RAND CAPITAL CORP - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

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

For the Transition Period from _____ to _______

Commission File Number: 814-00235

Rand Capital Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (716) 853-0802

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

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

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2019 was approximately $14,961,000 based upon the closing price as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market on such date.

As of March 5, 2020, there were 14,655,321 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-K

PART I

Item 1. Business

Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”, “we”, “us” and “our”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in February 1969. We completed our initial public offering in 1971 and operated as an internally managed, closed-end, diversified, management investment company from that time until November 2019.

On November 8, 2019, Rand completed a stock sale transaction (the “Closing”) with East Asset Management (“East”). The transaction consisted of a $25 million investment in Rand by East, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock. The consideration paid by East for the shares of Rand common stock was comprised of approximately $15.5 million of cash and a contribution of $9.5 million of portfolio assets (the “Contributed Assets”). Concurrent with the Closing, Rand’s management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser. In connection with retaining RCM as our investment adviser, Rand entered into an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with RCM pursuant to which RCM will serve as Rand’s investment adviser and administrator (the Closing and the retention of RCM as our investment adviser and administrator are collectively referred to herein as the “Transactions”). Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, Rand will pay RCM a base management fee and may pay an incentive fee.

In connection with the Closing, we also entered into a shareholder agreement, dated November 8, 2019 by and between Rand and East (the “Shareholder Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement, East has the right to designate two or three persons, depending upon the size of Rand’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), for nomination for election to the Board. East will have the right to designate (i) up to two persons if the size of the Board is composed of fewer than seven directors or (ii) up to three persons if the size of the Board is composed of seven or more directors. East’s right to designate persons for nomination for election to the Board under the Shareholder Agreement is the exclusive means by which East may designate or nominate persons for election to the Board. Given the Board currently consists of five directors, East has the right to designate up to two persons for nomination for election to the Board. In connection with the annual meeting of shareholders held in December 2019, Adam S. Gusky and Benjamin E. Godley were each designated for nomination for election to the Board by East pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement.

After the completion of the Transactions, we are an externally managed, closed-end, diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company, or “BDC”, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” As a BDC we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements as provided for in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets” and provide managerial assistance to the portfolio companies in which we invest. See “Item 1. Business - Regulations, Business Development Company Regulations.”

In 2002, we established our small business investment company (“SBIC”), Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”), whereby we utilized funds borrowed from the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) combined with our capital to invest in portfolio companies. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, (“Annual Report”), unless the context otherwise requires, “we”, the “Corporation”, “us”, and “our” refer to Rand Capital Corporation and Rand SBIC. Rand SBIC’s predecessor was organized as a Delaware limited partnership and was converted into a New York corporation in 2008, at which time our operations as a licensed SBIC were continued. Although Rand SBIC had operated as if it were a BDC, it was registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. In 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC and Rand SBIC then filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Rand SBIC’s board of directors is comprised of the directors of Rand, a majority of whom are not “interested persons” of Rand Capital Corporation or Rand SBIC.

With the completion of the Transactions, we changed our investment objectives and strategy. With our plan to elect U.S. federal tax treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), our new investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders with current income combined with capital appreciation. As a result, our future investments will be made primarily in higher yielding debt investments that may include related equity options, such as warrants or preferred equity. As required for the RIC election, we will pay a special dividend to shareholders to distribute all accumulated earnings and profits, and we intend to adopt a dividend policy that may provide regular cash dividends to shareholders. On March 3, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Corporation declared a special dividend of $1.62 per share of Common Stock, paid in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2020. The total amount of cash to be distributed to all shareholders will be limited to 20% of the total dividend to be paid, excluding any cash paid for fractional shares. The remaining 80% of the dividend will be paid in shares of Common Stock. The exact distribution of cash and stock to any given shareholder will depend upon their election as well as elections of other shareholders, subject to the pro-rata limitation. We expect to complete the distribution of the special dividend on or about May 11, 2020.

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

Our Investment Objectives and Strategy

Effective with the completion of the Transactions, our investment activities are managed by our external investment adviser, RCM. Concurrent with the externalization of the management of our investments to RCM, we changed our investment objectives and strategy. Previously, our principal investment objective was to achieve long-term capital appreciation on equity investments while maintaining a current cash flow from our debenture and pass-through equity instruments to fund expenses. With our plan to elect U.S. federal tax treatment as a RIC, our new investment objective is to maximize total return to our shareholders with current income combined with capital appreciation. As a result, our recent and future investments are expected to be made primarily in yield generating investments which may include related equity options, such as warrants or preferred equity.

We expect to continue to co-invest in privately-held, lower middle market companies with committed and experienced managements in a broad variety of industries. We seek to invest in early to later stage businesses that have sustainable, differentiated and market-accepted products and have revenue of more than $2 million and a clear path to free cash flow or are already generating up to $5 million in EBITDA. We provide funding to companies that need growth or expansion capital or are looking to finance an ownership transition. Geographically, we focus in the eastern and southern United States. We typically are a minority investor and work with other lenders, investment partners and sponsors to source and fund investment opportunities.

Our typical investment going forward is expected to be in the range of $500 thousand to $2.5 million in any one company. The debt we invest in is not expected to be rated by a rating agency and, if it were, would be below investment grade. We intend to target investments that mature in five to seven years. Because of the higher risk nature of our investments, we require board observation or informational rights and may require a board seat.

We may engage in various investment strategies to achieve our investment objectives based on the types of opportunities we discover and the competitive landscape. We expect to focus on current cash yields in order to achieve our income producing goals.

Our Investment Process

The investment process is comprised of the sourcing and qualifying of investment opportunities, evaluating and negotiating the investment vehicle, due diligence of the business plan, operations and prospects of the prospective investee and follow through investment monitoring, follow on investments and portfolio management.

RCM’s investment team identifies investment opportunities through a network of investment referral relationships. Investment proposals may come to us from other sources, including unsolicited proposals from companies and referrals from accountants, bankers, lawyers and other members of the financial community. We believe that RCM’s and our reputation and experience in the investment community provide a competitive advantage in originating quality investments.

In a typical private financing, RCM’s investment team will review, analyze, and confirm, through due diligence, the business plan and operations of the potential portfolio company. Additionally, they will familiarize themselves with the portfolio company’s industry and competition and may conduct reference checks with its customers and suppliers. RCM’s investment committee will then review the deal and if approved, the transaction will be funded by Rand.

Following our initial investment, we may make follow-on investments to take advantage of warrants or other preferential rights granted to us to increase or maintain our position in a promising portfolio company, or provide additional funds to allow a portfolio company to fully implement its business plans, develop a new line of business or recover from unexpected business problems. Follow-on investments in a portfolio company are evaluated individually and may be subject to SBA restrictions.

Disposition of Investments

We may exit investments through the maturation of a debt security or when a liquidity event takes place, such as the sale, recapitalization, or initial public offering of a portfolio company. The method and timing of the disposition of our portfolio investments can be critical to the realization of maximum total return. We generally expect to dispose of our equity securities through private sales of securities to other investors or through the sale or merger of the portfolio company. We anticipate our debt investments will be repaid with interest and may realize further appreciation from warrants or other equity type instruments received in connection with an investment.

Current Portfolio Companies

For a description of our current portfolio company investments, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations – Composition of the Investment Portfolio.”

Competition

We compete for quality investments with other venture capital firms, individual investors, business development companies, and investment funds (including private equity funds and mezzanine funds), as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks. We believe we are able to compete with these entities primarily on the basis of RCM’s and our referral network, RCM’s and our investing reputation and experience, RCM’s responsive, quick and efficient investment analysis and decision-making process, the investment terms we offer, and our willingness to make smaller investments.

For information concerning the competitive risks we face, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Employees

We do not have any employees. Our operations are managed by RCM, our investment adviser and administrator, and each of our officers is an employee of RCM. As of March 5, 2020, our investment adviser, RCM, employed a total of four employees. We reimburse our administrator, RCM, for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. For a more detailed discussion of the administration agreement with RCM, see “Administration Agreement.”

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

RCM serves as our investment advisor (the “Adviser”) under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement. The Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is owned by East and CB Advisor LLC (an entity owned by Brian Collins). The Adviser manages the investment and reinvestment of our assets and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

The Adviser’s services under the Investment Management Agreement are not exclusive, and it may furnish similar services to other entities. In addition, subject to compliance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Adviser is authorized to enter into one or more sub-advisory agreements with other investment advisors (each a “Sub-Advisor”), including for purposes of recommending specific securities or other investments based upon our investment objectives and policies, and working, along with the Adviser, in structuring, negotiating, arranging or effecting the acquisition or disposition of our investments and monitoring our investments. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser, and not us, will be responsible for any compensation that is payable to any sub-adviser.

About the Investment Process of the Adviser

The Adviser’s principal investment portfolio managers are Allen F. Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy, who manage the Corporation’s investment portfolio on a day-to-day basis. All decisions to acquire or dispose of assets on behalf of the Corporation are made by the Adviser’s investment committee (the “Investment Committee”). Each such decision must be approved by a majority of Investment Committee members.

The Investment Committee is composed five individuals, including three individuals designated by East. The Investment Committee currently consists of the following individuals:

All potential investment opportunities undergo an initial informal review by Messrs. Grum and Penberthy, as the Adviser’s investment professionals. Each potential investment opportunity that an investment professional determines merits consideration is presented and evaluated at meetings in which the members of the Investment Committee discuss the merits and risks of each potential investment opportunity and the pricing and structure for the investment.

Fees Paid to Adviser

Under the Investment Management Agreement, we will pay the Adviser, as compensation for the investment advisory and management services, fees consisting of two components: (i) the Base Management Fee and (ii) the Incentive Fee.

Base Management Fee

The “Base Management Fee” is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds), determined according to procedures duly adopted by the Board.

For services rendered during the period commencing from the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement, through and including the end of our first calendar quarter of operations after this effective date, the Base Management Fee is payable monthly in arrears. In addition, until our first calendar quarter of operations after the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement, the Base Management Fee is calculated based on the initial value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) after giving effect to the contribution of investment assets by East as part of the consideration paid to Rand in the stock sale transaction that closed in November 2019. Subsequently, the Base Management Fee is calculated based on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Base Management Fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately prorated.

Incentive Fee

The “Incentive Fee” is comprised of two parts: (1) the Income Based Fee and (2) the Capital Gains Fee.

Income Based Fee

The “Income Based Fee” is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter and is payable promptly following the filing of our financial statements for such quarter.

For purposes of the Investment Management Agreement, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” is defined as interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) we accrue during the relevant calendar quarter, minus the operating expenses for such calendar quarter (including the Base Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding any portion of Incentive Fee).

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes any accretion of original issue discount, market discount, payment-in-kind interest, payment-in-kind dividends or other types of deferred or accrued income, including in connection with zero coupon securities, that we have recognized in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles,(“GAAP”), but have not yet received in cash (collectively, “Accrued Unpaid Income”). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized and unrealized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness) at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a “hurdle rate”, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the our net assets at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter, of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized). We pay the Adviser an Incentive Fee with respect to our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in each calendar quarter as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Gains Fee

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

For purposes of the Capital Gains Fee:

The accreted or amortized cost basis of an investment shall mean, with respect to an investment owned by us as of the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement, the fair value of that investment as set forth in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019, as filed with the SEC on November 7, 2019, and, with respect to an investment acquired by us subsequent to the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement, the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment as reflected in the our financial statements.

Example 1: Income Based Fee Calculations:*

Alternative 1

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 1.25%

Hurdle rate⁽¹⁾ = 1.75%

Base Management Fee⁽²⁾ = 0.375%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, transfer agent, etc.) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (investment income – (Base Management Fee + other expenses)) = 0.675%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the hurdle rate, therefore there is no Income Based Fee is payable for the calendar quarter.

Alternative 2

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 2.70%

Hurdle rate⁽¹⁾ = 1.75%

Base Management Fee⁽²⁾ = 0.375%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, transfer agent, etc.) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (investment income – (Base Management Fee + other expenses)) = 2.125%

Income Based Fee (subject to “catch up”)⁽³⁾ = 100.00% × (2.125% – 1.75%) = 0.375%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate, but does not fully satisfy the “catch-up” provision, therefore the Income Based Fee payable for the calendar quarter is 0.375%.

Alternative 3

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 3.50%

Hurdle rate⁽¹⁾ = 1.75%

Base Management Fee⁽²⁾ = 0.375%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, transfer agent, etc.) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (investment income – (Base Management Fee + other expenses)) = 2.925%

Income Based Fee (subject to “catch up”)⁽³⁾ = 100.00% × “catch-up” + (20.00% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income above 2.1875%))

Catch-up = 2.1875% – 1.75% = 0.4375%

Income Based Fee = (100.00% × .4375%) + (20.00% × (2.925% – 2.1875%))

= 0.4375% + (20.00% × 0.7375%)

= 0.4375% + 0.1475%

= 0.585%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate, and fully satisfies the “catch-up” provision, therefore the Income Based Fee payable for the calendar quarter is 0.585%.

* For ease of review, (i) the hypothetical amounts of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, investment income, Base Management Fee, other expenses, and Income Based Fee are each expressed as a percentage of total assets, though as described in greater detail above, each of these amounts will be calculated as a numerical dollar amount as set forth in the Investment Management Agreement, (ii) the hypothetical amount of the Base Management Fee is assumed to be consistent from quarter to quarter, and (iii) these examples each assume that the Incentive Fee Cap is not yet in effect.

Example 2: Capital Gains Fee Calculations:

Alternative 1

Assumptions:

The Capital Gains Fees, if any, would be calculated as follows:

Alternative 2

Assumptions:

The Capital Gains Fees, if any, would be calculated as follows:

Payment of Expenses

Under the terms of Investment Management Agreement, all investment professionals of the Adviser and its staff, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory services to us, and the compensation of such personnel and the general office and facilities and overhead expenses incurred by the Adviser in maintaining its place of business allocable to these services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser and not by us. We will bear all other costs and expenses of its operations and transactions, related to the Corporation, including those relating to:

Indemnification under the Investment Management Agreement

The Investment Management Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser, its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person affiliated with any of them (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), are entitled to indemnification from us for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of us or our security holders) arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the Adviser’s duties or obligations under the Investment Management Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser.

Duration and Termination

The Investment Management Agreement was executed on November 8, 2019 and will remain in effect for two years after this date. Our Board approved the Investment Management Agreement on January 24, 2019 and it was approved by our shareholders at a special meeting of shareholders held on May 16, 2019. Thereafter, it will continue to renew automatically for successive annual periods so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by:

(i) the vote of our Board, or by the vote of Shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation; and

(ii) the vote of a majority of our independent directors, in either case, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon sixty days’ written notice, by: (a) by vote of a majority of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation (as defined in the 1940 Act); or (b) the Adviser. Furthermore, the Investment Management Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as such term is defined for purposes of Section 15(a)(4) of the 1940 Act). See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Our investment adviser and administrator, RCM, has the right to resign on sixty days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.”

Notwithstanding the termination or expiration of the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser will be entitled to any amounts owed as payment of the Base Management Fees and the Incentive Fees through the date of termination or expiration.

Administration Agreement

In connection with the Closing, we entered into an Administration Agreement with the Adviser. Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Adviser agreed to perform (or oversee, or arrange for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for our operations, including, but not limited to, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping, finance, accounting, compliance and record keeping services at such office facilities and such other services as the Adviser, subject to review by the Board, will from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Adviser shall also, on our behalf, arrange for the services of, and oversee, custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other shareholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable. The Adviser will make reports to our Board regarding the performance of its obligations under the Administration Agreement and furnish advice and recommendations with respect to such other aspects of our business and affairs as it will determine to be desirable.

The Adviser is responsible for our financial and other records that are required to be maintained and prepares all reports and other materials required to be filed with the SEC or any other regulatory authority, including reports to shareholders. In addition, the Adviser assists us in determining and publishing our Net Asset Value (“NAV”), overseeing the preparation and filing of our tax returns, and the printing and dissemination of reports to shareholders, and generally overseeing the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others. The Administrator provides, on our behalf, significant managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such assistance.

In full consideration of the provision of the services of the Adviser, we reimburse the Adviser for the costs and expenses incurred by the Adviser in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities thereunder. Costs and expenses to be borne by us include those relating to: organization; calculating NAV (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm); expenses incurred by the Administrator payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring our financial and legal affairs and in monitoring our investments and performing due diligence on its prospective portfolio companies; interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments; offerings of our common stock and other securities; investment advisory and management fees (other than fees (if any) payable to a sub-advisor retained by the Adviser under the Investment Management Agreement); administration fees; transfer agent and custodial fees; federal and state registration fees; all costs of registration and listing our common stock on any securities exchange; federal, state, local and other taxes; independent directors’ fees and expenses; costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by governmental bodies (including the SEC); costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to shareholders, including printing costs; our allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; direct costs and expenses of administration, including independent auditors and outside legal costs; and all other expenses incurred by us or the Adviser in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement based upon our allocable portion of the Adviser’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent (if office space is provided by the Adviser) and our allocable portion of the cost of the chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs (including travel expenses).

The Administration Agreement was executed on November 8, 2019, the same date as the Investment Management Agreement, and will remain in effect for two years, and thereafter will continue automatically for successive annual periods so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including a majority of the independent directors. The Administration Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of our directors, or by the Adviser, upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. The Administration Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party.

Regulations

The following discussion is a general summary of the material prohibitions and descriptions governing BDCs and SBA-licensed SBICs. It does not purport to be a complete description of all of the laws and regulations affecting BDCs and SBICs.

Business Development Company Regulations

We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Although the 1940 Act exempts a BDC from registration under the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act contains significant limitations on the operations of BDCs. Among other things, the 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between a BDC and its affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of its affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act also prohibits a BDC from changing the nature of its business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw its election as, a BDC unless so authorized by a vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities. BDCs are not required to maintain fundamental investment policies relating to diversification and concentration of investments within a single industry. More specifically, in order to qualify as a BDC, a company must:

(1) be a domestic company;

(2) have registered a class of its equity securities or have filed a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”);

(3) operate for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain types of companies, namely immature or emerging companies and businesses suffering or just recovering from financial distress. Generally, a BDC must be primarily engaged in the business of furnishing capital and providing managerial expertise to companies that do not have ready access to capital through conventional financial channels. Such companies are termed “eligible portfolio companies;”

(4) extend significant managerial assistance to such portfolio companies; and

(5) have a majority of “disinterested” directors (as defined in the 1940 Act).

Qualifying Assets

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of their total assets. The 1940 Act prohibits BDCs from investing in certain types of companies, such as brokerage firms, insurance companies, investment banking firms and investment companies.

An eligible portfolio company is, generally, a private domestic operating company, or a public domestic operating company whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange. In addition, any small business investment company that is licensed by the SBA and is a wholly owned subsidiary of a BDC is an eligible portfolio company.

Qualifying assets include:

(1) securities of companies that were eligible portfolio companies at the time the BDC acquired their securities;

(2) securities of bankrupt or insolvent companies that were eligible at the time of the BDC’s initial acquisition of their securities but are no longer eligible, provided that the BDC has maintained a substantial portion of its initial investment in those companies;

(3) securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to any of the foregoing; and

(4) cash items, government securities and high-quality short-term debt.

The 1940 Act also places restrictions on the nature of the transactions in which, and the persons from whom, securities can be purchased in order for the securities to be considered qualifying assets.

A BDC is permitted to invest in the securities of public companies and other investments that are not qualifying assets, but those kinds of investments may not exceed 30% of the BDC’s total asset value at the time of the investment. At December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with this rule.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

In order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test discussed above, a BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases the securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company through monitoring of portfolio company operations, selective participation in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising a portfolio company’s officers or other organizational or financial guidance.

Small Business Investment Company Regulations

SBA Lending Restrictions

SBICs are designed to stimulate the flow of private debt and/or equity capital to small businesses. The types and dollar amounts of the loans and other investments we may make are limited by the 1940 Act, the Small Business Act (the “SBA Act”) and SBA regulations. Rand SBIC uses funds borrowed from the SBA that can be combined with our own capital to provide loans to, and make equity investments in, businesses that meet the following criteria:

(a) have a tangible net worth not in excess of $19.5 million and average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two completed fiscal years not in excess of $6.5 million, or

(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the businesses are primarily engaged.

In addition, at the end of each fiscal year, an SBIC must have at least 20% (in total dollars) invested in “smaller enterprises.” The SBA defines “smaller enterprises” as businesses that:

(a) do not have a net worth in excess of $6 million and have average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two years no greater than $2 million, or

(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the concerns are primarily engaged.

We have complied with these requirements since the inception of Rand SBIC.

The SBA prohibits an SBIC from providing funds to small businesses with specific characteristics, such as businesses with the majority of their employees located outside the United States, or from investing in passive or non-operating businesses, real estate, project financing, farmland, or financial lenders. Without prior SBA approval, an SBIC may not invest an amount equal to more than approximately 30% of the SBIC’s regulatory capital in any one company and its affiliates.

The SBA places limitations on the financing terms of investments by SBICs in portfolio companies such as limiting the prepayment options, the financing fees that can be charged to a portfolio company, the allowable interest rate on loan and debt securities that an SBIC can charge a portfolio company, and the maximum term of such financing. An SBIC may exercise control over a small business for a period of up to seven years from the date on which the SBIC initially acquires its control position.

The SBA restricts the ability of an SBIC to lend money to any of its officers, directors and employees or to invest in associates. The SBA also prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a “change of control” of an SBIC or transfers that would result in any person, or a group of persons acting together, owning 10% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed SBIC. A “change of control” is any event which would result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. Rand SBIC received approval from the SBA in October 2019 for purposes of completing the stock sale transaction between Rand Capital Corporation and East.

Rand SBIC may invest directly in a portfolio company’s equity, but may not become a general partner of a non-incorporated entity or otherwise become jointly or severally liable for the general obligations of a non-incorporated entity. Rand SBIC may acquire options or warrants in portfolio companies, and the options or warrants may have redemption provisions, subject to certain restrictions. Pursuant to SBA regulations, the maximum cash which may be invested in any one portfolio company by Rand SBIC is currently $4.8 million.

In addition, the SBA regulations require an examination of a licensed SBIC by an SBA examiner to determine the SBIC’s compliance with the relevant SBA regulations. Our annual report, submitted to the SBA, must be audited by an independent public accounting firm.

SBA Leverage

The SBA raises capital to enable it to provide funds to SBICs by guaranteeing certificates or bonds that are pooled and sold to purchasers of the government guaranteed securities. The amount of funds that the SBA may lend to SBICs is determined by annual Congressional appropriations.

SBA debentures are issued with ten year maturities. Interest only is payable semi-annually until maturity. All of our outstanding SBA debentures may be prepaid without penalty. To reserve the approved SBA debenture leverage, we paid an upfront 1% commitment fee to the SBA as a partial prepayment of the SBA’s nonrefundable 3% leverage fee. These fees are expensed over the life of the corresponding SBA debenture instruments. The SBA, as a creditor, will have a superior claim to Rand SBIC’s assets over our shareholders in the event we liquidate Rand SBIC or the SBA exercises its remedies under the SBA-guaranteed debentures issued by Rand SBIC upon an event of default.

At December 31, 2019, we had $11,000,000 in outstanding SBA debenture instruments.

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

Contingent upon meeting certain tax-related conditions, we expect to elect to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) for U.S. tax purposes (the “RIC Election”). In order to qualify to make the RIC Election, we must, among other things, distribute our previously undistributed “accumulated earnings and profits” to shareholders. RIC qualification also requires meeting specified source-of-income and asset-diversification requirements. In addition, we must distribute to our shareholders, with respect of each taxable year, dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount generally at least equal to 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally equal to the sum of our net ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our shareholders. Even if we qualify as a RIC, we generally will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed taxable income and could be subject to U.S. federal excise, state, local and foreign taxes.

In connection with making the RIC Election, we expect that Rand SBIC will also make an election to be taxed as a RIC for U.S. federal tax purposes. In order to be eligible to be taxed as a RIC, Rand SBIC must satisfy the source-of-income, asset-diversification, and minimum distribution requirements discussed above. Because a substantial portion of our assets are held in Rand SBIC, we may not be able to satisfy the asset-diversification requirements unless Rand SBIC also qualifies to be taxed as a RIC for U.S. federal tax purposes.

Assuming that we qualify to be taxed as a RIC and satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our “investment company taxable income” and net capital gain (which is defined as net long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss) that is timely distributed to shareholders. Similarly, assuming that Rand SBIC qualifies to be taxed as a RIC and satisfies the Annual Distribution Requirement, Rand SBIC will also not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its “investment company taxable income” and net capital gain that it timely distributes to us. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our shareholders. Rand SBIC will also be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to Rand. Additionally, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income earned on certain investments that needed to remain in a taxable subsidiary in order to maintain RIC status.

Rand and Rand SBIC, respectively, will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless each distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of:

(1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year,

(2) 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and

(3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it paid no U.S. federal income tax.

In order to maintain qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes going forward, Rand and Rand SBIC must each, among other things:

(1) meet the Annual Distribution Requirement;

(2) qualify to be regulated as a BDC or be registered as a management investment company under the 1940 Act;

(3) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or other securities or currencies or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly-traded partnership” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code); and

(4) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

(a) at least 50% of the value of its assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of its assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer (which for these purposes includes the equity securities of a “qualified publicly-traded partnership”); and

(b) no more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other RICs, (i) of one issuer (ii) of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) of one or more “qualified publicly-traded partnerships”. Because a substantial portion of Rand Capital Corporation’s assets consist of its shares in Rand SBIC, we will not be eligible to be taxed as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless Rand SBIC is also eligible to be taxed as a RIC for U.S. federal tax purposes.

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that have original issue discount (OID) or debt instruments with payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, we must include in income, each year, a portion of this non-cash income that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash is received by us in that taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as PIK interest and deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Because any OID income or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our shareholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash.

Even if Rand and Rand SBIC qualify for taxation as RICs, they will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in their respective assets as of the first day they qualify as RICs to the extent that such gains are realized by them during the five-year period following the first day that they qualify as RICs. As of December 31, 2019, neither Rand nor Rand SBIC have unrealized net built-in gains.

If Rand and Rand SBIC qualify for taxation as RICs, distributions out of our earnings and profits to shareholders generally will be taxable to shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, either as ordinary income or capital gains, depending upon the nature of the income giving rise to the distribution. The tax consequences to a shareholder attributable to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our common stock, are complex and will depend on the facts of the shareholder’s unique circumstances.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risks related to our Business and Structure

We are dependent upon RCM for our future success.

Upon the completion of the Transactions, our day-to-day investment operations are managed by our investment adviser and administrator, RCM, subject to oversight and supervision by our Board. We no longer have any employees, and although Allen F. “Pete” Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy each remain as an officer of the Corporation, neither is an employee of the Corporation. As a result, we depend on the diligence, skill, investment expertise and network of business contacts of RCM’s investment professionals, including Mr. Grum and Mr. Penberthy, and the investment committee of RCM (the “Investment Committee”) to source appropriate investments for us. We depend on members of RCM’s investment team and the Investment Committee to appropriately analyze our investments and on members of the Investment Committee to make investment decisions for us. RCM’s investment team evaluates, negotiates, structures, closes and monitors our investments. Our future success will depend on the continued availability of the members of RCM’s investment team and the Investment Committee and the other investment professionals available to RCM. Although each of the then-current employees of the Corporation entered into employment arrangements with RCM at the closing of the Transactions, the Corporation does not have any employment agreements with these individuals or other key personnel of RCM, including members of the Investment Committee, and we cannot provide any assurance that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead any such individual to terminate his or her relationship with RCM. The loss of a material number of investment professionals to which RCM has access or members of the Investment Committee, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objectives as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that RCM will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to RCM’s investment professionals or the Investment Committee or its information and deal flow.

RCM has no prior experience managing or acting as an investment adviser for a BDC.

Prior to its entry into the Investment Management Agreement with Rand, RCM was a newly formed entity that had no prior experience managing or acting as an investment adviser for a BDC. Although the Corporation’s existing employees became employees of RCM after the closing of the Transactions, all investment decisions to be made by RCM are made by its Investment Committee, which consists of five persons, of which Allen F. “Pete” Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy are two of the five members. The investment philosophy and techniques to be used by RCM, and in particular its Investment Committee, to manage the Corporation may differ from the investment philosophy and techniques previously employed by RCM’s investment team in identifying and managing other investments and that were previously used by the Corporation when it was internally managed. RCM intends to focus on investing in interest-yielding debt securities. In addition, RCM is seeking to source potential investments using its relationships and the business networks and family office networks of the members of the Investment Committee. However, we can offer no assurance that RCM will be successful with respect to its investment decisions in acting as our investment adviser or that RCM or the Investment Committee will be successful in their attempts to source and originate additional potential transactions that are appropriate for Rand’s investment strategy through the use of existing business networks, and our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns we have achieved in the past.

Our financial results will depend on RCM’s skill to manage and deploy capital effectively.

Our ability to achieve long-term capital appreciation on our existing equity investments and to maintain a current cash flow from our debt investments while shifting our portfolio to contain a greater percentage of interest-yielding securities depends on RCM’s capability to effectively identify, invest and manage our capital.

Accomplishing this investment objective effectively will be based on RCM’s handling of the investment process, starting with its ability to find investments that offer favorable terms and meet our investment objective. RCM will also need to monitor our portfolio companies’ performance and may be called upon to provide managerial assistance. These competing demands on their time may slow the rate of investment.

Even if RCM is able to grow and build on our investment portfolio, any failure by RCM to manage the growth of our portfolio effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If RCM cannot successfully manage our investment portfolio or implement our investment objectives, this could negatively impact our stock price.

We are subject to risks created by our regulated environment.

We are regulated by the SEC and the SBA. Changes in the laws or regulations that govern BDCs and SBICs could significantly affect our business. Regulations and laws may be changed periodically, and the interpretations of the relevant regulations and laws are also subject to change. Any change in the regulations and laws governing our business could have a material impact on our financial condition and our results of operations. Moreover, the laws and regulations that govern BDCs and SBICs may place conflicting demands on the manner in which we operate, and the resolution of those conflicts may restrict or otherwise adversely affect our operations.

RCM, on our behalf, may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from the Transactions on acceptable terms or within a reasonable timeframe.

In connection with the closing of the Transactions, the Corporation issued 8,333,333 shares of common stock to East at a price of $3.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million. This purchase price was paid through the contribution to the Corporation by East of existing loans and other securities that had a fair value as of the closing date for the Transactions of approximately $9.5 million and a cash payment of approximately $15.5 million. Delays by RCM in investing the net proceeds raised in the Transactions may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested BDCs or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. We cannot assure you that RCM will be able to identify investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make using these proceeds will produce a positive return. RCM may be unable to invest the net proceeds from the Transactions on acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

We anticipate that, depending on market conditions, it may take RCM a substantial period of time to invest substantially all of the net proceeds from the Transactions in securities meeting our investment objectives. During this period, we will invest the net proceeds from the Transactions primarily in cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Government securities, which may produce returns that are significantly lower than the returns which we expect to achieve when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objectives. Until such time as the net proceeds from the Transactions are invested in securities meeting our investment objectives, the market price for our common stock may decline. Thus, the return on an investment in us may be lower than when, if ever, our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective.

We are subject to risks created by borrowing funds from the SBA.

Our liabilities consist primarily of debt instruments issued through the SBA, which have fixed interest rates. Until and unless we are able to invest substantially all of the proceeds from these SBA debentures at annualized interest or other rates of return that substantially exceed annualized interest rates that Rand SBIC must pay the SBA, our operating results may be adversely affected which may, in turn, depress the market price of our common stock.

In addition, our outstanding $11.0 million in SBA debentures will reach maturity and become payable between 2022 and 2029. In order to repay our outstanding SBA debentures, we will need to identify sources of additional funding if the proceeds received upon the exits of our investments are insufficient to fund our operations and repay our SBA obligations. We cannot be assured that the proceeds to be received upon the exits from our investments will be sufficient to meet our funding needs or, if such proceeds are insufficient, that we will be able to obtain access to the necessary funding on terms that are acceptable to us.

We are subject to risks created by the valuation of our portfolio investments.

At December 31, 2019, 100% of our investments are in private securities that are not publicly traded. There is typically no public market for securities of the small privately held companies in which we invest. Investments are valued in accordance with our established valuation policy and are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by RCM and approved by our Board. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of our investment portfolio may differ significantly, favorably or unfavorably, from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the securities existed. Any changes in estimated value are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as “Net change in unrealized depreciation or appreciation on investments.” In addition, the participation of RCM’s investment professionals in our valuation process, could result in a conflict of interest as RCM’s Base Management Fee under the Investment Management Agreement is based, in part, on the value of our gross assets, and the Incentive Fees payable under the Investment Management Agreement will be based, in part, on realized gains and realized and unrealized losses.

RCM, acting as our investment adviser, operates in a competitive market for investment opportunities.

RCM, acting as our investment adviser, operates in a competitive market for investment opportunities. RCM faces competition in our investing activities from many entities including other SBICs, private venture capital funds, investment affiliates of large companies, wealthy individuals and other domestic or foreign investors. The competition is not limited to entities that operate in the same general geographical area as we do. As a regulated BDC, we are required to disclose quarterly and annually the name and business description of our portfolio companies and the value of their portfolio securities. Most of our competitors are not subject to this disclosure requirement or similar types of disclosure requirements. This obligation to disclose this information could hinder RCM’s ability to invest in potential portfolio companies on our behalf. Additionally, other regulations, current and future, may make us less attractive as a potential investor to a given portfolio company than a private venture capital fund.

There are potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by the principals and certain members of the Investment Committee of RCM, which could impact our investment returns.

The principals and certain members of the Investment Committee of RCM manage other funds and accounts for other entities affiliated with members of the Investment Committee. Accordingly, they have obligations to those investors, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of, or may be adverse to the interests of, us or our shareholders. Although the principals, members of the Investment Committee and other professional staff of RCM are expected to devote as much time to our management as appropriate to enable RCM to perform its duties in accordance with the Investment Management Agreement, the members of the Investment Committee and investment professionals of RCM may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among RCM, on the one hand, and the other investment vehicles managed by affiliated entities of RCM, on the other hand.

RCM, including members of its Investment Committee, may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and other investment vehicles affiliated with members of the Investment Committee that have overlapping investment objectives with ours. Although RCM, including members of the Investment Committee, will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds managed by RCM or members of the Investment Committee if such investment is prohibited by law.

Our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates of RCM will be restricted.

We, and certain of our controlled affiliates, are prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our upstream affiliates, or RCM and its affiliates, without the prior approval of the “required majority” of our directors as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is our upstream affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than our securities) from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of the “required majority” of our directors as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act also prohibits “joint” transactions with an upstream affiliate, or RCM or its affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of the “required majority” of our directors as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act. In addition, we and certain of our controlled affiliates will be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to, or entering into joint transactions with, RCM and its affiliates, or any person, including East, who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or is otherwise deemed to control, be controlled by, or be under common control with us, absent the prior approval of the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). Given East’s approximately 58% ownership position in the common stock of the Corporation, this prohibition may impact our ability to participate in certain transactions or investments, including with respect to certain of the loans and other securities that were contributed to the Corporation by East as part of the consideration for the stock purchase by East in the Transactions. The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing.

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For example, we will generally not be permitted to make loans to companies controlled by RCM or other funds managed by RCM. We will also not be permitted to make any co-investments with RCM or its affiliates (including any fund managed by RCM or an investment adviser controlling, controlled by or under common control with RCM) without exemptive relief from the SEC, subject to certain exceptions.

The proposed fee structure under the Investment Management Agreement may induce RCM to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, which may not be in the best interests of the shareholders.

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Base Management Fee is payable even if the value of your investment declines. The Base Management Fee is calculated based on the total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds), as determined according to procedures duly adopted by the Board. Accordingly, the Base Management Fee is payable regardless of whether the value of Rand’s total assets or your investment has decreased during the then-current quarter and creates an incentive for RCM to incur leverage, which may not be consistent with our shareholders’ interests.

The Incentive Fee payable to RCM is calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. The terms of the Incentive Fee calculation may create an incentive for RCM to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such a compensation arrangement. Unlike the Base Management Fee, the Income Based Fee is payable only if the hurdle rate is achieved. Because the portfolio earns investment income on gross assets while the hurdle rate is based on net assets, and because the use of leverage increases gross assets without any corresponding increase in net asset, RCM may be incentivized to incur leverage to grow the portfolio, which will tend to enhance returns where our portfolio has positive returns and increase the chances that such hurdle rate is achieved. Conversely, the use of leverage may increase losses where our portfolio has negative returns, which would impair the value of our common stock.

In addition, RCM receives the Incentive Fees based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments under the Capital Gains Fee. Unlike the Income Based Fee, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the Capital Gains Fee. As a result, RCM may have an incentive to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative equity securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns.

RCM may be paid incentive compensation even if we incur a net loss, and we cannot recover any portion of the incentive fee previously paid.

RCM is entitled to incentive compensation under our Investment Management Agreement for each fiscal quarter under the Income Based Fee in an amount equal to a percentage of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, subject to a hurdle rate, a catch-up provision, a cap and a deferral mechanism. For purposes of calculating the Income Based Fee, our pre-incentive fee net investment income excludes realized and unrealized capital losses that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital losses result in a net loss for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay RCM an incentive compensation under the Income Based Fee for a fiscal quarter even if we incur a net loss for that quarter. In addition, if we pay the Capital Gains Fee and thereafter experience additional realized capital losses or unrealized capital losses, we will not be able to recover any portion of the incentive fee previously paid.

RCM’s liability will be limited under the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement, and we will be required to indemnify RCM against certain liabilities, which may lead RCM to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Under the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement, RCM does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Management Agreement and Administration Agreement, as applicable, and it is not responsible for any action of our Board in declining to follow RCM’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement, RCM, its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person affiliated with any of them are not liable to us for their acts under the Investment Management Agreement and Administration Agreement, as applicable, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect RCM its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person affiliated with any of them with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of RCM’s duties or obligations under the Investment Management Agreement or Administration Agreement, as applicable, or otherwise as investment adviser or administrator, as applicable, for us, and not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the Investment Management Agreement or the Administration Agreement. These protections may lead RCM to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Our investment adviser and administrator, RCM, has the right to resign on 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our investment adviser and administrator, RCM, has the right, under both the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement, to resign at any time upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If RCM resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or administrator or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations are likely to be adversely affected and the market price of our common stock may decline. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we may not be able to pay distributions to our shareholders, our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we intend to pay distributions in the form of cash dividends to our shareholders out of assets legally available for distribution. However, we cannot assure investors that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by, among other things, the impact of one or more of the risk factors described herein. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC can limit our ability to pay distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure shareholders that we will pay distributions on our common stock in the future or at all.

When we make distributions, we are required to determine the extent to which such distributions are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of an investor’s basis in our stock and, assuming that an investor holds our stock as a capital asset, thereafter as a capital gain. Generally, a non-taxable return of capital will reduce an investor’s basis in our stock for federal tax purposes, which will result in higher tax liability when the stock is sold. Shareholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to satisfy certain RIC qualification requirements under Subchapter M of the Code or do not satisfy the annual distribution requirement.

Although we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC commencing with our tax year ending December 31, 2020, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain our qualification as a RIC. In order to satisfy the requirements for RIC tax treatment, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements to be relieved of federal taxes on income and gains distributed to our shareholders.

If we fail to satisfy certain RIC qualification requirements under Subchapter M of the Code or to meet the annual distribution requirement for any reason and are subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions, if any. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and our shareholders.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we may have difficulty paying required distributions to shareholders if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we will be required to distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses to maintain our eligibility for RIC tax treatment. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contracted payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. The increases in loan balances as a result of contracted PIK arrangements will be included in income in advance of receiving cash payment, and will be separately identified on our consolidated statements of cash flows. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.

Any warrants that we receive in connection with our debt investments will generally be valued as part of the negotiation process with the particular portfolio company. As a result, a portion of the aggregate purchase price for the debt investments and warrants will be allocated to the warrants that we receive. This will generally result in our debt instruments having original issue discount (“OID”) for tax purposes, which we must recognize as ordinary income as such original issue discount accrues regardless of whether we have received any corresponding payment of such interest. Other features of debt instruments that we hold may also cause such instruments to generate original issue discount.

Since in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses to maintain our eligibility for RIC tax treatment. Accordingly, we may have to use cash on hand or sell some of our assets, raise additional equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we do not have sufficient cash on hand or are unable to obtain cash from other sources to satisfy such distribution requirements, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus may become subject to corporate-level income tax.

If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to maintain our qualification as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.

As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets.

We believe that most of the investments that we may acquire in the future will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe to be attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could violate the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs. As a result of such violation, specific rules under the 1940 Act could prevent us, for example, from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position) or could require us to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to come into compliance with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it could be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms. We may not be able to find a buyer for such investments and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss. Any such outcomes would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

If we do not maintain our status as a BDC, we would be subject to regulation as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end investment company, we would be subject to substantially more regulatory restrictions under the 1940 Act, which would significantly decrease our operating flexibility.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and incidents that may adversely affect our operations, the operations of RCM or the companies in which we invest. A failure in our cybersecurity systems could impair our ability to conduct business and damage our business relationships, compromise or corrupt our confidential information and ultimately negatively impact business, financial condition and operating results.

Our and RCM’s operations are dependent on secure information technology systems for data processing, storage and reporting. Increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-attacks pose a risk to the security of our and RCM’s information and the information of our portfolio companies. Like other companies, we may experience threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, system failures and disruptions. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in damage to our reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs or regulatory penalties. In addition, these cyber-attacks could affect our and RCM’s computer network, our website or our other service providers (such as, but not limited to, accountants, lawyers, and transfer agents) and could result in operating disruptions or information misappropriation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and the integrity and availability of our financial information. We have attempted to mitigate these cybersecurity risks by employing a number of processes, procedures and internal controls within the Corporation, but we remain potentially vulnerable to additional known and unknown threats.

We may experience fluctuations in our annual and quarterly results.

We could experience fluctuations in our annual and quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including RCM’s ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, RCM’s plans to transition over time Rand’s portfolio to include more interest-yielding securities, the interest rate payable on the debt securities acquired and the default rate on such securities, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in the markets in which we operate and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future quarters or any future fiscal years.

Risks related to our Investments

We have a limited number of companies in our portfolio of investments, and may be subjected to greater risk if any of these companies default.

Our portfolio investment values are concentrated in a small number of companies and as such, we may experience a significant loss in our net asset value if one or more of these companies performs poorly or goes out of business. The unrealized or realized depreciation in the value of the securities of any one of these companies would negatively impact our net asset value.

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

RCM, on our behalf, invests, and we expect that RCM will continue, on our behalf, to invest, in portfolio companies whose securities are not publicly traded and may be subject to restrictions on resale, and as a result will be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Most of our investments are or will be either equity securities or debt securities acquired directly from small, private companies. The illiquidity of most of our portfolio may adversely affect our ability to dispose of the securities at times when it may be advantageous for us to liquidate investments. In addition, we may not realize the full value of these private investments if we have to liquidate all or a part of our portfolio investment quickly, given the lack of available markets for their sale.

Economic downturns or recessions may adversely affect our portfolio companies’ financial performance and therefore harm our operating results.

The United States economy has periodically experienced periods of instability and recessions and the financial results of the small companies in which we invest could be more acutely affected negatively by this instability and suffer deterioration in operational or financial results. This deterioration may have a negative effect on our financial performance.

Investing in private companies involves a high degree of risk.

We typically invest a substantial portion of our assets in small private companies. These private businesses may be thinly capitalized, unproven companies with risky technologies, products or services, may lack management depth, and may not have attained profitability. Because of the speculative nature and the lack of a public market for these investments, there is significantly greater risk of loss than is the case with securities traded on a public exchange. We expect that some of our investments will become worthless and that some will appear likely to become successful but will never realize their potential. We have historically been risk seeking rather than risk averse in our approach to our investments. Given the incentive compensation components of our arrangement with RCM under the Investment Management Agreement, RCM has similar incentives to be risk seeking rather than risk averse in making its investment decisions.

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

An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.

We invest primarily in privately held companies. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we will be required to rely on the ability of RCM’s investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If RCM is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, it may not, acting on our behalf, make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors. These factors could adversely affect our investment returns as compared to companies investing primarily in the securities of public companies.

We provide debt and equity capital primarily to small companies, which may present a greater risk of loss than providing debt and equity capital to larger companies.

Our portfolio consists primarily of debt and equity investments in small companies. Compared to larger companies, small companies generally have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position and may need more capital to expand, compete and operate their business. They also typically have fewer administrative resources, which can lead to greater uncertainty in their ability to generate accurate and reliable financial data, including their ability to deliver audited financial statements. In addition, many small companies may be unable to obtain financing from the public capital markets or other traditional sources, such as commercial banks, in part because loans made to these types of companies entail higher risks than loans made to companies that have larger businesses, greater financial resources or are otherwise able to access traditional credit sources on more attractive terms.

A variety of factors may affect the ability of borrowers to make scheduled payments on debt securities or loans, including failure to satisfy financial targets and covenants, a downturn in a borrower’s industry or changes in the economy in general. In addition, investing in small companies in general involves a number of significant risks, including that small companies:

Any of these factors or changes thereto could impair a small company’s financial condition, results of operation, cash flow or result in other adverse events, such as bankruptcy, any of which could limit a borrower’s ability to make scheduled payments on our debt securities. This, in turn, could result in losses in our investments and a decrease in our net interest income and net asset value.

We generally do not control our portfolio companies.

We do not have an expectation to control the decision making in our portfolio companies, even though we may have a board seat or board observation rights. Because of this, we are subject to the risk that our portfolio companies will make business decisions with which we disagree or will incur risks or otherwise act in ways that do not maximize their value and serve our interests as minority debt and equity holders. Due to the lack of liquidity in our investments in these private companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investment in these portfolio companies as freely as we would like or at a valuation that is appropriate. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that would decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

We typically are a minority shareholder in our portfolio companies.

We typically invest as a minority shareholder in our portfolio companies. As a minority shareholder, we are unable to require the company to seek or entertain liquidity events as a way to exit our investments. This may cause us to hold investments longer than planned or to seek a sale that may not reflect the full value of our investment.

We may not have the funds or ability to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies.

We may not have the funds or ability to make additional investments in our portfolio companies. After our initial investment in a company, we may be asked to participate in another round of financing by the company. There is no assurance that we will make, or have sufficient funds to make, these follow-on investments. Any decision to not make an additional investment in a portfolio company may have a negative impact on the portfolio company in need of the capital, and have a negative impact on our ownership in the company.

Risks related to our Common Stock

We may not begin to declare and pay regular cash dividends.

In connection with our proposed RIC Election, we expect to adopt a new dividend policy that includes regular cash dividends to shareholders. While we intend to adopt a new dividend policy that includes regular cash dividends to shareholders, we cannot assure you that we will declare and pay any dividends. All dividends will be paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our status as a RIC and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. In addition, with respect to Rand SBIC, any dividend or distribution from Rand SBIC to Rand will need to be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SBA and, if Rand SBIC is unable to comply with the SBA’s rules and regulations, require Rand SBIC to seek and obtain approval or a waiver from the SBA in order to make any such dividend or distribution. We cannot assure you that Rand SBIC will be able to obtain any such approval or waiver from the SBA. Our ability to declare and pay regular cash dividends will depend upon whether we achieve investment results that will allow us to pay a specified level of cash dividends. Our ability to pay dividends might be adversely affected by, among other things, RCM’s inability to successfully or timely execute on its investment strategy and the impact of one or more of the other risk factors described herein.

East exercises significant influence over us in connection with its ownership of our common stock and as a result of its ownership position in RCM.

East beneficially owns approximately 58% of Rand’s outstanding common stock. As a result, East is able to direct the outcome of any matters submitted for shareholder action, including approval of significant corporate transactions, such as amendments to our governing documents, business combinations, consolidations and mergers. East has substantial influence on us, and could exercise its influence in a manner that conflicts with the interests of other shareholders. The presence of a significant shareholder may also have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or for the Board to discourage a third party from seeking to acquire us.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement, East has the right to designate two or three persons, depending upon the size of the Board, for nomination for election to the Board. East has the right to designate (i) up to two persons if the size of the Board is composed of fewer than seven directors or (ii) up to three persons if the size of the Board is composed of seven or more directors. Under the terms of the Shareholder Agreement, East has designated Adam S. Gusky and Benjamin E. Godley for nomination for election to the Board. The designation right provided to East under the terms of the Shareholder Agreement provides East with a significant presence on the Board and direct influence on matters presented to the Board, although all directors, whether or not nominated by East, owe fiduciary duties to all shareholders.

Finally, East has a significant ownership position in RCM, which serves as our investment adviser and administrator. Given this ownership position in RCM, East has significant influence on the operations of RCM, including with respect to the investment management and administrative services provided by RCM to the Corporation.

Investing in our shares may be inappropriate for an investor’s risk tolerance.

Our investments, in accordance with our investment objective and principal strategies, result in a greater than average amount of risk and volatility and may result in loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies are highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in our shares may not be suitable for investors for whom such risk is inappropriate. Neither our investments nor an investment in our shares constitutes a balanced investment program.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock.

Our shares often trade at a discount to our net asset value.

Shares of business development companies may trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares and our shares have often traded at such a discount. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to predict if, or when, our shares will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties

We do not own any real estate or other physical properties. Our corporate headquarters is located at 2200 Rand Building, Buffalo NY.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock (“Common Stock”) is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “RAND.”

We have historically not paid any cash dividends to shareholders. However, on March 3, 2020 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $1.62 per share of Common Stock, in connection with its plans to elect to become a RIC for U.S. federal tax purposes. The special dividend will be paid in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2020. The total amount of cash to be distributed to all shareholders will be limited to 20% of the total dividend to be paid, excluding any cash paid for fractional shares. The remaining 80% of the dividend will be paid in shares of Common Stock. The exact distribution of cash and stock to any given shareholder will depend upon their election as well as elections of other shareholders, subject to the pro-rata limitation. The Corporation expects to complete the distribution of the special dividend on or about May 11, 2020. As described in greater detail in “Part 1 Business — Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company,” in connection with the RIC Election, in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, the Board plans to adopt a regular dividend policy that consists of a regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders.

Shareholders of Record

On March 4, 2020, we had a total of approximately 961 shareholders, which included 74 record holders of our Common Stock, and an estimated 887 holders with shares beneficially owned in nominee name or under clearinghouse positions of brokerage firms or banks.

Corporation Performance Graph

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareholder returns for our Common Stock, the Nasdaq Market Index, and an old and new peer group, assuming a base index of $100 at the end of 2014. The cumulative total return for each annual period within the five years presented is measured by dividing (1) the sum of (A) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (B) the difference between share prices at the end and at the beginning of the measurement period by (2) the share price at the beginning of the measurement period.

Comparison of cumulative total return of one or more companies, peer groups, industry indexes and/or broad markets

The new peer group is comprised of the following companies:

Harvest Capital Credit Corporation (NasdaqGM: HCAP)

Great Elm Capital Corp. (NasdaqGM: GECC)

Portman Ridge Financial Corp (NasdaqGS: PTMN)

Garrison Capital (NasdaqGS: GARS)

Investcorp Credit Management BDC Inc. (NasdaqGS: ICMB)

The old peer group was comprised of the following companies:

Equus Total Return, Inc. (NYSE: EQS)

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. (NasdaqGS: SVVC)

GSV Capital Corp. (NasdaqCM: GSVC)

180 Degree Capital Corp. (NasdaqGM: TURN)

We selected the new peer group because it is our belief that the five issuers included in this group are organized and have investment objectives that are similar to ours, as they are each an externally managed BDC that pays a regular cash dividend, and among the publicly traded companies, they are relatively similar in size to us. The old peer group consisted of companies that were focused on a total return model that returned value to shareholders through realized gains on their equity investments and share price appreciation, but did not pay a dividend.

The performance graph information provided above will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, unless in the future we specifically request that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate it by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table provides selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. You should read the selected financial data set forth below in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing within Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included within Item 8 of this Annual Report.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this Annual Report that do not relate to present or historical conditions are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including with respect to our planned RIC Election and intended regular cash dividends to shareholders. Additional oral or written forward-looking statements may be made by us from time to time, and forward-looking statements may be included in documents that are filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions and are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believes,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “possible,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Among the important factors on which such statements are based are assumptions concerning the state of the United States economy and the local markets in which our portfolio companies operate, the state of the securities markets in which the securities of our portfolio companies could be traded, liquidity within the United States financial markets, and inflation. Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report.

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

Overview

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

On November 8, 2019, Rand completed a stock sale transaction (the “Closing”) with East Asset Management (“East”). The stock sale transaction consisted of a $25 million investment in Rand by East, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock. The consideration paid by East for the shares of Rand common stock was comprised of $15.5 million of cash and a contribution of $9.5 million of portfolio assets. Concurrent with the Closing of the stock sale transaction with East, Rand’s management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser. In connection with retaining RCM as our investment adviser, Rand entered into an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with RCM pursuant to which RCM will serve as Rand’s investment adviser and administrator. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, Rand will pay RCM a base management fee and may pay an incentive fee.

With the completion of the Transactions, we also changed our investment objectives and strategy. We have adopted an investment strategy focused on higher yielding debt investments. We intend to elect U.S. federal tax treatment as a RIC and, if such RIC Election occurs, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our shareholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC status, we need to meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually to our stockholders at least 90.0% of our ordinary net income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Accordingly, our Board has expressed its intent to adopt a new dividend policy that may include regular cash dividends to shareholders going forward.

At the end of 2019, we had $25.8 million in cash and cash equivalents available for future investments and expenses, an increase of $21.8 million from the end of 2018. The increase was primarily due to the approximately $15.5 million received in November 2019 as part of the stock sale transaction with East and $6.6 million in portfolio company loans repaid during 2019 as well as $2.25 million of additional SBA leverage drawn down during the year ended December 31, 2019.

2019 Portfolio and Investment Activity

We believe the change in net asset value over time is the leading metric of performance. Exits from our portfolio holdings are the key driver of growth in net asset value over time.

Trends and Opportunities

We believe the combination of cash on hand, proceeds from portfolio exits, SBA leverage, and prospective investment income provide sufficient capital for us to continue to add new investments to our portfolio while reinvesting in existing portfolio companies that demonstrate continued growth potential.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. For a summary of all significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

The increasing complexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance require us to monitor our accounting policies and procedures. We have two critical accounting policies that require the use of significant judgment. The following summary of critical accounting policies is intended to enhance a reader’s ability to assess our financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.

Valuation of Investments

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

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

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

We utilize several approaches to determine the fair value of an investment. The main approaches are:

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

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, used in our valuation at the measurement date.

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

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

Financial assets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.

Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as “Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments.”

Under the valuation policy, we value unrestricted publicly traded companies, categorized as Level 1 investments, at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the reporting period. There were no Level 1 or Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2019.

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

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

Equity Securities

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

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

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

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

For recent investments, we generally rely on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent fair value, unless other fair market value inputs are identified causing us to depart from this basis.

Loans and Debt Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our loan and debt securities are the financial and operational performance of the portfolio company, similar debt with similar terms with other portfolio companies, current market rates for underlying risks associated with the particular company, as well as the market acceptance of the portfolio company’s products or services and its future performance. These inputs will likely provide an indicator as to the probability of principal recovery of the investment. Our debt investments are often junior secured or unsecured debt securities. Fair value may also be determined based on other criteria where appropriate. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a change in fair value.

For recent investments, we generally rely on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market value inputs are identified causing us to depart from this basis.

Revenue Recognition

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

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

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

We may receive distributions from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies or corporations. These distributions are classified as dividend income on the consolidated statement of operations. Dividend income is recognized on an accrual basis when it can be reasonably estimated.

We hold preferred equity securities that may contain cumulative dividend provisions. Cumulative dividends are recorded as dividend income when they are declared and deemed a contractual obligation. Any dividends in arrears are added to the balance of the preferred equity investment. The actual collection of these dividends in arrears may be deferred until such time as the preferred security is redeemed.

Financial Condition

Overview:

Net asset value was $3.66 per share at December 31, 2019 versus $4.99 per share at December 31, 2018.

The outstanding SBA debentures at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $11,000,000 and $8,750,000, respectively. The debentures mature from 2022 through 2029.

Cash approximated 48% of net assets at December 31, 2019 compared to 13% at December 31, 2018.

Composition of the Investment Portfolio

Our financial condition is dependent on the success of our portfolio holdings, which are investments in small companies. The following summarizes our investment portfolio at the year ends indicated.

Our total investments at fair value, as estimated by RCM, and approved by the Board of Directors, approximated 69% of net assets at December 31, 2019 and 110% of net assets at December 31, 2018.

The change in investments, at cost, during the year ended December 31, 2019, is comprised of the following:

Our top five portfolio companies represented 54% of total assets at December 31, 2019:

Our top five portfolio companies represented 39% of total assets at December 31, 2018:

Below is the geographic breakdown of our investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the investment portfolio consisted of the following types of investments:

Results of Operations

Investment Income

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Investment income was received, on a current basis, during the year ended December 31, 2019 from 17 portfolio companies. This is an increase from the 9 portfolio companies generating current investment income for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest from portfolio companies – Interest from portfolio companies was substantially unchanged during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

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

Interest from other investments - The increase in interest from other investments is primarily due to higher interest rates and higher average cash balance during the year ended December 31, 2019 versus the year ended December 31, 2018.

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

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

The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $69,252 and $41,872 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a one-time fee of $225,000 in conjunction with the repayment of the eHealth Global Technologies, Inc. (eHealth) loan instrument, a one-time $112,500 change of control fee from Open Exchange, Inc. (Open Exchange) and a one-time loan modification fee of $50,000 from GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle). During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a one-time debt modification fee approximately $142,000 from Empire Genomics, which was capitalized into the Empire Genomics loan balance as part of the debt modification.

The board fees were $1,000 and $2,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Investment income that was received on a current basis for the year ended December 31, 2018 was received from 9 portfolio companies. This contrasts with the 11 portfolio companies generating current investment income for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Interest from portfolio companies – Interest from portfolio companies was approximately 30% higher during the year ended December 31, 2018 versus the same period in 2017 due to the fact that we originated more income-producing debt investments during 2018. The new debt instruments were originated from KnowledgeVision Systems, Inc. (Knowledgevision), Tech 2000, Inc. (Tech 2000), Genicon Inc. (Genicon) and several other portfolio companies. In addition, during 2018 the Empire Genomics loans were modified and resulted in a recording of interest that had previously not been accrued of approximately $91,000. This amount was capitalized into the loan balance as part of the debt modification and is non-recurring.

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

Interest from other investments - The increase in interest from other investments was primarily due to higher average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2018 versus the year ended December 31, 2017.

Dividend and other investment income - Dividend income is comprised of:

Fee income – The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $41,872 and $24,091 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, we recorded a one-time debt modification fee of approximately $142,000 from Empire Genomics, which was capitalized into the Empire Genomics loan balances as part of the debt modification.

Fees paid for board service at the portfolio companies were $2,000 and $1,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Expenses

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

On November 8, 2019, we completed a stock sale transaction with East Asset Management (East) and concurrently externalized the management of our portfolio to Rand Capital Management, LLC (RCM) as our external investment adviser and administrator. Our primary operating expenses, after the closing, include the payment of fees to RCM under the Investment Management Agreement, and our allocable portion of overhead expenses and other administrative expenses under the Administration Agreement with RCM. Under the terms of Investment Management Agreement, the compensation of the investment professionals of RCM and its staff, and the general office and overhead expenses incurred by RCM in maintaining its place of business, will be provided and paid for by RCM and not by us. We will be responsible for all other operating expenses, including those relating to:

The increase in expenses during the year ended December 31, 2019 versus the same period in 2018 was primarily caused by the additional shareholder and professional fees required to close the Transactions in November 2019. Shareholder expense was $557,546 and $230,050 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, a 142% increase. Professional fees were $548,041 and $407,159 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, a 35% increase.

Base Management Fees payable to RCM for the year ended December 31, 2109 was $85,483. This represents Base Management Fees for the period November 8, 2019 through December 31, 2019. There were no Incentive Fees earned for the year ended December 31, 2019 by RCM.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Expenses predominately consist of interest expense on outstanding SBA borrowings, compensation expense, and general and administrative expenses, including stockholder and office operating expenses and professional fees.

The increase in expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018 versus the same period in 2017 was primarily caused by a 14%, or approximately $50,000, increase in professional fees. Professional fees were higher during 2018 primarily as a result of expenses incurred in the consideration of strategic alternatives. These expenses included external legal, tax consulting and other advisory expenses to support analysis of our strategic alternatives, which involved assessing options relative to the complex regulatory environment in which we operate.

In addition, bonus and profit sharing expense went from $12,000 during the year ended December 31, 2017 to $125,000 during the year ended December 31, 2018, a $113,000 increase.

Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold our equity interest in Microcision LLC (Microcision) and recognized a gain of $1,510,000. In addition, we realized a loss of $472,632 on our investment in SOMS Technologies, LLC after the company ceased doing business. We also recognized a $40,500 gain on our investment in Advantage 24/7 LLC after the Corporation converted its equity into a debt instrument, and we received a final distribution of proceeds of $39,893 from Gemcor II, LLC, a portfolio company we exited in 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized a realized loss of $1,125,673 on our investment in Intrinsiq Material, Inc. (Intrinsiq) when the company was sold and we did not receive any proceeds. In addition, we restructured our notes in First Wave Technologies, Inc. (First Wave) and converted the notes into equity. As part of that restructuring, we recognized a realized loss of $338,469 on the junior note and the warrants.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, one of our portfolio companies, Athenex Inc. (Athenex) completed an initial public offering and its common stock became publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ATNX”. We sold our shares in Athenex and recognized a net realized gain, before income taxes, of $638,240 on the sale of the 46,296 Athenex shares. In addition, during 2017, we recognized a realized loss of $500,000 on our investment in City Dining Cards (Loupe) when the company ceased operations.

Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Investments

The change in net unrealized depreciation, before income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2019 was comprised of the following:

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

Our valuation of Genicon was decreased due to a recent round of financing and after a review of their financial condition.

In accordance with our valuation policy, we increased the value of our holdings in ACV, Post Process and Tilson based on significant equity financings for each of these companies, during 2019 with sophisticated new non-strategic outside investors at a higher valuation than their prior financing round valuation.

We recognized a realized gain on the sale of the Microcision equity during 2019 and reversed the previously recorded unrealized appreciation. We recognized a realized loss on our investment in SOMS during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The change in unrealized depreciation, before income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2018 was comprised of the following:

The valuations of our investments in Beetnpath, Empire Genomics, Gtec, Mercantile, Oncore, Rheonix, and SOMS were decreased after we reviewed each of the portfolio company’s operations, commercial progress against their business plan, and past and projected financial condition and determined that a valuation adjustment was appropriate.

Our valuation of First Wave was changed to reflect a conversion from debt instruments to equity holdings. As part of this restructure we recognized a realized loss on the junior note and the warrants.

Givegab’s value was increased to the cost basis of the investment after a financial analysis of the portfolio company indicating continued improved performance.

Our valuation of Knowledgevision and Genicon were decreased during the year ended December 31, 2018 to revalue our holdings based upon liquidation preferences of our securities and on a recent round of financing.

In accordance with our valuation policy, we increased the value of our holdings in ACV and Microcision. ACV was increased based on a significant equity financing during 2018 with sophisticated new non-strategic outside investors at a higher valuation than their prior financing round valuation. Microcision was increased based on a financial analysis of the company indicating positive cash flow from operations for the past two years.

The Intrinsiq investment was written off after the company was sold during 2018 and we did not receive any proceeds.

The change in unrealized depreciation, before income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2017 was comprised of the following:

The valuations of our investments in Intrinsiq, Mercantile and Teleservices were decreased after we reviewed each portfolio company and its current and projected financial condition and determined that a valuation adjustment was appropriate.

In accordance with our valuation policy, we adjusted the value of our investments in ACV, Beetnpath and Sciaps based on significant equity financings by new non-strategic outside entities, and consideration of the related affect on the liquidation preferences of our existing investment instrument in each of the companies. In addition, our investments in Carolina Skiff and Knoa were increased based on a financial analysis of each portfolio company indicating improved performance.

All of these value adjustments resulted from a review by RCM at December 31, 2019 and management for the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, using the guidance set forth by ASC 820 and our established valuation policy.

Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations

We account for our operations under GAAP for investment companies. The principal measure of our financial performance is “Net decrease in net assets from operations” on our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the net decrease in net assets from operations was ($2,289,670) as compared with net decreases of ($394,498) in 2018 and ($710,678) in 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

As of December 31, 2019, our total liquidity consisted of approximately $25,800,000 in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, we had an outstanding SBA leverage commitment of $3,000,000 at December 31, 2019.

Net cash used by operating activities has averaged approximately $1,400,000 over the last three years. The cash used for investments in portfolio companies has averaged approximately $3,600,000 over the last three years. Our cash flow will fluctuate based on the timing of the receipt of dividend income, realized exits and the associated income taxes paid. We will generally use cash to fund our operating expenses and to invest in companies as we build our portfolio. We anticipate that we will continue to exit investments. However, the timing of liquidation events within the portfolio is difficult to project. Starting in 2022 (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), our outstanding SBA debt begins to mature and this will require us to identify sources of future funding if liquidation of investments is not sufficient to fund operations and repay the SBA debt obligation.

The following table summarizes the SBA leverage at the year ends indicated:

The following table summarizes the cash estimated to be received over the next five years from existing portfolio companies based on contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019. These payments represent scheduled principal and interest payments that are due under the terms of the investment securities we own in each portfolio company and are subject to change based on factors such as conversions and restructurings. It does not include any equity investments, which may provide additional proceeds upon exit of the investment.

We believe that the cash on hand at December 31, 2019, the undrawn SBA leverage commitment and the scheduled interest payments on our portfolio investments will be sufficient to meet our cash needs throughout 2020. We continue to pursue potential exits from portfolio companies to increase the liquidity available for new investments, operating activities and future SBA debenture obligations.

Contractual Obligations

The following table shows our specified contractual obligations at December 31, 2019. We do not have any capital lease obligations or other long-term liabilities reflected on our consolidated statement of financial position.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our investment activities contain elements of risk. The portion of our investment portfolio consisting of debt and equity securities in private companies is subject to valuation risk. Because there is typically no public market for the debt and equity securities in which we invest, the valuations of the debt and equity interests in the portfolio are stated at “fair value” as determined in good faith by RCM and approved by our Board of Directors. This is in accordance with our investment valuation policy. (The discussion of valuation policy contained in “Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investments” in the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.) In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, the estimated value of the portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the investments existed. Any changes in valuation are recorded on the consolidated statement of operations as “Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments.”

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

As of December 31, 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or hedging or similar derivative financial instrument investments.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following consolidated financial statements and consolidated supplemental schedule of the Corporation and report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set forth below: