§ 2279aa-4. Stock issuance
(a)
Voting common stock
(1)
Issue
The Corporation shall issue voting common stock having such par value as may be fixed by the Board from time to time. Each share of voting common stock shall be entitled to one vote with rights of cumulative voting at all elections of directors. Voting shall be by classes as described in section
2279aa–2
(a)(9) of this title. The stock shall be divided into two classes with the same par value per share. Class A stock may be held only by entities that are not Farm Credit System institutions and that are entitled to vote for directors specified in section
2279aa–2
(b)(2)(A) of this title, including national banking associations (which shall be allowed to purchase and hold such stock). Class B stock may be held only by Farm Credit System institutions that are entitled to vote for directors specified in section
2279aa–2
(b)(2)(B) of this title.
(2)
Limitation on issue
After the date the permanent board first meets with a quorum of its members present, voting common stock of the Corporation may be issued only to originators and certified facilities.
(3)
Authority of Board to establish terms and procedures
The Board shall adopt such terms, conditions, and procedures with regard to the issue of stock under this section as may be necessary, including the establishment of a maximum amount limitation on the number of shares of voting common stock that may be outstanding at any time.
(4)
Transferability
Subject to such limitations as the Board may impose, any share of any class of voting common stock issued under this section shall be transferable among the institutions or entities to which shares of such class of common stock may be offered under paragraph (1), except that, as to the Corporation, such shares shall be transferable only on the books of the Corporation.
(b)
Required capital contributions
(c)
Dividends
(1)
In general
Such dividends as may be declared by the Board, in the discretion of the Board, shall be paid by the Corporation to the holders of the voting common stock of the Corporation pro rata based on the total number of shares of both classes of stock outstanding.
(3)
Dividends prohibited while obligations are outstanding
No dividend may be declared or paid by the Board under this section while any obligation issued by the Corporation to the Secretary of the Treasury under section
2279aa–13 of this title remains outstanding.
(d)
Nonvoting common stock
The Corporation is authorized to issue nonvoting common stock having such par value as may be fixed by the Board from time to time. Such nonvoting common stock shall be freely transferable, except that, as to the Corporation, such stock shall be transferable only on the books of the Corporation. Such dividends as may be declared by the Board, in the discretion of the Board, may be paid by the Corporation to the holders of the nonvoting common stock of the Corporation, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of this section.
(e)
Preferred stock
(1)
Authority of Board
The Corporation is authorized to issue nonvoting preferred stock having such par value as may be fixed by the Board from time to time. Such preferred stock issued shall be freely transferable, except that, as to the Corporation, such stock shall be transferred only on the books of the Corporation.
(2)
Rights of preferred stock
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of this section, the holders of the preferred stock shall be entitled to such rate of cumulative dividends, and such holders shall be subject to such redemption or other conversion provisions, as may be provided for at the time of issuance. No dividends shall be payable on any share of common stock at any time when any dividend is due on any share of preferred stock and has not been paid.
(3)
Preference on termination of business
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the business of the Corporation, the holders of the preferred shares of stock shall be paid in full at the par value thereof, plus all accrued dividends, before the holders of the common shares receive any payment.