DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
This description of the general terms and provisions of our securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended(the “Exchange Act”). This description of the terms of our stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of Maryland General Corporation Law, (the” MGCL”), our charter and our bylaws. Throughout this exhibit, references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to AG Mortgage Investment Trust.
AUTHORIZED STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of:
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450,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share; and
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50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 1,816,518 of which are shares of 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), 4,164,728 of which are shares of 8.000% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and 3,883,178 of which are shares of 8.00% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”).
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Each of the Company’s securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act are listed on The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “MITT,” our Series A Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “MITT PrA,” our Series B Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “MITT PrB,” and our Series C Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “MITT PrC.”
The transfer agent and registrar for shares of our stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC., which also serves as the dividend and redemption price disbursing agent for our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock.
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series that we have authority to issue without stockholder approval. Our board of directors may classify any unissued shares of preferred stock, and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or any previously classified but unissued shares of preferred stock, into other classes or series of stock, including one or more classes or series of stock that have priority over our common stock with respect to voting rights, distributions or upon liquidation, and authorize us to issue the newly classified shares. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of directors is required by the MGCL and our charter to set, subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each such class or series. These actions can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.
Under Maryland law, stockholders are not personally liable for the obligations of a corporation solely as a result of their status as stockholders.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
Voting Rights of Common Stock
Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on the transfer and ownership of shares of common stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of shares of our stock, the holders of our common stock possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, or engage in a statutory share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter. Except in connection with certain charter amendments, our charter provides for approval by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter for the matters described in the preceding sentence.
Dividends, Liquidation and Other Rights
All of our outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of our shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. They also are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities. These rights are subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of our stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer and ownership of our stock.
Holders of our shares of common stock have no appraisal, preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities, except as may be provided by our board of directors in setting the terms and rights of any class or series of shares of our stock. Subject to the restrictions on transfer of capital stock contained in our charter and to the ability of the board of directors to create shares of common stock with differing voting rights, all shares of common stock have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
PREFERRED STOCK
General
Pursuant to our charter, our board of directors is empowered, without any approval of our stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series, to establish the number of shares in each class or series, and to set the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of each such class or series.
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
As of December 31, 2020, 1,816,518 shares of preferred stock were classified and designated as Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to our charter.
Maturity
The Series A Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem
or otherwise repurchase them or they become convertible and are converted as described below under “-Conversion Rights.” We are not required to set aside funds to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock.
Ranking
The Series A Preferred Stock will rank, with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:
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(1)
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senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all other equity securities issued by us other than equity securities referred to in clauses (2) and (3) below;
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(2)
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on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock, the Series C Preferred Stock and all other equity securities issued by us with terms specifically providing that those equity securities rank on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
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(3)
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junior to all equity securities issued by us with terms specifically providing that those equity securities rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (see “-Voting Rights” below); and
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(4)
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effectively junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness (including indebtedness convertible to our common stock or preferred stock), and to the indebtedness of our existing subsidiaries and any future subsidiaries.
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Dividends
Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.25% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $2.0625 per annum per share). Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall accrue daily and be cumulative from, and including, the date of original issue and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the 17th day of each March, June, September and December (each, a “dividend payment date”); provided that if any dividend payment date is not a business day, as defined in the articles supplementary, then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on that dividend payment date may be paid on the next succeeding business day and no interest, additional dividends or other sums will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after that dividend payment date to that next succeeding business day.
Any dividend payable on the Series A Preferred Stock, including dividends payable for any partial dividend period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in our stock records for the Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the last business day of the preceding calendar month, in which the applicable dividend payment date falls (each, a “dividend record date”).
No dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be authorized by our board of directors or paid or set apart for payment by us at any time when the terms and provisions of any agreement of ours, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibit the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof or provide that the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof would constitute a breach of the agreement or a default under the agreement, or if the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law. You should review the information in our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-Our
ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law” for information as to, among other things, other circumstances under which we may be unable to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accrue whether or not we have earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of those dividends and whether or not those dividends are declared. No interest, or sum in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series A Preferred Stock which may be in arrears, and holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. Any dividend payment made on the Series A Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividend due with respect to those shares.
Future distributions on our common stock and preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash flow from operations, financial condition and capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code), any debt service requirements and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make cash distributions on our preferred stock or what the actual distributions will be for any future period.
Except as set forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, (i) no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or in shares of any classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared and paid or set apart for payment upon shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock; (ii) no other distribution shall be declared and made upon shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock; and (iii) no shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, shall be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for our other capital stock that we may issue ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation and except for transfers made pursuant to the provisions of our charter relating to restrictions on ownership and transfers of our capital stock).
When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series A Preferred Stock and the shares of any other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series A Preferred Stock, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred Stock and any other classes or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity that we may issue as to dividends with the Series A Preferred Stock, including the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Series A Preferred Stock and such other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the Series A Preferred Stock and such other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue (which shall not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series A Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid out of the assets we have legally available for distribution to our
stockholders, subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class or series of our stock we may issue ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of payment, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our stock we may issue that ranks junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights.
In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our capital stock that we may issue ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to written notice of any such liquidation no fewer than 30 days and no more than 60 days prior to the payment date. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. The consolidation or merger of us with or into any other corporation, trust or entity or of any other entity with or into us, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us (although such events may give rise to the special optional redemption and contingent conversion rights described below).
In determining whether a distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares of our stock or otherwise, is permitted under the MGCL, amounts that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will not be added to our total liabilities.
Redemption
Optional Redemption. We may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. If we elect to redeem any shares of Series A Preferred Stock as described in this paragraph, we may use any available cash to pay the redemption price, and we will not be required to pay the redemption price only out of the proceeds from the issuance of other equity securities or any other specific source.
Special Optional Redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), we may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock (whether pursuant to our optional redemption right described above under “-Optional Redemption” or this special optional redemption right), the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will not have the Change of Control Conversion Right (as defined below) described below under “-Conversion Rights” with respect to the shares called for redemption.
A “Change of Control” is deemed to occur when, after the original issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
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the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of our stock entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and
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following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither we nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or Nasdaq, or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or Nasdaq.
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Redemption Procedures. In the event we elect to redeem Series A Preferred Stock, the notice of redemption will be mailed to each holder of record of Series A Preferred Stock called for redemption at such holder’s address as it appears on our stock transfer records and will state the following:
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the redemption date;
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the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed;
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the redemption price;
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the place or places where certificates (if any) for the Series A Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;
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that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on the redemption date;
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whether such redemption is being made pursuant to the provisions described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption”;
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if applicable, that such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control and, in that case, a brief description of the transaction or transactions constituting such Change of Control; and
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if such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control, that the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock being so called for redemption will not be able to tender such shares of Series A Preferred Stock for conversion in connection with the Change of Control and that each share of Series A Preferred Stock tendered for conversion that is called, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), for redemption will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
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If less than all of the Series A Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder to be redeemed. No failure to give such notice or any defect thereto or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender the Series A Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice of redemption and shall be entitled to the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid dividends payable upon the redemption following the surrender. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been given and if we have irrevocably set apart the funds necessary for redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date (unless default shall be made by us in providing for the payment of the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any), dividends will cease to accrue on those shares of Series A Preferred Stock, those shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of those shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption. If any redemption date is not a business day, then the redemption price and accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption may be paid on the next business day and no interest, additional dividends or other sums will accrue on the amount payable for the period from and after that redemption date to that next business day. If less than all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares) or by any other equitable method we determine but that will not result in the automatic transfer of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock to a trust as described above under “Description of Common Stock-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
Immediately prior to any redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, we shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends through and including the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on such dividend record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such dividend payment date. Except as provided above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed.
Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been or contemporaneously is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed and we shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series A Preferred Stock (except by exchanging it for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition by us of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to preserve our REIT status for federal income tax purposes or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to applicable law, we may purchase shares of Series A Preferred Stock in the open market, by tender or by private agreement. Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock that we acquire will become authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, without designation as to class or series, and may thereafter be reissued as any class or series of preferred stock.
Conversion Rights
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder as described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” in which case such holder will have the right only with respect to shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are not called for redemption) to convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder, or the Change of Control Conversion Right, on the Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series A Preferred Stock, or the Common Stock Conversion Consideration, equal to the lesser of:
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the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock plus the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date for the Series A Preferred Stock, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price, as defined below (such quotient, the Conversion Rate); and
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2.2810, or the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments as described below.
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Anything in the articles supplementary to the contrary notwithstanding and except as otherwise required by law, the persons who are the holders of record of shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to receive the dividend payable on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion of those shares after such dividend record date and on or prior to such dividend payment date and, in such case, the full amount of such dividend shall be paid on such dividend payment date to the persons who were the holders of record at the close of business on such dividend record date. Except as provided above, we will make no allowance for unpaid dividends that are not in arrears on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted.
The Share Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any share splits (including those effected pursuant to a distribution of our common stock to existing holders of our common stock), subdivisions or combinations (in each case, a Share Split) with respect to our common stock as follows: the adjusted Share Cap as the result of a Share Split will be the number of shares of our common stock that is equivalent to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Share Cap in effect immediately prior to such Share Split by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such Share Split and the denominator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to such Share Split.
For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration (as defined below), as applicable) issuable or deliverable, as applicable, in connection with the exercise of the Change of Control Conversion Right will not exceed 4,105,800 shares of our common stock (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration, as applicable), subject to proportionate increase to the extent the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock is exercised, not to exceed 4,721,670 shares of our common stock in total (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration, as applicable), or the Exchange Cap. The Exchange Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any Share Splits on the same basis as the corresponding adjustment to the Share Cap and will also be increased on a pro rata basis with respect to any additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock designated and authorized for issuance pursuant to any subsequent articles supplementary.
In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which our common stock is or will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof), or the Alternative Form Consideration, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock will receive upon conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock the kind and amount of Alternative Form Consideration which such holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such holder held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the Common Stock Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control, or the Alternative Conversion Consideration; the Common Stock Conversion Consideration or the Alternative Conversion Consideration, whichever shall be applicable to a Change of Control, is referred to as the Conversion Consideration).
If the holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the Change of Control, the Conversion Consideration in respect of such Change of Control will be deemed to be the kind and amount of consideration actually received by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our
common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between two types of consideration) or holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares of our common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between more than two types of consideration), as the case may be, and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of our common stock are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in such Change of Control.
We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock in connection with a Change of Control. Instead, we will make a cash payment equal to the value of such fractional shares based upon the Common Stock Price used in determining the Common Stock Conversion Consideration for such Change of Control.
Within 15 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless we have, prior to the expiration of such 15-day period, provided notice of our election to redeem all shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the redemption provisions described above, we will provide to holders of Series A Preferred Stock a notice of occurrence of the Change of Control that describes the resulting Change of Control Conversion Right. This notice will state the following:
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the events constituting the Change of Control;
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the date of the Change of Control;
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the last date on which the holders of Series A Preferred Stock may exercise their Change of Control Conversion Right;
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the method and period for calculating the Common Stock Price;
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the Change of Control Conversion Date;
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that if, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem all or any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, holders will not be able to convert the shares of Series A Preferred Stock called for redemption and such shares will be redeemed on the related redemption date, even if such shares have already been tendered for conversion pursuant to the Change of Control Conversion Right;
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if applicable, the type and amount of Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per share of Series A Preferred Stock;
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the name and address of the paying agent, transfer agent and conversion agent for the Series A Preferred Stock;
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the procedures that the holders of Series A Preferred Stock must follow to exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right (including procedures for surrendering shares for conversion through the facilities of a Depositary (as defined below)), including the form of conversion notice to be delivered by such holders as described below; and
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the last date on which holders of Series A Preferred Stock may withdraw shares surrendered for conversion and the procedures that such holders must follow to effect such a withdrawal.
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Under such circumstances, we will also issue a press release containing such notice for publication on Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Business Wire, PR Newswire or Bloomberg Business News (or, if these organizations are not in existence at the time of issuance of the press release, such other news or press organization as is reasonably calculated to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public), and post a notice on our website, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first business day following any date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.
To exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be required to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the certificates (if any) representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, duly endorsed for transfer (or, in the case of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock held in book-entry form through a Depositary, to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted through the facilities of such Depositary), together with a written conversion notice in the form provided by us, duly completed, to our transfer agent. The conversion notice must state:
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the relevant Change of Control Conversion Date;
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the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted; and
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that the Series A Preferred Stock is to be converted pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock.
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The “Change of Control Conversion Date” is the date the Series A Preferred Stock is to be converted, which will be a business day selected by us that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days after the date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.
The “Common Stock Price” is (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of our common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of our common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of our common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices per share) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for our common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink OTC Markets Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred, if our common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock may withdraw any notice of exercise of a Change of Control Conversion Right (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to our transfer agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date. The notice of withdrawal delivered by any holder must state:
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the number of withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred Stock;
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if certificated Series A Preferred Stock has been surrendered for conversion, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred Stock; and
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the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, which remain subject to the holder’s conversion notice.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, or a similar depositary (each, a “Depositary”), the conversion notice and/or the notice of withdrawal, as applicable, must comply with applicable procedures, if any, of the applicable Depositary.
Series A Preferred Stock as to which the Change of Control Conversion Right has been properly exercised and for which the conversion notice has not been properly withdrawn will be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration in accordance with the Change of Control Conversion Right on the Change of Control Conversion Date, unless prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, as described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” in which case only the shares of Series A Preferred Stock properly surrendered for conversion and not properly withdrawn that are not called for redemption will be converted as aforesaid. If we elect to redeem shares of Series A Preferred Stock that would otherwise be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration on a Change of Control Conversion Date, such shares of Series A Preferred Stock will not be so converted and the holders of such shares will be entitled to receive on the applicable redemption date the redemption price described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” as applicable.
We will deliver all securities, cash and any other property owing upon conversion no later than the third business day following the Change of Control Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the persons entitled to receive any shares of our common stock or other securities delivered on conversion will be deemed to have become the holders of record thereof as of the Change of Control Conversion Date.
In connection with the exercise of any Change of Control Conversion Right, we will comply with all federal and state securities laws and stock exchange rules in connection with any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock or other property. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Series A Preferred Stock, no holder of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to convert such Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (or any other person) to exceed the applicable share ownership limitations contained in our charter, including the articles supplementary, unless we provide an exemption from this limitation to such holder. See “-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” below.
The Change of Control conversion feature may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us. See our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-You may not be able to exercise conversion rights upon a Change of Control. If exercisable, the Change of Control Conversion Right may not adequately compensate you. The Change of Control Conversion Rights may also make it more difficult for a party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us.”
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below.
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be automatically increased by two (if not already increased by two by reason of the election of directors by the holders of any other class or series of our preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and with which the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to vote as a class with respect to the election of those two directors, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) and the holders of Series A Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class with all other classes or series of preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series A Preferred Stock in the election of those two directors, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) will be entitled to vote for the election of those two additional directors at a special meeting called by us at the request of the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock or by the holders of any other class or series of preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series A Preferred Stock in the election of those two directors (unless the request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders, in which case, such vote will be held at the earlier of the next annual or special meeting of stockholders), and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on the Series A Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment. In that case, the right of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock to elect any directors will cease and, unless there are other classes or series of our preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, any directors elected by holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall immediately resign and the number of directors constituting the board of directors shall be reduced accordingly. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the total number of directors elected by holders of the Series A Preferred Class (voting separately as a class with all other classes or series of preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series A Preferred Stock in the election of such directors, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) pursuant to these voting rights exceed two.
If a special meeting is not called by us within 30 days after request from the holders of Series A Preferred Stock as described above, then the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock may designate a holder to call the meeting at our expense.
On each matter on which holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote, except that when shares of any other class or series of our preferred stock have the right to vote with the Series A Preferred Stock as a single class on any matter, the Series A Preferred Stock and the shares of each such other class or series will have one vote for each $25.00 of liquidation preference (excluding accumulated dividends).
So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time and all other classes or series of Series A Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, including our currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting, voting together as a class, (a) authorize or create, or increase the number of authorized or issued shares of, any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify any of our authorized capital stock into shares of such class or series, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares; or (b) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock, each, an Event; provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any Event set forth in (b) above, so long as the Series A
Preferred Stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that, upon an occurrence of an Event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock and, provided further, that any increase in the number of authorized shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, or the creation or issuance of any additional Series A Preferred Stock or other class or series of preferred stock that we have issued and may in the future issue, or any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series A Preferred Stock that we may issue with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders of any series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock that we may issue shall not be entitled to vote together as a class with the holders of Series A Preferred Stock on any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our charter unless such action affects the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and such other series of Preferred Stock equally, in which event approval of any such amendment, alteration or repeal will require the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting separately as a series.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
Except as expressly stated in the articles supplementary, the Series A Preferred Stock will not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights or powers and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action.
Information Rights
During any period in which we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will use our best efforts to (i) post to our website or transmit by mail (or other permissible means under the Exchange Act) to all holders of Series A Preferred Stock, as their names and addresses appear on our record books and without cost to such holders, copies of the annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject thereto (other than any exhibits that would have been required) and (ii) promptly, upon request, supply copies of such reports to any holders or prospective holder of Series A Preferred Stock. We will use our best effort to post to our website or mail (or otherwise provide) the information to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock within 15 days after the respective dates by which a report on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, as the case may be, in respect of such information would have been required to be filed with the SEC, if we were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in each case, based on the dates on which we would be required to file such periodic reports if we were a “non-accelerated filer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act.
Preemptive Rights
No holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or any other of our securities issuable upon a permitted conversion of any Series A Preferred Stock will, as holders of Series A Preferred Stock or any other of our securities issuable upon a permitted conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, have any preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for our common stock or any other security.
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
As of December 31, 2020, 4,164,728 shares of preferred stock were classified and designated as Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to our charter.
Maturity
The Series B Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Shares of the Series B Preferred Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or otherwise repurchase them or they become convertible and are converted as described below under “-Conversion Rights.” We are not required to set aside funds to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock.
Ranking
The Series B Preferred Stock will rank, with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:
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(1)
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senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all other equity securities issued by us other than equity securities referred to in clauses (2) and (3) below;
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(2)
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on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and all other equity securities issued by us with terms specifically providing that those equity securities rank on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
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junior to all equity securities issued by us with terms specifically providing that those equity securities rank senior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (see “-Voting Rights” below); and
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effectively junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness (including indebtedness convertible to our common stock or preferred stock), and to the indebtedness of our existing subsidiaries and any future subsidiaries.
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Dividends
Holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.00% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock shall accrue daily and be cumulative from, and including, the date of original issue and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the 17th day of each March, June, September and December (each, a “dividend payment date”); provided that if any dividend payment date is not a business day, as defined in the articles supplementary, then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on that dividend payment date may be paid on the next succeeding business day and no interest, additional dividends or other sums will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after that dividend payment date to that next succeeding business day.
Any dividend payable on the Series B Preferred Stock, including dividends payable for any partial dividend period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in our stock records for the Series B Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the last business day of the preceding calendar month, in which the applicable dividend payment date falls (each, a “dividend record date”).
No dividends on shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be authorized by our board of directors or paid or set apart for payment by us at any time when the terms and provisions of any agreement of ours, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibit the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof or provide that
the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof would constitute a breach of the agreement or a default under the agreement, or if the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law. You should review the information in our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-Our ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law” for information as to, among other things, other circumstances under which we may be unable to pay dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will accrue whether or not we have earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of those dividends and whether or not those dividends are declared. No interest, or sum in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series B Preferred Stock which may be in arrears, and holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. Any dividend payment made on the Series B Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividend due with respect to those shares.
Future distributions on our common stock and preferred stock, including the Series B Preferred Stock, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash flow from operations, financial condition and capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, any debt service requirements and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make cash distributions on our preferred stock or what the actual distributions will be for any future period.
Except as set forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, (i) no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or in shares of any classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared and paid or set apart for payment upon shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock; (ii) no other distribution shall be declared and made upon shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock; and (iii) no shares of our common stock or preferred stock that we may issue ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, shall be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for our other capital stock that we may issue ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation and except for transfers made pursuant to the provisions of our charter relating to restrictions on ownership and transfers of our capital stock).
When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series B Preferred Stock and the shares of any other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series B Preferred Stock, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Series B Preferred Stock and any other classes or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity that we may issue as to dividends with the Series B Preferred Stock, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Series B Preferred Stock and such other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the Series B Preferred Stock and such other classes or series of preferred stock that we may issue (which shall not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series B Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid out of the assets we have legally available for distribution to our stockholders, subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class or series of our stock we may issue ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of payment, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our stock we may issue that ranks junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights.
In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our capital stock that we may issue ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, then the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
Holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to written notice of any such liquidation no fewer than 30 days and no more than 60 days prior to the payment date. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. The consolidation or merger of us with or into any other corporation, trust or entity or of any other entity with or into us, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us (although such events may give rise to the special optional redemption and contingent conversion rights described below).
In determining whether a distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares of our stock or otherwise, is permitted under the MGCL, amounts that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock will not be added to our total liabilities.
Redemption
Optional Redemption. We may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole, at any time, or in part, from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. If we elect to redeem any shares of Series B Preferred Stock as described in this paragraph, we may use any available cash to pay the redemption price, and we will not be required to pay the redemption price only out of the proceeds from the issuance of other equity securities or any other specific source.
Special Optional Redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), we may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock (whether pursuant to our optional redemption right described above under “-Optional Redemption” or this special optional redemption right), the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will not have the Change of Control Conversion Right (as defined below) described below under “-Conversion Rights” with respect to the shares called for redemption.
A “Change of Control” is deemed to occur when, after the original issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
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the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of our stock entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and
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following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither we nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or Nasdaq, or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or Nasdaq.
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Redemption Procedures. In the event we elect to redeem Series B Preferred Stock, the notice of redemption will be mailed to each holder of record of Series B Preferred Stock called for redemption at such holder’s address as it appears on our stock transfer records and will state the following:
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the redemption date;
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the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed;
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the redemption price;
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the place or places where certificates (if any) for the Series B Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;
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that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on the redemption date;
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whether such redemption is being made pursuant to the provisions described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption”;
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if applicable, that such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control and, in that case, a brief description of the transaction or transactions constituting such Change of Control; and
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if such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control, that the holders of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock being so called for redemption will not be able to tender such shares of Series B Preferred Stock for conversion in connection with the Change of Control and that each share of Series B Preferred Stock tendered for conversion that is called, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), for redemption will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
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If less than all of the Series B Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder to be redeemed. No failure to give such notice or any defect thereto or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.
Holders of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender the Series B Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice of redemption and shall be entitled to the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid dividends payable upon the redemption following the surrender. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock has been given and if we have irrevocably set apart the funds necessary for redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date (unless default shall be made by us in providing for the payment of the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any), dividends will cease to accrue on those shares of Series B Preferred Stock, those shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of those shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption. If any redemption date is not a business day, then the redemption price and accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption may be paid on the next business day and no interest, additional dividends or other sums will accrue on the amount payable for the period from and after that redemption date to that next business day. If less than all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares) or by any other equitable method we determine but that will not result in the automatic transfer of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock to a trust as described above under “Description of Common Stock-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
Immediately prior to any redemption of Series B Preferred Stock, we shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends through and including the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case each holder of Series B Preferred Stock at the close of business on such dividend record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such dividend payment date. Except as provided above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on shares of the Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed.
Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been or contemporaneously is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed and we shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series B Preferred Stock (except by exchanging it for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition by us of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to preserve our REIT status for federal income tax purposes or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to applicable law, we may purchase shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the open market, by tender or by private agreement. Any shares of Series B Preferred Stock that we acquire will become authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, without designation as to class or series, and may thereafter be reissued as any class or series of preferred stock.
Conversion Rights
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder as described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” in which case such holder will have the right only with respect to shares of Series B Preferred Stock that are not called for redemption) to convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder, or the Change of Control Conversion Right, on the Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series B Preferred Stock, or the Common Stock Conversion Consideration, equal to the lesser of:
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the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock plus the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date for the Series B Preferred Stock, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price, as defined below (such quotient, the Conversion Rate); and
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2.1195, or the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments as described below.
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Anything in the articles supplementary to the contrary notwithstanding and except as otherwise required by law, the persons who are the holders of record of shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the close of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to receive the dividend payable on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion of those shares after such dividend record date and on or prior to such dividend payment date and, in such case, the full amount of such dividend shall be paid on such dividend payment date to the persons who were the holders of record at the close of business on such dividend record date. Except as provided above, we will make no allowance for unpaid dividends that are not in arrears on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted.
The Share Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any share splits (including those effected pursuant to a distribution of our common stock to existing holders of our common stock), subdivisions or combinations (in each case, a Share Split) with respect to our common stock as follows: the adjusted Share Cap as the result of a Share Split will be the number of shares of our common stock that is equivalent to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Share Cap in effect immediately prior to such Share Split by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such Share Split and the denominator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to such Share Split.
For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration (as defined below), as applicable) issuable or deliverable, as applicable, in connection with the exercise of the Change of Control Conversion Right will not exceed 8,478,000 shares of our common stock (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration, as applicable), subject to proportionate increase to the extent the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock is exercised, not to exceed 9,749,700 shares of our common stock in total (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration, as applicable), or the Exchange Cap. The Exchange Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any Share Splits on the same basis as the corresponding adjustment to the Share Cap and will also be increased on a pro rata basis with respect to any additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock designated and authorized for issuance pursuant to any subsequent articles supplementary.
In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which our common stock is or will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof), or the Alternative Form Consideration, a holder of Series B Preferred Stock will receive upon conversion of such Series B Preferred Stock the kind and amount of Alternative Form Consideration which such holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such holder held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the Common Stock Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control, or the Alternative Conversion Consideration; the Common Stock Conversion Consideration or the Alternative Conversion Consideration, whichever shall be applicable to a Change of Control, is referred to as the Conversion Consideration).
If the holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the Change of Control, the Conversion Consideration in respect of such Change of Control will be deemed to be the kind and amount of consideration actually received by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between two types of consideration) or holders of
a plurality of the outstanding shares of our common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between more than two types of consideration), as the case may be, and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of our common stock are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in such Change of Control.
We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock in connection with a Change of Control. Instead, we will make a cash payment equal to the value of such fractional shares based upon the Common Stock Price used in determining the Common Stock Conversion Consideration for such Change of Control.
Within 15 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless we have, prior to the expiration of such 15-day period, provided notice of our election to redeem all shares of Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the redemption provisions described above, we will provide to holders of Series B Preferred Stock a notice of occurrence of the Change of Control that describes the resulting Change of Control Conversion Right. This notice will state the following:
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the events constituting the Change of Control;
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the date of the Change of Control;
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the last date on which the holders of Series B Preferred Stock may exercise their Change of Control Conversion Right;
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the method and period for calculating the Common Stock Price;
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the Change of Control Conversion Date;
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that if, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem all or any shares of Series B Preferred Stock, holders will not be able to convert the shares of Series B Preferred Stock called for redemption and such shares will be redeemed on the related redemption date, even if such shares have already been tendered for conversion pursuant to the Change of Control Conversion Right;
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if applicable, the type and amount of Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per share of Series B Preferred Stock;
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the name and address of the paying agent, transfer agent and conversion agent for the Series B Preferred Stock;
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the procedures that the holders of Series B Preferred Stock must follow to exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right (including procedures for surrendering shares for conversion through the facilities of a Depositary (as defined below)), including the form of conversion notice to be delivered by such holders as described below; and
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the last date on which holders of Series B Preferred Stock may withdraw shares surrendered for conversion and the procedures that such holders must follow to effect such a withdrawal.
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Under such circumstances, we will also issue a press release containing such notice for publication on Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Business Wire, PR Newswire or Bloomberg Business News (or, if these organizations are not in existence at the time of issuance of the press release, such other news or press organization as is reasonably calculated to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public), and post a notice on our website, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first business day following any date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock.
To exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be required to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the certificates (if any) representing the shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted, duly endorsed for transfer (or, in the case of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock held in book-entry form through a Depositary, to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted through the facilities of such Depositary), together with a written conversion notice in the form provided by us, duly completed, to our transfer agent. The conversion notice must state:
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the relevant Change of Control Conversion Date;
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the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted; and
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that the Series B Preferred Stock is to be converted pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Series B Preferred Stock.
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The “Change of Control Conversion Date” is the date the Series B Preferred Stock is to be converted, which will be a business day selected by us that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days after the date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock.
The “Common Stock Price” is (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of our common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of our common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of our common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices per share) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for our common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink OTC Markets Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred, if our common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may withdraw any notice of exercise of a Change of Control Conversion Right (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to our transfer agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date. The notice of withdrawal delivered by any holder must state:
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the number of withdrawn shares of Series B Preferred Stock;
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if certificated Series B Preferred Stock has been surrendered for conversion, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn shares of Series B Preferred Stock; and
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the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, if any, which remain subject to the holder’s conversion notice.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, or a similar depositary (each, a “Depositary”), the conversion notice and/or the notice of withdrawal, as applicable, must comply with applicable procedures, if any, of the applicable Depositary.
Series B Preferred Stock as to which the Change of Control Conversion Right has been properly exercised and for which the conversion notice has not been properly withdrawn will be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration in accordance with the Change of Control Conversion Right on the Change of Control Conversion Date, unless prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock, as described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” in which case only the shares of Series B Preferred Stock properly surrendered for conversion and not properly withdrawn that are not called for redemption will be converted as aforesaid. If we elect to redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock that would otherwise be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration on a Change of Control Conversion Date, such shares of Series B Preferred Stock will not be so converted and the holders of such shares will be entitled to receive on the applicable redemption date the redemption price described above under “-Optional Redemption” or “-Special Optional Redemption,” as applicable.
We will deliver all securities, cash and any other property owing upon conversion no later than the third business day following the Change of Control Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the persons entitled to receive any shares of our common stock or other securities delivered on conversion will be deemed to have become the holders of record thereof as of the Change of Control Conversion Date.
In connection with the exercise of any Change of Control Conversion Right, we will comply with all federal and state securities laws and stock exchange rules in connection with any conversion of Series B Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock or other property. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Series B Preferred Stock, no holder of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to convert such Series B Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (or any other person) to exceed the applicable share ownership limitations contained in our charter, including the articles supplementary, unless we provide an exemption from this limitation to such holder. See “-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” below.
The Change of Control conversion feature may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us. See our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-You may not be able to exercise conversion rights upon a Change of Control. If exercisable, the
Change of Control Conversion Right may not adequately compensate you. The Change of Control Conversion Rights may also make it more difficult for a party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us.”
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the Series B Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below.
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be automatically increased by two (if not already increased by two by reason of the election of directors by the holders of any other class or series of our preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and with which the Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to vote as a class with respect to the election of those two directors, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) and the holders of Series B Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class with all other classes or series of preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series B Preferred Stock in the election of those two directors, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) will be entitled to vote for the election of those two additional directors at a special meeting called by us at the request of the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock or by the holders of any other class or series of preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series B Preferred Stock in the election of those two directors (unless the request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders, in which case, such vote will be held at the earlier of the next annual or special meeting of stockholders), and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on the Series B Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment. In that case, the right of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to elect any directors will cease and, unless there are other classes or series of our preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, any directors elected by holders of the Series B Preferred Stock shall immediately resign and the number of directors constituting the board of directors shall be reduced accordingly. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the total number of directors elected by holders of the Series B Preferred Class (voting separately as a class with all other classes or series of preferred stock we have issued and may in the future issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series B Preferred Stock in the election of such directors, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) pursuant to these voting rights exceed two.
If a special meeting is not called by us within 30 days after request from the holders of Series B Preferred Stock as described above, then the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock may designate a holder to call the meeting at our expense.
On each matter on which holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote, except that when shares of any other class or series of our preferred stock have the right to vote with the Series B Preferred Stock as a single class on any matter, the Series B Preferred Stock and the shares of each such other class or series will have one vote for each $25.00 of liquidation preference (excluding accumulated dividends).
So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time and all other classes or series of Series B Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, including our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting, voting together as a class, (a) authorize or create, or increase the number of authorized or issued shares of, any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify any of our authorized capital stock into shares of such class or series, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares; or (b) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series B Preferred Stock, each, an Event;
provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any Event set forth in (b) above, so long as the Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that, upon an occurrence of an Event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of the Series B Preferred Stock and, provided further, that any increase in the number of authorized shares of preferred stock, including the Series B Preferred Stock, or the creation or issuance of any additional Series B Preferred Stock or other class or series of preferred stock that we have and may in the future issue, or any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series B Preferred Stock that we may issue with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders of any series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock that we may issue shall not be entitled to vote together as a class with the holders of Series B Preferred Stock on any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our charter unless such action affects the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and such other series of Preferred Stock equally, in which event approval of any such amendment, alteration or repeal will require the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting separately as a series.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
Except as expressly stated in the articles supplementary, the Series B Preferred Stock will not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights or powers and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action.
Information Rights
During any period in which we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will use our best efforts to (i) transmit by mail (or other permissible means under the Exchange Act) to all holders of Series B Preferred Stock, as their names and addresses appear on our record books and without cost to such holders, copies of the annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject thereto (other than any exhibits that would have been required) and (ii) promptly, upon request, supply copies of such reports to any holders or prospective holder of Series B Preferred Stock. We will use our best effort to post to our website or mail (or otherwise provide) the information to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock within 15 days after the respective dates by which a report on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, as the case may be, in respect of such information would have been required to be filed with the SEC, if we were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in each case, based on the dates on which we would be required to file such periodic reports if we were a “non-accelerated filer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act.
Preemptive Rights
No holders of the Series B Preferred Stock or any other of our securities issuable upon a permitted conversion of any Series B Preferred Stock will, as holders of Series B Preferred Stock or any other of our securities issuable upon a permitted conversion of Series B Preferred Stock, have any preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for our common stock or any other security.
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
As of December 31, 2020, 3,883,178 shares of preferred stock were classified and designated as Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to our charter.
Maturity
The Series C Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or otherwise repurchase them or they become convertible and are converted as described below under “-Conversion Rights.” We are not required to set apart for payment the funds to redeem the Series C Preferred Stock.
Ranking
The Series C Preferred Stock will rank, with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:
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senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all other equity securities ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock (“Junior Stock”);
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on a parity with our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and all other equity securities ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock(“Parity Stock”);
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junior to all equity securities ranking senior to the Series C Preferred Stock (“Senior Stock”); and
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effectively junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness (including indebtedness convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or preferred stock) and the indebtedness of our existing and future subsidiaries.
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Dividends
Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends. The initial dividend rate for the Series C Preferred Stock from and including the date of original issuance to, but not including, September 17, 2024 (the “Fixed Rate Period”) will be 8.000% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share). On and after September 17, 2024 (the “Floating Rate Period”), dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will accumulate at a percentage of the $25.00 liquidation preference equal to an annual floating rate of the Three-Month LIBOR Rate plus a spread of 6.476%. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will accumulate daily and be cumulative from, and including, the date of original issue and will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 17th day of each March, June, September and December (each, as may be modified as provided below, a “dividend payment date”). If any dividend payment date is not a business day, as defined in the articles supplementary designating the Series C Preferred Stock, then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on that dividend payment date may be paid on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if paid on such dividend payment date, and no interest, additional dividends or sums in lieu of interest will be payable for the period from and after that dividend payment date to that next succeeding business day. Dividends payable on the Series C Preferred Stock for the Fixed Rate Period, including dividends payable for any partial Dividend Period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends payable on the Series C Preferred Stock for the Floating Rate Period, including dividends payable for any partial Dividend Period, will be computed based on the actual number of days in a Dividend Period and a 360-day year. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer records at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the last business day of the preceding calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls (each, a “dividend record date”). The dividends payable on any dividend payment date shall include dividends accumulated to, but not including, such dividend payment date.
For each Dividend Period during the Floating Rate Period, LIBOR (the London interbank offered rate) (“Three-Month LIBOR Rate”) will be determined by us, as of the applicable Dividend Determination Date (as defined below), in accordance with the following provisions:
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LIBOR will be the rate (expressed as a percentage per year) for deposits in U.S. dollars having an index maturity of three months, in amounts of at least $1,000,000, as such rate appears on “Reuters Page LIBOR01” at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the relevant Dividend Determination Date; or
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if no such rate appears on “Reuters Page LIBOR01” or if the “Reuters Page LIBOR01” is not available at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the relevant Dividend Determination Date, then we will select four nationally-recognized banks in the London interbank market and request that the principal London offices of those four selected banks provide us with their offered quotation for deposits in U.S. dollars for a period of three months, commencing on the first day of the applicable Dividend Period, to prime banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on that Dividend Determination Date for the applicable Dividend Period. Offered quotations must be based on a principal amount equal to an amount that, in our discretion, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market at that time. If at least two quotations are provided, the Three-Month LIBOR Rate for such Dividend Period will be the arithmetic mean (rounded upward if necessary, to the nearest 0.00001 of 1%) of those quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided, the Three-Month LIBOR Rate for such Dividend Period will be the arithmetic mean (rounded upward if necessary, to the nearest 0.00001 of 1%) of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on that Dividend Determination Date for such Dividend Period by three nationally-recognized banks in New York, New York selected by us, for loans in U.S. dollars to nationally-recognized European banks (as selected by us), for a period of three months commencing on the first day of such Dividend Period. The rates quoted must be based on an amount that, in our discretion, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in that market at that time. If no quotation is provided as described above, then if a Calculation Agent (as defined below) has not been appointed at such time, we will appoint a Calculation Agent who shall, after consulting such sources as it deems comparable to any of the foregoing quotations or display page, or any such source as it deems reasonable from which to estimate LIBOR or any of the foregoing lending rates, shall determine LIBOR for the second London Business Day (as defined below) immediately preceding the first day of such distribution period in its sole discretion. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to determine LIBOR as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, then LIBOR will be equal to Three-Month LIBOR Rate for the then current Dividend Period, or, in the case of the first Dividend Period in the Floating Rate Period, the most recent dividend rate that would have been determined based on the last available Reuters Page LIBOR01 had the Floating Rate Period been applicable prior to the first Dividend Period in the Floating Rate Period.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we determine on the relevant Dividend Determination Date that the LIBOR base rate has been discontinued, then we will appoint a Calculation Agent and the Calculation Agent will consult with an investment bank of national standing to determine whether there is an industry accepted substitute or successor base rate to Three-Month LIBOR Rate. If, after such consultation, the Calculation Agent determines that there is an industry accepted substitute or successor base rate, the Calculation Agent shall use such substitute or successor base rate. In such case, the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion may (without implying a corresponding obligation to do so) also implement changes to the business day convention, the definition of business day, the Dividend Determination Date and any method for obtaining the substitute or successor base rate if such rate is unavailable on the relevant Business Day, in a manner that is consistent with industry accepted practices for such substitute or successor base rate. Unless the Calculation Agent determines that there is an industry accepted substitute or successor base rate as so provided above, the Calculation Agent will, in consultation with us, follow the steps specified in the second bullet point in the immediately preceding paragraph in order to determine Three-Month LIBOR Rate for the applicable Dividend Period.
“Calculation Agent” shall mean a third party independent financial institution of national standing with experience providing such services, which has been selected by us.
“Dividend Determination Date” means the London Business Day (as defined below) immediately preceding the first date of the applicable Dividend Period.
“Dividend Period” means the period from, and including, a dividend payment date to, but excluding, the next succeeding dividend payment date, except for the initial Dividend Period, which will be the period from, and including, the original issue date of the Series C Preferred Stock to, but excluding, December 17, 2019.
“London Business Day” means any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
“Reuters Page LIBOR01” means the display so designated on the Reuters 3000 Xtra (or such other page as may replace the LIBOR01 page on that service, or such other service as may be nominated by the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, or ICE, or its successor, or such other entity assuming the responsibility of ICE or its successor in the event ICE or its successor no longer does so, as the successor service, for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits).
No dividends on shares of Series C Preferred Stock may be authorized by our board of directors or paid or set apart for payment by us at any time when the terms and provisions of any agreement of ours, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibit the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof or provide that the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment thereof would constitute a breach of the agreement or a default under the agreement, or if the authorization, payment or setting apart for payment is restricted or prohibited by law. You should review the information in our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-We may not be able to pay dividends or other distributions on the Series C Preferred Stock” for more information as to, among other things, other circumstances under which we may be unable to pay dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not (i) the terms and provisions of any laws or agreements referred to in the preceding paragraph at any time prohibit the current payment of dividends, (ii) we have earnings, (iii) there are funds legally available for the payment of those dividends and (iv) those dividends are authorized and declared. No interest, or sum in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series C Preferred Stock which may be in arrears, and holders of Series C Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. Any dividend payment made on the Series C Preferred Stock will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividend due with respect to those shares.
Future dividends on our common stock and preferred stock, including the Series C Preferred Stock, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash flow from operations, financial condition and capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, applicable law, any debt service requirements and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make cash distributions on the Series C Preferred Stock or what the actual dividends will be for any future period.
Except as noted below, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past Dividend Periods, no dividends (other than in shares of our common stock or other Junior Stock we may issue) may be declared or paid or set apart for payment upon our common stock or other Junior Stock or our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock or other Parity Stock we may issue and no other distribution may be declared or made upon our common stock or other Junior Stock or our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock or other Parity Stock we may issue. In addition, our common stock and other Junior Stock or Parity Stock we may issue may not be redeemed, purchased
or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of, or options, warrants or rights to purchase or subscribe for, our common stock or other Junior Stock we may issue or pursuant to an exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series C Preferred Stock and all Parity Stock). The foregoing will not, however, prevent the redemption, purchase or acquisition by us of shares of any class or series of stock for the purpose of enforcing restrictions on transfer and ownership of our stock contained in our charter, or the redemption, purchase or acquisition by us of shares of our common stock for purposes of and in compliance with any incentive or benefit plan of ours.
When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and any other Parity Stock we may issue, all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock must be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share on the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock (which will not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends for prior Dividend Periods if such other Parity Stock do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series C Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid out of the assets we have legally available for distribution to our stockholders, subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any Senior Stock, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to (whether or not authorized or declared), but excluding, the payment date, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock or other Junior Stock we may issue; and the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further payment.
In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and any other Parity Stock we may issue, then the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and such other Parity Stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
Notice of any such liquidation stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in each circumstance shall be payable, will be given no fewer than 30 days and no more than 60 days prior to the payment date, to each holder of record of Series C Preferred Stock at the address of such holder as it appears on our stock records. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. The consolidation, conversion or merger of us with or into any other corporation, trust or entity or of any other entity with or into us, the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business or a statutory share exchange, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us (although such events may give rise to the special optional redemption and contingent conversion rights described below).
In determining whether a distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares of stock or otherwise, is permitted under Maryland law with respect to any share of any class or series of our stock, amounts that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock will not be added to our total liabilities.
Redemption
The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by us prior to September 17, 2024, except under circumstances where it is necessary to preserve our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes (please see “-Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership” below) and except as described below under “-Special Optional Redemption” upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein).
Optional Redemption. On and after September 17, 2024, we may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, redeem the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to (whether or not authorized or declared), but excluding, the redemption date, without interest.
Special Optional Redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, we may, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, redeem the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to (whether or not authorized or declared), but excluding, the redemption date. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock (whether pursuant to our optional redemption right described above under “-Optional Redemption” or this special optional redemption right), the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will not have the Change of Control Conversion Right (as defined below) described below under “-Conversion Rights” with respect to the shares called for redemption.
A “Change of Control” is deemed to occur when, after the original issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
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the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of our stock entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and
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following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither we nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE American or the Nasdaq Stock Market, or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE American or the Nasdaq Stock Market.
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Redemption Procedures. In the event we elect to redeem Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to our optional redemption right or our special optional redemption right, the notice of redemption will be given to each holder of record of Series C Preferred Stock called for redemption at such holder’s address as it appears on our stock transfer records and will state the following:
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the redemption date;
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the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed;
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the redemption price;
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the place or places where certificates (if any) for the Series C Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;
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that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on the redemption date;
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if applicable, that such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control and, in that case, a brief description of the transaction or transactions constituting such Change of Control; and
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if such redemption is being made in connection with a Change of Control, that the holders of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock being so called for redemption will not be able to tender such shares of Series C Preferred Stock for conversion in connection with the Change of Control and that each share of Series C Preferred Stock tendered for conversion that is called, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), for redemption will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
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If less than all of the Series C Preferred Stock held by any holder is to be redeemed, the notice given to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock held by such holder to be redeemed. No failure to give such notice or any defect thereto or in the giving thereof will affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock, except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.
Holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed must surrender such shares at the place designated in the notice of redemption and will be entitled to the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid dividends payable upon the redemption following the surrender. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock has been given and if we have irrevocably set apart for payment the funds necessary for redemption (including any accumulated and unpaid dividends) in trust for the benefit of the holders of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date (unless we default in providing for the payment of the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any), dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series C Preferred Stock, those shares of Series C Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of those shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption. If any redemption date is not a business day, then the redemption price and accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, payable upon redemption may be paid on the next business day and no interest, additional dividends or other sums will accumulate on the amount payable for the period from and after that redemption date to that next business day. If less than all of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed will be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares) or by lot. If such redemption is to be by lot and if, as a result of such redemption, any holder of Series C Preferred Stock would own, or be deemed by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code to own, in excess of the stock ownership limit, or violate any other restriction or limitation of our stock set forth in our charter, then, except as otherwise permitted in our charter, we will redeem the requisite number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock of that holder such that the holder will not own or be deemed by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code to own,
subsequent to the redemption, in excess of the stock ownership limit or violate any other restriction or limitation of our stock set forth in our charter. See “-Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership” below.
Immediately prior to any redemption of Series C Preferred Stock, we will pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case each holder of Series C Preferred Stock at the close of business on such dividend record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such dividend payment date. Except as provided above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on shares of the Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed.
Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series C Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been or contemporaneously is set apart for payment for all past Dividend Periods, no shares of Series C Preferred Stock may be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed, and we may not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series C Preferred Stock (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of, or options, warrants or rights to purchase or subscribe for, our common stock or other Junior Stock we may issue or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series C Preferred Stock and all Parity Stock); provided, however, that the foregoing will not prevent the redemption, purchase or acquisition by us of shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the purpose of enforcing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter.
Subject to applicable law, we may purchase shares of Series C Preferred Stock in the open market, by tender or by privately negotiated transactions. Any shares of Series C Preferred Stock that we acquire, by redemption or otherwise, shall be reclassified as authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, without designation as to class or series, and may thereafter be issued as any class or series of preferred stock.
Conversion Rights
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series C Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock held by such holder as described above under “-Redemption,” in which case such holder will have the right only with respect to shares of Series C Preferred Stock that are not called for redemption) to convert some or all of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock held by such holder (the “Change of Control Conversion Right”) on the Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series C Preferred Stock (the “Common Stock Conversion Consideration”) equal to the lesser of:
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the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series C Preferred Stock, plus the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but excluding, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a dividend record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date for the Series C Preferred Stock, in which case no additional amount for such accumulated and unpaid dividends to be paid on such dividend payment date will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price, as defined below (such quotient, the “Conversion Rate”); and
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3.23206, or the “Share Cap,” subject to certain adjustments as described below.
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Notwithstanding anything in the articles supplementary designating the Series C Preferred Stock to the contrary and except as otherwise required by law, the persons who are the holders of record of shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the close of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to receive the dividend payable on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion of those shares after such dividend record date
and on or prior to such dividend payment date and, in such case, the full amount of such dividend will be paid on such dividend payment date to the persons who were the holders of record at the close of business on such dividend record date. Except as provided above, we will make no allowance for unpaid dividends that are not in arrears on the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted.
The Share Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any share splits (including those effected pursuant to a distribution of our common stock to existing holders of our common stock), subdivisions or combinations (in each case, a “Share Split”) with respect to our common stock as follows: the adjusted Share Cap as the result of a Share Split will be the number of shares of our common stock that is equivalent to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Share Cap in effect immediately prior to such Share Split by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such Share Split and the denominator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to such Share Split.
For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration (as defined below), as applicable) issuable or deliverable, as applicable, in connection with the exercise of the Change of Control Conversion Right will not exceed the product of the Share Cap times the aggregate number of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at the Change of Control Conversion Date (or equivalent Alternative Conversion Consideration, as applicable) (the “Exchange Cap”). The Exchange Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any share splits on the same basis as the corresponding adjustment to the Share Cap.
In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which our common stock is or will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof) (the “Alternative Form Consideration”), a holder of Series C Preferred Stock will receive upon conversion of such shares of the Series C Preferred Stock the kind and amount of Alternative Form Consideration which such holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such holder held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the Common Stock Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control (the “Alternative Conversion Consideration”). The Common Stock Conversion Consideration or the Alternative Conversion Consideration, whichever shall be applicable to a Change of Control, is referred to as the “Conversion Consideration.”
If the holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the Change of Control, the Conversion Consideration in respect of such Change of Control will be deemed to be the kind and amount of consideration actually received by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between two types of consideration) or holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares of our common stock that made or voted for such an election (if electing between more than two types of consideration), as the case may be, and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of our common stock are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in such Change of Control.
We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock in connection with a Change of Control. Instead, we will make a cash payment equal to the value of such fractional shares based upon the Common Stock Price used in determining the Common Stock Conversion Consideration for such Change of Control.
Within 15 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, provided that we have not then exercised our right to redeem all shares of Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the redemption provisions described above, we will provide to holders of Series C Preferred Stock a notice of occurrence of the Change of Control that describes the resulting Change of Control Conversion Right, which notice shall be delivered to the holders of record of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to their addresses as they appear on our stock transfer records. No failure to give such notice or any defect thereto or in the giving thereof will affect the validity of the proceedings for the conversion of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given. This notice will state the following:
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the events constituting the Change of Control;
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the date of the Change of Control;
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the last date on which the holders of Series C Preferred Stock may exercise their Change of Control Conversion Right;
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the method and period for calculating the Common Stock Price;
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the Change of Control Conversion Date;
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that if, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided notice of our election to redeem all or any shares of Series C Preferred Stock, holders of Series C Preferred Stock that are subject to such notice of redemption will not be able to convert the shares of Series C Preferred Stock called for redemption and such shares will be redeemed on the related redemption date, even if such shares have already been tendered for conversion pursuant to the Change of Control Conversion Right;
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if applicable, the type and amount of Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per share of Series C Preferred Stock;
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the name and address of the paying agent, transfer agent and conversion agent for the Series C Preferred Stock;
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the procedures that the holders of Series C Preferred Stock must follow to exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right (including procedures for surrendering shares of Series C Preferred Stock for conversion through the facilities of a Depositary (as defined below)), including the form of conversion notice to be delivered by such holders as described below; and
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the last date on which holders of Series C Preferred Stock may withdraw shares of Series C Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion and the procedures that such holders must follow to effect such a withdrawal.
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Under such circumstances, we also will issue a press release containing such notice for publication on the Business Wire, PR Newswire or Bloomberg Business News (or, if these organizations are not in existence at the time of issuance of the press release, such other news or press organization as is reasonably calculated to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public), and post a notice on our website (if any), in any event prior to the opening of business on the first business day following any date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series C Preferred Stock.
To exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will be required to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the certificates (if any) representing the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted, duly endorsed for transfer (or, in the case of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock held in book-entry form through a Depositary or shares directly registered with the transfer agent, therefor, to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted through the facilities of such Depositary or through such transfer agent, respectively), together with a written conversion notice in the form provided by us, duly completed, to our transfer agent. The conversion notice must state:
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the relevant Change of Control Conversion Date;
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the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted; and
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that the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are to be converted pursuant to the applicable provisions of the articles supplementary designating the Series C Preferred Stock.
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The “Change of Control Conversion Date” is the date the Series C Preferred Stock is to be converted, which will be a business day selected by us that is neither fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days after the date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of Series C Preferred Stock.
The “Common Stock Price” is (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of our common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of our common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of our common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices per share) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then traded, or (y) if our common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange, the average of the last quoted bid prices for our common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the date on which such Change of Control occurred.
Holders of Series C Preferred Stock may withdraw any notice of exercise of a Change of Control Conversion Right (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to our transfer agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date. The notice of withdrawal delivered by any holder must state:
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the number of withdrawn shares of Series C Preferred Stock;
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if certificated shares of Series C Preferred Stock have been surrendered for conversion, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn shares of Series C Preferred Stock; and
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the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock, if any, which remain subject to the holder’s conversion notice.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or a similar depositary (each, a “Depositary”), the conversion notice and/or the notice of withdrawal, as applicable, must comply with applicable procedures, if any, of the applicable Depositary.
Shares of Series C Preferred Stock as to which the Change of Control Conversion Right has been properly exercised and for which the conversion notice has not been properly withdrawn will be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration in accordance with the Change of Control Conversion Right on the Change of Control Conversion Date, unless prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date we have provided notice of our election to redeem some or all of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, as described above under “-Redemption,” in which case only the shares of Series C Preferred Stock properly surrendered for conversion and not properly withdrawn that are not called for redemption will be converted as aforesaid. If we elect to redeem shares of Series C Preferred
Stock that would otherwise be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration on a Change of Control Conversion Date, such shares of Series C Preferred Stock will not be so converted and the holders of such shares will be entitled to receive on the applicable redemption date the redemption price described above under “-Redemption-Optional Redemption” or “-Redemption-Special Optional Redemption,” as applicable.
We will deliver all securities, cash and any other property owing upon conversion no later than the third business day following the Change of Control Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the persons entitled to receive any shares of our common stock or other securities delivered on conversion will be deemed to have become the holders of record thereof as of the Change of Control Conversion Date.
In connection with the exercise of any Change of Control Conversion Right, we will comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws and stock exchange rules in connection with any conversion of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock or other property. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Series C Preferred Stock, no holder of Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to convert such shares of the Series C Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock to the extent that receipt of such shares of common stock would cause such holder (or any other person) to violate the applicable restrictions on transfer and ownership of our stock contained in our charter, unless we provide an exemption from this limitation to such holder.
Please see the sections entitled “-Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership” below.
The Change of Control conversion feature may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us. See our Form 10-K under the section titled “Risk Factors-You may not be able to exercise conversion rights upon a Change of Control. If exercisable, the change of control conversion rights may not adequately compensate you. These change of control conversion rights may also make it more difficult for a party to acquire us or discourage a party from acquiring us.”
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the Series C Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Voting Rights
Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below.
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more full quarterly Dividend Periods, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be automatically increased by two (if not already increased by two by reason of the election of directors by the holders of any other class or series of preferred stock we may issue and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, including the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock) and the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and all other classes or series of Parity Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote for the election of those two additional directors at a special meeting called by us at the request of the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and all other classes or series of preferred stock we may issue and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable to be held no later than 90 days after our receipt of such request (unless the request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of our stockholders, in which case, such vote will be held at the earlier of the next annual or special meeting of the stockholders to the extent permitted by applicable law), and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on the Series C Preferred Stock for all past Dividend Periods and the then current Dividend Period will have been fully paid. In that case, the right of holders of Series C Preferred Stock to elect any directors will cease and, unless there are other classes or series of our preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the term of office of any directors elected by holders of Series C Preferred Stock will immediately terminate and the number of directors constituting the board of directors will be reduced accordingly.
For the avoidance of doubt, in no event will the total number of directors elected by holders of Series C Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class with the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and all other classes or series of preferred stock we may issue and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) pursuant to these voting rights exceed two. The directors elected by the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and all other classes or series of preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock when they have the voting rights described in this paragraph, the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and any other classes or series of preferred stock we may issue and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (voting together as a single class) to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until such directors’ right to hold the office terminates as described above, whichever occurs earlier.
On each matter on which holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, each share of Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote, except that when shares of any other class or series of preferred stock we may issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, have the right to vote with the Series C Preferred Stock as a single class on any matter, the Series A Preferred Stock, the Series B Preferred Stock, the Series C Preferred Stock and each such other class or series of stock will have one vote for each $25.00 of liquidation preference (excluding accumulated dividends). If a special meeting is not called by the Corporation within 30 days after request from the holders of Series C Preferred Stock as described in the previous paragraph, then the holders of record of at least 25% of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock may designate a holder to call the meeting at the expense of the Corporation and such meeting may be called by the holder so designated upon notice similar to that required for annual meetings of stockholders and shall be held at the place designated by the holder calling such meeting.
Any director elected by holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and any class or series of preferred stock we may issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the vote of, and may not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and any class or series of preferred stock we may issue when they have the voting rights described above (voting as a single class with all other classes or series of preferred stock we may issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable).
So long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class with the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and all other classes or series of Parity Stock we may issue and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, (i) authorize, create, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of Senior Stock or reclassify any of our authorized stock into such shares, or create or authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, whether by merger, conversion, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series C Preferred Stock (each, an “Event”); provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any Event set forth in clause (ii) above, so long as the Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged or the holders of Series C Preferred Stock receive shares of stock or other equity interests with rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers substantially the same as those of the Series C Preferred Stock, taking into account that upon the occurrence of an Event we may not be the successor entity, the occurrence of any such Event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of Series C Preferred Stock; and, provided further, that any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Series C Preferred Stock or the creation or issuance, or any increase in the amounts authorized of any Parity Stock or Junior Stock will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of Series C Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our charter would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of the Series C Preferred Stock
disproportionately relative to other classes or series of Parity Stock, then the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock (voting as a separate class) shall also be required.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds have been irrevocably set apart to effect such redemption.
Except as expressly stated in the articles supplementary designating the Series C Preferred Stock, the Series C Preferred Stock will not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights or powers and the consent of the holders thereof will not be required for the taking of any corporate action. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have exclusive voting rights on any amendment to our charter that would alter the contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of only the Series C Preferred Stock.
Information Rights
During any period in which we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will use our best efforts to (i) transmit through our website at http://www.agmit.com (or other permissible means under the Exchange Act) copies of the Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject thereto (other than any exhibits that would have been required). We will use our best efforts to provide such reports on our website within 15 days after the respective dates by which we would have been required to file such reports with the SEC if we were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and we were a “non-accelerated filer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act.
Preemptive Rights
No holders of Series C Preferred Stock will, as holders of Series C Preferred Stock, have any preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for our common stock or any of our other securities.
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code our capital stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of any taxable year.
Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our capital stock. The relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own, by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, either (i) more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding common stock, which we refer to as the common stock ownership limit, or (ii) more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock, which we refer to as the aggregate stock ownership limit. We refer to the common stock ownership limit and the aggregate stock ownership limit collectively as the “stock ownership limits.”
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause capital stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% in value or in number of shares (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, our capital stock by an individual or entity) could, nevertheless,
cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, and thereby violate the applicable stock ownership limit.
Our board of directors may, upon receipt of certain representations and agreements and in its sole discretion, exempt (prospectively or retroactively) any person, in whole or in part, from the above-referenced stock ownership limits or establish or increase a limit, or excepted holder limit, for a particular stockholder if the person’s ownership in excess of the stock ownership limits will not then or in the future result in our being “closely held” under section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise jeopardize our qualification as a REIT. As a condition of its exemption, creation or increase of an excepted holder limit, our board of directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, ruling satisfactory to our board of directors with respect to our qualification as a REIT. The board of directors may only reduce the excepted holder limit with the written consent of the related excepted holder at any time, or pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the establishment of the excepted holder limit for such excepted holder. No excepted holder limit may be reduced to a percentage that is less than the common stock ownership limit.
In connection with an exemption from the stock ownership limits, establishing an excepted holder limit or at any other time, our board of directors may from time to time increase or decrease the stock ownership limits for all other persons and entities; provided, however, that any decrease in the stock ownership limits will not be effective for any person whose percentage ownership of our shares is in excess of such decreased limits until such time as such person’s percentage ownership of our shares equals or falls below such decreased limits, but any further acquisition of our shares in excess of such person’s percentage ownership of our shares will be in violation of the applicable limits; and provided, further, that the stock ownership limits may not be increased if, after giving effect to such increase or decrease, five or fewer individuals could beneficially own or constructively own in the aggregate more than 49.9% in value of the shares then outstanding.
Our charter further prohibits:
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any person from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules of the Code, our capital that would result in our being “closely held” under section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and
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any person from transferring our capital stock if such transfer would result in our capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).
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Any person who acquires, attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of our capital stock that will or may violate the stock ownership limits or any of the other foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our capital stock is required to immediately give written notice to us or, in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days’ prior written notice to us, and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT. The stock ownership limits and the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our capital stock will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT, and our board of directors determines that compliance with such limits and other restrictions is no longer required.
Pursuant to our charter, if any transfer of our capital stock would result in our capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be void ab initio and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. In addition, if any purported transfer of our capital stock or any other event would otherwise result in:
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any person violating the stock ownership limits or such other limit established by our board of directors; or
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our being “closely held” under section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT,
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then that number of shares (rounded to the nearest whole share) that would cause us to violate such restrictions will automatically be deemed to be transferred to, and held by, a charitable trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us, and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The deemed transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in a deemed transfer to the charitable trust. A person who, but for the deemed transfer of the shares to the charitable trust, would have beneficially or constructively owned the shares so transferred is referred to as a “prohibited owner,” which, if appropriate in the context, also means any person who would have been the record owner of the shares that the prohibited owner would have so owned.
Any distribution made to the prohibited owner, prior to our discovery that the shares had been deemed to be transferred to the charitable trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee of the charitable trust upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary by the charitable trust. If the transfer to the charitable trust as described above would not be effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable restriction on ownership and transfer contained in our charter, then our charter provides that the transfer of the shares will be void ab initio. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any distribution authorized but unpaid will be paid when due to the trustee.
Capital stock transferred to the trustee of a charitable trust are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid per share in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the charitable trust (or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust did not involve a purchase of such capital stock at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such capital stock to the charitable trust) and (ii) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accepts such offer. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares held in the charitable trust as discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner and any distributions held by the trustee with respect to such capital stock will be made to the charitable beneficiary.
If we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the charitable trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the stock ownership limits or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares described above. After that, the trustee must distribute to the prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date) and (ii) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the charitable trust for the shares. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the prohibited owner will be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary, together with any distributions thereon. In addition, if, prior to discovery by us that capital stock has been transferred to a charitable trust, such capital stock is sold by a prohibited owner, then such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the charitable trust and to the extent that the prohibited owner received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such prohibited owner was entitled to receive, such excess amount will be paid to the director upon demand. The prohibited owner has no rights in the shares held by the charitable trust.
The trustee of the charitable trust will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any prohibited owner. Prior to the sale of any shares by the charitable trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the charitable beneficiary, all distributions made by us with respect to such shares and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to such shares.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee’s sole discretion:
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to rescind as void any vote cast by a purported record transferee prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust; and
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to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the charitable trust.
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However, if we have already taken irreversible action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
If our board of directors determines in good faith that a proposed transfer would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our capital stock set forth in our charter, our board of directors will take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem capital stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
Every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of all classes or series of our shares of capital stock is required to give written notice to us within 30 days after the end of each taxable year stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of each class and series of shares that the owner beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which such shares are held. Each such owner will be required to provide to us such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such beneficial ownership on our qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the stock ownership limits. In addition, each stockholder is, upon demand, required to provide to us such information as we may request, in good faith, in order to determine our qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS AND OF MARYLAND LAW
Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal
Our board of directors currently consists of six directors. Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors constituting our board of directors may be increased or decreased only by a majority vote of our board of directors, provided that the number of directors may not be decreased to fewer than the minimum number required under the MGCL, nor increased to more than ten.
Subject to the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will hold office for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.
Each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of shares of our common stock have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of all of the votes cast in the election of directors.
Removal of Directors
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of preferred stock, any or all directors may be removed from office only for “cause” by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this provision of our charter, “cause” means, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to us through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.
Mergers; Extraordinary Transactions
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides for approval of these matters by the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter unless advised by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a different percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter.
Except for amendments to the provisions of our charter related to the removal of directors, the vote required to amend the provision regarding amendments to the removal provisions itself, and amendments to the provisions regarding restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares (each of which require the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) and certain amendments described in our charter that require only approval by our board of directors, our charter may be amended only with the approval of our board of directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.
Meetings of Stockholders
Pursuant to our bylaws, a meeting of our stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time set by our board of directors. The chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders. Subject to the provisions of our bylaws, a special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be brought before a meeting of our stockholders must also be called by our secretary upon the written request of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting and containing the information required by our bylaws. Our secretary will inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and delivering the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting stockholder must pay such estimated cost before our secretary is required to prepare and deliver the notice of the special meeting.
Business Combinations
Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations,” including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities, between a Maryland corporation and an “interested stockholder”(defined generally as any person who beneficially owns directly or indirectly, 10% or
more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (1) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting stock of the corporation and (2) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. The super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. Under the MGCL, a person is not an “interested stockholder” if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. A corporation’s board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by it.
As permitted by the MGCL, our board of directors has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and any person, provided that such business combination is first approved by our board of directors. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to such business combinations. As a result, any person described above may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders without compliance by us with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute. This resolution, however, may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time by our board of directors. If this resolution is repealed, or our board of directors does not otherwise approve a business combination with a person, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Control Share Acquisitions
The MGCL provides that a holder of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” has no voting rights with respect to those shares except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of such shares in the election of directors: (1) the person that has made or proposed to make the control share acquisition, (2) an officer of the corporation or (3) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. “Control shares” are shares of voting stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares owned by the acquirer, or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (A) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (B) one-third or more but less than a majority or (C) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares that the acquirer is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an “acquiring person statement” as described in MGCL), may compel the board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders’ meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquirer does not deliver an “acquiring person statement” as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved, or, if no such meeting is held, as of the date
of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights, unless the corporation’s charter provides otherwise. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (1) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (2) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our stock. There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
Subtitle 8
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits the board of directors of a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions:
•a classified board of directors;
•a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;
•a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors;
•a requirement that a vacancy on the board of directors be filled only by the remaining directors and, if the board of directors is classified, for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and
•a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.
We have elected to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 relating to the filling of vacancies on our board of directors. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (1) require a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the board of directors, which removal will be allowed only for cause, (2) vest in the board of directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships, and (3) require, unless called by the chairman of our board of directors, our president, our chief executive officer or our board of directors, the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders in order to call a special meeting to act on such matter.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide that nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors or proposals of other business may be made at an annual meeting (1) pursuant to our notice of meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors, or (3) by any stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice pursuant to the bylaws and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Our bylaws currently require the stockholder to provide notice to the secretary containing the information required by our bylaws not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies for election of directors at the preceding year’s annual meeting (or, if we did not mail a proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting, the date of the notice of the preceding year’s annual meeting).
With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors may be made at a special meeting, (1) by or at the direction of the board of directors, or (2) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors shall be elected at that special meeting, by any stockholder who is a holder of record at the time of giving of notice, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Such stockholder may nominate one or more individuals, as the case may be, for election as a director if the stockholder’s notice containing the information required by our bylaws is delivered to the secretary not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of (1) the 90th day prior to such special meeting or (2) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and the proposed nominees of our board of directors to be elected at the meeting.
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (1) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (2) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (1) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (A) was committed in bad faith or (B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (2) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (1) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (2) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the appropriate standard of conduct was not met.
Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
•any present or former director or officer; and
•any individual who, while our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.
Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of us or a predecessor of us.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
AG MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
The following shall constitute the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Corporation”):
I. INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) has adopted this Code in order to: (a) promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; (b) promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Corporation files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the New York Stock Exchange and other regulatory authorities and in other public communications made by the Corporation; (c) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; (d) promote the protection of Corporation assets, including corporate opportunities and confidential information; (e) promote fair dealing practices; (f) deter wrongdoing; and (g) ensure accountability for adherence to the Code.
The Code sets out basic principles to guide the day-to-day business activities of employees, officers and directors of the Corporation. The overall policy underlying this Code is that the Corporation expects that its employees, officers and directors, including any officers and employees of the Corporation’s subsidiaries and the officers and employees of the Corporation’s affiliates who provide services to us, will follow the highest standards of honest conduct and business ethics in all aspects of their activities on behalf of the Corporation. In addition, all of our employees, officers and directors are expected to comply with the spirit and letter of all applicable laws, regulations and Corporation policies, and be sensitive to, and act appropriately in, situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest and/or potential violations of the Code. For purposes of this Code, when we refer to our employees, we are referring to the employees of AG REIT Management, LLC (the “Manager”), Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. (“Angelo Gordon”) and the affiliates of the Manager or Angelo Gordon who, in each case, provide services to us.
This Code operates in conjunction with all other Corporation policies and procedures. In addition, you may also be subject to the policies and procedures of Angelo Gordon. To the extent this Code conflicts with another Corporation policy or procedure or with an Angelo Gordon policy or procedure, you shall comply with the more restrictive of the applicable provisions. This Code is not intended to cover every ethical issue that you may confront in connection with your professional association with the Corporation. You are expected to use sound judgment and act in accordance with the highest ethical standards when confronted with ethical issues that are not covered by this Code, other applicable Corporation policies and procedures or any law or regulation.
All employees, officers and directors are required to be familiar with this Code. Those who violate the standards in this Code will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, without limitation, termination of your employment. If you are in a situation that you believe may violate or lead to a violation of this Code, please follow the guidelines described below in Section XV (Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behavior).
II. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
Obeying the law, and applicable rules and regulations, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which the Corporation’s ethical standards are built. All of our employees, officers and directors must respect and obey the laws of the municipalities, states and countries in which we operate. Although not all employees, officers and directors are expected to know the details of these laws, it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel. To the extent you are unsure about these laws, you should err on the side of caution and direct questions about compliance to your manager or the Corporation’s General Counsel.
III. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A “conflict of interest” exists when an individual’s private interest (or the interest of a member of his or her family) interferes, potentially interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of the Corporation as a whole. A conflict of interest exists even in situations where the individual does not act to affirmatively interfere with the interests of the Corporation as a whole. A conflict situation can arise when our employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her services to the Corporation objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also may arise when our employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family), receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Corporation.
Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, our employees, officers or directors or their family members are of special concern and could constitute improper personal benefits to the recipients of such loans or guarantees, depending on the facts and circumstances. Loans by the Corporation to, or guarantees by the Corporation of obligations of, any officer or director or their family members are expressly prohibited.
It is almost always a conflict of interest for any employee to work simultaneously for a competitor, customer or supplier. Accordingly, you are not allowed to work for a competitor as a consultant or board member. The best policy is to avoid any direct or indirect business connection with our customers, suppliers or competitors, except on our behalf.
Conflicts of interest should be avoided when possible as a matter of Corporation policy, and when they do arise, are handled in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, such as the Corporation’s Related Person Transaction Policy. Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if you have a question, you should consult with higher levels of management or the Corporation’s General Counsel. Any employee, officer or director who
becomes aware of a conflict or a potential or apparent conflict should bring it to the attention of the Chair of the Corporation’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”), and if appropriate, a supervisor, manager or other appropriate personnel within the Corporation, or consult the procedures described below in Section XV (Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behavior).
IV. INSIDER TRADING
No director, officer or employee may purchase or sell any Corporation securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the Corporation, nor may any director, officer or employee purchase or sell another company's securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding that company. It is against the Corporation’s policies and illegal for any director, officer or employee to use material nonpublic information regarding the Corporation or any other company to: (a) obtain profit for himself or herself; or (b) directly or indirectly “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of that information. All non-public information about the Corporation should be considered confidential information. If you have any questions about this subject, please consult the Corporation’s General Counsel. You are reminded that the Corporation has a separate and distinct Insider Trading Policy, to which each of our employees, officers, and directors is subject. Please refer to that policy and ensure your complete understanding of and compliance with it.
V. CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES
Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from taking or diverting for their own personal use or benefit any opportunity that is discovered through the use of Corporation assets, property, information or position without the consent of the Board of Directors. No employee, officer or director may use corporate property, information, or position for improper personal gain (including gain of friends or family members), and no employee may compete with the Corporation directly or indirectly. All employees, officers and directors owe a duty to the Corporation to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
VI. COMPETITION AND FAIR DEALING
We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. We seek competitive advantages through superior performance, never through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner’s consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. Each employee, officer and director should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Corporation’s customers, suppliers, competitors, employees and anyone else with whom he or she has contact in the course of performing his or her job.
No employee, officer or director should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.
When you accept a gift (including business meals and entertainment) from anyone who has, or is seeking to have, a business relationship with the Corporation, it can create a situation in which your personal interests may conflict, or appear to conflict, with the interests of the Corporation. Because of this, you must use caution in accepting gifts from third parties, including brokers, dealers or other suppliers, that have, or are seeking to have, a business relationship with the Corporation. While accepting gifts from these parties is not prohibited, you may not accept gifts from brokers, dealers, suppliers or other entities that have, or are seeking to have, a business relationship with the Corporation if the gifts exceed what is reasonable and customary under the circumstances of the business relationship. What is a “reasonable and customary” gift will vary under the circumstances presented, but you must use good judgment in evaluating whether a gift is “reasonable and customary” and, when in doubt, you should be conservative in exercising your judgment or consult with your supervisor or the Corporation’s General Counsel. In no case may you accept a gift if you feel that you are obligated to repay the donor with corporate business. In addition, you may not accept a gift if you believe that the donor feels he or she must provide the gift in order to obtain, or continue to receive, business from the Corporation. An employee may accept a gift (excluding reasonable and customary business meals and entertainment) that otherwise complies with the terms of this section only if (i) the employee accepts gifts on an infrequent basis or (ii) the employee has notified his or her supervisor or the Corporation’s General Counsel in advance of the nature of the gifts he or she has received and proposes to receive and the circumstances under which the gifts were given.
VII. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
Equal employment opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Corporation, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination. It is the policy of the Corporation to provide all employees, officers and directors with a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, hostility, retaliation or other offenses that might interfere with the work environment. It is a violation of law, and expressly against Corporation policy, for any employee, officer or director other person over whom the Corporation has control, to engage in harassment in any form – verbal, physical, visual - because of an individual’s protected characteristics.
All employees, officers and directors must comply with this policy and take appropriate measures to ensure that such conduct does not occur and to ensure that in the event an incident occurs that may be considered in violation of this policy that the complaint procedure below is followed.
Harassment Defined
Corporation policy applies to harassment and/or discrimination directed at a person because of any characteristic protected by applicable law, including but not limited to his or her protected characteristics.
Harassment may take many forms. It includes, but is not limited to, the display or circulation of pictures or written materials degrading to one’s gender, mental or physical disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or other characteristic protected by applicable law. Impermissible harassment may also consist of verbal abuse, insults, comments, gestures, jokes, or inappropriate physical touching directed at or about members of a racial, ethnic or other minority group. Simply put, the Corporation does not tolerate any conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of a characteristic protected by law, is personally offensive, impairs morale or adversely impacts our work environment. It is a violation of the Corporation’s policy to discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; to create discriminatory work conditions; or to use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, based upon any characteristic protected by law.
Discriminatory or harassing conduct by or against employees, officers, directors, or non-employees (e.g., contractors, vendors, visitors, etc.) is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to conduct within the office and conduct during work-related and work-sponsored events outside the office.
Sexual Harassment Specifically
The Corporation prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, including, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when it may reasonably be perceived that:
•submission to such conduct either is explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment;
•submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions including, but not limited to, discharge or performance evaluation; or
•such conduct has the purpose or effect of materially and adversely interfering with an individual’s ability to perform a job by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive working environment.
Examples of improper conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following: unwelcome sexual advances, sexual remarks or jokes, inappropriate touching, gesturing or physical interference which impedes or blocks another’s movement, or demeaning posters, cartoons, photographs, graffiti or drawings. In general, conduct of a sexual nature that materially and adversely interferes with an individual’s work performance constitutes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment undermines the employment relationship by creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment and, like all other forms of harassment, will not be tolerated.
Sexual harassment may take different forms. One specific form is the demand for sexual favors as a condition of one’s employment or career development. Other forms of impermissible harassment include, but are not limited to:
•Verbal: sexual innuendoes, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, lewd remarks and threats; requests for any type of sexual favor (this includes repeated, unwelcome requests for dates); and verbal abuse that is oriented toward a prohibitive form of harassment, including that which is sexual in nature and unwelcome.
•Non-verbal: the distribution or display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, inappropriate electronic communications (such as e-mails, texts or social media activity), graphic commentaries, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, and/or obscene gestures.
•Physical: unwanted physical contact, including but not limited to touching, pinching, brushing the body, and/or pushing.
Sexual harassment can violate federal law, state law, and applicable local laws. Employees, officers and directors who believe that they have been subjected to sexual harassment may report sexual harassment to the Corporation; may file a formal complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or an applicable state or local agency; and in some instances may elect court action. Remedies for victims of sexual harassment under federal, state, and local law may include a requirement that your employer take action to stop the harassment, or redress the damage caused, including paying monetary damages, attorney’s fees and civil fines.
Consensual Relationships
Sexual, dating, or romantic relationships between a manager or other supervisory employee and his or her subordinate staff (an employee who reports directly or indirectly to that person), or involving employees in certain control functions, may create compromising conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts. In addition, such a relationship may give rise to the perception by others that there is favoritism or bias in employment and business decisions. Moreover, given the uneven balance of power within such relationships, consent by the employee may be viewed by others or, at a later date, by the employee as having been given as the result of coercion or intimidation. The atmosphere created by such appearances of bias, favoritism, intimidation, coercion or exploitation undermines the spirit of trust and mutual respect that is essential to a healthy work environment. Consequently, if such relationships arise, they will be considered carefully by the Corporation, and appropriate action will be taken if deemed necessary. Such action may include a change in the responsibilities of the individuals involved in such relationships, the transfer of location within the office to diminish or eliminate the supervisory relationship and workplace contact that may exist, or termination of one of the employees involved in the relationship if other alternatives are not feasible or the circumstances warrant.
If any employee of the Corporation enters into a consensual relationship with another employee, officer or director, the parties must notify their respective manager or the General Counsel.
Complaint Procedure and Retaliation
The Corporation strongly encourages the prompt reporting of all incidents of harassment. It is important that employees, officers and directors who feel that they have been subject to harassment (sexually or otherwise) or discrimination, or believe they have witnessed discriminatory or harassing conduct, report such incidents to management. Supervisory and managerial employees are required to report all instances of harassment of which they become aware. Any employee, officer or director who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by a co-worker, a manager or a non-employee, or believes they have witnessed such conduct are encouraged to immediately bring the matter to the attention of his or her manager or the General Counsel.
All allegations of harassment or discrimination will be investigated by the Corporation as promptly and confidentially as possible and appropriate corrective action will be taken as deemed by the Corporation as warranted by the situation. An appropriate person will be designated to conduct a prompt investigation of the allegations. The steps to be taken during the investigation cannot be fixed in advance, but will vary depending upon the nature of the allegations. While the confidentiality of the information received and the privacy of the individuals involved will be protected to as great a degree as is possible, please be aware that investigation of complaints may require disclosure to the accused party and other witnesses in order to gather pertinent facts. All employees, officers and directors are required to cooperate fully in any investigation by the Corporation.
The Corporation will not allow retaliation or adverse action against any employee, officer or director making a report of alleged harassment, discrimination, or other improper workplace conduct in good faith, or who cooperates in the investigation of such reports. Moreover, it is against Corporation policy to discourage anyone from making a report or to discourage witnesses from participating in any internal investigation. Accordingly, individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment in good faith, or who cooperate in an investigation regarding any such allegations, will not be subject to any form of retaliation.
If, as a result of the investigation, it is determined that unlawful discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment has occurred, the Corporation will take such prompt remedial action as it deems reasonably necessary under the circumstances to both stop the inappropriate conduct and prevent it from recurring in the future. Depending on the circumstances, appropriate remedial action may take the form of disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Action may also be taken against supervisors or managers who knowingly allow harassment to continue.
The Corporation strongly encourages any employee who believes that he or she has been retaliated against, or who believes that he or she has witnessed any form of unlawful retaliation, to report it immediately to his or her manager or the General Counsel. The reporting and investigation of allegations of retaliation will follow the procedures set forth above for the reporting and investigation of discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment. Any person found to have retaliated against an individual for reporting discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment, or for participating in an investigation of allegations of any such conduct, may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
If an investigation results in a finding that an employee, officer, or director knowingly made a false complaint, or a witness knowingly made a false statement, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination of employment.
This policy can be modified unilaterally by the Corporation at any time without notice as modification may be necessary to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws and/or accommodate organizational changes within the Corporation.
VIII. HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Corporation strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthy work environment. Each employee has responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.
Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted. Employees should report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
IX. ACCURACY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
The Corporation’s securities are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Corporation engages in various business activities that are subject to regulatory and other requirements. As such, the Corporation is subject to numerous regulations regarding its books and business records. The regulations require that the Corporation maintain accurate and complete business records, books and data in a timely manner. You are responsible to ensure the accuracy and completeness of any and all business information, reports and records under your control. You may not intentionally make false, incomplete or misleading entries in any of the Corporation’s books and records. In providing information to be included in the Corporation’s books and records, you must be diligent, candid and accurate. Maintaining accurate books and records is the first step in ensuring that the Corporation’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly present, in all material respects, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
X. CONFIDENTIALITY
Employees, officers and directors must maintain the confidentiality of confidential information entrusted to them by the Corporation or by its customers, suppliers or partners, except when disclosure is authorized by the Corporation’s legal counsel or required by laws or regulations. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Corporation or its customers, suppliers or partners if disclosed. It also includes information that customers have entrusted to us. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after employment ends.
XI. PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF CORPORATION ASSETS
All employees, officers and directors should endeavor to protect the Corporation’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on the Corporation’s profitability and are prohibited. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation. All Corporation assets should be used for legitimate business purposes. Corporation equipment should not be used for non-Corporation business, though incidental personal use may be permitted at the discretion of your manager.
Employees, officers and directors have an obligation to protect the Corporation’s assets including its proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property, such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records, salary information and all nonpublic financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited and could also be illegal and result in prosecution and imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
XII. PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain business. It is strictly prohibited to make illegal payments to government officials of any country. In addition, the U.S. government has a number of laws and regulations regarding business gratuities that may be accepted by U.S. government personnel. The promise, offer or delivery to an official or employee of the U.S. government of a gift, favor or other gratuity in violation of these rules would not only violate Corporation policy but could also be a criminal offense. State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have similar rules. The Corporation’s General Counsel, together with outside legal counsel, can provide guidance to you in this area.
XIII. DISCLOSURE POLICY
It is the Corporation’s policy to provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in all documents required to be filed with or furnished or submitted to the SEC and in all other public communications. The Corporation expects all employees, officers and directors to act in a manner that supports this policy. You are reminded that the Corporation has separate disclosure policies for compliance with Regulation FD and other disclosure controls and
procedures, and you are asked to please refer to the policies set forth therein. In addition, employees, officers and directors are prohibited from directly or indirectly taking any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead the Corporation’s independent auditors for the purpose of rendering the financial statements of the Corporation misleading.
The Corporation’s periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC, including all financial statements and other financial information, must comply with applicable federal securities laws and SEC rules. Each employee, officer and director who contributes in any way to the preparation or verification of the Corporation’s financial statements and other financial information must ensure that the Corporation’s books, records and accounts are accurately maintained. Each employee, officer and director must cooperate fully with the Corporation’s accounting and internal audit departments, as well as the Corporation’s independent public accountants and counsel. Each employee, officer and director who is involved in the Corporation’s disclosure process must: (a) be familiar with and comply with the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting; and (b) take all necessary steps to ensure that all filings with the SEC and all other public communications about the financial and business condition of the Corporation provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.
XIV. WAIVERS OF THE CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Any waiver of this Code for executive officers or directors may be made only by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors and will be documented in writing by the Board of Directors and will be promptly disclosed to shareholders as required by law or stock exchange regulation. No waiver of this Code shall be permitted except in accordance with this Section XIV.
XV. REPORTING ANY ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Any observed violation of this policy or illegal or unethical behavior should be reported without delay to the Chair of the Audit Committee, any other non-management member of the Board of Directors, the General Counsel, supervisors, managers, other appropriate personnel or the fraud hotline described in Section XVI of this Code. It is the policy of the Corporation not to allow retaliation for reports of misconduct made in good faith by employees. Employees, officers and directors are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct.
XVI. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
We must all work to ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code. You are expected to use good judgment in recognizing situations where a violation of this Code may occur and ensuring that no violation occurs. Since we cannot anticipate every situation that will arise, it is important that we have a way to approach a new question or problem. If you believe you have been asked to undertake any activity that is potentially unethical or improper, trust your instincts, judgment and common sense and discuss with your supervisor. These are other steps to keep in mind:
•Seek help from Corporation resources. In the rare case where it may not be appropriate to discuss an issue with your supervisor, or where you do not feel comfortable approaching your supervisor with your question, you should feel free to discuss an issue with the Chair of the Audit Committee, or any other non-management member of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Corporation has established a fraud hotline for the anonymous reporting of any alleged violations regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters which pertain to the Corporation. To reach the fraud hotline, call (855) 387-6936, which will put you in direct contact with the appropriate people. If you prefer to write and address your concerns internally, please do so to: General Counsel, AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., 245 Park Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10167. If you prefer to write and address your concerns to an individual who is not an officer of the Corporation, please do so to: AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, Attention: Chair, 45 Park Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10167.
•Always ask first, act later: If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act.
XVII. ACCOUNTABILITY
You will be accountable for adherence to this Code. Violations of this Code may result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including termination of employment and civil or criminal penalties.
XVIII. GENERAL
The Code does not constitute a contract between the Corporation and any person or entity and does not, and shall not be interpreted to, create any rights for any person or entity other than the Corporation. Nothing in this Code shall be construed as altering the employment relationship between the Corporation or any employee or as granting any employee employment for any set period of time.
XVIII. CERTIFICATION
This Second Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics was duly approved and adopted by the Board of the Corporation on the 17 day of February 2021.
APPROVED Board of Directors
February 17, 2021
AG MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Acknowledgement Form
To: AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. Legal and Compliance Department
Re: Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
I, _______________________, acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”). I understand the contents of the Code and I agree to comply with the policies and procedures set out in the Code. I understand that I should approach General Counsel if I have any questions about the Code generally or any questions about reporting a suspected conflict of interest or other violation of the Code.
079612.0000002 EMF_US 83213960v5