Wyoming Clauses Relating to Dividends, Distributions In the state of Wyoming, there are several clauses relating to dividends and distributions that are essential for businesses and investors to understand. These clauses provide legal guidelines and protections for shareholders and companies regarding the payment of dividends and distributions. Here, we will discuss the two main types of Wyoming Clauses Relating to Dividends, Distributions: Restriction and Preference Clauses. 1. Restriction Clauses: Restriction clauses in Wyoming govern the distribution of dividends and profits among shareholders. These clauses outline certain restrictions and requirements that need to be met before a company can distribute its profits to its shareholders. Wyoming Law allows companies to include these clauses in their Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Commonly, restriction clauses may include provisions such as: a) Accumulation of earnings: Some companies may include a clause requiring the accumulation of earnings before any dividends can be paid out. These clauses are designed to ensure the financial stability and growth of the company. b) Profit thresholds: Restriction clauses may set specific profit thresholds that need to be achieved before any dividends can be distributed. These thresholds act as safeguards and ensure that the company is in a strong financial position before sharing its profits with the shareholders. c) Time periods: Wyoming restriction clauses may also include time-specific provisions, such as a requirement for a certain number of years of operation before dividends can be paid out. This provision helps new companies to establish stability before allocating profits to shareholders. 2. Preference Clauses: Preference clauses in Wyoming govern the priority of dividends and distributions to different classes of shareholders. These clauses determine the order in which shareholders receive their dividends and distributions. Preference clauses may be relevant when companies have multiple classes of shares, such as common and preferred stocks. Key provisions commonly found in preference clauses are: a) Liquidation preference: This clause outlines the preferred order in which shareholders will receive dividends or distributions during the liquidation or dissolution of a company. Preferred shareholders are usually prioritized over common shareholders in receiving distributions of assets. b) Dividend preference: Preference clauses may also determine the priority of dividend payments among different classes of shareholders. Preferred shareholders may have a higher claim to dividends compared to common shareholders. By incorporating restriction and preference clauses in their corporate documents, Wyoming companies establish a clear framework for dividend and distribution policies, providing transparency and stability to their shareholders. It is essential for businesses and investors alike to be familiar with these clauses as they enable an understanding of the rights and obligations surrounding dividends and distributions in the state of Wyoming.