Securities Law Commons^™

Corporations - Employee Stock Option Plans - Nature Of Consideration Required For Valid Plan, Richard E. Day

Michigan Law Review

Restricted stock option plans, approved by a majority of the stockholders, were adopted by the defendant corporation in 1951 and 1952 pursuant to, and in compliance with, section 218 of the Revenue Act of 1950, for the purpose of" ... providing an incentive to participating key executive employees in the form of an opportunity to acquire a greater proprietary interest in the corporation and thus stimulate their efforts in the corporate welfare .... " The options were effective and exercisable anytime from the date of issuance to the end of a five-year period, with provision for termination three months after …

Corporations - Shareholders - Majority Liability For Improper Stock Redemption By Corporation And For Misrepresentations In Private Stock Purchases From Minority Holders, James M. Tobin

Michigan Law Review

In 1942 a seemingly innocuous suit was brought against the Axton-Fisher Tobacco Corporation to determine the propriety of the alteration of a stock redemption. In 1955 Judge Leahy of the Federal District Court for Delaware handed down an opinion on the damages and relief to be given in the case in what he hopefully termed was the final phase of this famous litigation. It is the purpose of this comment to appraise the basis of the recovery allowed by Judge Leahy. Two readily distinguishable problems will be treated: (1) the nature of relief from a stock redemption called by fiduciaries …

Corporations - Officers And Directors - Effect Of An Equitable Lien On Directors' Liability, Robert Steele

Michigan Law Review

Defendants, directors of a corporation, appealed from a judgment against them in favor of their company's creditor. The corporation had executed a note promising to repay plaintiff's loan out of the funds from a forthcoming stock issue. The board of directors passed a resolution ordering the officers to repay plaintiff in this manner. The money was then spent for other purposes, with the knowledge of the individual directors, after which the corporation became insolvent. On appeal, held, affirmed. The note and resolution imposed an equitable lien on the fund from the stock sale. The corporation's conversion of this interest …

Corporations - Shareholders - Use Of Corporate Funds For Proxy Contest Expenses, Julius B. Poppinga S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Following a proxy contest in which the insurgent faction of stockholders was successful, the new board of directors paid out $28,000 to members of the old board to cover expenses incurred by them, and also used $127,000 to reimburse the prevailing group. The latter expenditure was approved by a sixteen-to-one majority vote of the stockholders. Plaintiff brought a derivative action seeking restoration of both amounts. The trial court dismissed the complaint, and the appellate division affirmed this judgment. On appeal to the New York Court of Appeals, held, affirmed, three judges dissenting. Corporate directors may make reasonable expenditures in …

Corporations - Shareholders - Power Of The Majority To Ratify Director's Fraud, Paul A. Heinen

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, a stockholder in the Kroger Company, brought a derivative suit against a subsidiary of the company and certain officers and directors of both the parent and the subsidiary. It was alleged that . Kroger's directors had fraudulently waived the company's preemptive right to a new issue of stock of the subsidiary and had then purchased the shares for their own accounts at a price far below the market value. The defendants answered that the sale had been ratified by a majority in interest of disinterested stockholders to whom all the details of the transaction had been explained, and denied …

Corporations - Officers And Directors - Agreement Interfering With Management By Board Of Directors, Edward H. Hoenicke S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiffs, minority stockholders in a closely held corporation, asked that the court declare invalid an agreement between the majority stockholders and their "agent-directors" for the management of the business. The agreement provided that for ten years the stock of the parties to the agreement would be voted as a unit as any seven of the agents should direct or, if they could not agree, as directed by an arbitrator chosen by them. The agents were to be elected to the board of directors by the stockholders who appointed them. Under a cumulative voting provision, the parties to the agreement had …

Corporations - Stockholders - Fiduciary Relationship In Sale Of Controlling Stock Interest, Morton A. Polster S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

This comment is concerned with the duty owed by the controlling stockholders to the non-controlling stockholders when there is a sale of the controlling interest. Recently this question was considered by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Perlman v. Feldmann, and the opinion, reversing the lower court and accompanied by a vigorous dissent by Judge Swan, deserves careful consideration.

Corporations - Stockholders - Effect Of State Constitutional Provisions On Liabilty To Creditors For Unpaid Subscriptions, Douglas Peck S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Basset and Company, an Oklahoma corporation, issued stock to defendant for which defendant never paid. The sum due was carried on the corporate books as "subscriptions receivable." The corporation became bankrupt and the trustee brought suit in the federal district court to recover the amount due on the subscriptions. Held, judgment for the defendant. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, where stock is issued for consideration which is less than par value, the issue is void. The stock certificate cannot serve as a consideration to support the would-be stockholder's promise to pay for the stock, and no liability attaches to the …

Corporations - Provisions In Articles Authorizing Call Of Common Stock At Option Of Corporation, Dale W. Van Winkle S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Amendments to the articles of organization of the defendant corporation provided that the board of directors might at any time purchase its common stock in whole or in part from any holder thereof. After the directors initiated proceedings to purchase a portion of the shares held by plaintiff, plaintiff brought a bill in equity asking that an injunction be issued to restrain the corporation from proceeding further. The superior court entered a decree for the defendant. On appeal, held, affirmed. The provision authorizing the call of common stock is neither forbidden by statute nor contrary to public policy. Lewis …

Corporations - Extent To Which Vote Of Proxy Binds The Shareholders, Herbert R. Brown S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff; in a derivative action, charged certain directors of the corporation with appropriating a corporate opportunity to their own benefit. Defendant directors moved for summary judgment· on the ground that the questioned transaction was ratified by the stockholders, with plaintiff's stock being voted by proxy in favor of ratification. Held, motion for summary judgment denied. The plaintiff was not estopped from suit even though her proxyholder, the corporation management, voted her stock for the ratification, since she had no notice that the question was to be voted on when she gave her proxy. Gottlieb v. McKee, (Del. Ch. …

Corporations - Capital Reduction Surplus As A Source Of Divided Payments, John B. Huck

Michigan Law Review

At the beginning of 1936, plaintiff, a Wisconsin corporation, had an earned surplus deficit of $106,134.89, and a surplus of $685,642.89 created by a reduction of capital stock. Net earnings for 1936 were $121,515.96, none of which were distributed as dividends. An undistributed profits surtax was assessed on the entire current net earnings. Plaintiff sued for a partial refund under an amendment providing retroactive relief for corporations which were prohibited by law from paying dividends during the existence of a deficit in accumulated earnings at the time when the tax was paid. The district court denied relief. On appeal, held …

Corporations - Stockholders - Cancellation Of Stock Issues Without Consideration, James W. Beatty S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

At the beginning of 1936, plaintiff, a Wisconsin corporation, had an earned surplus deficit of $106,134.89, and a surplus of $685,642.89 created by a reduction of capital stock. Net earnings for 1936 were $121,515.96, none of which were distributed as dividends. An undistributed profits surtax was assessed on the entire current net earnings. Plaintiff sued for a partial refund under an amendment providing retroactive relief for corporations which were prohibited by law from paying dividends during the existence of a deficit in accumulated earnings at the time when the tax was paid. The district court denied relief. On appeal, held …

Corporations - Preference Rights On Dissolution, Robert B. Fiske, Jr. S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The capital structure of the defendant corporation consisted of class A, class B, and preferred stock. According to the articles of association, the class A stock was entitled to a ten percent dividend before any dividend was paid on the class B. After the class B stock had also received a ten percent dividend, the two classes were to share equally in any further dividends. The charter further provided that on dissolution the holders of the class A stock were entitled to cash to the amount of the par value of their stock before any payment in …

Corporations - Reclassification Of Securities As A Purchase Under Section 16 (B) Of The Securities And Exchange Act, Eric E. Bergsten

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, a minority stockholder in the Old Town Corporation, brought action on behalf of the corporation to recover alleged "shortswing" profits made by defendants, who were officers, directors and large shareholders of Old Town, on the sale of 45.9 percent of the outstanding stock of the corporation. The corporation had, with the approval of 78 percent of the owners in interest, reclassified the 320,402 outstanding shares of $5 par common stock as 320,402 shares of $1 par common and 320,402 shares of 40¢ cumulative preferred stock of $7 par value. This reclassification was done for the frank purpose of increasing …

Taxation - Federal Income Tax - Corporate Accumulations, Stock Dividends And The "Preferred Stock Bail-Out," And Taxability Of The Corporation Upon The Distribution Of "Inventory Assets" Under The Internal Revenue Code Of 1954, Alice Austin S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

It is the purpose of this discussion to indicate, with respect to corporate accumulations and distributions, some of the major interpretative problems existing under the 1939 code which Congress has failed to resolve, as well as some of the major interpretative difficulties which arise for the first time under the 1954 code.

Corporations - The Fudiciary Duty Of Directors In The Issuance Of Stock Subject To Preemptive Rights, Howard M. Downs

Michigan Law Review

In Gord v. Iowana Farms Milk Co. , a stockholder protested the issue to the defendant of certain shares of stock in a closely held corporation. At the time of the sale, the plaintiff was a director and secretary-treasurer of the corporation with access to the corporate books and knowledge of the corporate assets. At the meeting at which the stock was issued, the plaintiff signed a statement saying "at the present time I do not elect to purchase any stock. . . ." The stock, sold for $15 a share, had a value variously estimated at $50 to $103.22. …

Corporations - Right Of Shareholder Under Uniform Stock Transfer To Have Shares Transferred Contrary To Corporation By-Laws, Lawrence N. Ravick S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The defendant, a Michigan corporation, adopted a "constitution" (by-laws) which contained the following provisions: " ... no member shall be allowed to own more than five shares of stock at any one time." This restriction was not written into the articles of incorporation or printed upon the stock certificates. Plaintiff was at one time the president and director of the defendant corporation. While an officer, he acquired twenty-five shares of stock, having at the time full knowledge of the by-law provisions. When he was no longer an officer, plaintiff purchased an additional share of defendant's capital stock and requested the …

Corporations - "Personal Interst" Of Directors In Corporate Transactions, Richard R. Dailey

Michigan Law Review

Serious dissension had developed between two factions of the seven member board of directors of defendant corporation. Group A, consisting of four members, represented a working majority of the outstanding stock recently acquired by a group of investors. Group B, consisting of three members, had constituted the active management of the corporation for a number of years. The resignation of group B was probable if group A continued to dominate the board. It was proposed that stock of the defendant be exchanged for stock in another corporation. Under the overall plan, group A was to resign and two …

Conflict Of Laws - Penal Provisions In Foreign Law - Liability Of Shareholders In De Facto Corporation, James M. Potter S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Defendants, residents of Tennessee, while attempting to form a corporation under the laws of Arkansas, inadvertently failed to file the articles of incorporation with the county clerk, although they were filed with the Secretary of State of Arkansas. The resulting business association was an Arkansas de facto corporation. Under Arkansas law the shareholders of a de facto corporation are personally liable for the debts of the corporation. Plaintiff, a creditor who dealt with the corporation, sued in a Tennessee court and asked that the Arkansas rule be applied. The trial court refused to do so on the ground that it …

Corporations - Securities Regulation - Investment Contracts Under Securities Act Of 1933, James W. Beatty S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiffs purchased tracts of twenty acres, part of a larger tract owned by the defendant, for the purpose of developing the tracts into small citrus groves. Plaintiffs also executed with defendant a care and management contract, whereby plaintiff was to give directions as to the marketing of the crops on the tract; the defendant management company was to follow these directions but would still supervise harvesting and marketing and would receive its compensation therefor. Plaintiff brought an action under the Securities Act of 1933 to impose civil liability for fraudulent misrepresentations and material omissions concerning the value of the land. …

Corporations--Capital And Stock-Right Of Employee To Receive Stock Dividend Under Stock Purchase Agreement, John E. Riecker S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Defendant's decedent, X, was executive vice-president and treasurer of plaintiff corporation. Intending to increase X's compensation, plaintiff drew up a plan calling for the sale of 100 shares of plaintiff's stock to X, plaintiff to have a lien on the stock certificate made out in X's name and the right to credit all dividends declared on the stock against its purchase price until fully paid. X was granted the right to vote the stock and to receive the dividends declared after full payment. The agreement specifically provided that X was not entitled to possession of the …

Integration Of Public Utility Holding Companies, Robert F. Ritchie

Michigan Legal Studies Series

The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 was one of the most controversial pieces of legislation ever enacted by Congress, but despite this fact it has withstood numerous and vigorous attacks upon its constitutionality and, further, it has never been amended in any material respect. The Securities and Exchange Commission was confronted in 1935 with one of the most difficult administrative tasks in modern history. How it met and resolved the difficult problems of geographical and economic integration, arising under the so-called "death sentence" provisions of this Act, is the subject matter of this publication.

The research involved in …

Corporations - Sale Of Assets As A Means Of Avoiding State Constitutional Limitation On Corporate Life, Judson M. Werbelow

Michigan Law Review

Defendant, a Michigan corporation, was incorporated in 1923 for a term of thirty years, the maximum term permitted by the Michigan constitution. Shortly before this thirty-year term was to expire, majority and minority stockholders engaged in unsuccessful negotiations, each group attempting to purchase the other's interest in the corporation. A special stockholders' meeting was then called to consider a proposed renewal of the corporate term. This proposal failed to gamer the vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares which was required for approval. The attorneys representing the majority shareholders proceeded to organize a dummy corporation, which in tum offered the …

Taxation - Federal Income Tax - Exchange Of Debentures For Preferred Stock As Tax-Free Reorganization, Raymond R. Trombadore S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff held common and preferred stock of the Gulf States Paper Corporation. In 1942 plaintiff received new debentures in exchange for his preferred stock, pursuant to a plan for the recapitalization of the company whereby the entire 25,000 shares of previously outstanding preferred stock (including plaintiff's 208 shares) were exchanged for new debentures of like value. In 1950 the Commissioner assessed an income tax deficiency against plaintiff, determining that the redemption and cancellation of the preferred stock represented a distribution essentially equivalent to the distribution of a dividend and taxable under section 115(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Plaintiff sued …

Corporations - Securities Act Of 1933 - Stock Sale To Employees As A Public Offer, Paul B. Campbell S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The Securities and Exchange Commission sued to enjoin defendant corporation from offering stock for sale to its employees without first complying with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Defendant claimed that its offer was not a public offer and therefore it came under a class of transactions which were exempt from the registration requirements. The offer was made to about 500 of the company's 7,000 employees. The company classified the offer as one made only to ''key employees." The court of appeals affirmed the trial court's judgment for defendant. On certiorari, held, reversed, two justices dissenting. …

Corporations - Effect Of A Provision In Articles Of Incorporation Permitting The Counting Of Interested Directors For Quorum Purposes, James W. Callison S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiffs, minority stockholders, sought to restrain the consummation of a merger agreement between defendant Mayflower and Hilton corporations because the plan had not been approved by a quorum of disinterested directors of Mayflower. Defendants relied upon a provision in Mayflower's articles of incorporation which stated that " . . . any director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors of this Corporation for the purpose of authorizing any contract or transaction [between this Corporation and any other corporation in which any director or officer of this Corporation is pecuniarily …

"Fair And Equitable" Distribution Of Voting Power Under The Public Utility Holding Company Act Of 1935, Leo W. Leary

Michigan Law Review

In the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 Congress gave the Securities and Exchange Commission the task of investigating voting power distribution among security holders in electric and gas holding companies and their subsidiaries. If the Commission finds that the corporate structure or continued existence of any company in a holding company system "unfairly or inequitably" distributes voting power among the investors in the system, it is the Commission's duty to order the offending corporation to take "such steps as the Commission shall find necessary" to cure this condition. This paper is an attempt to ascertain what the Commission …

Corporations - Shareholders - Right To Bring Derivative Action For Treble Damages Under Antitrust Laws, William K. Davenport S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, owner of 50 percent of the stock in a theater corporation, brought a derivative action in federal court for treble damages for loss of profits allegedly suffered from defendant's violation of the antitrust laws. The district court sustained defendant's motion to dismiss. On appeal to the court of appeals, held, reversed and remanded. Under the new federal rules, a stockholder may bring a derivative action for treble damages under the antitrust laws. Fanchon & Marco, Inc. v. Paramount Pictures, Inc., (2d Cir. 1953) 202 F. (2d) 731.

Corporations - Stock Options - Requirements Of Consideration For Employee Options, George D. Miller, Jr. S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The Delaware court, in two recent decisions, has indicated what may be an increasingly strict attitude toward employee stock options, particularly when granted to executive officers or directors. It will be the purpose of this comment to examine the significance of these decisions, and to attempt to determine the extent of the change wrought by them.

Corporations-Officers And Directors-Fiduciary Duty Of Officer Purchasing Stock From Shareholder, Walter H. Weiner

Michigan Law Review

Defendant, president of a corporation acquired stock owned by plaintiff and others by falsely representing that the corporation had been sold. After enhancing the value of this stock, defendant sold it. Plaintiff brought suit for fraudulent conversion and the trial court directed a verdict for the defendant. On appeal, held, reversed. An officer negotiating with a shareholder for the purchase of shares must act with scrupulous trust and confidence, and unless the officer acts with the utmost fairness the wronged shareholder may invoke the proper remedy. Blazer v. Black, (10th Cir. 1952) 196 F. (2d) 139.