Document:

Document

Exhibit 10.36

ITRON, INC.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE

Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”).  The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (the “Agreement”) and the Itron, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.

						
	Participant:
	Participant Name
	Grant Date:
	Grant Date
	Number of Restricted Stock Units:
	Number of Awards Granted
	Vesting Schedule:
	The Award will vest with respect to one-third of the Restricted Stock Units on the first, second and third anniversary of the Grant Date (each, a “Vest Date”).

Additional Terms/Acknowledgement:  This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.

						
	Participant Name

	
	I accept this award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.	
	Electronic Signature	

ITRON, INC.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
ALL PARTICIPANTS 

Pursuant to your Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units indicated in your Award Notice.  Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

The details of the Award are as follows:

1.Vesting

The Award will vest according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”).  One share of Common Stock will be issuable for each restricted stock unit that vests.  Restricted stock units that have vested and are no longer subject to forfeiture according to the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Vested Units.”  Restricted stock units that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture under the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Unvested Units.”  Except as provided in Sections 2 and 3 below, the Unvested Units will vest (and to the extent so vested cease to be Unvested Units remaining subject to forfeiture) in accordance with the Vesting Schedule (the Unvested and Vested Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Units”).  Except as provided in Sections 2 and 3 below, the Award will terminate and the Unvested Units will be forfeited upon termination of your employment for any reason.

2.Retirement, Death or Disability

2.1    In the event that your employment terminates by reason of Retirement at least 12 months after the Grant Date but during the Units’ vesting period, any Unvested Units will continue to vest in accordance with the Vesting Schedule until all Units become vested, provided that if you breach any of the covenants set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement after your Retirement, the Unvested Units will be forfeited immediately.  For the purposes of this Section 2.1, “Retirement” means your voluntary termination of employment after the date on which you have reached (i) the age of 55 and have a total of at least 10 years of continuous employment with the Company and/or a Related Corporation or (ii) the age of 60 and have a total of at least 5 years of continuous employment with the Company and/or a Related Corporation; provided however, in either case, you must provide advance written notice to the Company at least 90 days prior to the termination of your employment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, if your employment terminates due to Retirement within 12 months after the Grant Date, all Unvested Units will be automatically forfeited.

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2.2    In the event that your employment terminates during the Units’ vesting period by reason of death or Disability, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units upon such termination of employment.

3.Change in Control Transaction

3.1In the event of a Change in Control Transaction, the Award will be subject to any change in control severance agreement or other agreement providing for change in control provisions between you and the Company (a “CIC Agreement”).  If you are not a party to a CIC Agreement, the provisions of this Section 3 shall apply.

3.2In the event of a Change in Control Transaction in which (i) the Unvested Units are not assumed, substituted for, or converted into an award of the acquiring or surviving corporation (or a publicly-traded parent thereof) in a manner which prevents dilution of your rights under the Award or (ii) the acquiring or surviving corporation (or parent thereof) is not publicly-traded, any Unvested Units shall become immediately and fully vested as of the date of the Change in Control Transaction.

3.3In the event of a Change in Control Transaction in which your Unvested Units are assumed, substituted for, or converted into an award of the acquiring or surviving public corporation (or a publicly-traded parent thereof) and your employment is terminated within twenty-four (24) months following such Change in Control Transaction, other than (a) for Cause, (b) by reason of Retirement, death or Disability (which shall be governed by Section 2), or (c) by you without Good Reason, any Unvested Units shall become immediately and fully vested as of the date of your termination of employment.

3.4Definitions - For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a)“Base Salary” shall mean your annual base salary immediately prior to a Change in Control Transaction, as such salary may be increased from time to time (in which case such increased amount shall be the Base Salary for purposes hereof), but without giving effect to any reduction thereto.

(b)“Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d‐3 under the Exchange Act.

(c)“Cause” for termination of your employment by the Company or your employer, if different (the “Employer”) shall mean (i) your willful and continued failure (other than any such failure resulting from (A) your incapacity due to physical or mental illness, (B) any such actual or anticipated failure after the issuance by you of a notice of termination in a form prescribed by the Company for Good Reason or (C) the Employer’s active or passive obstruction of the performance of your duties and responsibilities) to perform substantially the duties and responsibilities of your position with the Employer after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Employer, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Employer believes that you have not substantially performed such duties or responsibilities; (ii) your conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction for felony 
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criminal conduct (or the equivalent under applicable local law); or (iii) your willful engaging in fraud or dishonesty which is injurious to the Company and/or the Employer or its reputation, monetarily or otherwise. No act, or failure to act, on your part shall be deemed “willful” unless committed, or omitted by you in bad faith and without reasonable belief that your act or failure to act was in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Company and/or the Employer.

(d)“Good Reason” for termination of your employment by you shall mean the occurrence (without your express written consent) after any Change in Control Transaction of any one of the following acts by the Company or the Employer, or failures by the Company or the Employer to act, unless, in the case of any act or failure to act described in subsection (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) below, such act or failure to act is corrected prior to the date of your termination specified in a notice of termination in a form prescribed by the Company given in respect thereof:

(i)an adverse change in your status or position(s) with the Employer as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control Transaction, including, without limitation, any adverse change in your status or position as a result of a diminution of your duties or responsibilities (other than, if applicable, any such change directly and solely attributable to the fact that the Company is no longer publicly owned) or the assignment to you of any duties or responsibilities which are inconsistent with such status or position(s), or any removal of you from, or any failure to reappoint or reelect you to, such position(s);

(ii)a reduction in your Base Salary;

(iii)a reduction in your annual bonus opportunity or long term incentive opportunity, as compared to the year immediately preceding the year in which the Change in Control Transaction occurs;

(iv)the failure to continue to provide welfare, pension and fringe benefits which are in each case, in the aggregate, substantially similar to those provided to you immediately prior to Change in Control Transaction; or

(v)the Employer requiring you to be based at an office that is greater than 50 miles from where your office is located immediately prior to the Change in Control Transaction except for required travel on the Employer’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the business travel obligations which you undertook on behalf of the Employer prior to the Change in Control Transaction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the events described in clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall not constitute Good Reason hereunder to the extent they are as a result of across-the-board reductions of the applicable compensation element following the Change in Control Transaction which are equally applicable to all similarly situated employees of the surviving corporation and its affiliates. Your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by your incapacity due to physical or mental illness. In order for Good Reason to exist hereunder, you must provide notice to the Company of the existence of the condition or circumstance described above within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition or circumstance (or, if later, within 90 days of becoming aware of such condition or circumstance), 
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and the Employer must have failed to cure such condition within 30 days of the receipt of such notice. Subject to the preceding sentence, your continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.

(e)“Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its affiliates, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

4.Settlement of Vested Units.

Vested Units shall be settled on the earliest to occur of (a) a date within 30 days following the applicable Vest Date, (b) a date within 30 days following the termination of your employment (i) due to death or Disability pursuant to Section 2 above or (ii) following a Change in Control Transaction pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or (c) the date of a Change in Control Transaction pursuant to Section 3.2 above that constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).

5.Securities Law Compliance

5.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

5.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the shares of Common Stock that you receive pursuant to settlement of this Award (the “Shares”) unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration.  You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.

5.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.
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5.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys’ fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.

6.Transfer Restrictions

Units shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, other than pursuant to a beneficiary designation in accordance with the following sentence.  You may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under this Agreement is to be paid in case you do not receive any or all such benefit during your lifetime.  Each such designation shall revoke all of your prior designations, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company, and will be effective only when completed in accordance with any instructions provided by the Company during your lifetime.  In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid to you during your lifetime shall be paid to your estate.

7.No Rights as Shareholder

You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Units.

8.Book Entry Registration of Shares

The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company’s transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company’s transfer agent and in the book entry system.

9.Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company (or your Employer, if different) takes with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer.  You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested Units, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested Units and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result.  Further, if you have become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or 
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former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. 

9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items.

(a)In this regard, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the “Agent”) as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:

(i)Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, a number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent; 

(ii)Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;

(iii)Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and

(iv)Remit any remaining funds to you. 

(b)If the sale of Shares required by Section 9.2(a)(i) above is prohibited by a legal, contractual or regulatory restriction, is otherwise impossible as described in the 10b5-1 Plan set forth in Section 9.3 below, or if the obligation for withholding of Tax-Related Items arises at a time other than the settlement of the Award, then in addition to the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a), you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by:

(i)requiring you to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or

(ii)withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer; and/or

(iii)withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested Units, provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) shall establish any alternative method of withholding as may be required from the alternatives (i) – (iii) herein and, if the Plan Administrator does not exercise its discretion prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event, then the method of withholding set forth in alternative (iii) shall apply.
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(c)Notwithstanding anything in Section 9.2(a), you may satisfy the obligations with respect to a specified withholding event for Tax-Related Items by making a payment in check or cash to the Company if (1) in advance of the specified tax withholding event and during a period that you are not prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the securities of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Insider Trading Policy you request the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel, or their authorized designee that you wish to satisfy the withholding obligations applicable to the tax withholding event by a payment in check (or cash) to the Company instead of pursuant to Section 9.2(a) and (2) the Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, or their authorized deisgnee approves such request. For the avoidance of doubt, you hereby acknowledge, understand and agree that the obligations applicable to withholding events with respect to Tax-Related Items that occur subsequent to the specified withholding event with respect to which a request was made pursuant to this Section 9.2(c) shall continue to be satisfied pursuant to Section 9.2(a) unless a request is made pursuant to this Section 9.2(c) with respect to a specified withholding event.

(d)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares.  If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested Units notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan.  The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company’s securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”).  This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested Units sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items. 

You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price.  You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale.  You acknowledge that it may not be possible to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the Nasdaq or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent’s counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan.  In the event of the Agent’s inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.

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You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan.  You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans.  The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan. 

10.Nature of Grant 

In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:

(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b)the grant of the Award is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of restricted stock units, even if restricted stock units have been granted in the past; 

(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; 

(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation and shall not interfere with the ability of the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation to terminate your employment or service relationship (if any); 

(e)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan; 

(f)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; 

(h)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty; 

(i)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from your ceasing to provide employment or other services to the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); 
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(j)for purposes of the Award, your employment will be considered terminated as of the date you cease to actively provide services to the Company or a Related Corporation; further, in the event of termination of your employment or other services (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); the Company’s Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether or not you may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence); 

(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; and 

(l)the following provisions apply only if you are providing services outside the United States:

(i)    the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;

(ii)    neither the Company, the Employer nor any Related Corporation shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States dollar that may affect the value of the Award or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.

11.No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares.  You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.  You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so. 

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12.Data Privacy

You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold and process certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).  

You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan.  You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country.  You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting your local human resources representative.  You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.  You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan.  You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative.  Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis.  If you do not consent, your employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you the Award or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards.  Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan.  For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.

Finally, upon request of the Company and/or the Employer, you agree to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company and/or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from you for the purpose of administering the Award in compliance with the data privacy laws in your country, either now or in the future. You understand and agree that you will not be able to accept the Award if you fail to provide such consent or agreement as requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
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13.Electronic Delivery and Participation  

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means.  You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

14.Language

You acknowledge that you are sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of the Agreement.  Furthermore, if you have received this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.

15.General Provisions

15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

15.2Section 409A.  

(a)For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the settlement of the Units is intended to be in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent.  In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance or to mitigate any additional tax, interest and/or penalties that may apply under Section 409A of the Code if compliance is not practicable.  The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the Units, settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder are compliant with Section 409A of the Code and will have no liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder that is intended to be compliant with Section 409A of the Code, is not compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.

(b)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Units that become vested under this Agreement by reason of a termination of employment and that constitute an item of non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall not be settled unless you experience a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (a “Separation from Service”) and such Units shall be settled within 90 days of a Separation from Service; provided, however, that if you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code as of the date of the Separation from Service (as determined according to the methodology established by the Company as in effect on the date of your termination of employment), such Units shall instead be settled on the first business day 
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that is after the earlier of (i) the date that is six months following the date of the Separation from Service or (ii) the date of your death, to the extent such delayed payment is otherwise required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue.  The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state’s principles of conflict of laws.  For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

15.4Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

15.5Notice.  Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:

Itron, Inc.
Attn.  General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA  USA  99019

16.Appendix A

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Award shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement. Appendix A constitutes part of this Agreement.

17.Imposition of Other Requirements

The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on the Award and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing

18.Waiver
You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.

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APPENDIX A

Restrictive Covenants

(a)Confidential Information. The person entering into the Agreement with the Company (the “Participant”) shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Affiliated Group”), all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Affiliated Group and its businesses (including, without limitation, any proprietary and not publicly available information concerning any processes, methods, trade secrets, research or secret data, costs, names of users or purchasers of their respective products or services, business methods, operating procedures or programs or methods of promotion and sale) that the Participant obtains during the Participant’s employment that is not public knowledge (other than as a result of the Participant’s violation of this Section (a)) (“Confidential Information”). The Participant shall not communicate, divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the Participant’s employment, except with the prior written consent of the Company, or as otherwise required by law or legal process, or as may be required in the course of the Participant performing his or her duties and responsibilities with the Affiliated Group; provided, however, that no Company policies or practices, including the sections addressing confidentiality obligations, is intended to or shall limit, prevent, impede or interfere in any way with an employee's right, without prior notice to the Company, to provide information to the government, participate in investigations, testify in proceedings regarding the Company's past or future conduct, or engage in any activities protected under whistle blower statutes. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an employee shall not be held criminally, or civilly, liable under any Federal or State Trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence either directly or indirectly to a Federal, State, or local government official, or an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting, or investigating, a violation of law.  Moreover, employees may disclose trade secrets in a complaint, or other document, filed in a lawsuit, or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  Finally, an  employee who files a lawsuit alleging retaliation by the company for reporting a suspected violation of the law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the employee and use the trade secret in the court proceeding, if the employee files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.  Upon his or her termination of employment for any reason, the Participant shall promptly return to the Company all records, files, memoranda, correspondence, notebooks, notes, reports, customer lists, drawings, plans, documents, and other documents and the like relating to the business of the Affiliated Group or containing any trade secrets relating to the Affiliated Group or that the Participant uses, prepares or comes into contact with during the course of the Participant’s employment with the Affiliated Group, and all keys, credit cards and passes, and such materials shall remain the sole property of the Affiliated Group. The Participant agrees to execute any standard-form confidentiality agreements with the Company that the Company in the future generally enters into with similarly situated employees.

(b)Non-Recruitment of Affiliated Group Employees. The Participant acknowledges that employees are a significant part of the goodwill of the Affiliated Group, such as, without limitation, their relationships and contacts with customers and suppliers as well as the 
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training and knowledge they receive from the Affiliated Group in the course of their employment. The Participant shall not, at any time during the Non-solicitation Period (as defined below), without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, or employ (whether as an employee, officer, agent, consultant or independent contractor) any person who is or was at any time during the previous 12 months, an employee, representative, officer or director of any member of the Affiliated Group. Further, during the Non-solicitation Period, the Participant shall not take any action that could reasonably be expected to have the effect of directly encouraging or inducing any person to cease their relationship with any member of the Affiliated Group for any reason. A general employment advertisement by an entity of which the Participant is a part will not constitute solicitation or recruitment. The “Non-solicitation Period” shall mean the period from the Date of Grant through the first anniversary of the Participant’s termination of employment.

(c)Non-Competition – Solicitation of Business. Participant recognizes and agrees that the Affiliated Group has provided Confidential Information to Participant and has an interest in protecting this information from disclosure. Participant further understands that the goodwill of the Affiliated Group is an interest worthy of protection. For the protection of these and other interests, during the Non-competition Period (as defined below), the Participant shall not, either directly or indirectly, compete with the business of the Affiliated Group by (i) becoming an officer, agent, employee, partner or director of any other corporation, partnership or other entity, or otherwise render services to or assist or hold an interest (except as a less than 3-percent shareholder of a publicly traded corporation or as a less than 5-percent shareholder of a corporation that is not publicly traded) in any Competitive Business (as defined below), or (ii) soliciting, servicing, or accepting the business of (A) any active customer of any member of the Affiliated Group, or (B) any person or entity who is or was at any time during the previous twelve months a customer of any member of the Affiliated Group, provided that such business is competitive with any significant business of any member of the Affiliated Group. “Competitive Business” shall mean any person or entity (including any joint venture, partnership, firm, corporation, or limited liability company) that conducts a business that is competitive with any  business of the Affiliated Group as of the date of termination (or any  business that is being actively pursued as of the date of termination by the Affiliated Group). The Affiliated Group designs, manufactures, sells and licenses its products and technology worldwide. In addition, Competitive Businesses, as defined above, are not tied or limited to any specific geographic location. Accordingly, the scope of this Non-Competition provision is worldwide. The “Non-competition Period” shall mean the period from the Date of Grant through the first anniversary of the date of termination of the Participant’s employment.

(d)Remedies. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the terms of this Appendix A: (i) are reasonable in geographic and temporal scope, (ii) are necessary to protect legitimate proprietary and business interests of the Affiliated Group in, inter alia,  customer relationships and confidential information. The Participant further acknowledges and agrees that the Participant’s breach of the provisions of this Appendix A will cause the Affiliated Group irreparable harm, which cannot be adequately compensated by money damages. The Participant consents and agrees that the forfeiture provisions contained in the Agreement are reasonable remedies in the event the Participant commits any such breach. If any of the provisions of this 
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Appendix A are determined to be wholly or partially unenforceable, the Participant hereby agrees that Appendix A or any provision hereof may be reformed so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law. If any of the provisions of this Appendix A are determined to be wholly or partially unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such determination shall not be a bar to or in any way diminish the Affiliated Group’s right to enforce any such covenant in any other jurisdiction.
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Exhibit 4.6 

DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Gladstone Land Corporation (which we refer to as “we,” “us,” or the “Company”) has three classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“common stock”); our 6.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”); and our 5.00% Series D Cumulative Term Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series D Preferred Stock”). Our 6.375% Series A Cumulative Term Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), was registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act as of December 31, 2020, but we subsequently redeemed all of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on February 12, 2021. Our 6.00% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), is not registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

We collectively refer to our Series A Preferred Stock, our Series B Preferred Stock, our Series C Preferred Stock, and our Series D Preferred Stock as our “Preferred Stock,” where appropriate. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Annual Report on Form 10-K to which this Description of Securities is an exhibit.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of capital stock, $0.001 par value per share, 63,944,073 of which are classified as common stock, 6,456,065 of which are classified as Series B Preferred Stock, 25,999,862 of which are classified as Series C Preferred Stock and 3,600,000 of which are classified as Series D Preferred Stock. Prior to the redemption of our Series A Preferred Stock on February 12, 2021, 2,000,000 shares of our capital stock were classified as Series A Preferred Stock. Under our charter, our board of directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock into other classes or series of stock by setting or changing in any one or more respects, from time to time before issuance of such stock, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of such stock. In addition, our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board and without any action by our stockholders, may amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.

The following summary description of our capital stock is not necessarily complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, as amended, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland (the “MGCL”).

Meetings and Special Voting Requirements

An annual meeting of the stockholders is held each year for the purpose of electing the class of directors whose term is up for election and to conduct other business that may be brought before the stockholders. Special meetings of stockholders may be called upon the request of our chairman, our chief executive officer, our president, a majority of our directors or a majority of our independent directors or by the written request of stockholders of record as of the request date entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, provided that the request is in the form and manner specified in our Bylaws. In general, the presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting constitutes a quorum. Generally, the affirmative 

vote of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present is necessary to take stockholder action, except that a plurality of all votes cast at such a meeting is sufficient to elect any director.

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert or consolidate with another entity, sell all or substantially all of its assets or engage in a statutory share exchange unless the action is declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is specified in the corporation’s charter. Our charter provides that these actions (other than certain amendments to the provisions of our charter related to the removal of directors and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, and the vote required to amend such provisions, which must be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment) may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Common Stock

We had 26,219,019 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

Voting Rights 

Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on the transfer and ownership of our capital stock and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of common stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of capital stock, including our Preferred Stock, the holders of the common stock possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock, voting as a single class, can elect all of the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining shares are not able to elect any directors. 

Dividends, Liquidations and Other Rights 

All shares of common stock offered and sold will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. They also are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities. These rights are subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of our shares, including our Preferred Stock, and to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer of our shares. 

Holders of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Subject to the restrictions on transfer of shares contained in our charter, all shares of common stock have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights. 

Certificates

Generally, we will not issue stock certificates. Shares of common stock will be held in “uncertificated” form, which will eliminate the physical handling and safekeeping responsibilities inherent in owning transferable stock certificates and eliminate the need to return a duly executed stock certificate to the transfer agent to effect a transfer. Transfers can be effected simply by mailing to us a duly executed transfer form. Upon the issuance of shares of common stock, we will send on request to each stockholder a written statement which will include all information that is required to be written upon stock certificates pursuant to the MGCL.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer and distribution paying agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare, Inc.

Series A Preferred Stock

We had 1,150,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020. All of our outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were voluntarily redeemed on February 12, 2021.

Dividends 

Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if, authorized by our Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee of the Board) and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 6.375% per annum of the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $1.59375 per share). 

Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative from (but excluding) the date of original issue and are payable monthly in arrears. The first dividend was payable on September 30, 2016. Dividends are payable to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date. The record date for each dividend will be designated by our Board of Directors that is not more than 20 nor less than seven days prior to such dividend payment date. 

Our Board of Directors will not authorize, declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock at any time that the terms and provisions of any of our agreements, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibits that action or provides that the authorization, declaration, payment or setting apart for payment of those dividends would constitute a breach of or a default under any such agreement, or if such action is restricted or prohibited by law. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not restrictions exist in respect thereof, whether or not we have earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not we declare such dividends. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will not bear interest, and holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. Except as stated in the two paragraphs below, no dividends will be declared and paid or set apart for payment on any of our common stock or any series or class of equity securities ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock (other than a dividend in shares of our common stock or in shares of any other class of stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) for any period unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment of those dividends is set apart for such payment) on the Series A Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods. 

If we do not declare and either pay or set apart for payment the full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and all shares of capital stock that are equal in rank with Series A Preferred Stock (including shares of Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock), the amount which we have declared will be allocated ratably to the Series A Preferred Stock and to each series of shares of capital stock equal in rank so that the amount declared for each share of Series A Preferred Stock and for each share of each series of capital stock equal in rank is proportionate to the accrued and unpaid dividends on those shares. 

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for payment) for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment nor shall any other distribution be declared and made upon our common stock, or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series A 

Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall we redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire for any consideration (or pay or make any monies available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) any shares of our common stock, or any other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (except by conversion into or exchange for any of our capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation or redemption for the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT). 

Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or shares of capital stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock as described above; however, if we fail to redeem or call for redemption the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the mandatory redemption required on September 30, 2021, the dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock will increase by 3.0% per share per annum to 9.375%, until such shares are redeemed or called for redemption. Any dividend payment made on the Series A Preferred Stock will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends due with respect to those shares which remain payable. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the dividend payment date on which they first become payable.

Redemption 

Mandatory Redemption 

We are required to provide for the mandatory redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock on September 30, 2021 at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon up to but excluding September 30, 2021. 

Optional Redemption 

The Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemable since September 30, 2018. In addition, in order to ensure that we will continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, the Series A Preferred Stock are subject to provisions in our Charter pursuant to which shares of our capital stock owned by a stockholder in excess of 3.3% (or 9.8% in the case of certain Qualified Institutional Investors (as defined in the Charter)) in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company will be transferred in trust pursuant to Section 7.2.1 of the Charter. 

On and after September 30, 2018, at our sole option upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, we may redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, without interest. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed must then surrender such Series A Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice. Upon surrender of the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders will be entitled to the redemption price thereon to, but excluding the date fixed for redemption, without interest. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been given and if we have deposited the funds necessary for such redemption with the paying agent for the benefit of the holders of any of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, then from and after the date of such deposit dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series A Preferred Stock, those shares of Series A Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected ratably by lot or by any other fair and equitable method that the Board may choose. 

Unless full cumulative dividends for all applicable past dividend periods on all shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all past dividend periods), no shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be redeemed. In such event, we also will not 

purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series A Preferred Stock (except by exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation). However, the foregoing shall not prevent us from purchasing shares pursuant to our Charter, in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or from acquiring shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation. So long as no dividends are in arrears, we will be entitled at any time and from time to time to repurchase shares of Series A Preferred Stock in open-market transactions duly authorized by the Board of Directors and effected in compliance with applicable laws. 

We will deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically to holders thereof, or request our agent, on behalf of us, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically. The notice will be provided not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such notice. Each such notice will state: (A) the date for redemption; (B) the number of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (C) the CUSIP number for the Series A Preferred Stock; (D) the applicable redemption price on a per share basis; (E) if applicable, the place or places where the certificate(s) for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the price for redemption; (F) that dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such date of redemption; and (G) the applicable provisions of our charter under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice delivered to such holder will also specify the number of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any such notice that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that we will not be required to affect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such notice. No defect in the notice or delivery thereof shall affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. 

If a redemption date falls after a record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, however, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on that record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before the dividend payment date. 

Change of Control 

If a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined below) occurs with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, unless we have exercised our option to redeem such Series A Preferred Stock as described above, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to require us to redeem (a “Change of Control Redemption”) the Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of payment, but without interest (a “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event or, at our option, prior to any Change of Control Triggering Event, but after public announcement of the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event, a notice will be mailed to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, describing the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offering to redeem such Series A Preferred Stock on the date specified in the applicable notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (a “Change of Control Payment Date”). The notice will, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control Triggering Event, state that the Change of Control Redemption is conditioned on the Change of Control Triggering Event occurring on or prior to the applicable Change of Control Payment Date. 

On each Change of Control Payment Date, we will, to the extent lawful: 

•redeem all Series A Preferred Stock or portions of Series A Preferred Stock properly tendered pursuant to the applicable Change of Control Redemption; 

•deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Series A Preferred Stock properly tendered; and

•deliver or cause to be delivered to the paying agent the Series A Preferred Stock properly accepted together with an officers’ certificate stating the Series A Preferred Stock being redeemed. 

We will not be required to make a Change of Control Redemption upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us and the third party redeems all Series A Preferred Stock properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer. 

We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Redemption provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock, we will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Redemption provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock by virtue of any such conflict. 

For purposes of the foregoing discussion of the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock at the option of the holders, the following definitions are applicable. 

“Capital Stock” of a corporation means the capital stock of every class whether now or hereafter authorized, regardless of whether such capital stock shall be limited to a fixed sum or percentage with respect to the rights of the holders thereof to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such corporation. 

“Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or more series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person, other than us or one of our subsidiaries; (2) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any Person becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of our outstanding Voting Stock or other Voting Stock into which our Voting Stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; (3) we consolidate with, or merge with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, us, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of our outstanding Voting Stock or the Voting Stock of such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of our Voting Stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person or any direct or indirect parent company of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; (4) the first day on which a majority of the members of our Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors; or (5) the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or dissolution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control Triggering Event under clause (2) above if (i) we become a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of a holding company and (ii)(A) the direct or indirect holders of the Voting Stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same as the holders of our Voting Stock immediately prior to that transaction or (B) immediately following that transaction no Person (other than a holding company satisfying the requirements of this sentence) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such holding company. 

“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of our Board of Directors who (A) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date the Series A Preferred Stock was issued or (B) was nominated for 

election, elected or appointed to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination, election or appointment (either by a specific vote or by approval of a proxy statement in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a director, without objection to such nomination). 

“Person” has the meaning given thereto in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. 

“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any specified Person that is a corporation as of any date, the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person. 

Liquidation Preference 

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock that ranks junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights. If our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are insufficient to pay in full the liquidation preference on the Series A Preferred Stock and the liquidation preference on any shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock, all assets distributed to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock will be distributed ratably so that the amount of assets distributed per share of Series A Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the liquidation preference per share on the Series A Preferred Stock and on such other series of preferred stock bear to each other. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances shall be payable, shall be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the respective addresses of such holders as the same shall appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If we convert into or consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, effect a statutory share exchange or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our property or business, we will not be deemed to have liquidated, dissolved or wound up. 

Rank 

With respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Series A Preferred Stock ranks: 

•senior to all classes or series of our Common Stock and to all equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank junior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up; 

•on a parity with all other equity securities we may issue, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with our Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and liquidation (including shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock); 

•junior to any other class or series of our capital stock the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, none of which exists on the date hereof; and 

•junior to all our existing and future indebtedness.

Voting Rights 

Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to any voting rights, except as described below. 
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are in arrears for 18 or more consecutive months (a “Dividend Default”), then the holders of those shares together with the holders of all other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote separately as a class for the election of a total of two additional directors on our Board of Directors. 

The election of these directors will take place at a special meeting called upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of record of at least 20% of any class or series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders) or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated from past dividend periods and the then current dividend period have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart). A quorum for any such meeting will exist if at least a majority of the total outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock entitled to like voting rights are represented in person or by proxy at that meeting. The directors elected as described above shall be elected upon the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock and preferred stock equal in rank with the Series A Preferred Stock voting separately as a single class, present and voting in person or by proxy at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present. If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series A Preferred Stock have been paid in full or declared or set apart for payment in full the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be divested of the right to elect directors and, if all dividend arrearages have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment in full on all series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, the term of office of each director so elected shall terminate. Any director so elected may be removed at any time with or without cause by, and shall not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock having the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights. So long as a dividend arrearage continues, any vacancy in the office of a director elected as described above may be filled by written consent of the director elected as described above who remains in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock when they have the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights. These directors shall each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter. 

So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary designating the Series A Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock. However, with respect to the occurrence of any event listed above, so long as the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding (or shares issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the Series A Preferred Stock) with its terms materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. In addition (i) any increase in the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) any increase in the number of authorized preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred stock, or (iii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking equal with or junior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, 

dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers. 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption. 

Conversion 

The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other property or securities.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Prior to the redemption of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, the transfer agent and registrar for the Series A Preferred Stock was Computershare, Inc.

Series B Preferred Stock 

We had 5,956,065 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020. 

Dividends 

Holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 6.00% per annum of the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $1.50 per share). Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are not eligible to participate in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. Dividends on shares of the Series B Preferred Stock will accrue and be paid on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends on outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock will accrue and be cumulative from the end of the most recent dividend period for which dividends have been paid or, if no dividends have been paid, from the date of issuance. Dividends are payable monthly in arrears on such date as our Board of Directors may designate to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date. The record date for each dividend will be designated by our Board of Directors and will be a date that is prior to the dividend payment date. 

Our Board of Directors will not authorize, and we will not declare, pay or set apart for payment, any dividends on shares of Series B Preferred Stock at any time that the terms and provisions of any of our agreements, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibits that action or provides that the authorization, declaration, payment or setting apart for payment of those dividends would constitute a breach of or a default under any such agreement, or if such action is restricted or prohibited by law. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not (1) restrictions exist in respect thereof, (2) we have earnings, (3) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, or (4) our Board of Directors authorizes or we declare such dividends. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will not bear interest, and holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. 

If we do not declare and either pay or set apart for payment the full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock and all shares of capital stock that are equal in rank with Series B Preferred Stock (including shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock), the amount which we have declared will be allocated ratably to the Series B Preferred Stock and to each series of shares of capital stock equal in 

rank so that the amount declared for each share of Series B Preferred Stock and for each share of each series of capital stock equal in rank is proportionate to the accrued and unpaid dividends on those shares. 

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for payment) for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) will be declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment nor will any other distribution be declared and made upon our common stock, or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will we redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire for any consideration (or pay or make any monies available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) any shares of our common stock, or any other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (except by conversion into or exchange for any of our capital stock ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation or redemption for the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT). 

Ranking 

The Series B Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution: 

•senior to all classes or series of our common stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; 

•on parity with our Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; 

•junior to any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, none of which exists on the date hereof; and 

•junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness.

Redemption by Stockholders 

Optional Redemption Following Death of a Holder 

Subject to the restrictions described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option,” and the terms and procedures described below under “-Redemption Procedures,” commencing on the date of original issuance and terminating upon the listing of the Series B Preferred Stock on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange, shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by a natural person upon his or her death will be redeemed at the written request of the holder’s estate for a cash payment of $25.00 per share of Series B Preferred Stock on the Death Redemption Date, which is the tenth calendar day following delivery of such holder’s estate’s request to redeem shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, or if such tenth calendar day is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day. 

Stockholder Redemption Option 

Subject to the restrictions described herein, and the terms and procedures described below under “-Redemption Procedures,” commencing on the date of original issuance (or, if after the date of original issuance our Board of Directors suspends the redemption program of the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, on the date our Board of Directors reinstates such program) and terminating on the earlier to occur of (1) the date upon which our Board of 

Directors, by resolution, suspends or terminates the redemption program, and (2) the date on which shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock may, at their option, require us to redeem any or all of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock for a cash payment of $22.50 per share of Series B Preferred Stock on the Stockholder Redemption Date, which is the tenth calendar day following delivery of such holder’s request to redeem shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, or if such tenth calendar day is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day. The maximum dollar amount that we will make available each calendar year to redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock will not be subject to an annual limit; provided, that our obligation to redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock is limited to the extent that our Board of Directors determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that we do not have sufficient funds available to fund any such redemption or we are restricted by applicable law from making such redemption; and is also limited to the extent our Board of Directors suspends or terminates the optional redemption right at any time or for any reason, including after delivery of a Stockholder Redemption Notice but prior to the corresponding Stockholder Redemption Date. 

Redemption Procedures 

To require us to redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock, a holder or estate of a holder, as applicable, must deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery or by first class mail, postage prepaid to us at our principal executive offices. Each such notice must be an original, notarized copy and must state: (1) the name and address of the stockholder whose shares of Series B Preferred Stock are requested to be redeemed, (2) the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock requested to be redeemed, (3) the name of the broker dealer who holds the shares of Series B Preferred Stock requested to be redeemed, the stockholder’s account number with such broker dealer and such broker dealer’s participant number for DTC and (4) in the case of a notice to redeem upon the death of a holder, a certified copy of the death certificate (and such other evidence that is satisfactory to us in our sole discretion) for the natural person who previously held the shares to be redeemed. 

If, as a result of the limitations described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option,” the optional redemption right has not been suspended or terminated but fewer than all shares for which a notice of redemption was delivered to us are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be pro rata based on the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock for which each holder timely submitted a notice of redemption. If a Stockholder Redemption Date is also a Death Redemption Date, the limitations described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option” shall first be applied to any redemption requested upon the death of the holder and then to shares to be redeemed pursuant to the Stockholder Redemption Option. 

Upon any redemption of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, the holder thereof will also be entitled to receive a sum equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the applicable Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date (unless such Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date falls after a dividend record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case each holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock on such dividend record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date, notwithstanding the redemption of such shares on or prior to such dividend payment date, and each holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock that are redeemed on such Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date will be entitled to the dividends, if any, occurring after the end of the dividend period to which such dividend payment date relates up to, but excluding, the Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date, as the case may be). Upon the redemption of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock, such shares of Series B Preferred Stock will cease to be outstanding, dividends with respect to such shares of Series B Preferred Stock will cease to accumulate and all rights whatsoever with respect to such shares (except the right to receive the per share cash payment for the redeeming shares) will terminate. 

We may suspend or terminate the redemption program at any time in our sole discretion. 

Optional Redemption by the Company 

Except in certain limited circumstances relating to maintaining our qualification as a REIT as described in “-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” we cannot redeem the Series B Preferred Stock prior to the later of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) June 1, 2022. 

On and after the later of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) June 1, 2022, at our sole option upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, we may redeem shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, without interest. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed must then surrender such Series B Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice. Upon surrender of the Series B Preferred Stock, the holders will be entitled to the redemption price. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock has been given and if we have deposited the funds necessary for such redemption with the paying agent for the benefit of the holders of any of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series B Preferred Stock, those shares of Series B Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed will be selected (1) pro rata, (2) by lot or (3) by any other fair and equitable method that our Board of Directors may choose. 

Unless full cumulative dividends for all applicable past dividend periods on all shares of Series B Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment), no shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be redeemed. In such event, we also will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series B Preferred Stock (except by exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation). However, the foregoing will not prevent us from purchasing shares pursuant to our charter, in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or from acquiring shares of Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation. So long as no dividends are in arrears, we will be entitled at any time and from time to time to repurchase shares of Series B Preferred Stock in open-market transactions duly authorized by the Board of Directors and effected in compliance with applicable laws. 

We will deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically to holders thereof, or request our agent, on behalf of us, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically. The notice will be provided not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such notice. Each such notice will state: (1) the date for redemption; (2) the number of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (3) the CUSIP number for the Series B Preferred Stock; (4) the applicable redemption price on a per share basis; (5) if applicable, the place or places where the certificate(s) for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the price for redemption; (6) that dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such date of redemption; and (7) the applicable provisions of our charter under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice delivered to such holder will also specify the number of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any such notice that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that we will not be required to effect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such notice. No defect in the notice or delivery thereof will affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. 

If a redemption date falls after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock at the close of business on that record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before the dividend payment date, and the redemption price received by the holder on the redemption date will be $25.00 per share. 

Liquidation Preference 

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock that ranks junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights. If our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are insufficient to pay in full the liquidation preference on the Series B Preferred Stock and the liquidation preference on any shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock, all assets distributed to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock will be distributed ratably so that the amount of assets distributed per share of Series B Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the liquidation preference per share on the Series B Preferred Stock and on such other series of preferred stock bear to each other. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances will be payable, will be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of the Series B Preferred Stock at the respective addresses of such holders as the same appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If we convert into or consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, effect a statutory share exchange or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our property or business, we will not be deemed to have liquidated, dissolved or wound up. 

Voting Rights 

Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights, except as described below. 
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are in arrears for 18 or more consecutive months (a “Dividend Default”), then the holders of those shares together with the holders of all other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote separately as a class for the election of a total of two additional directors on our Board of Directors. 

The election of these directors will take place at a special meeting called upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock or holders of record of at least 20% of any class or series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders) or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated from past dividend periods and the then current dividend period have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart). A quorum for any such meeting will exist if at least a majority of the total outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and outstanding shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock entitled to like voting rights are represented in person or by proxy at that meeting. The directors elected as described above will be elected upon the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock and preferred stock equal in rank with the Series B Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, present and voting in person or by proxy at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present. If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series B Preferred Stock have been paid in full or declared or set apart for payment in full the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be divested of the right to elect directors and, if all dividend arrearages have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment in full on all series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, the term of office of each director so elected will terminate. Any director so elected may be removed at any time with or without cause by, and may not be removed otherwise than by the vote 

of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock having the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights. So long as a dividend arrearage continues, any vacancy in the office of a director elected as described above may be filled by written consent of the director elected as described above who remains in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock when they have the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, by majority vote. These directors will each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter. 

So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary designating the Series B Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series B Preferred Stock. However, with respect to the occurrence of any event listed above, so long as the Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding (or shares issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the Series B Preferred Stock) with its terms materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. In addition (i) any increase in the number of authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock, (ii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred stock or (iii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking equal with or junior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers. 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required is effected, all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Series B Preferred Stock is Computershare, Inc.

Series C Preferred Stock 

We had 1,088,435 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

Dividends 

Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 6.00% per annum of the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $1.50 per share). Generally, holders of the Series C Preferred Stock are not eligible to participate in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, except that each registered holder of at least one full share of Series C Preferred Stock will be automatically enrolled in our Series C Preferred Stock dividend reinvestment plan unless the stockholder opts out of the dividend reinvestment plan.

Dividends on shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will accrue and be paid on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends on outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will accrue and be cumulative from the end of the most recent dividend period for which dividends have been paid or, if no 

dividends have been paid, from the date of issuance. Dividends will be payable monthly in arrears, on or about the fifth day of each month for dividends accrued the previous month or such other date as our Board of Directors may designate, to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date. The record date for each dividend will be designated by our Board of Directors and will be a date that is prior to the dividend payment date. 

Our Board of Directors will not authorize, and we will not declare, pay or set apart for payment, any dividends on shares of Series C Preferred Stock at any time that the terms and provisions of any of our agreements, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibits that action or provides that the authorization, declaration, payment or setting apart for payment of those dividends would constitute a breach of or a default under any such agreement, or if such action is restricted or prohibited by law. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not (1) restrictions exist in respect thereof, (2) we have earnings, (3) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, or (4) our Board of Directors authorizes or we declare such dividends. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will not bear interest, and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. 

If we do not declare and either pay or set apart for payment the full cumulative dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock and all shares of capital stock that are equal in rank with Series C Preferred Stock (including shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock), the amount which we have declared will be allocated ratably to the Series C Preferred Stock and to each series of shares of capital stock equal in rank so that the amount declared for each share of Series C Preferred Stock and for each share of each series of capital stock equal in rank is proportionate to the accrued and unpaid dividends on those shares. 

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for payment) for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) will be declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment nor will any other distribution be declared and made upon our common stock, or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will we redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire for any consideration (or pay or make any monies available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) any shares of our common stock, or any other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to or equal with the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (except by conversion into or exchange for any of our capital stock ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation or redemption for the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT). 

Ranking 

The Series C Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution: 

•senior to all classes or series of our common stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; 

•on parity with our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; 

•junior to any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, none of which exists on the date hereof; and 

•junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness.

Redemption by Stockholders 

Optional Redemption Following Death of a Holder 

Subject to the restrictions described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option,” and the terms and procedures described below under “-Redemption Procedures,” commencing on the date of original issuance and terminating upon the listing of the Series C Preferred Stock on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange, shares of Series C Preferred Stock held by a natural person upon his or her death will be redeemed at the written request of the holder’s estate for a cash payment of $25.00 per share of Series C Preferred Stock on the Death Redemption Date, which is the tenth calendar day following delivery of such holder’s estate’s request to redeem shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, or if such tenth calendar day is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day. 

Stockholder Redemption Option 

Subject to the restrictions described herein, and the terms and procedures described below under “-Redemption Procedures,” commencing on the date of original issuance (or, if after the date of original issuance our Board of Directors suspends the redemption program of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock, on the date our Board of Directors reinstates such program) and terminating on the earlier to occur of (1) the date upon which our Board of Directors, by resolution, suspends or terminates the redemption program, and (2) the date on which shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange, holders of the Series C Preferred Stock may, at their option, require us to redeem any or all of their shares of Series C Preferred Stock for a cash payment of $22.50 per share of Series C Preferred Stock on the Stockholder Redemption Date, which is the tenth calendar day following delivery of such holder’s request to redeem shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, or if such tenth calendar day is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day. The maximum dollar amount that we will make available each calendar year to redeem shares of Series C Preferred Stock will not be subject to an annual limit; provided, that our obligation to redeem shares of Series C Preferred Stock is limited to the extent that our Board of Directors determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that we do not have sufficient funds available to fund any such redemption or we are restricted by applicable law from making such redemption; and is also limited to the extent our Board of Directors suspends or terminates the optional redemption right at any time or for any reason, including after delivery of a Stockholder Redemption Notice but prior to the corresponding Stockholder Redemption Date. 

Redemption Procedures 

To require us to redeem shares of Series C Preferred Stock, a holder or estate of a holder, as applicable, must deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery or by first class mail, postage prepaid to us at our principal executive offices. Each such notice must be an original, notarized copy and must state: (1) the name and address of the stockholder whose shares of Series C Preferred Stock are requested to be redeemed, (2) the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock requested to be redeemed, (3) the name of the broker dealer who holds the shares of Series C Preferred Stock requested to be redeemed, the stockholder’s account number with such broker dealer and such broker dealer’s participant number for DTC and (4) in the case of a notice to redeem upon the death of a holder, a certified copy of the death certificate (and such other evidence that is satisfactory to us in our sole discretion) for the natural person who previously held the shares to be redeemed. 

If, as a result of the limitations described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option,” the optional redemption right has not been suspended or terminated but fewer than all shares for which a notice of redemption was delivered to us 

are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be pro rata based on the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock for which each holder timely submitted a notice of redemption. If a Stockholder Redemption Date is also a Death Redemption Date, the limitations described under “-Stockholder Redemption Option” shall first be applied to any redemption requested upon the death of the holder and then to shares to be redeemed pursuant to the Stockholder Redemption Option. 

Upon any redemption of shares of Series C Preferred Stock, the holder thereof will also be entitled to receive a sum equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the applicable Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date (unless such Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date falls after a dividend record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case each holder of shares of Series C Preferred Stock on such dividend record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date, notwithstanding the redemption of such shares on or prior to such dividend payment date, and each holder of shares of Series C Preferred Stock that are redeemed on such Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date will be entitled to the dividends, if any, occurring after the end of the dividend period to which such dividend payment date relates up to, but excluding, the Stockholder Redemption Date or Death Redemption Date, as the case may be). Upon the redemption of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock, such shares of Series C Preferred Stock will cease to be outstanding, dividends with respect to such shares of Series C Preferred Stock will cease to accumulate and all rights whatsoever with respect to such shares (except the right to receive the per share cash payment for the redeeming shares) will terminate. 

We may suspend or terminate the redemption program at any time in our sole discretion. 

Optional Redemption by the Company 

Except in certain limited circumstances relating to maintaining our qualification as a REIT as described in “-Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” we cannot redeem the Series C Preferred Stock prior to the later of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) June 1, 2024. 

On and after the later of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) June 1, 2024, at our sole option upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, we may redeem shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, without interest. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed must then surrender such Series C Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice. Upon surrender of the Series C Preferred Stock, the holders will be entitled to the redemption price. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock has been given and if we have deposited the funds necessary for such redemption with the paying agent for the benefit of the holders of any of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series C Preferred Stock, those shares of Series C Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed will be selected (1) pro rata, (2) by lot or (3) by any other fair and equitable method that our Board of Directors may choose. 

Unless full cumulative dividends for all applicable past dividend periods on all shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment), no shares of Series C Preferred Stock will be redeemed. In such event, we also will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series C Preferred Stock (except by exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation). However, the foregoing will not prevent us from purchasing shares pursuant to our charter, in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or from acquiring shares of Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any shares of 

stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation. Upon listing, if any, of the Series C Preferred Stock on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange, so long as no dividends are in arrears, we will be entitled at any time and from time to time to repurchase shares of Series C Preferred Stock in open-market transactions duly authorized by the Board of Directors and effected in compliance with applicable laws. 

We will deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically to holders thereof, or request our agent, on behalf of us, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically. The notice will be provided not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such notice. Each such notice will state: (1) the date for redemption; (2) the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (3) the CUSIP number for the Series C Preferred Stock; (4) the applicable redemption price on a per share basis; (5) if applicable, the place or places where the certificate(s) for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the price for redemption; (6) that dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such date of redemption; and (7) the applicable provisions of our charter under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice delivered to such holder will also specify the number of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any such notice that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that we will not be required to effect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such notice. No defect in the notice or delivery thereof will affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. 

If a redemption date falls after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, each holder of Series C Preferred Stock at the close of business on that record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before the dividend payment date, each holder of shares Series C Preferred Stock that are redeemed on such redemption date will be entitled to the dividends, if any, accruing after the end of the dividend period for which such dividend payment date relates up to, but excluding, the redemption date. 

Liquidation Preference 

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock that ranks junior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights. If our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are insufficient to pay in full the liquidation preference on the Series C Preferred Stock and the liquidation preference on any shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock, all assets distributed to the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock will be distributed ratably so that the amount of assets distributed per share of Series C Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the liquidation preference per share on the Series C Preferred Stock and on such other series of preferred stock bear to each other. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances will be payable, will be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of the Series C Preferred Stock at the respective addresses of such holders as the same appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If we convert into or consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, effect a statutory share exchange or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our property or business, we will not be deemed to have liquidated, dissolved or wound up. 

Voting Rights 

Holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as described below. 
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are in arrears for 18 or more consecutive months (a “Dividend Default”), then the holders of those shares together with the holders of all other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote separately as a class for the election of a total of two additional directors on our Board of Directors. 

The election of these directors will take place at a special meeting called upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock or holders of record of at least 20% of any class or series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders) or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated from past dividend periods and the then current dividend period have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart). A quorum for any such meeting will exist if at least a majority of the total outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and outstanding shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock entitled to like voting rights are represented in person or by proxy at that meeting. The directors elected as described above will be elected upon the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock and preferred stock equal in rank with the Series C Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, present and voting in person or by proxy at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present. If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series C Preferred Stock have been paid in full or declared or set apart for payment in full the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will be divested of the right to elect directors and, if all dividend arrearages have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment in full on all series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, the term of office of each director so elected will terminate. Any director so elected may be removed at any time with or without cause by, and may not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock having the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights. So long as a dividend arrearage continues, any vacancy in the office of a director elected as described above may be filled by written consent of the director elected as described above who remains in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock when they have the voting rights described above, voting separately as a single class with all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, by majority vote. These directors will each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter. 

So long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary designating the Series C Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series C Preferred Stock. However, with respect to the occurrence of any event listed above, so long as the Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding (or shares issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the Series C Preferred Stock) with its terms materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of the Series C Preferred Stock. In addition (i) any increase in the number of authorized shares of Series C Preferred Stock, (ii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred stock or (iii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking equal with or junior to the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers. 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required is effected, all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption. 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Series C Preferred Stock is Computershare, Inc.

Listing

We intend to apply to list the Series C Preferred Stock on Nasdaq within one calendar year of the Termination Date (as defined in the Articles Supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock). There can be no assurance that a listing will be achieved in such timeframe, or at all.

Series D Preferred Stock

We had 2,415,000 shares of our Series D Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K to which this exhibit is attached. 

Dividends 

Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if, authorized by our Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee of the Board) and declared by us, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 5.00% per annum of the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $1.25 per share). 

Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock are cumulative from (but excluding) the date of original issue and are payable monthly in arrears. The first dividend will be payable on March 1, 2021. Dividends will be payable monthly in arrears, on or about the fifth day of each month for dividends accrued the previous month or such date as our Board of Directors may designate, to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date. The record date for each dividend will be designated by our Board of Directors and will be a date that is prior to the dividend payment date. 

Our Board of Directors will not authorize, and we will not declare, pay or set apart for payment, any dividends on shares of Series D Preferred Stock at any time that the terms and provisions of any of our agreements, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibits that action or provides that the authorization, declaration, payment or setting apart for payment of those dividends would constitute a breach of or a default under any such agreement, or if such action is restricted or prohibited by law. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not (1) restrictions exist in respect thereof, (2) we have earnings, (3) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, or (4) our Board of Directors authorizes or we declare such dividends. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will not bear interest, and holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. 

If we do not declare and either pay or set apart for payment the full cumulative dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock and all shares of capital stock that are equal in rank with Series D Preferred Stock (including shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock), the amount which we have declared will be allocated ratably to the Series D Preferred Stock and to each series of shares of capital stock equal in rank so that the amount declared for each share of Series D Preferred Stock and for each share of each series of capital stock equal in rank is proportionate to the accrued and unpaid dividends per share on those shares. 

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for payment) for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series D Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) will be declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment nor will any other distribution be declared and made upon our common stock, or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or on parity with the Series D Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will we redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire for any consideration (or pay or make any monies available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) any shares of our common stock, or any other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to or on parity with the Series D Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (except by conversion into or exchange for any of our capital stock ranking junior to the Series D Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation or redemption for the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT). 

Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are not entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or shares of capital stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock as described above; however, if we fail to redeem or call for redemption the Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to the mandatory redemption required on January 31, 2026, the dividend rate on the Series D Preferred Stock will increase by 3.0% per share per annum to 8.0%, until such shares are redeemed or called for redemption. Any dividend payment made on the Series D Preferred Stock will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends due with respect to those shares which remain payable. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the dividend payment date on which they first become payable. 

Redemption 

Mandatory Redemption 

We are required to redeem the Series D Preferred Stock on January 31, 2026 at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon up to but excluding January 31, 2026. 

Optional Redemption 

The Series D Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to January 31, 2023. However, in order to ensure that we will continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, the Series D Preferred Stock will be subject to provisions in our charter pursuant to which shares of our capital stock owned by a stockholder in excess of 3.3% (or 9.8% in the case of certain Qualified Institutional Investors (as defined in the charter)) in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company will be transferred in trust pursuant to the charter. 
On and after January 31, 2023, at our sole option upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, we may redeem shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, without interest. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series D Preferred Stock has been given and if we have deposited the funds necessary for such redemption with the paying agent for the benefit of the holders of any of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock to be redeemed, then from and after the date of such deposit dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series D Preferred Stock, those shares of Series D Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series D Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series D Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected ratably by lot or by any other fair and equitable method that the Board may choose. 

Unless full cumulative dividends for all applicable past dividend periods on all shares of Series D Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment or deposited with the applicable paying agent for all past dividend periods), no shares of Series D Preferred Stock will 

be redeemed. However, the foregoing will not prevent us from purchasing shares pursuant to our charter, in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or from acquiring shares of Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock and any shares of stock that rank on parity with regards to dividends and upon liquidation. 

We will deliver a notice of redemption, by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically to holders thereof, or request our agent, on behalf of us, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or electronically. The notice will be provided not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such notice. Each such notice will state: (A) the date for redemption; (B) the number of Series D Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (C) the CUSIP number for the Series D Preferred Stock; (D) the applicable redemption price on a per share basis; (E) if applicable, the place or places where the certificate(s) for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the price for redemption; (F) that dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such date of redemption; and (G) the applicable provisions of our charter under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice delivered to such holder will also specify the number of Series D Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any such notice that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that we will not be required to affect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such notice. No defect in the notice or delivery thereof will affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. 

If a redemption date falls after a record date and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, however, each holder of Series D Preferred Stock at the close of business on that record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before the dividend payment date. 

Change of Control 

If a Change of Control Triggering Event occurs with respect to the Series D Preferred Stock, unless we have exercised our option to redeem such Series D Preferred Stock as described above, holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will have the right to require us to redeem (a “Change of Control Redemption”) the Series D Preferred Stock at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of payment, but without interest (a “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event or, at our option, prior to any Change of Control Triggering Event, but after public announcement of the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event, a notice will be mailed to holders of the Series D Preferred Stock, describing the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offering to redeem such Series D Preferred Stock on the date specified in the applicable notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (a “Change of Control Payment Date”). The notice will, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control Triggering Event, state that the Change of Control Redemption is conditioned on the Change of Control Triggering Event occurring on or prior to the applicable Change of Control Payment Date. 

We will not be required to make a Change of Control Redemption upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us and the third party redeems all Series D Preferred Stock properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer. 

We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the redemption of the Series D Preferred Stock as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Redemption provisions of the Series D 

Preferred Stock, we will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Redemption provisions of the Series D Preferred Stock by virtue of any such conflict. 

For purposes of the foregoing discussion of the redemption of the Series D Preferred Stock at the option of the holders, the following definitions are applicable. 

“Capital Stock” of a corporation means the capital stock of every class whether now or hereafter authorized, regardless of whether such capital stock shall be limited to a fixed sum or percentage with respect to the rights of the holders thereof to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such corporation. 

“Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or more series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person, other than us or one of our subsidiaries; (2) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any Person becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of our outstanding Voting Stock or other Voting Stock into which our Voting Stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; (3) we consolidate with, or merge with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, us, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of our outstanding Voting Stock or the Voting Stock of such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of our Voting Stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person or any direct or indirect parent company of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; (4) the first day on which a majority of the members of our Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors; or (5) the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or dissolution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control Triggering Event under clause (2) above if (i) we become a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of a holding company and (ii)(A) the direct or indirect holders of the Voting Stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same as the holders of our Voting Stock immediately prior to that transaction or (B) immediately following that transaction no Person (other than a holding company satisfying the requirements of this sentence) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such holding company. 

“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of our Board of Directors who (A) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date the Series D Preferred Stock was issued or (B) was nominated for election, elected or appointed to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination, election or appointment (either by a specific vote or by approval of a proxy statement in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a director, without objection to such nomination). 

“Person” has the meaning given thereto in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. 

“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any specified Person that is a corporation as of any date, the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person. 

Liquidation Preference 

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such 

shares to, but excluding, the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock that ranks junior to the Series D Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights. If our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are insufficient to pay in full the liquidation preference on the Series D Preferred Stock and the liquidation preference on any shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock, all assets distributed to the holders of Series D Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock on parity with the Series D Preferred Stock will be distributed ratably so that the amount of assets distributed per share of Series D Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the liquidation preference per share on the Series D Preferred Stock and on such other series of preferred stock bear to each other. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances will be payable, will be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of the Series D Preferred Stock at the respective addresses of such holders as the same appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series D Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If we convert into or consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, effect a statutory share exchange or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our property or business, we will not be deemed to have liquidated, dissolved or wound up. 

Rank 

The Series D Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution: 

•senior to all classes or series of our common stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;

•on parity with our Series A Preferred Stock, our Series B Preferred Stock, our Series C Preferred Stock and any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;

•junior to any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, none of which exists on the date hereof; and

•junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness.

Voting Rights 

Holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as described below. 
Whenever dividends on any shares of Series D Preferred Stock are in arrears for 18 or more consecutive months (a “Dividend Default”), then the holders of those shares together with the holders of all other series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote separately as a class for the election of a total of two additional directors on our Board of Directors. 

The election of these directors will take place at a special meeting called upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock or holders of record of at least 20% of any class or series of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for 

the next annual or special meeting of stockholders) or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated from past dividend periods and the then current dividend period have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart). A quorum for any such meeting will exist if at least a majority of the total outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock and outstanding shares of preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock entitled to like voting rights are represented in person or by proxy at that meeting. The directors elected as described above will be elected upon the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock and such preferred stock equal in rank with the Series D Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, present and voting in person or by proxy at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present. If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series D Preferred Stock have been paid in full or declared or set apart for payment in full the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will be divested of the right to elect directors and, if all dividend arrearages have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment in full on all series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, the term of office of each director so elected will terminate. Any director so elected may be removed at any time with or without cause by, and may not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the total outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock having the voting rights described above and outstanding shares of all classes of series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, voting separately as a single class. So long as a dividend arrearage continues, any vacancy in the office of a director elected as described above may be filled by written consent of the director elected as described above who remains in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of the total outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock when they have the voting rights described above and outstanding shares of all classes or series of preferred stock entitled to like voting rights, voting separately as a single class. These directors will each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter. 

So long as any shares of Series D Preferred Stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary designating the Series D Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series D Preferred Stock. However, with respect to the occurrence of any event listed above, so long as the Series D Preferred Stock remains outstanding (or shares issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the Series D Preferred Stock) with its terms materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of the Series D Preferred Stock. In addition (i) any increase in the number of authorized shares of Series D Preferred Stock, (ii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred stock or (iii) any increase in the number of authorized shares of such class or series, in each case ranking equal with or junior to the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, 
preferences, privileges or voting powers. 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required is effected, all outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption. 

Conversion 

The Series D Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other property or securities. 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Series D Preferred Stock is Computershare, Inc.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

Classification of our Board of Directors

Our board of directors is currently comprised of eight members. Our board is divided into three classes of directors. Directors of each class are elected for a term expiring at the third annual meeting following their election and until their respective successor is duly elected and qualifies, and each year one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. Our board of directors has the sole power to fill any vacancy on the board of directors and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies. We believe that classification of our board of directors helps to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by our directors. Holders of shares of our common stock have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the capital stock entitled to vote are able to elect all of the successors of the class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting.

Our classified board could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time consuming and difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of our board of directors. Thus, our classified board could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or an attempt to change control of us or another transaction that might involve a premium price for our common stock that might be in the best interest of our stockholders.

Removal of Directors

Any director may be removed only for cause by the stockholders upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

To qualify and maintain status as a REIT, not more than 50% of our outstanding shares may be owned by any five or fewer individuals (including some tax-exempt entities) during the last half of each taxable year, and the outstanding shares must be owned by 100 or more persons independent of us and each other during at least 335 days of a 12-month taxable year or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year for which an election to be treated as a REIT is made. These requirements do not apply to us for our first taxable year for which we elect to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to assist our board of directors in becoming a REIT and preserving our status as a REIT, among other purposes, our charter contains ownership limits which prohibit any person or group of persons from acquiring, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of more than 3.3% in value of our outstanding shares of capital stock or more than 3.3% in value or in number of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding shares of common stock, other than David Gladstone, who currently owns approximately 18.4% of our outstanding capital stock, and the Gladstone Future Trust, that currently owns approximately 5.6% of our outstanding capital stock, and certain qualified institutional investors who may own up to 9.8%. 

The 3.3% ownership limit does not apply to any underwriter, placement agent or initial purchaser that participates in a public offering, a private placement or other private offering of our capital stock (or securities convertible or exchangeable for capital stock) in a public offering of our shares, only to the extent necessary to facilitate such offering.

Distributions

Distributions will be paid to stockholders as of the record date selected by our board of directors. We generally pay distributions on a monthly basis regardless of the frequency with which such distributions are declared. To qualify as 

a REIT, we are required to make distributions sufficient to satisfy the REIT requirements. Generally, income distributed as distributions will not be taxable to us under federal income tax laws unless we fail to comply with the REIT requirements.

Distributions are authorized at the discretion of our board of directors based on our earnings, cash flow and general financial condition. The directors’ discretion will be governed, in substantial part, by their obligation to cause us to comply with the REIT requirements. Because we may receive income from interest or rents at various times during our fiscal year, distributions may not reflect our income earned in that particular distribution period but may be made in anticipation of cash flow which we expect to receive during a later month and may be made in advance of actual receipt in an attempt to make distributions relatively uniform. We may borrow to make distributions if the borrowing is necessary to maintain our REIT status, or if the borrowing is part of a liquidation strategy whereby the borrowing is done in anticipation of the sale of properties and the proceeds will be used to repay the loan.

Information Rights

Any stockholder may, during normal business hours and for any lawful and proper purpose, inspect and copy our bylaws, minutes of the proceedings of our stockholders meetings, our annual statement of affairs and any voting trust agreement that is on file at our principal office. In addition, one or more stockholders who together are, and for at least six months have been, record or beneficial holders of 5% of any class of our stock are entitled to inspect our books of accounts or a copy of our stockholder list upon written request. The list will include the name and address of, and the number of shares owned by, each stockholder and will be available at our principal office within 20 days of the stockholder’s request.

The rights of stockholders described above are in addition to, and do not adversely affect rights provided to investors under, Rule 14a-7 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Rule 14a-7 provides that, upon request of investors and the payment of the expenses of the distribution, we are required to distribute specific materials to stockholders in the context of the solicitation of proxies for voting on matters presented to stockholders, or, at our option, provide requesting stockholders with a copy of the list of stockholders so that the requesting stockholders may make the distribution themselves.

Business Combinations

The MGCL prohibits “business combinations” between a corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, certain transfers of assets, certain stock issuances and transfers, liquidation plans and reclassifications involving interested stockholders and their affiliates. The MGCL defines an interested stockholder as:

•any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock; or

•an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding stock of the corporation.

•A person is not an interested stockholder if the board of directors approves in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving the transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board of directors.

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

•80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the then outstanding shares of voting stock; and

•two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the voting stock other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or shares held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under the MGCL, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are approved by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions:

•a classified board of directors;

•a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;

•a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors;

•a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and

•a majority requirement for the calling by stockholders of a special meeting of stockholders.

Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (a) have a classified board, (b) require a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the board, (c) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and (d) require, unless called by our chairman, our chief executive officer, our president, a majority of our directors or a majority of our independent directors, the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast to call a special meeting. We have elected that, except as may be provided by our board of directors in setting the terms of any class or series of stock, any and all vacancies on the board may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which such vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Amendments to Our Charter and Bylaws

Except for amendments to the provisions of our charter relating to the removal of directors and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares of stock and the vote required to amend these provisions (each of which must be advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter), our charter generally may be amended only if approved and advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Our board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.

Extraordinary Transactions

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, convert into another entity, engage in a statutory share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter. As permitted by the MGCL, our charter provides that any of these actions except for the charter amendments described above may be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Operations

We generally are prohibited from engaging in certain activities, including acquiring or holding property or engaging in any activity that would cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.

Term and Termination

Our charter provides for us to have a perpetual existence. Pursuant to our charter, and subject to the provisions of any of our classes or series of stock then outstanding and the approval by a majority of the entire board of directors, our stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, may approve a plan of liquidation and dissolution.

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

Our bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to our board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders at the annual meeting may be made only:

•pursuant to our notice of the meeting;

•by or at the direction of our board of directors; or

•by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of the provision of notice, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws.

With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of stockholders and nominations of persons for election to our board of directors at which directors are to be elected pursuant to our notice of the meeting may be made only:

•by or at the direction of our board of directors; or

•by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of the provision of notice, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws.

Power to Issue Additional Shares

In the future, we may issue additional securities, including upon the redemption of limited partnership interests that we may issue in connection with acquisitions of real property. We believe that the power to issue additional shares of stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock into other classes or series 

of stock and thereafter to issue the classified or reclassified shares provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. These actions can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although we have no present intention of doing so, we could issue a class or series of shares that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL provides that a holder of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” has no voting rights with respect to such shares except to the extent approved at a special meeting by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock in a corporation in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors: (i) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (ii) an officer of the corporation or (iii) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (i) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares that the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and delivering an acquiring person statement), may compel our board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions of shares of our stock by David Gladstone and any of his affiliates. There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

Possible Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws

The business combination provisions and the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL; the classification of our board of directors; the restrictions on the transfer and ownership of stock and the advance notice provisions of our bylaws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of common stock or otherwise be in their best interests.

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