Global Self Storage Inc

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION

Global Self Storage, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us”) is a self-administered and self-managed Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that owns, operates, manages, acquires, and redevelops self storage properties (“stores” or “properties”) in the United States. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company owns and/or manages 13 self-storage properties in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. The Company operates primarily inone segment: rental operations.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

The Company’s cash is deposited with financial institutions located throughout the United States and at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company considers all highly liquid investments, which may include money market fund shares, with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash is comprised of escrowed funds deposited with a bank relating to capital expenditures.

The carrying amount reported on the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash approximates fair value.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets to the total amount shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows:

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"). In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, among other things, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of its income and assets. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax with respect to that portion of its income which meets certain criteria and is distributed annually to stockholders. The Company plans to continue to operate so that it meets the requirements for taxation as a REIT. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to federal income tax. In management’s opinion, the requirements to maintain these elections are being met. The Company is subject to certain state and local taxes.

The Company has elected to treat its corporate subsidiary, SSG TRS LLC, as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). In general, the Company’s TRS may perform additional services for tenants and may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. A TRS is subject to federal and state and local corporate income tax.

The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. The Company has reviewed its tax positions and has concluded thatno liabilityfor unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded or disclosed related to uncertain tax positions taken on federal, state, and local income tax returns for open tax years (2020 – 2022), or is expected to be taken in the Company’s 2023 tax returns.

Marketable Equity Securities

Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value. Gains or losses from changes in the fair value of equity securities are recorded in net income, until the investment is sold or otherwise disposed. The specific identification method is used to determine the realized gain or loss on investments sold or otherwise disposed.

Fair value is determined using a valuation hierarchy generally by reference to an active trading market, using quoted closing or bid prices. Judgment is used to ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive and in determining fair values when markets have become inactive.

Real Estate Assets

Real estate assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Direct and allowable internal costs associated with the development, construction, renovation, and improvement of real estate assets are capitalized. Property taxes and other costs associated with development incurred during a construction period are capitalized. A construction period begins when expenditures for a real estate asset have been made and activities that are necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use are in progress. A construction period ends when an asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

Acquisition costs are generally capitalized for acquisitions that qualify as asset acquisitions. When properties are acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. Allocations to land, building and improvements, and equipment are recorded based upon their respective fair values as estimated by management.

In allocating the purchase price for an acquisition, the Company determines whether the acquisition includes intangible assets or liabilities. The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to an intangible asset attributed to the value of in-place leases. This intangible is generally amortized to expense over the expected remaining term of the respective leases. Substantially all of the leases in place at acquired properties are at market rates, as the majority of the leases are month-to-month contracts.

Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major replacements and betterments that improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the buildings and improvements, which are generally between 5 and 39 years.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company carries all derivative financial instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value of derivatives is determined by reference to observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The Company’s use of derivative instruments has been limited to an interest rate cap agreement. For derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, the unrealized gains and losses are included in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivatives is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s balance sheets and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The valuation analysis of theinterest rate cap reflects the contractual terms of derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily consist of property tax accruals, unearned rental income, and trade payables.

Revenue and Expense Recognition

Revenues from stores, which are primarily composed of rental income earned pursuant to month-to-month leases for storage space, as well as associated late charges and administrative fees, are recognized as earned in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases. Promotional discounts reduce rental income over the promotional period. Ancillary revenues from sales of merchandise and tenant insurance and other income are recognized as earned in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606").

The Company's management fees are earned subject to the terms of the related property management services agreements (“PSAs”). These PSAs provide that the Company will perform management services, which include leasing and operating the property and providing accounting, marketing, banking, maintenance and other services. These services are provided in exchange for monthly management fees, which are based on a percentage of revenues collected from stores owned by third parties. PSAs generally have original terms ofthree years, after which management services are provided on a month-to-month basis unless terminated. Management fees are due on the last day of each calendar month that management services are provided.

The Company accounts for the management services provided to a customer as a single performance obligation which are rendered over time each month in accordance with ASC 606. The total amount of consideration from the contract is variable as it is based on monthly revenues, which are influenced by multiple factors, some of which are outside the Company's control. No disaggregated information relating to PSAs is presented as the Company currently has onlyone contract.

General and administrative expenses and property operations expenses, which may include among other expenses, property taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and other expenses, are expensed as incurred. The Company accrues for property tax expense based upon actual amounts billed and, in some circumstances, estimates and historical trends when bills or assessments have not been received from the taxing authorities or such bills and assessments are in dispute.

Evaluation of Asset Impairment

The Company evaluates its real estate assets and intangible assets, if any, for indicators of impairment. If there are indicators of impairment and we determine that the asset is not recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows to be received through the asset’s remaining life (or, if earlier, the expected disposal date), we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value or net proceeds from expected disposal.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually and whenever relevant events, circumstances, and other related factors indicate that fair value may be less that carrying amounts. If it is determined that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the amount that would be allocated to goodwill if the reporting unit were acquired for estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded. There were no indicators of impairment to goodwill and real estate assets andno impairment charges were recorded during 2023 or 2022.

Stock-based Compensation

The measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards to employees and independent directors are based on estimated fair values. Awards granted are measured at fair value and any compensation expense is recognized over the service periods of each award. For awards granted which contain a graded vesting schedule and the only condition for vesting is a service condition, compensation cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period as if the award was, in substance, a single award. For awards granted for which vesting is subject to a performance condition, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period if and when the Company concludes it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The estimated number of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised.

Loan Procurement Costs

Loan procurement costs on the Company's note payable are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. The loan procurement costs related to the note payable are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the loan. If there is not an associated debt liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheets, the costs are recorded as an asset net of accumulated amortization. Loan procurement costs associated with the Company's revolving credit facility remain in line of credit issuance costs, net of amortization on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The costs related to the line of credit facility are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the estimated life of the related debt.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from management’s estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. ASU 2020-04 is effective upon issuance, and the provisions generally can be applied prospectively as of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024. Theadoption of the standard didnot have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

3. REAL ESTATE ASSETS

The carrying value of the Company’s real estate assets is summarized as follows:

4. MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

Investments in marketable equity securities consisted of the following:

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company applies the methods of determining fair value to value its financial assets and liabilities. The application of fair value measurements may be on a recurring or nonrecurring basis depending on the accounting principles applicable to the specific asset or liability or whether management has elected to carry the item at its estimated fair value.

The hierarchy of valuation techniques is based on whether the inputs to those techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments or liabilities.

Level 2 — Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. These may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3 — Prices determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable (for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period), unobservable inputs may be used. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the factors that market participants use in pricing an asset or liability and are based on the best information available in the circumstances.

This hierarchy requires the Company to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when estimating fair value. The valuation method used to estimate fair value may produce a fair value measurement that may not be indicative of ultimate realizable value. Furthermore, while management believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of different methods or assumptions to estimate the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market for such loans or investments existed, or had such loans or investments been liquidated, and those differences could be material to the financial statements.

Fair valued assets consist of shares of marketable equity securities and an interest rate cap. The value of the equity securities is based on a traded market price and is considered to be a level 1 measurement, and the value of the interest rate cap is based on its maturity, observable market-based inputs including interest rate curves and is considered to be a level 2 measurement.

The following table provides the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

There wereno assets transferred from level 1 to level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The Company didnot have any level 3 assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

The fair values of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated their respective carrying values as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The aggregate estimated fair value of the Company’s debt was$14,956,981 and $15,645,769 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These estimates were based on market interest rates for comparable obligations, general market conditions and maturity.

6. DERIVATIVES

The Company’s objective in using an interest rate derivative is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses an interest rate cap to manage interest rate risk. The Company carries the premium paid for the interest rate cap as an asset on the balance sheet at fair value. The change in the unrealized gain or loss of the premium is recorded as an increase or decrease to interest expense.

The following table summarizes the terms of the Company’s derivative financial instrument:

The Company is potentially exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparty. The Company does not anticipate the counterparty to fail to meet its obligations as they become due.

7. NOTE PAYABLE AND REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

Note Payable

On June 24, 2016, certain wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Secured Subsidiaries”) of the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) borrowing the principal amount of $20 million pursuant to a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note bears an interest rate equal to 4.192% per annum and matures on July 1, 2036. Pursuant to a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”), the obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by certain real estate assets owned by the Secured Subsidiaries.

The Company entered into a non-recourse guaranty on June 24, 2016 (the “Guaranty,” and together with the Loan Agreement, the Promissory Note and the Security Agreement, the “Loan Documents”) to guarantee the payment to the Lender of certain obligations of the Secured Subsidiaries under the Loan Agreement.

The Loan Documents require the Secured Subsidiaries and the Company to comply with certain covenants, including, among others, a minimum net worth test and other customary covenants. The Lender may accelerate amounts outstanding under the Loan Documents upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement) including, but not limited to, the failure to pay amounts due or commencement of bankruptcy proceedings. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

The Company incurred loan procurement costs of $646,246 and such costs have been recorded net of the note payable on the consolidated balance sheets. The costs are amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method and are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. The Company recorded amortization expense of $37,134 and $38,293 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 the carrying value of the Company’s note payable is summarized as follows:

As of December 31, 2023, the note payable was secured by certain of its self storage properties with an aggregate net book value of approximately$23.9 million. The following table represents the future principal payment requirements on the note payable as of December 31, 2023:

Revolving Line of Credit

On July 6, 2021, certain wholly owned subsidiaries (“Amended Credit Facility Secured Subsidiaries”) of the Company entered into a first amendment to the Credit Facility Loan Agreement (collectively, the “Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement”) between the Amended Credit Facility Secured Subsidiaries and The Huntington National Bank, successor by merger to TCF National Bank (“Amended Credit Facility Lender”). Under the Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement, the Amended Credit Facility Secured Subsidiaries may borrow from the Amended Credit Facility Lender in the principal amount of up to $15 million, reduced to $14.75 million and $14.5 million in years 2 and 3, respectively, pursuant to a promissory note (the “Amended Credit Facility Promissory Note”). The Amended Credit Facility Promissory Note bears an interest rate equal to 3% plus the greater of the One Month U.S. Dollar London Inter-Bank Offered Rate orone-quarter of one percent (0.25%) and is due to mature on July 6, 2024. The Company is considering, among other things, refinancing or finding a suitable replacement for the revolving line of credit in light of its upcoming maturity. The publication of LIBOR ceased immediately after June 30, 2023. The Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement provides for a replacement index based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The interest rate on the Amended Credit Facility Promissory Note subsequent to June 30, 2023, is equal to 3% plus the greater of SOFR plus 0.11448% or 0.25%. As of December 31, 2023 , the effective interest rate under the replacement index was approximately 8.46%. The obligations under the Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement are secured by certain real estate assets owned by the Amended Credit Facility Secured Subsidiaries. The Company entered into an amended and restated guaranty of payment on July 6, 2021 (“Amended Credit Facility Guaranty,” and together with the Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement, the Amended Credit Facility Promissory Note and related instruments, the “Amended Credit Facility Loan Documents” or the “Revolver”) to guarantee the payment to the Amended Credit Facility Lender of certain obligations of the Amended Credit Facility Secured Subsidiaries under the Amended Credit Facility Loan Agreement. The Company and the Amended Credit Facility

Secured Subsidiaries paid customary fees and expenses in connection with their entry into the Amended Credit Facility Loan Documents.

The Revolver requires the Subsidiaries and the Company to comply with certain covenants, including, among others, customary financial covenants. The Lender may accelerate amounts outstanding under the Loan Documents upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) including, but not limited to, the failure to pay amounts due to the Lender or commencement of bankruptcy proceedings.

The Company incurred issuance costs of $231,926 and $477,981 for the July 6, 2021 Revolver extension and entry into the Revolver in December 18, 2018, respectively, and such costs are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the loan. The Company recorded amortization expense of $101,602 and $101,602 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The wasno outstanding loan balance under the Revolver as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

8. LEASES

Global Self Storage as Lessor

The Company's property rental revenue is primarily related to rents received from tenants at its operating stores. The Company's leases with its self storage tenants are generally on month-to-month terms, include automatic monthly renewals, allow flexibility to increase rental rates over time as market conditions permit, and provide for the collection of contingent fees such as late fees. These leases do not include any terms or conditions that allow the tenants to purchase the leased space. All self-storage leases for which the Company acts as lessor have been classified as operating leases. The real estate assets related to the Company's stores are included in "Real estate assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are presented at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Rental income related to these operating leases is included in property rental revenue on the Company's consolidated statements of operations, and is recognized each month during the month-to-month terms at the rental rate in place during each month.

Global Self Storage as Lessee

The Company is a lessee in a lease agreement for an automobile entered into November 2022 with a lease term of 3 years. The lease agreement does not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As a result of the Company’s election of the package of practical expedients permitted within ASC Topic 842, which among other things, allows for the carryforward of historical lease classification, all of the Company’s lease agreements have been classified as operating leases. Lease expense for payments related to the Company’s operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments as specified in the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available surrounding the Company’s secured borrowing rates and implied secured spread at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made at or before lease commencement less any lease incentives. The Company had right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to its operating leases of $35,726 and $35,726 as of December 31, 2023 and $54,199 and $54,199 as of December 31, 2022. Such amounts are amortized using a straight-line method over the term of the lease and are included inprepaid expenses and other assets andaccounts payable and accrued expenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $18,473 and $14,814, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate related to its operating leases were approximately 1.8 years and 3.77%, respectively.

The total lease payments under the automobile lease are $37,031 as of December 31, 2023 and the future minimum lease payments are $20,198, and $16,833 for the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental shares attributed to potentially diluted securities. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Common stock dividends totaled $3,231,608 ($0.29 per share) and $3,019,063 ($0.275 per share) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain officers and directors of the Company also serve as officers and directors of Winmill & Co. Incorporated (“Winco”), Bexil Corporation (“Bexil”), Tuxis Corporation (“Tuxis”), and their affiliates (collectively with the Company, the “Affiliates”). As of December 31, 2023, certain of the Affiliates and the Company's directors and employees may be deemed to own, in aggregate, approximately 8.1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

Pursuant to an arrangement between a professional employer organization (“PEO”) and the Affiliates, the PEO provides payroll, benefits, compliance, and related services for employees of the Affiliates in accordance with applicable rules and regulations under the Code and, in connection therewith, Midas Management Corporation (“MMC”), a subsidiary of Winco, acts as a conduit payer of compensation and benefits to the Affiliates’ employees including those who are concurrently employed by the Company and its Affiliates. The aggregate compensation and benefits accrued and paid by the Company to MMC were $2,883,067 and $2,465,326 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Expenses for various concurrently used administrative and support functions incurred by the Affiliates are allocated at cost among them. The aggregate administrative and support function expenses accrued and paid by the Company to Winco were $31,243 and $24,183 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Affiliates participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan for substantially all qualified employees. A matching expense based upon a percentage of contributions to the plan by eligible employees is incurred and allocated among the Affiliates. The matching expense is accrued and funded on a current basis and may not exceed the amount permitted as a deductible expense under the Code. The Company's allocated matching expense was $102,219 and $87,238 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had reimbursements payable to MMC and Winco for compensation, benefits, and administrative and support function expenses of $23,523 and $16,835, respectively.

The Company currently reimburses monthly automobile expenses of $1,000 per month to its President, Mark C. Winmill. To the extent that the monthly payment under the Company’s automobile lease exceeds the current monthly reimbursement amount, Mr. Winmill voluntarily reimburses the Company for the excess amount. In this regard, Mr. Winmill has reimbursed the Company$8,198 and $1,878 for the automobile payments paid and due in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company leases office space and storage to certain Affiliates under rental agreements. The terms of occupancy are month to month and automatically renew unless terminated by either party onthirty days’ written notice. The Company earned rental income of $4,800 and $18,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

During 2020, MMC (the “Borrower”) entered into a Paycheck Protection Program Term Note (“PPP Note”) with Customers Bank on behalf of itself and the Affiliates under the Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The Borrower received total proceeds of $486,602 from the PPP Note of which $307,210 was attributable to the Company under the SBA’s loan determination formula. In accordance with the requirements of the CARES Act, the Affiliates used the proceeds from the PPP Note primarily for payroll and other eligible costs. On April 5, 2022, the Borrower was granted forgiveness of the entire PPP Note and any accrued interest. Upon forgiveness, the Company received $307,210 in cash from the borrower, which was the amount attributable to the Company under the SBA's loan determination formula, and recorded a gain for such amount, in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

11. CAPITAL STOCK

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was authorized to issue 450,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock of which 11,153,513 shares were issued and outstanding. The Company was also authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value, of which none has been issued.

On January 14, 2022, the Company entered into an At Market Offering Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc. (the “Agent”) pursuant to which the Company may sell, from time to time, shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,000,000, through the Agent. There wereno shares of common stock sold during the year ended December 31, 2023 under the sales agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, under the Sales Agreement, the Company sold and issued an aggregate of 373,833 shares of common stock and raised aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2,272,628, less sales commissions of approximately $45,491 and other offering costs resulting in net proceeds of $2,008,436.

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On October 16, 2017 (“Effective Date”), the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is designed to provide equity-based incentives to certain eligible persons, as defined in the Plan, in the form of options, share appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights or other forms of equity-based compensation as determined in the discretion of the Company's board of directors, the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors, or other designee thereof. The total number of shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan on the Effective Date was 760,000.

The Company recorded$199,752 and $173,921 of expense in general and administrative expense in its consolidated statements of operations related to restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there was$157,097 and$204,806 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted—average period of 2.1 years and 2.7 years for time-based and performance-based awards, respectively. The fair value of common stock awards is determined based on the closing trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Grants

These time-based grants vest solely based on continued employment, with 6.25% of the shares eligible to vest on each three-month anniversary of the grant date during thefour-year vesting period. Time-based restricted stock cannot be transferred during the vesting period. Grants of time-based restricted stock entitle the holder to dividends paid by the Company on shares of its common stock, including unvested shares.

A summary of the Company’s time-based restricted stock grant activity is as follows:

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grants

Performance-based restricted stock grants vest based on continued employment and the achievement of certain Funds from Operations, as adjusted (“AFFO”) and same store revenue growth (“SSRG”) goals by the Company during 2023. Between 0% and 200% of these shares will be earned based on achievement of the AFFO and SSRG goals in 2023, and the shares which are earned will remain subject to quarterly vesting during the remaining four-year time vesting period. Dividends paid by the Company prior to the determination of how many shares are earned will be retained by the Company and released only with respect to earned shares. If a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) occurs the number of shares earned will equal the greater of the number of shares granted and the number of shares which would have been earned based on the AFFO and SSRG through the date of the Change in Control. If following a Change in Control, a grantee is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the grantee with Good Reason (as each is defined in the Plan), all unvested restricted stock will fully vest. Performance-based restricted stock earned during 2023 and 2022 were 30,217 shares and 18,944 shares, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s performance-based restricted stock grant activity is as follows:

Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur, compensation cost previously recognized for an award that is forfeited because of a failure to satisfy a service or performance condition is reversed in the period of the forfeiture.

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which may provide general indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as it involves future claims that may be made against the Company under circumstances that have not occurred.

14. RISKS AND UNCERTANTIES

General Market Risks

The Company’s portfolio and the success of its investment activities are affected by global and national economic, political and market conditions generally and also by the local economic conditions where its assets are located. Certain external events such as public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and its variants, natural disasters and geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict between Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, have recently led to increased financial and credit market volatility and disruptions, leading to record inflationary pressure, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, labor shortages and recessionary concerns. The full impact of such external events on the financial and credit markets and consequently on the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations is uncertain and cannot be fully predicted. The Company will continue to monitor these events and will adjust its operations as necessary.

Credit Risk

Credit risk - Financial assets that are exposed to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and certain portions of accounts receivable including rents receivable from our tenants. Risk to collection of rents receivable is mitigated by: (i) dispersion of rents receivable across many tenants, (ii) marketing targeted to tenants that have established credit, (iii) use of autopay, and (iv) use of collection procedures. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are on deposit with highly rated commercial banks and financial institutions.

Market Risk

Investments in securities subject the Company to market risk. Investments in securities may decline in value. The Company monitors the stock prices of the investments and the financial performance of the related companies.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 1, 2024, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.0725 per common share payable on March 28, 2024 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2024.

On March 25, 2024, the Company entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer and President, Mark C. Winmill.

On March 25, 2024, the Company approved restricted share awards under the Plan to certain of its officers and employees in the aggregate amount of 108,374 shares, of which 23,726 shares are performance-based grants and the remainder of the shares are time-based grants. Between 0% and 200% of these shares will be earned based on achievement of the AFFO and SSRG goals in 2024, and the shares which are earned will remain subject to quarterly vesting during the remaining four-year time vesting period. Dividends paid by the Company prior to the determination of how many shares are earned will be retained by the Company and released only with respect to earned shares. If a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) occurs during 2024, the number of shares earned will equal the greater of the number of shares granted and the number of shares which would have been earned based on the AFFO and SSRG through the date of the Change in Control. If following a Change in Control, a grantee is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the grantee with Good Reason (as each is defined in the Plan), all unvested restricted shares will fully vest.

SCHEDULE III

REAL ESTATE AND RELATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2023

(A)

This property is held as collateral under the Revolver. There wasno outstanding balance under the Revolver as of December 31, 2023.

(B)

This property is held as collateral under the Loan Agreement with an outstanding balance of$17,244,687 as of December 31, 2023.

(1)

SSG Summerville I LLC.

(2)

SSG Summerville II LLC.

Activity in storage properties during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

*These amounts include equipment that is housed at the Company’s properties which is excluded from Schedule III above.

As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate cost of real estate for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $62,766,523.