17 - REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

On October 26, 2023, the Company issued 280,000 shares of 13% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) at a stated value of $25 per share. Subsequently as part of the underwriters’ overallotment option, an additional 14,144 shares were sold on December 5, 2023. The Company realized aggregate net proceeds of $5,775,596 in connection with the issuances of these shares.

As part of the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock offering, if a change of control or delisting event occurs prior to October 26, 2024, the Company will be required to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid interest. Under FASB Topic D-98, this redemption provision requires the classification of this security outside of permanent equity. The Company has classified this security as Mezzanine Equity on its March 31, 2024 Balance Sheet and expects to do so until October 26, 2024.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company paid $238,992 in aggregate dividends on its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.