The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and
non-assessable. Unless otherwise specified in the terms of the applicable series, shares of preferred stock of a given series will rank on a parity in all respects with any outstanding preferred stock we may
have and will have priority over our common stock as to dividends and distributions of assets. Therefore, the rights of any preferred stock may limit the rights of the holders of our common stock and preferred stock.
On December 9, 2021 we issued 1,000,000 shares of 4.35% Series C Fixed-Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock), which
remain outstanding.
Certain terms of the Preferred Stock are described below and the full terms of the Preferred Stock are set forth in Article IIIC of
our articles of incorporation.
Ranking
The
Preferred Stock ranks senior to all classes or series of our common stock and any other class or series of junior stock, if any, with respect to dividends rights and rights upon any liquidation, winding-up or
dissolution.
Liquidation Preference
If we
liquidate, dissolve or wind up, holders of shares of Preferred Stock will have the right to receive $1,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any (whether or not authorized or declared) up to, but excluding, the date of payment,
before any payment is made to holders of our common stock and any other class or series of capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights, but subject to the prior payment in full of all of our liabilities and the
preferences of any senior stock.
Dividends and Restrictions on Common Dividends
Dividends are payable on the Preferred Stock semi-annually in arrears, in each case when, as and if declared by our board of directors. However, dividends on
the Preferred Stock accumulate regardless of whether such dividends are declared by the board of directors, permitted under Virginia law or prohibited by any agreement to which we are a party. Dividends on the Preferred Stock are payable only in
cash.
As long as shares of the Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends for all preceding dividend periods have
been declared and paid, or a sufficient sum has been set apart for the payment of such dividends, we are not permitted to (i) declare and pay dividends on any capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on parity with or junior to the Preferred
Stock, such as the common stock, or (ii) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any capital stock ranking, as to dividends or upon liquidation, on parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock, such as the common stock, subject, in the case of
both clauses (i) and (ii), to certain exceptions as described in the terms of the Preferred Stock.
Voting Rights
Holders of shares of Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except as otherwise required by Virginia law. However, if dividends on any shares of
Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid in full for three semi-annual full dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, together with holders of any other series of our preferred stock
ranking equally with the Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to our board to serve until all
accumulated unpaid dividends have been paid or declared with a sufficient sum set aside for payment.