A proposed amendment to Article 4 of the Certificate of Incorporation in the state of New Jersey aims to authorize the issuance of preferred stock. This proposed amendment is pivotal for companies wishing to provide investors with a new type of stock, granting them certain rights and benefits beyond those of common stockholders. By incorporating preferred stock into their capital structure, companies can attract different types of investors and raise funds in a more flexible manner. The main advantage of preferred stock is that it offers priority in terms of dividend payments and asset distribution over common stockholders in the event of liquidation. Preferred stockholders usually receive fixed dividends which must be paid before any dividends can be distributed to common stockholders. Moreover, preferred stock often carries a predetermined liquidation preference, entitling holders to be repaid their initial investment amount before common stockholders receive any proceeds. This amendment proposal provides companies in New Jersey with the opportunity to tap into an additional means of capital raising. With the flexibility to issue preferred stock, companies can attract investors who prioritize stable and consistent income over the potential for substantial capital appreciation. Preferred stock is often seen as a hybrid between debt and equity, combining characteristics of both. However, companies must consider the impact of issuing preferred stock on their existing common stockholders, as it dilutes their ownership and may affect voting rights. There are various types of preferred stock that can be authorized through the proposed amendment, including: 1. Cumulative Preferred Stock: This type of preferred stock ensures that if any dividends are not paid in a given year, they accumulate and must be paid out in future years before any dividends can be distributed to common stockholders. 2. Convertible Preferred Stock: This type of preferred stock provides holders with the option to convert their shares into common stock at a predetermined conversion ratio. This feature enables potential capital appreciation if the company performs well. 3. Participating Preferred Stock: With participating preferred stock, holders receive their fixed dividends and liquidation preference as usual. However, in the case of a company's extraordinary profits, participating preferred stockholders have the opportunity to join common stockholders in sharing a portion of those additional profits. To better understand the amendments being proposed, a copy of the amendment to Article 4 of the Certificate of Incorporation should be obtained. This document provides a detailed outline of the changes being proposed and the exact language that will be added to the existing certificate of incorporation. By proposing this amendment, New Jersey aims to provide companies with the necessary tools to enhance their capital structure and attract a wider range of investors. This serves to promote business growth, investment opportunities, and strengthen the economy within the state.