General form of registration statement for all companies including face-amount certificate companies

STOCKHOLDERS??? EQUITY

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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]    
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NOTE 5 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

 

Common stock issued

 

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.

 

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. Effective November 24, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and a Registration Rights Agreement which included the issuance of 2,830 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock worth $2,830,000 (including the conversion of liabilities at a price of $1,000 per share of Class B Convertible Preferred Stock). During the third quarter 2022, 851 shares of Series B Convertible Stock were converted into 121,572 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, there are zero and 851 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 have 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, 2022 and December 2021, respectively, there were zero 0 and 2,500 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, subject to shareholder approval (which has not yet been granted) for an increase in common stock; 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 have elected the 19.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The Company shall, subject to shareholder approval, 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 (the “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.

  

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 D Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible. The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718-10 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, was $592,177 and $215,753 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 period 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, 2022, the total compensation cost for stock options not yet recognized was $653,018. This cost will be recognized over the remaining vesting term of the options ranging from six 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.

 

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 $1,563,708 using a Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: (1) expected term of 3.5 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%.

 

As of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, options to purchase a total of 926,266 (net of forfeitures discussed below) shares of common stock and 431,266 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively. At September 30, 2022, 394,599 options were exercisable. Of the total options issued, 271,266 and 271,266 options were outstanding under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, 495,000 and no options 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, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The non-plan options were granted to four executives as hiring incentives, including the Company’s CEO in the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

During the third quarter of 2022, 80,000 options were forfeited that had previously been awarded as a part of the 2021 Plan. The forfeitures were the result of two employees who had previously been awarded those options with a 3-year vesting requirement resigning from the Company without being vested either in part or in whole. The forfeitures resulted in a credit to payroll expense of $78,726 during the quarter.

 

During the third quarter of 2022, 20,000 options were awarded to an employee.

 

Warrants

 

No new warrants were issued during the first three quarters of 2022. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, warrants outstanding were 1,376,466 and 1,376,466, respectively.

 

NOTE 13 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

2016 Equity Plan

 

We maintained the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) for employees, officers, directors and other entities and individuals whose efforts contribute to our success. The 2016 Plan terminated pursuant to its terms on December 31, 2020, although all outstanding awards on such date continue in full force and effect.

 

2021 Equity Plan

 

On May 12, 2021, the Board adopted, with shareholder approval as of July 15, 2021. 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.

 

General Description of the 2021 Plan

 

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the 2021 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2021 Plan, which you are encouraged to read in full.

 

Administration

 

The 2021 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, which consists of three members of the Board, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and an “outside director” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m). Among other things, the Compensation Committee has complete discretion, subject to the express limits of the 2021 Plan, to determine the directors, employees and nonemployee consultants to be granted an award, the type of award to be granted, the terms and conditions of the award, the form of payment to be made and/or the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each award, the exercise price of each option and base price of each stock appreciation right (“SAR”), the term of each award, the vesting schedule for an award, whether to accelerate vesting, the value of the Common Stock underlying the award, and the required withholding, if any. The Compensation Committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award, provided that the participant’s consent to such action is required if the action would impair the participant’s rights or entitlements with respect to that award. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to construe the award agreements and may prescribe rules relating to the 2021 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee does not have any authority to grant or modify an award under the 2021 Plan with terms or conditions that would cause the grant, vesting or exercise thereof to be considered nonqualified “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A.

 

Grant of Awards; Shares Available for Awards

 

The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, SARs, performance share awards, performance unit awards, distribution equivalent right awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and unrestricted stock awards to non-employee directors, officers, employees and nonemployee consultants of the Company or its affiliates. We have reserved a total of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance as or under awards to be made under the 2021 Plan. If any award expires, is cancelled, or terminates unexercised or is forfeited, the number of shares subject thereto is again available for grant under the 2021 Plan.

 

Currently, there are 52 identified employees (including three executive officers, of which one is a director), four non-employee directors, and up to 50 other current or future staff members who would be eligible to receive stock options and/or shares of restricted stock under the 2021 Plan. Future new hires and additional non-employee directors and/or consultants would be eligible to participate in the 2021 Plan as well.

 

Stock Options

 

The 2021 Plan provides for either “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”), which are intended to meet the requirements for special federal income tax treatment under the Code, or “nonqualified stock options” (“NQSOs”); provided, however, that ISOs may only be issued if our shareholders approve the 2021 Plan at the Annual Meeting. Stock options may be granted on such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine; provided, however, that the per share exercise price under a stock option may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant and the term of the stock option may not exceed 10 years (110% of such value and five years in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns (or is deemed to own) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company or a parent or subsidiary of the Company). ISOs may only be granted to employees. In addition, the aggregate fair market value of our Common Stock covered by one or more ISOs (determined at the time of grant) which are exercisable for the first time by an employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Any excess is treated as a NQSO.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

An SAR entitles the participant, upon exercise, to receive an amount, in cash or stock or a combination thereof, equal to the increase in the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock between the date of grant and the date of exercise. SARs may be granted in tandem with, or independently of, stock options granted under the 2021 Plan. An SAR granted in tandem with a stock option (i) is exercisable only at such times, and to the extent, that the related stock option is exercisable in accordance with the procedure for exercise of the related stock option; (ii) terminates upon termination or exercise of the related stock option (likewise, the Common Stock option granted in tandem with a SAR terminates upon exercise of the SAR); (iii) is transferable only with the related stock option; and (iv) if the related stock option is an ISO, may be exercised only when the value of the stock subject to the stock option exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. An SAR that is not granted in tandem with a stock option is exercisable at such times as the Compensation Committee may specify.

 

Performance Share and Performance Unit Awards

 

Performance share and performance unit awards entitle the participant to receive cash or shares of our Common Stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals. In the case of performance units, the right to acquire the units is denominated in cash values.

 

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards

 

A restricted stock award is a grant or sale of Common Stock to the participant, subject to our right to repurchase all or part of the shares at their purchase price (or to require forfeiture of such shares if issued to the participant at no cost) in the event that conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award are not satisfied prior to the end of the time period during which the shares subject to the award may be repurchased by or forfeited to us. Our restricted stock unit entitles the participant to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock for each restricted stock unit subject to such restricted stock unit award, if the participant satisfies the applicable vesting requirement.

 

Unrestricted Stock Awards

 

An unrestricted stock award is a grant or sale of shares of our Common Stock to the participant that is not subject to transfer, forfeiture or other restrictions, in consideration for past services rendered to the Company or an affiliate or for other valid consideration.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

The Compensation Committee may adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration of the 2021 Plan, and amend, suspend or terminate the 2021 Plan, but no such amendment, rescission, suspension or termination will be made that materially and adversely impairs the rights of any participant with respect to any award received thereby under the 2021 Plan without the participant’s consent, other than amendments that are necessary to permit the granting of awards in compliance with applicable laws.

 

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2021 Plan

 

The following is a general summary of the federal income tax consequences under current U.S. tax law to the Company and to participants in the 2021 Plan who are individual citizens or residents of the United States for federal income tax purposes (“U.S. Participants”) of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units, distribution equivalent rights and unrestricted stock. It does not purport to cover all of the special rules including special rules relating to limitations on the ability of the Company to deduct the amounts for federal income tax purposes of certain compensation, special rules relating to deferred compensation, golden parachutes, participants subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or the exercise of a stock option with previously acquired shares of the Company’s Common Stock. For purposes of this summary, it is assumed that U.S. Participants will hold their shares of the Company’s Common Stock received under the 2021 Plan as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. In addition, this summary does not address the non-U.S. state or local income or other tax consequences, or any U.S. federal non-income tax consequences, inherent in the acquisition, ownership, vesting, exercise, termination or disposition of an award under the 2021 Plan or shares of the Company’s Common Stock issued pursuant thereto. All participants are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences to them of an award under the 2021 Plan or shares of the Company’s Common Stock issued thereto pursuant to the 2021 Plan.

 

A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a NQSO or an ISO. Upon the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid therefor under the NQSO, and the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that time. If the U.S. Participant later sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period for which the shares were held. Long-term capital gain is generally subject to more favorable tax treatment than ordinary income or short-term capital gain. Upon the exercise of an ISO, the U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income. If the U.S. Participant disposes of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO more than two years after the date of grant and more than one year after the transfer of the shares to the U.S. Participant, the U.S. Participant recognizes long-term capital gain or loss, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction. However, if the U.S. Participant disposes of such shares prior to the end of the required holding period, all or a portion of the gain is treated as ordinary income and the Company is generally entitled to deduct such amount. In addition to the tax consequences described above, a U.S. Participant may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, which is payable to the extent it exceeds the U.S. Participant’s regular tax. For this purpose, upon the exercise of an ISO, the excess of the fair market value of the shares over the exercise price paid therefor under the ISO is a preference item for alternative minimum taxable income determination purposes. In addition, the U.S. Participant’s basis in such shares is increased by such excess for purposes of computing the gain or loss on the disposition of the shares for alternative minimum tax purposes.

 

A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an SAR. The U.S. Participant has ordinary compensation income upon exercise of the SAR equal to the increase in the value of the underlying shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount.

 

A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the receipt of a performance share award until the shares are received. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares over any amount thereby paid for the shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.

 

A U.S. Participant does not recognize taxable income upon the receipt of a performance unit award, restricted stock unit award or dividend equivalent right award until a cash payment is received. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the amount of cash received, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.

 

A U.S. Participant who receives a grant of restricted stock generally recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such shares of stock at the time the restriction lapses over any amount paid timely for the shares. Alternatively, the U.S. Participant may elect to be taxed on the fair market value of such shares at the time of grant. The Company thereby will generally be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the income required to be included by the U.S. Participant.

 

A U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income upon receipt of the shares under an unrestricted stock award equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares over any amount paid thereby for the shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.

 

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 has designated 15,000 of the 10,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is 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. Effective November 24, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) and a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) which included the issuance of 2,830 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock worth $2,830,000 (including the conversion of liabilities at a price of $1,000 per Class B Unit. . As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, there are 851 and 1,705 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

 

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 (the “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. As of December 31, 2021, there are 2,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

 

Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company was required to hold a meeting of shareholders at the earliest practical date, and such meeting occurred on July 15, 2021. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) limits the number of shares of common stock (or securities that are convertible into common stock) without shareholder approval and the terms of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock limit its convertibility to a number of shares less than the 20% limit, until the Stockholder Approval is obtained. The Company obtained shareholder approval (the “Stockholder Approval”) in order to issue shares of common stock underlying the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock at a price less than the greater of book or market value which equal 20% or more of the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the issuance. As described below, the terms of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock limited its convertibility to a number of shares less than the 20% limit, until the Stockholder Approval was obtained.

 

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 are convertible. The Company caused the registration statement to be declared effective on June 3, 2021. The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, agreements and indemnification rights and obligations of the parties.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has designated 5,000 shares as 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 have elected the 19.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation.

 

Common stock issued for warrants

 

During the third quarter of 2020, 67,500 warrants previously issued as compensation for banking fees related to the 2020 offering, were released from a contractual “lock-up” pursuant to the terms of the raise lock-up. In addition, 1,197 warrants expired, and 9,450 warrants were cancelled and re-issued on the direction of the holder.

 

During the second quarter of 2021, warrants representing 205,574 shares were exercised by seven holders. All the exercises were cashless exercises with exercise prices of $7.70 and stock prices ranging from $9.25 to $11.14 resulting in a total of 50,588 common shares. No new warrants were issued during the third and fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Common stock issued for services and settlements

 

The Company issued 1,611 shares of common stock on March 31, 2020 for payment of accrued board fees to three directors in the amount of $7,500 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 1,632 shares of common stock on June 30, 2020 for payment of accrued board fees to three directors in the amount of $7,500 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 7,869 shares of common stock on September 30, 2020 for payment of accrued board fees to three directors in the amount of $37,500 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 4,032 shares of common stock on August 5, 2021 for payment of accrued board fees to four directors in the amount of $30,000 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 7,223 shares of common stock on September 30, 2021 for payment of accrued board fees to five directors in the amount of $45,000 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 3,726 shares of common stock on November 5, 2021 for payment of accrued board fees to four directors in the amount of $19,167 for services to the Board.

 

The Company issued 9,560 shares of common stock on December 31, 2021 for payment of accrued board fees to four directors in the amount of $50,000 for services to the Board.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718-10 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was $262,411 and $454,770, respectively, for stock options granted to employees and directors. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. At December 31, 2021, the total compensation cost for stock options not yet recognized was $95,166. This cost will be recognized over the remaining vesting term of the options of approximately 1.5 years.

 

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

A holder of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock converted 854 shares into 122,000 shares of common stock, valued at $854,000 during the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

 

A holder of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock converted 1,500 shares into 272,727 shares of common stock, valued at $1,500,000 during the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

A holder of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock converted 500 shares into 90,909 shares of common stock, valued at $500,000 during the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Treasury Stock

 

In August 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new class of Preferred Stock, “Series A”. For shareholders who invested in previous private placements, the Company was offering on a case-by-case basis, the ability to convert the existing amount invested into an equivalent amount in the Series A on the condition that they invest an equivalent additional amount in the Series A. In December of 2017, the Company redeemed all of the Series A and continues to hold 235 shares purchased for $148,000 as a part of the original transaction. In December 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with two shareholders to purchase shares from them at fair market value. The Company purchased 84 shares at $7.00 per shares and 140 shares at $6.30 per share. In 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with two shareholders to purchase shares from them at fair market value. The Company purchased 115 shares at $10.08 per shares and 753 shares at $9.09 per share. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the Company held 1,324 shares of Company Series A stock at an aggregate value of $157,452.