Virginia Proposal to Amend Certificate of Incorporation to Authorize a Preferred Stock In Virginia, a proposal to amend a certificate of incorporation is being considered to authorize the issuance of preferred stock. This proposal aims to provide flexibility and additional options for a corporation's capital structure. By allowing for the creation and issuance of preferred stock, companies can attract potential investors and expand their financing avenues, ultimately benefiting shareholders and enhancing the overall stability and growth potential of the corporation. Preferred stock is a type of equity security that possesses characteristics both of common stock and debt instruments. It often grants shareholders certain rights and privileges that differ from those of common stockholders. These benefits may include preferential dividend payments, priority in receiving assets during liquidation, and potentially voting rights. By having preferred stock as a financial instrument, corporations can tailor their capital structure to suit different needs and attract diverse investors. There are different types of preferred stock that a Virginia corporation can consider adopting through this proposal: 1. Cumulative preferred stock: This type of stock ensures that any unpaid dividends are accumulated and must be paid before any dividends are issued to common stockholders. This provides a safety net for preferred shareholders, as any missed dividends need to be paid in the future before dividends are distributed to other shareholders. 2. Non-cumulative preferred stock: Unlike cumulative preferred stock, non-cumulative preferred stock does not accumulate unpaid dividends. If a dividend is skipped or not declared for a particular period, the shareholders are not entitled to receive any unpaid dividends in the future. This type of preferred stock might be more appealing to corporations as it grants greater flexibility in managing cash flow. 3. Convertible preferred stock: This type of preferred stock allows investors to convert their shares into a predetermined number of common shares at a specified conversion price. By providing the option to convert, corporations can attract investors who anticipate the company's future growth and wish to benefit from potential appreciation in the common stock value. 4. Participating preferred stock: With participating preferred stock, shareholders receive their preferred dividend payment but also have the opportunity to participate in any additional dividends paid to common shareholders. This offers the potential for increased returns for preferred shareholders, as they can benefit from the company's success beyond the fixed dividends. 5. Redeemable preferred stock: Redeemable preferred stock can be repurchased by the corporation at a specified price and within a certain time frame. This feature provides corporations with the ability to regain ownership of the stock, offering flexibility and potentially reducing future financial obligations. By proposing to amend the certificate of incorporation to allow for the authorization of preferred stock, Virginia corporations aim to diversify their financing options and attract various investors. This flexibility in capital structure can strengthen the financial position of the corporation and provide added benefits to preferred shareholders. Virginia recognizes the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and offering corporations the tools they need to thrive in their respective industries.