv) to direct the defendants to account to the plaintiffs for all damages sustained; and (v) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Lenahan Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the Offer and the Merger, unless and until the defendants disclose and disseminate the information addressed in the Lenahan Complaint; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to declare that the defendants violated Sections 14(e), 14(d), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder; and (iv) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
The Waterman Complaint seeks, among other things: (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Offer and the Merger; (ii) to rescind the Offer and the Merger or recover damages in the event that the Offer and Merger are consummated; (iii) to direct the defendants to file a Schedule 14D-9 with the information addressed in the Waterman Complaint; (iv) to declare that the defendants violated Sections 14(e), 14(d), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder; and (v) an award of costs of bringing the lawsuit, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
We believe that each of these Complaints is wholly without merit.
In addition, we are, from time to time, party to litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. For example, third parties might allege that we are infringing their patent rights or that we are otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, including trade names and trademarks. Such third parties may resort to litigation. We accrue contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock has been listed on The Nasdaq Global Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “SYNC” since February 10, 2012. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our stock.
Holders of Record
As of March 26, 2021, there were 90 holders of record of our common stock. The number of holders of record of our common stock does not reflect the number of beneficial holders whose shares are held by depositors, brokers or other nominees.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the information set forth in “Selected Financial Data” and our financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to, among other considerations, the matters discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
Business Overview
Synacor is a digital technology company that provides email and collaboration software, cloud-based identity management platforms, managed web and mobile portals, and advertising solutions. Our customers include communications providers, media companies, government entities and enterprises. We are their trusted partner for enterprise software platforms and monetization solutions that we deliver through public and private cloud software-as-a-service, software licensing, and professional services. Our platforms enable our clients to deepen engagement with their consumers and users.
On February 10, 2021, we had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger ("the Merger Agreement") with CLP SY Holding, LLC ("Parent") and SY Merger Sub Corporation an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Purchaser") an affiliate of Centre Lane Partners, LLC, a New York-based private investment firm, to be acquired in an all-cash transaction that values Synacor, in the aggregate, at approximately $92 million. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Parent on March 3, 2021 commenced a tender offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Synacor at a purchase price of $2.20 in share payable net to the seller in cash, without interest, subject to any withholding of taxes required by applicable law (such consideration as it may be amended from time to time pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the “Offer Price”). The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, as soon as practicable following the acceptance and purchaser by Purchaser of the shares of Synacor common stock in the Offer, Purchaser will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, with the Merger to be effected pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”). Because the Merger will be governed by Section 251(h) of the DGCL, assuming the requirements of Section 251(h) of the DGCL are met, no vote of the stockholders of the Company will be required to consummate the Merger. As a result of, and at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Synacor common stock not purchased in the Offer (other than (1) shares of Synacor common stock owned by Parent, Purchaser or the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent or the Company, including all shares of Synacor common stock held by the Company as treasury stock, or (2) shares of Synacor common stock that are held by any stockholder who is entitled to demand and properly demands appraisal in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with the provisions of, Section 262 of the DGCL with respect to such shares) will be converted into the right to receive the Offer Price from Purchaser.
The Company operates its business in two reportable segments: 1) Software & Services and 2) Portal & Advertising. A summary of the major products and services of our reportable segments follows:
Software & Services:
Synacor’s Software & Services segment is comprised of our cloud-based identity management platform and our Zimbra email & collaboration platform.
Cloud-based Identity Management
Our Cloud ID platform provides secure, scalable authentication and authorization that enables consumers to easily unlock access to content and services. It enables single sign-on access to services such as Over The Top (OTT) video, TV Everywhere streaming video and audio, email, web access customer account information, and other consumer and enterprise apps. Cloud ID is delivered as a platform-as-a-service through public and private cloud infrastructure.
Email / Collaboration
Synacor delivers an open and extensible email & collaboration platform used by service providers, regulated entities (government and financial institutions), enterprises, and small and medium sized businesses around the world. Branded as Zimbra, our open-standards-based email collaboration platform powers hundreds of millions of mailboxes globally through our network of more than 1,900 channel partners (value-added resellers, or VARs, and Business Service Providers, or BSPs) and about 4,000 licensed customers. Zimbra is delivered as software-as-a-service through public and private cloud infrastructure, and as licensed software.
Portal & Advertising:
Synacor’s managed portal network and publisher-focused advertising platform reaches over 200 million monthly unique visitors. These solutions enable our customers to earn incremental revenue by monetizing media from their consumers across all popular devices.
Managed Portals
Our managed portal network consists of white-labeled browser start pages and iOS/Android start apps that serve as daily destinations for consumers. Powered by our media and programming library which includes news, entertainment, and short and long form video, these products increase consumer engagement and generate advertising revenue. They also provide consumers with self-management capabilities for email and messaging, bill paying and other account management activities.
Publisher Focused
Synacor’s publisher focused advertising platform works with hundreds of publishers to deliver brand-safe monetization that leverages scale, premium brands and programmatic technology across desktop and mobile. We help publishers dynamically target different audiences by matching relevant content to the right users across multiple devices. Publishers also leverage our demand facilitation services to connect premium advertisers and brands with their target audiences on brand-safe sites.
The Impact of COVID-19 on our Results and Operations
At the beginning of 2020, an outbreak of COVID-19 emerged and by March 11, 2020 was declared a global pandemic by The World Health Organization. Across the United States and the world, governments and municipalities instituted measures in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, school closings, travel restrictions and the closure of non-essential businesses. By the end of March, the macroeconomic impacts became significant, exhibited by, among other things, a rise in unemployment and market volatility.
Beginning mid-March 2020, Synacor implemented a work from home policy for nearly all of its employees other than a few providing on-site customer technical support. Being in an industry where telecommuting is very common, Synacor has been able to perform all normal business activities with minimal impact on productivity. Synacor will continue this work from home policy until it is determined to be safe for employees to return to work in our offices. Our work from home requirement will be reassessed on July 5, 2021.
The global macroeconomic impacts due to the pandemic have caused some delays in closing new software subscriptions and renewals. The delays were largely seen in our third quarter results of the Software & Services segment. Our Portal & Advertising segment has been negatively impacted with advertising revenue down due to a sharp decline in advertising spending, which began in March 2020 and continued throughout the second quarter of 2020. Although we have seen some market improvement in advertising spending starting in the third quarter of 2020, our revenues are still significantly lower as compared to the same periods in 2019. We have, however, seen an improvement in advertising margins as we have progressed through the last half of the year which have returned back to more normal levels.
To mitigate these impacts on our business, Synacor has taken actions to reduce costs and preserve liquidity, including instituting a hiring freeze, reducing discretionary spending and minimizing capital spending. We also took steps during the second quarter of 2020 to improve our advertising margins with lower CPMs (or cost-per-thousand-impressions) and an increased number of revenue share arrangements. Synacor continues to believe that the COVID-19 related impacts on our business will be temporary.
Cost Reduction Program
On August 4, 2020, the Company initiated a cost reduction program as a result of ongoing reviews of our business and operations. These actions are expected to result in approximately $10 million of annual cost savings when fully implemented. Of this total, $5.9 million relates to lower headcount and benefits costs due to position eliminations and a reduction in force, which has already been implemented. In addition, we expect $1.7 million in savings from data center closures, $1.4 million from facility reductions, and $1.0 million from other operating expense and cost of revenue reductions. In the third quarter of 2020, we recognized restructuring charges associated with this cost reduction program of $1.1 million related to severance and facilities expenses. These restructuring costs are included in technology and development ($0.6 million), sales and marketing ($0.4 million) and general and administrative ($0.1 million). In the fourth quarter of 2020, we recognized restructuring charges associated with this cost reduction program of $0.3 million related to severance and facility expenses. The cost savings as a result of these actions realized in the third quarter of 2020 were $0.8 million, and in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $1.2 million. We expect to achieve 90% of the total cost savings by the end of 2021.
As a result of this program, we did incur impairment charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets associated with certain leased office spaces the Company ceased using, as well as furniture and fixtures associated with those facilities.
Financial Highlights
Highlights and significant developments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
•Net loss was $11.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
•Adjusted EBITDA* was $5.3 million, or 6.5% of revenue, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
•Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, decreased 28% from the prior year to $41.7 million
•Cash from operating activities was $1.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
The initiatives described below under “Key Initiatives” are expected to contribute to our ability to maintain and grow revenue and return Synacor to operating profitability.
* We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus: provision (benefit) for income taxes, interest expense, other (income) expense, depreciation and amortization, asset impairments, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, and certain legal and professional services fees. Please see “Adjusted EBITDA” below for more information and for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $(11.6) million, and $(9.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Trends Affecting Our Business
Software & Services
Our current customers and new prospects require authentication services to manage the complexity of new business rules. With consumers having more choice for video consumption via traditional video packages to a la carte offerings and direct to consumer offerings, the demand for Cloud ID authentication across multiple platforms and providing a simplified single sign on solution for the end user is in high demand.
More and more companies are leveraging highly scalable global SaaS solutions to enable staff to use the same integrated enterprise application in order to achieve massive economies of scale, while maintaining their respective security and compliance objectives. We have also reached a tipping point in the industry where businesses are more receptive to cloud-based SaaS solutions than the traditional on-premised software deployments. As such, our success is dependent on our ability to help these businesses realize improved efficiency, personalization and security brought about by recent technological advancements.
Portal & Advertising
Our customers in the Portal & Advertising segment, predominantly high-speed internet service providers that also offer television services, are facing increasing competition from companies that deliver video content over the internet, more commonly referred to as “over-the-top,” or OTT. These competitors include a number of large companies, most notable being Google. With the increased availability of high-speed internet access and over-the-top programming, consumers’ video content consumption preferences may shift away from current viewing habits.
Another trend affecting our customers and our business is the proliferation of internet-connected devices, especially mobile devices. Smartphones, tablets and connected TVs have made it more convenient for consumers to access services and content online, including television programming. To remain competitive, our customers and potential customers must have the capability to deliver their services and products to consumers on all devices. Our technology enables them to extend their presence beyond traditional personal computers.
Our business is also affected by growth in advertising on the internet, for which the proliferation of high-speed internet access and internet-connected devices have been and will continue to be the principal drivers. We believe we have experienced a decline in advertising revenue due to consumers’ internet searching habits increasingly transitioning to mobile devices. However, our focus on publisher based advertising has resulted in an increase in advertising revenue. In addition, we believe there continue to be growth opportunities for advertising related to the video, images and text on our Managed Portals and hosted email/collaboration products.
Key Initiatives
Our strategy is supported by four key pillars to drive our business, with operational discipline and sound financial footing as its base. We plan to:
•increase value for existing customers by optimizing consumer experience and monetization;
•innovate on Synacor-as-a-platform for advanced services;
•win new customers in current and related verticals; and
•extend our product portfolio into emerging growth areas.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Although we believe that our estimates, assumptions, and judgments are reasonable, they are based upon information available at the time. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1, The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial condition and results of our operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized according to ASC 606, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company generates all of its revenue from contracts with customers. Many of the Company’s contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of software licenses are typically estimated using the residual approach. Standalone selling prices of services are typically estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis. The Company usually expects payment within 30 to 90 days from the invoice date (fulfillment of performance obligations or per contract terms). Differences between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount invoiced are recognized as deferred revenue. None of the Company’s contracts as of December 31, 2020 or 2019 contained a significant financing component.
The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates revenue in each reportable segment. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services.
Software & Services
Synacor’s software and services segment is comprised of our cloud-based identity management platform and our Zimbra email & collaboration platform. Subscription fees and other fees are received from customers for the use of the Company’s proprietary technology, including the use of, or access to, email, Cloud ID, security services, games and other premium services. Monthly subscriber levels typically form the basis for generating recurring and fee-based revenue. This revenue is typically determined by multiplying a per-subscriber per-month fee by the number of subscribers using the particular services being offered or consumed, except in the case of software licenses and support, which are based on a fixed fee. Revenue earned as subscription fees and maintenance and support fees is recognized from customers as its obligation to deliver the service is satisfied, which is when the service is delivered. Revenue is also recognized from the licensing and distribution of the Company’s Email/Collaboration products and services, including licenses of intellectual property. Software license revenue is recognized up front upon delivery of the licensed product and the utility that enables the customer to access authorization keys, provided that a signed contract has been received. The Company typically sells term-based software licenses that expire, which are referred to as subscription licenses, but also sell perpetual licenses for its Email products. The software is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without professional services, updates, and technical support.
Portal & Advertising
The Company uses internet advertising to generate revenue from the traffic on its Managed Portals and Advertising solutions, categorized as search advertising and digital advertising. For search advertising, the Company has a revenue-sharing relationship with Google, pursuant to which the Company includes a Google-branded search tool on its Managed Portals. For revenue earned under this relationship the Company evaluates whether it is the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis). When a Google consumer makes a search query using this tool, the Company delivers the query to Google and they return search results to consumers that include advertiser-sponsored links. If the consumer clicks on a sponsored link, Google receives payment from the sponsor of that link and shares a portion of that payment with the Company. The payment received from Google is recognized as revenue. Digital advertising includes video, image and text advertisements delivered on its Managed Portals. Advertising inventory is filled with advertisements sourced by the Company’s direct sales force and advertising network partners. Revenue is generated when an advertisement displays, otherwise known as an impression, or when consumers view or click an advertisement, otherwise known as an action. Digital advertising revenue is on a cost per impression or cost per action basis. Digital advertising also includes advertising fees received for the placement of syndicated digital advertisements with other digital advertising publishers, for which the Company acquires and pays for the space (inventory) on a cost per impression or cost per action basis. Revenue is recognized based on amounts received from advertising customers as the impressions are delivered or the actions occur, according to contractually-determined rates.
Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred for the development of internal use software, as well as the costs of developing software for sale or license to customers. Internal use software includes the Company’s proprietary portal software and related applications, Cloud ID authentication software, and various applications used in the management of the Company’s portals. Software for sale or license to customers includes the Company’s proprietary Email/Collaboration offerings. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage for internal software programs are expensed as incurred. External and internal costs incurred during the application development stage (subsequent to the achievement of technological feasibility on software to be sold or licensed) of new software development, as well as for upgrades and enhancements for software programs that result in additional functionality are capitalized. Software development costs capitalized for sale or license to customers and costs capitalized for the development of internal use software are amortized over the estimated useful life of the applicable software. Impairment charges are taken as a result of circumstances that indicate that the carrying values of the assets were not fully recoverable. The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of the internal use software.The Company utilizes the net realizable value model to determine the recoverability of software for sale or license to customers. Impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the periods presented in amount (in thousands) and as a percentage of revenue for those periods. The period to period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
(in thousands)
Revenue $ 81,362 $ 121,845
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (1) 42,236 61,990
Technology and development (1) (2) 12,007 18,273
Sales and marketing (2) 15,350 21,790
General and administrative (1) (2) 14,356 17,734
Depreciation and amortization 8,068 9,865
Total costs and operating expenses 92,017 129,652
Loss from operations (10,655) (7,807)
Other income (expense), net 240 (17)
Interest expense (189) (268)
Loss before income taxes (10,604) (8,092)
Provision for income taxes 957 929
Net loss $ (11,561) $ (9,021)
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Revenue 100 % 100 %
Cost of revenue (1) 52 51
Technology and development (1) (2) 15 15
Sales and marketing (2) 19 18
General and administrative (1) (2) 18 15
Depreciation and amortization 10 8
Total costs and operating expenses 114 107
Loss from operations (14) (6)
Other expense, net 1 -
Interest expense - -
Loss before income taxes (13) (7)
Provision for income taxes 1 1
Net loss (14) % (7) %
Notes:
(1)Exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately.
(2)Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
(in thousands)
Technology and development $ 218 $ 338
Sales and marketing 407 513
General and administrative 831 765
$ 1,456 $ 1,616
Included in the above results of operations was the following restructuring expense:
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Cost of revenue $ 12 $ 234
Technology and development 533 370
Sales and marketing 420 246
General and administrative 518 109
Total restructuring expense $ 1,483 $ 959
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Revenue decreased by $40.5 million, or 33%, in 2020 compared to 2019, attributable to an overall decline of $0.2 million in Software & Services revenue and a decline of $40.3 million in Portal & Advertising revenue.
Cost of revenue decreased $19.8 million, or 32%, in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease in cost was primarily due to the decline in revenue, cost reductions and a change in the mix of revenues.
Technology and development expenses decreased by $6.3 million, or 34%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to lower compensation expense of $5.2 million, lower software license cost of $0.8 million, and lower discretionary spending of $0.3 million.
Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $6.4 million, or 30%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily the result of lower compensation expenses of $4.9 million, lower travel costs of $0.8 million, and lower professional services fees of $0.4 million.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $3.4 million, or 19%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily the result of lower compensation expense of $0.9 million, lower impairment charges of $1.0 million, lower facilities costs of $0.7 million, lower travel costs of $0.3 million, lower bad debt expense of $0.4 million, and lower professional services fees of $0.4 million, offset by higher computer software costs of $0.3 million.
Depreciation and amortization decreased by $1.8 million, or 18%, in 2020 compared to 2019, driven by lower costs related to data centers.
Other income (expense), net consists of interest income and foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to our international operations. The decrease in expense of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was due to unrealized foreign currency transaction gains.
Interest expense decreased by $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to 2019 primarily due to lower interest incurred on finance leases.
Provision for income taxes of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 respectively, is comprised primarily of current foreign income tax expense, including foreign withholding taxes, offset by deferred income tax benefit.
Segment Results of Operations
The Company operates its business in two reportable segments: 1) Software & Services and 2) Portal & Advertising.
The following are Revenue, Segment Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands) and Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin by reportable segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) adjusted for certain non-cash items and other non-recurring income and expenses. Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA is equal to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a metric that is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Refer to “Adjusted EBITDA” below for a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to net loss, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is the primary performance measure used by our senior management, the chief operating decision-maker and the board of directors to evaluate operating results and allocate capital resources among segments. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of Segment Revenue. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $(11.6) million, and $(9.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Revenue:
Software & Services $ 44,280 $ 44,485
Portal & Advertising 37,082 77,360
Total Revenue $ 81,362 $ 121,845
Segment Adjusted EBITDA:
Software & Services $ 14,340 $ 12,531
Portal & Advertising 2,168 10,657
Corporate Unallocated Expense (11,190) (13,685)
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 5,318 $ 9,503
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin:
Software & Services 32.4 % 28.2 %
Portal & Advertising 5.8 % 13.8 %
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin 6.5 % 7.8 %
Software & Services
Revenue in 2020 remained essentially flat when compared to 2019, decreasing by $0.2 million. Recurring revenue (revenue recognized over time) decreased $1.0 million, primarily due to COVID-19 related declines in consumer email accounts and a video product line which was discontinued in the second quarter of 2019. Non-recurring revenue (revenue recognized at a point in time) increased $0.8 million primarily due to higher professional services revenue of $1.7 million, which more than offset COVID-19 related impacts on email license and maintenance revenue.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 increased by $1.8 million to $14.3 million, or 14%, compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to lower operating expenses due to cost reductions implemented during the year, which more than offset the impact of lower revenue. As a result, the Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased to 32.4% compared to 28.2% in 2019.
Portal & Advertising
Revenue in 2020 decreased by $40.3 million, or 52%, when compared to 2019. Recurring revenue was down $2.0 million primarily due to the expected decline in portal and premium service fees. Non-recurring revenue was down $38.2 million of which $26.6 million was due to the loss of a significant portal customer at the end of the third quarter of 2019. In addition, advertising revenue declined when compared to last year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 decreased $8.5 million, or 80%, compared to 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of lower revenue which was only partially offset by lower operating expenses. As a result, the Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin decreased to 5.8% compared to 13.8% in 2019.
Corporate Unallocated Expense
Corporate Unallocated Expense primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs, rent expense and professional services fees which are not directly attributable to an individual segment. Corporate Unallocated Expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020 by $2.5 million, or 18%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in Corporate Unallocated Expense is primarily a result of lower professional service fees of $0.7 million, lower facilities costs of $1.0 million, lower travel costs of $0.2 million and lower compensation costs of $0.8 million, partially offset by higher computer software costs of $0.2 million.
Adjusted EBITDA
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed within this Annual Report on Form 10-K adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted EBITDA in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because it is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short and long-term operational plans. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA is a key financial measure used by the compensation committee of our board of directors in connection with the payment of bonuses to our executive officers. Accordingly, we believe that adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Our use of adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•although depreciation and amortization and asset impairments are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, amortized or impaired may have to be replaced in the future, and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
•adjusted EBITDA does not consider the potentially dilutive impact of equity-based compensation;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of principal or interest payments required to service our finance leases or long-term debt borrowings (if any);
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of the cost of business acquisitions on the cash available to us;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of non-recurring items, such as the costs associated with reductions in workforce on the cash available to us: and
•other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, adjusted EBITDA should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net loss and our other U.S. GAAP results. The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net loss for each of the periods indicated:
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2020 2019
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:
Net loss $ (11,561) $ (9,021)
Provision for income taxes 957 929
Interest expense 189 268
Other income (expense), net (240) 17
Depreciation and amortization 10,294 11,251
Long-lived asset impairment* 806 1,751
Stock-based compensation expense 1,456 1,616
Restructuring costs** 1,483 959
Certain legal and professional services fees*** 1,934 1,733
Adjusted EBITDA $ 5,318 $ 9,503
Notes:
* "Long-lived asset impairment" includes impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment, capitalized software and leased assets.
** "Restructuring costs" include severance expense, contract termination costs and other exit or disposal costs.
*** "Certain legal and professional services fees" includes legal fees and other related expenses outside the ordinary course of business, as well as fees and expenses related to merger and acquisition activities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary liquidity and capital resource requirements are for financing working capital, investing in capital expenditures such as computer hardware and software, supporting research and development efforts, introducing new technology, enhancing existing technology, and marketing our services and products to new and existing customers.
To the extent that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, cash from short-term borrowings, and cash from the exercise of stock options are insufficient to fund our future activities, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity offerings or debt financings.
In August 2019, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, (the "Agreement"), with Silicon Valley Bank (the "Lender"). The Lender agreed to provide a $12.0 million secured revolving line of credit (the “credit facility”). The credit facility is available for cash borrowings, subject to a Borrowing Base formula based upon eligible accounts receivable. The maturity of the Agreement is two years from the date of the Agreement. Any borrowings under the Agreement bear interest, based on an interest rate dependent on cash liquidity for the relevant period. Cash liquidity is defined as cash plus (a) the lesser of (i) the Revolving Line or (ii) the amount available under the Borrowing Base minus (b) the outstanding principal balance of any Advances, (each as defined in the Agreement). If cash liquidity is greater than $20.0 million then the interest rate is the greater of the "prime rate” as published in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for the relevant period plus 0.50%, which as of December 31, 2020 would be 5.50%. If cash liquidity is less than $20.0 million then the interest rate is the greater of WSJ prime rate plus 1.00% which as of December 31, 2020 would be 6.00%. The Agreement requires compliance with certain reporting requirements, conditions, and covenants. The financial covenants require that we must maintain a Minimum Liquidity Coverage (as defined in the Agreement) greater than or equal to 2.25:1.00. Additionally, when cash liquidity falls below $20.0 million, the Agreement includes certain trailing six month Free Cash Flow requirements, tested on a quarterly basis. Free Cash Flow is defined in the Agreement as (a) Adjusted EBITDA, minus (b) capital expenditures determined in accordance with GAAP, minus (c) capitalized software expenses, determined in accordance with GAAP, and minus (d) cash taxes, determined in accordance with GAAP. As of December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Agreement, and we had $8.2 million of availability based upon the borrowing formula under the Agreement.
On April 30, 2020, the Company entered into the First Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Agreement. The Amendment changed the date from April 30, 2020 to May 31, 2020 for which the minimum Free Cash Flow target proposed by the Lender is to be agreed upon by the Company, as defined by the Agreement, with respect to any period from September 30, 2020 through and including December 31, 2020. On May 27, 2020, we entered into the Second Amendment to the Agreement, which reset the Free Cash Flow covenant level for the period ended June 30, 2020 and set the Free Cash Flow covenant levels for the periods ending September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
Our obligations to the Lender are secured by a first priority security interest in all our assets, including our intellectual property. The Agreement contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, violations of covenants, material adverse changes, cross-default, bankruptcy and material judgments. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the Lender may accelerate repayment of any outstanding balance. The Agreement also contains certain financial covenants and other agreements that are customary in loan agreements of this type, including restrictions on paying dividends and making distributions to our stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with the covenants and anticipate continuing to be so.
We began taking advantage of the option to defer remittance of the employer portion of social security tax at the end of April 2020 as provided for under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, ("CARES Act"). This deferral enabled us to retain approximately $0.6 million in cash during 2020, which would otherwise have been remitted to the federal government. Under the terms of the CARES Act, half of the cumulative deferred tax payment amount for 2020 will be remitted at the end of 2021 with the remaining half at the end of 2022.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $5.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, along with cash flows from operations and availability under our revolving credit line, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital, interest payments, capital lease payment obligations and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.
Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
(in thousands)
Statements of Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,038 $ 2,459
Net cash used in investing activities $ (3,053) $ (3,772)
Net cash used in financing activities $ (3,159) $ (3,459)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year 2020 of $1.0 million was primarily driven by a net loss of $11.6 million, cash used in working capital and other net assets of $0.1 million offset by $12.7 million of non-cash charges including depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation expense.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year 2019 of $2.5 million was primarily driven by a net loss of $9.0 million, cash used in working capital and other net assets of $3.5 million offset by $15.0 million of non-cash charges including depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation expense.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Our primary investing activities have consisted of capitalized software and purchases of computer equipment. We expect to continue to make significant investments in software development and computer equipment in 2021 and thereafter. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $3.1 million in 2020, as compared to $3.8 million in 2019.
Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities totaled $3.2 million in 2020. We made $3.1 million in payments for finance lease obligations and used $0.1 million related to the purchase of treasury stock and shares received to satisfy minimum tax withholdings.
Net cash used by financing activities totaled $3.5 million in 2019. We made $3.4 million in payments for finance lease obligations and paid $0.1 million for debt issue costs related to our line of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other than the contract commitments listed below under Contractual Obligations, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, revenue, or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that is material to investors.
Contractual Obligations
We lease office space and data center space under operating lease agreements and certain equipment under finance lease agreements.
The following table sets forth our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total
Operating lease obligations $ 2,290 $ 1,134 $ 446 $ 38 $ - $ 3,908
Finance lease obligations 1,070 765 328 29 2 2,194
Total $ 3,360 $ 1,899 $ 774 $ 67 $ 2 $ 6,102
Impact of Applicable Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In the normal course of business, we evaluate pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or other authoritative bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 1, The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in Item 8 of this report for additional information about these recently issued accounting standards and their potential impact on our consolidated results of operations.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have operations both within the United States and internationally, and we are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. These primarily include interest rate, inflation and foreign currency exchange risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash and money market funds. We currently have no investments of any type. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates is limited because nearly all of our cash and cash equivalents have a short-term maturity and are used primarily for working capital purposes.
We have a bank line of credit of $12 million with no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020. Any borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at a variable annual rate, based the “prime rate” as published in The Wall Street Journal, dependent on cash liquidity for the relevant period. Cash liquidity is defined as cash plus (a) the lesser of (i) the Revolving Line or (ii) the amount available under the Borrowing Base minus (b) the outstanding principal balance of any Advances (each as defined in the Agreement). If cash liquidity is greater than $20.0 million then the interest rate is the greater of the "prime rate” as published in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for the relevant period plus 0.50% or 5.50%. If cash liquidity is less than $20.0 million then the interest rate is the greater of WSJ prime rate plus 1.00% or 6.00%. The Agreement requires compliance with certain reporting requirements, conditions, and covenants. The financial covenants include that we must maintain a Minimum Liquidity Coverage greater than or equal to 2.25:1.00. Additionally, when cash liquidity falls below $20.0 million, the Agreement includes certain trailing six month Free Cash Flow requirements, tested on a quarterly basis. Free Cash Flow is to be defined as (a) Adjusted EBITDA, minus (b) capital expenditures determined in accordance with GAAP, minus (c) capitalized software expenses, determined in accordance with GAAP, and minus (d) cash taxes, determined in accordance with GAAP. This arrangement, if we were to have borrowings under the line of credit, would subject us to interest rate risk. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in Item 8 of this report for additional information about our outstanding debt.
Inflation Risk
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We are also subject to foreign currency exchange risk relating to our operations in Canada, Europe, India, Japan and Singapore. Our expenses at these locations are denominated in the local currencies and our results of operations are influenced by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and these local currencies, principally the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Singapore Dollar. In addition, certain of our accounts receivable are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, principally the Euro, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. A 10% increase or decrease in the applicable currency exchange rates could result in an increase or decrease in our currency exchange (loss) gain of approximately $0.2 million, calculated based on our foreign currency-denominated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020. We have in the past, and we may in the future, enter into contracts to minimize the foreign currency exchange risk with respect to significant foreign currency denominated accounts receivable balances. We continue to evaluate our foreign currency rate exposures and may take additional steps to mitigate these exposures.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our financial statements are submitted on pages through of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based upon the framework in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the three months ended December 31, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information Regarding Directors
Set forth below is information regarding our directors, including their ages as of March 26, 2021, the period during which they have served as a director, and certain information as to principal occupations and directorships held by them in corporations whose shares are publicly registered.
Kevin Rendino, age 54, was appointed to the Company's Board of Directors ("the Board") in March 2019 and has served as interim Chairman of Board of Directors since March 2020. Mr. Rendino is a financial services leader with three decades of Wall Street experience and expertise in capital markets, value investing and global equity markets. Mr. Rendino has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager of 180 Degree Capital Corp. (TURN:NASDAQ) since March 2017 and as a member of its board of directors since June 2016, serving as a member of its compensation and audit committees until December 2016. From December 2012 to March 2017, Mr. Rendino served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RGJ Capital. Prior to that, Mr. Rendino worked for over twenty years as a managing director and portfolio manager at BlackRock/Merrill Lynch, where he oversaw 11 funds and $13 billion in assets and served as a member of its leadership committee. Mr. Rendino has been a frequent contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Since November 2017, Mr. Rendino has served as a member of the board of directors of TheStreet, Inc. (TST:NASDAQ) and is a member of its audit committee. From May 2016 to March 2018, Mr. Rendino served on the board of directors of Rentech, Inc. and as a member of its compensation and audit committees. Mr. Rendino received a B.S. degree in finance from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College with magna cum laude honors. Synacor believes Mr. Rendino’s extensive experience in the financial services industry and as a Wall Street leader and shareholder advocate adds unique insights and shareholder perspective to the Board. Kevin is appointed the the Board in accordance with Synacor's agreement with 180 Degree Capital Corp., for further information please refer below to the section entitled "Agreement with 180 Degree Capital Corp."
Himesh Bhise, age 53, has been a member of the Board and Synacor’s President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2014. Mr. Bhise has led Synacor’s shift from a desktop search monetization business towards an advertising, media and software platforms business. From June 2012 until he joined Synacor, Mr. Bhise served as the Vice President of New Services & Platforms of the Comcast Cable unit of Comcast Corporation where he was responsible for incubating, launching and operating video, Internet and advertising growth businesses. From July 2010 to June 2012, Mr. Bhise was Managing Director at Activate, Inc., a strategy and technology consulting firm where he specialized in product development, marketing and partnering strategies to jumpstart growth. From June 2009 to June 2010, Mr. Bhise led products and growth strategy at Gerson Lehrman Group, Inc. From September 2005 to January 2009, Mr. Bhise was Vice President and general manager of the High Speed Internet business at Charter Communications, responsible for broadband, portal and multi-platform services. Before that, Mr. Bhise served as Vice President and General Manager of AOL Inc.’s mobile division from June 2003 to August 2005, and from 1996 to 2003 worked at McKinsey & Company in its telecom, mergers and acquisitions and marketing practices. Mr. Bhise received his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Synacor believes it is appropriate and desirable for Synacor’s Chief Executive Officer to serve on the Board, as it provides the Board with useful insights with respect to management and operations. Additionally, Mr. Bhise brings to the Board extensive experience as an operating executive in the broadband, multiscreen and mobile industries.
Andrew Kau, age 59, has been a member of the Board since December 2000. Prior to that period, Mr. Kau served as a director of MyPersonal.com, Inc., one of Synacor’s predecessor companies, from September 1999 until its acquisition by Chek, Inc. to form Synacor. Mr. Kau has been a managing director at Walden International since 1994. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Kau was President of Chemical Technologies Ventures. Mr. Kau was a management consultant at Strategic Planning Associates, LLC from 1991 to 1992 and at Booz, Allen and Hamilton Inc. from 1985 to 1987. From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Kau was a research scientist at Systems Planning Corporation. Mr. Kau holds a Sc.B. in Electrical Engineering from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia. Synacor believes Mr. Kau’s lengthy experience as a venture capital investor enables him to bring significant technology knowledge to the Board, as well as relationships with key industry contacts and potential strategic partners. Additionally, Mr. Kau’s lengthy history on the Board enables him to provide essential leadership to the Board on corporate governance and operational matters.
Elisabeth B. (Lisa) Donohue, age 55, was appointed to the Board in May 2017. Ms. Donohue recently retired from Publicis Groupe, the world’s third largest communications company. Ms. Donohue’s 32 years of service to Publicis Groupe included her most recent role as the CEO of Publicis Spine, a data assets, technology and talent platform launched by Publicis Groupe in October 2017. In this role, Ms. Donohue was also a member of the Publicis Groupe Management Committee. From April 2016 to October 2017, Ms. Donohue served as Global Brand President of media communications agency Starcom Worldwide and
member of the Publicis Media Global Executive Team. From 2009 through 2016, Ms. Donohue served as CEO of Starcom USA, where she drove Starcom’s industry-leading digital offering and built the agency’s data and analytics practice. Prior to that, Ms. Donohue served as President of MediaVest USA, overseeing all strategic planning and digital media services. Ms. Donohue also leads two non-profit boards - as President of the Board of Trustees of Milton Academy based in Milton, Massachusetts and as Board President of She Runs It based in New York City. Ms. Donohue graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in both Organizational Behavior & Management and Business Economics. Synacor believes Ms. Donohue’s career experience in the advertising industry provides a significant and valued perspective to the Board. Additionally, Ms. Donohue’s experience serving as a chief executive officer with financial oversight responsibilities is valuable to the Synacor audit committee.
Marwan Fawaz, age 58, has been a member of the Board since December 2011. Mr. Fawaz currently serves as an executive advisor to Google and Alphabet Inc., or Alphabet. From June 2016 to August 2018, Mr. Fawaz served as the CEO of Nest, a division of Alphabet. Prior to that he was the principal of Fawaz Consulting Services, and from June 2012 to May 2013, Mr. Fawaz served as Executive Vice President of Motorola Mobility LLC following its acquisition by Google, with responsibility for the Motorola Home Division. Prior to joining Motorola, Mr. Fawaz was a founder and partner at Sarepta Advisors, a technology consulting company based in Denver. From August 2006 through March 2011, Mr. Fawaz was an Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Charter Communications, where he served as an executive officer during the pendency of its Chapter 11 cases in 2009. From March 2003 until July 2006, Mr. Fawaz served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for Adelphia Communications Corporation, or Adelphia. Adelphia filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in June 2002. From April 2002 to March 2003, he served as Investment Specialist/Technology Analyst for Vulcan, Inc. Mr. Fawaz served as Regional Vice President of Operations for the Northwest Region for Charter Communications from July 2001 to March 2002. From July 2000 to December 2000, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Infinity Broadband. He served as Vice President-Engineering and Operations at MediaOne, Inc. from January 1996 to June 2000. Mr. Fawaz currently serves on the board of directors of CSG Systems International, Inc. (CSGS:NASDAQ) where he serves on the nominating and governance committee. Mr. Fawaz received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and a M.S. in telecom engineering from California State University-Long Beach. Synacor believes Mr. Fawaz’s significant experience as an executive at broadband service providers brings a valuable customer perspective to the Board and provides the Board with insight into how prospective and existing customers value Synacor’s product offering.
Michael J. Montgomery, age 65, has been a member of the Board since December 2011. Mr. Montgomery advises and invests in companies through his consulting firm, Montgomery Advisory LLC. Mr. Montgomery is also a lecturer at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he teaches a course focusing on the impact of technology on media. Mr. Montgomery served as president of Montgomery & Co., a media and technology investment banking firm, through June of 2013. Prior to joining the predecessor company to Montgomery & Co. in 1999, Mr. Montgomery was the chief executive officer at Sega GameWorks, a joint venture between Sega, Universal Studios and DreamWorks Studios. Before that, Mr. Montgomery was a senior executive at DreamWorks Studios from 1995 until 1997. Before joining DreamWorks Studios, Mr. Montgomery spent approximately eight years with The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates, where he held a number of senior positions including managing director and chief financial officer of EuroDisney and treasurer of The Walt Disney Company. He has previously served on the boards of directors of Corus Pharma and Pathogenesis, a public pharmaceutical company that was acquired by Chiron Corporation in 2000. Mr. Montgomery was also a board member of and chair of the audit committee for DreamWorks Animation (DWA: NASDAQ), sold in August 2016 to NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast Corporation. Mr. Montgomery received his M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College, where he also received a B.A. degree as Rufus Choate Scholar with magna cum laude honors. Synacor believes Mr. Montgomery’s experience overseeing a media and technology investment banking business gives him a unique and valuable insight regarding the Internet and other emerging media businesses. Additionally, Synacor believes Mr. Montgomery’s prior operational and financial experience is valuable to our Board and his prior experience serving as the Chair of DreamWorks Animation’s audit committee is, likewise, valuable to the Audit Committee.
Information Regarding Our Executive Officers
The names of our current executive officers and certain information about each of them as of March 26, 2021 are set forth below:
Himesh Bhise, age 53, has been a member of the Board and Synacor’s President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2014. Mr. Bhise has led Synacor’s shift from a desktop search monetization business towards an advertising, media and software platforms business. From June 2012 until he joined Synacor, Mr. Bhise served as the Vice President of New Services & Platforms of the Comcast Cable unit of Comcast Corporation where he was responsible for incubating, launching and operating video, Internet and advertising growth businesses. From July 2010 to June 2012, Mr. Bhise was Managing Director at Activate, Inc., a strategy and technology consulting firm where he specialized in product development, marketing and partnering strategies to jumpstart growth. From June 2009 to June 2010, Mr. Bhise led products and growth strategy at Gerson Lehrman Group, Inc. From September 2005 to January 2009, Mr. Bhise was Vice President and general manager of the High Speed Internet business at Charter Communications, responsible for broadband, portal and multi-platform services. Before that, Mr. Bhise served as Vice President and General Manager of AOL Inc.’s mobile division from June 2003 to August 2005, and from 1996 to 2003 worked at McKinsey & Company in its telecom, mergers and acquisitions and marketing practices. Mr. Bhise received his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Timothy J. Heasley, age 67, was appointed Synacor’s Chief Financial Officer in August 2018 after having joined Synacor in May 2018 as Senior Vice President of Finance. From 2017 to 2018, Mr. Heasley served as Chief Financial Officer of National Oak Distributors, a national wholesale distributor, where he played a key role in the acquisition of a regional competitor and was responsible for the company’s finance, human resources and IT functions. From 2015 to 2016, Mr. Heasley served as Chief Financial Officer of Motus Integrated Technologies, a global manufacturer for the automotive industry, where his finance and IT responsibilities included finance team recruitment and oversight of new finance and management systems. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Heasley served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kaydon Corporation (KDN:NYSE), a global manufacturer of specialty products for the industrial, military, aerospace, medical and energy markets. Prior to that, Mr. Heasley served in senior financial roles with Gibraltar Industries (ROCK:NYSE), MRC Industrial Group and SPS Technologies. Mr. Heasley has also served in progressive financial management positions with a diverse group of leading organizations, including Johnson Controls, TRW and the Carborundum Company. Mr. Heasley holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Accounting from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a Certified Public Accountant (Ohio, inactive).
Steven M. Davi, age 57, has served as Synacor’s Executive Vice President, Technology since April 2018 after having served as Synacor’s Senior Vice President of Engineering since November 2012. Prior to joining Synacor, Mr. Davi worked at SeaChange International, Inc. (SEAC:NASDAQ), where he began employment as a software architect in 1997. Mr. Davi then progressed into several management and executive positions that culminated in his promotion to SeaChange’s Chief Technology Officer, responsible for overall software technology architecture and company strategy related to product design, system planning and industry standards. Earlier in his career, Mr. Davi held various software engineering positions at Banyan Systems Inc. and in Data General Corporation’s networking division. Mr. Davi focuses on the impact of management in agile at all levels of an organization and is the author of Executive Influence on Agile Development, a book in which he provides a practical guide of lessons learned implementing and overseeing agile transformation and development. Mr. Davi currently sits on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. Mr. Davi holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Computer Science from Northeastern University.
Agreement with 180 Degree Capital Corp.
On March 1, 2019, Synacor entered into an agreement with 180 Degree Capital Corp. (“180 Degree”), the beneficial owner of approximately 7.7% of Synacor’s common stock as of March 26, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Kevin Rendino was appointed and elected to serve as a Class III director of Synacor (the “180 Degree Designee”). In addition, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, for as long as the 180 Degree Designee (or a replacement) is on the Board, Synacor agreed that it will recommend, support and solicit proxies for the election of the 180 Degree Designee in the same manner as the other directors recommended by the Board for election at the applicable annual meeting of stockholders for which the 180 Degree Designee (or a replacement) is up for re-election to the Board.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
The members of the Board, Synacor’s executive officers and persons who hold more than 10% of Synacor’s outstanding common stock are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, which require them to file reports with respect to their ownership of common stock and their transactions in Synacor common stock. Synacor believes that all requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act applicable to Synacor’s directors and executive officers were complied with by such persons during the last fiscal year, except that:
•Himesh Bhise filed a late Form 4 on July 29, 2020 to report shares withheld by the Company as payment for the tax liability incident to the vesting on January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2020 of restricted common stock awards;
•Timothy J. Heasley filed a late Form 4 on July 29, 2020 to report shares withheld by the Company as payment for the tax liability incident to the vesting on January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2020 of restricted common stock awards;
•Steven M. Davi filed a late Form 4 on July 29, 2020 to report shares withheld by the Company as payment for the tax liability incident to the vesting on January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2020 of restricted common stock awards;
In making this disclosure, Synacor has relied on written representations by or on behalf of its directors and executive officers and copies of reports filed.
Code of Business Conduct
The Board has adopted a code of business conduct. The code of business conduct applies to all of Synacor’s employees, officers and directors. The full text of Synacor’s code of business conduct is posted on Synacor’s website at http://www.synacor.com under the Investor Relations section. Synacor intends to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of Synacor’s code of business conduct, or waivers of these provisions, at the same location on Synacor’s website identified above and also in public filings.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Audit Committee of the Board, which has been established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, oversees Synacor’s accounting practices, system of internal controls, audit processes and financial reporting processes. Among other things, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing Synacor’s disclosure controls and procedures and the adequacy and effectiveness of Synacor’s internal controls. It also discusses the scope and results of the audit with Synacor’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviews with Synacor’s management and Synacor’s independent registered public accounting firm Synacor’s interim and year-end operating results and, as appropriate, initiates inquiries into aspects of Synacor’s financial affairs. The Audit Committee has oversight for Synacor’s code of business conduct and is responsible for establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing matters, federal securities laws (including any rules or regulations thereunder), the disclosures Synacor is required to make to Synacor’s stockholders as a public company and any other securities matters related to Synacor’s code of business conduct, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Synacor’s employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting, auditing or securities laws matters. In addition, the Audit Committee has sole and direct responsibility for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the work of Synacor’s independent registered public accounting firm, including approving services and fee arrangements. The Audit Committee also is responsible for reviewing and approving all related party transactions in accordance with Synacor’s related party transactions approval policy.
The current members of the Audit Committee are Lisa Donohue, Michael Montgomery and Kevin Rendino, each of whom is independent for audit committee purposes under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. Mr. Montgomery currently chairs the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met 4 times during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Board has determined that Mr. Montgomery is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. The designation does not impose on Mr. Montgomery any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than are generally imposed on him as member of the Audit Committee and the Board.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation
As we were a “smaller reporting company” during 2020, we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and have elected to comply with the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides information concerning the compensation paid to our “principal executive officer” and our next two most highly compensated executive officers during our 2020 and 2019 fiscal years. We refer to these individuals as our “named executive officers.”
Name and
Principal Position Year Salary
($) Bonus
($) Stock
Awards
($) (1) Option
Awards
($) (1) Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (2) All Other
Compensation
($) Total
($)
Himesh Bhise
President & Chief Executive Officer 2020 467,228 - 273,000 (3) - 226,810 - 967,038
2019 453,619 - 365,775 (4) - 369,942 - 1,189,336
Timothy J. Heasley
Chief Financial Officer 2020 313,136 - 154,999 (5) - 106,531 - 574,666
2019 304,374 - 177,789 (6) 25,658 (7) 77,377 - 585,198
Steven M. Davi
Executive Vice President, Technology 2020 354,747 - 124,001 (8) - 120,545 1,354 (10) 600,647
2019 344,414 - 143,992 (9) - 140,552 2,800 (10) 631,758
Notes:
(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards and stock awards granted to the officer in the applicable fiscal year computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 11, Stock-Based Compensation, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for a discussion of the assumptions made by us in determining the grant date fair value of our equity awards.
(2) Represents amounts paid pursuant to our annual cash incentive program in the fiscal year following the year in which services were provided.
(3) Represents the sum of (i) $112,500, the aggregate grant date fair value of a restricted tock unit ("RSU") award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 93,361 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $48,000, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 4, 2020 covering 40,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, and (iii) $112,500, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 93,361 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such grant date. The maximum grant date fair value of such award, assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, is $168,750.
(4) Represents the sum of (i) $140,776, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on February 24, 2019 covering 80,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $112,499, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 82,720 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive beginning August 1, 2019, and (iii) $112,499, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 82,720 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such grant date. The maximum grant date fair value of such award, assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, is $168,749.
(5) Represents the sum of (i) $62,500, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 51,867 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $30,000, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 4, 2020 covering 25,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, and (iii) $62,500, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 51,867 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such grant date. The maximum grant date fair value of such award, assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, is $93,750.
(6) Represents the sum of (i) $52,791, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on February 24, 2019 covering 30,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $62,499, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 45,955 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive beginning August 1, 2019, and (iii) $62,499, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 45,955 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such grant date. The maximum grant date fair value of such award, assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, is $93,748.
(7) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Synacor common stock granted on February 24, 2019, vesting over four years of continuous service beginning May 22, 2018, with 25% vesting upon completion of 12 months of service and the remainder in 36 substantially equal monthly installments thereafter.
(8) Represents the sum of (i) $50,000, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 41,494 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $24,000, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 4, 2020 covering 20,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, and (iii) $50,000, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on July 28, 2020 covering 41,494 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such grant date. The maximum grant date fair value of such award, assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, is $75,000.
(9) Represents the sum of (i) $43,993, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on February 24, 2019 covering 25,000 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive following the grant date, (ii) $49,999, the aggregate grant date fair value of a RSU award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 36,764 shares of Synacor common stock, vesting semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive beginning August 1, 2019, and (iii) $49,999, the aggregate grant date fair value of a performance stock unit award granted on August 9, 2019 covering 36,764 shares of Synacor common stock, 25% of which vests each year following Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. With respect to the performance stock unit award, the grant date fair value is based on the probable outcome of the conditions as of such conditions will be achieved, is $74,999.
(10) Represents our matching contribution of 25% of Mr. Davi’s contribution to his 401(k) plan account.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Our executive compensation program consists of four components:
•Base salary,
•Annual cash incentive bonuses,
•Long-term incentive compensation and performance-based compensation in the form of stock options, RSUs and performance stock units (PSUs); and
•Certain employment termination- and change of control-related benefits.
Base Salaries. Based on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee the Board has established base salaries for its chief executive officer and other named executive officers based upon historical company compensation practices, the officer’s position, the scope of the officer’s responsibilities within the position, and general survey information about the market compensation for that position. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted as and when the Board, based on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee, determines appropriate. Salary adjustments have been, and Synacor expects will continue to be, determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee in its discretion, based on competitive conditions, individual performance, Synacor’s overall financial and business performance, changes in job duties and responsibilities, and Synacor’s overall budget for base salary increases. In March 2020, Synacor increased Mr. Bhise’s annual base salary from $455,832 to $469,507, Mr. Heasley’s annual base salary from $305,498 to $314,664, and Mr. Davi’s annual base salary from $346,094 to $356,477, in each case on a merit basis.
Annual Cash Incentive Bonuses. Synacor’s annual cash incentive bonus program for executive officers is designed to drive toward achievement of Synacor’s annual objectives and reward individual performance in connection with achievement of those shorter-term objectives. Each year, the Compensation Committee of the Board establishes certain financial and corporate performance objectives, which it later evaluates in light of full-year performance in determining the amount of bonus payments for Synacor’s executive officers. Each named executive officer has a target bonus opportunity expressed as a percentage of his base salary as in effect at the end of the fiscal year. For fiscal year 2020, the bonus targets for Synacor’s named executive officers were as follows: Mr. Bhise, 100% and Messrs. Heasley and Davi, 50%. The bonus program provides an opportunity for greater-than-target payout upon overachievement, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, up to a maximum of two times the officer’s target bonus amount.
Under Synacor’s bonus program, 75% of the target bonus for executive officers is based on revenue and adjusted EBITDA goals (with each having equal weight), and 25% is based on certain non-financial corporate objectives. The Board has not established a specific weighting with respect to these non-financial corporate objectives; rather, it reviews achievement of all such objectives and exercises its judgment to assign an aggregate achievement percentage with respect to this portion of Synacor’s annual cash incentive bonus. In 2020, based on achievement relative to revenue and adjusted EBITDA, Synacor’s financial performance and each named officer’s individual performance, Synacor’s named executive officers received bonuses as set forth under the column “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the “Summary Compensation Table” above.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. Synacor’s equity incentive plans were established to provide its employees, including Synacor’s executive officers, with incentives to support Synacor’s long-term success and growth. Synacor’s long-term equity incentive compensation has historically been awarded in the form of options to acquire shares of Synacor common stock. From time to time the Compensation Committee of the Board also considers other forms of equity awards, such as restricted stock or RSUs.
A Synacor executive officer typically receives a significant stock option grant in the year he or she commences employment at the first Compensation Committee meeting following the executive’s date of hire. The vesting commencement date applicable to options granted to new hires or as part of a promotion award is typically the first day of the month following the month in which the executive commences employment or is promoted, as applicable. Thereafter, Synacor executives are eligible for option grants under Synacor’s annual refresh program. Under Synacor’s annual refresh program, up to 50% of the shares added annually to Synacor’s Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan are earmarked for awards to existing employees, and issued as options awards to employees in good standing on a pro-rata basis based on their base salaries. For options granted to current employees, the vesting commencement date is typically the first day of the month following the month in which the grant is made. Synacor does not have any policy or practice with regard to granting options or equity awards in relation to the release of corporate information.
The Compensation Committee proposed granting a mix of RSU awards and PSU awards to Synacor’s senior management, including its named executive officers, to bring aggregate long-term incentive compensation amounts in line with more competitive ranges, and on July 28, 2020, Mr. Bhise was awarded RSUs covering 93,361 shares of Synacor common stock, Mr. Heasley was awarded RSUs covering 51,867 shares of Synacor common stock and Mr. Davi was awarded RSUs covering 41,494 shares of Synacor common stock. The awards vest semi-annually over three years of continuous service by the executive after July 28, 2020. The RSUs may vest on an accelerated basis upon certain terminations of employment if Synacor undergoes a change of control, as further described in the section titled “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control” below.
Additionally, on July 28, 2020, Mr. Bhise received PSUs covering 93,361 shares of Synacor common stock, Mr. Heasley received PSUs covering 51,867 shares of Synacor common stock and Mr. Davi received PSUs covering 41,494 shares of Synacor common stock. 25% of the PSUs vest in each of four performance periods - fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023-contingent upon Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. The actual number of PSUs that vest is based on the relative achievement of Synacor’s revenue, adjusted EBITDA and stock price goals for each performance period. The number of shares earned can range from 0% to 150% of the target award for each performance period. Vesting of the PSUs allocated to each performance period is subject to achievement of Synacor’s revenue and adjusted EBITDA goals for such performance period. In addition, in order to achieve maximum performance level as indicated below, the closing stock price per share on the last trading day of the applicable performance period must be higher than the closing stock price per share on the date the PSUs were granted. Performance period goals for revenue and adjusted EBITDA are set based upon published guidance for the performance period as follows:
Threshold revenue goal: - low end of published guidance
Target revenue goal: - median of published guidance
Maximum revenue goal: - 10% (revenue) and 20% (EBITDA) above median of published guidance
The number of shares earned for each performance are then determined based upon goal achievement as follows:
Performance Level Performance Vesting Percentage
Maximum maximum revenue/adjusted EBITDA 150%
Target target revenue/adjusted EBITDA but < maximum revenue/adjusted EBITDA 100%
Threshold threshold revenue/adjusted EBITDA but < target revenue/adjusted EBITDA 50%
Below Threshold threshold revenue/adjusted EBITDA -%
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information concerning each unexercised option, unvested RSU award and unvested or unearned PSUs award held by Synacor’s named executive officers as of December 31, 2020.
Option Awards (1) Stock Awards (2)
Name Grant Date Vesting Commencement Date Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Vested (3)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unvested Option
Exercise
Price
($) Option
Expiration Date Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (4)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (5)
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (7)
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (6)
Himesh Bhise 8/4/2014 8/4/2014 2,001,338 - 2.38 8/4/2024 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 2/12/2015 3/1/2015 10,100 - 2.13 2/12/2025 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 2/12/2016 3/1/2016 6,900 - 1.62 2/12/2026 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 2/16/2017 3/1/2017 210,937 13,063 3.15 2/16/2027 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 2/16/2017 3/1/2017 6,656 444 3.15 2/16/2027 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 3/1/2018 3/1/2018 4,400 2,000 2.00 3/1/2028 - - - -
Himesh Bhise 2/24/2019 2/24/2019 - - - - 40,016 54,422 - -
Himesh Bhise 8/9/2019 7/1/2019 - - - - 55,158 75,015 - -
Himesh Bhise 8/9/2019 n/a - - - - - - 62,040 42,187
Himesh Bhise 7/28/2020 7/1/2020 - - - - 93,361 126,971 - -
Himesh Bhise 7/28/2020 n/a - - - - - - 93,362 63,486
Himesh Bhise 8/4/2020 8/4/2020 - - - - 40,000 54,400 - -
Timothy J. Heasley 8/13/2018 5/22/2018 113,020 61,980 2.25 8/12/2028 - - - -
Timothy J. Heasley 2/24/2019 5/22/2018 16,145 8,855 1.76 2/24/2029 - - - -
Timothy J. Heasley 2/24/2019 2/24/2019 - - - - 15,006 20,408 - -
Timothy J. Heasley 8/9/2019 7/1/2019 - - - - 30,643 41,674 - -
Timothy J. Heasley 8/9/2019 n/a - - - - - - 34,467 23,438
Timothy J. Heasley 7/28/2020 7/1/2020 - - - - 51,867 70,539 - -
Timothy J. Heasley 7/28/2020 n/a - - - - - - 51,867 35,270
Timothy J. Heasley 8/4/2020 8/4/2020 - - - - 25,000 34,000 - -
Steven M. Davi 12/18/2012 12/1/2012 100,000 - 2.38 (8) 12/18/2022 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 2/12/2015 3/1/2015 50,000 - 2.13 2/12/2025 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 2/12/2015 3/1/2015 7,600 - 2.13 2/12/2025 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 10/28/2015 11/1/2015 25,000 - 1.37 10/28/2025 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 2/12/2016 3/1/2016 5300 0 1.62 2/12/2026 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 2/16/2017 3/1/2017 5062 338 3.15 2/16/2027 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 3/1/2018 3/1/2018 3368 1532 2 3/1/2028 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 4/26/2018 4/1/2018 22604 12396 1.75 4/26/2028 - - - -
Steven M. Davi 2/24/2019 2/24/2019 - - - - 12,505 17,007 - -
Steven M. Davi 8/9/2019 7/1/2019 - - - - 24,515 33,340 - -
Steven M. Davi 8/9/2019 n/a - - - - - - 27,574 18,750
Steven M. Davi 7/28/2020 7/1/2020 - - - - 41,494 56,432 - -
Steven M. Davi 7/28/2020 n/a - - - - - - 41,494 28,216
Steven M. Davi 8/4/2020 8/4/2020 - - - - 20,000 27,200 - -
Notes:
(1) Options granted to Synacor’s named executive officers are generally immediately exercisable with respect to all of the option shares (whether vested or unvested), subject to Synacor’s repurchase right in the event that the executive’s service terminates before vesting in such shares. For information regarding the vesting acceleration provisions applicable to the options held by Synacor’s named executive officers, please see the section titled “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control ” below.
(2) For information regarding the vesting acceleration provisions applicable to the RSUs and PSUs held by Synacor’s named executive officers, please see the section titled “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control ” below.
(3) The options in this column are immediately exercisable for all shares. The shares underlying the option vest over 4 years of service after the Vesting Commencement Date, with 25% vesting upon completion of 12 months of service and in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(4) The time-based requirement of the RSUs will be satisfied in six equal semi-annual installments after the Vesting Commencement Date, subject to the executive’s continuous service through each such vesting date.
(5) The market value of stock reported in this column is computed by multiplying the closing market price of Synacor common stock at the end of fiscal year 2020 ($1.36 per share) by the number of shares or units of stock.
(6) The market value of equity incentive plan awards of stock reported in this column is computed by multiplying the closing market price of Synacor common stock at the end of fiscal year 2020 ($1.36 per share) by the amount of the equity incentive plan award, based on achieving threshold performance goals (50%).
(7) The PSUs vest over a period of four years contingent upon Synacor’s achievement of certain financial performance targets. For additional detail, please see the section titled “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table - Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above.
(8) The option was granted with an exercise price of $5.82 per share. The option was amended to reset the exercise price to $2.38 per share pursuant to an option repricing program for non-executive officers approved by our Board of Directors in July 2014.
Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
Synacor has entered into letter agreements with each of its named executive officers that provide severance benefits in certain circumstances, including in connection with a change of control. The Board believes that it is appropriate to provide such benefits to Synacor’s named executive officers in order to keep them focused on achieving corporate objectives in the context of at-will employment and the possibility of significant corporate events that could disrupt Synacor’s employment relationships with its executive officers.
A summary of the material terms of the employment agreements and offer letters with Synacor’s named executive officers, as well as other arrangements providing benefits in connection with such officers’ termination of employment or in connection with a Synacor change of control, is below.
Himesh Bhise
The Company entered into an employment letter agreement with Mr. Bhise in July 2014. The agreement provides Mr. Bhise with severance protection in specified circumstances. If the Company terminates Mr. Bhise’s employment without “cause” or if Mr. Bhise terminates his employment with the Company for “good reason” and Mr. Bhise signs a release of claims against the Company in the form specified in the employment letter agreement, returns all Company property in his possession, and resigns as a member of the Board and the board of directors of any subsidiary of the Company on which he serves, then Mr. Bhise will be entitled to the following severance: (i) continued payment of his then-annual base salary for 12 months, (ii) payment of any earned but unpaid bonus for the year prior to termination and (iii) payment of the monthly premium for continued group health insurance coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) for Mr. Bhise and his dependents for 12 months. In addition, if such termination of employment occurs within 12 months following a “change of control,” then the Company will also pay Mr. Bhise an amount equal to his annual target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, payable in installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures over a 12-month period.
For the purposes of the employment letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Bhise, the following terms have the following meanings:
•The term “cause” generally means (a) unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets, which use or disclosure causes material harm to the Company, (b) material breach of the employment letter agreement or the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement between Mr. Bhise and the Company, (c) material failure to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules, (d) conviction of, or plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any state, or (e) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duties, provided that, in the case of clauses (c) or (e), (1) the Company has given written notice of the facts and circumstances as the basis for a termination for “cause” within 30 days following the Company’s knowledge of such facts and circumstances, (2) Mr. Bhise does not remedy the circumstances constituting “cause” within 10 business days after receipt of such notice to cure, and (3) the Company terminates Mr. Bhise within 120 days following its knowledge of such facts and circumstances.
•The term “good reason” generally means the occurrence of any of the following, without Mr. Bhise’s consent (a) a material diminution in his duties, authority, responsibilities or title (which shall include for the avoidance of doubt, serving as a member of the Board or reporting directly to the Board), (b) a reduction in his then current salary or bonus target percentage, (c) the Company’s material breach of the employment letter agreement, (d) the requirement that he relocate his family and primary residence or (e) the Company provides a notice of non-renewal of the then-current term; provided that (1) he has given written notice to the Company of the facts and circumstances as the basis for a resignation for “good reason” within 30 days following his knowledge of such facts and circumstances, (2) the Company does not remedy the circumstances constituting “good reason” within 30 business days after receipt of such notice to cure, which cure in the event that it relates to subsection (b) shall include a retroactive adjustment in compensation, and (3) he resigns within 120 days following his knowledge of such facts and circumstances.
•The term “change of control” generally means (a) the consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation other than a merger or consolidation in which the holders of more than 50% of the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by the voting securities remaining outstanding or by their being converted into voting securities of the Company, or such surviving entity) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company, or such surviving entity, outstanding immediately after such transaction; (b) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) a change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than 50% of the incumbent directors are directors who either: (i) had been directors of the Company on the date 24 months prior to the date of such change in the composition of the Board (the “Original Directors”); or (ii) were appointed to the Board, or nominated for election to the Board, with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the aggregate of (1) the Original Directors who were in office at the time of their appointment or nomination and (2) the directors whose appointment or nomination was previously approved in a manner consistent with this clause (ii); or (d) any transaction as a result of which any person is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
Timothy J. Heasley
The Company entered into an employment letter agreement with Mr. Heasley in August 2018 in connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides Mr. Heasley with severance protection in specified circumstances. If the Company terminates Mr. Heasley’s employment without “cause” or if Mr. Heasley terminates his employment with the Company for “good reason” and Mr. Heasley signs a release of claims against the Company and returns any Company property in his possession, then Mr. Heasley will be entitled to the following severance: (i) continued payment of his then-annual base salary for 12 months and (ii) payment of the monthly premium for continued group health insurance coverage under COBRA for Mr. Heasley and his dependents until the earliest to occur of (a) the end of the salary continuation period, (b) the expiration of his continuation coverage or (c) the date when he becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment other than self-employment. If the Company determines that the COBRA coverage subsidy would violate, or cause the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with, applicable law, then Mr. Heasley will be entitled instead to receive a monthly payment equal to the monthly COBRA premium plus a gross-up payment for applicable taxes. In addition, if such termination of employment occurs within 12 months following a “change of control,” then the Company will also pay Mr. Heasley an amount equal to his annual target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, payable in installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures over a 12-month period.
For the purposes of the employment letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Heasley, the following terms have the following meanings:
•The term “cause” generally means (a) unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets, which use or disclosure causes material harm to the Company, (b) material breach of the employment letter agreement or the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement between Mr. Heasley and the Company, (c) material failure to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules, (d) conviction of, or plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any state, or (e) gross negligence or willful misconduct.
•The term “good reason” generally means the occurrence of any of the following, without Mr. Heasley’s consent (a) a material diminution in his duties, authority, responsibilities or title or a change in his reporting relationship as a result of which he is no longer reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, (b) a reduction in his then current salary or bonus target opportunity percentage, (c) the Company’s material breach of the employment letter agreement, or (d) the relocation of his principal place of employment to a location which is more than 50 miles from its current location; provided that (1) he has given written notice to the Company of the facts and circumstances that form the basis for a resignation for “good reason” within 30 days following his knowledge of such facts and circumstances, (2) the Company does not remedy the circumstances constituting “good reason” within 30 business days after receipt of such notice to cure, which cure in the event that it relates to subsection (b) shall include a retroactive adjustment in compensation, and (3) he resigns within 120 days following his knowledge of such facts and circumstances.
•The term “change of control” generally means (a) the consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation other than a merger or consolidation in which the holders of more than 50% of the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by the voting securities remaining outstanding or by their being converted into voting securities of the Company, or such surviving entity) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company, or such surviving entity, outstanding immediately after such transaction; (b) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) a change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than 50% of the incumbent directors are directors who either: (i) had been an Original Director; or (ii) were appointed to the Board, or nominated for election to the Board, with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the aggregate of (1) the Original Directors who were in office at the time of their appointment or nomination and (2) the directors whose appointment or nomination was previously approved in a manner consistent with this clause (ii); or (d) any transaction as a result of which any person is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
Steven M. Davi
The Company entered into an employment letter agreement with Mr. Davi in October 2012, as amended by a letter agreement in September 2013 and as further amended by a letter agreement in April 2018. The agreement provides Mr. Davi with severance protection if the Company terminates Mr. Davi’s employment because of a requirement for his position to be relocated to Buffalo, NY, provided Mr. Davi signs a release of claims against the Company. The Company also entered into a change of control severance agreement with Mr. Davi that became effective in October 2012. Under this agreement, if Mr. Davi is subject to an “involuntary termination” in connection with or within 12 months following the Company’s “change of control,” he will receive severance equal to 12 months of his then-current base salary plus his then-annual target bonus amount, payable over a 12-month period. In addition, the Company will pay the monthly premium under COBRA for Mr. Davi and his dependents for 12 months, and the vested portion of Mr. Davi’s Company stock options for shares of the Company's common stock or other Company equity will be determined by adding 12 months to his actual service. All such benefits are contingent on Mr. Davi signing a general release of all claims against the Company, returning all Company property in his possession, and resigning as a member of the board of directors of any subsidiary of the Company on which he serves. Additionally, under the terms of his change of control severance agreement, for a period of 12 months following any involuntary termination in connection with or within 12 months following a change of control, Mr. Davi is prohibited from directly or indirectly engaging in activity that competes or is reasonably likely to compete with the business that the Company conducts, or demonstrably anticipates conducting, at any time during Mr. Davi’s employment with the Company.
For the purposes of the employment letter agreement and the change of control severance agreement between the Company and Mr. Davi, the following terms have the following meanings:
•The term “involuntary termination” generally means the termination of Mr. Davi’s service to the Company under the following circumstances: (i) termination without “cause” by the Company; or (ii) voluntary termination by him within 60 days following (A) a material reduction in his job responsibilities, provided that neither a mere change in title alone nor reassignment following a “change of control” to a position that is substantially similar to the position held prior to the “change of control” will constitute a material reduction in job responsibilities; (B) relocation by the Company of his work site to a facility or location more than 50 miles from his principal work site for the Company at the time of the “change of control”; or (C) a reduction in his then-current base salary by at least 10%, provided that an across-the-board reduction in the salary level of all other employees in positions similar to his by the same percentage amount as part of a general salary level reduction shall not constitute such a salary reduction. Prior to a voluntary termination, Mr. Davi must provide the Company with written notice within 15 days of the initial existence of the event or condition described in clauses (A), (B) or (C) and the Company will have 30 days after its receipt of such written notice to cure (A), (B) or (C).
•The term “cause” generally means (i) willful failure substantially to perform his duties and responsibilities to the Company or deliberate violation of a Company policy; (ii) commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (iii) unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom he owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his relationship with the Company; or (iv) willful breach of any of his obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company.
•The term “change of control” generally means (a) the consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation other than a merger or consolidation in which the holders of more than 50% of the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by the voting securities remaining outstanding or by their being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company, or such surviving entity, outstanding immediately after such transaction; (b) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) a change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than 50% of the incumbent directors are directors who either: (i) had been an Original Director; or (ii) were appointed to the Board, or nominated for election to the Board, with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the aggregate of (1) the Original Directors who were in office at the time of their appointment or nomination and (2) the directors whose appointment or nomination was previously approved in a manner consistent with this clause (2); or (iv) any transaction as a result of which any person is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
Compensation of Directors
Our non-employee directors received the following amounts for Board and committee service during 2020:
•Each director receives an annual award of restricted stock units, or RSUs, having a value of $40,000, which vests quarterly over one year.
•Each director receives an award of RSUs having a value of $50,000, which vests quarterly over three years.
•In lieu of cash retainers for committee service, committee members receive an annual award of RSUs having a value equal to:
◦Non-employee chairman of the Board: $35,000;
◦Audit committee member: $7,500;
◦Audit committee chair: $15,000;
◦Compensation committee member: $6,500;
◦Compensation committee chair: $12,500;
◦Nominating and corporate governance committee member: $3,500;
◦Nominating and corporate governance committee chair: $7,500;
◦Strategy committee member: $7,000; and
◦Strategy committee chair: $14,000.
Under the equity compensation portion of Synacor’s non-employee director compensation program, newly-elected non-employee directors received an initial stock option grant of up to 50,000 shares, to be granted at the first Board meeting occurring on or following such director’s initial election to the Board. Each non-employee director who was re-elected to the Board received a stock option grant of up to 30,000 shares, to be granted at the first board meeting occurring on or following such director’s re-election to the Board, and an annual stock option grant of up to 15,000 shares granted at the time of Synacor’s annual stockholders’ meeting in each of the following two years if he or she continued to serve on the Board. All such options vest over four years of service, with 25% vesting after completion of one year of service and the remainder vesting monthly over an additional three years of service. In addition, in the event of Synacor’s change of control or the director’s death, disability or retirement at or after age 65, any unvested option shares will fully vest.
The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by each person who served as a director during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, other than a director who also served as an executive officer.
Name Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) Stock Awards ($) (1) (2) Option Awards ($) Total
($)
Elisabeth B. Donohue - 103,757 (3) - 103,757
Marwan Fawaz - 103,508 (4) - 103,508
Andrew Kau - 102,008 (5) - 102,008
Michael J. Montgomery - 122,509 (6) - 122,509
Kevin Rendino - 107,133 (7) - 107,133
Gary L. Ginsberg - 13,125 (8) - 13,125
Scott Murphy - 13,626 (9) - 13,626
Notes:
(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards and stock awards granted to the officer in the applicable fiscal year computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 11, Stock-Based Compensation, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for a discussion of the assumptions made by us in determining the grant date fair value of our equity awards.
(2) As of December 31, 2020, the above-listed directors held RSUs covering shares of Synacor’s common stock: Elisabeth B. Donohue (49,690), Marwan Fawaz (52,646), Andrew Kau (51,561), Michael J. Montgomery (71,344), Kevin Rendino (55,064), Gary L. Ginsberg (30,162), and Scott Murphy (31,312).
(3) Ms. Donohue was granted 10,796 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vest on April 1, 2020; 8,248 RSUs on April 29, 2020 that vest on July 1, 2020; 14,152 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest on October 1, 2020; and 10,951 RSUs on October 27, 2020 that vested on January 1, 2021 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed in 2020. Ms. Donohue was granted 47,170 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning September 8, 2020 for continuous service through each such vesting date.
(4) Mr. Fawaz was granted 12,160 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1, 2020; 9,290 RSUs on April 29, 2020 that vested on July 1, 2020; 12,619 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vested on October 1, 2020; and 9,765 RSUs on October 27, 2020 that vested on January 1, 2021 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed in 2020. Mr. Fawaz was granted 47,170 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning September 8, 2020 for continuous service through each such vesting date.
(5) Mr. Kau was granted 11,365 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1, 2020; 8,682 RSUs on April 29, 2020 that vested on July 1, 2020; 14,152 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vested on October 1, 2020; and 9,856 RSUs on October 27, 2020 that vested on January 1, 2021 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed in 2020. Mr. Kau was granted 47,170 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning September 8, 2020 for continuous service through each such vesting date.
(6) Mr. Montgomery was granted 16,479 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1, 2020; 12,589 RSUs on April 29, 2020 that vested on July 1, 2020; 17,100 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vested on October 1, 2020; and 13,232 RSUs on October 27, 2020 that vested on January 1, 2021 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed in 2020. Mr. Montgomery was granted 47,170 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning September 8, 2020 for continuous service through each such vesting date.
(7) Mr. Rendino was granted 12,387 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1, 2020; 10,072 RSUs on April 29, 2020 that vested on July 1, 2020; 13,680 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vested on October 1, 2020; and 10,586 RSUs on October 27, 2020 that vested on January 1, 2021 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed in 2020. Mr. Rendino was granted 47,170 RSUs on September 8, 2020 that vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning September 8, 2020 for continuous service through each such vesting date.
(8) Mr. Ginsberg was granted 11,932 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1 2020 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed as a director in 2020. Mr. Ginsberg resigned from the Board effective as of immediately prior to the commencement of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 15, 2020.
(9) Mr. Murphy was granted 12,387 RSUs on February 27, 2020 that vested on April 1 2020 in accordance with the non-employee director compensation program set forth above, for services to be performed as a director in 2020. Mr. Murphy resigned from the Board effective as of immediately prior to the commencement of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 15, 2020.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020 with respect to shares of common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans.
Plan Category (a)
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (b)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and Rights (1) (c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 4,936,111 (2) $ 2.43 7,228,911 (3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 2,001,338 $ 2.38 -
Total 6,937,449 $ 2.42 7,228,911 (3)
Notes:
(1) The weighted average exercise price is calculated based solely on the outstanding stock options. It does not take into account the shares issuable upon vesting of outstanding RSUs and PSUs, which have no exercise price.
(2) Represents 242,875 shares subject to options outstanding under the 2006 Stock Plan, 5,355,398 shares subject to awards outstanding under the Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, and 308,875 shares subject to options outstanding under the Special Purpose Recruitment Plan.
(3) Shares available for issuance under the 2012 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan. No shares are available for issuance under the 2006 Stock Plan or the Special Purpose Recruitment Plan.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information known to us regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 26, 2021 by:
•each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities;
•our named executive officers;
•each of our directors; and
•all current executive officers and directors as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and generally includes voting power and/or investment power with respect to the securities held. Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021 and common stock subject to RSU or PSU awards that will vest within 60 days of March 26, 2021 are deemed outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding such options or RSUs for purposes of computing the number of shares and percentage beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage beneficially owned by any other person. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to applicable community property laws, to our knowledge the persons or entities named have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage beneficially owned is based on March 26, 2021 shares of common stock outstanding on March 26, 2021 plus shares of common stock otherwise deemed outstanding under applicable SEC rules. The table below is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13G filed with the SEC.
Unless otherwise indicated, the mailing address of each of the stockholders below is c/o Synacor, Inc., 40 La Riviere Drive, Suite 300, Buffalo, New York 14202.
Beneficial Ownership
Name of Beneficial Owner Number Percent
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Himesh Bhise (1) 2,418,889 5.7%
Steven M. Davi (2) 281,843 0.7%
Elisabeth B. Donohue (3) 173,499 0.4%
Marwan Fawaz (4) 350,269 0.9%
Timothy J. Heasley (5) 244,833 0.6%
Andrew Kau (6) 4,134,413 10.3%
Michael J. Montgomery (7) 392,434 1.0%
Kevin M. Rendino (8) 3,069,484 7.7%
All current directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) (9) 11,065,664 27.3%
Other 5% Stockholders
Entities associated with Walden International (10) 3,884,965 9.7%
Entities associated with Beryl Capital (11) 3,373,342 8.5%
Entities associated with Advantage Capital (12) 2,180,971 5.5%
Entities associated with The Vanguard Group (13) 2,066,576 5.2%
Entities associated with 180 Degree Capital Corp. (14) 3,004,484 7.5%
Entities associated with Renaissance Technologies LLC (15) 1,998,217 5.0%
Entities associated with BLR Partners LP (16) 1,708,447 4.3%
Notes:
(1) Represents 162,051 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Bhise and 2,256,838 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Bhise and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 1,600 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(2) Represents 48,643 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Davi and 233,200 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Davi and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 11,434 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(3) Represents 78,499 shares held or beneficially owned by Ms. Donohue, and 95,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Ms. Donohue and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 24,688 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(4) Represents 145,269 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Fawaz and 205,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Fawaz and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 22,501 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(5) Represents 44,833 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Heasley and 200,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Heasley and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 62,501 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(6) Includes 69,275 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Kau, and 190,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Kau and exercisable within 60 days March 26, 2021, 18,751 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021. See footnote (10) regarding Mr. Kau’s relationship with Walden International. The address for Mr. Kau is c/o Walden International, One California Street, Suite 1750, San Francisco, California 94111.
(7) Represents 187,434 shares held or beneficially owned by Mr. Montgomery and 205,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Montgomery and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 22,501 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(8) Includes 65,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued to Mr. Rendino and exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 34,480 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021. See footnote (13) regarding Mr. Rendino’s relationship with 180 Degree Capital Corp. (“180 Degree”). Pursuant to an assignment and assumption agreement between Mr. Rendino and 180 Degree, Mr. Rendino has assigned all economic and beneficial interest in his common stock, RSUs (and the shares of common stock issuable upon settlement thereof) and options (and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise thereof) to 180 Degree. The address for Mr. Rendino is c/o 180 Degree Capital Corp., 7 N. Willow Street, Suite 4B, Montclair, NJ 07042.
(9) Includes 3,450,038 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 26, 2021, 198,456 of which shares remained subject to vesting as of March 26, 2021.
(10) Represents 70,846 shares held by Pacven Walden Ventures IV Associates Fund, L.P. (“Pacven IV Associates Fund”), 3,804,292 shares held by Pacven Walden Ventures IV, L.P. (“Pacven IV”) and 9,827 shares held by Lip-Bu Tan and Ysa Loo Trust dated 2/3/1992, of which Lip-Bu Tan is a trustee. The general partner of Pacven IV Associates Fund and Pacven IV is Pacven Walden Management II, L.P. (“Pacven Management II”). The general partner of Pacven Management II is Pacven Walden Management Co., Ltd. (“Pacven Walden Management”). Lip-Bu Tan is the sole director of Pacven Walden Management and he shares voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by Pacven IV and Pacven IV Associates Fund with the other members of the investment committee of Pacven Walden Management. Lip-Bu Tan and Andrew Kau (who is also a member of the Synacor Board of Directors) are the members of the investment committee of Pacven Walden Management. The address for entities associated with Walden International is One California Street, Suite 1750, San Francisco, CA 94111.
(11) Beryl Capital Management LLC reported on its Schedule 13G filed on March 25, 2021 that it has sole voting and dispositive power over 3,373,342 shares. The address for Beryl Capital Management LLC is 1611 S. Catalina Ave., Suite 309, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
(12) Represents 1,759,841 shares held by Advantage Capital New York Partners I, L.P. (“Advantage I”) and 421,130 shares held by Advantage Capital New York Partners II, L.P. (“Advantage II”). The sole general partner of Advantage I is Advantage Capital New York GP-I, LLC (“Advantage GP I”), and the sole general partner of Advantage II is Advantage Capital New York GP-II, LLC (“Advantage GP II”). Advantage GP I and Advantage GP II, in their respective capacities as general partner of Advantage I and Advantage II, exercise investment discretion and control of the shares beneficially owned by Advantage I and Advantage II. Steven T. Stull holds all of the voting interests of Advantage GP I and, therefore, may be deemed to have voting and investment power with respect to the shares held of record by Advantage I. Steven T. Stull and Maurice E. Doyle hold all of the ownership interests, including voting interests, of Advantage GP II and, therefore, may be deemed to have voting and investment power with respect to the shares held of record by Advantage II. The address for entities associated with Advantage Capital Partners is 909 Poydras Street, Suite 2230, New Orleans, LA 70112.
(13) The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) reported on its Schedule 13G amendment filed on February 10, 2021 that it has sole dispositive power over 2,051,376 shares, shared voting power over 8,200 shares and shared dispositive power over the 15,200 shares. The address for Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.
(14) Represents 1,763,084 shares held by 180 Degree and 1,241,400 shares held by 180.2 SPV Series-a Series of 180 Degree Capital Management, LLC (“180.2 SPV Series”). 180 Degree is the investment manager and managing member of 10.2 SPV Series. Responsibility for all investment decisions has been delegated to two of its directors, Kevin M. Rendino and Daniel B. Wolfe, and therefore, Messrs. Rendino and Wolfe may be deemed to have voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by 180 Degree and 180.2 SPV Series. The address for entities associated with 180 Degree is 7 N. Willow Street, Suite 4B, Montclair, NJ 07042.
(15) Renaissance Technologies LLC reported on its Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 2021 that it has sole voting and dispositive power over 1,998,217 shares. The address for Renaissance Technologies LLC is 800 Third Avenue New York, New York 10022.
(16) As reported on a Schedule 13G amendment filed on February 16, 2021, represents 1,213,447 shares held by BLR Partners LP, a Texas limited partnership (“BLR Partners”), 30,519 shares benefically held by the Radoff Foundation and 464,481 shares beneficially held by Bradley L. Radoff. BLRPart, LP, a Texas limited partnership (“BLRPart GP”), serves as the general partner of BLR Partners. BLRGP Inc., a Texas S corporation (“BLRGP”), serves as the general partner of BLRPart GP. Fondren Management, LP, a Texas limited partnership (“Fondren Management”), serves as the investment manager of BLR Partners. FMLP Inc., a Texas S corporation (“FMLP”), serves as the general partner of Fondren Management. Mr. Radoff is the sole shareholder and sole director of each of BLRGP and FMLP. By virtue of these relationships, BLRPart GP, BLRGP, Fondren Management, FMLP and Mr. Radoff each reported sole voting and dispositive power over the shares owned directly by BLR Partners and may be deemed to beneficially own such shares. Mr. Radoff serves as a director of the Radoff Foundation and may be deemed to benefically own the shares owned directly by the Radoff Foundation. The address for BLR Partners is 1177 West Loop South, Suite 1625, Houston, TX 77027.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Other than the compensation arrangements with directors and executive officers, there have been no transactions since January 1, 2020 (and there are no currently proposed transactions) in which:
•we have been or are to be a participant;
•the amount involved exceeds $120,000; and
•any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or any immediate family member of or person sharing the household with any of these individuals (other than tenants or employees), had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Independence of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is currently composed of six members. Ms. Donohue and Messrs. Fawaz, Kau, Montgomery and Rendino each qualify as an independent director in accordance with the published listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq. The Nasdaq independence definition includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of Synacor’s employees and that neither the director nor any of his or her family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as further required by the Nasdaq rules, the Board has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, the directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and Synacor with regard to each director’s business and personal activities as they may relate to Synacor and its management. The directors hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or other removal.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees
On April 3, 2020, we engaged Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and to perform other appropriate audit-related and tax services. Also on April 3, 2020, we dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte & Touche”) as our independent registered public accounting firm.
The following is an explanation of the fees billed to us by Deloitte & Touche for the following categories of professional services rendered for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Fiscal 2019
Audit fees (1) $ 592
Audit-related fees (2) 17
Tax fees -
All other fees -
Total fees $ 609
Notes:
(1) Audit fees consist of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the quarterly financial statements that are normally provided by Deloitte & Touche in connection with regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) Audit-related fees relate to assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the audit or review of our financial statements.
The following is an explanation of the fees billed to us by Grant Thornton for the following categories of professional services rendered for the year ended through December 31, 2020.
Fiscal 2020
(In thousands)
Audit fees (1) $ 297
Audit-related fees -
Tax fees -
All other fees (2) 6
Total fees $ 303
Notes:
(1) Audit fees consist of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the quarterly financial statements that are normally provided by Grant Thornton in connection with regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) All other fees relate to assurance and related services associated with merger and acquisition activities.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee can pre-approve specified services in defined categories of audit services, audit-related services and tax services up to specified amounts, as part of the Audit Committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm or on an individual case-by-case basis before our independent registered public accounting firm is engaged to provide a service. All audit, audit-related and tax services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has determined that, subject to reasonable limits, the rendering of the services other than audit services by our independent registered public accounting firm is compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1. Financial Statements: See Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Part II, Item 8.
2. Financial Statement Schedules: Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted either because they are not required or because the information required is included in the notes to the financial statements.
3. Exhibits: See the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.