The company renewed authorization for the repurchase of up to 1,601,553 outstanding shares of 5.95% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B when the shares are trading at a market price below the liquidation preference of $25 per share. To date, a total of 398,447 shares of Preferred Stock have been repurchased and retired. This program is separate from, and in addition to, the common stock repurchase program.

