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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

 

[  ] 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: 814-00235

 

Rand Capital Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

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

 

(716) 853-0802

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class  

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.10 par value   RAND   Nasdaq Capital Market

 

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 of 1934 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 ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☐ No ☐

 

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

 

  Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
  Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☐
    Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

As of May 8, 2020, there were 14,655,321 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q

 

  PART I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 1
     
  Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019 1
     
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 4
     
  Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited) 5
     
  Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of December 31, 2019 13
     
  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 9
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 37
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 45
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 45
     
  PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 46
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 46
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 47
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 47
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 47
     
Item 5. Other Information 47
     
Item 6. Exhibits 48

 

 
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

  

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

   December 31, 2019 
ASSETS          
Investments at fair value:          
Affiliate investments (cost of $20,562,778 and $19,035,446, respectively)  $13,168,576   $12,151,435 
Non- Control/Non-Affiliate investments (cost of $23,738,493 and $25,584,017, respectively)   22,805,701    24,869,357 
Total investments, at fair value (cost of $44,301,271 and $44,619,463, respectively)   35,974,277    37,020,792 
Cash and cash equivalents   29,100,903    25,815,720 
Interest receivable (net of allowance of $166,413)   138,589    142,265 
Deferred tax asset   -    1,204,198 
Prepaid income taxes   39,716    343,096 
Other assets   129,271    265,378 
           
Total assets  $65,382,756   $64,791,449 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)          
Liabilities:          
Debentures guaranteed by the SBA (net of debt issuance costs)  $10,796,332   $10,786,913 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   266,316    258,437 
Deferred tax payable   227,622    - 
Profit sharing and bonus payable   -    80,000 
Deferred revenue   33,833    37,583 
Total liabilities   11,324,103    11,162,933 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 5)          
           
Stockholders’ equity (net assets):          
Common stock, $0.10 par; shares authorized 100,000,000; shares issued 15,196,367; shares outstanding 14,655,321   1,519,637    1,519,637 
Capital in excess of par value   34,142,455    34,142,455 
Accumulated net investment loss   (1,212,828)   (1,751,249)
Undistributed net realized gain on investments   29,476,732    27,083,281 
Net unrealized depreciation on investments   (8,398,238)   (5,896,503)
Treasury stock, at cost: 541,046 shares   (1,469,105)   (1,469,105)
Total stockholders’ equity (net assets) (per share – 3/31/20: $3.69, 12/31/19: $3.66)   54,058,653    53,628,516 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (net assets)  $65,382,756   $64,791,449 

 

See accompanying notes

 

1
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three months ended
March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended
March 31, 2019

 
Investment income:          
Interest from portfolio companies:          
Affiliate investments  $138,846   $208,715 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments   396,855    197,250 
Total interest from portfolio companies   535,701    405,965 
           
Interest from other investments:          
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments   83,250    17,811 
Total interest from other investments   83,250    17,811 
           
Dividend and other investment income:          
Affiliate investments   13,125    34,625 
Total dividend and other investment income   13,125    34,625 
           
Fee income:          
Affiliate investments   1,250    4,247 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments   2,500    256,722 
Total fee income   3,750    260,969 
Total investment income   635,826    719,370 
Expenses:          
Base management fee (see Note 8)   140,377    - 
Interest on SBA obligations   104,190    99,124 
Professional fees   179,119    226,655 
Stockholders and office operating   51,545    61,255 
Directors’ fees   28,375    28,624 
Insurance   10,668    9,601 
Corporate development   1,874    18,460 
Other operating   358    1,584 
Salaries   -    181,500 
Employee benefits   -    62,932 
Total expenses   516,506    689,735 
Net investment gain before income taxes   119,320    29,635 
Income tax (benefit) expense   (419,101)   6,868 
Net investment gain   538,421    22,767 
           
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments:          
Control investments   -    40,500 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments   2,393,451    - 
Income tax expense   -    9,369 
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments   2,393,451    31,131 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments:          
Affiliate investments   (510,191)   1,043,595 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments   (218,132)   (521,300)
           
Change in unrealized depreciation before income taxes   (728,323)   522,296 
Deferred income tax expense   1,773,412    120,779 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (2,501,735)   401,517 
           
Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investments   (108,284)   432,648 
Net increase in net assets from operations  $430,137   $455,415 
Weighted average shares outstanding   14,655,321    6,321,988 
Basic and diluted net increase in net assets from operations per share  $0.03   $0.07 

 

See accompanying notes

 

2
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

 
         
Net assets at beginning of period  $53,628,516   $31,524,187 
           
Net investment gain   538,421    22,767 
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments   2,393,451    31,131 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (2,501,735)   401,517 
Net increase in net assets from operations   430,137    455,415 
Net assets at end of period  $54,058,653   $31,979,602 
Accumulated net investment loss  $(1,212,828)  $(1,642,785)

 

See accompanying notes

 

3
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months

ended

March 31, 2019

 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net increase in net assets from operations  $430,137   $455,415 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Investments in portfolio companies   (1,740,188)   (650,012)
Proceeds from sale of portfolio investments   4,538,947    - 
Proceeds from loan repayments   -    3,500,000 
Net realized gain on portfolio investments   (2,393,451)   (40,500)
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments before income taxes   728,323    (522,296)
Deferred income tax expense   1,431,820    99,737 
Depreciation and amortization   9,418    8,842 
Original issue discount amortization   (15,691)   (10,191)
Non-cash conversion of debenture interest   (71,425)   (101,398)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Decrease in interest receivable   3,676    8,318 
Decrease (increase) in other assets   136,104    (326,882)
Decrease in prepaid income taxes   303,380    292,588 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses   7,879    (91,676)
Decrease in profit sharing and bonus payable   (80,000)   (125,000)
Decrease in deferred revenue   (3,746)   (31,469)
Total adjustments   2,855,046    2,010,061 
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,285,183    2,465,476 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from SBA debentures   -    2,250,000 
Origination costs to SBA   -    (54,563)
Net cash provided by financing activities   -    2,195,437 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   3,285,183    4,660,913 
Cash and cash equivalents:          
Beginning of period   25,815,720    4,033,792 
End of period  $29,100,903   $8,694,705 

 

See accompanying notes

 

4
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent
of Net
Assets
 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments – 42.1% of net assets: (j)                          
                           
ACV Auctions, Inc. (e)(g)  1,181,160 Series A Preferred.  8/12/16   <1%  $163,000   $6,531,815    12.1%
Buffalo, NY. Live mobile wholesale auctions for new and used car dealers. (Software)                          
www.acvauctions.com                          
                           
Advantage 24/7 LLC (g)  $140,000 Term Note at 7%   12/30/10   0%           0.1%
Williamsville, NY. Marketing program for wine and  due January 1, 2022           65,000    65,000      
spirits dealers. (Marketing Company)                         
www.advantage24-7.com                          
                           
AIKG LLC (Andretti) (e)(l)  $4,250,000 Term Notes at   11/8/19   0%           8.2%
Marietta, GA. Entertainment company engaged in  12% (+4% PIK) due December 28,                       
indoor karting, games and food. (Entertainment)   2023.           4,442,595     4,442,595      
www.andrettikarting.com                          
                           
Apollo Investment Corporation   35,000 shares  3/16/20   <1%   364,084    253,633    0.5%
NASDAQ: AINV (n)                          
New York, NY.                          
                           
Ares Capital Corporation NASDAQ: ARCC (n)  27,000 shares  3/16/20   <1%   343,460    294,390    0.5%
New York, NY.                          
                           
Centivo Corporation (e)(g)  190,967 Series A-1 Preferred.  7/5/17   <1%   200,000    200,000    0.6%
New York, NY. Tech-enabled health solutions  337,808 Series A-2 Preferred.           101,342    101,342      
company that helps self-insured employers   Total Centivo           301,342    301,342      
and employees save money and have a better experience their. (Health Care)                          
www.centivo.com                          
                           

Empire Genomics, LLC (g)

  $1,209,014 Senior Secured  6/13/14   0%           1.1%
Buffalo, NY. Molecular diagnostics company that  Convertible Term Notes at 10%                       
offers a comprehensive menu of assay services for   due December 31, 2020.           1,308,675    157,654      
diagnosing and guiding patient therapeutic treatments.  $444,915 Promissory Note at 9%                       
(Health Care)  (5% deferred) due December 31,                     
www.empiregenomics.com   2020.           444,915    444,915      
   Total Empire           1,753,590    602,569      
                           

First Wave Technologies, Inc. (e)(g)

Batavia, NY. Sells First Crush automated pill crusher that crushes and grinds pills for nursing homes and medical institutions. (Health Care)

  670,443.2 Class A Common.  4/19/12   4%   661,563    33,000    0.1%
www.firstwavetechnologies.com                          
                           

FS KKR Capital Corp. NYSE: FSK (n)

Philadelphia, PA.

  100,000 shares  3/16/20   <1%   338,980    312,333    0.6%
                           

GiveGab, Inc. (e)(g)

  5,084,329 Series Seed Preferred.  3/13/13   4%   616,221    616,221    1.1%
Ithaca, NY. Nonprofit giving platform that provides an easy and effective way for fundraising professionals to raise money online. (Software)
                       
www.givegab.com                          
                           
Golub Capital BDC, Inc. NASDAQ: GBDC (n)  25,000 shares  3/16/20   <1%   346,597    316,000    0.6%
New York, NY.                          
                           
GoNoodle, Inc. (g)(l)
  $1,500,000 Secured Note at 12%  2/6/15   <1%           2.8%
Nashville, TN. Student engagement education  (1% PIK) due September 30, 2024.           1,506,21    1,506,214      
software providing core aligned physical activity   Warrant for 47,324 Series C                     
breaks. (Software)  Preferred.           25    25      
www.gonoodle.com  Warrant for 21,948 Series D                     
   Preferred.           38    38      
  Total GoNoodle           1,506,277    1,506,277      

 

5
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent of Net Assets 

HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays) (l)

  $1,245,119 Term Loan at 12% (+2%  11/8/19   0%           2.3%
Greenville, NC. HDI is engaged in manufacturing,  PIK) due June 20, 2023.           1,255,856    1,255,856      
installation and maintenance of signage and brands.                          
(Manufacturing)                          
www.hiltondisplays.com                          
                           

Lumious (Tech 2000, Inc.) (g)

  $850,000 Replacement Term Note at  11/16/18   0%           1.6%
Herndon, VA. Develops and delivers IT training.  14% due November 15, 2021.           860,777    860,777      
(Software) www.t2000inc.com                          
                           

Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (e)(l)

  $1,031,406 Second Amended, Restated   11/8/19   0%           1.9%
Dallas, TX. Provider of upscale salon spaces for  and Consolidated Promissory Note at                       
lease. (Professional Services)  14% (2% PIK) due June 9, 2022.           1,041,919    1,041,919      
www.mattisonsalonsuites.com                          
                           

Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (g)

  $1,199,039 Subordinated Secured Note at  10/22/12   4%           0.9%
Williamsville, NY. Full service accounts receivable  13% (3% for the calendar year 2020) due                        
management and collections company. (Contact Center)  January 31, 2022.           1,199,040    500,000      
www.mercantilesolutions.com  (e) $150,000 Subordinated Debenture                       
   at 8% due January 31, 2022.                     
   Warrant for 3.29% Membership Interests.           150,000    -      
   Option for 1.5% Membership Interests.           97,625     -      
  

Total Mercantile

           1,446,665    500,000      
                           

Open Exchange, Inc. (g)

  397,899 Series C Preferred  11/13/13   4%   1,193,697    543,283    2.0%
(Formerly KnowledgeVision Systems, Inc.)  397,899 Common.           208,243    108,656      
Lincoln, MA. Online presentation and training   $450,000 Replacement Term Note at 9%                      
software. (Software)  due September 30, 2022.           450,000    450,000      
www.openexc.com  Total Open Exchange           1,851,940    1,101,939      
                           

Owl Rock Capital Corporation NYSE: ORRC (n)

New York, NY.

  30,000 shares  3/16/20   <1%   347,067    345,700    0.6%
                           

PostProcess Technologies, Inc. (e)(g)

Buffalo, NY. Provides innovative solutions for the post-processing of additive manufactured 3D parts. (Manufacturing) www.postprocess.com

  360,002 Series A1 Preferred.  7/25/16   <1%   348,875    471,603    0.9%
                           

Rheonix, Inc. (e)

  9,676 Common.  10/29/09   4%   -    -    1.3%
Ithaca, NY. Developer of fully automated microfluidic   (g) 1,839,422 Series A Preferred.           2,099,999    -      
based molecular assay and diagnostic testing devices.   (g) 50,593 Common.           -    -      
(Health Care) www.rheonix.com  (g) 589,420 Series B Preferred.           702,732    702,732      
   Total Rheonix           2,802,731    702,732      
                           

SocialFlow, Inc. (e)(g)

  1,049,538 Series B Preferred.  4/5/13   4%   500,000    209,908    1.4%
New York, NY. Provides instant analysis of social  1,204,819 Series B-1 Preferred.           750,000    324,761      
networks using a proprietary, predictive analytic   717,772 Series C Preferred.           500,000    215,332      
algorithm to optimize advertising and publishing.   Total Social Flow           1,750,000    750,000      
(Software) www.socialflow.com                       
                           

Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (e)(m)

Columbus, OH. Natural gas transportation.

(Oil and Gas) www.somersetgas.com

  26.5337 Units.  7/10/02   3%   719,097    500,000    0.9%

 

6
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

    Cost    

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

    Percent of Net Assets  
Other Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments:                                
DataView, LLC (e)   Membership Interest.   10/1/98     5 %     310,357       -       0.0 %
(Software)                                        
                                         

UStec/Wi3 (e)

  Common stock.   12/17/98     <1 %     100,500       -       0.0 %

(Manufacturing)

 Subtotal Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments

                  $ 23,738,493     $ 22,805,701          
                                         

Affiliate Investments – 24.4% of net assets (k)

BeetNPath, LLC (Grainful) (e)(g)(m)

Ithaca, NY. Frozen entrées made from 100% whole grain steel cut oats under  

                                       
  1,119,024 Series A-2 Preferred Membership Units.   10/20/14     9 %   $ 359,000     $ -       0.0 %
  1,032,918 Series B Preferred Membership Units.                 261,277       -          
  $262,626.64 Convertible Secured Notes at 8% due December 21, 2019.                 262,627       -          
  Total BeetNPath                 882,904       -          
                                         

Carolina Skiff LLC (e)(g)(m)

Waycross, GA. Manufacturer of ocean fishing and pleasure boats. (Manufacturing)

www.carolinaskiff.com

  6.0825% Class A Common Membership Interest.   1/30/04     7 %     15,000       1,750,000       3.2 %
                                         

ClearView Social, Inc. (e)(g)

Buffalo, NY. Social media publishing tool for law, CPA and professional firms. (Software)

www.clearviewsocial.com

  312,500 Series Seed Plus Preferred.   1/4/16     6 %     200,000       200,000       0.4 %
                                         

Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (l)(m)

  $2,283,702 Term Note at 12% (+2%   11/8/19     9 %                     5.3 %
Deerfield Beach, FL. Provides spray booth   PIK) due December 4, 2023.                 2,314,294       2,314,294          
equipment, frame repair machines and paint booth   562.5 Class A Units                 562,500       562,500          
filter services for collision shops. (Automotive)   Total Filterworks                 2,876,794       2,876,794          
www.filterworksusa.com                                        
                                   

Genicon, Inc. (e)(g)(l)
Winter Park, FL. Designs, produces and distributes patented surgical instrumentation. (Health Care)

www.geniconendo.com 

  1,586,902 Series B Preferred.   4/10/15     6 %     1,000,000       -       0.5 %
  $3,250,000 Promissory Notes at 10% due June 12, 2022, (10% PIK).                 3,737,764       -          
  $250,000 Promissory Note at 10% due June 12, 2021 (10% PIK).                 262,184       250,000          
  Warrants for Common.                 120,000       -          
  Total Genicon                 5,119,948       250,000          
                                         

Knoa Software, Inc. (e)(g)
New York, NY. End user experience management and performance (EMP) solutions utilizing enterprise applications. (Software)

www.knoa.com 

  973,533 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.   11/20/12     7 %     750,000       750,000       2.3 %
  1,876,922 Series B Preferred.                 479,155       479,155          
  Total Knoa                 1,229,155       1,229,155          
                                         

Mezmeriz, Inc. (e)(g)

Ithaca, NY. Technology company developing novel reality capture tools for 3D mapping, reality modeling, object tracking and classification. (Electronics Developer)

www.mezmeriz.com

  1,554,565 Series Seed Preferred.   1/9/08     12 %     742,850       -       0.0 %
                                         

Microcision LLC (g)

 

  $1,500,000 Subordinated   9/24/09     5 %                     2.8 %
  Promissory Note at 11% due January 10, 2025.                 1,395,500       1,395,500          
  Membership Interest Purchase Warrant for 5%.                 110,000       110,000          
  Total Microcision                 1,505,500       1,505,500          

 

7
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

    Cost    

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

    Percent of Net Assets  

New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (e)(g)

Cortland, NY. Manufactures and services vertical/horizontal machining centers. (Manufacturing)

www.monarchmt.com

  22.84 Common.   9/24/03     15 %     22,841       22,841       0.0 %
                                         

OnCore Golf Technology, Inc. (e)(g)

Buffalo, NY. Patented and proprietary golf balls utilizing technology and innovation. (Consumer Product)

www.oncoregolf.com

  300,483 Preferred AA.   12/31/14     8 %     752,712       300,000       0.6 %
                                         
SciAps, Inc. (e)(g)   187,500 Series A Preferred.   7/12/13     6 %     1,500,000       -       2.0 %
Woburn, MA. Instrumentation company   274,299 Series A1 Convertible Preferred.                 504,710       -          
producingportable analytical devices using XRF,   117,371 Series B Convertible Preferred.                 250,000       250,000          
LIBS and RAMAN spectroscopy to identify   113,636 Series C Convertible Preferred.                 175,000       175,000          
compounds, minerals, and elements.   369,698 Series C1 Convertible Preferred.                 399,274       399,274          
(Manufacturing)   147,059 Series D Convertible Preferred.                 250,000       250,000          
www.sciaps.com    Total SciAps                 3,078,984       1,074,274          
                                         
Teleservices Solutions Holdings, LLC (e)(g)(l)   250,000 Class B Preferred Units.   5/30/14     6 %     250,000       -       0.0 %
Montvale, NJ. Customer contact center   1,000,000 Class C Preferred Units.                 1,190,680       -          
specializing in customer acquisition and retention   80,000 Class D Preferred Units.                 91,200       -          
for selected industries. (Contact Center)   104,198 Class E Preferred Units.                 -       -          
www.ipacesetters.com    PIK dividend for Series C and D at 12%                                    
    and 14%, respectively.                 104,198       -          
    Total Teleservices                 1,636,078       -          
                                     
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (g)   120,000 Series B Preferred.   1/20/15     9 %     600,000       1,950,000       7.3 %
 Portland, ME. Provides network deployment   21,391 Series C Preferred.                 200,000       347,604          
 construction and information system services   70,176 Series D Preferred.                 800,000       1,140,360          
 management for cellular, fiber optic and wireless   15,385 Series E Preferred.                 500,012       500,012          
 systems providers. Its affiliated entity, SQF, LLC is   211,567 SQF Hold Co. Common.                 -       22,036          
 a CLEC supporting small cell 5G deployment.   Total Tilson                 2,100,012       3,960,012          

(Professional Services)

www.tilsontech.com

                                       
                                         
Other Affiliate Investments:                                        
G-TEC Natural Gas Systems (e)(m)   Membership Interest   8/31/99     17 %     400,000       -       0.0 %
(Manufacturing)                                        
                                         
Subtotal Affiliate Investments                   $ 20,562,778     $ 13,168,576          
Total investments – 66.5%                   $ 44,301,271     $ 35,974,277          
Other Assets in excess of liabilities – 33.5%                             18,084,376          
Net Assets – 100%                           $ 54,058,653          

 

8
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Notes to the Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments

 

(a) At March 31, 2020, restricted securities represented 96% of the fair value of the investment portfolio. Restricted securities are subject to one or more restrictions on resale and are not freely marketable. Type of investment for equity position is in form of shares unless otherwise noted as units or interests, i.e., preferred shares, common shares.

 

(b) The Date Acquired column indicates the date on which the Corporation first acquired an investment in the company or a predecessor company.

 

(c) Each equity percentage estimates the Corporation’s ownership interest in the applicable 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 warrants or conversion of debentures, or other available data. If applicable, the symbol “<1%” indicates that the Corporation holds an equity interest of less than one percent.

 

(d) The Corporation’s investments are carried at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which defines fair value and establishes guidelines for measuring fair value. At March 31, 2020, ASC 820 designates 96% of the Corporation’s investments as “Level 3” assets. Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly traded securities are valued at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the reporting period. Restricted securities are subject to restrictions on resale, and are valued at fair value as determined by our external investment advisor Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”) and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Fair value is considered to be the amount that the Corporation may reasonably expect to receive for portfolio securities when 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 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 (see Note 3. “Investments” to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

(e) These investments are non-income producing. All other investments are income producing. Non-income producing investments have not generated cash payments of interest or dividends including LLC tax-related distributions within the last twelve months, or are not expected to do so going forward. However, if a debt or a preferred equity fails to make its most recent payment, then the investment will also be classified as non-income producing.

 

(f) As of March 31, 2020, the total cost of investment securities was approximately $44.3 million. Net unrealized depreciation was approximately ($8.3) million, which was comprised of $10.1 million of unrealized appreciation of investment securities and ($18.4) million of unrealized depreciation of investment securities. At March 31, 2020, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for federal income tax purposes was $10.1 million and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was ($17.2) million. The net unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was ($7.1) million based on a tax cost of $43.1 million.

 

(g) Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. investment.

 

(h) Reduction in cost and value from previously reported balances reflects current principal repayment. None at March 31, 2020.

 

(i) Represents interest due (amounts over $50,000) from investments included as interest receivable on the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. (None at March 31, 2020.)

 

(j) Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments are investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

 

(k) Affiliate Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as those Non-Control investments in companies in which between 5% and 25% of the voting securities are owned by the Corporation.

 

(l) Payment in kind (PIK) represents earned interest that is added to the cost basis of the investment.

 

(m) Equity holdings are held in a wholly owned (100%) “blocker corporation” of Rand Capital Corporation or Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. for federal income tax and Regulated Investment Company (RIC) compliance.

 

(n) Publicly traded company.

 

9
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates
Company  Type of Investment  December 31,
2019 Fair Value
   Gross Additions (1)   Gross Reductions (2)   March 31, 2020 Fair Value   Net Realized Gains (Losses)  

Amount of Interest/

Dividend/

Fee Income (3)

 
Control Investments:                                 
   Total Control Investments  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
                                  
Affiliate Investments:                                 
BeetNPath, LLC  1,119,024 Series A-2 Preferred Membership Units.  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
   1,032,918 Series B Preferred Membership Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   $262,626.64 Convertible Secured Notes at 8%.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Total BeetNPath   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                  
Carolina Skiff LLC  6.0825% Class A Common Membership interest.   1,750,000    -    -    1,750,000    -    - 
                                  
ClearView Social, Inc.  312,500 Series Seed Plus Preferred.   200,000    -    -    200,000    -    - 
                                  
Filterworks   $2,283,702 Term Note at 12%.   2,302,653    11,641    -    2,314,294    -    81,488 
Acquisition USA, LLC  562.5 Class A Units.   562.500    -    -    562,500    -    - 
   Total Filterworks   2,865,153    11,641    -    2,876,794    -    81,488 
                                  
Genicon, Inc.  1,586,902 Series B Preferred.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   $3,250,000 Promissory Notes at 10%.   500,000    -    (500,000)   -    -    11,441 
   $250,000 Promissory Note at 10%   250,000    -    -    250,000    -    - 
   Warrant for Common.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Total Genicon   750,000    -    (500,000)   250,000    -    11,441 
                                  
G-TEC Natural Gas Systems  16.639% Class A Membership Interest. 8% cumulative dividend.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                  
Knoa Software, Inc.  973,533 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.   750,000    -    -    750,000    -    - 
   1,876,922 Series B Preferred.   479,155    -    -    479,155    -    - 
   Total Knoa   1,229,155    -    -    1,229,155    -    - 
                                  
Mezmeriz, Inc.  1,554,565 Series Seed Preferred.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                  
Microcision  $1,500,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at 10%   -    1,395,500    -    1,395,500    -    47,167 
   Membership Interest Purchase Warrant for 5%   -    110,000    -    110,000    56,916    0 
   Total Microcision   -    1,505,500    -    1,505,500    56,916    47,167 
New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc.  22.84 Common.   22,841    -    -    22,841    -      
                                  
OnCore Golf Technology, Inc.  300,483 Series AA Preferred.   300,000    -    -    300,000    -    - 
                                  
SciAps, Inc.  187,500 Series A Preferred.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   274,299 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   117,371 Series B Convertible Preferred.   250,000    -    -    250,000    -    - 
   113,636 Series C Convertible Preferred.   175,000    -    -    175,000    -    - 
   369,698 Series C-1 Convertible Preferred.   399,274    -    -    399,274    -    - 
   147,059 Series D Convertible Preferred.   250,000    -    -    250,000    -    - 
   Total SciAps   1,074,274    -    -    1,074,274    -    - 
                                  
Teleservices Solutions   250,000 Class B Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Holdings, LLC  1,000,000 Class C Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   80,000 Class D Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   104,198 Class E Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Total Teleservices   -    -    -    -    -    - 

 

10
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates
Company  Type of Investment  December 31,
2019 Fair Value
   Gross Additions (1)   Gross Reductions (2)   March 31, 2020 Fair Value   Net Realized Gains (Losses)  

Amount of Interest/

Dividend/

Fee Income (3)

 
Tilson Technology   120,000 Series B Preferred.   1,950,000    -    -    1,950,000    -   13,125 
Management, Inc.  21,391 Series C Preferred.   347,604    -    -    347,604    -    - 
   70,176 Series D Preferred.   1,140,360    -    -    1,140,360    -    - 
   15,385 Series E Preferred.   500,012    -    -    500,012    -    - 
   211,567 SQF Hold Co. Common.   22,036    -    -    22,036    -      
   $200,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at 8%.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   $800,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at 8%.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Total Tilson   3,960,012    -         3,960,012    -    13,125 
                                  
   Total Affiliate Investments  $12,151,435   $1,517,141   $(500,000)  $13,168,576   $56,916   $153,221 
   Total Control and Affiliate Investments  $12,151,435   $1,517,141   $(500,000)  $13,168,576   $56,916   $153,221 

 

This schedule should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(1) Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new portfolio investments, follow on investments, capitalized interest and the accretion of discounts. Gross additions also include net increases in unrealized appreciation or net decreases in unrealized depreciation, and the movement of an existing portfolio company into this category and out of another category.

 

(2) Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments, sales, note conversions, net increases in unrealized depreciation, net decreases in unrealized appreciation, the exchange of existing securities for new securities and the movement of an existing portfolio company out of this category and into another category.

 

(3) Represents the total amount of interest, fees or dividends credited to income for the portion of the period an investment was included in Control or Affiliate categories, respectively.

 

11
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020 (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Industry Classification  Percentage of Total Investments (at fair value)
as of March 31, 2020
 
Software   35.6%
Manufacturing   16.9 
Professional Services   13.9 
Entertainment   12.3 
Automotive   8.0 
Healthcare   5.3 
BDC Investment Fund   4.2 
Contact Center   1.4 
Oil and Gas   1.4 
Consumer Product   0.8 
Marketing   0.2 
Total Investments   100%

 

12
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent of Net Assets 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments – 46.3% of net assets: (j)                          
                           
ACV Auctions, Inc. (e)(g)  1,181,160 Series A Preferred.  8/12/16   <1%  $163,000   $6,531,815    12.2%
Buffalo, NY. Live mobile wholesale auctions for new and used car dealers. (Software)                          
www.acvauctions.com                          
                           
Advantage 24/7 LLC (g)(h)  $140,000 Term Note at 7% due  12/30/10   0%             0.1%
Williamsville, NY. Marketing program for wine and   January 1, 2022           65,000    65,000      
spirits dealers. (Marketing Company)                          
www.advantage24-7.com                          
                           
AIKG LLC (Andretti) (l)  $4,250,000 Term Notes at 12%  11/8/19   0%             8.2%
Marietta, GA. Entertainment company engaged in   (+4% PIK) due December 28, 2023.           4,398,125    4,398,125      
indoor karting, games and food. (Entertainment)                          
www.andrettikarting.com                          
                           
Centivo Corporation (e)(g)  190,967 Series A-1 Preferred.  7/5/17   <1%   200,000    200,000    0.6%
New York, NY. Tech-enabled health solutions  337,808 Series A-2 Preferred.           101,342    101,342      
company that helps self-insured employers and their  Total Centivo           301,342    301,342      
employees save money and have a better experience.                       
(Health Care)                          
www.centivo.com                          
                           
Empire Genomics, LLC (g)  $1,209,014 Senior Secured  6/13/14   0%             1.1%
Buffalo, NY. Molecular diagnostics company that   Convertible Term Notes at 10%                      
offers a comprehensive menu of assay services for  due December 31, 2020.           1,308,675     157,654       

diagnosing and guiding patient therapeutic

  $444,915 Promissory Note at 9% (5%                     
treatments. (Health Care) www.empiregenomics.com  deferred) due December 31, 2020.           444,915     444,915       
  Total Empire           1,753,590    602,569      
                           
First Wave Technologies, Inc. (e)(g)  670,443.2 Class A Common.  4/19/12   4%   661,563    33,000    0.1%
Batavia, NY. Sells First Crush automated pill crusher that crushes and grinds pills for nursing homes and medical institutions. (Health Care)
www.firstwavetechnologies.com
                          
                           
GiveGab, Inc. (e)(g)  5,084,329 Series Seed Preferred.  3/13/13   4%   616,221    616,221    1.1%
Ithaca, NY. Nonprofit giving platform that provides an easy and effective way for fundraising professionals to raise money online. (Software)
www.givegab.com
                          
                           
GoNoodle, Inc. (g)(l)  $1,500,000 Secured Note at 12%  2/6/15   <1%             2.8%
Nashville, TN. Student engagement education  (1% PIK) due September 30, 2024.           1,502,458    1,502,458      
software providing core aligned physical activity   Warrant for 47,324 Series C Preferred.           25    25      
breaks. (Software) www.gonoodle.com  Warrant for 21,948 Series D Preferred.           38    38      
   Total GoNoodle           1,502,521    1,502,521      
                           
HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays) (l)  $1,245,119 Term Loan at 12%  11/8/19   0%             2.3%
Greenville, NC. HDI is engaged in manufacturing,  (+2% PIK) due June 20, 2023.           1,249,539    1,249,539      
installation and maintenance of signage and brands.                           
(Manufacturing)                          
www.hiltondisplays.com                          
                           
Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (l)  $1,031,406 Second Amended,  11/8/19   0%             1.9%
Dallas, TX. Provider of upscale salon spaces for   Restated and Consolidated Promissory                      
lease. (Professional Services)  Note at 14% (2% PIK)                     
www.mattisonsalonsuites.com  due June 9, 2022.            1,036,678     1,036,678      

 

13
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website
 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent of Net Assets 
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (g)  $1,199,039 Subordinated Secured Note  10/22/12   4%             0.9%
Williamsville, NY. Full service accounts receivable management and collections company.  at 13% (3% for the calendar year 2019) due January 31, 2022.           1,199,040    500,000      
(Contact Center) www.mercantilesolutions.com  (e) $150,000 Subordinated Debenture at 8% due January 31, 2022.           150,000    -      
   Warrant for 3.29% Membership Interests. Option for 1.5% Membership Interests.           97,625    -      
   Total Mercantile           1,446,665    500,000      
                           
Microcision LLC (g)(l)  $1,500,000 Subordinated Promissory  9/24/09   0%             2.8%
Pennsauken Township, NJ. Manufacturer of  Note at 12% (1% PIK) due December                       
precision machined medical implants, components  31, 2024.           1,500,000    1,500,000      
and assemblies. (Manufacturing)                          
www.microcision.com                          
                           
Open Exchange, Inc. (g)  397,899 Series C Preferred  11/13/13   4%   1,193,697    543,283    2.1%
(Formerly KnowledgeVision Systems, Inc.)  397,899 Common.           208,243    108,656      
Lincoln, MA. Online presentation and training software. (Software)  $450,000 Replacement Term Note at 9% due September 30, 2022.           450,000    450,000      
www.openexc.com  Total Open Exchange           1,851,940    1,101,939      
                           
Outmatch Holdings, LLC (e)(g)  3,081,522 Class P1 Units.  11/18/10   4%   2,140,007    2,140,007    4.0%
Dallas, TX. Web based predictive employee  109,788 Class C1 Units.           5,489    5,489      
selection and reference checking. (Software)  Total Outmatch           2,145,496    2,145,496      
www.outmatch.com                          
                           
PostProcess Technologies, Inc. (e)(g)  360,002 Series A1 Preferred.  7/25/16   <1%    348,875    471,603    0.9%
Buffalo, NY. Provides innovative solutions for the post-processing of additive manufactured 3D parts.
(Manufacturing) www.postprocess.com
                          
                           

Rheonix, Inc. (e)

  9,676 Common.  10/29/09   4%   -    -    1.3%
Ithaca, NY. Developer of fully automated  (g) 1,839,422 Series A Preferred.           2,099,999    -      
microfluidic based molecular assay and diagnostic  (g) 50,593 Common.           -    -      
testing devices. (Health Care)  (g) 589,420 Series B Preferred.           702,732    702,732      
www.rheonix.com  Total Rheonix           2,802,731    702,732      
                           
SocialFlow, Inc. (e)(g)  1,049,538 Series B Preferred.  4/5/13   4%   500,000    209,908    1.4%
New York, NY. Provides instant analysis of social  1,204,819 Series B-1 Preferred.           750,000    324,761      
networks using a proprietary, predictive analytic  717,772 Series C Preferred.           500,000    215,332      
algorithm to optimize advertising and publishing.  Total Social Flow           1,750,000    750,000      
(Software) www.socialflow.com                          
                           
Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (e)(m)  26.5337 Units.  7/10/02   3%   719,097    500,000    0.9%
Columbus, OH. Natural gas transportation.
(Oil and Gas) www.somersetgas.com
                          
                           
Tech 2000, Inc. (Lumious) (g)  $850,000 Replacement Term Note at  11/16/18   0%             1.6%
Herndon, VA. Develops and delivers IT training.  14% due November 15, 2021.           860,777    860,777      
(Software) www.t2000inc.com                          
                           
Other Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments:                          
                           
DataView, LLC (e)  Membership Interest.  10/1/98   5%   310,357    -    0.0%
(Software)                          
                           
UStec/Wi3 (e)  Common stock.  12/17/98   <1%    100,500    -    0.0%
(Manufacturing)                          
                           
Subtotal Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments             $25,584,017   $24,869,357      

 

14
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website

 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent of Net Assets 
Affiliate Investments – 22.7% of net assets (k)                          
                           
BeetNPath, LLC (Grainful) (e)(g)(m)  1,119,024 Series A-2 Preferred  10/20/14   9%             0.0%
Ithaca, NY. Frozen entrées made from 100%  Membership Units.          $359,000   $-      
whole grain steel cut oats under Grainful brand  1,032,918 Series B Preferred Membership Units.           261,277    -      

name. (Consumer Product)

www.grainful.com

  $262,626.64 Convertible Secured Notes at 8% due December 21, 2019.           262,627    -      
   Total BeetNPath           882,904    -      
                           

Carolina Skiff LLC (g)(m) 

  6.0825% Class A Common Membership  1/30/04   7%             3.3%
Waycross, GA. Manufacturer of ocean fishing  Interest.           15,000    1,750,000      
and pleasure boats. (Manufacturing)
www.carolinaskiff.com
                          
                           

ClearView Social, Inc. (e)(g) 

  312,500 Series Seed Plus Preferred.  1/4/16   6%   200,000    200,000    0.4%
Buffalo, NY. Social media publishing tool for law, CPA and professional firms. (Software)
www.clearviewsocial.com
                          
                           
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (l)(m)  $2,283,702 Term Note at 12% (+2%  11/8/19   9%             5.3%
Deerfield Beach, FL. Provides spray booth  PIK) due December 4, 2023.           2,302,653    2,302,653      
equipment, frame repair machines and paint booth  562.5 Class A Units           562,500    562,500      
filter services for collision shops. (Automotive)  Total Filterworks           2,865,153    2,865,153      
www.filterworksusa.com                          
                           
Genicon, Inc. (e)(g)(l)  1,586,902 Series B Preferred.  4/10/15   6%   1,000,000    -    1.4%
Winter Park, FL. Designs, produces and distributes patented surgical instrumentation.  $3,250,000 Promissory Notes at 10% due June 12, 2022, (10% PIK).           3,727,573    500,000      
(Health Care)  $250,000 Promissory Note at 10% due                       
www.geniconendo.com  June 12, 2021 (10% PIK).           262,184    250,000      
   Warrants for Common.           120,000    -      
   Total Genicon           5,109,757    750,000      
                           
Knoa Software, Inc. (e)(g)  973,533 Series A-1 Convertible  11/20/12   7%             2.3%
New York, NY. End user experience  Preferred.           750,000    750,000      
management and performance (EMP) solutions  1,876,922 Series B Preferred.           479,155    479,155      
utilizing enterprise applications. (Software)  Total Knoa           1,229,155    1,229,155      
www.knoa.com                          
                           
Mezmeriz, Inc. (e)(g)  1,554,565 Series Seed Preferred.  1/9/08   12%   742,850    -    0.0%
Ithaca, NY. Technology company developing novel reality capture tools for 3D mapping, reality modeling, object tracking and classification. (Electronics Developer)
www.mezmeriz.com
                          
                           
New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (g)  22.84 Common.  9/24/03   15%   22,841    22,841    0.0%
Cortland, NY. Manufactures and services vertical/horizontal machining centers. (Manufacturing)
www.monarchmt.com
                          
                           
OnCore Golf Technology, Inc. (e)(g)  300,483 Preferred AA.  12/31/14   8%   752,712    300,000    0.6%
Buffalo, NY. Patented and proprietary golf balls utilizing technology and innovation.
(Consumer Product)
www.oncoregolf.com
                          

 

15
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Company, Geographic Location, Business
Description, (Industry) and Website

 

(a)

Type of Investment

 

(b)

Date

Acquired

 

(c)

Equity

   Cost  

(d)(f)

Fair

Value

   Percent of Net Assets 
                       
SciAps, Inc. (e)(g)  187,500 Series A Preferred.  7/12/13   6%   1,500,000    -    2.0%
Woburn, MA. Instrumentation company  274,299 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.           504,710    -      
producing portable analytical devices using XRF,   117,371 Series B Convertible Preferred.           250,000    250,000      
LIBS and RAMAN spectroscopy to identify  113,636 Series C Convertible Preferred.           175,000    175,000      
compounds, minerals, and elements.   369,698 Series C-1 Convertible Preferred.           399,274    399,274      
(Manufacturing)  147,059 Series D Convertible Preferred.           250,000    250,000      
www.sciaps.com  Total SciAps           3,078,984    1,074,274      
                           
Teleservices Solutions Holdings, LLC (e) (g)(l)  250,000 Class B Preferred Units.  5/30/14   6%   250,000    -    0.0%
Montvale, NJ. Customer contact center  1,000,000 Class C Preferred Units.           1,190,680    -      
specializing in customer acquisition and retention  80,000 Class D Preferred Units.           91,200    -      
for selected industries. (Contact Center)  104,198 Class E Preferred Units.                       
www.ipacesetters.com  PIK dividend for Series C and D at 12% and 14%, respectively.           104,198    -      
   Total Teleservices           1,636,078    -      
                           
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (g)(h)  120,000 Series B Preferred.  1/20/15   9%   600,000    1,950,000    7.4%
Portland, ME. Provides network deployment  21,391 Series C Preferred.           200,000    347,604      
construction and information system services  70,176 Series D Preferred.           800,000    1,140,360      
management for cellular, fiber optic and wireless  15,385 Series E Preferred.           500,012    500,012      
systems providers. Its affiliated entity, SQF, LLC  211,567 SQF Hold Co. Common.           -    22,036      
is a CLEC supporting small cell 5G deployment.  Total Tilson           2,100,012    3,960,012      
(Professional Services)
www.tilsontech.com
                          
                           
Other Affiliate Investments:                          
                           
G-TEC Natural Gas Systems(e)(m) (Manufacturing)  Membership Interest  8/31/99   17%   400,000    -    0.0%
                           
Subtotal Affiliate Investments             $19,035,446   $12,151,435      
                           
Total investments – 69%             $44,619,463   $37,020,792      
Other Assets in excess of liabilities – 31%                   16,607,724      
Net Assets – 100%                  $53,628,516      

 

16
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Notes to the Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments

 

(a) At December 31, 2019, restricted securities represented 100% of the fair value of the investment portfolio. Restricted securities are subject to one or more restrictions on resale and are not freely marketable. Type of investment for equity position is in form of shares unless otherwise noted as units or interests, i.e., preferred shares, common shares.

 

(b) The Date Acquired column indicates the date on which the Corporation first acquired an investment in the company or a predecessor company.

 

(c) Each equity percentage estimates the Corporation’s ownership interest in the applicable 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 warrants or conversion of debentures, or other available data. If applicable, the symbol “<1%” indicates that the Corporation holds an equity interest of less than one percent.

 

(d) The Corporation’s investments are carried at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which defines fair value and establishes guidelines for measuring fair value. At December 31, 2019, ASC 820 designates 100% of the Corporation’s investments as “Level 3” assets. Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly traded securities are valued at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the reporting period. Restricted securities are subject to restrictions on resale, and are valued at fair value as determined by RCM and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Fair value is considered to be the amount that the Corporation may reasonably expect to receive for portfolio securities when 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 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 (see Note 3. “Investments” to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

(e) These investments are non-income producing. All other investments are income producing. Non-income producing investments have not generated cash payments of interest or dividends including LLC tax-related distributions within the last twelve months, or are not expected to do so going forward. However, if a debt or a preferred equity fails to make its most recent payment, then the investment will also be classified as non-income producing.

 

(f) As of December 31, 2019, the total cost of investment securities was approximately $44.6 million. Net unrealized depreciation was approximately ($7.6) million, which was comprised of $10.1 million of unrealized appreciation of investment securities and ($17.7) million of unrealized depreciation of investment securities. At December 31, 2019, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for federal income tax purposes was $10.2 million and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was ($14.7) million. The net unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was ($4.5) million based on a tax cost of $41.4 million.

 

(g) Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. investment.

 

(h) Reduction in cost and value from previously reported balances reflects current principal repayment.

 

(i) Represents interest due (amounts over $50,000) from investments included as interest receivable on the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. (None at December 31, 2019)

 

(j) Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments are investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

 

(k) Affiliate Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as those Non-Control investments in companies in which between 5% and 25% of the voting securities are owned by the Corporation.

 

(l) Payment in kind (PIK) represents earned interest that is added to the cost basis of the investment.

 

(m) Equity holdings are held in a wholly owned (100%) “blocker corporation” of Rand Capital Corporation or Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. for federal income tax and Regulated Investment Company (RIC) compliance.

 

17
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates
Company  Type of Investment   December 31, 2018 Fair Value    Gross Additions (1)    Gross Reductions (2)    December 31, 2019 Fair Value     Net Realized Gains (Losses)    

Amount of Interest/

Dividend/

Fee Income (3)

 
Control Investments:                                 
Advantage 24/7 LLC  $140,000 Term Note at 7%.  $99,500   $-   ($99,500)  $-   $40,500   $- 
Gemcor II, LLC      -    -    -    -    39,893    - 
   Total Control Investments  $99,500   $-   ($99,500)  $-   $80,393   $- 
                                  
Affiliate Investments:                                 
BeetNPath, LLC  1,119,024 Series A-2 Preferred Membership Units.  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
   1,032,918 Series B Preferred Membership. Units   261,277    -    (261,277)   -    -    - 
   $262,626.64 Convertible Secured Notes at 8%.   262,627    -    (262,627)   -    -    - 
   Total BeetNPath   523,904    -    (523,904)   -    -    - 
                                  
Carolina Skiff LLC  6.0825% Class A Common Membership interest.   1,750,000    -    -    1,750,000    -    76,914 
                                  
ClearView Social, Inc.  312,500 Series Seed Plus Preferred.   200,000    -    -    200,000    -    - 
                                  
Filterworks  $2,283,702 Term Note at 12%.   -    2,302,653    -    2,302,653    -    47,368 
Acquisition USA, LLC  562.5 Class A Units.   -    562,500    -    562,500    -    - 
   Total Filterworks   -    2,865,153    -    2,865,153    -    47,368 
                                  
First Wave Technologies, Inc.  670,443.2 Class A Common.   33,000    -    (33,000)   -    -    - 
                                  
Genicon, Inc.  1,586,902 Series B Preferred.   1,000,000    -    (1,000,000)   -    -    - 
   $3,250,000 Promissory Notes at 10%.   3,385,586    269,164    (3,154,750)   500,000    -    379,469 
   $250,000 Promissory Note at 10%   -    257,797    (7,797)   250,000    -    12,184 
   Warrant for Common.   37,500    -    (37,500)   -    -    - 
   Total Genicon   4,423,086    526,961    (4,200,047)   750,000    -    391,653 
                                  
G-TEC Natural Gas Systems  16.639% Class A Membership Interest. 8% cumulative dividend.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                  
Knoa Software, Inc.  973,533 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.   750,000    -    -    750,000    -    193,934 
   1,876,922 Series B Preferred.   479,155    -    -    479,155    -    - 
   Total Knoa   1,229,155    -    -    1,229,155    -    193,934 
                                  
KnowledgeVision  200,000 Series A-1 Preferred.        -    -    -    -    - 
Systems, Inc.  214,285 Series A-2 Preferred.                  -    -    - 
   129,033 Series A-3 Preferred.   165,001    -    (165,001)   -    -    - 
   $75,000 Subordinated Promissory Notes at 8%.   75,000         (75,000)   -    -    22,000 
   $900,000 Term Note at 13%.   750,000    150,000    (900,000)   -    -    98,142 
   Warrant for 46,743 Series A-3.   35,000    -    (35,000)   -    -    - 
   Total KnowledgeVision   1,025,001    150,000    (1,175,001)   -    -    120,142 
                                  
Mezmeriz, Inc.  1,554,565 Series Seed Preferred.   351,477    -    (351,477)   -    -    - 
                                  
Microcision LLC  $1,500,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at                              
   12% (1% PIK).   1,933,353    14,536    (1,947,889)   -    -    232,874 
   15% Class A Common Membership Interest.   610,000    -    (610,000)   -    1,510,000    - 
   Total Microcision   2,543,353    14,536    (2,557,889)   -    1,510,000    232,874 
                                  
New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc.  22.84 Common.   22,841    -    -    22,841    -      
                                  
OnCore Golf Technology, Inc.  300,483 Series AA Preferred.   300,000    -    -    300,000    -    - 

 

18
 

 

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates
Company  Type of Investment  December 31, 2018 Fair Value   Gross Additions (1)   Gross Reductions (2)   December 31, 2019 Fair Value   Net Realized Gains (Losses)  

Amount of Interest/

Dividend/

Fee Income (3)

 
SciAps, Inc.  187,500 Series A Preferred.   700,000    -    (700,000)   -         - 
   274,299 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred.   250,000    -    (250,000)   -    -    - 
   117,371 Series B Convertible Preferred.   250,000    -    -    250,000    -    - 
   113,636 Series C Convertible Preferred.   175,000    -    -    175,000    -    - 
   369,698 Series C-1 Convertible Preferred.   399,274    -    -    399,274    -    - 
   147,059 Series D Convertible Preferred.   250,000    -    -    250,000    -    - 
   Total SciAps   2,024,274    -    (950,000)   1,074,274    -    - 
                                  
SOMS Technologies, LLC  5,959,490 Series B membership Interests.   -    -    -    -    (472,632)   - 
                                  
Teleservices  250,000 Class B Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Solutions  1,000,000 Class C Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Holdings, LLC  80,000 Class D Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   104,198 Class E Preferred Units.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Total Teleservices   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                  
Tilson nt,  120,000 Series B Preferred.   600,000    1,350,000    -    1,950,000    -    49,958 
Technology  21,391 Series C Preferred.   200,000    147,604    -    347,604    -    - 
Manageme  70,176 Series D Preferred.   800,000    340,360    -    1,140,360    -    - 
Inc.  15,385 Series E Preferred.   -    500,012    -    500,012    -    - 
   211,567 SQF Hold Co. Common.   -    22,036         22,036    -      
   $200,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at 8%.   200,000    -    (200,000)   -    -    47,332 
   $800,000 Subordinated Promissory Note at 8%.   800,000    -    (800,000)   -    -    11,835 
   Total Tilson   2,600,000    2,360,012    (1,000,000)   3,960,012    -    109,125 
                                  
   Total Affiliate Investments  $17,026,091   $3,051,509   ($10,791,318)  $12,151,435   $1,037,368   $1,172,010 
   Total Control and Affiliate Investments  $17,125,591   $3,051,509   ($10,890,818)  $12,151,435   $1,117,761   $1,172,010 

 

This schedule should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(1) Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new portfolio investments, follow on investments, capitalized interest and the accretion of discounts. Gross additions also include net increases in unrealized appreciation or net decreases in unrealized depreciation, and the movement of an existing portfolio company into this category and out of another category.

 

(2) Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments, sales, note conversions, net increases in unrealized depreciation, net decreases in unrealized appreciation, the exchange of existing securities for new securities and the movement of an existing portfolio company out of this category and into another category.

 

(3) Represents the total amount of interest, fees or dividends credited to income for the portion of the period an investment was included in Control or Affiliate categories, respectively.

 

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RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2019 (Continued)

 

Industry Classification  Percentage of Total Investments (at fair value)
as of December 31, 2019
 
Software   40.4%
Manufacturing   16.4 
Professional Services   13.6 
Entertainment   11.9 
Automotive   7.7 
Healthcare   6.4 
Contact Center   1.3 
Oil and Gas   1.3 
Consumer Product   0.8 
Marketing   0.2 
Total Investments   100%

 

20
 

 

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”, “we”, “us” and “our”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in February 1969. We completed our initial public offering in 1971 as an internally managed, closed-end, diversified, investment management company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets” and provide managerial assistance to the portfolio companies in which we invest. See Item 1. Business – Regulations - Business Development Company Regulations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

In 2002, Rand formed a wholly-owned subsidiary for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The subsidiary received an SBA license to operate as an SBIC in 2002. The subsidiary, which had been organized as a Delaware limited partnership, was converted into a New York corporation on December 31, 2008, at which time its operations as a licensed SBIC were continued by the newly formed corporation under the name of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”). In 2012, the SEC (as defined herein) granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC. At that time, although Rand SBIC was operated as if it were a BDC, it was registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Upon Rand’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act.

 

In November 2019, Rand completed a stock sale transaction (the “Closing”) with East Asset Management (“East”). The transaction consisted of a $25 million investment in Rand by East, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock. The consideration paid by East for the shares of Rand common stock was comprised of approximately $15.5 million of cash and a contribution of $9.5 million of portfolio assets (the “Contributed Assets”). Concurrent with the Closing, Rand’s management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser. In connection with retaining RCM as our investment adviser, Rand entered into an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with RCM pursuant to which RCM will serve as Rand’s investment adviser and administrator (the Closing and the retention of RCM as our investment adviser and administrator are collectively referred to herein as the “Transactions”). Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, Rand will pay RCM a base management fee and may pay an incentive fee.

 

In connection with the completion of the Transactions, Rand expects to accelerate its shift to an investment strategy focused on higher yielding debt investments and intends to elect U.S. federal tax treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) as of January 1, 2020 on its timely filed Federal tax return for the 2020 tax year. As required for the RIC election, Rand will pay a special dividend to shareholders to distribute all accumulated earnings and profits. Rand’s Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $23.7 million, or approximately $1.62 per share, which was announced on March 3, 2020. Rand intends to adopt a new dividend policy going forward that may include regular cash dividends to shareholders. In order to qualify to make the RIC election, Rand placed several of its investments in newly formed holding companies that facilitate a tax structure that is advantageous to the RIC election. In December 2019, Rand formed Rand Somerset Holdings Corp., Rand BeetNPath Holdings Corp., Rand Carolina Skiff Holdings Corp., Rand Filterworks Holdings Corp. and Rand GTEC Holdings Corp., (“Blocker Corps”) as wholly owned subsidiaries of Rand to hold certain equity investments. These subsidiaries are consolidated for GAAP financial reporting purposes.

 

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The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Rand SBIC, Rand Somerset Holdings Corp., Rand BeetNPath Holdings Corp., Rand Carolina Skiff Holdings Corp., Rand Filterworks Holdings Corp. and Rand GTEC Holdings Corp., (collectively, the “Corporation”).

 

Our corporate office is located in Buffalo, NY and our website address is www.randcapital.com. We make available free of charge on our website our annual and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our shares are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “RAND”.

 

Recent Developments

 

On April 22, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-9 reverse stock split, such that every holder of Common Stock shall receive one (1) share of Common Stock for every nine (9) shares of Common Stock held (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split. The reverse split will be effective at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 21, 2020

 

Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation – It is our opinion that the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and statement of changes in net assets for the interim periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in audited annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted; however, we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. Our interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Information contained in this filing should also be reviewed in conjunction with our related filings with the SEC prior to the date of this report. Those filings include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

N-54A Election to Adopt Business Development Company status

 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statement of financial position of cash, interest receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term nature of these financial instruments.

 

Fair Value of SBA Debentures - In March 2020, the SBIC Funding Corporation completed a pooling of SBA debentures that have a coupon rate of 2.078%, excluding a mandatory SBA annual charge estimated to be 0.275%, resulting in a total estimated fixed rate for ten years of 2.353%. The carrying value of Rand’s SBA debentures is a reasonable estimate of fair value because their stated interest rates approximate current interest rates that are available for debt with similar terms.

 

Investment Classification – In accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Corporation classifies its investments by level of control. Under the 1940 Act, “Control Investments” are investments in companies that the Corporation is deemed to “Control” because it owns more than 25% of the voting securities of the company or has greater than 50% representation on the company’s board. “Affiliate Investments” are companies in which the Corporation owns between 5% and 25% of the voting securities. “Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments” are those companies that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

 

22
 

 

Investments - Investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by RCM and approved by our Board of Directors. The Corporation invests in loan instruments, debt instruments, and equity instruments. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistent valuation process. The Corporation analyzes and values each investment quarterly, and records unrealized depreciation for an investment that it believes has become impaired, including where collection of a loan or debt security or realization of the recorded value of an equity security is doubtful. Conversely, the Corporation will record unrealized appreciation if it believes that an underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, its equity securities have also appreciated in value. These estimated fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and these differences could be material if RCM’s assumptions and judgments differ from results of actual liquidation events.

 

Qualifying Assets - More than 70% of the Corporation’s investments are in privately held small business enterprises, that were not investment companies, are principally based in the United States, and represent qualifying assets as defined by Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act.

 

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

 

Revenue Recognition - Interest Income - Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis except where the investment is in default or otherwise presumed to be in doubt. In such cases, interest is recognized at the time of receipt. A reserve for possible losses on interest receivable is maintained when appropriate.

 

Rand SBIC’s interest accrual is also regulated by the SBA’s “Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Requirements for Small Business Investment Companies.” Under these rules, interest income cannot be recognized if collection is doubtful, and a 100% reserve must be established. The collection of interest is presumed to be in doubt when there is substantial doubt about a portfolio company’s ability to continue as a going concern or a loan is in default for more than 120 days. Management also uses other qualitative and quantitative measures to determine the value of a portfolio investment and the collectability of any accrued interest.

 

The following investments are on non-accrual status: BeetNPath, LLC (Beetnpath), G-TEC Natural Gas Systems (G-Tec) and a portion of the Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (Mercantile) outstanding loan balance.

 

The Corporation holds debt securities in its investment portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest provisions. PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each debt agreement, is periodically added to the principal balance of the debt and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of this interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment.

 

Revenue Recognition - Dividend Income – The Corporation may receive cash distributions from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies or corporations and these distributions are classified as dividend income on the consolidated statement of operations. Dividend income is recognized on an accrual basis when it can be reasonably estimated.

 

The Corporation may hold preferred equity securities that contain cumulative dividend provisions. Cumulative dividends are recorded as dividend income, if declared and deemed collectible, and any dividends in arrears are recognized into income and added to the balance of the preferred equity investment. The actual collection of these dividends in arrears may be deferred until such time as the preferred equity is redeemed.

 

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Revenue Recognition - Fee Income - Consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of SBIC financings and income associated with portfolio company board attendance fees. The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $3,750 and $35,969 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized a one-time fee of $225,000 in conjunction with the repayment of the eHealth loan instrument.

 

Realized Gain or Loss and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Investments - Amounts reported as realized gains and losses are measured by the difference between the proceeds from the sale or exchange and the cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized gains or losses recorded in prior periods. The cost of securities that have, in management’s judgment, become worthless are written off and reported as realized losses when appropriate. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the difference between the fair value of the investments and the cost basis of the investments.

 

Original Issue Discount – Investments may include “original issue discount” or OID income. This occurs when the Corporation purchases a warrant and a note from a portfolio company simultaneously, which requires an allocation of a portion of the purchase price to the warrant and reduces the note or debt instrument by an equal amount in the form of a note discount or OID. The note is reported net of the OID and the OID is accreted into interest income over the life of the loan. The Corporation recognized $15,691 and $10,191 in OID income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. OID income is estimated to be approximately $22,000 for the remainder of 2020.

 

Deferred Debenture Costs - SBA debenture origination and commitment costs, which are netted against the debenture obligation (See Note 6 “SBA Debentures”), will be amortized ratably over the terms of the SBA debentures. Amortization expense was $9,418 and $8,777 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense on currently outstanding debentures for the next five years is estimated to average approximately $27,000 per year.

 

SBA Debentures - The Corporation had $11,000,000 in outstanding SBA debentures at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate, including the SBA annual fee, of 3.45% at March 31, 2020. The debentures are presented net of deferred debenture costs (See Note 6 “SBA Debentures”). The $11,000,000 in outstanding SBA leverage matures from 2022 through 2029.

 

In the event of a future default of such SBA obligations, the Corporation has consented to the exercise, by the SBA, of all rights of the SBA under 13 C.F.R. 107.1810(i) “SBA remedies for automatic events of default” and has agreed to take all actions that the SBA may so require. These actions may include the Corporation’s automatic consent to the appointment of the SBA, or its designee, as receiver under Section 311(c) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

 

Net Assets per Share - Net assets per share are based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding. The Corporation does not have any common stock equivalents outstanding.

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Income taxes refunded during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were $380,890 and $255,308, respectively. Interest paid during each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $189,023 and $153,513, respectively. The Corporation converted $71,425 and $101,398 of interest receivable into investments during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Accounting Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Net Assets) - At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 500,000 shares of $10.00 par value preferred stock authorized and unissued.

 

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On April 22, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase plan, which authorizes the Corporation to repurchase shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock with an aggregate cost of up to $1,500,000 at prices per share of common stock of no greater than the then current net asset value. This new share repurchase authorization lasts for a period of 12 months from the authorization date, until April 22, 2021. This new share repurchase plan supplants and replaces the share repurchase authorization that was previously approved by the Board of Directors in October 2019. Prior to the April 22, 2020 new share repurchase plan, in October 2019 the Board of Directors extended the repurchase authorization of up to 1,541,046 shares of the Common Stock on the open market at prices no greater than the then current net asset value.

 

Income Taxes – The Corporation intends to elect U.S. federal tax treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) as of January 1, 2020 on its timely filed Federal tax return for the 2020 tax year. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Corporation will be required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each tax year. The Corporation intends to make the requisite distributions to its shareholders, which will generally relieve the Corporation from U.S. federal income taxes with respect to all income distributed to its shareholders.

 

In accordance with GAAP, a net deferred tax asset of $1,451,658 was eliminated as of the RIC election date. This asset related to book/tax differences that are no longer applicable now that the Corporation intends to elect RIC status for income tax purposes.

 

Certain investments that generate non-qualifying income for a RIC were placed in blocker corporation in December 2019. These blocker corporations will be subject to federal and state income taxes and the deferred liability related to these investments of $247,460 was also contributed.

 

The Corporation reviews the tax positions it has taken to determine if they meet a “more likely than not threshold” for the benefit of the tax position to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. A tax position that fails to meet the more likely than not recognition threshold will result in either a reduction of a current or deferred tax asset or receivable, or the recording of a current or deferred tax liability. There were no uncertain tax positions recorded at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

 

Under the provisions of Section 382 the Code, net operating loss and credit carryforwards and other tax attributes may be subject to limitations if there has been a significant change in ownership in the Corporation, as defined by the Code. Prior to the completion of the Transactions, the Corporation was able to utilize the remaining federal net operating losses(NOL). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, made changes to the NOL carryback rules for businesses. The Corporation was able to carryback a NOL under this new act and received a benefit of $90,141.

 

The Corporation is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019. In general, the Corporation’s state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019.

 

It is the Corporation’s policy to include interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities in income tax expense. There were no amounts recognized for interest or penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019.

 

Concentration of Credit and Market Risk – The Corporation’s financial instruments potentially subject it to concentrations of credit risk. Cash is invested with banks in amounts which, at times, exceed insurable limits. RCM does not anticipate non-performance by such banks.

 

25
 

 

The following are the concentrations of the top five portfolio company values to the fair value of the Corporation’s total investment portfolio:

 

   March 31, 2020 
ACV Auctions, Inc. (ACV)   18%
AIKG, LLC (Andretti)   12%
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)   11%
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (Filterworks)   8%
Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff)   5%

 

   December 31, 2019 
ACV Auctions, Inc. (ACV)       18%
AIKG, LLC (Andretti)   12%
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)   11%
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (Filterworks)   8%
Outmatch (Outmatch)   6%

 

Note 3. INVESTMENTS

 

The Corporation’s investments are carried at fair value in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

Loan investments are defined as traditional loan financings with no equity features. Debt investments are defined as debt financings that include one or more equity features such as conversion rights, stock purchase warrants, and/or stock purchase options. A financing may also be categorized as a debt financing if it is accompanied by the direct purchase of an equity interest in the company.

 

The Corporation uses several approaches to determine the fair value of an investment. The main approaches are:

 

Loan and debt securities are valued at cost when it is representative of the fair value of the investment or sufficient assets or liquidation proceeds are expected to exist from a sale of a portfolio company at its estimated fair value. However, they may be valued at an amount other than cost given the carrying interest rate versus the related inherent portfolio risk of the investment. A loan or debt instrument may be reduced in value if it is judged to be of poor quality, collection is in doubt or insufficient liquidation proceeds exist.
   
Equity securities may be valued using the “asset approach”, “market approach” or “income approach.” The asset approach involves estimating the liquidation value of the portfolio company’s assets. To the extent the value exceeds the remaining principal amount of the debt or loan securities of the portfolio company, the fair value of such securities is generally estimated to be their cost. However, where value is less than the remaining principal amount of the loan and debt securities, the Corporation may discount the value of an equity security. The market approach uses observable prices and other relevant information generated by similar market transactions. It may include the use of market multiples derived from a set of comparables to assist in pricing the investment. Additionally, the Corporation adjusts valuations if a subsequent significant equity financing has occurred that includes a meaningful portion of the financing by a sophisticated, unrelated new investor. The income approach employs a cash flow and discounting methodology to value an investment.

 

26
 

 

ASC 820 classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, used in the Corporation’s valuation at the measurement date. Under the valuation policy, the Corporation values unrestricted publicly traded companies, categorized as Level 1 investments, at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the reporting period.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other observable inputs other than quoted prices.

 

Level 3: Unobservable and significant inputs to determining the fair value.

 

Financial assets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the statement of operations.

 

There were 96% of assets that were Level 3 at March 31, 2020 and 100% that were Level 3 at December 31, 2019.

 

Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly traded securities are valued at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the reporting period.

 

In the valuation process, the Corporation values restricted securities, categorized as Level 3 investments, using information from these portfolio companies, which may include:

 

Audited and unaudited statements of operations, balance sheets and operating budgets;
Current and projected financial, operational and technological developments of the portfolio company;
Current and projected ability of the portfolio company to service its debt obligations;
The current capital structure of the business and the seniority of the various classes of equity if a deemed liquidation event were to occur;
Pending debt or capital restructuring of the portfolio company;
Current information regarding any offers to purchase the investment, or recent fundraising transactions;
Current ability of the portfolio company to raise additional financing if needed;
Changes in the economic environment which may have a material impact on the operating results of the portfolio company;
Internal circumstances and events that may have an impact (both positive and negative) on the operating performance of the portfolio company;
Qualitative assessment of key management;
Contractual rights, obligations or restrictions associated with the investment; and
Other factors deemed relevant to assess valuation.

 

The valuation may be reduced if a portfolio company’s performance and potential have deteriorated significantly. If the factors that led to a reduction in valuation are overcome, the valuation may be readjusted.

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities may include preferred stock, common stock, warrants and limited liability company membership interests.

 

27
 

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s equity investments are earnings before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and revenue multiples, where applicable, the financial and operational performance of the business, and the debt and senior equity preferences that may exist in a deemed liquidation event. Standard industry multiples may be used when available; however, the Corporation’s portfolio companies are typically small and in early stages of development and these industry standards may be adjusted to more closely match the specific financial and operational performance of the portfolio company. Due to the nature of certain investments, fair value measurements may be based on other criteria, which may include third party appraisals. Significant changes in any of these unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value estimate.

 

Another key factor used in valuing equity investments is a significant recent arms-length equity transaction entered into by the portfolio company with a sophisticated, non-strategic, unrelated, new investor. The terms of these equity transactions may not be identical to the equity transactions between the portfolio company and the Corporation, and the impact of the difference in transaction terms on the market value of the portfolio company may be difficult or impossible to quantify.

 

When appropriate the Black-Scholes pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of warrants for accounting purposes. This model requires the use of highly subjective inputs including expected volatility and expected life, in addition to variables for the valuation of minority equity positions in small private and early stage companies. Significant changes in any of these unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value estimate.

 

For recent investments of less than one year old, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this basis.

 

Loan and Debt Securities

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s loan and debt securities are the financial and operational performance of the portfolio company, similar debt with similar terms with other portfolio companies, as well as the market acceptance for the portfolio company’s products or services. These inputs will likely provide an indicator as to the probability of principal recovery of the investment. The Corporation’s loan and debt investments are often junior secured or unsecured securities. Fair value may also be determined based on other criteria where appropriate. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a change in fair value. For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this basis.

 

The following table provides a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s Level 3 portfolio investments as of March 31, 2020:

 

Investment Type 

Market Approach

EBITDA Multiple

  

Market Approach

Liquidation Seniority

  

Market Approach

Revenue Multiple

   Market Approach Transaction Pricing   Totals 
                     
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Equity  $-   $1,452,732   $500,000   $8,605,983   $10,558,715 
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Loan and Debt   500,000    2,366,991    602,569    7,255,370    10,724,930 
Total Non-Control/Non-Affiliate  $500,000   $3,819,723   $1,102,569   $15,861,353   $21,283,645 
                          
Affiliate Equity  $1,750,000   $22,841   $2,503,429   $4,932,512   $9,208,782 
Affiliate Loan and Debt   -    250,000    -    3,709,794    3,959,794 
Total Affiliate  $1,750,000   $272,841   $2,503,429   $8,642,306   $13,168,576 
                          
Total Level 3 Investments  $2,250,000   $4,092,564   $3,605,998   $24,503,659   $34,452,221 
                          
Range   4.5-5X    1X   1X-3X    Not Applicable      
                          
Unobservable Input   EBITDA Multiple    Asset Value    Revenue Multiple    Transaction Price      
                          
Weighted Average   4.6X    1X   2.5X   Not Applicable      

 

28
 

 

The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value at March 31, 2020:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reported Date Using 
Description  March 31, 2020  

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Observable Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Other Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 
Loan investments  $1,678,346   $-   $        -   $1,678,346 
Debt investments   13,006,378    -    -    13,006,378 
Equity investments   21,289,553    1,522,056    -    19,767,497 
Total  $35,974,277   $1,522,056   $-   $34,452,221 

 

The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value at December 31, 2019:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reported Date Using 

 

 

 

Description

 

 

December 31, 2019

  

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

(Level 1)

  

 

Significant

Observable Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Other Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 
Loan investments  $1,570,692   $      -   $        -   $1,570,692 
Debt investments   13,647,107    -    -    13,647,107 
Equity investments   21,802,993    -    -    21,802,993 
Total  $37,020,792   $-   $-   $37,020,792 

 

29
 

 

The following table provides a summary of changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020:

 

  

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Venture Capital Investments

 

 

Description

  Loan Investments  

Debt

Investments

  

Equity

Investments

   Total 
Ending Balance, December 31, 2019, of Level 3 Assets  $1,570,692   $13,647,107   $21,802,993   $37,020,792 
                     
Realized gain included in net change in net assets from operations:                    
Advantage 24/7 LLC (Advantage 24/7)   39,000    -    -    39,000 
Microcision LLC (Microcision)   -    56,916    -    56,916 
Outmatch Holdings, LLC (Outmatch)   -    -    2,297,535    2,297,535 
Total Realized Gains and Losses   39,000    56,916    2,297,535    2,393,451 
                     
Unrealized Gains and Losses included in net change in net assets from operations:                    
                     
Genicon, Inc. (Genicon)   -    (510,191)   -    (510,191)
Total Unrealized Gains and Losses   -    (510,191)   -    (510,191)
                     
Purchases of Securities/Changes to Securities/Non-cash conversions:                    
AIKG LLC (Andretti)   -    44,470    -    44,470 
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC   -    11,641    -    11,641 
Genicon   -    10,192    -    10,192 
GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle)   -    3,757    -    3,757 
HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays)   -    6,315    -    6,315 
Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (Mattison)   -    5,241    -    5,241 
Microcision   -    (104,500)   110,000    5,500 
Total Purchases of Securities/Changes to Securities/Non-cash conversions   -    (22,884)   110,000    87,116 
                     
Repayments and Sale of Securities:                    
Advantage 24/7   (39,000)   -    -    (39,000)
Microcision LLC (Microcision)   -    (56,916)   -    (56,916)
Outmatch Holdings, LLC (Outmatch)   -    -    (4,443,031)   (4,443,031)
Total Repayments and Sale of Securities   (39,000)   (56,916)   (4,443,031)   (4,538,947)
Transfers within Level 3   107,654    (107,654)   -    - 

Ending Balance, March 31, 2020, of Level 3 Assets

  $1,678,346   $13,006,378   $19,767,497   $34,452,221 

 

Change in unrealized depreciation on investments for the period included in changes in net assets  $(728,323)
Net realized gain on investments for the period included in changes in net assets  $2,393,451 

 

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The following table provides a summary of changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

 

  

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Venture Capital Investments

 
Description  Loan Investments  

Debt

Investments

  

Equity

Investments

   Total 
Ending Balance, December 31, 2018, of Level 3 Assets  $4,935,777   $9,397,979   $20,333,048   $34,666,804 
                     
Realized gain included in net change in net assets from operations:                    
Advantage 24/7 LLC (Advantage 24/7)   -    -    (99,500)   (99,500)
Total Realized Gains and Losses             (99,500)   (99,500)
                     
Unrealized Gains and Losses included in net change in net assets from operations:                    
BeetNPath, LLC (Beetnpath)   -    (132,627)   (261,277)   (393,904)
Genicon, Inc. (Genicon)   -    -    (37,500)   (37,500)
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (Mercantile)   -    (200,000)   -    (200,000)
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)   -    -    (385,000)   (385,000)
SocialFlow, Inc. (Socialflow)   -    -    (321,300)   (321,300)
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)   -    -    1,860,000    1,860,000 
Total Unrealized Gains and Losses   -    (332,627)   854,923    522,296 
                     
Purchases of Securities/Changes to Securities/Non-cash conversions:                    
Advantage 24/7   140,000    -    -    140,000 
Empire Genomics, LLC (Empire Genomics)   -    24,664    -    24,664 
Genicon   -    79,493    -    79,493 
GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle)   -    2,599    -    2,599 
KnowledgeVision Systems, Inc. (Knowledge Vision)   150,000    -    -    150,000 
Microcision LLC (Microcision)   -    4,833    -    4,833 
Tilson   -    -    500,012    500,012 
Total Purchases of Securities/Changes to Securities/Non-cash conversions   290,000    111,589    500,012    901,601 
                     
Repayments and Sale of Securities:                    
eHealth Global Technologies, Inc. (eHealth)   (3,500,000)   -    -    (3,500,000)
Total Repayments and Sale of Securities   (3,500,000)   -    -    (3,500,000)
Transfers within Level 3   444,915    (444,915)   -    - 

Ending Balance, March 31, 2019, of Level 3 Assets

  $2,170,692   $8,732,026   $21,588,483   $32,491,201 

 

Change in unrealized depreciation on investments for the period included in changes in net assets  $522,296 
      
Net realized gain on investments for the period included in changes in net assets  $40,500 

 

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Note 4. OTHER ASSETS

 

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, other assets was comprised of the following:

 

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 
Operating receivables  $95,916   $546 
Prepaid expenses   33,355    8,290 
Dividend receivable   -    256,542 
Total other assets  $129,271   $265,378 

 

Note 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Corporation had no commitments at March 31, 2020.

 

Note 6. SBA DEBENTURES

 

Pursuant to FASB Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2015-03, the debt origination costs associated with the SBA debt obligations are presented as a direct deduction of the related debt obligation.

 

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 
Debentures guaranteed by the SBA  $11,000,000   $11,000,000 
Less unamortized issue costs   (203,668)   (213,087)
Debentures guaranteed by the SBA, net  $10,796,332   $10,786,913 

 

The weighted average interest rate, including the SBA annual fee, at March 31, 2020 was 3.45%.

 

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The debenture terms require semiannual payments of interest at annual interest rates ranging from 2.245% to 3.644%, plus an annual charge ranging from 0.804% to 0.94%. The debentures have fixed interest rates and a 10 year maturity date. As of March 31, 2020, the Corporation had $3,000,000 in additional leverage available from the SBA.

 

The debentures outstanding at March 31, 2020 will mature as follows:

 

Maturity Date  Leverage 
2022  $3,000,000 
2023   2,500,000 
2024   1,500,000 
2025   1,000,000 
2029   3,000,000 
Total Outstanding  $11,000,000 

 

Note 7. CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)

 

The following schedule analyzes the changes in stockholders’ equity (net assets) section of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively:

 

   Common Stock   Capital in excess of par value  

Accumulated

Net Investment

Loss

  

Undistributed Net Realized Gain on

Investments

   Net Unrealized Depreciation on Investments   Treasury Stock, at cost  

Total Stockholders’

Equity (Net Assets)

 
January 1, 2020  $1,519,637   $34,142,455   $(1,751,249)  $27,083,281   $(5,896,503)  $(1,469,105)  $53,628,516 
Net investment gain   -    -    538,421         -    -    538,421 
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments   -    -    -    2,393,451    -    -    2,393,451 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   -    -    -    -    (2,501,735)   -    (2,501,735)
 March 31, 2020  $1,519,637   $34,142,455   $(1,212,828)  $29,476,732   $(8,398,238)  $(1,469,105)  $54,058,653 

 

   Common Stock   Capital in excess of par value  

Accumulated

Net Investment

Loss

  

Undistributed Net Realized Gain on

Investments

   Net Unrealized Depreciation on Investments   Treasury Stock, at cost  

Total Stockholders’

Equity (Net Assets)

 
January 1, 2019  $686,304   $10,581,789   $(1,665,552)  $26,221,443   $(2,830,692)  $(1,469,105)  $31,524,187 
Net investment gain   -    -    22,767    -    -    -    22,767 
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments   -    -    -    31,131    -    -    31,131 
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments   -    -    -    -    401,517    -    401,517 
March 31, 2019  $686,304   $10,581,789   $(1,642,785)  $26,252,574   $(2,429,175)  $(1,469,105)  $31,979,602 

 

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Note 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

Effective with the Closing, RCM, a registered investment adviser, has been retained by the Corporation as its external investment adviser and administrator. Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Corporation will pay RCM, as compensation for the investment advisory and management services, fees consisting of two components: (i) the Base Management Fee and (ii) the Incentive Fee.

 

The “Base Management Fee” is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Corporation’s total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds). For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Base Management Fee was $140,377. For the year ended December 31, 2019, $85,483 in Base Management Fees was earned by RCM. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $140,377 and $49,359 payable, respectively, for the Base Management Fees on its Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. In addition, the Corporation had $25 payable to RCM at March 31, 2020 and $1,205 payable at December 31, 2019 to RCM for the expenses associated with the Administration Agreement.

 

The “Incentive Fee” is comprised of two parts: (1) the “Income Based Fee” and (2) the “Capital Gains Fee”. The Income Based Fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” (as defined in the agreement) for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a hurdle rate of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized) and is payable promptly following the filing of the Corporation’s financial statements for such quarter.

 

The Corporation pays RCM an Income Based Fee with respect to its Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in each calendar quarter as follows:

 

  (i) no Income Based Fee in any quarter in which the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such quarter does not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.75% (7.00% annualized);
  (ii) 100% of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such calendar quarter, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate of 1.75% (7.00% annualized) but is less than 2.1875% (8.75% annualized); and
  (iii) 20% of the amount of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such calendar quarter, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% (8.75% annualized).

 

The Income Based Fee paid to RCM for any calendar quarter that begins more than two years and three months after the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement shall not be in excess of the Incentive Fee Cap. The “Incentive Fee Cap” for any quarter is an amount equal to (1) 20.0% of the Cumulative Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Income Based Fee Calculation Period (as defined below) minus (2) the aggregate Income Based Fee that was paid in respect of the calendar quarters included in the relevant Income Based Fee Calculation Period.

 

For purposes of the calculation of the Income Based Fee, “Income Based Fee Calculation Period” is defined as, with reference to a calendar quarter, the period of time consisting of such calendar quarter and the additional quarters that comprise the lesser of (1) the number of quarters immediately preceding such calendar quarter that began more than two years after the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement or (2) the eleven calendar quarters immediately preceding such calendar quarter.

 

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For purposes of the calculation of the Income Based Fee, “Cumulative Net Return” is defined as (1) the aggregate net investment income in respect of the relevant Income Based Fee Calculation Period minus (2) any Net Capital Loss, if any, in respect of the relevant Income Based Fee Calculation Period. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value, we will pay no Income Based Fee to RCM for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is a positive value but is less than the Income Based Fee that is payable to RCM for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, we will pay an Income Based Fee to RCM equal to the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is equal to or greater than the Income Based Fee that is payable to RCM for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, we will pay an Income Based Fee to the Adviser equal to the Income Based Fee calculated as described above for such quarter without regard to the Incentive Fee Cap.

 

For purposes of the calculation of the Income Based Fee, “Net Capital Loss,” in respect of a particular period, means the difference, if positive, between (1) aggregate capital losses, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (2) aggregate capital gains, whether realized or unrealized, in such period.

 

Any Income Based Fee otherwise payable under the Investment Management Agreement with respect to Accrued Unpaid Income (such fees being the “Accrued Unpaid Income Based Fees”) shall be deferred, on a security by security basis, and shall become payable to RCM only if, as, when and to the extent cash is received by us in respect of any Accrued Unpaid Income. Any Accrued Unpaid Income that is subsequently reversed by us in connection with a write-down, write-off, impairment or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to such Accrued Unpaid Income will, in the applicable period of reversal, (1) reduce Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income and (2) reduce the amount of Accrued Unpaid Income Based Fees. Subsequent payments of Accrued Unpaid Income Based Fees deferred pursuant to this paragraph shall not reduce the amounts otherwise payable for any quarter as an Income Based Fee.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 there were no Income Based Fees earned under the Investment Management Agreement.

 

The second part of the Incentive Fee is the “Capital Gains Fee”. This fee will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year, commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2019. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Capital Gains Fee is calculated at the end of each applicable year by subtracting (1) the sum of the cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation from (2) the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, in each case calculated from the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement. If this amount is positive at the end of any calendar year, then the Capital Gains Fee for such year is equal to 20.0% of such amount, less the cumulative aggregate amount of Capital Gains Fees paid in all prior years. If such amount is negative, then there is no Capital Gains Fee payable for that calendar year. If the Investment Management Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date shall be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying the Capital Gains Fee.

 

For purposes of the Capital Gains Fee:

 

  The cumulative aggregate realized capital gains are calculated as the sum of the differences, if positive, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Corporations portfolio when sold and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
     
  The cumulative aggregate realized capital losses are calculated as the sum of the amounts by which (a) the net sales price of each investment in the portfolio when sold is less than (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
     
  The aggregate unrealized capital depreciation is calculated as the sum of the differences, if negative, between (a) the valuation of each investment in the portfolio as of the applicable Capital Gains Fee calculation date and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.

 

35
 

 

As of March 31, 2020, there were no Capital Gains Fees earned or payable to RCM under the Investment Management Agreement because unrealized losses on the portfolio exceed realized gains. If the entire portfolio were to be liquidated as of March 31, 2020, there would be a capital gains incentive fee liability of approximately $740,000 based on those values. However, given the unlikely and remote nature of such a transaction, the amount has not been recorded.

 

Administration Agreement

 

In connection with the Closing, the Corporation entered into an Administration Agreement with RCM. Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, RCM agreed to perform (or oversee, or arrange for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for the Corporation’s operations, including, but not limited to, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping, finance, accounting, compliance and record keeping services at such office facilities and such other services as RCM, subject to review by the Corporation’s Board of Directors, will from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. RCM shall also, arrange for the services of, and oversee, custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other shareholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable.

 

RCM is responsible for our financial and other records that are required to be maintained and prepares all reports and other materials required to be filed with the SEC or any other regulatory authority, including reports to shareholders. In addition, RCM assists us in determining and publishing the Corporation’s net asset value (NAV), overseeing the preparation and filing of our tax returns, and the printing and dissemination of reports to shareholders, and generally overseeing the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered by others. RCM provides, on the Corporation’s behalf, managerial assistance to those portfolio companies that have accepted its offer to provide such assistance.

 

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded $25 and $1,205, respectively, in accrued expenses and other liabilities on its Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for reimbursement of expenses owed to RCM under the Administration Agreement.

 

Note 9. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following schedule provides the financial highlights, calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 
Income from investment operations (1):          
Investment income  $0.04   $0.11 
Operating expenses   0.03    0.11 
Investment gain before income taxes   0.01    0.00 
Income tax benefit   (0.03)   0.00 
Net investment gain   0.04    0.00 
Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investments   (0.01)   0.07 
Increase in net asset value   0.03    0.07 
Net asset value, beginning of period   3.66    4.99 
Net asset value, end of period  $3.69   $5.06 
Per share market price, end of period  $2.24   $2.84 
Total return based on market value   (16.42)%   13.60%
Total return based on net asset value   0.80%   1.44%
Supplemental data:          
Ratio of operating expenses before income taxes to average net assets   0.96%   2.17%
Ratio of operating expenses including income taxes to average net assets   3.47%   2.60%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   1.00%   0.07%
Portfolio turnover   4.8%   2.4%
Net assets, end of period  $54,058,653   $31,979,602 
Weighted shares outstanding, end of period   14,655,321    6,321,988 

 

  (1) Per share data are based on weighted average shares outstanding and the results are rounded to the nearest cent.

 

The Corporation’s interim period results could fluctuate as a result of a number of factors; therefore results for any interim period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance for the full year or in future periods.

 

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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 the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Historical results and percentage relationships among any amounts in the consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of trends in operating results for any future periods.

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this report 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, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Additional oral or written forward-looking statements may be made by us from time to time, and forward-looking statements may be included in documents that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to our 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 scope of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its specific impact on our portfolio companies, the state of the United States economy and the local markets in which our portfolio companies operate, the state of the securities markets in which the securities of our portfolio companies could be traded, liquidity within the United States financial markets, and inflation. Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in Part II, Item 1A of this report and in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

There may be other factors not identified that affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date when it is made and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time that may cause our business not to develop as we expect, and we cannot predict all of them.

 

Overview

 

We are an externally managed investment company that lends to and invests in small to medium sized companies. We have elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. We have historically made the majority of our investments through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”), which operates as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) and has been licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) since 2002.

 

In November 2019, Rand completed a stock sale transaction (the “Transaction”) with East Asset Management (“East”). The Transaction consisted of a $25 million investment in Rand by East, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock. The consideration paid by East for the shares of Rand common stock was comprised of $15.5 million of cash and a contribution of $9.5 million of portfolio assets. Concurrent with the Closing of the Transaction with East, Rand’s management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser. In connection with retaining RCM as our investment adviser, Rand entered into an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with RCM pursuant to which RCM will serve as Rand’s investment adviser and administrator. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, Rand will pay RCM a base management fee and may pay an incentive fee.

 

37
 

 

With the completion of the Transaction, we changed our investment objectives and strategy. We intend to elect U.S federal tax treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Code. With the election, we generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our shareholders as dividends. Our new investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders with current income combined with capital appreciation. As a result, our future investments will be made primarily in higher yielding debt investments and may include public equity in other business development companies that provide income through dividends and relatively more liquidity than our private company investments.

 

As required for the RIC election, we will pay a special dividend to shareholders to distribute all accumulated earnings and profits, and we intend to adopt a dividend policy that may provide regular cash dividends to shareholders. On March 3, 2020, the Board of Directors of Rand declared a special dividend of $1.62 per share of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.10 per shares (the “Common Stock”) to be paid in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2020. The total amount of cash to be distributed to all shareholders will be limited to 20% of the total special dividend to be paid, excluding any cash paid for fractional shares. The remaining 80% of the special dividend will be paid in shares of Common Stock. The exact distribution of cash and stock to any given shareholder will depend upon their election as well as elections of other shareholders, subject to the pro-rata limitation. We expect to complete the distribution of the special dividend on May 11, 2020. To maintain our RIC status, we need to meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually to our shareholders at least 90% of our ordinary net income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has expressed its intent to adopt a new dividend policy that may include regular cash dividends to shareholders going forward.

 

Outlook

 

At the end of the first quarter of 2020, we had $29.1 million in cash and cash equivalents available for future investments and expenses, an increase of $3.3 million from the end of 2019. The increase was primarily due to approximately $4.4 million received during the quarter from a portfolio exit, partially offset by investments made during the quarter. With the intended RIC election, our investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders. As a result, in contrast to our previous metric of net asset value growth, we are now focused on growing investment income.

 

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have engaged in active discussions with the management teams of many of the companies within our portfolio regarding actions they have undertaken to limit the spread of COVID-19. We believe that our portfolio companies are taking the necessary actions to ensure the safety of their employees, customers and suppliers by enacting such procedures as work from home processes, staggered schedules, increased sanitation efforts and social distancing. Some companies have had to shut down due to COVID-19. In addition, most of the portfolio companies that are qualified have applied for available federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. The exact impact to our portfolio companies is unknown and some may suffer significant negative impact to their business. RCM is activity monitoring the impact to the portfolio companies.

 

38
 

 

Trends and Opportunities

 

We believe the combination of cash on hand, proceeds from portfolio exits, SBA leverage, and prospective investment income provide sufficient capital for us to manage through the potential economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to add new investments to our portfolio while reinvesting in existing portfolio companies that demonstrate continued growth potential. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to have a pipeline of investment opportunities.

 

The following short and long-term trends provide us confidence in our ability to grow Rand:

 

  We expect that well run businesses will require capital to grow and should be able to compete effectively given eager reception of new technologies and service concepts, regardless of the macroeconomic environment.
  We continue to manage risk by investing with other investors, when possible.
  We are involved with the governance and management of a majority of our portfolio companies, which enables us to support their operating and marketing efforts and facilitate their growth.
  As our portfolio expands, we are able to better leverage our infrastructure.
  We believe receipt of cash and portfolio assets as consideration in the Transaction with East, as well as the establishment of RCM as our external investment advisor, broadens our potential pipeline of investment opportunities in order to build our portfolio, facilitate growth and reduce operating expenses as a percentage of portfolio assets. Strategically, we expect to advance our efforts to increase our income-producing investments so as to support a regular cash dividend for shareholders and complement our equity investments that drive capital appreciation.
  We have sufficient cash to invest in new opportunities and to repurchase shares. Subsequent to quarter end, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program which authorizes the purchase of up to $1.5 million of our Common Stock through April 22, 2021 at prices per share of common stock of no greater than the then current net asset value.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. A summary of our critical accounting policies can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

39
 

 

Financial Condition

 

Overview:

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019   Increase   % Increase 
Total assets  $65,382,756   $64,791,449   $591,307    0.9%
Total liabilities   11,324,103    11,162,933    161,170    1.4%
Net assets  $54,058,653   $53,628,516   $430,137    0.8%

 

Net asset value per share (NAV) was $3.69 at March 31, 2020 and $3.66 at December 31, 2019.

 

Our gross outstanding SBA debentures at March 31, 2020 were $11,000,000 and they mature from 2022 through 2029. Cash and cash equivalents approximated 54% of net assets at March 31, 2020, as compared to 48% at December 31, 2019.

 

Composition of Our Investment Portfolio

 

Our financial condition is dependent on the success of our portfolio holdings. The following summarizes our investment portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

  

 

March 31, 2020

  

 

December 31, 2019

   (Decrease) Increase   % (Decrease) Increase 
Investments, at cost  $44,301,271   $44,619,463   $(318,192)   (0.7)%
Unrealized depreciation, net   (8,326,994)   (7,598,671)   728,323    9.6%
Investments at fair value  $35,974,277   $37,020,792   $(1,046,515)   (2.8)%

 

Our total investments at fair value, as estimated by RCM and approved by our Board of Directors, approximated 67% of net assets at March 31, 2020 versus 69% of net assets at December 31, 2019.

 

With the completion of the Transaction, we changed our investment objectives and strategy. Our new investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders with current income combined with capital appreciation. As a result, our future investments will be made primarily in higher yielding debt investments and may include public equity in other business development companies that provide income through dividends and relatively more liquidity than our private company investments.

 

The change in investments during the three months ended March 31, 2020, at cost, is comprised of the following:

 

  

Cost

Increase (Decrease)

 
New investments:     
Apollo Investment Corporation (Apollo)  $364,084 
Ares Capital Corporation (Ares)   343,460 
FS KKR Capital Corp. (FS KKR)   338,980 
Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (Golub)   346,597 
Owl Rock Capital Corporation (Owl Rock)   347,067 
Total of new investments   1,740,188 
      
Other changes to investments:     
AIKG LLC (Andretti) interest conversion   44,470 
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (Filterworks) interest conversion   11,641 
Genicon OID amortization   10,191 
HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays) interest conversion   6,317 
Microcision LLC (Microcision) OID amortization   5,500 
Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (Mattison) interest conversion   5,241 
GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle) interest conversion   3,756 
Total of other changes to investments   87,116 
      
Investments repaid, sold, liquidated or converted:     
Outmatch Holdings, LLC (Outmatch) stock sale   (2,145,496)
Total of investments repaid, sold, liquidated or converted   (2,145,496)
      
Net change in investments, at cost  $(318,192)

 

40
 

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2020 to the three months ended March 31, 2019

 

Investment Income

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

   Increase (Decrease)   % Increase (Decrease) 
Interest from portfolio companies  $535,701   $405,965   $129,736    32.0%
Interest from other investments   83,250    17,811    65,439    367.4%
Dividend and other investment income   13,125    34,625    (21,500)   (62.1)%
Fee income   3,750    260,969    (257,219)   (98.6)%
Total investment income  $635,826   $719,370   $(83,544)   (11.6)%

 

The total investment income that is received on a current basis for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is received from eleven portfolio companies. This contrasts with the ten portfolio companies generating current income for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Interest from portfolio companies – Interest from portfolio companies was approximately 32% higher during the three months ended March 31, 2020 versus the same period in 2019 due to the fact that we have more income-producing debt investments in current year. As part of the contributed assets received from East at the completion of the Transaction in November 2019, we received debt instruments from Andretti, Filterworks, Hilton Displays and Mattison.

 

The following investments are on non-accrual status: BeetNPath, LLC (Beetnpath), G-TEC Natural Gas Systems (G-Tec) and a portion of the Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (Mercantile) outstanding loan balances.

 

Interest from other investments - The increase in interest from other investments is due to higher average cash balances and higher interest rates during the three months ended March 31, 2020 versus the same period in 2019.

 

Dividend and other investment income - Dividend income is comprised of cash distributions from limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations in which we have invested. Our investment agreements with certain LLCs require those LLCs to distribute funds to us for payment of income taxes on our allocable share of the LLC’s profits. These portfolio companies may also elect to make additional discretionary distributions. Dividend income will fluctuate based upon the profitability of these LLCs and corporations and the timing of the distributions or the impact of new investments or divestitures. The dividend distributions for the respective periods were:

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

 
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)  $13,125   $10,582 
Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff)   -    24,043 
Total dividend and other investment income  $13,125   $34,625 

 

41
 

 

Fee income - Fee income generally consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of SBIC financings, income from portfolio company board attendance fees and other miscellaneous fees. The financing fees are amortized ratably over the life of the instrument associated with the fees. The unamortized fees are carried on the balance sheet under the line item “Deferred revenue.”

 

The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $3,750 and $35,969 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized a one-time fee of $225,000 in conjunction with the repayment of the eHealth loan instrument.

 

Expenses

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

   Decrease   % Decrease 
Total expenses  $516,506   $689,735   $(173,229)   (25.1)%

 

In November 2019, we completed a stock sale transaction with East and concurrently externalized the management of our portfolio to Rand Capital Management, LLC (RCM) as our external investment adviser and administrator. Our primary operating expenses now include the payment of fees to RCM under the Investment Management Agreement, and our allocable portion of overhead expenses and other administrative expenses under the Administration Agreement with RCM. Under the terms of Investment Management Agreement, the compensation of the investment professionals of RCM and its staff, and the general office and overhead expenses incurred by RCM in maintaining its place of business, will be provided and paid for by RCM and not by us. We will be responsible for all other operating expenses, including those relating to:

 

  (i) organization;
  (ii) costs of calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm);
  (iii) expenses incurred by RCM payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring financial and legal affairs and in monitoring the our investments and performing due diligence on its prospective portfolio companies;
  (iv) interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments;
  (v) offerings of our Common Stock and other securities;
  (vi) investment advisory and management fees payable under the Investment Management Agreement, but excluding any fees payable to any Sub-Adviser;
  (vii) administration fees payable under the Administration Agreement;
  (viii) transfer agent and custodial fees;
  (ix) federal and state registration fees;
  (x) all costs of registration and listing our shares on any securities exchange;
  (xi) federal, state and local taxes;
  (xii) independent directors’ fees and expenses;
  (xiii) costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by governmental bodies (including the SEC);
  (xiv) costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to shareholders, including printing costs;
  (xv) our allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;
  (xvi) direct costs and expenses of administration, including independent auditors and outside legal costs; and
  (xvii) all other expenses incurred by us or RCM in connection with administering our business (including payments under the Administration Agreement based upon our allocable portion of the RCM’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs (including travel expenses))

 

Expenses decreased approximately $173,000 or 25% during the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to lower professional fees of approximately $48,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 as well as the absence of the salary and benefits expense in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The salary and benefit expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was approximately $244,000. In addition, corporate development expense decreased approximately $17,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 versus the same period in 2019. These decreases were offset by the new base management fee payable to RCM during the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $140,377. There were no incentive fees earned by RCM for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

42
 

 

Because of our intention to elect RIC status as of January 1, 2020, a net deferred tax asset of $1,451,658 was eliminated in accordance with GAAP, resulting in deferred tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020. In addition, certain portfolio investments, that generate non-qualifying income for a RIC, were contributed to blocker corporations in December 2019. . These blocker corporations will be subject to federal and state income taxes and as a result the deferred liability related to these investments of $247,460 was also contributed.

 

Realized Gain on Investments

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

   Change 
Realized gain on investments before income taxes  $2,393,451   $40,500   $2,352,951 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we realized a $2.3 million gain when we exited our investment in Outmatch as part of a strategic majority investment from Rubicon Technology Partners. We also received additional proceeds of $56,916 from Microcision LLC (Microcision) related to the 2019 sale of our equity interest in Microcision and $39,000 in additional gain from Advantage 24/7.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized a gain on our investment in Advantage 24/7 LLC. The company converted their equity into a new debt instrument and resulted in the $40,500 gain.

 

Change in Unrealized Depreciation of Investments

 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing enormous consequences around the globe, and we know many of our portfolio companies are experiencing uncertainty and concern for their operations during this unprecedented time. We believe that it is too soon to know if there will be any temporary or permanent impairment to their values, or other significant impact on their businesses. RCM and our Board of Directors will be continuing to assess the consequences of COVID-19 on our portfolio companies and examining any changes in their valuations during the remainder of 2020.

 

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2020

  

Three months ended

March 31, 2019

   Change 
Change in unrealized depreciation of investments before income taxes  $(728,323)  $522,296   $(1,250,619)

 

The change in unrealized depreciation, before income taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was comprised of the following:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 2020 
Genicon, Inc. (Genicon)  $(510,191)
Apollo Investment Corporation (Apollo)   (110,451)
Ares Capital Corporation (Ares)   (49,070)
FS KKR Capital Corp. (FS KKR)   (26,647)
Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (Golub)   (30,597)
Owl Rock Capital Corporation (Owl Rock)   (1,367)
Total change in net unrealized depreciation of investments before income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2020  $(728,323)

 

43
 

 

The valuation of our investment in Genicon was decreased after a review of their operations and financial condition.

 

Apollo, Ares, FS KKR, Golub and Owl Rock are all publicly traded stocks, and as such, are marked to market at the end of each quarter.

 

The change in unrealized depreciation, before income taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was comprised of the following:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 2019 
BeetNPath, LLC (Beetnpath)  $(393,904)
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)   (385,000)
SocialFlow, Inc. (Socialflow)   (321,300)
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (Mercantile)   (200,000)
Genicon, Inc. (Genicon)   (37,500)
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)   1,860,000 
Total change in net unrealized depreciation of investments before income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2019  $522,296 

 

The valuations of our investments in Beetnpath, Sciaps, Socialflow and Mercantile were decreased after we reviewed each of the portfolio company’s operations, commercial progress against their business plan, and past and projected financial condition and determined that a valuation adjustment was necessary.

 

Our valuation of Genicon was decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 to revalue our holdings based upon the liquidation preferences of our securities and as a result of a recent round of financing.

 

In accordance with our valuation policy, we increased the value of our holdings in Tilson based on a significant equity financing during the first quarter of 2019 with a sophisticated new non-strategic outside investor at a higher valuation than their prior financing round valuation.

 

All of these value adjustments resulted from a review by our management using the guidance set forth by ASC 820 and our established valuation policy.

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

 

We account for our operations under GAAP for investment companies. The principal measure of our financial performance is “net increase in net assets from operations” on our consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the net increase in net assets from operations was $430,137 and $455,415, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

With the completion of the Transaction with East, we changed our investment objectives and strategy. Previously, our principal investment objective was to achieve long-term capital appreciation on our equity investments while maintaining a current cash flow from debenture and pass-through equity instruments to fund expenses. With the election of U.S. federal tax treatment as a RIC, our new investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders with current income combined with capital appreciation. As a result, our recent and future investments will be made primarily in yield generating investments and may include related equity options, such as warrants or preferred equity.

 

44
 

 

As of March 31, 2020, our total liquidity consisted of approximately $29,100,000 in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, we had an outstanding SBA leverage commitment of $3,000,000 at March 31, 2020.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities has averaged approximately $230,000 over the last three years. The cash used for investments in portfolio companies has averaged approximately $2,600,000 over the last three years. Our cash flow will fluctuate based on the timing of the receipt of dividend income and realized exits. We will generally use cash to fund our operating expenses and to invest in companies as we build our portfolio. We anticipate that we will continue to exit investments. However, the timing of liquidation events within the portfolio is difficult to project. Starting in 2022 (See Note 6 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), our outstanding SBA debt begins to mature and this will require us to identify sources of future funding if liquidation of investments is not sufficient to fund operations and repay the SBA debt obligation.

 

We believe that the cash on hand at March 31, 2020, the undrawn SBA leverage commitment and the scheduled interest payments on our portfolio investments will be sufficient to meet our cash needs throughout 2020. We continue to pursue current returns from portfolio companies to increase the liquidity available for new investments, operating activities and future SBA debenture obligations.

 

Our ongoing liquidity is tied to the performance of our portfolio companies and, as such, it may be affected going forward based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting impact on the capital markets, our portfolio companies, and the U.S. economy in general.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our investment activities contain elements of risk. Our investment portfolio consists of equity and debt securities in private companies and is subject to valuation risk. Because there is typically no public market for the equity and debt securities in which we invest, the valuation of the equity interests in the portfolio is stated at “fair value” as determined in good faith by RCM and approved by our Board of Directors. This is in accordance with our investment valuation policy (see the discussion of valuation policy contained in “Note 3. Investments” in the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.) In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, the estimated value of the portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the investments existed. Any changes in valuation are recorded on the consolidated statement of operations as “Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments.”

 

At times, a portion of our portfolio may include marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market or on other stock markets. In addition, there may be a portion of the 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 markets to trade in an orderly fashion, we may not be able to realize the fair value of our marketable investments or other investments in a timely manner.

 

As of March 31, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or hedging or similar derivative financial instrument investments.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Corporation maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that this information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2020. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Corporation’s controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2020.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the Corporation’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

45
 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the information provided under the heading “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation identified the following risk and uncertainty that could materially affect our overall business, financial condition and operating results.

 

The recent COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 and has rapidly spread to the United States, and may negatively affect the operating results, financial conditions or liquidity of our portfolio companies. In addition, the pandemic may also negatively impact RCM’s ability, on our behalf, to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from the Transaction on acceptable terms or within a reasonable timeframe.

 

The global outbreak of COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) has led to severe disruptions in general economic activities as businesses and federal, state, and local governments take increasingly broad actions to mitigate this public health crisis, including restrictions on travel and the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities and factories across the United States and the wider global community.

 

As a result, the business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity of our portfolio companies could be materially and adversely affected. The impact to our portfolio companies’ results will depend to a large extent on the duration and severity of coronavirus and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain coronavirus or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. Certain of our portfolio companies have had their operations temporarily shut down or significantly curtailed, which we expect will further exacerbate the impact of these events on those portfolio companies. In addition, even if our portfolio companies avail themselves of loans from the Small Business Administration under the Paycheck Protection Program or the other assistance provided by U.S. federal and state governmental entities to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus, certain of our portfolio companies may experience significant liquidity issues, which, in turn, may increasingly have negative effects the ability of those portfolio companies to repay principal and interests on outstanding loans and other debt instruments owed to the Corporation and certain of those portfolio companies may not be able to continue as going concerns. A substantial negative impact to one or more of our portfolio companies as a result of coronavirus could have a material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Furthermore, severe disruptions in general economic activities due to coronavirus may negatively affect RCM’s ability to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from the Transaction on acceptable terms or within a reasonable timeframe. Delays by RCM in investing the net proceeds raised in the Transaction due to coronavirus may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested BDCs or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. RCM may be unable to invest the net proceeds from the Transaction on acceptable terms during and after this pandemic, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. We anticipate that, depending on market conditions, it may take RCM a substantial period of time to invest substantially all of the net proceeds from the Transaction in securities meeting our investment objectives. This period may be further lengthened due to the impact of the coronavirus.

 

46
 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period  Total number of shares purchased (1)   Average price paid per share (2)   Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly
announced plan (3)
   Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the share repurchase program 
1/1/2020 – 1/31/2020   -    -    -    1,000,000 
2/1/2020 – 2/29/2020   -    -    -    1,000,000 
3/1/2020 – 3/31/2020   -    -    -    1,000,000 

 

  (1) There were no shares repurchased during the first quarter of 2020.
  (2) The average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and includes commission.
  (3) On April 22, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase plan, which authorizes the Corporation to repurchase shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock with an aggregate cost of up to $1,500,00 at prices per share of common stock of no greater than the then current net asset value. This new share repurchase authorization lasts for a period of 12 months from the authorization date, until April 22, 2021. This new share repurchase plan supplants and replaces the share repurchase authorization that was previously approved by the Board of Directors in October 2019.
  (4) Prior to the April 22, 2020 new share repurchase plan, in October 2019 the Board of Directors extended the repurchase authorization of up to 1,541,046 shares of the Common Stock on the open market at prices no greater than the then current net asset value.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

47
 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

  (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.
     
  (3.1)(i) Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) of Form N-2 filed with the SEC on April 22, 1997. (File No. 333-25617).
     
  (3.1)(ii) Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 12, 2019.
     
  (3.1)(iii) By-laws of the Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on November 2, 2016. (File No. 814-00235).
     
  (3.2)(i) Certificate of Incorporation of Rand Merger Corporation as filed with the New York Department of State on December 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) to Registration Statement No. 811-22276 on Form N-5 of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. filed with the SEC on February 6, 2009. (File No. 811-22276).
     
  (3.2)(ii) By-laws of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registration Statement No. 811-22276 on Form N-5 of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. filed with the SEC on February 6, 2009. (File No. 811-22276).

 

  (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. (File No. 333-25617).
     
  (31.1) Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended – filed herewith.
     
  (31.2) Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended – filed herewith.
     
  (32.1) Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Rand Capital Corporation – filed herewith.

 

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Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: May 11, 2020

 

  RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION
   
  /s Allen F. Grum
 

Allen F. Grum, President

(Chief Executive Officer)

   
  /s/ Daniel P. Penberthy
 

Daniel P. Penberthy, Treasurer

(Chief Financial Officer)

 

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