DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
As of the end of the period covered by the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K of Qurate Retail, Inc. (the “Registrant”), the following securities of the Registrant were registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): (1) Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A common stock”), and (2) Series B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B common stock”).
Description of Registrant’s Common Stock
The following description of the Registrant’s Series A common stock and Series B common stock is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “charter”), which is an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein. We encourage you to read the charter and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law for additional information.
Authorized Capital Stock
The Registrant’s authorized capital stock consists of eight billion two hundred million (8,200,000,000) shares, of which eight billion one hundred fifty million (8,150,000,000) shares are designated common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and fifty million (50,000,000) shares are designated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “preferred stock”). The common stock is divided into three series. The Registrant has four billion (4,000,000,000) shares of Series A common stock, one hundred fifty million (150,000,000) shares of Series B common stock, and four billion (4,000,000,000) shares of Series C common stock authorized (the “Series C common stock”).
The Registrant’s Common Stock
The holders of the Registrant’s Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock have equal rights, powers and privileges, except as otherwise described below.
Voting Rights
The holders of the Registrant’s Series A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, and the holders of its Series B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held, on all matters voted on by the Registrant’s stockholders, including elections of directors. The holders of its Series C common stock are not entitled to any voting powers, except as required by Delaware law. When the vote or consent of holders of the Series C common stock is required by Delaware law, the holders of the Registrant’s Series C common stock will be entitled to 1/100th of a vote for each share held. The Registrant’s charter does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Dividends; Liquidation
Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding series of the Registrant’s preferred stock created by the board from time to time, the holders of the Registrant’s common stock will be entitled to such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the board from funds available therefor. Except as otherwise described under “—Distributions,” whenever a dividend is paid to the holders of one series of common stock, the Registrant will also pay to the holders of the other series of its common stock an equal per share dividend.
Conversion
Each share of the Registrant’s Series B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A common stock. The Registrant’s Series A common stock and Series C common stock are not convertible into shares of any other series of the Registrant’s common stock.
Distributions
Subject to the exception provided below, distributions made in shares of the Registrant’s Series A common stock, Series B common stock, Series C common stock or any other security with respect to the Series A common stock, Series B common stock or Series C common stock may be declared and paid only as follows:
a share distribution (1) consisting of shares of the Registrant’s Series C common stock (or securities convertible therefor) to holders of Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock, on an equal per share basis; or (2) consisting of (x) shares of the Registrant’s Series A common stock (or securities convertible therefore other than, for the avoidance of doubt, shares of Series B common stock) to holders of Series A common stock, on an equal per share basis, (y) shares of Series B common stock (or securities convertible therefor) to holders of Series B common stock, on an equal per share basis, and (z) consisting of shares of Series C common stock (or securities convertible therefor) to holders of Series C common stock, on an equal per share basis; and
a share distribution consisting of any class or series of securities of the Registrant or any other person, other than the Registrant’s Series A common stock, Series B common stock or Series C common stock (or securities convertible therefor) on the basis of a distribution of (1) identical securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock; or (2) separate classes or series of securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of each such series of the Registrant’s common stock; or (3) a separate class or series of securities to the holders of one or more series of the Registrant’s common stock and, on an equal per share basis, a different class or series of securities to the holders of all other series of the Registrant’s common stock, provided that, in the case of (2) or (3) above, the securities so distributed do not differ in any respect other than their relative voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion and share distribution provisions, with the holders of shares of Series B common stock receiving securities of the class or series having the highest relative voting rights and the holders of shares of each other series of common stock receiving securities of the class or series having lesser relative voting rights, and provided further that, if different classes or series of securities are being distributed to holders of Series A common stock and Series C common stock, then such securities shall be distributed either as determined by the board of directors or such that the relative voting rights of the securities of the class or series of securities to be received by the holders of Series A common stock and Series C common stock corresponds, to the extent practicable, to the relative voting rights of each such series of common stock.
Reclassification
The Registrant may not reclassify, subdivide or combine any series of its common stock then outstanding without reclassifying, subdividing or combining the other series of its common stock then outstanding, on an equal per share basis.
Liquidation and Dissolution
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Registrant, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Registrant and subject to the prior payment in full of any preferential amounts to which the preferred stock holders may be entitled, the holders of Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock will share equally, on a share for share basis, in the Registrant’s assets remaining for distribution to the holders of its common stock.
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Other Provisions of the Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation
The Registrant’s Preferred Stock
The Registrant’s charter authorizes its board of directors (the “board”) to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of the series, including:
· | the designation of the series; |
· | the number of authorized shares of the series, which number the board may subsequently increase or decrease but not below the number of such shares of such series preferred stock then outstanding; |
· | the dividend rate or amounts, if any, payable on the shares and, in the case of cumulative dividends, the date or dates from which dividends on all shares of the series will be cumulative and the relative preferences or rights of priority or participation with respect to such dividends; |
· | the rights of the series in the event of the Registrant’s voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the relative preferences or rights of priority of payment; |
· | the rights, if any, of holders of the series to convert into or exchange for other classes or series of stock or indebtedness and the terms and conditions of any such conversion or exchange, including provision for adjustments within the discretion of the board; |
· | the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series; |
· | the terms and conditions, if any, for the Registrant to purchase or redeem the shares of the series; and |
· | any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of the series. |
The Registrant believes that the ability of its board to issue one or more series of its preferred stock will provide it with flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions, and in meeting other corporate needs that might arise. The authorized shares of preferred stock, as well as shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automatic quotation system on which the Registrant’s securities may be listed or traded.
Although the Registrant has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. The board will make any determination to issue such shares based upon its judgment as to the best interests of the Registrant’s stockholders. The board, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquirer may be able to change the composition of the board of directors, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a majority, of stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price of the stock.
Board of Directors
The Registrant’s charter provides that, subject to any rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect additional directors, the number of directors will not be less than three and the exact number will be fixed by a resolution of the board. The members of the board, other than those who may be elected by holders of any then-outstanding preferred stock, will be divided into three classes. Each class will consist, as nearly as possible, of a number of directors equal to one-third of the then authorized number of board members.
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As of December 31, 2019, the terms of the Class I, II and III directors who were then in office will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors of that class of directors whose term expires at that meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in the third year following the year of their election. The directors of each class will hold office until the expiration of the term of such class and their respective successors are elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
The charter provides that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, directors may be removed from office only for cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of outstanding capital stock entitled to vote on such matter voting together as a single class.
The charter provides that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, vacancies on the board resulting from death, resignation, removal, disqualification or other cause, and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors on the board, will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office (even though less than a quorum) or by the sole remaining director. Any director so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred or to which the new directorship is assigned, and until that director’s successor will have been elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Registrant’s board will shorten the term of any incumbent director, except as may be provided in any certificate of designation with respect to a series of preferred stock with respect to any additional director elected by the holders of that series of preferred stock.
These provisions would preclude a third party from removing incumbent directors and simultaneously gaining control of the board by filling the vacancies created by removal with its own nominees. Under the classified board provisions described above, it would take at least two elections of directors for any individual or group to gain control of the board. Accordingly, these provisions could discourage a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to gain control of the Registrant.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Registrant’s directors are not liable to the Registrant or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duties as a director. In addition, the Registrant indemnifies, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any person involved in any suit or action by reason of the fact that such person is a director or officer of the company or, at the Registrant’s request, a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or entity, against all liability, loss and expenses incurred by such person. The Registrant will pay expenses of a director or officer in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided that such payment is made upon receipt of an undertaking by the director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled to indemnification.
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings
The Registrant’s charter provides that, except as provided in the terms of any series of preferred stock, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may not be taken without a meeting and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called only by the Secretary (i) upon the written request of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of the Series A common stock, Series B common stock and, if applicable, the preferred stock, entitled to vote thereon or (ii) at the request of at least 75% of the members of the board of directors then in office.
Amendments
The Registrant’s charter provides that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote on such matter, voting together as a single class, is required to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of the charter or to add or insert any provision in the charter, provided that the foregoing enhanced voting
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requirement will not apply to any adoption, amendment, repeal, addition or insertion (1) as to which Delaware law does not require the consent of stockholders or (2) which has been approved by at least 75% of the members of the board then in office. The Registrant’s charter further provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote on such matter, voting together as a single class, is required to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of the bylaws, provided that the board of directors may adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the members of the board then in office.
Supermajority Voting Provisions
In addition to the supermajority voting provisions discussed under “—Amendments” above, the Registrant’s charter provides that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote on such matter, voting together as a single class, is required for:
the merger or consolidation of the Registrant with or into any other corporation (including a merger consummated pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and notwithstanding the exception to a vote of stockholders for such a merger set forth therein), provided, that the foregoing voting provision will not apply to any such merger or consolidation (1) as to which the laws of the State of Delaware, as then in effect, do not require the consent of the Registrant’s stockholders (other than Section 251(h) of the DGCL), or (2) that at least 75% of the members of the board then in office have approved;
the sale, lease or exchange of all, or substantially all, of the Registrant’s assets, provided, that the foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any such sale, lease or exchange that at least 75% of the members of the board then in office have approved; or
the Registrant’s dissolution, provided, that the foregoing voting provision will not apply to such dissolution if at least 75% of the members of the board then in office have approved such dissolution.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits certain transactions between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” for this purpose generally is a stockholder who is directly or indirectly a beneficial owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting power of a Delaware corporation. This provision prohibits certain business combinations between an interested stockholder including certain related persons and a corporation for a period of three years after the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to the time that a stockholder became an interested stockholder, either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the corporation’s board of directors, (2) the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting power of the corporation in the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, or (3) the business combination is approved by a majority of the board and the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting power of the shares not owned by the interested stockholder at or subsequent to the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. The Registrant is subject to Section 203.
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