Item 1. Business
Corporation Formation
Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in February 1969. Rand operates as a publicly traded, closed-end, diversified management company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rand, operating as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) and licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The predecessor of Rand SBIC had originally been organized as a Delaware limited partnership, and 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 its current name. Rand SBIC’s board of directors is comprised of the directors of Rand, a majority of whom are not “interested persons” of Rand or Rand SBIC. Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC are referred to herein, collectively, as the “Corporation”.
Throughout the Corporation’s history, its principal business has been to make venture capital investments in small to medium sized companies that are engaged in the exploitation of new or unique products or services, typically in New York and its surrounding states. The Corporation’s principal investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation while maintaining a current cash flow from debt instruments. The Corporation invests in a mixture of debt and equity instruments. The debt securities typically have an equity component in the form of warrants, and options to acquire stock or the right to convert the debt securities into stock. Rand SBIC has been the Corporation’s primary investment vehicle since its formation and it is anticipated that will continue to be the case in 2014. Consistent with its status as a BDC and the purposes of the regulatory framework for BDC’s under the 1940 Act, the Corporation provides managerial assistance, often in the form of a board of directors’ seat, to the portfolio companies in which it invests.
The Corporation operates as an internally managed investment company whereby its officers and employees conduct its operations under the general supervision of its Board of Directors. It has not elected to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “Rand”.
The Corporation’s website is www.randcapital.com. The Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K and its Proxy Statement are available at the following web address: http://materials.proxyvote.com/752185. In addition, the annual report on Form 10-K, the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, charters for the Corporation’s committees and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are available through the Corporation’s website.
Regulation as a Business Development Company
Although the 1940 Act exempts a BDC from registration under that Act, it contains significant limitations on the operations of BDCs. Among other things, the 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between a BDC and its affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of its affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act also prohibits a BDC from changing the nature of its business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw its election as, a BDC unless so authorized by a vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities. BDC’s are not required to maintain fundamental investment policies relating to diversification and concentration of investments within a single industry. More specifically, in order to qualify as a BDC, a company must:
(1) be a domestic company;
(2) have registered a class of its equity securities or have filed a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”);
(3) operate for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain types of companies, namely immature or emerging companies and businesses suffering or just recovering from financial distress.
Generally, a BDC must be primarily engaged in the business of furnishing capital and providing managerial expertise to companies that do not have ready access to capital through conventional financial channels. Such companies are termed “eligible portfolio companies.”
(4) extend significant managerial assistance to such portfolio companies; and
(5) have a majority of “disinterested” directors (as defined in the 1940 Act).
An eligible portfolio company is, generally, a private domestic operating company, or a public domestic operating company whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange. In addition, any small business investment company that is licensed by the SBA and is a wholly owned subsidiary of a BDC is an eligible portfolio company.
The 1940 Act prohibits or restricts companies subject to the 1940 Act from investing in certain types of companies, such as brokerage firms, insurance companies, investment banking firms and investment companies. Moreover, the 1940 Act limits the type of assets that BDCs may acquire to “qualifying assets” and certain assets necessary for its operations (such as office furniture, equipment and facilities) if, at the time of acquisition, less than 70% of the value of the BDC’s assets consist of qualifying assets. Qualifying assets include: (1) securities of companies that were eligible portfolio companies at the time the BDC acquired their securities; (2) securities of bankrupt or insolvent companies that were eligible at the time of the BDC’s initial acquisition of their securities but are no longer eligible, provided that the BDC has maintained a substantial portion of its initial investment in those companies; (3) securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to any of the foregoing; and (4) cash items, government securities and high-quality short-term debt. The 1940 Act also places restrictions on the nature of the transactions in which, and the persons from whom, securities can be purchased in order for the securities to be considered qualifying assets.
A BDC is permitted to invest in the securities of public companies and other investments that are not qualifying assets, but those kinds of investments may not exceed 30% of the BDC’s total asset value at the time of the investment. At December 31, 2013 the Corporation was in compliance with this rule.
A BDC must make significant managerial assistance available to the issuers of eligible portfolio securities in which it invests. Making available significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted does provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
SBIC Subsidiary
On February 28, 2012, the SEC granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC to permit certain joint transactions that would otherwise be prohibited by the 1940 Act, but which would not be prohibited if Rand and Rand SBIC were a single entity and to permit an exemption from separate reporting requirements for Rand SBIC under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 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 the Corporation’s receipt of the order granting the exemption, on March 28, 2012, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act pursuant to which it may now engage in certain transactions which would be permitted if Rand and Rand SBIC were operated as a single entity, but which are not permitted between a parent BDC and a wholly-owned subsidiary BDC without specific exemptions.
Regulation of the SBIC Subsidiary
SBA Lending Restrictions
The SBA licenses SBICs as part of a program designed to stimulate the flow of private debt and/or equity capital to small businesses. SBICs use funds borrowed from the SBA, together with their own capital, to provide loans to, and make equity investments in, concerns that:
(a) have a tangible net worth not in excess of $18 million and average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two completed fiscal years not in excess of $6 million, or
(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the concerns are primarily engaged.
The types and dollar amounts of the loans and other investments an SBIC that is a BDC may make are limited by the 1940 Act, the Small Business Act (the “SBA Act”) and SBA regulations. The SBA is authorized to examine the operations of SBICs, and an SBIC’s ability to obtain funds from the SBA is also governed by SBA regulations.
In addition, at the end of each fiscal year, an SBIC must have at least 20% (in total dollars) invested in “Smaller Enterprises.” The SBA defines “Smaller Enterprises” as concerns that:
(a) do not have a net worth in excess of $6 million and have average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two years no greater than $2 million, or
(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the concerns are primarily engaged.
The Corporation complied with this requirement since the inception of the SBIC subsidiary.
SBICs may invest directly in the equity of portfolio companies, but they may not become a general partner of a non-incorporated entity or otherwise become jointly or severally liable for the general obligations of a non-incorporated entity. An SBIC may acquire options or warrants in portfolio companies, and the options or warrants may have redemption provisions, subject to certain restrictions.
SBA Leverage
The SBA raises capital to enable it to provide funds to SBICs by guaranteeing certificates or bonds that are pooled and sold to purchasers of the government guaranteed securities. The amount of funds that the SBA may lend to SBICs is determined by annual Congressional appropriations.
SBA debentures are issued with ten year maturities. Interest only is payable semi-annually until maturity. All of the Corporation’s outstanding SBA debentures may be prepaid without penalty. To reserve the approved SBA debenture leverage the Corporation must pay an upfront 1% commitment fee to the SBA as a partial prepayment of the SBA’s nonrefundable 3% leverage fee. These fees are then expensed over the life of the corresponding SBA debenture instruments. The total remaining SBA commitment available at December 31, 2013 is $1,000,000 which expires on September 30, 2016. At December 31, 2013 the Corporation had $7,000,000 in total outstanding leverage.
Employees
As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation had four employees.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by the Valuation of its Portfolio Investments
At December 31, 2013, 96% of the Corporation’s portfolio investments are private securities and are not publicly traded. There is typically no public market for securities of the small privately held companies in which the Corporation invests. Investments are valued in accordance with the Corporation’s established valuation policy and are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of the Corporation’s portfolio of securities may differ significantly, favorably or unfavorably, from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the securities existed. Any changes in estimated value are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation.”
The Corporation’s Portfolio Investments are Illiquid
Most of the investments of the Corporation are or will be either equity securities or subordinated debt securities acquired directly from small companies. The Corporation’s portfolio of equity and debt securities is,
and will usually be, subject to restrictions on resale and has no established trading market. The illiquidity of most of the Corporation’s portfolio may adversely affect the ability of the Corporation to dispose of the securities at times when it may be advantageous for the Corporation to liquidate investments.
Investing in Private Companies involves a High Degree of Risk
The Corporation typically invests a substantial portion of its assets in small and medium sized private companies. These private businesses may be thinly capitalized, unproven companies with risky technologies, may lack management depth, and may not have attained profitability. Because of the speculative nature and the lack of a public market for these investments, there is significantly greater risk of loss than is the case with securities traded on a public exchange. The Corporation expects that some of its venture capital investments will become worthless and that some will appear likely to become successful but will never realize their potential. The Corporation has been risk seeking rather than risk averse in its approach to venture capital and other investments.
Even if the Corporation’s portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable products, the market for new products and services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Commercial success is difficult to predict and the marketing efforts of the portfolio companies may not be successful.
Investing in the Corporation’s Shares May be Inappropriate for the Investor’s Risk Tolerance
The Corporation’s investments, in accordance with its investment objective and principal strategies, result in a greater than average amount of risk and volatility and may result in loss of principal. Its investments in portfolio companies are highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in its shares may not be suitable for investors for whom such risk is inappropriate. Neither the Corporation’s investments nor an investment in the Corporation constitutes a balanced investment program.
The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by its Regulated Environment
The Corporation is regulated by the SBA and the SEC. Changes in the laws or regulations that govern SBICs and BDCs could significantly affect the Corporation’s business. Regulations and laws may be changed periodically, and the interpretations of the relevant regulations and laws are also subject to change. Any change in the regulations and laws governing the Corporation’s business could have a material impact on its financial condition or its results of operations. Moreover, the laws and regulations that govern BDCs and SBICs may place conflicting demands on the manner in which the Corporation operates, and the resolution of those conflicts may restrict or otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Corporation.
The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by Borrowing Funds from the SBA
The Corporation’s liabilities may include large amounts of debt securities issued through the SBA which have fixed interest rates. Until and unless the Corporation is able to invest substantially all of the proceeds from debentures at annualized interest or other rates of return that substantially exceed annualized interest rates that Rand SBIC must pay the SBA, the Corporation’s operating results may be adversely affected which may, in turn, depress the market price of the Corporation’s common stock.
The Corporation Operates in a Competitive Market for Investment Opportunities
The Corporation faces competition in its investing activities from many entities including other SBICs, private venture capital funds, investment affiliates of large companies, wealthy individuals and other domestic or foreign investors. The competition is not limited to entities that operate in the same geographical area as the Corporation. As a regulated BDC, the Corporation is required to disclose quarterly and annually the name and business description of portfolio companies and the value of its portfolio securities. Most of its competitors are not subject to this disclosure requirement. The Corporation’s obligation to disclose this information could hinder its ability to invest in certain portfolio companies. Additionally, other regulations, current and future, may make the Corporation less attractive as a potential investor to a given portfolio company than a private venture capital fund.
The Corporation is Dependent Upon Key Management Personnel for Future Success
The Corporation is dependent on the skill, diligence, and the network of business contacts of its two senior officers, Allen F. Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy, for the selection, structuring, closing, monitoring and valuation of its investments. The future success of the Corporation depends to a significant extent on the continued employment of its senior management. The departure of either of its senior officers could materially adversely affect its ability to implement its business strategy. The Corporation does not maintain key man life insurance on any of its officers or employees.
The Corporation’s Portfolio Has a Limited Number of Companies, and May be Subjected to Greater Risk if Any of These Companies Default
The Corporation’s portfolio investment values are concentrated in a small number of companies and as such, it may experience a significant loss in Net Asset Value if one or more of these companies perform poorly or go out of business. The unrealized or realized write down of any one of these companies would negatively impact the Corporation’s Net Asset Value.
Fluctuations of Quarterly Results
The Corporation’s quarterly operating results could fluctuate significantly as a result of a number of factors. These factors include, among others, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which portfolio companies encounter competition in their markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any quarter cannot be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future quarters.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Corporation maintains its offices at 2200 Rand Building, Buffalo, New York 14203, where it leases approximately 1,300 square feet of office space pursuant to a lease agreement that expires December 31, 2015. The Corporation believes that its leased facilities are adequate to support its current staff and expected future needs.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Part II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share (“Common Stock”), is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “RAND.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sales prices per share as reported by NASDAQ:
The Corporation has not paid any cash dividends in its most recent two fiscal years, and it has no present intention of paying cash dividends in the 2014 fiscal year.
Treasury Stock
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) The total number of shares repurchased during 2013 was 198,318 shares. All transactions were made in the open market.
(2) The average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and includes commission.
(3) On October 24, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Common Stock on the open market at prices no greater than the then current net asset value through October 24, 2014.
* Prior to the October 24, 2013 authorization, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Common Stock on the open market through November 1, 2013 at prices no greater than current net asset value.
Profit Sharing and Stock Option Plans
In 2001 the stockholders of the Corporation authorized the establishment of an Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”), that provides for the award of options to purchase up to 200,000 common shares to eligible employees. In 2002, the Corporation placed the Option Plan on inactive status as it developed a new profit sharing plan for the Corporation’s executive officers in connection with the formation of its SBIC subsidiary. As of December 31, 2013, no stock options had been awarded under the Option Plan. Because Section 57(n) of the
1940 Act prohibits maintenance of a profit sharing plan for the officers and employees of a BDC where any option, warrant or right is outstanding under an executive compensation plan, no options will be granted under the Option Plan while any profit sharing plan is in effect with respect to the Corporation.
In 2002, the Corporation established a Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) for its executive officers in accordance with Section 57(n) of the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Corporation will pay its executive officers aggregate profit sharing payments equal to 12% of the net realized capital gains of its SBIC subsidiary, net of all realized capital losses and unrealized depreciation of the SBIC subsidiary, for the fiscal year, computed in accordance with the Plan and the Corporation’s interpretation of the Plan. Any profit sharing paid or accrued cannot exceed 20% of the Corporation’s net income, as defined. The profit sharing payments are split equally between the Corporation’s two executive officers, each of whom is fully vested in the Plan.
The Corporation accrued $887,244 and $246,000 under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were no amounts earned pursuant to the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Corporation approved and accrued $584,634 under the profit sharing plan, of which $568,694 was paid in 2011. The remaining $15,940 was related to an escrow receivable and was paid in 2012 when the escrow was received. Estimated payroll taxes on the profit sharing payments have been accrued at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The amounts approved do not exceed the defined limits.
Shareholders of Record
On March 10, 2014 the Corporation had a total of 833 shareholders, which included 95 record holders of its Common Stock, and an estimated 738 shareholders with shares beneficially owned in nominee name or under clearinghouse positions of brokerage firms or banks.
Stock Repurchase Plan
On October 24, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock on the open market at prices no greater than the then current net asset value through October 24, 2014. During 2013, the Corporation repurchased 198,318 shares for $586,325 which is an average of $2.96 per share. At December 31, 2013 the total treasury shares held was 451,116 shares with a total cost of $1,190,119.
Corporation Performance Graph
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareholder returns for the Common Stock, the NASDAQ Market Index, and the Corporation’s Peer Group, assuming a base index of $100 at the end of 2008. The cumulative total return for each annual period within the five years presented is measured by dividing (1) the sum of (A) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend investment, and (B) the difference between share prices at the end and at the beginning of the measurement period by (2) the share price at the beginning of the measurement period.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Assumes Initial Investment of $100
December 2013
Comparison of cumulative total return of one or more companies, peer groups, industry indexes and/or broad markets
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
The Peer Group is comprised of the following companies:
Equus Total Return (NYSE:EQS)
Gladstone Investment Corporation (NasdaqGS:GAIN)
Harris & Harris Group, Inc. (NasdaqGM:TINY)
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (NasdaqGS: HTGC)
Main Street Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS: MAIN)
MCG Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS:MCGC)
Triangle Capital Corporation (NasdaqGM: TCAP)
The Corporation selected the Peer Group on the basis of its belief that the seven issuers in the group are closed end investment companies that have elected to be regulated as BDCs and have investment objectives that are similar to those of the Corporation, and that among the publicly traded companies that have those attributes, they are relatively similar in size to the Corporation.
The performance graph information provided above will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, unless in the future the Corporation specifically requests that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table provides selected consolidated financial data of the Corporation for the periods indicated. You should read the selected financial data set forth below in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.
Balance Sheet Data as of December 31:
Operating Data for the year ended December 31:
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this 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, and in Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additional oral or written forward-looking statements may be made by the Corporation from time to time, and 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 results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Corporation’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions and are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believes,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “possible,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Among the important factors on which such statements are based are assumptions concerning the state of the national economy and the local markets in which the Corporation’s portfolio companies operate, the state of the securities markets in which the securities of the Corporation’s portfolio companies trade or could be traded, liquidity within the national financial markets, and inflation. Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
There may be other factors not identified that affect the accuracy of the Corporation’s forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as required by law, the Corporation undertakes 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 the Corporation’s business not to develop as we expect, and we cannot predict all of them.
Business Overview
Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1969. Beginning in 1971, Rand operated as a publicly traded, closed-end, diversified management company that was registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). In 2001, Rand elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. 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 August 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 small business investment company were continued by a newly formed corporation under the name of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”). On February 28, 2012 the SEC 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 the Corporation’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions described above, in March 2012, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC (collectively, the “Corporation”).
The Corporation anticipates that most, if not all, of its investments in the next year will be originated through Rand SBIC.
The Corporation’s primary business is making subordinated debt and equity investments in small and medium-sized companies that meet certain criteria which may include:
1) a qualified and experienced management team
2) a new or unique product or service
3) high potential for growth in revenue and cash flow
4) potential to realize appreciation in an equity position, if any.
The Corporation typically makes initial investments of $500,000 to $1,000,000 directly in a company through equity shares or in debt or loan instruments. The debt instruments generally have a maturity of not more than five years and usually have detachable equity warrants. Interest is either paid currently or deferred.
The Corporation’s management team identifies investment opportunities through a network of investment referral relationships. Investment proposals may, however, come to the Corporation from other sources, including unsolicited proposals from companies and referrals from banks, lawyers, accountants and other members of the financial community. The Corporation believes that its reputation in the investment community and experience provide a competitive advantage in originating qualified new investments.
In a typical private financing, the management team of the Corporation will review, analyze, and confirm, through due diligence, the business plan and operations of the potential portfolio company. Additionally, the Corporation will familiarize itself with the portfolio company’s industry and competition and may conduct reference checks with customers and suppliers of the portfolio company.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, the Corporation may make follow-on investments in the portfolio company. Follow-on investments may be made to take advantage of warrants or other preferential rights granted to the Corporation to increase or maintain the Corporation’s position in a promising portfolio company, or provide an additional investment to allow a portfolio company to fully implement its business plans, develop a new line of business or recover from unexpected business problems. Follow-on investments in a portfolio company are evaluated individually and may be subject to regulatory restrictions.
The Corporation may exit investments through the maturation of a debt security or when a liquidity event takes place, such as the sale, recapitalization, or initial public offering of a portfolio company. The method and timing of the disposition of the Corporation’s portfolio investments can be critical to the realization of maximum total return. The Corporation generally expects to dispose of its equity securities through private sales of securities to other investors or through an outright sale of the company or a merger. The Corporation anticipates its debt investments will be repaid with interest and hopes to realize further appreciation from the warrants or other equity type instruments it receives in connection with the investment. The Corporation funds new investments and operating expenses through existing cash balances, proceeds from SBA debentures, investment returns, and interest and principal payments from its portfolio companies.
2013 Highlights and Outlook
The United States and global economic conditions continued to improve throughout 2013. Economic indicators were good throughout 2013 and the global economy seems to be gaining momentum. To the extent financial market conditions continue to improve, the Corporation believes its financial condition and the financial condition of the portfolio companies will improve. It remains difficult to forecast when future exits will happen.
The Corporation’s net asset value increased $0.48, or 12% during 2013, closing the year at $4.38 per share, up from $3.90 per share at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s total investment portfolio was valued at $28.3 million, which exceeds its cost basis of $19.9 million, reflecting $8.4 million in net unrealized appreciation.
The Corporation’s common stock traded below its net asset value per share during 2013 and 2012, closing 2013 at $3.07 per share.
During 2013, the Corporation recognized $2,451,036 in total investment income, a decrease of $153,585 from $2,604,621 of investment income in 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in dividend income from $1,957,621 in 2012 to $1,623,633 in 2013. The Corporation received dividends from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies, which as a group comprise approximately 64% of the value of the Corporation’s portfolio at December 31, 2013. Dividends from these portfolio companies may fluctuate from period to period based not only on the profitability of the portfolio company but also on the timing of distributions the companies make.
The Corporation recognized a net realized gain of $4,374,354 during 2013 and its investment valuation changes resulted in a net decrease in unrealized appreciation of $(1,655,475). Total expenses at December 31, 2013 were $2,359,252, which represented a $563,652, or 31.4% increase from the 2012 expense amount of $1,795,600, which was primarily attributable to the increase in profit sharing compensation expense earned as a result of the realized gains during 2013.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Corporation prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. For a summary of all significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this report.
The increasing complexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance require the Corporation to closely monitor its accounting policies and procedures. The Corporation has two critical accounting policies that require the use of significant judgment. The following summary of critical accounting policies is intended to enhance a reader’s ability to assess the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.
Valuation of Investments
The most important estimate in the preparation of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
Investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. 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 and 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 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 security has 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 the Corporation’s assumptions and judgments differ from results of actual liquidation events.
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 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 an investment or sufficient assets or liquidation proceeds exist from a sale of a portfolio company at its estimated fair value.
The loan and debt securities may also be valued at an amount other than the price the security would command in order to provide a yield to maturity equivalent to the current yield of similar debt securities.
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 “market approach” or “income approach.” 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.
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.
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 and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement, which is not necessarily an indication of risks associated with the investment.
Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as “Net (decrease) increase in unrealized appreciation on investments.”
Under the valuation policy, the Corporation values unrestricted publicly held securities at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the month.
In the valuation process, the Corporation values private securities, categorized as Level 3 investments, using financial information from these portfolio companies, which may include:
•
Financial information obtained from each portfolio company, including 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 liquidation event were to occur;
•
Pending debt or capital restructuring of the portfolio company;
•
Current information regarding any offers to purchase the investment; or past sales 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 occurrences 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.
This information is used to determine financial condition, performance, and valuation of the portfolio companies. The valuation may be reduced if a portfolio company’s performance and potential have deteriorated significantly. If the factors which 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 Interests.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s equity investments are EBITDA and revenue multiples where applicable, the financial and operational performance of the business, or the senior equity preferences which 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 to the unobservable inputs, such as variances in financial performance from expectations, may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
Another key factor used in valuing equity investments is recent arms-length equity transactions with unrelated new investors entered into by the portfolio company. 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 U.S. GAAP 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 increases or decreases in any of these unobservable inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market 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 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 provide an indicator as to the probability of principal recovery of the investment. The Corporation’s debt investments will often be junior secured or unsecured debt securities. Fair value may also be determined based on other criteria where appropriate. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this level.
Revenue Recognition
Interest income generally is recognized on the accrual basis except where the investment is in default or otherwise presumed to be in doubt. In such cases, interest income is recognized at the time of receipt. A reserve for possible losses on interest receivable is maintained when appropriate.
The Rand SBIC 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 the loan is in default 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 Corporation may receive distributions from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies. These distributions are classified as dividend income on the consolidated statement of operations and are recognized when the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Financial Condition
Overview:
Net asset value per share (NAV) was $4.38 per share at December 31, 2013 versus $3.90 per share at December 31, 2012.
During 2013, the Corporation paid off $900,000 in SBA leverage with interest rates approximating 4.4% (including a SBA annual charge of 0.804%) and subsequently drew down $3,000,000 of additional SBA leverage with interest rates up to approximately 4.5% (including a SBA annual charge of 0.804%). The outstanding SBA leverage at December 31, 2013 is $7,000,000. The leverage draw downs in 2013 will mature in 2023 and 2024.
Cash and cash equivalents approximated 35% of net assets at December 31, 2013 compared to 16% at December 31, 2012.
Composition of the Corporation’s Investment Portfolio
The Corporation’s financial condition is dependent on the success of its portfolio holdings. It has invested substantially all of its assets in small to medium-sized companies. The following summarizes the Corporation’s investment portfolio at the year-ends indicated.
The Corporation’s total investments at fair value, as estimated by management and approved by the Board of Directors, approximated 101% of net assets at December 31, 2013 and 116% of net assets at December 31, 2012.
The change in investments, at cost, during the year ended December 31, 2013, at cost, is comprised of the following:
The Corporation’s top five portfolio companies represented 45% of total assets at December 31, 2013:
The Corporation’s top five portfolio companies represented 58% of total assets at December 31, 2012:
Below is the geographic breakdown of the Corporation’s investments at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Corporation’s investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:
Results of Operations
Investment Income
The Corporation’s investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation on its equity investments while maintaining a current cash flow from its debenture and pass through equity instruments. Therefore, the Corporation invests in a mixture of debenture and equity instruments, which will provide a current return on a portion of the investment portfolio. The equity features contained in the Corporation’s investment portfolio are structured to realize capital appreciation over the long-term and may not generate current income in the form of dividends or interest. In addition, the Corporation earns interest income from investing its idle funds in money market instruments held at well capitalized financial institutions.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
Investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased 6%, or $153,585, from $2,604,621 for the year ended December 31, 2012 to $2,451,036 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The net decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the dividend income distributed to the Corporation.
Interest from portfolio companies - The portfolio interest income increase is due to the fact the Corporation originated over $2.5 million in new debt instruments during the previous 18 months with interest rates ranging from 8% to 15%.
After reviewing the portfolio companies’ performance and the circumstances surrounding the investments, the Corporation ceased accruing interest income on Emerging Med in 2012, Mid America Brick in 2012 and G-Tec Natural Gas Systems (G-Tec) in 2004.
Interest from other investments - The minor increase in interest from other investments is primarily due to higher average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2013 versus the year ended December 31, 2012. The cash balances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $9,764,810 and $4,224,763, respectively.
Dividend and other investment income - Dividend income is comprised of distributions from Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in which the Corporation has invested. The Corporation’s investment agreements with certain LLCs require the LLCs’ to distribute funds to the Corporation for payment of income taxes on its allocable share of the LLC’s profits. These portfolio companies may also elect to distribute additional discretionary distributions. Dividend income will fluctuate based upon the profitability of the LLCs and the timing of the distributions. In addition, in the current year the Corporation received dividends from a non-LLC portfolio company.
Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted of distributions from Gemcor II, LLC (Gemcor) for $1,481,675, New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (Monarch) for $68,522, Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff) for $56,239, Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (Somerset) for $16,670 and NDT Acquisition LLC (NDT) for $527. Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of distributions from Gemcor for $1,733,806, Monarch for $191,864, Carolina Skiff for $24,079, Somerset for $6,950 and NDT for $922. The Corporation exited its debt investment in Monarch in 2008 and continues to hold a small ownership in the company.
Other income - Other income consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of Rand SBIC financings. The SBA regulations limit the amount of fees that can be charged to a portfolio company, and the Corporation typically charges 1% to 3%
to the portfolio concerns. These fees are amortized ratably over the life of the instrument associated with the fees. The unamortized fees are carried on the balance sheet under “Deferred revenue.” In addition, other income includes fees charged by the Corporation to its portfolio companies for attendance at the portfolio companies’ board meetings.
The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $7,400 and $2,136 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The annualized financing fee income based on the existing portfolio is expected to be approximately $7,400 in 2014 and 2015.
The board fees were $16,000 and $11,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and
Interest from portfolio companies - The portfolio interest income decrease was due to the fact that two investments, Liazon Corporation (Liazon) and Chequed.com (Chequed), were converted from debt instruments to equity instruments in 2011 and therefore did not contribute to interest income during 2012. In addition, during 2012 the two Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff) investments were accruing interest on a lower compounded principal balance due to the fact that Carolina Skiff paid off approximately $1.3 million in accrued interest in December 2011. The interest recognized for these two instruments for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $215,651 versus $362,258 for the same period in 2011.
After reviewing the portfolio companies’ performance and the circumstances surrounding the investments, the Corporation ceased accruing interest income on the following investment instruments:
Interest from other investments - The decrease in interest from other investments was primarily due to lower average cash balances throughout 2012. The cash balance at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4,224,763 and $4,517,985, respectively.
Dividend and other investment income - Dividend income is comprised of distributions from LLCs’ in which the Corporation has invested. The Corporation’s investment agreements with certain LLCs require the LLCs to distribute funds to the Corporation for payment of income taxes on its allocable share of the LLCs’ profits. These portfolio companies may also elect to distribute additional discretionary distributions. These dividends will fluctuate based upon the profitability of the LLCs and the timing of the distributions. In addition, during 2012 the Corporation received dividends from a non-LLC portfolio company.
Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of a distribution from Gemcor II, LLC (Gemcor) for $1,733,806, New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (Monarch) for $191,864, Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff) for $24,079, Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (Somerset) for $6,950 and NDT Acquisition LLC (NDT) for $922. Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of a distribution from Gemcor for $262,284, Monarch for $185,011, Somerset for $63,160, Carolina Skiff for $4,317 and NDT for $1,417. The Corporation exited its debt investment in Monarch in 2008 and still retains a small ownership in the company. Monarch started distributing its profits to its investors during 2011.
Other income - Other income consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of Rand SBIC financings and income associated with board attendance fees. The SBA regulations limit the amount of fees that can be charged to a portfolio company, and the Corporation typically charges 1% to 3% to the portfolio concerns. These fees are amortized ratably over the life of the instrument associated with the fees. The unamortized fees are carried on the balance sheet under “Deferred revenue.”
The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $2,136 and $5,650 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The board fees were $11,000 and $12,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Operating Expenses
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
Operating expenses predominately consist of compensation expense and the related benefits, interest expense on outstanding SBA borrowings, and general and administrative expenses including shareholder and office expenses and professional fees.
The increase in operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2013 is comprised primarily of a $595,244 increase in Bonus and Profit Sharing expense, a $63,335 increase in Employee Benefit expense and a $53,340 increase in Salary expense. Bonus and Profit Sharing expense increased due to the accrual of $887,244 in profit sharing obligations and $80,000 in bonus accrual for the year ended December 31, 2013 attributed to the increase in realized gains during 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2012 the Corporation accrued $246,000 in profit sharing obligations and $136,000 in bonus accrual. These expense increases are offset by a $139,449 decrease in Bad Debt expense. Bad debt (recovery) expense was ($64,654) and $74,795 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
The increase in operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012 was comprised primarily of a $323,000 increase in Bonus and Profit Sharing expense, a $74,795 increase in Bad Debt expense and a 24% or $19,500 increase in Directors’ Fees. Bonus and Profit Sharing expense increased due to the accrual of $246,000 in profit sharing obligations and $136,000 in bonus accrual for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Directors’ Fee expense increased due to a change in the Directors’ fee structure during the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase is offset by a 68% or $364,500 decrease in SBA interest expense. Interest expense decreased due to the fact that the Corporation paid off a total of $9,100,000 in SBA leverage during 2011 and 2012 and drew down $4,000,000 in SBA leverage during 2012 at lower interest rates.
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
Liazon Corporation was sold to a strategic acquirer in November 2013 and the Corporation received approximately $7.4 million in net proceeds for its equity securities. The realized gain from the sale was $6,256,482 and included $1,153,277 that was held in escrow at December 31, 2013 in the other assets line on the consolidated statement of financial position. The escrow is scheduled to be released during 2014, subject to potential claims.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Corporation recognized a net realized gain of $1,164,545 on the sale of 252,200 shares of Synacor, Inc. (Synacor). Synacor trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SYNC”. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation owned 428,643 shares of Synacor.
The Corporation also recognized a realized gain of $669,939 on the sale of its shares in Ultra-Scan to a strategic acquirer during the year ended December 31, 2013 and includes $181,141 held in escrow. The escrow is scheduled to be received during 2014 and 2015.
The Corporation realized a loss of $1,063,698 on its investment in Mid-America Brick during the year ended December 31, 2013 when the company announced in February 2013 that it had filed for bankruptcy. Due to the subordinated nature of the Corporation’s investment holdings there was no recovery.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Corporation recognized a realized gain of $1,351,771 on the sale of 305,344 shares of Synacor, Inc. (Synacor). Synacor completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at $5.00 per share on February 10, 2012 trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SYNC”. The Corporation owned 986,187 shares prior to the IPO. As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation owned 680,843 shares of Synacor.
The Corporation also realized a loss on SmartPill Corp. for ($17,653) during the year ended December 31, 2012 when the portfolio company was sold.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Corporation recognized a loss of ($1,780,612) on Niagara Dispensing, a loss of ($293,519) on Associates Interactive LLC (Associates) and a loss of ($131,420) on Innov-X Systems, Inc. (Innovex).
The Corporation recognized a realized loss of ($1,780,612) on its investment in Niagara Dispensing after the company was sold during 2011. As part of the sale proceeds, the Corporation obtained an equity membership in an acquisition corporation which was entitled to a multi-year royalty on future product sales. Associates ceased doing business in the first quarter of 2011. The Corporation exited the Innovex investment in 2010 and parts of the proceeds were held in escrow. This realized loss is a result of an adjustment to the escrow receivable balance.
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation of Investments
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
The decrease in net unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2013 was comprised of the following items:
The Mid America Brick investment was written off after the company filed for bankruptcy protection in the first quarter of 2013.
Carolina Skiff’s value was adjusted based on a financial analysis of the portfolio company indicating continued improved performance.
The NDT investment value was adjusted for royalties received.
The Emerging Med investment was written down based on a financial analysis of the company and to reflect anticipated liquidation proceeds.
Synacor, as a publicly traded stock, is marked to market at the end of each quarter. The Corporation valued its 428,643 shares of Synacor at a three day average bid price of $2.46 at December 31, 2013.
The increase in net unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following items:
The fair values of the Gemcor, Ultra-Scan and Carolina Skiff investments were increased based on improvements in their respective businesses during 2012.
In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on another significant equity financing during 2012 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for Liazon than its prior financing rounds.
Synacor, as a publicly traded stock, is marked to market at the end of each quarter. The stock had restrictions on its sale that expired on August 11, 2012. The Corporation valued its 680,843 shares of Synacor at the three day average bid price of $5.20 at December 31, 2012.
The Mid America Brick investment was written down during the year ended December 31, 2012 after a review by the Corporation’s management of its financials and an analysis of the liquidation preferences of senior securities. The Emerging Med and NDT investments were written down based on a financial analysis of each company.
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
The increase in net unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following items:
The fair values of the Gemcor, Ultra-Scan and Carolina Skiff investments were increased based on improvements in their respective businesses during 2012.
In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on another significant equity financing during 2012 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for Liazon than its prior financing rounds.
Synacor, as a publicly traded stock, is marked to market at the end of each quarter. The stock had restrictions on its sale that expired on August 11, 2012. The Corporation valued its 680,843 shares of Synacor at the three day average bid price of $5.20 at December 31, 2012.
The Mid America Brick investment was written down during the year ended December 31, 2012 after a review by the Corporation’s management of its financials and an analysis of the liquidation preferences of senior securities. The Emerging Med and NDT investments were written down based on a financial analysis of the company.
The increase in unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2011 was comprised of the following items:
The Corporation increased its value in Synacor based on an analysis of the financial and operational growth of the portfolio company. Synacor, Inc. filed a Form S-1 registration statement on November 18, 2011 with the SEC and completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on February 10, 2012 trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “SYNC.”
The Corporation recognized appreciation on its equity investment in Gemcor based on the improved financial condition of the portfolio company. Per the Corporation’s valuation policy, a portfolio company can be valued based on a conservative financial measure if the portfolio company has been self-financing and has had positive cash flow from operations for at least the past two fiscal years.
In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on a significant equity financing during 2011 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for this portfolio company.
All of these value adjustments resulted from a review by management using the guidance set forth by ASC 820 and the Corporation’s established valuation policy.
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
The Corporation accounts for its operations under GAAP for investment companies. The principal measure of its financial performance is “net increase in net assets from operations” on its consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the net increase in net assets from operations was $2,873,357 as compared to net increases of $1,939,767 in 2012 and $1,348,303 in 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Corporation’s principal objective is to achieve capital appreciation. Therefore, a significant portion of the investment portfolio is structured to maximize the potential for capital appreciation and may provide little or no current yield in the form of dividends or interest payments.
As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s total liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, was $9,764,810.
Net cash provided by operating activities has averaged approximately $1,064,000 over the last three years and management anticipates cash will continue to be provided at similar levels. The cash flow may fluctuate based on dividend income, realized gains and the associated income taxes paid.
The Corporation had approximately $4,607,000 provided by net cash flow from investing activities for fiscal year 2013 and used approximately $3,598,000 during fiscal year 2012 and used approximately $1,742,000 in net cash flow from investing activities in fiscal year 2011. The Corporation will generally use cash in investing activities as it builds its portfolio utilizing its available cash and proceeds from liquidations of portfolio investments. The Corporation anticipates that it will continue to exit investments over the next several years. However, significant liquidating events within the Corporation’s investment portfolio are difficult to project with any certainty.
The following table summarizes the SBA leverage at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
The following table summarizes the cash to be received over the next five years from portfolio companies based on contractual obligations as of December 31, 2013. This table does not include any escrow receivable amounts. These payments represent scheduled principal and interest payments that are contained in the investment documents of each portfolio company.
The preceding table only includes debenture instruments and does not include any equity investments which may provide additional proceeds upon exit of the investment.
Management expects that the cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013, coupled with the available $1,000,000 in SBA leverage and the scheduled interest payments on its portfolio investments, will be sufficient to meet the Corporation’s cash needs throughout 2014. The Corporation is also evaluating potential exits from portfolio companies to increase the amount of liquidity available for new investments, operating activities and future SBA debenture obligations.
Contractual Obligations
The following table shows the Corporation’s specified contractual obligations at December 31, 2013. The Corporation does not have any capital lease obligations or other long-term liabilities reflected on its balance sheet.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Corporation’s investment activities contain elements of risk. The portion of the Corporation’s investment portfolio consisting of equity and debt securities in private companies is subject to valuation risk. Because there is typically no public market for the equity and debt securities in which it invests, the valuation of the equity interests in the portfolio is stated at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. This is in accordance with the Corporation’s investment valuation policy. (The discussion of valuation policy contained in “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investments” in the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8
Item 8 of this report is hereby incorporated herein by reference.) In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, the estimated value of the Corporation’s 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 in the Corporation’s consolidated statement of operations as “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.”
At times a portion of the Corporation’s portfolio may include marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market. In addition, there may be a portion of the Corporation’s portfolio for which no regular trading market exists. In order to realize the full value of a security, the market must trade in an orderly fashion or a willing purchaser must be available when a sale is to be made. Should an economic or other event occur that would not allow markets to trade in an orderly fashion, the Corporation may not be able to realize the fair value of its marketable investments or other investments in a timely manner.
As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or hedging or similar derivative financial instrument investments.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The following consolidated financial statements and consolidated supplemental schedule of the Corporation and report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set forth below:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
December 31,
See accompanying notes
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For The Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
See accompanying notes
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For The Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
See accompanying notes.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For The Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
See accompanying notes
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2013
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2013 (Continued)
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2013 (Continued)
Notes to Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments
(a) At December 31, 2013 restricted securities represented approximately 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. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not audited the business descriptions of the portfolio companies. Individual securities with a fair value less than $100,000 are included in “Other Investments.”
(b) The Date Acquired column indicates the year in which the Corporation acquired its first investment in the company or a predecessor company. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not audited the date acquired of the portfolio companies.
(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. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not audited the equity percentages of the portfolio companies. The symbol “<1%” indicates that the Corporation holds an equity interest of less than one percent. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation held no equity interests of less than one percent.
(d) The investments are carried at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value and establishes guidelines for measuring fair value. At December 31, 2013, ASC 820 designates 4% of the Corporation’s investments as “Level 1” and 96% as “Level 3” assets. Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly held securities are valued at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the month. Restricted securities are subject to restrictions on resale, and are valued at fair value as determined by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Fair value is considered to be the amount which 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 (also see Note 2 “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.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2013 (Continued)
(f) As of December 31, 2013, the total cost of investment securities approximated $19.9 million. Net unrealized appreciation was approximately $8.5 million, which was comprised of $9.9 million of unrealized appreciation of investment securities and ($1.49) million related to unrealized depreciation of investment securities.
(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 net of reserves) from investment included as interest receivable on the Corporation’s Statement of Financial Position. As of December 31, 2013 there were no amounts exceeding $50,000.
(j) Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments are investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliated 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.
(l) Control investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which more than 25% of the voting securities are owned or where greater than 50% of the board representation is maintained.
(m) Gemcor II, LLC is an “unconsolidated significant subsidiary” as defined in SEC’s Regulation S-X.
(n) Publicly owned company.
(o) On December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s shares of Synacor were valued at $2.46 per share in accordance with the Corporation’s valuation policy for unrestricted publicly held securities (Level 1). See Synacor’s publicly disclosed financial reports at SEC.gov for additional information on Synacor’s industry, financial results and business operations.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2012
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2012 (Continued)
Notes to Consolidated Schedule of Portfolio Investments
a) At December 31, 2012 restricted securities represented 88% of the fair value of the investment portfolio. Restricted securities are subject to one or more restrictions on resale and are not freely marketable. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not examined the business descriptions of the portfolio companies. Individual securities with a fair value less than $100,000 are included in “Other Investments.”
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2012 (Continued)
(b) The Date Acquired column indicates the year in which the Corporation acquired its first investment in the company or a predecessor company. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not audited the date acquired of the portfolio companies.
(c) The equity percentages estimate the Corporation’s ownership interest in the portfolio investment. The estimated ownership is calculated based on the percent of outstanding voting securities held by the Corporation or the potential percentage of voting securities held by the Corporation upon exercise of warrants or conversion of debentures, or other available data. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. has not audited the equity percentages of the portfolio companies. The symbol “<1%” indicates that the Corporation holds an equity interest of less than one percent.
(d) The Corporation uses Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value and establishes guidelines for measuring fair value. At December 31, 2012, ASC 820 designates 12% of the Corporation’s investments as “Level 1” and 88% as “Level 3” assets. Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly held securities are valued at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the month. Restricted publicly traded securities are valued at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the month and are discounted for the time restriction. Restricted securities are subject to restrictions on resale, and are valued at fair value as determined by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Fair value is considered to be the amount which 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.
(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 going forward.
(f) As of December 31, 2012, the total cost of investment securities approximated $18.5 million. Net unrealized appreciation was approximately $11.3 million, which was comprised of $13.4 million of unrealized appreciation of investment securities and ($2.1) million related to unrealized depreciation of investment securities.
(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 net of reserves) from investment included as interest receivable on the Corporation’s Balance Sheet.
(j) Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments are investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliated 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.
(l) Control investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which more than 25% of the voting securities are owned or where greater than 50% of the board representation is maintained.
(m) Publicly owned company.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2012 (Continued)
(n) Effective August 13, 2012 the Corporation’s shares in Synacor, Inc. became unrestricted. On December 31, 2012, the Corporation owned 680,843 shares of Synacor that were valued at $5.20 per share in accordance with the Corporation’s valuation policy for publicly held securities. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, Synacor’s public share price had a trading range on NASDAQ of $2.72 to $6.24 for the period January 1st through March 13, 2013. The Corporation’s owns 453,643 shares of Synacor at March 13, 2013 and these shares have a public market value of 3.07 per share or $1.4 million prior to any income tax considerations.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULES OF SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS
For the Five Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Selected data for each share of common stock outstanding throughout the five most current years is as follows:
(1) Per share data are based on shares outstanding and results are rounded.
(2) Net increase is due to purchase of common stock at prices less than beginning of period net asset value per share.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business - Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1969. Beginning in 1971, Rand operated as a publicly traded, closed-end, diversified management company that was registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). In 2001 Rand elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. 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 August 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 small business investment company were continued by the newly formed corporation under the name of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”). On February 28, 2012 the SEC 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 the Corporation’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions, on March 28, 2012, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC (collectively, the “Corporation”).
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Temporary cash investments having a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
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.” The Corporation is deemed to control a portfolio company if 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.
Investments - Investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. 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 for each investment. 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 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 security has 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 the Corporation’s assumptions and judgments differ from results of actual liquidation events.
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.
The Rand SBIC 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
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
presumed to be in doubt when there is substantial doubt about a portfolio company’s ability to continue as a going concern or the loan is in default 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.
After reviewing the portfolio companies’ performance and the circumstances surrounding the investments, the Corporation ceased accruing interest income on EmergingMed.com, Inc. in 2012, Mid America Brick & Structural Clay Products, LLC in 2012 and G-Tec Natural Gas Systems in 2004.
Revenue Recognition - Dividend Income - The Corporation may receive 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.
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 valuation 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 did not record any OID in 2013 and recorded three OID’s for the year ended December 31, 2012 for $209,000. The Corporation recognized $15,492, $19,028 and $37,000 in OID income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Future OID income for the next three years is estimated to average $15,500 per year.
Deferred Debenture Costs - SBA debenture origination and commitment costs, which are included in other assets, will be amortized ratably over the terms of the SBA debentures. Amortization expense during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $37,958, $64,073 and $94,878, respectively. Annual amortization expense for the next five years is estimated to average $23,000 per year.
Deferred Revenue - From time to time the Corporation charges application and closing fees in connection with its investments. These fees are deferred and amortized into income over the life of the debt or equity investment. Deferred fees amortized into income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $7,400, $2,136 and $5,650, respectively. Deferred revenue amortization income is estimated to be $7,400 for 2014.
Net Assets Per Share - Net assets per share are based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding. There are no common stock equivalents.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Income taxes paid (refunded) during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $962,697, ($145,539) and ($422,862), respectively. Interest paid during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $128,083, $135,870 and $555,748, respectively. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Corporation converted $310,322, $131,825 and $130,459, respectively, of interest receivable and payment in kind interest (PIK) into debt investments. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Corporation recorded two escrow receivables for $1,153,277 and $189,141 in connection with the sale of investments. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Corporation collected escrows of $957,563 from Grid App, $700,000 from Innov-X Systems, Inc. and $157,775 from Kionix. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Corporation collected $367,151 on the Kionix escrow receivable.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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. Management does not anticipate non-performance by the banks.
As of December 31, 2013, 63% of the Corporation’s total investment value was held in five notes and equity securities. As of December 31, 2012, 66% of the Corporation’s total investment value was held in five notes and equity securities.
Income Taxes - The Corporation reviews the tax positions it has taken to determine if they meet the “more likely than not threshold” for the benefit of the tax position to be recognized in the 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.
Accounting Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statement of financial position of cash and cash equivalents, interest receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of SBA debentures is a reasonable estimate of fair value as of December 31, 2013 based on interest rates charged on similar debt obligations with similar terms.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement - In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, “Financial Services - Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements,” which amends the criteria to change the approach to investment company assessment in Topic 936, clarify the characteristics of an investment company and require new disclosures for investment companies. Under ASU 2013-08, an entity regulated under the 1940 Act will be deemed an investment company under this Topic. The Corporation anticipates no impact from adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements and is currently assessing the additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2013-08 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013.
NOTE 2. - INVESTMENTS
The Corporation’s investments are carried at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, “fair value measurements and disclosures”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in 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 an investment or sufficient assets or liquidation proceeds exist from a sale of a portfolio company at its estimated fair value.
The loan and debt securities may also be valued at an amount other than the price the security would command in order to provide a yield to maturity equivalent to the current yield of similar debt securities. 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.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
•
Equity securities may be valued using the “market approach” or “income approach.” 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.
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.
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 and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement, which is not necessarily an indication of risks associated with the investment.
Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as “Net (decrease) increase in unrealized appreciation on investments.”
Under the valuation policy, the Corporation values unrestricted publicly traded companies at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the month.
In the valuation process, the Corporation values private securities, categorized as Level 3 investments, using financial information from these portfolio companies, which may include:
•
Financial information obtained from each portfolio company, including unaudited statements of operations, balance sheets and operating budgets;
•
Current and projected financial, operational and technological development 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 past sales 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 occurrences 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.
This information is used to determine financial condition, performance, and valuation of the portfolio companies. The valuation may be reduced if a portfolio company’s performance and potential have deteriorated significantly. If the factors which led to a reduction in valuation are overcome, the valuation may be readjusted.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Equity Securities
Equity Securities may include Preferred Stock, Common Stock, Warrants and Limited Liability Company Interests.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s equity investments are EBITDA and revenue multiples where applicable, the financial and operational performance of the business, or the senior equity preferences which 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 to the unobservable inputs, such as variances in financial performance from expectations, may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
Another key factor used in valuing equity investments is recent arms-length equity transactions with unrelated new investors entered into by the portfolio company. Many times 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 increases or decreases in any of these unobservable inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market 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 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 provide an indicator as to the probability of principal recovery of the investment. The Corporation’s debt investments will often be junior secured or unsecured debt securities. Fair value may also be determined based on other criteria where appropriate. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this level.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the Corporation’s Level 3 portfolio investments as of December 31, 2013:
The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2013:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a summary of changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2013:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the Corporation’s Level 3 portfolio investments as of December 31, 2012:
The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2012:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a summary of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2012:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A) The reporting entity’s policy is to recognize transfers into and transfers out of level 3 as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
(B) Transfer from level 3 to level 2 during the first quarter of 2012 because observable market data became available for the restricted security. The Synacor, Inc. shares became freely tradable during August 2012 and were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 during the third quarter of 2012.
NOTE 3. - OTHER ASSETS
At December 31, 2013 and 2012 other assets was comprised of the following:
During 2013 the Corporation sold its investment in Liazon Corporation (Liazon) and Ultra-Scan Corporation (UltraScan) and a portion of the sales proceeds were held in escrow. Both of these escrow amounts are expected to be received in 2014 and 2015.
NOTE 4. - INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered.
The tax effect of the major temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to the Corporation’s net deferred tax assets and (liabilities) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are approximately as follows:
The Corporation annually assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary. In performing this assessment, it considers estimated future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies. No allowance was deemed necessary for 2013 and 2012.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of income tax expense (benefit) reported in the statements of operations are as follows for the years ended December 31:
A reconciliation of the expense (benefit) for income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the expense reported is as follows:
At December 31, 2013 and 2012 the Corporation no longer had any federal net operating loss carryforwards or capital loss carryforwards. For state tax purposes, there is a net operating loss carryforward of $24,569. A deferred tax asset has been established for this carryforward. For state tax purposes the Corporation had a NYS Qualified Emerging Technology Company (QETC) tax credit carryforward of $153,562 and $164,467 at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The QETC credit carryforward does not have an expiration date. The Corporation also has a Georgia Employer’s Jobs Tax Credit carryforward of $11,678 and $19,870 at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and this credit expires in the next nine to ten years.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In September 2012 the Internal Revenue Service completed an audit of the Corporation’s tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2010, which resulted in a decrease of $64,000 in liabilities for uncertain tax positions during the year ended December 31, 2012. All adjustments related to that audit were recorded in the tax provision at December 31, 2012. The Corporation is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. In general, the Corporation’s state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2009 through 2013. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012 was $8,500, all of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Corporation does not expect that the amounts of uncertain tax positions will change significantly within the next 12 months.
It is the Corporation’s policy to include interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities in income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. There was no amount recognized for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
NOTE 5. - SBA DEBENTURE OBLIGATIONS
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Rand SBIC had debentures payable to and guaranteed by the SBA totaling $7,000,000 and $4,900,000, respectively. During 2013 and 2012, the Corporation repaid $900,000 and $3,100,000 of its outstanding SBA leverage, respectively. The Corporation drew down $3,000,000 and $4,000,000 in additional leverage during 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The debenture terms require semiannual payments of interest at annual interest rates ranging from 2.245% to 3.644%, plus an annual charge of 0.804%. The interim interest rates on the $1,500,000 debentures drawn down in October 2013 was 0.622%, plus an annual charge of 0.0804%. The permanent interest rate on the October 2013 will be set in March 2014. The debentures have fixed interest rates and a 10 year maturity date. The debentures outstanding at December 31, 2013 will mature as follows:
The Corporation is required to pay the SBA a commitment fee equal to 1% of the face amount of the SBA leverage reserved as a partial prepayment of the SBA’s nonrefundable 3% leverage draw fees. Commitment and leverage draw fees of $72,750, $97,000 and $80,000 were paid during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The Corporation has $1,000,000 in available and undrawn SBA Guaranteed Debenture leverage available at December 31, 2013. The SBA leverage commitment expires in September 2016.
NOTE 6. - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 500,000 shares of $10.00 par value preferred stock authorized and unissued.
On November 1, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock on the open market through November 1, 2013 at prices that are no greater than the then current net asset value. On October 24, 2013, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase authorization to 1,000,000 shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock on the open market through October 24, 2014 at prices that are no greater than the then current net asset value. During 2013, the Corporation repurchased 198,318 shares for $586,325 and paid an average of $2.96 per share. At December 31, 2013 the total treasury shares held was 451,116 shares with a total cost of $1,190,119.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Summary of change in equity accounts:
NOTE 7. - STOCK OPTION PLANS
In 2001 the stockholders of the Corporation authorized the establishment of an Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”), that provides for the award of options to purchase up to 200,000 common shares to eligible employees. In 2002, the Corporation placed the Option Plan on inactive status as it developed a new profit sharing plan for the Corporation’s executive officers in connection with the formation of its SBIC subsidiary. As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, no stock options had been awarded under the Option Plan. Because Section 57(n) of the 1940 Act prohibits maintenance of a profit sharing plan for the officers and employees of a BDC where any option, warrant or right is outstanding under an executive compensation plan, no options will be granted under the Option Plan while any profit sharing plan is in effect with respect to the Corporation (See Note 8).
NOTE 8. - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Corporation has a defined contribution 401(k) Plan (the “401K Plan”). The 401K Plan provides a base contribution of 1% for eligible employees and also provides up to 5% matching contributions. The 401K Plan expense was $42,798, $30,335 and $21,579 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
In 2002, the Corporation established a Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) for its executive officers in accordance with Section 57(n) of the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Corporation will pay its executive officers aggregate profit sharing payments equal to 12% of the net realized capital gains of its SBIC subsidiary, net of all realized capital losses and unrealized depreciation of the SBIC subsidiary, for the fiscal year, computed in accordance with the Plan and the Corporation’s interpretation of the Plan. Any profit sharing paid or accrued cannot exceed 20% of the Corporation’s net income, as defined. The profit sharing payments are split equally between the Corporation’s two executive officers, who are fully vested in the Plan.
The Corporation accrued $887,244 and $246,000 under the Plan for the years ended December 31 2013 and 2012. There were no amounts earned pursuant to the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Corporation approved and accrued $584,634 under the profit sharing plan, of which $568,694 was paid in 2011. The remaining $15,940 was related to an escrow receivable and was paid in 2012 when the escrow was received. Estimated payroll taxes and benefits on the profit sharing have been accrued at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The amounts approved do not exceed the defined limits.
NOTE 9. - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Corporation has an agreement which provides health benefits for the spouse of a former officer of the Corporation. Remaining payments projected to be paid to the surviving spouse have been fully accrued. Total accrued health benefits under this agreement at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $17,319 and $23,620, respectively.
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Corporation has a lease for office space which expires in December 2015. Rent expense under this operating lease for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18,480, $18,126 and $17,181. The operating lease obligations for the next two years are approximately $17,880 and $18,240.
NOTE 10. - UNCONSOLIDATED SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY
In accordance with the SEC’s Regulation S-X, the Corporation has an unconsolidated significant subsidiary that is not required to be consolidated. Accordingly, comparative financial information is presented below.
NOTE 11. - QUARTERLY OPERATIONS AND EARNINGS DATA - UNAUDITED
NOTE 12. - ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
The Corporation maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible interest payments due from portfolio investments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of the overall condition of the receivable balances and a review of past due amounts. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts consist of the following:
RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN INVESTMENTS AT
COST AND REALIZED GAIN
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiary
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiary (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, including the consolidated schedules of portfolio investments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, and the selected per share data and ratios for each of the five years in the period then ended. These consolidated financial statements and the selected per share data and ratios are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and selected per share data and ratios based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and selected per share data and ratios are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included examination or confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and selected per share data and ratios referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the results of their operations, their cash flows and the changes in their net assets for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, and the selected per share data and ratios for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2, the investment securities included in the consolidated financial statements valued at $28,348,553 (101% of net assets) and $29,779,786 (116% of net assets) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively include securities valued at $27,294,053 and $26,239,386, respectively, whose fair values have been estimated by management in the absence of readily ascertainable fair value. The fair value estimates are then approved by the Board of Directors. We have reviewed the procedures used by management in preparing the valuations of investment securities and have inspected the underlying documentation, and in the circumstances we believe the procedures are reasonable and the documentation appropriate. Those estimated values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The supplementary schedule of consolidated changes in investments at cost and realized gain for the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic consolidated financial statements. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of Corporation’s management. Such schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ FREED MAXICK CPAs, P.C.
Buffalo, New York
March 17, 2014
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Management report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Corporation’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Corporation’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
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 December 31, 2013. 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 December 31, 2013.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Corporation’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
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.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None
Part III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the headings “PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS”, “COMMITTEES AND MEETING DATA,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance” provided in the Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed under Regulation 14A (the “2014 Proxy Statement”).
The Corporation has adopted a written Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and vice president of finance, and a Business Ethics Policy applicable to the Corporation’s directors, officers and employees. The Corporation’s Code of Ethics and Business Ethics Policy are available, free of charge, in the Governance section of the Corporation’s website located at www.randcapital.com.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information provided in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the headings “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” and “DIRECTOR COMPENSATION.”
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information provided in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the heading “BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES.”
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the heading “DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.”
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information concerning the Corporation’s independent auditors, the audit committee’s pre-approval policy for audit services and our principal accountant fees and services is contained in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the heading “INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT FEES”.
Part IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report and included in Item 8:
(1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012
Statements of Operations for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013
Statements of Cash Flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013
Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of December 31, 2013
Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of December 31, 2012
Schedules of Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the five years in the period ended December 31, 2013
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplemental Schedule of Consolidated Changes in Investments at Cost and Realized Gain for the year ended December 31, 2013
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The required financial statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts has been omitted because the information required is included in the note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
(b) 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 Securities Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997. (File No. 814-00235).
(3.1)(ii) By-laws of the Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of Form N-2 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997. (File No. 814-00235).
(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. 814-00235).
(10.1) Employee Stock Option Plan - incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 8, 2001.* (File No. 811-01825).
(3.2)(i) Certificate of Incorporation of Rand Merger Corporation as filed by the NY Department of State on 12/18/08 - 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).
(10.2) Certificate of Merger of Rand Capital SBIC, L.P. and Rand Capital Management, LLC into Rand Merger Corporation, as filed by the NY Department of State on 12/18/08 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) 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).
(10.3) Rand Capital Corporation Amended and Restated Profit Sharing Plan applicable to Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7 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)*
(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 - furnished herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Corporation in the capacities and on the date indicated.