UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant  ☒                             Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

 

 

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SS&C TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS, INC.

80 Lamberton Road

Windsor, Connecticut 06095

April 3, 2017

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. to be held at 9:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at our offices located at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095.

At the 2017 annual meeting, you will be asked to (i) elect three Class I Directors to our Board of Directors for the ensuing three years; (ii) approve, in an advisory vote, the compensation of our named executive officers; (iii) approve, in an advisory vote, the frequency of future executive compensation advisory votes; and (iv) ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. The Board recommends that you vote: for each of the director nominees nominated by our Board, to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, to approve conducting an advisory vote on the “say-on-pay” vote every three years, and to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

We hope you will be able to attend the 2017 annual meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the 2017 annual meeting, it is important that your shares are represented. Therefore, we urge you to promptly vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in accordance with the instructions provided or by completing the voting instruction form provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee.

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

We urge you to promptly vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card or by completing the voting instruction form provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee.

 

 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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SS&C TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS, INC.

80 Lamberton Road

Windsor, Connecticut 06095

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on May 17, 2017  

The 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at our offices located at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095, to consider and act upon the following matters:

Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2017, the record date for the 2017 annual meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.

Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the 2017 annual meeting personally, we hope you will take the time to vote your shares. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided. If your shares are held in “street name,” meaning they are held for your account by a bank, broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. Even if you plan to attend the 2017 annual meeting, please vote now using one of the above methods. You can change your vote at the meeting if you choose to do so.

 

Dated: April 3, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SS&C TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS, INC.
80 Lamberton Road
Windsor, Connecticut 06095

 

Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

To Be Held on May 17, 2017

 

Our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at our offices located at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095.  For directions to our offices, please visit the 2017 annual meeting page on our website at http://www.ssctech.com/2017annualmeeting. If you have any questions about the 2017 annual meeting, please contact Paul G. Igoe, our Corporate Secretary, by telephone at (860) 298-4832 or by sending a written request for information addressed to Paul G. Igoe at our principal executive offices located at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095.

See the section of this proxy statement entitled “Information About the 2017 Annual Meeting” beginning on page 31 for details on the voting process and how to attend the 2017 annual meeting.

Information about this Proxy Statement

You have received this proxy statement because the Board of Directors of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., which we refer to as SS&C Holdings, SS&C or the Company, is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the 2017 annual meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the 2017 annual meeting. This proxy statement includes information we are required to provide to you under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and is designed to assist you in voting your shares. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2017 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the 2017 annual meeting.

 

Important Notice Regarding Availability of
Proxy Materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 17, 2017

We are first mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy at no charge on or about April 3, 2017 to our stockholders of record as of March 20, 2017. We are also mailing our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 at no charge to such stockholders concurrently with this proxy statement. We will furnish copies of the exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 upon written request of any stockholder and the payment of an appropriate processing fee. Please address all such requests to Investor Relations at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095.

This proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 are available for viewing, printing and downloading at http://www.ssctech.com/2017annualmeeting. This proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 are also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

2016 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

We believe the Company’s 2016 performance was exceptional, as evidenced by the following results:

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PROPOSALS BEING VOTED UPON

This summary highlights information that is relevant to certain proposals being voted on at the Annual Meeting. Additional discussion of these proposals is contained elsewhere in this proxy statement, which we encourage you to review in its entirety.

Proposal 1:Election of Directors.

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of our three Class I Directors whose terms expire at the 2017 annual meeting: Normand A. Boulanger, David A. Varsano and Michael J. Zamkow.  Mr. Boulanger currently serves as our President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Varsano currently serves on our Audit and Compensation Committees.  Mr. Zamkow currently serves on our Compensation Committee.  See the section of this proxy statement entitled “Information Regarding Directors and Director Nominees” beginning on page 5 for additional discussion of our director nominees and their qualifications.

Proposal 2:Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation.

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (the so-called “say-on-pay”).  The Compensation Discussion and Analysis, beginning at page 13 of this proxy statement, describes the Company’s compensation philosophy and programs in place for 2016. We believe the Company’s compensation programs have been effective in motivating and driving our named executive officers to help the Company achieve the superior performance described above.

We encourage you to approve the compensation of our named executive officers because our executive officers have contributed significantly to the Company’s exceptional performance.

The Board recommends that you vote for the submission of the say-on-pay vote to stockholders once every “THREE YEARS,” or triennially, because it believes that a triennial vote will allow our stockholders sufficient perspective to evaluate executive compensation on a more thorough, long-term basis than a more frequent vote.  Consistent with our view that our executive compensation program should serve as an incentive and retention tool, we take a long-term view of executive compensation and encourage our stockholders to do the same.  

Proposal 4:Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, which we refer to as fiscal 2017. This appointment is being presented to the stockholders for ratification at the 2017 annual meeting. We encourage you to vote “FOR” ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

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PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Certificate provides for a classified Board. This means our Board is divided into three classes, with each class having as nearly as possible an equal number of directors. The term of service of each class of directors is staggered so that the term of one class expires at each annual meeting of the stockholders.

Our Board currently consists of eight members, divided into three classes as follows:

At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors are elected for a full term of three years to succeed those directors whose term is expiring. Messrs. Boulanger, Varsano and Zamkow are current directors whose terms expire at the 2017 annual meeting. Each of these directors has been nominated by the Nominating Committee (and his nomination has been ratified by the Board) for re-election as a Class I director, with a term ending at the 2020 annual meeting.

Mr. Etherington has indicated his intent to retire from our Board effective after the conclusion of the meeting of the Board on May 17, 2017. Mr. Etherington’s retirement and resignation are not due to any disagreement with the Company’s management or the Board and the Company thanks him for his service.  The Board intends to seek a replacement for Mr. Etherington following the 2017 annual meeting.

Unless otherwise instructed in the proxy, all proxies will be voted “FOR” the election of each of the nominees identified above to a three-year term ending at the 2020 annual meeting, each such nominee to hold office until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Stockholders who do not wish their shares to be voted for one or all of these three nominees may so indicate by striking out the name of such nominee(s) on the proxy card. Each of the nominees has indicated his willingness to serve on our Board, if elected. If any nominee should be unable to serve, the person acting under the proxy may vote the proxy for a substitute nominee designated by our Board. We do not contemplate that any of the three nominees will be unable to serve if elected.

A plurality of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the 2017 annual meeting and entitled to vote is required to elect each nominee as a director.

Directors’ Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF Normand A. Boulanger, David A. Varsano and Michael J. Zamkow.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT

Information Regarding Directors and Director Nominees

Our Certificate provides for the classification of our Board into three classes, each having as nearly an equal number of directors as possible. The terms of service of the three classes are staggered such that the term of one class expires each year.

Our Board currently consists of eight directors. Class I consists of Normand A. Boulanger, David A. Varsano and Michael J. Zamkow, each with a term ending at the 2017 annual meeting. Class II consists of William A. Etherington and Jonathan E. Michael, each with a term ending at the 2018 annual meeting. Class III consists of Smita Conjeevaram, Michael E. Daniels and William C. Stone, each with a term ending at the 2019 annual meeting. One class is elected each year and members of each class hold office for three-year terms. Mr. Etherington has indicated his intent to retire from our Board effective after the conclusion of the meeting of the Board on May 17, 2017.  Mr. Etherington’s retirement and resignation as a director of the Company are not due to any disagreement with the Company’s management or the Board, and the Company thanks Mr. Etherington for his service.  The Board intends to seek a replacement for Mr. Etherington following the 2017 annual meeting.

Our Nominating Committee has recommended, and the Board has nominated, Messrs. Boulanger, Varsano and Zamkow for election at the 2017 annual meeting as Class I directors, each to serve until the 2020 annual meeting and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees is currently a member of our Board.

The following table and biographical descriptions provide information relating to each director and director nominee, including her/his age and period of service as a director of our company, her/his committee memberships, her/his business experience for at least the past five years, including directorships at other public companies, and certain other information.

 

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Corporate Governance Matters

We believe that good corporate governance and fostering an environment of high ethical standards are important for us to achieve business success and to create value for our stockholders. Our Board periodically reviews our corporate governance practices in light of regulatory developments and practices at other public companies and makes changes that it believes are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Board Determination of Independence

Under the applicable rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our Board, that person does not have a relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our Board has determined that none of Ms. Conjeevaram or Messrs. Daniels, Etherington, Michael, Varsano or Zamkow has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is an “independent director” as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of NASDAQ.

Stockholders Agreement

The Company is a party to a Stockholders Agreement, as amended, which we refer to as the Stockholders Agreement, with William C. Stone, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Stockholders Agreement entitles Mr. Stone to nominate two directors, one of whom shall be Mr. Stone for so long as he is our Chief Executive Officer.  For more information on the Stockholders Agreement, see the section of this proxy statement entitled “Related Person Transactions—Stockholders Agreement” beginning on page 30.  

Director Nomination Process

The process followed by the Nominating Committee to identify and evaluate director candidates may include requesting recommendations from Board members and others, holding meetings from time to time to evaluate biographical information and background material relating to potential candidates, and conducting interviews of selected candidates by members of the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee considers recommendations for director nominees suggested by its members, other directors, management and other interested parties. Stockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating Committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting their names, together with appropriate biographical information and background material, to the Nominating Committee c/o Corporate Secretary, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor,

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Connecticut 06095. Assuming that appropriate biographical information and background material is provided on a timely basis, the Nominating Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process and applying substantially the same criteria as it follows for candidates submitted by others.

In addition, stockholders also have the right under our By-laws to directly nominate director candidates, without any action or recommendation on the part of the Nominating Committee or the Board, by following the procedures set forth in our By-laws and described under “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations” beginning on page 32 below.

Criteria and Diversity

In considering whether to recommend any particular candidate for inclusion in the Board’s slate of recommended director nominees, the Nominating Committee applies the criteria specified in its charter. These criteria include the candidate’s integrity, honesty, adherence to ethical standards, demonstrated business acumen, experience, ability to exercise sound judgments in matters that relate to the current and long-term objectives of the Company, ability to contribute positively to the decision-making processes of the Company, commitment to understanding the Company and its industry and to regularly attending and participating in meetings of the Board and its committees, ability to understand the sometimes conflicting interests of the various constituencies of the Company and the absence of a conflict of interest. The Nominating Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criterion, and no particular criterion is a prerequisite for any prospective nominee. In terms of criteria for composition of the Board, the Nominating Committee considers the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors as a group with the goal of providing a significant breadth of experience, knowledge and abilities to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities.

Although the Nominating Committee considers the value of diversity on the Board, it has not adopted a written policy with regard to the consideration of diversity when evaluating candidates for director. However, in practice, the Nominating Committee considers diversity of viewpoint, professional experience, education and skill in assessing candidates for the Board to ensure breadth of experience, knowledge and abilities within the Board. Our Board’s priority in the selection of Board members is identification of members who will further the interests of our stockholders through their management experience, knowledge of our business, understanding of the competitive landscape and familiarity with our targeted markets.

The director biographies above describe each nominee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that he should continue to serve as a member of our Board. Our Board believes that each of the nominees has realized significant professional and personal achievements and possesses the background, talents and experience that are necessary for the Company’s success and the creation of stockholder value.

Board Meetings and Attendance

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which we refer to as fiscal 2016, our Board met four times and acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting four times. During fiscal 2016, the Audit Committee held six regular meetings and acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting twice; the Compensation Committee held two regular meetings and acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting twice; and the Nominating Committee acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting once. Each of our current directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and of the Board committees of which he/she was a member during fiscal 2016.  

Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Stockholders

We do not have a formal policy regarding directors’ attendance at annual meetings, but all of our directors are encouraged to attend our annual meetings. Six of our Board members attended our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

Board Leadership Structure

Mr. Stone has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in 1986, and the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement require that so long as Mr. Stone is a member of our Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, he shall serve as Chairman of the Board. This Board leadership structure is commonly utilized by public companies in the United States, and we believe that this leadership structure has been effective for us. Having one person serve as both Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board shows our employees, customers and other constituencies that we are under strong leadership, with a single person setting the tone and having primary responsibility for managing our operations. We also believe that this leadership structure eliminates the potential for duplication of efforts and inconsistent actions and facilitates open communication between management and our Board. We do not have a lead independent director. We recognize that different board leadership structures may be appropriate for companies with different histories or varying equity ownership structures and percentages. However, we believe our current leadership structure is the optimal board leadership structure for us.

Board Committees

Our Board directs the management of our business and affairs, as provided by Delaware law, and conducts its business through meetings of the Board and three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating

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Committee, each of which operates under a charter that has been approved by our Board. Each committee’s charter is posted on our website, at http://investor.ssctech.com/corporate-governance.cfm. In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the Board to address specific issues. The table below shows current membership and indicates the chairperson (*) for each of the standing Board committees.  

 

 

**The Nominating Committee has been without a chairperson since the retirement on November 19, 2015 of Allan M. Holt as a director and chairman of the Nominating Committee.  The Board expects to designate David A. Varsano as chairman of the Nominating Committee at the May 17, 2017 Board meeting.

 

Mr. Etherington has indicated his intent to retire from our Board effective after the conclusion of the meeting of the Board on May 17, 2017. The Board intends to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Etherington’s resignation by designating Jonathan E. Michael as chairman of the Audit Committee and Michel E. Daniels as chairman of the Compensation Committee at the May 17, 2017 meeting.

 

Our Board has determined that each member of each of the Board’s three standing committees is independent as defined under the rules of NASDAQ, including, in the case of each member of the Audit Committee, the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, and including, in the case of each member of the Compensation Committee, the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act and NASDAQ rules.

Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee assists our Board in its oversight of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the Company’s financial statements. Our Audit Committee’s responsibilities, as set forth in its charter, include:

 

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Our Board has determined that each of the members of its Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Compensation Committee

Our Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for the Company’s compensation of management, incentive plans and compensation programs. Our Compensation Committee’s responsibilities, as set forth in its charter, include:

Nominating Committee

Our Nominating Committee has overall responsibility for developing Board membership. Our Nominating Committee’s responsibilities, as set forth in its charter, include:

The processes and procedures followed by the Nominating Committee in identifying and evaluating director candidates are described above under the heading “Director Nomination Process.” As described above, the Stockholders Agreement provides Mr. Stone with the right to appoint two directors, including himself.

Risk Oversight

Our management is responsible for risk management on a day-to-day basis. Our Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our risk management function. While the Audit Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing risk management, our entire Board of Directors is actively involved in overseeing our risk management. Our Board and the Audit Committee fulfill their oversight role by discussing with management the policies and practices utilized by management in assessing and managing the risks and providing input on those policies and practices. We believe that the leadership structure of our Board supports effective risk management oversight due to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s extensive knowledge and understanding of our business and, as noted in “Board Leadership Structure” above, because the combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer facilitates communications between management and our Board.

Communications with the Board

Our Board welcomes the submission of any comments or concerns from stockholders and any interested parties. Communications should be in writing and addressed to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices and marked to the attention of the Board or any of its committees, individual directors or non-management or independent directors as a group. All correspondence will be forwarded to the intended recipient(s), except that certain items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of our Board (such as product inquiries and comments, new product suggestions, resumes and other forms of job

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inquiries, surveys, and business solicitations and advertisements) and material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable will be excluded.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics, referred to as the SS&C Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which covers all directors, officers and employees and includes provisions relating to accounting and financial matters. The SS&C Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at http://investor.ssctech.com/corporate-governance.cfm. If we make any substantive amendments to, or grant any waivers from, the code of ethics for any director or officer, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website at http://investor.ssctech.com/corporate-governance.cfm. or in a Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Messrs. Etherington, Varsano and Zamkow served on our Compensation Committee in fiscal 2016.  No member of the Compensation Committee had any related person transaction involving SS&C Holdings or any of its subsidiaries or is or has been a current or former officer or employee of SS&C Holdings, except that Mr. Varsano was an employee of the Company until 1999. During fiscal 2016, Mr. Varsano recused himself from any action involving the compensation or grant of equity awards to the executive officers of the Company.  None of our executive officers served as a director or a member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or member of our Compensation Committee during fiscal 2016.

 

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Certain information regarding our executive officers, who are not also directors, is set forth below. Generally, our Board elects our officers annually, although the Board or an authorized committee of the Board may elect or appoint officers at other times.

 

Paul G. Igoe joined the Company in January 2013 and has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since March 2013. From September 2009 to December 2012, Mr. Igoe was the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Lydall, Inc., a manufacturer of filtration media and thermal/acoustical products. From June 2001 to September 2009, Mr. Igoe was the Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Teradyne, Inc., a manufacturer of automatic test equipment for the semiconductor industry. Prior to Teradyne, Mr. Igoe was a Junior Partner in the Boston office of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (formerly Hale and Dorr LLP).

Rahul Kanwar has served as our Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Alternative Assets, since January 2011 and was designated as an executive officer in March 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Kanwar served as a managing director of SS&C since 2005. Prior to joining SS&C, Mr. Kanwar was employed by Eisner LLP where he was responsible for managing the Eisnerfast LLC fund administration business. Mr. Kanwar started his career in public accounting.

Patrick J. Pedonti has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Pedonti served as our Vice President and Treasurer from May 1999 to August 2002. Prior to joining SS&C, from January 1997 to May 1999, Mr. Pedonti was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Accent Color Sciences, Inc., a company specializing in high-speed color printing.

 

 

 

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PROPOSAL 2

ADVISORY VOTE¹ TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

We are providing our stockholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory, non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules. This proposal, which is commonly referred to as “say-on-pay,” is required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which added Section 14A to the Exchange Act.

Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, retain and motivate our named executive officers, who are critical to our success. Under these programs, our named executive officers are rewarded for successful performance on our near-term and longer-term financial and strategic goals and for driving corporate financial performance and stability. The programs contain elements of cash and equity-based compensation and are designed to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders.

The “Executive and Director Compensation” section of this proxy statement beginning on page 13, including “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” describes in detail our executive compensation programs and the decisions made by the Compensation Committee and our Board with respect to fiscal 2016.

As we describe in the “2016 Performance Highlights” section of this proxy statement beginning on page 2, our executive compensation program supports our business strategy and aligns the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders. We believe our executive compensation program is working as evidenced by the Company’s superior performance:

Accordingly, our Board is asking stockholders to approve a non-binding advisory vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to our named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the compensation discussion and analysis, the compensation tables and any related material disclosed in this proxy statement, is hereby approved.²

 

Directors’ Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS BY VOTING “FOR” PROPOSAL 2.

 

 

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Our executive compensation program is overseen and administered by our Compensation Committee, which currently consists of Messrs. Etherington, Varsano and Zamkow. Our Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board and discharges the responsibilities of the Board relating to the compensation of our executive officers. For December 31, 2016, our named executive officers were Messrs. Stone, Pedonti, Boulanger, Kanwar and Igoe.

Executive compensation objectives

The primary objectives of the Compensation Committee with respect to executive compensation are to:

To achieve these objectives, our Compensation Committee seeks to compensate our executives at levels it believes are competitive with those of other companies that compete with us for executive talent in our industry and in our region. However, we have not retained a compensation consultant to review our executive compensation practices, nor have we formally benchmarked our compensation against that of other companies. Our compensation program rewards our named executive officers based on a number of factors, including the Company’s operating results, the Company’s performance against budget, individual performance, prior-period compensation and prospects for individual growth. Changes in compensation are generally incremental in nature and do not vary widely from year to year, but follow a general trend of increasing compensation as our business and profits grow. Many of the factors that affect compensation are subjective in nature and not tied to peer group analyses, surveys by compensation consultants or other statistical criteria.

Process for administering our executive compensation practices

Our Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for administering our executive officer compensation program. Our Chief Executive Officer typically presents salary, bonus and equity compensation recommendations to the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Committee, in turn, considers his recommendations and exercises ultimate approval authority. Our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations are based on his years of experience in the financial services and software industries and his desire to motivate the executive officers and ensure their commitment to the Company. For each executive officer, including himself, our Chief Executive Officer prepares a written description for our Compensation Committee of the individual’s performance during the prior year and recommends salary, bonus and equity amounts based upon his responsibilities and contributions to the Company’s performance. For compensation of executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer, our Compensation Committee considers our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and discusses his reviews and recommendations with him as part of its deliberations. For our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, the Compensation Committee considers his recommendations and generally conducts its deliberations without him present. In this, as in other compensation matters, the Compensation Committee exercises its independent judgment. After due consideration, the Compensation Committee accepted the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations for 2016 executive officer base salaries, cash bonuses and stock option awards.

We last provided stockholders with a “say-on-pay” advisory vote on our executive compensation in 2014 and stockholders will again have an opportunity to cast a “say-on-pay” vote at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. At our 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholders expressed substantial support for the compensation of our named executive officers, with approximately 89% of the votes cast voting for approval of the “say-on-pay” advisory vote on executive compensation. In establishing 2016 executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considered the results of the 2014 advisory vote as well as the other factors described above. The Compensation Committee did not make any changes to our executive compensation program and policies as a result of the 2014 “say-on-pay” advisory vote.

Components of Our Executive Compensation

The primary elements of our annual executive compensation program are:

We have no formal or informal policy or target for allocating compensation between long-term and short-term compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation or among the different forms of non-cash compensation. Instead, our Compensation Committee (based in part on input from our Chief Executive Officer) determines subjectively what it believes to be the appropriate

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level and mix of the various compensation components. While we describe below the connection between each element of executive compensation and particular compensation objectives, we believe that each element promotes multiple compensation objectives.

Base Salary

Base salary is used to recognize the experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities required of all our employees, including our executive officers. In establishing base salaries for 2016, our Compensation Committee considered a variety of factors, including the seniority of the individual, the level of the individual’s responsibility, the ability to replace the individual, the individual’s tenure at the Company, relative pay among the executive officers,  and our Chief Executive Officer’s input. Generally, we believe that executive base salaries should grow incrementally over time and that more of the “upside” of compensation should rest with the performance-based components (that is, cash bonuses and long-term equity incentive compensation).

 

Base salaries are reviewed at least annually by our Compensation Committee and are adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into account the performance of the Company and each executive officer’s responsibilities, performance and experience. In March 2016, our Compensation Committee established the 2016 base salaries of our executive officers as follows: Mr. Stone, $875,000, Mr. Pedonti, $350,000, Mr. Boulanger, $550,000, Mr. Kanwar, $475,000, and Mr. Igoe, $260,000. These 2016 base salary levels did not increase from 2015. In March 2017, our Compensation Committee evaluated the base salaries of executive officers and decided not to make any changes from the 2016 levels.

Annual Cash Bonus

The payment of annual cash bonuses to executive officers and other employees is discretionary, and for our executive officers, subject to the terms of our Executive Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”) approved by our stockholders at our 2014 annual meeting. Annual cash bonuses are generally provided to employees whether or not we meet our budgeted results, but the amount available for bonuses to all employees, including the executive officers, varies according to our financial results. Annual cash bonuses are intended to compensate for strategic, operational and financial successes of the Company as a whole, as well as individual performance and growth potential.

For 2016, our Compensation Committee established the overall executive officer bonus pool at 5% of 2016 Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA (as defined below). Our Compensation Committee has overall authority for determining 2016 annual bonus amounts for each executive officer, but considers proposals and recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee made a final decision with respect to 2016 annual bonuses in March 2017. In making bonus recommendations to the Compensation Committee for the executive officers, our Chief Executive Officer, after taking into account the positive or negative impact of events outside the control of management or an individual executive, made a subjective judgment of each executive’s performance in the context of a number of considerations, including the overall economy and our financial performance, revenues and financial position going into the new fiscal year, each executive’s (including his own) work in managing the business, establishing internal controls, mentoring staff, completing and integrating acquisitions, reducing costs, responding to market conditions and maintaining our profitability.  

The decisions described below reflect the practice that our Compensation Committee does not fix a target bonus for each year; instead, subject to the terms of the Bonus Plan, it draws on subjective factors and executive officer performance evaluations in arriving at its bonus decisions.  

Mr. Stone’s bonus for 2016 was $6,500,000. The Committee’s approval of Mr. Stone’s bonus took into account our profitability, his successful recruitment of new managers, his efforts to increase our revenue from $1.0 billion in 2015 to $1.5 billion in 2016 and our Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA from $442 million in 2015 to $613 million in 2016, his activities regarding acquisitions including the completed acquisitions of Citigroup’s hedge fund and private equity administration business in March 2016, and the Wells Fargo’s fund services business and Conifer in December 2016, and his maintenance of high-level relationships with our key clients.

Mr. Pedonti’s bonus for 2016 was $1,300,000. The Committee’s approval of Mr. Pedonti’s bonus took into account his solid management skills, his expanded role in personnel and investor relations matters, his role in negotiating and implementing the Citigroup hedge fund and private equity, Wells Fargo fund administration and Conifer businesses, his responsibility for maintaining our internal controls and his success in building a strong finance team.

Mr. Boulanger’s bonus for 2016 was $2,400,000. The Committee’s approval of Mr. Boulanger’s bonus took into account his responsibility for our day-to-day business operations across the organization, his assumption of responsibility for supervising the Company’s international operations, his contributions to our 2016 financial results, including increasing revenues from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2016, his role in implementing the Citigroup hedge fund and private equity, Wells Fargo fund administration and Conifer businesses, and his attention to his overall executive management team.

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Mr. Kanwar’s bonus for 2016 was $2,100,000. The Committee’s approval of Mr. Kanwar’s bonus took into account his responsibility for our fund services business, his contributions to our 2016 financial results, his efforts to negotiate and implement the Citigroup hedge fund and private equity, Wells Fargo fund administration and Conifer businesses, and his attention to his overall executive management team.

Mr. Igoe’s bonus for 2016 was $550,000. The Committee’s approval of Mr. Igoe’s bonus took into account his overall management of the legal department and responsibility for adherence to the internal budget, his instrumental role in directing the legal work for our 2016 acquisitions of the Citigroup hedge fund and private equity, Wells Fargo fund administration and Conifer businesses, and his efforts in overseeing and administering litigation in which the Company is involved.  

The bonus pool for executive officers is determined under the terms of our Bonus Plan, which, for 2016, was 5% of Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA, or $30,625,000. Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used in key financial covenants contained in our senior credit facilities, which are material facilities supporting our capital structure and providing liquidity to our business. Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), further adjusted to exclude stock compensation expense, unusual items and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the senior credit facilities, excluding acquired EBITDA. Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA does not represent net income or cash flow from operations as those terms are defined by GAAP and does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. The following is a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA for fiscal 2016.

 

 

 

Stock Option Awards

Our Compensation Committee believes that equity-based incentive compensation is an important component of executive compensation. In 2016, our executive officers were granted only time-based stock options subject to vesting over four years from the date of grant.  The Compensation Committee believes that our stock option program is an appropriate equity incentive vehicle because stock options promote long-term performance by providing rewards only if, and to the extent that, our stock price improves, which both aligns the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders and encourages long-term, sustained growth, while also promoting retention through multi-year vesting.

On December 21, 2016, we awarded our named executive officers long-term incentive compensation under our Amended and Restated 2014 Stock Incentive Plan in the form of time-based stock options to purchase an aggregate of 775,000 shares of our common stock. Of these option grants, Mr. Stone received an option to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock, Mr. Pedonti received an option to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock, Mr. Boulanger received an option to purchase 155,000 shares of

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our common stock, Mr. Kanwar received an option to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock, and Mr. Igoe received an option to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock. The number of options was subjectively determined by the Compensation Committee based on an assessment of the relative contributions and efforts of each executive officer and recommendations received from our Chief Executive Officer. These options have an exercise price of $29.25 per share, which was equal to the closing price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on the date of the grant.

The options awarded on December 21, 2016 vest 25% on the first anniversary of grant and 1/36^th each month thereafter until fully vested on the fourth anniversary of grant, subject to acceleration of vesting in connection with a change of control event and the other terms and conditions set forth in the plan and the award agreements, including that the recipient is an employee in good standing on each respective vesting date.

Benefits and Perquisites

We offer a variety of benefit programs to all eligible employees, including our executive officers. Our executive officers generally are eligible for the same benefits on the same basis as other employees, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life insurance coverage and short- and long-term disability coverage. All eligible employees are also able to contribute to our 401(k) plan and receive matching Company contributions under the plan. In addition, our executive officers are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable business travel and other expenses incurred during the performance of their duties in accordance with our expense reimbursement policy.

We limit the use of perquisites as a method of compensation and provide our executive officers with only those perquisites that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program to better enable us to attract and retain talented employees for key positions.

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

Mr. Stone is our only executive officer with an employment agreement. This agreement, which has been in place since our initial public offering as amended to date, entitles him to specified benefits in the event of the termination of his employment under certain circumstances, as described in detail  under the captions “CEO Employment Agreement” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control” below. The Compensation Committee believes the employment agreement continues to be beneficial to the Company in retaining Mr. Stone.

The time-based stock options awarded to our named executive officers each vest in full immediately prior to the effectiveness of a change of control.  The Compensation Committee believes this practice is appropriate and reasonable in order to encourage our executives to be open to responding to potential transactions beneficial to our stockholders without focusing on their personal compensation and employment in such transactions, particularly since our executive officers other than Mr. Stone do not have contractual severance protections.

Accounting and Tax Implications

The accounting and tax treatment of particular forms of compensation do not materially affect our compensation decisions. However, we evaluate the effect of such accounting and tax treatment on an ongoing basis and will make modifications to compensation policies where we deem it appropriate. For instance, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction for compensation in excess of $1.0 million paid by a public company to its chief executive officer and to each other officer (other than the chief financial officer) whose compensation is required to be reported to our stockholders pursuant to the Exchange Act. However, certain compensation, including qualified “performance-based compensation,” will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met.

Our Compensation Committee may review the potential effect of Section 162(m) periodically and use its judgment to authorize compensation payments that may be subject to the limit when it believes such payments are appropriate and in our best interests after taking into consideration changing business conditions and the performance of our employees.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with our management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

By the Compensation Committee of the Board of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

William A. Etherington

David A. Varsano

Michael J. Zamkow

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table contains information with respect to the compensation earned by our named executive officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

 

 

CEO Employment Agreement

Mr. Stone’s employment agreement provides for the following:

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For additional information on the severance and change of control benefits (including estimated costs), see “Potential Payments on Termination” below.

“Cause” means (a) Mr. Stone’s willful and continuing failure (except where due to physical or mental incapacity) to substantially perform his duties; (b) Mr. Stone’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony; (c) the commission by Mr. Stone of an act of fraud or embezzlement against us or any of our subsidiaries as determined in good faith by a two-thirds majority of the Board; or (d) Mr. Stone’s breach of any material provision of the Amended Employment Agreement.

 

“Good reason” generally means the occurrence of any of the following events without Mr. Stone’s written consent: (a) an adverse change in Mr. Stone’s employment title; (b) a material diminution in Mr. Stone’s employment duties, responsibilities or authority, or the assignment to Mr. Stone of duties that are materially inconsistent with his position; (c) any reduction in Mr. Stone’s base salary, (d) any breach by us of any material provision of the Amended Employment Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, or any other governing agreement between us and Mr. Stone; (e) a material diminution in Mr. Stone’s reporting line; or (f) a material diminution in our budget over which Mr. Stone retains authority.

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2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information regarding grants of compensation in the form of plan-based awards made during 2016 to our named executive officers.

 

 

2016 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information concerning stock options that were exercised by our named executive officers in 2016 and the value realized.  No executive officers had any vesting of restricted stock in 2016.  Named executive officers not listed in the table had no such events during 2016.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End

The following equity awards granted to our named executive officers were outstanding as of December 31, 2016. On June 24, 2016, we completed a 2:1 stock split, effected in the form of a stock dividend. All option award information presented below has been adjusted to give effect to the stock split.

 

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2016, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted-average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans. The information presented below has been adjusted to give effect to the 2:1 stock split that occurred on June 24, 2016.

 

 

 

 

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Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control

William C. Stone

For a description of Mr. Stone’s employment agreement, see “CEO Employment Agreement” above.

 

 

The table below reflects the estimated amount of compensation payable to Mr. Stone in the event of termination of his employment or a change of control (or similar event, as defined in the applicable equity plan). The amounts shown assume that such termination or change of control was effective as of December 31, 2016. The actual amounts to be paid out, if any, will differ from the amounts reflected below and can only be determined at the time of the termination or change of control.

 

 

 

 

Other Named Executive Officers

Other than Mr. Stone, none of our executive officers has any arrangement that provides for severance payments. Time-based stock options granted under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and Amended and Restated 2014 Stock Incentive Plan will become fully vested and exercisable immediately prior to the effective date of a change of control.

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As of December 31, 2016, Messrs. Pedonti, Boulanger, Kanwar and Igoe held the following unvested stock options that would have become fully vested upon a change of control. The information presented below has been adjusted to give effect to the 2:1 stock split that occurred on June 24, 2016.

 

 

 

2016 Director Compensation

Ms. Conjeevaram and Messrs. Daniels, Etherington, Michael, Varsano and Zamkow each receive an annual retainer fee of $25,000 and a Board meeting attendance fee of $2,500 per meeting (if attended in person), as well as the equity compensation described below. Members of our Audit Committee receive a committee attendance fee of $1,500 per meeting (payable for in-person and telephonic attendance). Mr. Stone and Mr. Boulanger, as employees of the Company, do not receive any additional compensation for Board service.  All of our directors are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with their service on the Board. The following table contains information with respect to the compensation of our nonemployee directors for fiscal 2016.

 

 

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PROPOSAL 3

ADVISORY VOTE³ ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ADVISORY VOTES

After careful consideration, the Board believes that the executive compensation advisory vote should be held every three years, and therefore our Board recommends that you vote for a frequency of every THREE YEARS for future executive compensation advisory vote.

 

The Board believes that a once every three years, or triennial, executive compensation advisory vote will allow our stockholders to evaluate executive compensation on a more thorough, long-term basis than a more frequent vote.  Consistent with our view that our executive compensation program should serve as an incentive and retention tool, we take a long-term view of executive compensation and encourage our stockholders to do the same.  We believe that a more frequent executive compensation advisory vote may encourage short-term analysis of executive compensation.  Annual or biennial executive compensation advisory votes also may not allow stockholders sufficient time to evaluate the effect of changes we make to executive compensation.

 

A triennial vote will also give our Board sufficient time to engage with stockholders to better understand their views about executive compensation and respond effectively to their concerns.  Independent of the timing of the executive compensation advisory vote, we encourage stockholders to contact the Board at any time to provide feedback about corporate governance and executive compensation matters.  

 

Our Board is asking stockholders to vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders recommend, in an advisory vote, that the frequency with which the stockholders of the Company shall have an advisory vote on executive compensation is:

Choice 1 – every year;

Choice 2 – every two years;

Choice 3 – every three years; or

Choice 4 – abstain from voting.

 

Directors’ Recommendation

 

The Board of Directors Believes that Holding the Executive Compensation Advisory Vote Every Three Years Is in the Best Interests of the Company and Its Stockholders and Recommends Voting for “Choice 3” for a Frequency of Every “Three Years.” ⁴

 

Stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board’s recommendation.  Stockholders may choose among the four choices included in the resolution set forth above.

 

 

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PROPOSAL 4

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit our books, records and accounts for fiscal 2017. This appointment is being presented to the stockholders for ratification at the 2017 annual meeting.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, or PwC, has no direct or indirect material financial interest in our Company or our subsidiaries. Representatives of PwC are expected to be present at the 2017 annual meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement on the firm’s behalf if they so desire. The representatives also will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The following table summarizes the fees of PwC billed to us for each of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015.

 

 

 

 

All the services described above were approved by our Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit (including audit-related) services and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee annually approves the scope and fee estimates for the quarterly reviews, year-end audit, statutory audits and tax work to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm for the next fiscal year. With respect to other permitted services, management defines and presents specific projects and categories of service for which the advance approval of the Audit Committee is requested. The Audit Committee pre-approves specific engagements, projects and categories of services on a fiscal year basis, subject to individual project thresholds and annual thresholds. In assessing requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee considers whether such services are consistent with the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence, whether the independent registered public accounting firm is likely to provide the most effective and efficient service based upon their familiarity with us, and whether the service could enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.

Proxies solicited by management will be voted for the ratification of the appointment of PwC unless stockholders specify otherwise. Although we are not required to submit the appointment to a vote of the stockholders, our Board believes it is appropriate as a matter of policy to request that the stockholders ratify the appointment of PwC as our independent registered public accounting firm. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee may investigate the reasons for stockholder rejection and consider whether to retain PwC or appoint another independent registered public accounting firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, our Board and the Audit Committee in their discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders.

 

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Directors’ Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR OUR FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017.

 

 

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Our Audit Committee has reviewed our audited financial statements for fiscal 2016 and has discussed these financial statements with our management and PwC, our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee has also received from, and discussed with, our independent registered public accounting firm various communications that our independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide to the Audit Committee, including Statement on Auditing Standard No. 16 (Communications with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB.

Our independent registered public accounting firm also provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Communicating with Audit Committees Concerning Independence), as modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence from us.

Based on its discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

By the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

William A. Etherington (Chair)

Jonathan E. Michael

David A. Varsano

 

 

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OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK

This table presents information concerning the beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock as of March 20, 2017. Specifically, the table reflects beneficial ownership information about:

Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power over securities. Except in cases where community property laws apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe that each stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by the stockholder. Shares of common stock subject to options that are exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 20, 2017 are considered outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address of the persons and entities listed on the table is c/o SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, CT 06095.

 

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires certain officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC on Forms 3, 4 and 5. Based on a review of the copies of such forms provided to us and written representations furnished to us, we believe that during fiscal 2016, all reports required by Section 16(a) to be filed by these persons were filed on a timely basis.  

 

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

Our Board has adopted written policies and procedures for the review of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we have been or are a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees or 5% stockholders (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has had or has a direct or indirect material interest. Such a transaction, arrangement or relationship is referred to as a “related person transaction.”

Any related person transaction must be reported to our General Counsel and will be reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the terms of the policy, prior to effectiveness or consummation of the transaction, whenever practicable. If the General Counsel determines that advance approval of a related person transaction is not practicable under the circumstances, the Audit Committee will review and, in its discretion, may ratify the related person transaction at its next meeting, or at the next meeting following the date that the related person transaction comes to the attention of the General Counsel; provided, however, that the General Counsel may present a related person transaction arising in the time period between meetings of the Audit Committee to the Chair of the Audit Committee, who will review and may approve the related person transaction, subject to ratification by the Audit Committee at its next meeting. In addition, any related person transaction previously approved by the Audit Committee or otherwise already existing that is ongoing in nature will be reviewed by the Audit Committee annually to ensure that it has been conducted in accordance with the previous approval granted by the Audit Committee, if any, and that all required disclosures regarding the related person transaction are made.

A related person transaction reviewed under the policy will be considered approved or ratified if it is authorized by the Audit Committee after full disclosure of the related person’s interest in the transaction. As appropriate for the circumstances, the Audit Committee will review and consider:

The Audit Committee may approve or ratify the related person transaction only if the Audit Committee determines that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests. The Audit Committee may, in its sole discretion, impose any conditions it deems appropriate on the Company or the related person in connection with approval of the related person transaction.

 

In addition to the transactions that are excluded by the instructions to the SEC’s related person transaction disclosure rule, our Board has determined that the following do not create a material direct or indirect interest on behalf of a related person and, therefore, are not related person transactions for purposes of our related person transaction policy:

The policy provides that transactions involving compensation of executive officers will be reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee in the manner specified in its charter.

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Related Person Transactions

Stockholders Agreement

The Company is a party to a Stockholders Agreement with Mr. Stone that entitles him to nominate two directors, one of whom shall be Mr. Stone for so long as he is our Chief Executive Officer.  The number of Board members Mr. Stone is entitled to nominate (including himself) will be reduced to one director if Mr. Stone holds less than 15% of our common stock. Mr. Stone’s rights under the Board nomination provisions of the Stockholders Agreement will terminate at such time as he holds less than 10% of our common stock.

The provisions of the Stockholders Agreement also require that, so long as Mr. Stone is a member of our Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, he will serve as Chairman of the Board.

Registration Rights Agreement

The Company and Mr. Stone are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement, under which Mr. Stone can demand that we file a registration statement for all or a portion of his common stock. Mr. Stone is also entitled to request that his shares be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filing with respect to our common stock. In either event, the Company is required to pay all expenses of Mr. Stone in connection with the registration (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes applicable to the sale of registerable securities). The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that the Company will indemnify Mr. Stone, and Mr. Stone will indemnify the Company, for certain matters in connection with the registration of Mr. Stone’s shares. The registration rights in the Registration Rights Agreement are subject to certain conditions and limitations specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, including the right of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of shares included in certain registrations.

Other transactions

Robert S. Stone, the son of our Chief Executive Officer, is employed by SS&C as a sales representative. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, Robert Stone was paid $426,764 as salary, commissions and other compensation related to his employment at SS&C.

Sabrina Goff, the sister of Rahul Kanwar, our Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Alternative Assets, is employed by SS&C in its fund administration business. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, Ms. Goff was paid $184,428 as salary and other compensation related to her employment at SS&C.

Justine Stone, the daughter of our Chief Executive Officer, is employed by SS&C in investor relations. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, Justine Stone was paid $129,434 as salary and other compensation related to her employment at SS&C.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

You are cordially invited to attend the 2017 annual meeting. However, to ensure that your shares are represented at the 2017 annual meeting and that the Company has the quorum necessary to convene the 2017 annual meeting and conduct business, even if you plan to attend the 2017 annual meeting in person, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card promptly. Submitting a proxy or voting instructions in advance will not prevent you from attending the 2017 annual meeting and voting in person, if you so desire. A postage-paid, return-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. No postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States. Your cooperation in giving this your immediate attention is appreciated.

Voting Procedures

You may vote either in person at the 2017 annual meeting or by proxy. To vote by proxy, you must:

Whether or not you expect to be present in person at the 2017 annual meeting, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed form of proxy. The shares represented by your proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you attend the 2017 annual meeting, you may vote by ballot. If you want to vote in person at the 2017 annual meeting and you own your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must obtain a proxy from that party in its capacity as owner of record for your shares and bring the proxy to the 2017 annual meeting.

Your properly completed proxy card will appoint William C. Stone, Patrick J. Pedonti and Paul G. Igoe as proxy holders, or your representatives, to vote your shares in the manner directed therein by you. Mr. Stone is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pedonti is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Igoe is our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Your proxy permits you to direct the proxy holders to:

All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly completed proxies received prior to the 2017 annual meeting and not revoked will be voted at the 2017 annual meeting in accordance with your instructions. If you do not indicate how your shares are to be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your properly completed proxy will be voted “FOR” the election of the three nominees for director, “FOR” the non-binding resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers,  “FOR” the conduct of an advisory vote on the “say-on-pay” vote every three years (Choice 3), and “FOR” the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017, and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in the manner they believe to be in the Company’s best interests as to other matters that may properly come before the 2017 annual meeting.

Revocation of Proxies

You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by (1) delivering to us a signed proxy card with a date later than the date of your previously delivered proxy, (2) voting in person at the 2017 annual meeting, or (3) sending a written revocation to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices. Shares represented by valid proxies that are received prior to the 2017 annual meeting and not revoked at or prior to the 2017 annual meeting will be voted at the 2017 annual meeting.

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Stockholders Entitled to Vote

Our Board has fixed March 20, 2017 as the record date for the 2017 annual meeting. You are entitled to vote (in person or by proxy) at the 2017 annual meeting if you were a stockholder of record on the record date. On the record date, we had 203,913,310 shares of common stock outstanding (each of which entitles its holder to one vote). Holders of shares of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights.

Quorum

For all proposals on the agenda for the 2017 annual meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote must be present at the 2017 annual meeting in person or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum. Shares represented by all proxies received, including proxies that withhold authority for the election of a director and/or abstain from voting on a proposal, as well as broker non-votes (as described below), will be counted toward establishing a quorum.

Votes Required

For Proposal 1, each of the directors will be elected by a plurality vote of the shares of common stock present at the 2017 annual meeting in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote. Shares for which the vote is properly withheld and broker non-votes will not be counted toward the nominee’s achievement of a plurality and will have no effect on the election of the directors.

For Proposal 2, approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, Proposal 3, the frequency of the conduct of the “say-on-pay” vote, and Proposal 4, ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast will be required for approval. Shares that abstain and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes in favor of any proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of any proposal.

If you hold shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, that party may under certain circumstances vote your shares if you do not timely provide them with voting instructions. Banks, brokers or other nominees have discretionary authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares on routine matters. Your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares on any matter that is not considered a routine matter. Proposal 4, ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017, is considered a routine matter. Proposal 1, the election of three Class I directors, Proposal 2, approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, and Proposal 3, the frequency of the conduct of the “say-on-pay” vote, are not considered routine matters. Shares for which a bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote on a particular matter because that party does not have discretionary voting authority to do so are considered “broker non-votes” on these matters.

 

Solicitation of Proxies

We will bear the expenses of preparing, printing and assembling the materials used in the solicitation of proxies. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mail or the Internet, we may also use the services of some of our officers and employees (who will receive no compensation for such services in addition to their regular salaries) to solicit proxies personally and by telephone and email. Banks, brokers or other nominees will be requested to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of shares of record held by them, and we will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no matter not specifically referred to above as to which any action is expected to be taken at the 2017 annual meeting and the advance notice period applicable to the 2017 annual meeting as prescribed by our By-laws has expired. If any other business should properly come before the 2017 annual meeting, the proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders. Each of the persons appointed by the enclosed form of proxy present and acting at the meeting, in person or by substitute, may exercise all of the powers and authority of the proxies in accordance with their judgment.

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

For 2018 Annual Meeting

Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must be received by us no later than December 4, 2017 in order to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting. Proposals should be sent to SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

In addition, our By-laws require that we be given advance notice of stockholder nominations for election to our Board and of other business that stockholders wish to present for action at an annual meeting of stockholders (other than matters included in our proxy statement in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act). The required notice must contain the information required

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by our By-laws and be delivered by the stockholder and received by the Secretary at our principal executive offices (i) no earlier than 120 days before and no later than 90 days before the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting; or (ii) if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 20 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the first anniversary date, (a) no earlier than 120 days before the annual meeting and (b) no later than 90 days before the annual meeting or 10 days after the day that notice of the annual meeting was mailed or publicly disclosed, whichever occurs first. Assuming the date of our 2017 annual meeting is not so advanced or delayed, stockholders who wish to make a proposal at the 2018 annual meeting (other than one to be included in our proxy statement in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act) should notify us no earlier than January 17, 2018 and no later than February 16, 2018.

Householding of Proxies

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for annual reports and proxy statements with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single annual report and/or proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. We and some brokers household annual reports and proxy materials, delivering a single annual report and/or proxy statement to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders.

Once you have received notice from your broker or us that they or we will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent.

If, at any time, (1) you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate annual report and/or proxy statement in the future or (2) you and another stockholder sharing the same address wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive a single copy of our annual report and/or proxy statement, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or us if you hold registered shares. You can notify us by sending a written request to Investor Relations, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut 06095, or call 860-298-4500.

 

 

 

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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF SS&C TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS, INC. May 17, 2017 GO GREEN e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via to enjoy online access. NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL: The proxy statement and proxy card are available at Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. The board of directors recommends a vote for the nominees listed in proposal 1 to serve for a term ending in 2020, for proposals 2 and 4 and for 3 years on the advisory vote in proposal 3. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK AS SHOWN HERE. 1. The election of the nominees listed below as class 1 directors. NOMINEES: FOR ALL NOMINEES WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR ALL EXCEPT VOTE WITHHELD FROM THE FOLLOWING NOMINEE: Normand A Boulanger David A. Varsano Michael J. Zamkow 2. The approval of the compensation of the named executive officers. The recommendation of the frequency of a stockholder vote to approve teh compensation of the named executive officers. the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as SS&C's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company before the execution of this proxy of the notice of annual meeting of stockholders, a proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders and the 2016 annual report to stockholders. to change the address of your account, please check the box at the right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. Signature of stockholder Date: signature of stockholder Date: Note: please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. WHen shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. if the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

 

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SS&C TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS, INC. 80 Lamberton Rd. Windsor, CT 06095 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints William C. Stone, Patrick J. Pedonti and Paul G. Igoe as proxy holders, each with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side,

all the shares of Common Stock of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 20, 2017, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Company's offices located at 80 Lamberton Road, Windsor, CT 06095 at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. If you sign and return this proxy card but do not give any direction, this proxy will be voted FOR the nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR Proposals 2 and 4, FOR 3 YEARS on Proposal 3, and at the discretion of the proxies upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.(Continued and to be singed on the reverse side) 14475