v3.24.2.u1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited

condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024. The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited financial statements included in this Form 10-K. The interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or for any future periods.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Emerging Growth Company

Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s consolidated financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period.

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. The more significant accounting estimates included in these condensed consolidated financial statements is the determination of the fair value of the private warrant liabilities, the fair value of the Subscription Agreement, the fair value of the conversion liabilities, fair value of the customer list, licenses acquired on February 9, 2024. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period.

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. The more significant accounting estimates included in these consolidated financial statements is the determination of the fair value of the Private Warrant liabilities, and fair value of the sale of the Founder Shares. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all operating accounts that hold money market funds held and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all operating accounts that hold money market funds held and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had cash equivalents of $619,554 and $0, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Trading Securities

Trading Securities

Securities held in the Company’s trading account and trading securities, consist primarily of over-the-counter securities and are valued based upon quoted market prices. The value of securities that are not readily marketable are estimated by management based upon quoted prices, the number of market makers, trading volume and number of shares held. Unrealized gains and losses are reflected in income in the financial statements.

Marketable Securities Held in Trust Account

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of the assets held in the Trust Account were held in mutual funds which are invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. All of the Company’s investments held in the Trust Account are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are presented on the balance sheets at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of investments held in Trust Account are included in income earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The estimated fair values of investments held in Trust Account are determined using available market information.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property and equipment is provided using accelerated and straight-line methods over expected useful lives of three to seven years.

 
Leases

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the statement of financial condition for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Pursuant to this standard, the Company has recorded an operating lease right-of use (“ROU”) asset and operating lease liability in the accompanying balance sheet as of March 31, 2024.

The Company leases office space under the terms of several operating leases. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease is made at the lease’s inception. Under ASC 842, a contract is (or contains) a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is defined under the standard as having both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. Management only reassesses its determination if the terms and conditions of the contract are changed.

ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses the implicit rate when it is readily determinable. Since the Company’s leases do not provide implicit rates, to determine the present value of lease payments, management uses the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement.

 
Warrant Liabilities

Warrant Liabilities

The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common stock, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are

recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the private warrants was estimated using a Black-Scholes model approach (see Note 9).

Warrant Liabilities

The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own Common Stock, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Private Warrants was estimated using a Binomial lattice model approach (see Note 9).

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. The objective of this method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between net income for financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized.

Income tax expense or benefit is provided based upon the financial statement earnings of the Company. The allowance for doubtful accounts is deductible for financial statement purposes, but not for tax purposes. Depreciation expense is recognized in different periods for tax and financial accounting purposes due to the use of accelerated depreciation methods for income tax purposes. The tax effects of such differences are reported as deferred income taxes in the financial statements.

Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Wilson-Davis, a subsidiary of the Company, recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method. This revenue recognition guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance requires an entity to follow a five-step model to: (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

Wilson-Davis acts as an agent by selling securities to customers and collecting commissions. Wilson-Davis recognizes commissions on a trade date basis, which is the day the transaction is executed. Wilson-Davis believes that the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the security is selected, the price is determined, the trade is executed, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to/from the customer.

Wilson-Davis also receives commissions on mutual funds purchased by customers. Wilson-Davis believes that the performance obligation is not satisfied until the mutual funds are purchased by customers and recognizes the commission at that time.

Wilson-Davis performs vetting services to customers that wish to convert restricted stock to eligible trading stock. In addition, Wilson-Davis charges clearing fees to another broker-dealer for which it clears trades. Wilson-Davis recognizes revenue as the related performance obligations are satisfied.

 
Net (Loss) Income per Common Stock

Net (Loss) Income per Common Stock

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Net (loss) income per share of common stock is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. (Loss) Income is allocated between redeemable and non-redeemable shares based on relative amounts of weighted average shares outstanding. Accretion associated with the redeemable shares of common stock is excluded from (loss) income per share as the redemption value approximates fair value.

The calculation of diluted net (loss) income per share does not consider the effect of the convertible derivative liability nor the warrants issued and outstanding. The calculation excludes the dilutive impact of these instruments because the issuance of the securities underlying the exercise of the warrants are contingent upon the occurrence of future events and inclusion would be antidilutive. As a result, diluted net (loss) income per share of common stock is the same as basic net (loss) income per common stock for the periods presented.

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock (in dollars, except share amounts):

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Three Months Ended

​

​

March 31, 2024

​

March 31, 2023

​

​

​

​

    

Non-

    

​

​

    

Non-

​

​

Redeemable

​

 redeemable

​

Redeemable

​

 redeemable

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

 

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​

  

 

​

  

 

​

  

Numerator:

 

​

  

 

​

  

 

​

  

 

​

  

Allocation of net income, as adjusted

​

$

(71,126,651)

​

$

(17,450,766)

​

$

135,463

​

$

56,908

Denominator:

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​

 

  

​

 

  

​

 

  

Basic and diluted weighted average common stock outstanding

​

 

9,048,173

​

 

2,219,949

​

 

11,976,319

​

 

5,031,250

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

​

$

(7.86)

​

$

(7.86)

​

$

0.01

​

$

0.01

​

Below is a summary of the dilutive instruments as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, these were excluded as including them would be anti dilutive as of March 31, 2024 and were excluded in March 31, 2023 as the exercise was contingent:

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Description

    

March 31, 2024

    

March 31, 2023

Short Term Notes

 

5,390,752

 

—

Secured convertible note

 

18,000,000

 

—

Subscription agreement

 

833,333

 

—

Promissory note

 

704,404

 

—

Total Shares issuable under Convertible Note obligations

 

24,928,489

 

—

Public Warrants

 

10,062,500

 

10,062,500

Private Warrants

 

5,553,125

 

6,153,125

Secured convertible note warrants

 

600,000

 

—

Total dilutive

 

41,144,114

 

16,153,125

Net Income per Common Stock

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Net income per share of Common Stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the period. Income is allocated between redeemable and non-redeemable shares based on relative amounts of weighted average shares outstanding. Accretion associated with the redeemable shares of Common Stock is excluded from income per share as the redemption value approximates fair value.

The calculation of diluted net income per share does not consider the effect of the PIPE derivative liability nor the warrants issued in connection with the (i) Initial Public Offering, and (ii) the private placement. The calculation excludes the dilutive impact of these instruments because the issuance of the securities underlying the exercise of the warrants are contingent upon the occurrence of future events. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 16,215,625 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any dilutive securities or other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into Common Stocks and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted net income per share of Common Stock is the same as basic net income per Common Stock for the periods presented.

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share of Common Stock (in dollars, except share amounts):

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​

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For the Year Ended December 31,

​

​

2023

​

2022

​

​

​

​

​

Non-

​

​

​

​

Non-

​

​

Redeemable

​

redeemable

​

Redeemable

​

redeemable

Basic and diluted net income per share of Common Stock

    

​

  

    

​

  

    

​

  

    

​

  

Numerator:

 

​

  

 

​

  

 

​

  

 

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Allocation of net income

​

$

460,174

​

$

335,609

​

$

8,836,454

​

$

2,209,113

Denominator:

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​

 

  

​

 

  

​

 

  

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

​

 

6,898,644

​

 

5,031,250

​

 

20,125,000

​

 

5,031,250

Basic and diluted net income per share of Common Stock

​

$

0.07

​

$

0.07

​

$

0.44

​

$

0.44

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which, at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which, at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying condensed balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature, except for warrant liabilities, convertible derivatives and the earnout out liability (see Note 14).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature, except for warrant liabilities (see Note 9).

The non-redemption agreement liability was recorded at its initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the non-redemption agreement liability were recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the non-redemption agreement liability is discussed in Note 9.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the issuance date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the issuance date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

The PIPE derivative was terminated in congruence with the termination of the Merger Agreement with TradeStation. The PIPE derivative met the criteria for derivative liability classification. As such, the PIPE derivative liability was recorded at its initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative liability were recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the derivative liability is discussed in Note 9.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This update requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Since June 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard including changing the effective date for smaller reporting companies. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have an impact on its financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which will require the Company to disclose specified additional information in its income tax rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. ASU 2023-09 will also require the Company to disaggregate its income taxes paid disclosure by federal, state and foreign taxes, with further disaggregation required for significant individual jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 will become effective for Annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is still reviewing the impact of ASU 2023-09.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.