UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

 

[ x ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended September 30, 2002

 

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from _____ to _______

Commission File Number: 811-1825

 

Rand Capital Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)


 

New York
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Or Organization)
16-0961359
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
2200 Rand Building, Buffalo, NY 14203
(Address of Principal executive offices)
14203
(Zip Code)
 

(716) 853-0802
(Registrant's Telephone No. Including Area Code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days
Yes: X No ___

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (November 8, 2002): 5,751,834

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q

PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of September 30, 2002
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statement

        Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        Item 4. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

        Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

        Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

        Item 4. Submission of Matters To a Vote of Security Holders

        Item 5. Other Information

        Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
As of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001
(Unaudited)

   September 30,
2002  
  December 31,
2001
ASSETS
Investments at fair value (identified cost:
     at 9/30/2002 - $4,275,453, at 12/31/2001 - $3,157,017)  $3,957,622      $4,010,891
Cash and cash equivalents    5,155,124      5,941,517  
Interest receivable (net of allowance of $13,167        
      at 9/30/2002 and 12/31/2001)    225,496      167,844  
Promissory notes receivable    121,550      150,605  
Income taxes receivable    20,764      -         
Deferred tax asset    133,000      -         
Other assets  
 39,132  
 
 11,636
 
TOTAL ASSETS  
 $9,652,688  
 
 $10,282,493
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NET ASSETS)

LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses    $41,521      $33,679  
Income taxes payable    -            40,530  
Deferred tax liability
 -       
 
 150,000
 
                            Total liabilities
 41,521  
 
 224,209
 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NET ASSETS)

Common stock, $.10 par - shares authorized 10,000,000; shares issued
5,763,034    576,304    576,304
Capital in excess of par value    6,973,454    6,973,454
Accumulated net investment (loss)    (4,071,086  

)

 (3,616,673

)

Undistributed net realized gain on investments    6,624,710    5,686,311
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments    (486,320  

)

 438,888
Treasury stock at cost, 5,400 shares
 (5,895

)

        -        
 

Net assets (per share 9/30/2002-$1.67, 12/31/2001-$1.75)  

 9,611,167
 10,058,284
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
 $9,652,688 
$10,282,493

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For The Three Months And Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited
)

Three months ended
September 30, 2002

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2001

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2002

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2001

 
Investment income:        
Interest from portfolio companies

$ 23,913

 

$ 25,769

 

$ 83,419

 

$ 88,298

 

Interest from other investments

23,408

 

1,209

 

82,359

 

6,931

 
Other income

10,000

 

600

 

15,540

 

8,698

 

57,321

 

27,578

 

181,318

 

103,927

 
Expenses:        
Salaries

68,575

 

59,176

 

248,538

 

247,395

 
Employee benefits

13,814

 

12,054

 

62,698

 

53,248

 
Directors' fees

4,500

 

10,250

 

20,750

 

19,750

 
Professional fees

15,890

 

(2,100)

 

55,093

 

33,091

 
Shareholders and office

21,468

 

17,509

 

82,799

 

54,594

 
Insurance

11,250

 

6,750

 

33,750

 

20,250

 
Corporate development

10,795

 

4,627

 

31,121

 

15,552

 
Other operating expenses

6,021

 

53,464

 

16,737

 

182,414

 

152,313

 

161,730

 

551,486

 

626,294

 
Organizational costs

13,919

                 -

130,029

                   -

Total expenses

166,232

161,730

681,515

626,294

Investment (loss) before income taxes

(108,911

)

(134,152

)

(500,197

)

(522,367

)
Income tax (benefit) provision

(40,280

)

2,580

 

(9,280

)

15,987

 
Deferred income taxes

(248,147

)

73,000

 

(36,503

)

73,000

 
Net investment income (loss)

179,517

 

(209,732

)

(454,413

)

(611,354

)
       
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:        
Net realized gain on sales and

 

 

 

 
dispositions

                -

 

660,332

 

938,399

 

661,025

 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:
Beginning of period

288,696

 

2,065,764

 

853,874

 

974,597

 
End of period

(317,831

)

1,745,483

 

(317,831

)

1,745,483

 
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation before income taxes

(606,527

)

(320,281

)

(1,171,705

)

770,886

 
Deferred income tax (benefit)

 

 

     
provision

(4,853

)

                    -

 

(246,497

)

148,239

 
Net (decrease) increase in unrealized appreciation

(601,674

)

(320,281

)

(925,208

)

622,647

 
Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investments

(601,673

)

340,051

 

13,191

 

1,283,672

 
Net (decrease) increase in net assets from operations

$(422,157

)

$ 130,319

 

$ (441,222

)

$ 672,318

 
Weighted average shares outstanding

5,760,523

 

5,763,034

 

5,762,191

 

5,762,045

 
Basic and diluted net (decrease) increase in net assets from operations per share

$ (0.07

)

$ 0.02

 

$ (0.08

)

$ 0.12

 

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2002

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2001

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net (decrease) increase in net assets from operations  
$(441,222

)

 $672,318
 
Adjustments to reconcile net (decrease) increase in net
assets to net cash used in operating activities:
   
Depreciation and amortization   10,400     9,750  
Interest receivable allowance    -           36,372  
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments   925,208     (622,647

)

Change in deferred taxes   (36,503

)

 73,000  
Net realized (gain) on portfolio investments   (938,399

)

 (661,025

)

Non cash conversion of investments   (16,766

)

 -         
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in interest receivable   (57,652 

)

 (50,885

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets   (24,649 

)

 10,609  
(Decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities  
(53,450 

)

 (2,782

)

Total adjustments  
(191,811  

)

 (1,207,608

)

Net cash (used in) operating activities  
(633,033

)

 (535,290

)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of portfolio investments   1,086,730     1,084,054  
  Proceeds from loan repayments   29,055     -         
  New portfolio investments   (1,250,000 

)

 (170,465

)

  Capital expenditures  
(13,250

)

 -       
 
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  
(147,465

)

 913,589
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from issuance of stock  -           31,875  
  Purchase of Treasury Stock  
(5,895

)

 -       
 
  Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(5,895

)

 31,875
 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS   (786,393 

)

 410,174  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
 BEGINNING OF PERIOD  
 5,941,517 
 
 304,152
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
END OF PERIOD  
$5,155,124 
 
 $714,326
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes In Net Assets
For The Three Months And Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited
)

Three months ended September 30, 2002

 

Three months ended September 30, 2001

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2002

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2001

 
Net assets at beginning of period

$10,039,219

$8,959,570

$10,058,284

$8,385,697

Operations:
Net investment income (loss)

179,517

(209,732

)

(454,413

)

(611,354

)
Net realized gain on investments

-

660,332

938,399

661,025

Net (decrease) increase in unrealized
              appreciation of investments

(601,674

)

(320,281

)

(925,208

)

622,647

 
Other

(1)

Net (decrease) increase in net assets
               from operations


(422,157

)


130,319

 


(441,222

)


672,317

 
Purchase of Treasury stock

(5,895

)

-

(5,895

)

-

Net proceeds of private offering

-

-

-

31,875

Net assets at end of period

$9,611,167

$9,089,889

$9,611,167

$9,089,889

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

Schedule Of Portfolio Investments as of September 30, 2002 (unaudited)

      (b)    (c)      (d)
      Date          Fair
Company and Business    Type of Investment    Acquired    Equity    Cost    Value
ADIC (NASDAQ:ADIC)* ^    Common stock - 9,500 shares    5/11/01    <1%    $21,627    $45,600
Redmond, WA. Manufactures data storage
systems and storage management software.
www.adic.com.
 
Contract Staffing    Series A 8% Cumulative    11/8/99    10%    100,000    100,000
Buffalo, NY. PEO providing human resource    preferred stock - 10,000 shares
administration for small businesses.
www.contract-staffing.com
 
DataView, LLC    5% Membership interest    10/1/98    5%    310,357    155,179
Mt. Kisco, NY. Designs, develops and markets
browser based software for investment professionals.
www.marketgauge.com
 
G-TEC Natural Gas Systems    41.67% Class A Membership    8/31/99    42%    300,000    300,000
Buffalo, NY. Manufactures and distributes    interest. 8% cumulative dividend
systems that allow natural gas to be used
as an alternative fuel to gases.
www.gas-tec.com
 
INRAD, Inc. (OTC: INRD.OB) *    Series B Preferred Stock -    10/31/00    2%    115,000    102,100
Northvale, NJ. Develops and manufactures    100 shares. 10% dividend.
products for laser photonics industry.    Common stock - 6,000 shares
www.inrad.com
 
∆Kionix, Inc.    Series A Preferred Stock,    5/17/02    <1%    750,000    750,000
Ithaca, NY. Develops innovative MEMS    882,352 shares.
based technology applications.
www.kionix.com
 
MINRAD, Inc.    608,193 Common shares.    8/4/97    5%    919,422    508,500
Buffalo, NY. Developer of laser guided medical    56,020 Preferred Series A shares.
devices. www.minrad.com    13,767 Preferred Series B
   Stock Option - 10,000 shares
   common
Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC    Convertible Promissory Note    7/10/02    <1%    500,000    583,333
Buffalo, NY. Natural gas transportation company.    $500,000 at 10%. due on demand
   after September 30, 2002.
   .40 Units
Ultra - Scan Corporation    504,596 Common shares,    12/11/92    4%    509,353    842,247
Amherst, NY. Biometrics application    142,276 warrants for Common
developer of ultrasonic fingerprint technology.    shares.
www.ultra-scan.com
 
UStec, Inc. (e)    Promissory Note at 12%    12/17/98    <1%    100,500    150,000
Victor, NY. Markets digital wiring systems    due January 2003
for new home construction.    50,000 Common Shares.
www.ustecnet.com  
 
 36,259 Warrants for Common Shares
Vanguard Modular Building Systems    Preferred Units - 2,673 Units with    12/16/99    <1%    270,000    270,000
Philadelphia, PA. Leases and sells high-end    warrants, 14% interest rate.
modular space solutions.
www.vanguardmodular.com
 
Other Investments    Other    Various    -  
 379,194  
 150,663
(Includes: American Tactile, Appro,          
  BioWorks, Inc., Clearview Cable          
  And MemberWare          
  Total portfolio investments        $4,275,453   $3,957,622

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Notes to Schedule of Portfolio Investments

(a)   Unrestricted securities (indicated by ^) are freely marketable securities having readily available market quotations. All other securities are restricted securities, which are subject to one or more restrictions on resale and are not freely marketable. At September 30, 2002 restricted securities represented 99% of the value of the investment portfolio.
 
(b)   The date acquired column indicates the year in which the Corporation acquired its first investment in the company or a predecessor company.
 
(c)   The equity percentages estimate the Corporation's ownership interest in the portfolio investment. The estimated ownership is calculated based on the percent of outstanding voting securities held by the Corporation or the potential percentage of voting securities held by the Corporation upon exercise of its warrants or conversion of debentures; or other available data. The symbol "<1%" indicates that the Corporation holds equity interest of less than one percent.
 
(d)   Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted securities are valued at the closing price for publicly held securities for the last three days of the month. Restricted securities, including securities of publicly-owned companies, which are subject to restrictions on resale, are valued at fair value as determined by the Board of Directors. Fair value is considered to be the amount, which the Corporation may reasonably expect to receive for portfolio securities if such securities were sold on the valuation date. Valuations as of any particular date, however, are not necessarily indicative of amounts which may ultimately be realized as a result of future sales or other dispositions of securities and these favorable or unfavorable differences could be material. Among the factors considered by the Board of Directors in determining the fair value of restricted securities are the financial condition and operating results, projected operations, and other analytical data relating to the investment. Also considered are the market prices for unrestricted securities of the same class (if applicable) and other matters which may have an impact on the value of the portfolio company.
 
(e)   These investments are income producing. All other investments are non-income producing.

*Publicly-owned Company

Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. Investment

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Rand Capital Corporation
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)

1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION

In Management's opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in audited annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been omitted; however, the Corporation believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes included in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. Information contained in this filing should also be reviewed in conjunction with Rand Capital Corporation's related filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") during the period of time covered by this filing. These filings include, but are not limited to the following:

  N-30-B2/ARS    Quarterly & Annual Reports to Shareholders
  N-54A    Election to Adopt Business Development Company status
  DEF-14A    Definitive Proxy Statement submitted to shareholders
  Form 10-K    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
  Form 10 Q   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002
  Form N-23C-1    Reports by closed-end investment companies of purchase of their own securities

2. THE ENTITY AND A SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation - The condensed consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Rand Capital Corporation ("Rand"), and Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. ("Rand SBIC")(collectively, the "Corporation"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of the Business - Effective August 16, 2001, Rand made an election, following a vote of the shareholders, authorizing Rand, to become a Business Development Company, or "BDC." Generally, a BDC is a specialized type of investment company that is primarily engaged in the business of furnishing capital and managerial expertise to companies that do not have ready access to capital through conventional finance channels. There was no impact on the corporate structure as a result of the change to a BDC. Prior to this election, Rand operated as a diversified closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Rand continues to operate as a publicly held venture capital company, listed on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol "RAND." Rand was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Its investment strategy is to seek capital appreciation through venture capital investments in small, unseasoned, developing companies, primarily in Upstate New York.

During the first quarter of 2002, Rand formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Rand Capital SBIC, L.P., (Rand SBIC) for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company. On January 25, 2002, Rand transferred $5 million in cash to this subsidiary to serve as "regulatory capital." On August 16, 2002, Rand received notification that its Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) application had been approved and licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The approval will allow Rand SBIC to obtain loans up to two times its initial $5,000,000 of "regulatory capital" from the SBA for purposes of making new investment's in portfolio companies. The first investment by Rand SBIC, L.P. was during the pre-licensing phase and was in Kionix, Inc. in May 2002.

Investments - Investments are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by Rand management and both reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis by the Board of Directors. In accordance with Rand's valuation policies, the Board of Directors has determined certain investment valuations in the absence of readily ascertainable fair values. The estimated valuations are not necessarily indicative of amounts which may ultimately be realized as a result of future sales or other dispositions of securities, and these favorable or unfavorable differences could be material. Amounts reported as realized gains and losses are measured by the difference between the proceeds of sale or exchange and the cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized gains or losses reported in prior periods. The cost of securities that have, in the Board of Directors' judgment, become worthless, are written off and reported as realized losses.

In April 2002, Rand SBIC adopted a model valuation policy as established by the SBA. At the same time the Board of Directors of Rand also adopted a new valuation policy that mirrored the Rand SBIC policy and is not materially different from the prior Rand valuation policy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Temporary cash investments having a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.

Interest Income - Interest income generally is recorded on the accrual basis except where the investment is valued at less than cost to reflect risk of loss. In such cases, interest is recorded at the time of receipt. A reserve for possible losses on interest receivable is maintained when appropriate.

Net Assets per Share - Net assets per share are based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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 differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes - Rand has not elected pass-through tax treatment as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code for Income tax purposes. Therefore, Rand is taxed as a corporation under regulation C.

The tax effect of the major temporary difference and carry-forwards that give rise to the Corporation's net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 are as follows:

    

September 30, 2002  

December 31, 2001

  Operations    ($100,000)    $(113,000)
  Investments    168,500     (362,900)
  Net operating loss carry-forwards    64,500     291,900  
  Alternative Minimum tax credit
  carry-forward  
          -            
   34,000  
  Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net    $133,000    $(150,000)

As of September 30, 2002, the Corporation had a federal net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $190,000 which expires commencing in 2019.

The deferred tax asset at September 30, 2002 was $133,000 and represented a $283,000 increase in this account from December 31, 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to the unrealized loss write down of approximately ($690,000) in the third quarter of 2002. See further discussion of this write down in the "Net Increase(Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations" section below.

Stockholders Equity (Net Assets)

            At September 30, 2002, there were 500,000 shares of $10.00 par value preferred stock authorized and unissued.

            On October 18, 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5% of Rand's outstanding stock through purchases on the open market during the one-year period ending October 18, 2002. This buy-back was extended through October 16, 2003 by the Board of Directors. During the three months ended September 30, 2002, 5,400 shares were repurchased for the treasury. During the period October 1, 2002 through November 8, 2002, 5,800 shares were repurchased on the open market.

            In July 2001, the shareholders of Rand authorized the establishment of two stock option plans - the Employee Plan and the Director Plan. The Plans provide for an aggregate of 200,000 and 100,000 shares, respectively, to be awarded to eligible employees and non-officer directors. As of September 30, 2002, no stock options have been awarded from either plan. The Director Plan will not take effect, if at all, until a SEC exemption is obtained from restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The corporation has elected to place both the Employee plan and the Director Plan on inactive status as it develops a new profit sharing plan for the corporation's employees.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

            You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

            Statements included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this document that do not relate to present or historical conditions are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and in Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additional oral or written forward-looking statements may be made by the Corporation from time to time, and those statements may be included in documents that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Corporation's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions and are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes," "forecasts," "intends," "possible," "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or "plans" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Among the important factors on which such statements are based are assumptions concerning the state of the national economy and the local markets in which the Corporation's portfolio companies operate, the state of the securities markets in which the securities of the Corporation's portfolio company trade or could be traded, liquidity within the national financial markets, and inflation. Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties described under the caption "Risk Factors and Other considerations" below.

Formation of SBIC Subsidiary

            On January 14, 2002, Rand Capital Corporation ("Rand") formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. ("Rand SBIC"), for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company (SBIC). On January 25, 2002, Rand transferred $5.0 million in cash to Rand SBIC to serve a "regulatory capital" for purposes of Small Business Administration (SBA) regulation. On February 1, 2002, Rand SBIC's application for a license to operate as an SBIC was submitted to the SBA. The SBA approved and licensed Rand SBIC on August 16, 2002. Rand intends to operate Rand SBIC for the same purposes, with investments in the same types of securities as Rand. Rand SBIC's operations are consolidated with those of Rand for both financial reporting and tax purposes. Rand filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 28, 2002 for exemptions from certain restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940 on the operation of subsidiaries that the SEC has commonly granted to Business Development Companies with wholly-owned SBIC subsidiaries.

Financial Condition

            The following financial discussion will include Rand's and Rand SBIC's, (collectively, the "Corporation"), financial position and results of operations. The only financial activity that occurred in 2002 with respect to Rand SBIC was the transfer of $5.0 million on January 25, 2002 from Rand to a Rand SBIC bank account and the resulting earned interest revenue and Rand SBIC's investment of $750,000 in Kionix on May 17, 2002.

            Rand's total assets decreased by ($629,805) or (6.1%) to $9,652,688 and its net assets decreased by ($447,117) or (4.4%) to $9,611,167 at September 30, 2002, versus $10,282,493 and $10,058,284 at December 31, 2001, respectively. The decrease in net assets can be attributed to operating losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

            The Corporation's financial condition is dependent on the success of its holdings. The Corporation has invested a substantial portion of its assets in early stage or start-up companies. These private businesses generally tend to be unproven, thinly capitalized small companies that may lack experienced management and may have no history of operations. The following summarizes the Corporation's investment portfolio at the periods indicated.

 

     September 30, 2002    December 31, 2001
Investments at cost    $4,275,453    $3,157,017
Unrealized (depreciation) appreciation, net        (317,831)         853,874
Investments at fair value    $3,957,622    $4,010,891

            The increase in investment at cost is due to the net effect of the January 2002 sale of the Advanced Digital Information Corporation ("ADIC") stock with a cost basis of $138,841, the May 2002 investment that Rand SBIC made in Kionix, Inc. for $750,000 and the July 2002 investment in Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC for $500,000.

            The decrease in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the investments is primarily attributable to the realized gain recognized on the sale of ADIC stock for $838,000 in January 2002 and the net effect of portfolio valuation adjustments to the following portfolio companies during the nine month period ended September 30, 2002: Minrad ($652,058), Ultra-Scan Inc. $239,805, Memberware ($50,000), and the valuation of the ADIC escrow shares.

            The sole investment during the third quarter of 2002 was Rand's investment in Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC ("Somerset") on July 10, 2002. Rand invested $500,000 in a Convertible Promissory Note as part of a $3 million private placement bridge loan. The note had .40 equity units attached to it which were are at $83,333. The note is short term and due on demand after September 30, 2002.

            Somerset is a natural gas transportation company formed to move natural gas from Appalachian and Mid-western sources to the Northeast and Atlantic markets. Somerset is headquartered in Buffalo, NY.

            Rand SBIC did not fund any investment during the third quarter of 2002.

            Rand's total investments at fair value approximated 41% of net assets at September 30, 2002 and 40% of net assets at December 31, 2001.

Results of Operations

            On January 3rd and 4th, 2002, Rand sold a total of 61,051 shares of ADIC stock at a price range of $17.30 to $18.45 with gross proceeds of $1.1 million and a realized gain of approximately $948,000. Rand's average cost basis per share for the ADIC securities was $2.27.

Investment Income and Expenses

            The Corporation's primary investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation on its portfolio investments. Therefore, a considerable portion of the investment portfolio is structured to realize capital appreciation over the long-term and not necessarily generate income in the form of dividends or interest. The Corporation does earn interest income from investing its idle funds in money market instruments.

            Total investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 was $57,321 and $27,578 respectively, of which $23,913 (42%) and $25,769 (93%) consisted of interest from portfolio companies during the quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, the total investment income was $181,318 and $103,927, respectively, of which $83,419 (46%) and $88,298 (85%) consisted of interest from portfolio companies. This income includes investments that have interest accruals and often do not pay a current yield. See the Schedule of Portfolio Investments footnote (e) to identify the investments that pay a current yield. The remaining investment income is comprised of interest on idle cash balances and other temporary short-term investments. The interest income for the three months ending September 30, 2002 was $23,408 versus $1,209 for the same period in 2001. The interest income for the nine month period ending September 30, 2002 and 2001 was $82,359 and $6,931. This interest income is higher for the three months and nine months period ended September 30, 2002 due to an increase in idle cash during the three months ended September 30, 2002 versus the three months ended September 30, 2001.

            The portfolio interest for the three months ended September 30, 2002 included the earned interest from the Somerset debenture of approximately $11,100 for the quarter.

            Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 were $166,232 and $161,730, respectively. The operating expenses predominately consist of employee compensation and benefits, shareholder related costs, office expenses, expenses related to identifying and reviewing investment opportunities and professional fees. The operating expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2002 included approximately $14,000 of organizational costs (consulting and advisory fees) incurred for matters relating to Rand SBIC. Total operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 were $681,515 and $626,294 respectively. The total operating expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002 included approximately $130,000 of organizational expenses related to Rand SBIC professional fees. The nine month period ended September 30, 2001 contained approximately $71,000 in organizational expenses incurred for restructuring the Corporation to a Business Development Company ("BDC") status, and research into stock option plans as well as other corporate matters. These expenses were categorized in "Other operating expenses" for the period ended September 30, 2001. At September 30, 2001 the "Other operating expenses" category also contained $36,371 in write-offs of certain portfolio related receivables.

            Net investment income (loss) from operations for the three month period ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 were $179,517 and ($209,732), respectively. Net investment losses from operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 were ($454,413) and ($611,354), respectively. The investment income in the third quarter 2002 is higher due to income associated with Somerset transaction and the higher earned interest on idle funds. The current income tax expense was negative due to an approximate $31,000 tax adjustment. In addition due to the large unrealized loss write down in the third quarter of 2002, the associated deferred taxes resulted in a $248,000 tax benefit. The deferred income tax (expense) in the three-months ended September 30, 2001 was ($73,000).

Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments:

            During the three months ended September 30, 2002 the Corporation did not have any realized gains or losses. During the three-months ended September 30, 2001, Rand sold 70,000 shares of its ADIC holdings, generating a realized gain of approximately $720,000. Also during the third quarter of 2001, ADIC settled its patent litigation with Pathlight, which resulted in a release from escrow of an additional 26,417 ADIC shares to Rand, and a forfeiture of 28,313 shares previously held in escrow (with an average cost basis of $60,024).

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

            The Corporation accounts for its operations under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies. The principal measure of its financial performance is "net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations" on its statements of operations. For the three month period ending September 30, 2002, the net (decrease) in net assets from operations was ($422,157) as compared to a net increase in net assets from operations of $130,319 for the same period in 2001. The decrease in net assets from operations during the third quarter of 2002 is primarily attributable to the unrealized loss write down of approximately ($690,000). This unrealized write down consisted of the following adjustments: Minrad ($652,000), ADIC ($35,000). The third quarter 2001 net increase is due primarily to the increase (decrease) in appreciation of investments of: ADIC $2,400,000, Fertility Acoustics, Inc., ($1,100,000), BNKR.com, ($400,000), Aria Wireless Systems, Inc,. ($100,000), and Platform Technology Holding, LLC, ($100,000).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

            The Corporation's principal objective is to achieve capital appreciation. Therefore, a significant portion of the investment portfolio is structured to maximize the potential for capital appreciation and certain portfolio investments may be structured to provide little or no current yield in the form of dividends or interest payments. The Corporation does earn interest income on idle cash balances. It has historically relied on and continues to rely to a large extent upon proceeds from sales of investments rather than investment income to defray a significant portion of its operating expenses. Because such sales cannot be predicted with certainty, the Corporation attempts to maintain adequate working capital necessary for short-term needs.

            At September 30, 2002, 54% of the Corporation's net assets are held in cash and cash equivalents, which compares to 59% at December 31, 2001.

            As of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the Corporation's total liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, was $5,155,124 and $5,941,517, respectively. Included in the September 30, 2002 cash balance was $4,306,327 ($5,000,000 initial investment plus interest revenue less Kionix investment) of Rand SBIC, L.P. cash. Management believes that these cash and cash equivalents will provide the Corporation with the liquidity necessary to fund operations over the next twelve (12) months.

            The decrease in liquidity in the third quarter 2002 was due to the net impact of ADIC stock sale in January 2002 with net proceeds of $1,086,730, normal operating losses, and the $1,250,000 in Rand and Rand SBIC's investments.

Risk Factors and Other Considerations

Investing in The Corporation's Stock is Highly Speculative and an Investor Could Lose Some or All of the Amount Invested

            The value of the Corporation's common stock may decline and may be affected by numerous market conditions, which could result in the loss of some or the entire amount invested in the Corporation's shares. The securities markets frequently experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which affect market prices for securities of companies generally, and technology and very small capitalization companies in particular. General economic conditions, and general conditions in the Internet and information technology, life sciences, material sciences and other high technology industries, will also affect the Corporation's stock price.

Investing in The Corporation's Shares May be Inappropriate for the Investor's Risk Tolerance

            The Corporation's investments, in accordance with its investment objective and principal strategies, result in a far above average amount of risk and volatility and may well result in loss of principal. The Corporation's investments in portfolio companies are highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in its shares may not be suitable for investors for whom such risk is inappropriate.

Competition

            The Corporation faces competition in its investing activities from private venture capital funds, investment affiliates of large industrial, technology, service and financial companies, small business investment companies, wealthy individuals and foreign investors. As a regulated Business Development Company ("BDC"), the Corporation is required to disclose quarterly the name and business description of portfolio companies and value of any portfolio securities. Most competitors are not subject to this disclosure requirement and the Corporation's obligation to disclose this information could hinder its ability to invest in certain portfolio companies. Additionally, other regulations, current and future, may make the Corporation less attractive as a potential investor to a given portfolio company than a private venture capital fund.

Rand is Subject to Risks Created by its Regulated Environment

            The Corporation is subject to regulation as BDC's, and Rand SBIC is also subject to regulation as an SBIC. The loans and other investments that the Corporation makes, or is expected to make, in small business concerns are extremely speculative. Substantially all of these concerns are and will be privately held. Even if a public market for their securities later develops, the debt obligations and other securities purchased by the Corporation are likely to be restricted from sale or other transfer for significant periods of time. These securities will be very illiquid.

            The Corporation's capital may include large amounts of debt securities issued to the SBA, and all of the debentures issued to the SBA will have fixed interest rates. Until and unless Rand SBIC is able to invest substantially all of the proceeds from debentures that it sells to the SBA at annualized interest or other rates of return that substantially exceed annualized interest rates that Rand SBIC must pay the SBA under debentures sold to it, the Corporation's operating results will be adversely affected which may, in turn, depress the market price of its common stock.

Rand is Dependent Upon Key Management Personnel for Future Success

            The Corporation is dependent for the selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of its investments on the diligence and skill of its two senior officers, Allen F. Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy. The future success of the Corporation depends to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of its senior management team. The departure of either of its executive officers could materially adversely affect the Corporation's ability to implement its business strategy. The Corporation does not maintain key man life insurance on any of its officers or employees.

Investment in Small, Private Companies

            There are significant risks inherent in the venture capital business. The Corporation typically invests a substantial portion of its assets in early stage or start-up companies. These private businesses tend to be thinly capitalized, unproven small companies with risky technologies that lack management depth and have not attained profitability or have no history of operations. Because of the speculative nature and the lack of a public market for these investments, there is significantly greater risk of loss than is the case with traditional investment securities. The Corporation expects that some of its venture capital investments will be a complete loss or will be unprofitable and that some will appear to be likely to become successful but never realize their potential. The Corporation has been risk seeking rather than risk averse in its approach to venture capital and other investments. Neither the Corporation's investments nor an investment in the Corporation is intended to constitute a balanced investment program. The Corporation has in the past relied, and continues to rely to a large extent, upon proceeds from sales of investments rather than investment income to defray a significant portion of its operating expenses. Such sales are unpredictable and may not occur. The terrorist acts in the United States of September 11, 2001 are the type of events that could severely impact a small company that does not have as many resources to ride out market downturns and would need immediate investment capital that might be temporarily unavailable.

Illiquidity of Portfolio Investments

            Most of the investments of the Corporation's are or will be either equity securities acquired directly from small companies or below investment grade subordinated debt securities. The Corporation's portfolio of equity securities is and will usually be subject to restrictions on resale or otherwise have no established trading market. The illiquidity of most of the Corporation's portfolio may adversely affect the ability of the Corporation to dispose of such securities at times when it may be advantageous to liquidate such investments.

            Even if the Corporation's portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable products, the market for new products and services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Commercial success is difficult to predict and the marketing efforts of the portfolio companies may not be successful.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

            There is typically no public market for equity securities of the small privately held companies in which the Corporation invests. As a result, the valuation of the equity securities in the portfolio are stated at fair value as determined by the good faith estimate of the Board of Directors in accordance with the corporations established valuation policies. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of the portfolio of securities may differ significantly, favorably or unfavorably, from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the equity securities existed. Any changes in estimated net asset value are recorded in the statement of operations as "Change in unrealized appreciation on investments."

Fluctuations of Quarterly Results

            The Corporation's quarterly operating results could fluctuate as a result of a number of factors. These factors include, among others, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which portfolio companies encounter competition in their markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any one-quarter should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future quarters.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

            The Corporation's investment activities contain elements of risk. The portion of the investment portfolio consisting of equity and equity-linked debt securities in private companies is subject to valuation risk. Because there is typically no public market for the equity and equity-linked debt securities in which the Corporation invests, the valuation of the equity interests in the portfolio is stated at "fair value" as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Corporation's investment valuation policy. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of the Corporation's portfolio may differ significantly for the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the investments existed. Any changes in valuation are recorded in the Corporation's statement of operations as "Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments."

            At times a portion of the Corporation's portfolio may include marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market. In addition, there may be a portion of the Corporation's portfolio for which no regular trading market exists. In order to realize the full value of a security, the market must trade in an orderly fashion or a willing purchaser must be available when a sale is to be made. Should an economic or other event occur that would not allow the markets to trade in an orderly fashion, the Corporation may not be able to realize the fair value of its marketable investments or other investments in a timely manner.

            As of September 30, 2002, the Corporation did not have any off-balance sheet investments or hedging investments.

Item 4.    Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    The Corporation's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Corporation's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in rule 13a-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of a date (the "Evaluation Date") within 90 days before the filing date of this quarterly report, concluded that as of the Evaluation Date the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information relating to the Corporation was being made known to them by others within the Corporation, particularly including during the period when this quarterly report was being prepared .

 

(b)  Changes in internal controls.    There were no significant changes in the Corporation's internal controls or, to the knowledge of the Corporation's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in other factors that could significantly affect the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the Evaluation Date.

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

             None
 
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

            
None
 
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

             None
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

            
None
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
             The Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer have furnished to the SEC the certification with respect to this Form 10-Q that is required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
  (a)    Exhibits
     The following exhibits are filed with this report or are incorporated herein by reference to a prior filing, in accordance with Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  
     (2)   N/A
     (3)(i)   Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) of Form N-2 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997.
     (3)(ii)   By-laws of the Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of Form N-2 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997.
     (4)   Specimen certificate of common stock certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of Form N-2 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997.
     (10.1)   Employee Stock Option Plan - incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Corporation's definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 1, 2002.*
     (10.2)   Director Stock Option Plan - incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Corporation's definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 1, 2002.*
     (10.3)   Agreement of Limited Partnership for Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Form 10K filed for the year ended December 31, 2001.
     (10.4)   Certificate of Limited Partnership of Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Corporation's Form 10K filed for the year ended December 31, 2001.
     (10.5)   Limited Liability Corporation Agreement of Rand Capital Management, LLC - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Corporation's Form 10-K Report filed for the year ended December 31, 2001.
     (10.6)   Certificate of Formation of Rand Capital Management, LLC - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Corporation's Form 10-K Report filed for the year ended December 31, 2001.
     (10.7)   N/A
     (15)   N/A
     (18)   N/A
     (19)   N/A
     (22)   N/A
     (23)   N/A
     (24)   N/A
     (99.1)   Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Rand Capital Corporation - filed herewith
     (99.2)   Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. - filed herewith
     *Management contract or compensatory plan.
 
  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K  
     No Form 8-K reports were filed during the quarter ended September 30, 2002.  

 

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: November 8, 2002

   RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION
 
        By:/s/ Allen F. Grum                    
                 Allen F. Grum, President
 
        By:/s/ Daniel P. Penberthy            
                  Daniel P. Penberthy, Treasurer
 
   RAND CAPITAL SBIC, L.P.
 
   By: RAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC
             General Partner
   By: RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION
             Member
 
             By:/s/ Allen F. Grum                 
                     Allen F. Grum, President
 
             By:/s/ Daniel P. Penberthy        
                     Daniel P. Penberthy, Treasurer

 

        I, Allen F. Grum, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Rand Capital Corporation and Rand Capital SBIC, L.P.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant including its consolidating subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Dated: November 8, 2002

/s/ Allen F. Grum            
Allen F. Grum, President
(Chief Executive Officer of Rand Capital Corporation and equivalent of Chief Executive Officer of Rand Capital SBIC, L.P.)

 

        I, Daniel P. Penberthy, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Rand Capital Corporation and Rand Capital SBIC, L.P.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant including its consolidating subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Dated: November 8, 2002

/s/ Daniel P. Penberthy        
Daniel P. Penberthy, Treasurer
(Chief Financial Officer of Rand Capital Corporation and equivalent of Chief Financial Officer of Rand Capital SBIC, L.P.)