8-KShareholder MattersCorporate ChangesOther Events+1

Dell Technologies Inc. 8-K Report, Rights Modification (Jun 29, 2022)

Filed June 29, 2022For Securities:DELL

Summary

Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) filed an 8-K on June 29, 2022, reporting on key corporate governance changes and the results of its 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The primary focus of this filing is the adoption of a Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, which include significant modifications to the company's governance structure and procedures. These amendments aim to streamline corporate governance, particularly concerning director nominations and stockholder proposals, by enhancing disclosure requirements and aligning the bylaws with the company's current structure following the Class V transaction. The filing also confirms the overwhelmingly positive results of the 2022 annual meeting, with all director nominees elected and key proposals, including the ratification of the independent auditor and advisory approval of executive compensation, receiving strong stockholder support. Notably, the adoption of the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which includes an exclusive federal forum provision for Securities Act claims, passed with substantial majority votes across all classes of common stock.

Key Highlights

  • 1Dell Technologies adopted a Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective June 29, 2022.
  • 2The Amended Bylaws introduce more stringent requirements for stockholder nominations and proposals, including detailed disclosure of beneficial ownership, agreements, voting rights, and related compensation.
  • 3Proposed nominees must now provide a detailed questionnaire and a written representation affirming compliance with company policies and avoiding undisclosed voting commitments or compensation arrangements.
  • 4The company's 2022 annual meeting saw all seven Group I director nominees and the Group IV director nominee elected with significant "For" votes.
  • 5Stockholders ratified PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending February 3, 2023, with overwhelming support.
  • 6An advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers was approved by a substantial majority.
  • 7The Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was adopted, establishing federal district courts as the exclusive forum for Securities Act of 1933 claims, subject to the Company's consent for alternative forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

The company adopted a Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated Bylaws. These updates primarily focus on enhancing the disclosure requirements and procedures for stockholders wishing to nominate directors or propose business at meetings. They also include technical and administrative changes to align with past corporate transactions and establish a federal forum for certain securities-related lawsuits.

The amended bylaws require stockholders to provide more comprehensive information in their notices. This includes details on beneficial ownership rights, compensation agreements related to nominees, voting rights arrangements, dividend rights on separated shares, performance-related fees, and a list of other supporting stockholders. Nominees themselves must also provide a signed questionnaire and agree to comply with company policies and avoid undisclosed voting commitments or compensation arrangements.

The 2022 annual meeting resulted in the election of all director nominees, the ratification of the company's independent auditor, and advisory approval of executive compensation. A significant development was the adoption of the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which includes a provision for exclusive federal jurisdiction for claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

This provision designates federal district courts as the exclusive venue for resolving any lawsuit brought under the Securities Act of 1933, unless Dell Technologies consents to an alternative forum. This is intended to standardize and potentially streamline the litigation process for such claims, offering greater predictability for the company.