EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q for quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period to

Commission File Number 0-19509

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		76-0345915
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Eight Greenway Plaza, Suite 930 Houston, Texas		77046
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 529-0900

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

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


Large accelerated filer ¨		Accelerated filer ¨		Non-accelerated filer x		Smaller Reporting Company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company. Yes ¨ No x

There were 8,861,646 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding, as of November 16, 2009. The net asset value of a share at September 30, 2009 was $7.41.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

(A Delaware Corporation)

INDEX


		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Balance Sheets—September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008		3
Statements of Operations—For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008		4
Statements of Operations—For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008		5
Statements of Changes in Net Assets—For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008		6
Statements of Cash Flows—For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008		7
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios—For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008		8
Schedule of Portfolio Securities—September 30, 2009		9
Schedule of Portfolio Securities—December 31, 2008		12
Notes to Financial Statements		15
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		24
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk		28
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		29
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 5. Other Information		29
Item 6. Exhibits		29
SIGNATURE		31

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS


	September 30, 2009			December 31, 2008
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	(unaudited)
Assets
Investments in portfolio securities at fair value:
Control investments (cost at $36,864 and $36,808 respectively)	$	35,167		$	37,190
Affiliate investments (cost at $18,672 and $18,353 respectively)		11,322			20,974
Non-affiliate investments (cost at $17,804 and $16,930 respectively)		11,009			10,872

Total investments in portfolio securities at fair value		57,498			69,036
Restricted cash & temporary investments, at cost which approximates fair value		34,338			45,419
Cash		1,496			71
Temporary cash investments, at cost which approximates fair value		5,246			8,585
Accounts receivable and other		54			8
Accrued interest and dividends receivable due from portfolio securities		1,099			944

Total assets	$	99,731		$	124,063

Liabilities and net assets
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	101		$	204
Due to adviser		—			455
Borrowing under margin account		33,998			44,969

Total liabilities		34,099			45,628

Net assets:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $.001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 8,862 and 8,565 shares outstanding, respectively		9			9
Additional paid-in capital		85,926			85,966
Undistributed net investment losses		(4,461	)		(4,485	)
Unrealized depreciation of portfolio securities, net		(15,842	)		(3,055	)

Total net assets	$	65,632		$	78,435

Net assets per share	$	7.41		$	9.16

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)


(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2009			2008
Investment income:
Interest and dividend income from portfolio securities:
Control investments	$	809		$	221
Affiliate investments		13			216
Non-affiliate investments		501			(233	)

Total interest and dividend income		1,323			204
Interest from temporary cash investments		6			88

Total investment income		1,329			292

Expenses:
Management fee		—			463
Administrative fee		—			113
Incentive fee		—			14
Professional fees		375			179
Compensation expense		259			—
Director fees and expenses		111			89
General and adminsitrative expense		81			—
Mailing, printing and other expenses		52			55
Interest expense		11			4

Total expenses		889			917

Net investment income (loss)		440			(625	)

Net realized gain (loss):
Control investments		—			(1	)
Affiliate investments		—			—
Non-affiliate investments		—			—
Temporary cash investments		(6	)		—

Total net realized gain (loss)		(6	)		(1	)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities:
End of period		(15,842	)		12,695
Beginning of period		(8,043	)		17,129

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities		(7,799	)		(4,434	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	(7,365	)	$	(5,060	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.83	)	$	(0.60	)

Weighted average shares outstanding, in thousands
Basic and diluted		8,862			8,497

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)


(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2009			2008
Investment income:
Interest and dividend income from portfolio securities:
Control investments	$	1,361		$	605
Affiliate investments		37			677
Non-affiliate investments		1,510			611

Total interest and dividend income		2,908			1,893
Interest from temporary cash investments		41			480

Total investment income		2,949			2,373
Expenses:
Management fee		714			1,485
Administrative fee		226			338
Incentive fee		—			124
Professional fees		1,014			566
Director fees and expenses		356			323
Compensation expense		259			—
Mailing, printing and other expenses		212			226
General and administrative expense		81			—
Interest expense		33			20
Taxes		30			10

Total expenses		2,925			3,092

Net investment income (loss)		24			(719	)
Net realized gain (loss):
Control investments		—			626
Affiliate investments		—			351
Non-affiliate investments		—			—
Temporary cash investments		(38	)		—

Total net realized gain (loss)		(38	)		977
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities:
End of period		(15,842	)		12,695
Beginning of period		(3,055	)		16,818

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities		(12,787	)		(4,123	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	(12,801	)	$	(3,865	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(1.46	)	$	(0.46	)

Weighted average shares outstanding, in thousands
Basic and diluted		8,766			8,475

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)


(in thousands)	2009			2008
Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations:
Net investment income (loss)	$	24		$	(719	)
Net realized gain (loss)		(38	)		977
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities		(12,787	)		(4,123	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		(12,801	)		(3,865	)

Capital share transactions:
Dividends declared		(921	)		(4,026	)
Shares issued in dividend		919			1,920
Repurchase of common stock		—			(3,010	)

Decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions		(2	)		(5,116	)

Decrease in net assets		(12,803	)		(8,981	)
Net assets at beginning of period		78,435			103,216

Net assets at end of period	$	65,632		$	94,235

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)


(in thousands)	2009			2008
Reconciliation of increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	(12,801	)	$	(3,865	)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net realized (gain) loss		38			(977	)
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of portfolio securities		12,787			4,123
Amortization of original issue discount and origination fees		—			166
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Purchase of portfolio securities		(720	)		(18,808	)
Proceeds from dispositions of securities		916			3,915
Sales (purchases) of restricted temporary cash investments		11,043			(25,248	)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and other		(46	)		99
Increase in accrued interest receivable due from portfolio securities		(1,600	)		(514	)
Decrease in accrued escrowed receivables		—			262
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(103	)		(52	)
Decrease in due to adviser		(455	)		(822	)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		9,059			(41,721	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under margin account		117,038			140,992
Repayments under margin account		(128,009	)		(115,994	)
Dividends paid		(2	)		(2,106	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(3,010	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(10,973	)		19,882

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(1,914	)		(21,839	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		8,656			30,940

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	6,742		$	9,101

Non-cash financing activities:
Shares issued in lieu of cash dividend	$	919		$	1,920

Accrued interest or dividends exchanged for portfolio securities	$	1,445		$	358

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	42		$	16

Income taxes paid	$	17		$	10

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION—SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)


	2009			2008
Investment income	$	0.34		$	0.28
Expenses		0.34			0.36

Net investment income (loss)		0.00			(0.08	)
Net realized gain (loss)		(0.00	)		0.12
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities		(1.46	)		(0.49	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		(1.46	)		(0.45	)
Capital share transactions:
Dividend declared		(0.11	)		(0.47	)
Share repurchase		—			(0.36	)
Dilutive effect of shares issued in common stock dividend		(0.18	)		0.40

Decrease in net assets resulting from capital transactions		(0.29	)		(0.43	)

Net decrease in net assets		(1.75	)		(0.88	)
Net assets at beginning of period		9.16			12.29

Net assets at end of period, basic and diluted	$	7.41		$	11.41

Weighted average number of shares outstanding during period, in thousands		8,766			8,475
Market value per share at end of period	$	3.22		$	6.20
Ratio of expenses to average net assets		4.06	%		3.13	%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets		0.03	%		(0.73	)%
Ratio of net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to average net		(17.77	)%		(3.91	)%
Total return on market price*		(22.62	)%		5.77	%

*	Adjusted for dividends and can be calculated as the September 30, 2009 market value plus year-to-date dividends declared less the December 31, 2008 market value, divided by the December 31, 2008 market value.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

September 30, 2009

(Unaudited)


Name and Location of Portfolio Company	Industry	Date of Initial Investment	Investment	Principal		Cost of Investment		Fair Value(3)
				*(amounts in thousands)*
Control investments: Majority-owned (6):
Equus Media Development Company, LLC Houston, TX	Media	January 2007	Member interest (100%)			$	5,000	$	5,000
Riptide Entertainment, LLC Miami, FL	Entertainment and leisure	December 2005	Member interest (64.67%) 8% promissory notes	$	9,910		65 9,910		— 7,852
Sovereign Business Forms, Inc. Houston, TX	Business products and services	August 1996	1,214,630 shares of common stock 12% promissory notes(1)		3,250		5,080 3,250		3,984 3,250
Spectrum Management, LLC Carrollton, TX	Business products and services	December 1999	285,000 units of Class A member interest 16% subordinated promissory note(1)		1,690		2,850 1,690		4,338 1,690
Total Control investments: Majority-owned (represents 45.4% of total investments at fair value)						$	27,845	$	26,114
Control Investments: Non-majority owned(5):
ConGlobal Industries Holding, Inc. San Ramon, CA	Shipping products and services	February 1997	24,397,303 shares of common stock 7% promissory note (1)(2)	$	6,875	$	1,370 6,875	$	2,178 6,875
HealthSPAC, LLC El Segundo, CA	Healthcare	December 2006	Member interest (40%) 12% promissory note		734		40 734		— —
Total Control Investments: Non-majority Owned (represents 15.7% of total investments at fair value)						$	9,019	$	9,053
Total Control Investments: (represents 61.2% of total investments at fair value)						$	36,864	$	35,167
Affiliate Investments(4):
Infinia Corporation Kennewick, WA	Alternative energy	June 2007	666,667 Class A shares preferred stock 160,720 Class B shares preferred stock Option to purchase 16,000 shares of common stock at $6.35 per share through December 19, 2012			$	3,000 5,000 —	$	6,840 3,662 120
Nickent Golf, Inc. City of Industry, CA	Entertainment and leisure	June 2007	13% promissory note 8% promissory note 3,000,000 shares Class A convertible preferred stock	$	6,699 50		6,699 50 3,000		50 50 —
			Warrants to buy 15,000 shares of common stock at $1 per share through March 17, 2013				—		—
			Warrants to buy 600,815 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share through August 16, 2010, warrant terms subject to change				—		—
PalletOne, Inc. Bartow, FL	Shipping products and services	October 2001	350,000 shares of common stock				350		—
RP&C International Investments LLC New York, NY	Healthcare	September 2006	Member interest (17.2%)				573		600
Total Affiliate Investments (represents 19.7% of total investments at fair value)						$	18,672	$	11,322

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES – (Continued)

September 30, 2009

(Unaudited)


Name and Location of Portfolio Company	Industry	Date of Initial Investment(4)	Investment	Principal		Cost of Investment		Fair Value(3)
				*(amounts in thousands)*
Non-Affiliate Investments (less than 5% owned):

1848 Capital Partners LLC Miami, FL	Entertainment and leisure	January 2008	18% promissory note(1)(2)	$	3,516	$	3,516	$	3,516

Big Apple Entertainment Partners LLC New York, NY	Entertainment and leisure	October 2007	18% promissory note(1)(2)		3,114		3,114		3,114

Creekstone Florida Holdings, LLC Houston, TX	Real estate	December 2005	17-19.8% subordinated promissory note		4,000		4,000		—

London Bridge Entertainment Partners Ltd London UK	Entertainment and leisure	August 2008	18% promissory note(1)(2)		2,654		2,654		2,654

Metic Group, PLC London, UK	Commercial building products	August 2008	1,830,660 shares common stock				1,000		—

The Bradshaw Group Richardson, TX	Business products and services	May 2000	576,828 Class B Shares 12.25% preferred stock 38,750 Class C shares preferred stock				1,795 —		— —
			788,649 Class D shares 15% preferred stock				—		—
			2,218,109 Class E shares 8% preferred stock				—		—
			Warrant to buy 2,229,450 shares of common stock through May 2016				—		—

Trulite, Inc.	Alternative energy	August 2008	18% promissory note(1)(2)		1,725		1,725		1,725
El Dorado Hills, CA			Warrant to buy 6,809,211 shares of common stock through July 2015				—		—

Total Non-Affiliate Investments (represents 19.2% of total investments at fair value)						$	17,804	$	11,009

Total Investments						$	73,340	$	57,498

(1)	Income-producing. All other securities are considered non-income producing.

(2)	Income on these securities is paid-in-kind by the issuance of additional securities or through accretion of original issue discount.

(3)	See “Business—Valuation.”

(4)	Affiliate investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns at least 5% but not more than 25% voting securities of the company.

(5)	Non-majority owned control investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns more than 25% but not more than 50% of the voting securities of the company.

(6)	Majority owned investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns more than 50% of the voting securities of the company.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES – (Continued)

September 30, 2009

(Unaudited)

Substantially all of the Fund’s portfolio securities are restricted from public sale without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund negotiates certain aspects of the method and timing of the disposition of the Fund’s investment in each portfolio company, including registration rights and related costs.

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, all of the Fund’s investments are in eligible portfolio companies. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance to all of the portfolio companies in which it has invested. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance to portfolio companies that comprise 83.9% of the total value of the investments in portfolio securities as of September 30, 2009.

The Fund’s investments in portfolio securities consist of the following types of securities as of September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


Type of Securities	Cost		Fair Value		Fair Value as Percentage of Net Assets
Secured and subordinated debt	$	44,217	$	30,776	46.9	%
Preferred stock		12,795		10,502	16.0	%
Limited liability company investments		8,527		9,938	15.1	%
Common stock		7,801		6,162	9.4	%
Options and warrants		—		120	0.2	%

Total	$	73,340	$	57,498	87.6	%

Four notes receivable included in secured and subordinated debt with an estimated fair value of $17.9 million provide that all or a portion of interest is paid-in-kind or the original issue discount is accreted over the life of the notes, by adding such amount to the principal of the notes. For the remainder of the secured and subordinated debt, cash payments of interest are currently being received on notes aggregating $4.9 million in fair value, while no cash payments are being received on notes aggregating $8.0 million in fair value.

The following is a summary by industry of the Fund’s investments in portfolio securities as of September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


Industry	Fair Value		Fair Value as Percentage of Net Assets
Entertainment and leisure	$	17,236	26.3	%
Alternative energy		12,347	18.8	%
Business products and services		13,262	20.2	%
Shipping products and services		9,053	13.8	%
Media		5,000	7.6	%
Healthcare		600	0.9	%
Commercial building products		—	0.0	%
Real estate		—	0.0	%

Total	$	57,498	87.6	%

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

DECEMBER 31, 2008


Name and Location of Portfolio Company	Industry	Date of Initial Investment	Investment	Principal		Cost of Investment		Fair Value(3)
				*(amounts in thousands)*
Control investments: Majority-owned(6):

Equus Media Development Company, LLC Houston, TX	Media	January 2007	Member interest (100%)			$	5,000	$	5,000

Riptide Entertainment, LLC Miami, FL	Entertainment and leisure	December 2005	Member interest (64.67%) 8% promissory notes	$	9,560		65 9,560		— 7,437

Sovereign Business Forms, Inc.(7) Houston, TX	Business products and services	August 1996	1,214,630 shares of common stock(1) 12% promissory notes(1)		3,250		5,080 3,250		4,800 3,250

Spectrum Management, LLC Carrollton, TX	Business products and services	December 1999	285,000 units of Class A member interest 16% subordinated promissory note(1)		1,690		2,850 1,690		6,419 1,690

Total Control investments: Majority-owned (represents 41.4% of total investments at fair value)						$	27,495	$	28,596

Control Investments: Non-majority owned(5):

ConGlobal Industries Holding, Inc.	Shipping products	February 1997	24,397,303 shares of common stock			$	1,370	$	790
San Ramon, CA	and services		7% promissory note (1)(2)		3,570		3,570		3,570
			Member interest in (100%) CCI-ANI Finance, LLC				2,734		2,989
			Member interest (66.7%) in JL Madre, LLC(1)				865		936

HealthSPAC, LLC	Healthcare	December 2006	Member interest (40%)				40		40
El Segundo, CA			12% promissory note		734		734		269

Total Control Investments: Non-majority Owned (represents 12.5% of total investments at fair value)						$	9,313	$	8,594

Total Control Investments: (represents 53.9% of total investments at fair value)						$	36,808	$	37,190


Affiliate Investments(4):

Infinia Corporation Kennewick, WA	Alternative energy	June 2007	666,667 Class A shares preferred stock			$	3,000	$	14,973
			160,720 Class B shares preferred stock				5,000		5,000
			Option to purchase 16,000 shares of common stock at $6.35 per share through December 19, 2012				—		336

Nickent Golf, Inc. City of Industry, CA	Entertainment and leisure	June 2007	13% promissory note	$	6,430		6,430		180
			3,000,000 shares Class A Convertible preferred stock				3,000		—
			Warrants to buy 15,000 shares of common stock at $1 per share through March 17, 2013				—		—
			Warrants to buy 600,815 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share through August 16, 2010, warrant terms subject to change				—		—

PalletOne, Inc. Bartow, FL	Shipping products and services	October 2001	350,000 shares of common stock				350		—

RP&C International Investments LLC New York, NY	Healthcare	September 2006	Member interest (17.2%)				573		485

Total Affiliate Investments (represents 30.4% of total investments at fair value)						$	18,353	$	20,974

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

DECEMBER 31, 2008 – (Continued)


Name and Location of Portfolio Company	Industry	Date of Initial Investment	Investment	Principal		Cost of Investment		Fair Value(3)
				*(amounts in thousands)*
Non-Affiliate Investments (less than 5% owned):

1848 Capital Partners LLC Miami, FL	Entertainment and leisure	January 2008	18% promissory note(1)(2)	$	3,135	$	3,135	$	3,135

Big Apple Entertainment Partners LLC New York, NY	Entertainment and leisure	October 2007	18% promissory note(1)		3,000		3,000		3,000

Creekstone Florida Holdings, LLC Houston, TX	Real estate	December 2005	17-19.8% subordinated promissory note		4,000		4,000		—

London Bridge Entertainment Partners Ltd New York, NY	Entertainment and leisure	August 2008	18% promissory note(1)		2,500		2,500		2,500

Metic Group, PLC London, UK	Commercial building products	August 2008	1,830,660 shares common of stock		—		1,000		737

The Bradshaw Group Richardson, TX	Business products and services	May 2000	576,828 Class B Shares 12.25% preferred stock				1,795		—
			38,750 Class C shares preferred stock				—		—
			788,649 Class D shares 15% preferred stock				—		—
			2,218,109 Class E shares 8% preferred stock				—		—
			Warrant to buy 2,229,450 shares of common stock through May 2016				—		—

Trulite, Inc.	Alternative energy	August 2008	15% promissory note(1)		1,500		1,500		1,500
El Dorado Hills, CA			Warrant to buy 3,947,368 shares of common stock through July 2013				—		—

Total Non-Affiliate Investments (represents 15.7% of total investments at fair value)						$	16,930	$	10,872

Total Investments						$	72,091	$	69,036

(1)	Income-producing. All other securities are considered non-income producing.

(2)	Income on these securities is paid-in-kind by the issuance of additional securities or through accretion of original issue discount.

(3)	See “Business—Valuation.”

(4)	Affiliate investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns at least 5% but not more than 25% voting securities of the company.

(5)	Non-majority owned control investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns more than 25% but not more than 50% of the voting securities of the company.

(6)	Majority owned investments are generally defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as companies in which the Fund owns more than 50% of the voting securities of the company.

(7)	In May 2008, Sovereign restructured its ownership and debt. As a result, the Fund’s ownership interest increased to majority-owned control investment.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES – (Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2008

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, all of the Fund’s investments are in eligible portfolio companies. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance to all of the portfolio companies in which it has invested. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance to portfolio companies that comprise 86.4% of the total value of the investments in portfolio securities as of December 31, 2008.

The Fund’s investments in portfolio securities consist of the following types of securities at December 31, 2008 (in thousands):


Type of Securities	Cost		Fair Value		Fair Value as Percentage of Net Assets
Secured and subordinated debt	$	39,369	$	26,531	33.8	%
Preferred stock		12,795		19,973	25.5	%
Limited liability company investments		12,127		15,869	20.2	%
Common stock		7,800		6,327	8.1	%
Options and warrants		—		336	0.4	%

Total	$	72,091	$	69,036	88.0	%

Two notes receivable included in secured and subordinated debt with an estimated fair value of $6.7 million provide that all or a portion interest is paid-in-kind or the original issue discount is accreted over the life of the notes, by adding such amount to the principal of the notes. For the remainder of secured and subordinated debt, cash payments of interest are currently being received on notes aggregating $12.1 million in fair value, while no cash payments are being received for notes totaling $7.7 million.

The following is a summary by industry of the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):


Industry	Fair Value		Fair Value as Percentage of Net Assets
Alternative energy	$	21,809	27.8	%
Entertainment and leisure		16,252	20.7	%
Business products and services		16,159	20.6	%
Shipping products and services		8,285	10.6	%
Media		5,000	6.4	%
Healthcare		794	1.0	%
Commercial building products		737	0.9	%

Total	$	69,036	88.0	%

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)

(1) Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business—Equus Total Return, Inc. (the “Fund,” “EQS”), formerly Equus II Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, was formed by Equus Investments II, L.P. (the “Partnership”) on August 16, 1991. On July 1, 1992, the Partnership was reorganized and all of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership were transferred to the Fund in exchange for shares of common stock of the Fund. The shares of the Fund trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EQS. On August 11, 2006, shareholders of the Fund approved the change of the Fund’s investment strategy to a total return investment objective. This new strategy seeks to provide the highest total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. In connection with this strategic investment change, the shareholders also approved the change of name from Equus II Incorporated to Equus Total Return, Inc.

The Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation by making investments in equity and equity-oriented securities issued by privately-owned companies in transactions negotiated directly with such companies. The Fund seeks to invest primarily in companies which intend to grow either by acquiring other businesses, including leveraged buyouts, or internally. The Fund may also invest in recapitalizations of existing businesses or special situations from time to time. The Fund’s investments in portfolio companies consist principally of equity securities such as common and preferred stock, but also include other equity-oriented securities such as debt convertible into common or preferred stock or debt combined with warrants, options or other rights to acquire common or preferred stock. The Fund elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). For tax purposes, the Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”). Following shareholder approval on June 30, 2005, the Fund entered into an investment advisory agreement with Moore Clayton Capital Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”). Prior to this agreement, the Fund’s adviser was Equus Capital Management Corporation. On June 12, 2009, the Fund and its Board of Directors announced plans to “internalize” Fund management. The Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser terminated on June 30, 2009. The Fund now directly employs its management team and incurs the costs and expenses associated with Fund operations. There is no outside investment advisory organization providing services to the Fund under a fee-based advisory agreement, or an administrative organization charging the Fund for services rendered.

Effective August 11, 2006, the Fund began to employ a total return investment style. The total return style combines both growth and income investments and is intended to strike a balance between the potential for gain and the risk of loss. In the growth category, the Fund is a “growth-at- reasonable-price” investor. The Fund invests primarily in privately owned companies and is open to virtually any potential growth investment in the privately owned arena. However, the Fund’s primary aim is to identify and acquire only those equity securities that meet its criteria for selling at reasonable prices. The income investments made by the Fund consist principally of purchasing debt financing with the objective of generating regular interest income back to the fund as well as long-term capital appreciation through the exercise and sale of warrants received in connection with the financing.

The Fund has decided to further the total return investment objective, with authorization from the Board of Directors (which includes all of the Fund’s independent directors) and approval of a majority of the shareholders, by amending the Fund’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Fund from “Equus II Incorporated” to “Equus Total Return, Inc.” This proposal was approved by a majority of the shareholders on August 11, 2006.

Basis of Presentation—In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund does not consolidate portfolio company investments, including those in which it has a controlling interest. The Fund’s interim consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, for interim financial information and in accordance with the requirements of reporting on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, they are unaudited and exclude some disclosures required for annual financial statements. Management believes it has made all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, necessary for the fair presentation of these interim financial statements.

The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the year. The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Fund’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 2008, as filed with the SEC. Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

(2) Liquidity and Financing Arrangements

Certain Risks and Uncertainties—Economic conditions during 2008 and 2009 along with market dislocations resulted in the availability of debt and equity capital declining significantly. Generally, the limited amount of available debt financing has shorter maturities, higher interest rates and fees, and more restrictive terms than debt facilities available in the past. In addition, during this period, the price of our common stock fell well below our net asset value, thereby making it undesirable to issue additional shares of our common stock. Because of these challenges, our near-term strategies shifted from originating debt and equity investments, to deleveraging our balance sheet, and preserving liquidity necessary to meet our operational needs. Key initiatives that we undertook during 2009 to provide necessary liquidity include monetizations, the suspension of dividends and the renegotiation of our debt agreements. Although there can be no assurances that such initiatives will be sufficient, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our 2010 operating requirements.

Liquidity—There are several factors that may materially affect the Fund’s liquidity during the reasonably foreseeable future. The Fund views this period as the twelve month period from the date of the financial statements in this Form 10-Q, i.e., the period through September 30, 2010.

Management is currently evaluating the impact of current market conditions on its portfolio company valuations and their ability to provide current income. Management has followed valuation techniques in a consistent manner; however, it is cognizant of current market conditions that might effect future valuations of portfolio securities. If called upon to make follow-on commitments to certain portfolio companies, the Fund has a secured $7.5 million revolving line of credit facility with Amegy Bank. The Fund has not yet borrowed under this facility. The Fund believes that its operating cash flow and cash on hand will be sufficient to meet operating requirements and to finance capital commitments through the next twelve months.

On June 12, 2009, the Fund and its Board of Directors announced plans to “internalize” Fund management. The Fund now directly employs its management team and incurs the costs and expenses associated with Fund operations. In pursuing the course of internalized management, the Board, among other things, seeks to enhance the Fund’s liquidity position and achieve a lower operational cost structure.

Cash and Temporary Investments—As of September 30, 2009, the Fund had cash and temporary cash investments of $6.7 million. The Fund had $57.5 million of its net assets of $65.6 million invested in portfolio securities. Restricted assets totaled $34.3 million, of which $34.0 million were invested in U.S. Treasury Bills for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirement to maintain the Fund’s pass-through tax treatment and $0.3 million for the required 1% brokerage deposit. These securities are held by a securities brokerage firm and are pledged along with cash to secure the payment of the margin account balance. The U.S. Treasury bills were sold and the margin loan was repaid to the brokerage firm on October 1, 2009.

As of December 31, 2008, the Fund had cash and temporary cash investments of $8.7 million. The Fund had $69.0 million of its net assets of $78.4 million invested in portfolio securities. Restricted assets totaled $45.4 million, of which $45.0 million were invested in U.S. Treasury Bills for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirement to maintain the Fund’s pass-through tax treatment and $0.4 million for the required 1% brokerage deposit. These securities are held by a securities brokerage firm and are pledged along with cash to secure the payment of the margin account balance. The U.S. Treasury bills were sold and the margin loan was repaid to the brokerage firm on January 2, 2009.

Dividends—On March 24, 2009, the Fund announced that it suspended its managed distribution policy and payment of quarterly distributions for an indefinite period, following the distribution of the first quarter dividend, paid on March 30, 2009. As originally implemented, the policy provided for quarterly dividends at an annualized rate equal to 10% of the Fund’s market value per share as at the end of the preceding calendar year. The Fund will continue to pay out net investment income and/or realized capital gains, if any, on an annual basis as required under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

On February 27, 2009, the Fund announced the declaration of a first quarter dividend of $0.1075 per share in accordance with the Fund’s revised managed distribution policy, pursuant to which it intends to pay quarterly dividends at an annualized rate equal to 10% of the Fund’s market value based on the 2008 year-end closing price of $4.30. A dividend in the amount of $0.9 million was payable on March 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2009. The Fund issued 296,528 additional shares of its common stock at an effective price of $3.10 per share and paid $2,000 in cash for fractional shares. The classification of this dividend as between ordinary income, capital gain and return of capital will not be known until December 31, 2009, since any purchase or sale of a portfolio company during the remainder of the year will affect the classification.

The Fund paid a $0.158 dividend for shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 29, 2008 on March 31, 2008. The Fund paid $0.7 million in cash, and issued 95,023 additional shares of its common stock at an effective price of $6.71 per share, in payment of such dividend.

The Fund paid a $0.158 dividend to shareholders of record as of August 25, 2008 on September 29, 2008 . A dividend in the amount of $1.4 million was paid. The dividend was payable in shares of common stock or in cash by specific election of the shareholders, and such election was made by September 22, 2008. The Fund paid $0.7 million in cash and issued 103,702 additional shares at an effective price of $6.62 per share.

A dividend in the amount of $1.3 million was paid on June 30, 2008, to shareholders of record as of May 27, 2008. The dividend was payable in shares of common stock or in cash by specific election of the shareholders, and such election was made by June 23, 2008. The Fund paid $0.7 million in cash, and issued 84,727 additional shares of its common stock at an effective price of $7.04 per share.

Revolving Line of Credit Agreement—On August 13, 2008, the Fund entered into a $7.5 million revolving line of credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Amegy Bank. The Fund can borrow up to $7.5 million under the Credit Facility, subject to a borrowing base equal to 20% of the value of the Fund’s eligible portfolio assets. The Credit Facility bears a floating interest rate of the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus¹/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Lender as its “prime rate”. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all

of the Fund’s portfolio assets and securities. It contains certain restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, the maintenance of certain financial ratios and certain limitations on indebtedness, liens, sales of assets, mergers and transactions with affiliates all of which the Fund is in compliance as of September 30, 2009. To date, the Fund has not borrowed any amounts under the Credit Facility.

Commitments—As of September 30, 2009, the Fund had a total commitment of $0.5 million to Trulite, Inc. in the energy sector.

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be called on to make follow-on investments in certain portfolio companies. If the Fund does not have sufficient funds to make follow-on investments, the portfolio company in need of the investment may be negatively impacted. Also, the Fund’s equity interest in the estimated fair value of the portfolio company could be reduced.

RIC Borrowings, Restricted Cash and Temporary Investments—As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Fund borrowed sufficient funds to maintain the Fund’s RIC status by utilizing a margin account with a securities brokerage firm. There is no assurance that such arrangement will be available in the future. If the Fund is unable to borrow funds to make qualifying investments, it may no longer qualify as a RIC. The Fund would then be subject to corporate income tax on the Fund’s net investment income and realized capital gains, and distributions to stockholders would be subject to income tax as ordinary dividends. Failure to continue to qualify as a RIC could be material to us and the Fund’s stockholders.

As of September 30, 2009, the Fund borrowed $34.0 million to make qualifying investments to maintain its RIC status by utilizing a margin account with a securities brokerage firm. The Fund collateralized such borrowings with restricted cash and temporary investments in U.S. Treasury bills of $34.3 million. The U.S. Treasury bills were sold and the total amount borrowed was repaid on October 1, 2009.

As of December 31, 2008, the Fund borrowed $45.0 million to make qualifying investments to maintain its RIC status by utilizing a margin account with a securities brokerage firm. The Fund collateralized such borrowings with restricted cash and temporary investments in U.S. Treasury bills of $45.4 million. The U.S Treasury bills were sold on January 2, 2009 and the total amount borrowed was repaid at that time.

(3) Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Although management believes the estimates and assumptions used in preparing these interim financial statements and related notes are reasonable in light of known facts and circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Valuation of Investments—Portfolio investments are carried at fair value with the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation included in the determination of net assets. Valuations of portfolio securities are performed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the financial reporting policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The applicable methods prescribed by such principles and policies are described below:

Publicly-traded portfolio securities—Investments in companies whose securities are publicly traded are generally valued at their quoted market price at the close of business on the valuation date.

Privately-held portfolio securities—The fair value of investments for which no market exists is determined on the basis of procedures established in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of an investment would be the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for it upon its current sale, in an orderly manner. Fair valuations are necessarily subjective and management’s estimate of values may differ materially from amounts actually received upon the disposition of portfolio securities.

Generally, cost is the primary factor used to determine fair value until significant developments affecting the portfolio company (such as results of operations or changes in general market conditions) provide a basis for use of an appraisal valuation. Appraised values are determined quarterly by management, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Appraisal valuations are based upon such factors as a portfolio company’s earnings, cash flow and net worth, the market prices for similar securities of comparable companies, an assessment of the company’s current and future financial prospects, any data from third-party valuation firms, and various other factors and assumptions. In the case of unsuccessful operations, the appraisal may be based upon liquidation value.

Most of the Fund’s common equity investments of privately held companies are appraised at a multiple of free cash flow generated by the company in its most recent fiscal year, less outstanding funded indebtedness and other senior securities such as preferred stock. Projections of current year free cash flow may be utilized and adjustments for non-recurring items are considered. Multiples utilized are estimated based on the Adviser’s experience in the private company marketplace, and are necessarily subjective in nature.

From time to time, portfolio companies are in default of certain covenants in their loan agreements. When management has a reasonable belief that the portfolio company will be able to restructure the loan agreements to adjust for any defaults, the portfolio company’s securities continue to be valued assuming that the company is a going concern. In the event a portfolio company cannot generate adequate cash flow to meet the principal and interest payments on such indebtedness or is not successful in refinancing the debt upon its maturity, the Fund’s investment could be reduced or eliminated through foreclosure on the portfolio company’s assets or the portfolio company’s reorganization or bankruptcy.

The Fund may also use, when available, third-party transactions in a portfolio company’s securities as the basis of valuation (the “private market method”). The private market method will be used only with respect to completed transactions or firm offers made by sophisticated, independent investors.

For valuation purposes, the Fund uses the income approach to value its debt instruments. Since the Fund’s general intent is to hold its loans to maturity, the fair value will not exceed the cost of the investment. A change in the assumptions that the Fund uses to estimate the fair value of its debt securities using the yield analysis could have a material impact on the determination of fair value. If there is deterioration in credit quality or a debt security is in workout status, the Fund may consider other factors in determining the fair value of the debt security, including the fair value attributable to the debt security from the enterprise value of the portfolio company or the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis. The Fund’s general intent is to hold its debt investments to maturity. Accordingly, the fair value of the debt investments will not exceed the cost of the investment. Certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund generally will be valued at their face value, plus interest accrued to the date of valuation.

The Audit Committee of the Board may engage independent, third-party valuation firms to conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations in order to make their own independent assessment of each privately-held investment that the Fund (a) has held for more than one year and (b) holds on its books at a fair value of at least $2.0 million. The Audit Committee will review and evaluate the preliminary valuations of management and those of any third-party valuations firms, if so retained, and will review and evaluate any third-party firm supplements to reflect any comments from management and/or Audit Committee members. Any third-party valuation data would be considered as one of many factors in a fair value determination. The Audit Committee then would recommend to the full Board fair values for all privately-held securities based on all relevant factors.

Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, amounting to $57.5 million and $69.0 million as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, the Fund’s fair value determinations may materially differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for the securities. As of December 31, 2008, one of the Fund’s portfolio securities, Metic Group, PLC, was publicly listed on the AIM. The securities were subsequently de-listed on June 30, 2009. Fair values do not reflect brokers’ fees or other normal selling costs which might become payable on disposition of such investments. On a daily basis, the Fund adjusts its net asset value for the changes in the value of its publicly held securities and material changes in the value of its private securities and reports those amounts to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Weekly and daily net asset values appear in various publications, including Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal.

Investment Transactions—Investment transactions are recorded on the accrual method. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are computed on a specific identification basis.

The Fund classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, “Control Investments” are defined as investments in companies in which EQS owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation. Under the 1940 Act, “Affiliate Investments” are defined as those non-control investments in companies in which EQS owns between 5% and 25% of the voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, “Non-affiliate Investments” are defined as investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

Interest Income Recognition—The Fund records interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on an accrual basis to the extent that it expects to collect such amounts. The Fund stops accruing interest on investments when it determines that interest is no longer collectible. If the Fund receives any cash after determining that interest is no longer collectible, it treats such cash as payment on the principal balance until the entire principal balance has been repaid, before it recognizes any additional interest income. The Fund accretes or amortizes discounts and premiums on securities purchased over the life of the respective security using the effective yield method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for the accretion of discount and/or amortization of premium on debt securities.

Payment in Kind Interest—The Fund has loans in its portfolio that may pay PIK interest. The Fund adds PIK interest, if any, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, to the principal balance of the loan and recorded as interest income. To maintain its status as a RIC, the Fund must pay out to stockholders this non-cash source of income in the form of dividends even if it has not yet collected any cash in respect of such investments.

Cash Flows—For purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, the Fund considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Fund includes its investing activities within cash flows from operations. The Fund excludes “Restricted Cash & Temporary Investments” used for purposes of complying with RIC requirements from cash equivalents.

Income Taxes—The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise taxable income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to stockholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is recorded in the financial statements. The Fund borrows money from time to time to maintain its tax status under the Internal Revenue Code as a RIC. See Note 2 for further discussion of the Fund’s RIC borrowings.

In May 2006, the State of Texas enacted a bill that replaced the existing franchise tax with a margin tax. Effective January 1, 2007, the margin tax applies to legal entities conducting business in Texas, including previously non-taxable entities such as limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. The margin tax is based on our Texas sourced taxable margin. The tax is calculated by applying a tax rate to a base that considers both revenue and expenses and therefore has the characteristics of an income tax.

(4) Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Fund has categorized all investments recorded at fair value based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are equities listed in active markets.

Level 2 — Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset in connection with market data at the measurement date and for the extent of the instrument’s anticipated life. Fair valued assets that are generally included in this category are warrants held in a public company.

Level 3 — Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset at the measurement date. It includes prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. Generally, assets carried at fair value and included in this category are debt, warrants

and/or other equity investments held in a private company. For loan and debt securities, the Fund has performed a yield analysis assuming a hypothetical current sale of the security. The yield analysis considers changes in interest rates and changes in leverage levels of the portfolio company as compared to the market interest rates and leverage levels. Assuming the credit quality of the portfolio company remains stable, the Fund will use the value determined by the yield analysis as the fair value for that security.

The Fund will record unrealized depreciation on investments when it determines that the fair value of a security is less than its cost basis, and will record unrealized appreciation when it determines that the fair value is greater than its cost basis.

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based on the lowest level of significant input to the valuations:


			Fair Value Measurements As of September 30, 2009
*(in thousands)*	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Signifant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Investments:
Control investments	$	35,167	$	—	$	—	$	35,167
Affiliate investments		11,322		—		—		11,322
Non-Affiliate investments		11,009		—		—		11,009

Total assets reported at fair value	$	57,498	$	—	$	—	$	57,498

The following table provides a reconciliation of fair value changes for all investments for which we determine fair value using unobservable (Level 3) factors:


	Fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (Level 3)
*(in thousands)*	Control Investments			Affiliate Investments			Non-affiliate Investments			Total
Fair value as of December 31, 2008	$	37,190		$	20,974		$	10,135		$	68,299
Total realized gains		—			—			—			—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		(2,079	)		(9,970	)		(738	)		(12,787	)
Purchases, issuances and settlements, net		56			318			874			1,248
Transfers in (out) of Level 3		—			—			738			738

Fair value as of September 30, 2009	$	35,167		$	11,322		$	11,009		$	57,498

Reclassification—Certain amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 have been reclassified in the comparative financial statements to be comparable to the presentation in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets, net income or cash flows from operating activities.

(5) Related Party Transactions and Agreements

The Fund had entered into an investment advisory agreement dated June 30, 2005 with Moore Clayton Capital Advisors, Inc., pursuant to which Moore Clayton Capital Advisors, Inc. provided investment advisory services in exchange for an advisory fee. The Fund also had entered into an administration agreement dated June 30, 2005 with Equus Capital Administration Company, Inc., pursuant to which Equus Capital Administration Company, Inc. provided administrative services in exchange for an administrative fee.

The Fund’s Board of Directors terminated the advisory agreement and the administrative agreement effective June 30, 2009. The Fund is now “internally” managed. This means that the Fund directly employs its management team and incur the

costs and expenses associated with Fund operations. There is no outside investment advisory organization providing services to the Fund under a fee-based advisory agreement, or an administrative organization charging the Fund for services rendered.

As compensation for services to the Fund, each Independent Director receives an annual fee of $20,000 paid quarterly in arrears, a fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended in person, a fee of $1,000 for participation in each telephonic meeting of the Board and a fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended, and reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. A quarterly fee of $2,500 is paid to the Chairman of the Independent Directors and the Chairman of the Audit Committee. An annual fee of $15,000 is paid to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

(6) Contractual Obligations

The Fund has entered into a contract under which it expects to have a material future commitment. The remaining commitment as of September 30, 2009 relates to the Fund’s portfolio company investments and is summarized as follows (in thousands):


Portfolio Company	Original Commitment		Remaining Commitment
Trulite, Inc.	$	500	$	500

(7) Federal Income Tax Matters

The Fund is required to make distributions of any net taxable investment income on an annual basis, and may elect to distribute or retain net taxable realized capital gains. The Internal Revenue Service approved the Fund’s request, effective October 31, 1998, to change its year end for determining capital gains for purposes of Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code from December 31 to October 31.

The Fund was not required to make a distribution of ordinary income for 2008 under income tax regulations. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund had a net investment loss for book purposes of $1.0 million and $1.0 million for tax purposes. During 2008, the Fund had a net capital gain for book purposes of $0.9 million and a net capital gain for tax purposes of $1.0 million. As of December 31, 2008, the Fund has no capital loss carry-forward. The aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2008 was $69.2 million. Such investments had unrealized appreciation of $15.6 and unrealized depreciation of $18.7 for book purposes, or net unrealized depreciation of $3.1 million.

The Fund is a flow-through, non-tax paying entity; further, the Fund’s net operating loss carry-forwards have been exhausted. Based upon an examination of the Fund’s tax position, the Fund determined that the aggregate tax exposure did not have a material impact on its financial statements at December 31, 2008 or September 30, 2009. Therefore, the Fund has not recorded an adjustment to its financial statements, however the Fund will continue to evaluate its tax positions and recognize any future impact as a charge to income in the applicable period in accordance generally accepted accounting principles

The Fund’s accounting policy related to income tax penalties and interest assessments is to accrue for these costs and record a charge to expenses during the period that the Fund takes an uncertain tax position through resolution with the taxing authorities or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.

(8) Portfolio Securities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Fund made follow-on investments of $2.2 million in several portfolio companies, including $1.4 million in the form of interest and dividends paid-in-kind or original issue discount/premium amortization.

The following table includes significant new and follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


	New				Follow-On
Portfolio Company	Cash		Noncash		Cash		Noncash		Total
Nickent Golf, Inc.	$	—	$	—	$	370	$	—	$	370
Riptide Entertainment, LLC		—		—		350		—		350
1848 Capital Partners LLC		—		—		—		382		382
TruLite, Inc.		—		—		—		225		225
London Bridge Entertainment Partners Ltd		—		—		—		154		154
Big Apple Entertainment Partners LLC		—		—		—		114		114
ConGlobal Industries Holdings, Inc.		—		—		—		570		570

	$	—	$	—	$	720	$	1,445	$	2,165

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Fund realized a net capital loss of $0.04 million from the sale of U. S. Treasury Bills.

Net unrealized depreciation on investments increased by $12.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from a net unrealized depreciation of $3.0 million to a net unrealized depreciation of $15.8 million. Such decrease in depreciation resulted primarily from decrease in estimated fair market value of Infinia Corporation, Sovereign Business Forms, Inc., Spectrum Management, Inc., and Metic Group plc, resulting primarily from decreases in operations for the period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Fund invested $8.0 million in new portfolio companies and made follow-on investments of $11.2 million in several follow-on investments, including $0.4 million in the form of interest and dividends paid-in-kind or original issue discount/premium amortization.

The following table includes significant new and follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands):


	New				Follow-On
Portfolio Company	Cash		Noncash		Cash		Noncash		Total
Infinia Corporation	$	—	$	—	$	5,000	$	—	$	5,000
Riptide Entertainment, LLC		—		—		4,600		—		4,600
1848 Capital Partners LLC		3,000		—		—		—		3,000
London Bridge Entertainment LLC		2,500		—		—		—		2,500
Trulite, Inc.		1,500		—		—		—		1,500
Nickent Golf, Inc.		—		—		1,000		184		1,184
Metic Solutions, PLC		1,000		—		—		—		1,000
HealthSpac, LLC		—		—		208		—		208
Various others		—		—		—		174		174

	$	8,000	$	—	$	10,808	$	358	$	19,166

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Fund realized net capital gains of $1.0 million, including the following significant transactions (in thousands):


Portfolio Company	Industry	Type	Realized Gain
ConGlobal Industries Holding, Inc.	Shipping products and services	Control, non-majority	$	625
RP&C International Investments LLC	Healthcare	Affiliate		351
Various others				1

			$	977

Net unrealized appreciation on investments did not change significantly during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

(9) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Codification of Accounting Standards—On September 30, 2009, the Fund adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to the authoritative hierarchy of GAAP. These changes establish the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (Codification) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The FASB will no longer issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions, or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts; instead the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates. Accounting Standards Updates will not be authoritative in their own right as they will only serve to update the Codification. These changes and the Codification itself do not change GAAP. Other than the manner in which new accounting guidance is referenced, the adoption of these changes had no impact on the Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements—On June 30, 2009, the Fund adopted changes issued by the FASB to fair value disclosures of financial instruments. These changes require a publicly traded company to include disclosures about the fair value of its financial instruments whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim reporting periods. Such disclosures include the fair value of all financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position; the related carrying amount of these financial instruments; and the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On June 30, 2009, the Fund adopted changes issued by the FASB to fair value accounting. These changes provide additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased and includes guidance for identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This guidance is necessary to maintain the overall objective of fair value measurements, which is that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2009, the Fund adopted changes issued by the FASB to fair value accounting and reporting as it relates to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on at least an annual basis. These changes define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance applies to other GAAP that require or permit fair value measurements and is to be applied prospectively with limited exceptions. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Financial Statements.

In August 2009, the FASB issued changes to fair value accounting for liabilities. These changes clarify existing guidance that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, an entity is required to measure fair value using either a valuation technique that uses a quoted price of either a similar liability or a quoted price of an identical or similar liability when traded as an asset, or another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of fair value measurements, such as an income approach (e.g., present value technique). This guidance also states that both a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability and a quoted price for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market when no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required are Level 1 fair value measurements. The Fund will adopt this standard beginning with its financial statements ending December 31, 2009. The Fund does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Financial Statements.

Standard on Subsequent Events—On June 30, 2009, the Fund adopted changes issued by the FASB to accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, otherwise known as “subsequent events.” Specifically, these changes set forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Financial Statements.

(10) Subsequent Events

Management performed an evaluation of the Fund’s activity through November 16, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued, noting the following subsequent events:

On October 1, 2009, the Fund sold U.S. Treasury bills for $34.0 million and repaid the margin loan.

On November 5, 2009, the Fund invested $0.5 million in Trulite, Inc., as a follow-on investment in the form of a promissory note.

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

Equus Total Return, Inc. is a business development company which invests in equity and equity-oriented securities issued by privately-owned companies in transactions negotiated directly with such companies. The Fund did not make any new investments other than follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and made four new investments other than follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

The valuation of the Fund’s investments is the most significant area of judgment impacting the financial statements. The Fund’s portfolio securities are valued at estimates of fair value, with the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation included in the determination of net assets. Almost all of the long-term investments are in privately-held or restricted securities, the valuation of which is necessarily subjective. Actual values may differ materially from the Fund’s estimated fair value. Portfolio valuations are determined quarterly by management, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, and are based on a number of relevant factors.

Most of the Fund’s portfolio companies utilize leverage, and the leverage magnifies the return on its investments. For example, if a portfolio company has a total enterprise value of $10.0 million and $7.5 million in funded indebtedness, its equity is valued at $2.5 million. If the enterprise value increases or decreases by 20%, to $12.0 million or $8.0 million, respectively, the value of the equity increases or decreases by 80%, to $4.5 million or $0.5 million, respectively. This disproportionate increase or decrease adds a level of volatility to the Fund’s equity-oriented portfolio securities.

The Fund derives its cash flow from interest and dividends received and sales of securities from its investment portfolio. The Fund pays certain general and administrative expenses and interest expense on its existing debt. The Fund also spends its cash on new investments, or follow-on investments which may be required by certain portfolio companies. Because the investments are illiquid, the Fund utilizes leverage to provide the required funds, and the leverage is then repaid from the sale of portfolio securities.

Since the Fund is a closed-end business development company, stockholders have no right to present their shares to the Fund for redemption. Because the shares continue to trade at a discount, the Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interest of the Fund’s stockholders for the Fund to be authorized to attempt to reduce or eliminate the market value discount from net asset value. Accordingly, from time to time the Fund may, but is not required to, repurchase its shares (including by means of tender offers) to attempt to reduce or eliminate the discount or to increase the net asset value of those shares.

On June 12, 2009, the Fund and its Board of Directors announced plans to “internalize” Fund management. The Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser terminated June 30, 2009. The Fund now directly employs its management team and incurs the costs and expenses associated with Fund operations. There is no outside investment advisory organization providing services to the Fund under a fee-based advisory agreement, or an administrative organization charging the Fund for services rendered.

Current Market Conditions

In late 2007, the United States entered into a period of recession, which has had a severe adverse impact on many companies, especially those in the financial services sector. Since the nation entered this recession, the stock market

plummeted precipitously, a number of financial institutions have failed, the availability of debt and equity capital became severely constrained, unemployment rose and consumer confidence eroded significantly, all of which led to a decline in consumer spending. As these events unfolded, banks and others in the financial services industries have had to recognize significant losses resulting primarily from a general decline in the fair value of their respective asset portfolios. In recent months, however, certain economic indicators have shown modest improvements with the stock market showing a modest recovery. Nonetheless, it is possible that the economy could again regress.

Consistent with other companies in the financial services industry, the Fund has been adversely affected by many of these macro-economic events. The availability of debt and equity capital continues to be constrained. In addition, the deterioration in consumer confidence and a general reduction in spending by both consumers and businesses have had an adverse effect on the performance of certain portfolio securities. As a result, during the second half of 2008 and the first three quarters of 2009, the Fund has reduced the fair value of a number of its investments. The price of Equus stock fell from $4.30 as of December 31, 2008 to $3.22 as of September 30, 2009, trading at a 56.5% discount to NAV as of September 30, 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Because of the nature and size of the portfolio investments, the Fund may periodically borrow funds to make qualifying investments to maintain its tax status as a RIC. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Fund borrowed such funds by utilizing a margin account with a securities brokerage firm. There is no assurance that such arrangement will be available in the future. If the Fund is unable to borrow funds to make qualifying investments, it may no longer qualify as a RIC. The Fund would then be subject to corporate income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains, and distributions to stockholders would be subject to income tax as ordinary dividends.

The Fund has the ability to borrow funds and issue forms of senior securities representing indebtedness or stock, such as preferred stock, subject to certain restrictions. Net taxable investment income and net taxable realized gains from the sales of portfolio investments are intended to be distributed at least annually, to the extent such amounts are not reserved for payment of expenses and contingencies or to make follow-on or new investments. Pursuant to the restrictions in the existing line of credit, the Fund is not allowed to incur additional indebtedness unless approved by the lender.

The Fund reserves the right to retain net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses for reinvestment or to pay contingencies and expenses. Such retained amounts, if any, will be taxable to the Fund as long-term capital gains and stockholders will be able to claim their proportionate share of the federal income taxes paid on such gains as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities. Stockholders will also be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of their Fund shares by the difference between their undistributed capital gains and their tax credit.

Results of Operations

Investment Income and Expense

Net investment income (loss) after all expenses was $0.02 million and ($0.7) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $0.4 million and ($0.6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total income from portfolio securities was $2.9 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $1.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 respectively. The net investment gain generated at September 30, 2009 compared to net investment loss generated at September 30, 2008 is due primarily to the increase total income from portfolio securities from 2008 to 2009. The increase was due primarily to income generated by ConGlobal Industries Holdings, Inc. and Trulite, Inc., a new portfolio investment.

The cash in temporary investments (excluding the margin account) decreased from $9.0 million as of September 30, 2008 to $5.2 million as of September 30, 2009, primarily due to the increase in new and follow-on investments. Interest earned on these investments also declined sharply.

The former Adviser received management fee compensation at an annual rate of 2% of the net assets of the Fund paid quarterly in arrears. Such fees amounted to $0.7 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 respectively. There were no management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as the contract was terminated on June 30, 2009. However, fees for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $0.5 million.

The former Adviser also received incentive fee which were calculated as follows: (i) 20% of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s net investment income for a quarter that exceeds a quarterly hurdle rate equal to 2% (8% annualized) of the Fund’s net assets, and (ii) 20% of the Fund’s net realized capital gain less unrealized capital depreciation paid on an annual basis. The proceeds of any sale are compared to the fair market valuation of the Fund’s portfolio companies at March 31, 2005.

Incentive fee expense was $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the $0.01 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Professional fees increased by $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and to $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase is largely a result of the SEC inquiry.

Administrative fees were unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Fund reimbursed the former Administrator, ECAC, for the costs and expenses incurred in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administrative Agreement, provided that such reimbursements did not exceed $450,000 per year. The administrator received $112,500 per quarter. The Fund assumed those obligations directly after June 30, 2009.

Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Portfolio Securities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Fund realized net capital losses of $0.04 million from the sale of U.S. Treasury Bills.

During the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Fund realized net capital losses of $0.01 million from the sale of U.S. Treasury Bills.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Fund realized net capital gains of $1.0 million, including the following significant transactions (in thousands):


Portfolio Company	Industry	Type	Realized Gain
ConGlobal Industries Holding, Inc.	Shipping products and services	Control, non-majority	$	625
RP&C International Investments LLC	Healthcare	Affiliate		351
Various others				1

			$	977

During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Fund had no realized net capital gains.

Changes in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Portfolio Securities

Net unrealized appreciation on investments did not change significantly during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Dividends

On March 24, 2009, the Fund announced that it suspended its managed distribution policy and payment of quarterly distributions for an indefinite period, following the distribution of the first quarter dividend, paid on March 30, 2009. As originally implemented, the policy provided for quarterly dividends at an annualized rate equal to 10% of the Fund’s market value per share as at the end of the preceding calendar year. The Fund will continue to pay out net investment income and/or realized capital gains, if any, on an annual basis as required under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The Fund paid a $0.158 dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 29, 2008 on March 31, 2008. The Fund paid $ 0.7 million in cash, and issued 95,023 additional shares of its common stock at an effective price of $6.71 per share, in payment of such dividend.

Portfolio Investments

The following table includes significant new and follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


	New				Follow-On
Portfolio Company	Cash		Noncash		Cash		Noncash		Total
Nickent Golf, Inc.	$	—	$	—	$	370	$	—	$	370
Riptide Entertainment, LLC		—		—		350		—		350
1848 Capital Partners LLC		—		—		—		382		382
TruLite, Inc.		—		—		—		225		225
London Bridge Entertainment Partners Ltd		—		—		—		154		154
Big Apple Entertainment Partners LLC		—		—		—		114		114
ConGlobal Industries Holdings, Inc.		—		—		—		570		570

	$	—	$	—	$	720	$	1,445	$	2,165

The following table includes significant new and follow-on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands):


	New				Follow-On
Portfolio Company	Cash		Noncash		Cash		Noncash		Total
Infinia Corporation	$	—	$	—	$	5,000	$	—	$	5,000
Riptide Entertainment, LLC		—		—		4,600		—		4,600
1848 Capital Partners LLC		3,000		—		—		—		3,000
London Bridge Entertainment LLC		2,500		—		—		—		2,500
Trulite, Inc.		1,500		—		—		—		1,500
Nickent Golf, Inc.		—		—		1,000		184		1,184
Metic Solutions, PLC		1,000		—		—		—		1,000
HealthSpac, LLC		—		—		208		—		208
Various others		—		—		—		174		174

	$	8,000	$	—	$	10,808	$	358	$	19,166

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Subsequent Events

Management performed an evaluation of the Fund’s activity through November 16, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued, noting the following subsequent events:

On October 1, 2009, the Fund sold U.S. Treasury bills for $34.0 million and repaid the margin loan.

On November 5, 2009, the Fund invested $0.5 million in Trulite, Inc., as a follow-on investment in the form of a promissory note.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The Fund is subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates with respect to investments in debt securities and outstanding debt payable, as well as changes in marketable equity security prices. The Fund does not use derivative financial instruments to mitigate any of these risks. The return on investments is generally not affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

The Fund’s investments in portfolio securities consist of some fixed rate debt securities. Since the debt securities are generally priced at a fixed rate, changes in interest rates do not directly impact interest income. In addition, changes in market interest rates are not typically a significant factor in the determination of fair value of these debt securities, since the securities are generally held to maturity. Their fair values are determined on the basis of the terms of the debt security and the financial condition of the issuer.

A major portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio consists of debt and equity investments in private companies. Modest changes in public market equity prices generally do not significantly impact the estimated fair value of these investments. However, significant changes in market equity prices can have a longer-term effect on valuations of private companies, which could affect the carrying value and the amount and timing of gains or losses realized on these investments. A small portion of the investment portfolio also consists of common stocks in publicly traded companies. These investments are directly exposed to equity price risk, in that a hypothetical ten percent change in these equity prices would result in a similar percentage change in the fair value of these securities.

The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act, which means the Fund is not limited in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single user. The value of one segment called Alternative Energy includes two portfolio companies and was 18.8% of the net asset value and 21.5% of the Fund’s investments in portfolio company securities (at fair value) at September 30, 2009. Changes in business or industry trends or in the financial condition, results of operations, or the market’s assessment of any single portfolio company will affect the net asset value and the market price of the Fund’s common stock to a greater extent than would be the case if the Fund were a “diversified” company holding numerous investments.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

The Fund maintains disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Fund’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Fund’s management, with the participation of the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operations of the Fund’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2009. Based on their evaluation, the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level. There has been no change in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item 5.

Other Information

On June 30, 2009, the Fund received a “Wells” notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Based on discussions with the SEC staff, the Fund believes that the issues the staff intends to pursue relate to a one-time administrative fee that the Fund paid in 2005 and the compensation of a certain Fund officer during approximately the same time period. The Wells notice notifies the Fund that the staff intends to recommend that the SEC bring a civil action against the Fund for possible violations of the securities laws. The Fund has been cooperating with the SEC in this inquiry. In accordance with SEC procedures, the Fund will have an opportunity to present its perspective on these issues before any formal decision is made on an enforcement proceeding. The Fund also understands that three persons (two of whom are formerly associated with the Fund and the Fund’s prior investment adviser) have received similar Wells notices relating to the 2005 activity. The Fund understands that these individuals will have an opportunity to present their perspectives on these issues before any formal decision is made on enforcement proceedings.

Item 6.

Exhibits

3.	Articles of Incorporation and by-laws

(a)

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Fund, as amended. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007]

(b)

Certificate of Merger dated June 30, 1993, between the Fund and Equus Investments Incorporated [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007]

(c)

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Fund. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007]

10.	Material Contracts.

(a)

Investment Advisory Agreement dated June 30, 2005, between the Fund and Moore, Clayton Capital Advisors, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.]

(b)

Administration Agreement dated June 30, 2005, between the Fund and Equus Capital Administration Company. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.]

(c)

Safekeeping Agreement between the Fund and Amegy Bank dated August 16, 2008. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.]

(d)

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Fund and its directors and certain officers. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.]

(e)

Form of Release Agreement between the Fund and certain of its officers and former officers. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.]

(f)

Code of Ethics of the Fund. (Rule 17j-1) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.]

(g)

Revolving Credit Note between the Fund and Amegy Bank National Association dated August 13, 2008. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (g) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.]

(h)

Pledge and Security Agreement between the Fund and Amegy Bank National Association dated August 13, 2008. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (h) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.]

31.	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Certification by Chief Financial Officer

32.	Section 1350 Certifications

Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Certification by Chief Financial Officer

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


				EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC.

Date: November 16, 2009				/s/ Gregory J. Flanagan
				Gregory J. Flanagan Chief Executive Officer

EQUUS TOTAL RETURN, INC. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

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