DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of the terms of our capital stock is only a summary. For a complete description, we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), our charter and our bylaws. We have incorporated by reference our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The following description discusses the general terms of the common stock and preferred stock that we may issue.
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock will describe certain other terms of such series of preferred stock. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock, the terms of any such series of preferred stock may differ from the terms set forth below. The description of preferred stock set forth below and the description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to our charter, particularly to the articles supplementary relating to that series of preferred stock.
General
Under our charter we are authorized to issue up to 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 2,875,000 shares have been classified and designated as shares of “9.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock”, 1,800,000 shares have been classified and designated as shares of “8.05% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock”, 2,300,000 shares have been classified and designated as shares of “8.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock” and 1,000,000 shares have been classified and designated as shares of “Series E Junior Participating Preferred Stock.” The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $11,000,000. As of the date of this prospectus, there are currently no other classes or series of preferred stock authorized. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or obligations.
Common Stock
All outstanding shares of our common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors, dividends out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. They are also 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.
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. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, and directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast.
Holders of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All shares of common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, 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 approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two thirds of the shares entitled to vote 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 of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides that these matters may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series and may determine, with respect to any such series, the powers, preferences and rights of such series, and its qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including, without limitation:
• | the number of shares to constitute such series and the designations thereof; |