NOTE 5 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Convertible Preferred Stock”) is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the terms and provisions set forth in our certificate of designation of preferences, rights and limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Convertible Preferred Certificate of Designation”) as previously filed. Subject to the limitations prescribed by our articles of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to establish the number of shares constituting each series of preferred stock and to fix the designations, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each of those series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each of those series, all without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors designated 15,000 of the 10,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with a stated value of $1,000 per share. The shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible at any time at the holder’s option into a number of shares of common stock equal to $1,000 divided by the conversion price of $7.00 per share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we shall not effect any conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with certain exceptions, to the extent that, after giving effect to an attempted conversion, the holder of shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (together with such holder’s affiliates, and any persons acting as a group together with such holder or any of such holder’s affiliates) would beneficially own a number of shares of our common stock in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the shares of our common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise. The Series B Convertible Preferred Certificate of Designation does not prohibit the Company from waiving this limitation. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation”), the holders shall be entitled to participate on an as-converted-to-common stock basis (without giving effect to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) with holders of the common stock in any distribution of assets of the Company to the holders of the common stock. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, there are zero 0 and zero 0 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. 

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

The Company’s Board of Directors designated 5,000 shares as the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series C Convertible Preferred Stock”). Each share of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1,000. The holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of the common stock and the holders of any other class or series of shares entitled to vote with the common stock shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has 172 votes (subject to adjustment); provided that in no event may a holder of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock be entitled to vote a number of shares in excess of such holder’s Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined in the Certificate of Designation and as described below). Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at any time and from time to time, at the option of the holder, into that number of shares of common stock (subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) determined by dividing the stated value of such share ($1,000) by the conversion price, which is $5.50 (subject to adjustment). The Company shall not effect any conversion of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, and a holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, to the extent that after giving effect to the conversion sought by the holder such holder (together with such holder’s Attribution Parties (as defined in the Certificate of Designation)) would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or upon election by a holder, 19.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon such conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). All holders of the Series C Preferred Stock elected the 19.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation.

On February 26, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain existing investors in the Company (the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers purchased 4,500 shares of a newly authorized Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, and the Company received proceeds of $4,500,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties. In January 2022, the 2,500 outstanding shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 454,546 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, there were zero 0 and zero 0 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchasers. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company filed with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale by the Purchasers of the shares of common stock into which the shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock were convertible. The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock

On September 28, 2022, the Company amended its articles of incorporation to designate 4,000 shares as the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”). Each share of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1,000. The holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of the common stock and the holders of any other class or series of shares entitled to vote with the common stock shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock has 333 votes (subject to standard anti-dilution adjustment); provided that in no event may a holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock be entitled to vote a number of shares in excess of such holder’s Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined in the Certificate of Designation and as described below). Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at any time and from time to time, at the option of the holder, into that number of shares of common stock (subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) determined by dividing the stated value of such share ($1,000) by the conversion price, which is $3.00 (subject to adjustment). The Company shall not effect any conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and a holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, to the extent that after giving effect to the conversion sought by the holder such holder (together with such holder’s Attribution Parties (as defined in the Certificate of Designation)) would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or upon election by a holder, 19.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon such conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). All holders of the Series D Preferred Stock elected the 19.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The Company shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the issuance upon the conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, such a number of shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be issuable upon the conversion of all of the shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding. Additionally, the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock does not have the right to dividends and in the event of an involuntary liquidation, the Series D shares shall be treated as a pro rata equivalent of common stock outstanding at the date of the liquidation event and have no liquidation preference.

On September 30, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain existing investors in the Company (the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers purchased 999 shares of the newly authorized Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and the Company received proceeds of $999,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

On October 29, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a certain existing investor in the Company (the “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser purchased 300 shares of the newly authorized Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and the Company received proceeds of $300,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

In connection with such Purchase Agreements, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchasers. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company filed with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale by the Purchasers of the shares of common stock into which the shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible. The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, there were 1,299 and 1,299 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

Series E Convertible Preferred Stock

The Company’s Board of Directors has designated 30,000 shares as the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series E Convertible Preferred Stock”). Each share of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1,000. The holders of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of the common stock and the holders of any other class or series of shares entitled to vote with the common stock shall vote as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. Each share of Series E Preferred Stock has 333 votes (subject to adjustment); provided that in no event may a holder of Series E Preferred Stock be entitled to vote a number of shares in excess of such holder’s Beneficial Ownership Limitation. Each share of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, subject to shareholder approval (which has not yet been granted); at any time and from time to time, at the option of the holder, into that number of shares of common stock (subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) determined by dividing the stated value of such share ($1,000) by the conversion price, which is $3.00 (subject to adjustment). The Company shall not effect any conversion of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, and the holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, to the extent that after giving effect to the conversion sought by the holder such holder (together with such holder’s Attribution Parties (as defined in the Certificate of Designation)) would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or upon election by a holder, 19.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon such conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). All holders of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock elected the 19.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation.

The Company on March 27, 2023 entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an existing investor in the Company (the “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser purchased 4,000 shares of a newly authorized Series E Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $1,000 per share, and the Company received proceeds of $4,000,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

The existing investor’s Purchase Agreement also provides that the Company will not, with certain exceptions, sell or issue common stock or Common Stock Equivalents (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) on or prior to December 31, 2023 that entitles any person to acquire shares of common stock at an effective price per share less than the then conversion price of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock without the consent of the Purchaser.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, there were 4,000 and 0 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

In connection with the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock issuance, the Company accrued estimated costs and charged additional paid-in capital of $299,145 during the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The actual costs were only $17,645, hence the excess of $281,500 was reversed during the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Series F Convertible Preferred Stock

On August 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an existing, accredited investor in the Company (the “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser purchased 5,000 shares of a newly authorized Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F Convertible Preferred Stock”), and the Company received proceeds of $5,000,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

The Company's Board of Directors designated 5,000 shares as the Series F Preferred Stock. Each share of Series F Preferred Stock is convertible, at any time and from time to time, at the option of the holder, into that number of shares of common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitation described below) determined by dividing the stated value of such share ($1,000) by the conversion price, which is $6.20 (subject to adjustment). The Company, however, shall not effect any conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock, and the holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series F Preferred Stock, to the extent that after giving effect to the conversion sought by the holder such holder (together with such holder’s Attribution Parties (as defined in the Certificate of Designation)) would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or upon election by a holder, 19.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon such conversion. The purchasers of the Series F Preferred Stock have elected that their ownership limitation will be 19.99%.

The holders of the Series F Preferred Stock, the holders of the common stock and the holders of any other class or series of shares entitled to vote with the common stock shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. Each share of Series F Preferred Stock has 161 votes (subject to adjustment); provided that in no event may a holder of Series F Preferred Stock be entitled to vote a number of shares in excess of such holder’s ownership limitation.

The Company also agreed that it will not, with certain exceptions, sell or issue common stock or Common Stock Equivalents (as defined in the Purchase Agreement relating to the Series F Preferred Stock) on or prior to December 31, 2023 that entitles any person to acquire shares of common stock at an effective price per share less than the then conversion price of the Series F Preferred Stock without the consent of the holders.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchasers. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company filed with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale by the Purchasers of the shares of common stock into which the shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock were convertible. Subject to certain conditions, the Company must cause the registration statement to be declared effective by 90 days after closing (or in the event of a full review by the SEC, by 120 days). The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

The Registration Rights Agreement contains provisions for liquidated damages equal to 1% multiplied by the aggregate subscription amount paid, paid each month, in the event certain deadlines are missed.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, there were 5,000 and 0 shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

Common stock issued

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

On January 11, 2022, shareholders converted 710 and 1,790 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock collectively with a stated value of $2.5 million owned by two entities related to each other with a conversion price of $5.50 per common share resulting in the issuance of 129,091 and 325,455 shares of the Company’s common stock.

On February 3, 2022, the Company closed an offering of 1,325,000 shares of common stock in the amount of $5,300,000 or $4 per share before certain underwriting fees and offering expenses with net proceeds of $4,779,000.

On February 21, 2022, the Company closed on an “over-allotment” offering of 198,750 shares of common stock in the amount of $795,000 or $4 per share before certain underwriting fees and offering expenses with net proceeds of $739,350. Both this and the previous offering were “takedowns” from a previously filed “shelf” registration statement for the offer of up to $50,000,000 in the aggregate of common stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Warrants, Rights or Units from time to time in one or more offerings.

On March 31, 2022, the Company issued 7,198 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to four directors in the amount of $40,000 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended March 31, 2022.

On June 30, 2022, the Company issued 10,668 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to four directors in the amount of $40,000 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended June 30, 2022.

On August 25, 2022, 121,572 common shares were issued upon conversion of 851 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

On September 30, 2022, the Company issued 9,758 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to four directors in the amount of $40,000 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

On September 30, 2022, the Company closed an offering of 818,335 shares of common stock in the amount of $2,455,003 or $3 per share before certain placement agent fees and offering expenses with net proceeds of $2,194,187.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

On March 31, 2023, the Company issued 12,463 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to three directors for a value of $32,500 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The value of the shares is based on the March 31, 2023 grant date quoted trading price of $2.61.

On June 30, 2023, the Company issued 5,645 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to three directors for a value of $32,500 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended June 30, 2023. The value of the shares is based on the June 30, 2023 grant date quoted trading price of $5.76.

On June 30, 2023, the Company issued 65,561 shares of common stock to employees participating in the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan at the end of a six-month offering period. The employee contributions totaled $117,048 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and represented a purchase price of $1.79 per share. The purchase price for one share of Common Stock under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the first trading day of the offering period or the purchase date, whichever is lower (see below). For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company has an accrued liability of $72,801 of employee contributions for the ESPP which may convert to shares of common stock upon the close of the offering period open from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

The Company issued 7,910 shares of common stock for payment of board fees to four directors for a value of $40,565 for services to the board which was expensed during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The value of the shares is based on the September 29, 2023 grant date quoted trading price of $5.13.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the board of directors adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which, was effective as of January 1, 2023 with a term of 10 years. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at a discounted price, through payroll deductions from a minimum of 1% and up to 25% of their eligible compensation up to a maximum of $25,000 or the IRS allowable limit per calendar year. The Company’s Chief Financial Officer administers the ESPP in conjunction with approvals from the Company’s Compensation Committee, including with respect to the frequency and duration of offering periods, the maximum number of shares that an eligible employee may purchase during an offering period, and, subject to certain limitations set forth in the ESPP, the per-share purchase price. Currently, the maximum number of shares that can be purchased by an eligible employee under the ESPP is 10,000 shares per offering period and there are two six-month offering periods that begin in the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. The purchase price for one share of Common Stock under the ESPP is currently equal to 85% of the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the first trading day of the offering period or the purchase date, whichever is lower (look-back feature). Although not required by the ESPP, all payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the ESPP are segregated and deemed as “restricted cash” until the completion of the offering period and redemption of the applicable shares and those withheld amounts are recorded as liabilities. The ESPP employee contribution for the three months ended September 30, 2023 is 2% of total cash and is not deemed material, therefore it is not presented separately on the Balance Sheet as “restricted cash”. The maximum aggregate number of shares of the Common Stock that may be issued under the ESPP is 1,000,000 shares.

Under ASC 718-50 “Employee Share Purchase Plans” the plan is considered a compensatory plan and the compensation for each six-month offering period is computed based upon the grant date fair value of the estimated shares to be purchased based on the estimated payroll deduction withholdings. The grant date fair value was computed as the sum of (a) 15% purchase discount off of the grant date quoted trading price of the Company’s common stock and (b) the fair value of the look-back feature of the Company’s common stock on the grant date which consists of a call option on 85% of a share of common stock and a put option on 15% of a share of common stock.

As of the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company has an accrued liability of $72,801 of employee contributions for the ESPP which may convert to shares of common stock upon the close of the offering period open from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The liability is offset by restricted cash held by the Company in the same amount for employee contributions which the Company expects to convert to common stock upon closure of the offering period at December 31, 2023. Additionally, the Company recorded a stock-based expense associated with the ESPP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 of $32,728 and $98,945, respectively.

The Company computed the fair value of the look-back feature call and put options for January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 using a Black Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

During the offer period, the Company records stock-based compensation pro rata as expense and a credit to additional paid-in capital. The Company issued 65,561 common shares on the option exercise date of June 30, 2023. The following table discloses relevant information for the ESPP at September 30, 2023 and for nine months then ended.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718-10 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, was $400,645 and $592,177, respectively, for stock options granted to employees. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the periods is based on the grant-date fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest during the period. At September 30, 2023, the total compensation cost for stock options not yet recognized was $592,927. This cost will be recognized over the remaining vesting term of the options ranging from nine months to two and one-half years.

On May 12, 2021, the Board adopted, with shareholder approval, the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to assist the Company in attracting and retaining key employees, directors and consultants and to provide incentives to such individuals to align their interests with those of our shareholders. During the third quarter of 2021, the shareholders approved the issuance of up to one million shares or share equivalents pursuant to the 2021 Plan. The Company filed an S-8 registration statement in concert with the 2021 Plan which was deemed effective on August 5, 2021. The plan covers a period of ten years.

On January 1, 2022, the Company awarded certain senior management and key employees non-qualified stock options under the 2021 Plan.  Specifically, a total of 665,000 options were awarded by the Company’s Compensation Committee and approved by the Board, with a strike price of $6.41 per share, a five-year term and vesting equally over a three-year period.  The options serve as a retention tool and contain key provisions that the holder must remain in good standing with the Company. The options were valued on the grant date at $1,596,804 using a Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: (1) expected term of 3.0 years using the simplified method, (2) expected volatility rate of 72% based on historical volatility, (3) dividend yield of zero, and (4) a discount rate of 0.97%.

On April 1, 2023, the Board granted to certain key employees an aggregate of 353,117 non-qualified stock options with a strike price of $4.22, a term of 5-years and 3-year vesting period. The options were granted prior to the certificates being issued subject to a pending modification of specific language contained within the option agreement pertaining to certain rights of the holder in the event of a merger or acquisition. The specific language was approved by the shareholders on May 17, 2023 after which the option certificates were issued with the modified language. The specific language had no bearing on the grant date nor on the valuation. Following the approval by the shareholders but prior to issuance of the certificates, one holder resigned from the Company and forfeited 60,000 unvested options leading to a net issuance during the quarter of 293,117 non-qualified stock options. The Company expects to take a charge of $567,569 during the vesting period.

On July 1, 2023, the Company awarded 50,000 non-qualified stock options for a new employee, subject to final board approval, which have a 5-year term and a 3-year vesting period.

  On August 30, 2023, the Company awarded 70,000 non-qualified stock options for a new employee, subject to final board approval, which have a 5-year term and a 3-year vesting period.

As of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, options to purchase a total of 1,217,775 (net of forfeitures discussed below) shares of common stock and 926,266 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively. At September 30, 2023, 581,325 options were exercisable. Of the total options issued, 269,658 and 271,266 options were outstanding under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, 882,636 and 495,000 were outstanding under the 2021 Plan and a further 160,000 and 160,000 non-plan options to purchase common stock were outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The non-plan options were granted to four executives as hiring incentives, including the Company’s CEO in the fourth quarter of 2020.

 Warrants