Maine Proposal to Amend Certificate of Incorporation to Authorize a Preferred Stock The state of Maine offers a proposal to amend the certificate of incorporation to allow for the authorization of preferred stock within a company's capital structure. This proposal provides companies with the opportunity to issue preferred shares that offer various benefits and rights to their holders. Preferred stock is a type of equity security that provides its shareholders with certain preferences and advantages over common stockholders. By amending the certificate of incorporation, companies registered in Maine can include provisions that allow for the creation and issuance of preferred stock to investors. The Maine Proposal to amend the certificate of incorporation to authorize a preferred stock encompasses several types of preferred stock that a company can consider: 1. Cumulative Preferred Stock: This type of preferred stock entitles the shareholder to receive any unpaid dividends before common stockholders. If the company fails to pay dividends in a particular year, they accumulate and must be paid to the preferred stockholders, along with the current year's dividend, before any dividends can be paid to common stockholders. 2. Convertible Preferred Stock: Companies can choose to authorize convertible preferred stock, which provides the option for shareholders to exchange their preferred shares for a certain number of common shares. This conversion option allows investors to benefit from future potential upside if the company performs well, while still enjoying the preferential rights associated with preferred stock. 3. Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock: Unlike cumulative preferred stock, non-cumulative preferred stock does not accumulate unpaid dividends. If the company cannot pay dividends in a certain year, the preferred stockholders do not have the right to claim those missed dividends in subsequent years. 4. Participating Preferred Stock: Companies can authorize participating preferred stock, which grants shareholders the right to receive additional dividends, in addition to their fixed dividend rate, if the company's common stockholders also receive dividends beyond a specified threshold. 5. Redeemable Preferred Stock: This type of preferred stock allows the company to repurchase the shares at a predetermined price after a specified period or under certain circumstances. It provides companies with flexibility in managing their capital structure. By amending the certificate of incorporation to authorize preferred stock, companies in Maine can attract different types of investors with varying risk appetites and dividend preferences. These options enhance a company's ability to raise capital and diversify its financing sources. It's essential for companies considering the issuance of preferred stock to consult legal and financial professionals to ensure compliance with Maine corporate laws and regulations. Each company's unique circumstances and goals will determine the most suitable type of preferred stock to authorize and offer to investors.