SEC Form S-3/A filed by Shore Bancshares Inc (Amendment)

As filed with the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2024

Registration No. 333-279456

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of registrant’s principal executive offices)

James M. Burke

President and Chief Executive Officer

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601

(410) 763-7800

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Kevin M. Houlihan, Esq.

William H. Levay, Esq.

Holland & Knight LLP

800 17^th Street, NW

Suite 1100

Washington, DC 20006

(202) 469-5269

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with anyv new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

The information contained in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities or accept your offer to buy any of them until the documentation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to these securities has been declared “effective” by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted or legal.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 30, 2024

Prospectus

$175,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, together or separately, any combination of our common stock, preferred stock, which we may issue in one or more series, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants and units, up to a maximum offering price of $175,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer these securities. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the headings “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” beginning on page 1 of this prospectus and “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 2 of this prospectus, before you make your investment decision.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI.” On May 29, 2024, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $10.96 per share.

Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus, and the risk factors that may be included in a prospectus supplement and in our periodic reports and other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference herein.

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY WILL BE EITHER OUR EQUITY SECURITIES OR UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS OF OUR COMPANY AND WILL NOT BE DEPOSITS OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NON-BANK SUBSIDIARY OF SHORE BANCSHARES, INC., AND THEY ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.

Our principal executive office is located at 18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 and our telephone number is (410) 763-7800.

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is              , 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information or make any statement that differs from what is in this prospectus. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any sale of a security.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time offer and sell, either separately or together, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. We may also issue any of the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants or units upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any of the securities mentioned above. The aggregate amount of securities that we may offer under the registration statement is $175,000,000, denominated in U.S. dollars.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer and sell. Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that particular offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. To the extent information in this prospectus is inconsistent with information contained in a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should carefully read both this prospectus, especially the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5, and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to invest in any of the securities. You should also carefully read the additional information incorporated by reference herein described below under the headings “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” before making a decision to invest in any of the securities.

The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, contains additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration statement can be read at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, our website at www.shorebancshares.com, or at the SEC offices, which are mentioned in this prospectus under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” The reference to our website is not intended to be an active link and the information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not, and you must not consider the information to be, a part of this prospectus or any other filings we make with the SEC.

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “Shore Bancshares,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Shore Bancshares, Inc.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC’s rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” information we have filed with the SEC into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file the document. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents and information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules):

In addition, all documents that we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the initial filing date of the registration statement to which this prospectus relates and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities to which this prospectus relates will automatically be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In no event, however, will any of the information that we “furnish” to the SEC under Items 2.02, 7.01 or 8.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K from time to time be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise be included in, this prospectus. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in a document subsequently filed modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

Upon written or oral request made to us at the address or telephone number below, we will, at no cost to the requester, provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than an exhibit to a filing, unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing), but not delivered with this prospectus.

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

Attn: Corporate Secretary

18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601

(410) 763-7800

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 filed by us with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the provisions of such documents are necessarily summaries of such documents and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the SEC.

We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public on our website at http://www.shorebancshares.com, as well as through document retrieval services. You may read and copy any periodic reports, proxy statements or other information we file at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C., located at: Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the SEC’s public reference rooms.

Financial and other information can also be accessed through our website at www.shorebancshares.com, where we make available, free of charge, copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated into this prospectus, and such information should not be considered to be part of this prospectus. You should not rely on any such information in making your decision whether to purchase our securities.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement may include projections, predictions, expectations or statements as to beliefs or future events or results or refer to other matters that are not historical facts. Such statements constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words like “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of those words and other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. We caution that the forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and information available at the time the statements are made and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, in any risk factors described in a supplement to this or in other filings.

The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements:

If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this prospectus and in the information incorporated by reference herein. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic and current reports that we file with the SEC. Also note that we provide cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our businesses in our periodic and current reports to the SEC incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in prospectus supplements and other offering materials. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, management believes could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider such disclosures to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties and the risk factors set forth in the documents and reports filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as any risks described in any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in all other information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information about how to obtain a copy of these documents. Our business, financial condition and/or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as we may indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we intend to use the proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments and the repayment, redemption or refinancings of all or a portion of any indebtedness or other securities outstanding at a particular time. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we expect to invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments or otherwise investment-grade securities.

ABOUT SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

Shore Bancshares was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on March 15, 1996 and is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The Company is the largest independent financial holding company located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Company conducts business primarily through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Shore United Bank, N.A., or the Bank and Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc., or the Title Company. The Bank provides consumer and commercial banking products and services and secondary mortgage lending, trust, wealth management and financial planning services. The Title Company engages in title work related to real estate transactions. The Company, Bank and Title Company are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers. The Bank is a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States with trust powers that can trace its origin to 1876. The Bank currently operates 42 full-service branches, 42 automatic teller machines, 3 interactive teller machines, 5 loan production offices, and provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in Baltimore County, Howard County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Caroline County, Talbot County, Dorchester County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, St Mary’s County, Calvert County and Worcester County in Maryland, Kent County and Sussex County in Delaware and Accomack County, Fredericksburg City, Stafford County and Spotsylvania County in Virginia. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable legal limits by the FDIC.

The Bank is an independent community bank that serves businesses and individuals in their respective market areas. Services offered are essentially the same as those offered by larger regional institutions that compete with the Bank. Services provided to businesses include commercial checking, savings, certificates of deposit and overnight investment sweep accounts. The Bank offers all forms of commercial lending, including secured and unsecured loans, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, accounts receivable financing, real estate acquisition and development, construction loans and letters of credit. Treasury management services are also available, such as, merchant card processing services, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, digital banking, and telephone banking services.

Services to individuals include checking accounts, various savings programs, mortgage loans, home improvement loans, installment and other personal loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, automobile and other consumer financing, safe deposit boxes, debit cards, 24-hour telephone banking, internet banking, mobile banking and 24-hour ATM services. The Bank, through Wye Financial Partners, a department of the Bank, provides full-service investment and insurance solutions through our broker/dealer, LPL Financial. The Bank also offers wealth management solutions such as corporate trustee services and trust administration through Wye Trust, a division of the Bank. Additionally, the Bank has Saturday hours and extended hours on certain evenings during the week for added customer convenience. A detailed discussion of our business is contained in Item 1 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and any subsequent reports that we file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” above for information on how to obtain a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent reports.

Our principal executive office is located at 18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 and our telephone number is (410) 763-7800. Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI.” We maintain an Internet site at www.shorebancshares.com on which we make available free of charge our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Neither our website nor the information on our website is included or incorporated in, or is a part of, this prospectus.

DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock and/or debt securities, and units comprised of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock and warrants in any combination. The following is a summary of the general terms of our capital stock and the securities covered by this prospectus and does not purport to be a complete description. The full terms of our capital stock and the securities covered by this prospectus are set forth in Exhibit 3.1(i) through Exhibit 4.9, inclusive, to the registration statement that contains this prospectus, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the following summary does not give effect to provisions of applicable statutory or common law.

Capital Stock

We are authorized by our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or Charter, to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $.01 per share, all of which are currently classified as shares of common stock. Our Charter generally permits the Board of Directors of the Company to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of capital stock of any class or series without the approval of our stockholders. Our Charter also generally permits the Board of Directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock of any class or series by setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption of the shares of stock.

As of May 29, 2024, we had 33,223,651 shares of common stock issued and outstanding held by approximately 1,773 owners of record. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI.”

Common Stock

The following section describes the material features and rights of our common stock. The summary does not purport to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Charter, as supplemented, and Second Amended and Restated By-Laws, as amended, our By-Laws, which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to applicable Maryland law, including the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL.

General

The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of shares of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratable dividends which are declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such a purpose.

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to the requirements of Maryland corporate laws, federal and state banking laws, and the policies and actions of our regulators. Moreover, our ability to pay dividends to stockholders is largely dependent upon our earnings in future periods and upon the receipt of dividends from the Bank. Under corporate law, stockholders are entitled to dividends on their shares of common stock if, when, and as declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or FRB, guidance requires a bank holding company, like us, to consult with the FRB before paying dividends if our earnings do not exceed the aggregate amount of the proposed dividend. The FRB has the ability to prohibit a dividend in such a situation. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of Shore United Bank to pay dividends. Federal law prohibits the payment of a dividend by an insured depository institution if the depository institution is considered “undercapitalized” or if the payment of the dividend would make the institution “undercapitalized.” Maryland banking law provides that a state-chartered bank may pay dividends out of undivided profits or, with the prior approval of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of Maryland, or the Commissioner, from surplus in excess of 100% of required capital stock. If, however, the surplus of a Maryland bank is less than 100% of its required capital stock, then cash dividends may not be paid in excess of 90% of net earnings. In addition to these specific restrictions, bank regulatory agencies also have the ability to prohibit proposed dividends by a financial institution that would otherwise be permitted under applicable regulations if the regulatory body determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

As a general corporate law matter, the MGCL prohibits us from paying dividends on shares of the common stock unless, after giving effect to a proposed dividend, (a) we will be able to pay our debts as they come due in the normal course of business and (b) our total assets will be greater than our total liabilities plus, unless our Charter permits otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend. Currently, we have no authorized class of capital stock with preferential rights upon dissolution that are superior to the common stock.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no rights to convert their common stock into any other securities. The common stock is not redeemable. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

The Transfer Agent for the common stock is Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions.

Anti-Takeover Provisions under Maryland Law, Our Charter and Our By-Laws

The provisions of Maryland law and our Charter and By-Laws that we summarize below may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the common stock.

Business Combinations under Maryland Law. Section 3-602 of the MGCL, as in effect on the date hereof, generally prohibits corporations from being involved in any “business combination” (defined as a variety of transactions, including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) with any “interested stockholder” for a period of five years following the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is defined generally as a person who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question and after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock.

A business combination that is not prohibited must be recommended by the board of directors, and approved by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the corporation’s outstanding shares entitled to vote and two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote which are not held by the interested shareholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation’s common stockholders receive an acceptable price (as determined in accordance with criteria set forth in the MGCL) for their shares, in cash or in the same form as paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions will not apply if the board of directors has exempted the transaction in question or the interested stockholder prior to the time that the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. In addition, the board of directors may adopt a resolution approving or exempting specific business combinations, business combinations generally, or generally by type, as to specifically identified or unidentified existing or future stockholders or their affiliates from the business combination provisions of the MGCL.

Control Share Acquisitions. Maryland’s control share acquisition law (Sections 3-701 to 709 of the MGCL), as in effect on the date hereof, generally provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by the stockholders at a meeting by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares. “Control shares” are shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock of the corporation previously acquired by a person or in respect of which that person is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power, except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, entitle that person, directly or indirectly, to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors within any of the following ranges of voting power: one-tenth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or a majority or more of all voting power. “Control share acquisition” means the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person, or ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions. If voting rights or control shares acquired in a control share acquisition are not approved at a stockholders’ meeting, then, subject to certain conditions, the issuer may redeem any or all of the control shares for fair value. If voting rights of such control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights.

Our By-Laws contain a provision exempting all shares of our capital stock from the MGCL’s control share acquisition law.

Preference Stock Authorization. As noted above under the heading “Capital Stock,” the Charter gives our Board of Directors the authority to, without stockholder approval, create and issue a class or series of capital stock with rights superior to the rights of the holders of our common stock. As a result, this “blank check” stock, while not intended as a defensive measure against takeovers, could be issued quickly and easily, could adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock and could be issued with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change of control of the Company or make removal of management more difficult.

Advance Notice Procedure for Stockholder Proposals. Our Charter and By-Laws allow stockholders to submit director nominations and stockholder proposals. For nominations and proposals to properly come before the meeting, however, the proposing stockholder must have given timely notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary pursuant to the By-Laws.

For an annual meeting, notice of intention to make a director nomination must be delivered or mailed to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 120 days nor more than 180 days prior to the meeting called for the election of directors. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be delivered not earlier than the 180th day prior to such annual meeting and no later than close of business on the later of the 120^th day prior to such annual meeting of the 10^th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made. In the case of a special meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, a stockholders’ notice must be given not later than the close of business on the 10^th day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public announcement of the meeting was made, whichever occurs first. Notice to the Corporate Secretary shall set forth:

A stockholder proposal will be timely if it is delivered or mailed and received by the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. If, however, the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the 90^th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60^th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Notice to the Corporate Secretary shall set forth as to each proposal:

Classified Board; Removal of Directors. Our Charter provides that the members of our Board of Directors are divided into three classes as nearly equal as possible. Each class is elected for a three-year term. At each annual meeting of stockholders, approximately one-third of the members of the Board are elected for a three-year term and the other directors remain in office until their three-year terms expire. Our By-Laws provide that a director may be removed only in accordance with the provisions of Maryland law. The MGCL provides that, because our Board of Directors is divided into classes, no director may be removed without cause. Any removal for cause requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors. Thus, control of the Board of Directors cannot be changed in one year without removing the directors for cause as described above; rather, at least two annual meetings must be held before a majority of the members of the Board could be changed. Generally, an amendment or repeal of these provisions requires the authorization of the Board of Directors and the approval of the holders of at least 80% of the aggregate votes entitled to be cast on the matter; however, two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors may alter the number of directors set by the Charter to not exceeding 25 nor less than one, but such action may not affect the tenure of office of any director.

Preferred Stock

All of our authorized capital stock is currently classified as common stock. As stated above, however, our Charter gives the Board of Directors the authority to, without stockholder approval, create a class or series of capital stock, such as preferred stock, with rights superior to the rights of the holders of our common stock. Prior to the issuance of any shares of preferred stock, our Board would authorize such preferred stock by classifying authorized but unissued shares of common stock as one or more classes or series of preferred stock and approve the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to such class or series of preferred stock, including the dividend rate, the time of payment for dividends, whether such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, and the date or dates from which any cumulative dividends will begin to accrue, redemption terms (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences, the extent of the voting powers, if any, and conversion rights. The terms of any class or series of preferred stock so created would be set forth in Articles Supplementary, which we would file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any preferred stock we offer. To the extent any preferred stock we offer has general voting rights, or voting rights with respect to the election of directors, the anti-takeover provisions discussed above in the “Common Stock” section would apply to such preferred stock. All of the shares of preferred stock offered by us, when issued and paid for, will be fully paid and not subject to further call or assessment by us.

Depositary Shares

General

We may elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. In such event, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. The terms of any depositary shares and any depositary receipts that we offer for sale and any deposit agreement relating to a particular series of preferred stock will be described in more detail in a prospectus supplement.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the deposited preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to such preferred stock in proportion to the number of such depositary shares owned by such holders.

The preferred stock depositary will distribute any property received by it other than cash to the record holders of depositary shares entitled thereto. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, it may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.

Redemption of Preferred Stock

If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the preferred stock depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of such series of preferred stock. The depositary shares will be redeemed by the preferred stock depositary at a price per depositary share equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable in respect of the shares of preferred stock so redeemed.

Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem as of the same date the number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock so redeemed. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by the preferred stock depositary by lot or ratably or by any other equitable method as the preferred stock depositary may decide.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

Unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption, any holder of depositary shares may receive the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by such depositary receipts after surrendering the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the preferred stock depositary. Holders of depositary shares making such withdrawals will be entitled to receive whole shares of preferred stock on the basis set forth in the related prospectus supplement for such series of preferred stock.

However, holders of such whole shares of preferred stock will not be entitled to deposit such preferred stock under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts for such preferred stock after such withdrawal. If the depositary shares surrendered by the holder in connection with such withdrawal exceed the number of depositary shares that represent the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares.

Voting Deposited Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any series of deposited preferred stock are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to such series of preferred stock. Each record holder of such depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary to vote the amount of the preferred stock represented by such holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will seek to vote the amount of such series of preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions.

We will agree to take all reasonable actions that the preferred stock depositary determines are necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote as instructed. The preferred stock depositary will vote all shares of any series of preferred stock held by it proportionately with instructions received if it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such series of preferred stock.

Debt Securities

If we issue any debt securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, we will issue them under an indenture to be entered into by the Company and a trustee to be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement, as trustee. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We have filed a copy of the proposed form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement that contains this prospectus. Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will represent direct, unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness, if any. The following statements relating to the debt securities and the indenture are summaries only. These summaries are subject in their entirety to the detailed provisions of the indenture. For complete information, we urge you to read the actual documents.

General

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC. To review the terms of a series of debt securities, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement for the particular series and to the description of debt securities in this prospectus.

The prospectus supplement will set forth the following terms of the debt securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered:

We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe United States federal income tax considerations and other special considerations that apply to the debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do so, we will describe the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to the issue of debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Exchange and/or Conversion Rights

If we issue debt securities that may be exchanged for or converted into shares of common stock or preferred stock, we will describe the terms of exchange or conversion in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities.

Transfer and Exchange

We may issue debt securities that will be represented by either:

We will specify in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular offering whether the debt securities offered will be book-entry or certificated securities.

Certificated Debt Securities

If you hold certificated debt securities that have been offered by this prospectus, you may transfer or exchange them at the trustee’s office or at the paying agency in accordance with the terms of the indenture. You will not be charged a service charge for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but may be required to pay an amount sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and of the right to receive the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on your certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing your certificated debt securities and having us or the trustee issue a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Debt Securities and Book Entry System

If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.

The prospectus supplement or term sheet will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. Neither us, the trustee, any payment agent nor the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

No Protection in the Event of Change of Control

The indenture does not provide for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would give holders of debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer this type of provision with respect to any debt securities in the future, we will describe it in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets or the incurrence by us of additional indebtedness.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We will agree in the indenture not to consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer, sell or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person, unless:

Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series, if the trustee considers it to be in the interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so. If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities.

If this happens, the entire principal amount of all the outstanding debt securities of that series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after an acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on the acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived as provided for in the indenture.

If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series. Subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series shall have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding or pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the debt securities of that series, unless:

However, these limitations do not apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

Modification and Waiver

Modifications of and amendments to the indenture may be made by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series of debt securities affected by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected:

In addition, as described in the indenture, certain modifications and amendments to the indenture may be made by us and the trustee without the consent of holders of debt securities.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The indenture permits us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following certain procedures described in the indenture. These procedures will allow us either:

To exercise either defeasance option, we must deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for this purpose:

which, in each case, provides a sufficient amount to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities of a series, on the scheduled due dates or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:

If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of that series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.

The Trustee

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of certain claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate the conflict or resign.

Generally, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

Warrants

We may issue warrants, including warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock or preferred stock or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities offered by this prospectus and may be attached to or separate from the other securities. If warrants are issued, they will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all of which will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to warrants being offered.

A prospectus supplement relating to any warrants being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering, including a description of any other securities sold together with the warrants. Such terms will include:

The descriptions of the warrant agreements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the applicable provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the warrants. For more information, please review the form of the relevant agreements, which we will file with the SEC and will be available as described in the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

Units

We may issue units comprised of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. If units are issued, they will be issued under unit agreements to be entered into between us and a unit agent, as detailed in the prospectus supplement relating to the units being offered. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or before a specified date. A prospectus supplement relating to any units being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering, including a description of any securities included in each unit. Such terms will include:

The descriptions of the units in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the applicable provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. For more information, please review the form of the relevant agreements, which we will file with the SEC and will be available as described in the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities in any of three ways (or in any combination): (a) to or through one or more underwriters or dealers, (b) directly to a limited number of purchasers or a single purchaser or (c) through agents. These firms may also act as our agents in the sale of the securities. Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be considered as underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

We may offer and sell all or a portion of the securities covered by this prospectus from time to time, together or separately, in one or more or any combination of the following transactions: (i) on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or on any other national securities exchange on which our securities are listed or traded; (ii) in privately negotiated transactions; (iii) in underwritten transactions; (iv) in a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell the offered securities as agent but may purchase and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (iv) through purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus; (v) in ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; (vi) “at the market” or through market makers or into an existing market for the securities; and (vii) through any other method permitted by applicable law.

We may distribute the securities at different times in one or more transactions. We may sell the securities at fixed prices, which may change, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters. Discounts or commissions they receive and any profit on their resale of the securities may be considered underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriter or agent, and we will describe any compensation, in the prospectus supplement.

We may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

We may authorize dealers or other persons who act as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities from us under contracts which provide for payment and delivery on a future date. We may enter into these contracts with commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. If we enter into these agreements concerning any series of securities, we will indicate that in the prospectus supplement.

In connection with an offering of the securities, underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. Specifically, underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a syndicate short position in the securities for their own account. In addition, underwriters may bid for, and purchase, securities in the open market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price of the securities. Finally, underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing the securities in the offering if the underwriters repurchase previously distributed securities in transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

Each series of securities (other than our common stock) offered will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. The securities (other than our common stock) may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the existence of trading markets for any securities offered (other than with respect to our common stock) or the liquidity of any securities offered.

At the time we enter any material arrangement with an underwriter or broker-dealer for the sale of securities through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution, secondary distribution or a purchase by an underwriter or broker-dealer, we will file a supplement to this prospectus, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act, disclosing certain material information, including:

To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended and/or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution.

LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Holland & Knight LLP, Washington, D.C. If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

* * *

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table itemizes the expenses we have incurred in connection with the offering of the securities being registered hereby. All amounts shown are estimates.

**These fees depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances and cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) permits a Maryland corporation to include in its articles a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation (the “Charter”), and second amended and restated by-laws (the “By-Laws”), require the Company to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent required or permitted by Maryland law, including the advancement of expenses. The Charter also provides for the elimination of personal liability of the Company’s directors and officers to the Company or its stockholders for money damages to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law.

The Company has provided for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents in Section (a)(5) of Article Seventh of its Charter. This provision of the Charter reads as follows:

(5) The Corporation shall indemnify (A) its directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the full extent required or permitted by the General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under the procedures and to the full extent permitted by law and (B) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Corporation’s By-Laws and be permitted by law. The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled. The Board of Directors may take such action as is necessary to carry out these indemnification provisions and is expressly empowered to adopt, approve and amend from time to time such by-laws, resolutions or contracts implementing such provisions or such further indemnification arrangements as may be permitted by law. No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the right to indemnification provided hereunder with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

The Company has limited the liability of its directors and officers for money damages in Section (a)(6) of Article Seventh of the Charter. This provision reads as follows:

(6) To the fullest extent permitted by Maryland statutory or decisional law, as amended or interpreted, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the limitation on liability provided to directors and officers hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

Section 2-418 of the MGCL provides that a Maryland corporation may indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or officer of the corporation and at the request of the corporation, has served another enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent who is made a party to any proceeding by reason of service in that capacity against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding, unless it is proved that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Notwithstanding the above, a director or officer may not be indemnified in respect of any proceeding, by or in the right of the corporation, in which such director or officer will have been adjudged liable to the corporation or in respect of any proceeding charging improper receipt of a personal benefit (except as described below). In addition, a corporation may not indemnify a director or officer or advance expenses for a proceeding brought by that director or officer against the corporation, except for a proceeding brought to enforce indemnification, or unless the articles, bylaws, resolution of the board of directors, or an agreement approved by the board of directors expressly provides otherwise. Termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement does not create a presumption that the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct. Termination of any proceeding by conviction, plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct. Indemnification is not permitted unless authorized for a specific proceeding, after a determination that indemnification is permissible because the requisite standard of conduct has been met (1) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not, at the time, parties to the proceeding (or a majority of a committee of one or more such directors designated by the full board); (2) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors by vote as described in clause (1) of this paragraph (or a committee thereof); or (3) by the shareholders (other than shareholders who are also directors or officers who are parties to the proceeding).

Section 2-418 of the MGCL provides that a present or former director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding will be indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding. A court of appropriate jurisdiction upon application of a director or officer and such notice as the court will require may order indemnification in the following circumstances: (1) if it determines a director or officer is entitled to reimbursement pursuant to a director’s or officer’s success, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding, the court will order indemnification, in which case the director or officer will be entitled to recover the expenses of securing such reimbursement; or (2) if it determines that a director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, the court may order such indemnification as the court deems proper. However, indemnification with respect to any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation or in which liability has been adjudged in the case of a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or officer, will be limited to expenses.

The reasonable expenses incurred by a director or officer who is a party to a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt by the corporation of both a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation has been met, and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct has not been met.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided or authorized by Section 2-418 are not exclusive of any other rights to which a director or officer may be entitled both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

Pursuant to Section 2-418, a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or who, while serving in such capacity, is or was at the request of the corporation serving as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation or legal entity or of an employee benefit plan, against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s position, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify against liability under Section 2-418. A corporation may provide similar protection, including a trust fund, letter of credit or surety bond, which is not inconsistent with Section 2-418. A subsidiary or an affiliate of the corporation may provide the insurance or similar protection.

As permitted under Section 2-418 of the MGCL, The Company has purchased and maintains insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against any liability asserted against such directors and officers in their capacities as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such persons under the provisions of Maryland law governing indemnification.

Section 8(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDI Act”) provides that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) may prohibit or limit, by regulation or order, payments by any insured depository institution or its holding company for the benefit of directors and officers of the insured depository institution, or others who are or were “institution-affiliated parties,” as defined under the FDI Act, to pay or reimburse such person for any liability or legal expense sustained with regard to any administrative or civil enforcement action which results in a final order against the person. The FDIC has adopted regulations prohibiting, subject to certain exceptions, insured depository institutions, their subsidiaries and affiliated holding companies from indemnifying officers, directors or employees for any civil money penalty or judgment resulting from an administrative or civil enforcement action commenced by any federal banking agency, or for that portion of the costs sustained with regard to such an action that results in a final order or settlement that is adverse to the director, officer or employee.

Item 16. Exhibits.

* To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 17. Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(4) N/A;

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of this registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in this registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of this registration statement relating to the securities in this registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof, provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)-(g) N/A.

(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(i) N/A.

(j) Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

(k) N/A.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Easton, State of Maryland, on May 30, 2024.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.