Note 6 - Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

(6)         Shareholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

In April 1998, the Company issued 250,000 shares of its $.001 par value preferred stock at a price of $4.00 per share, less issuance costs of $112,187. Each share of the preferred stock is convertible into approximately 4.05 shares of common stock at the election of the shareholder. The shares have a liquidation value of $4.00 per share and may pay dividends at the sole discretion of the Company. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends to the preferred shareholders in the foreseeable future. Each share of preferred stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. At March 31, 2022 and 2021, 2,500 shares of the convertible preferred stock remained unconverted and outstanding.

Share Repurchase Plan

On November 8, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan of up to $20.0 million. On October 31, 2008, November 1, 2010, and August 1, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase under the repurchase plan each for an additional $20.0 million. On January 25, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $30.0 million under the repurchase plan. The repurchase plan is intended to be implemented through purchases made from time to time in either the open market or through private transactions at the Company's discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors, in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements. There can be no assurances as to the precise number of shares that will be repurchased under the share repurchase plan, and the Company may discontinue the share repurchase plan at any time subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Shares purchased pursuant to the share repurchase plan will either be retired or held in the Company's treasury. During fiscal 2020 the Company purchased and retired approximately 613,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $11.5 million. During fiscal 2022 and 2021 the Company had no share repurchases. At March 31, 2022 the Company had approximately $28.7 million remaining under the Company’s share repurchase plan.

Dividends

On May 3, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share, on its common stock. The Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends; however, the declaration and payment of future dividends is discretionary and will be subject to a determination by the Board of Directors each quarter following its review of the Company’s financial performance. During fiscal 2022, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends:

Declaration Date	Per Share Dividend		Record Date	Total Amount (In thousands)		Payment Date
May 3, 2021		$0.30	May 14, 2021		$6,081	May 21, 2021
July 26, 2021		$0.30	August 6, 2021		$6,102	August 13, 2021
October 25, 2021		$0.30	November 8, 2021		$6,283	November 19, 2021
January 24, 2022		$0.30	February 7, 2022		$6,294	February 18, 2022