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RAND CAPITAL CORP

For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 5, 2024.

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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2023 · Filed Mar 5, 2024

RAND$9.85+0.7%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026

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Contents

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1. - SUMMARY OF SIGNI FICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business -Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand” or the “Corporation”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1969. Beginning in 1971, Rand operated as a publicly traded, closed-end, management company that was registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”).

In 2001, Rand 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, Rand is required to comply with certain regulatory requirements specified in the 1940 Act. For instance, it generally has to invest at least 70% of total assets in “qualifying assets” and provide managerial assistance to the portfolio companies in which it invests.

In 2002, Rand formed a wholly owned subsidiary Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”) for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and received an SBA license to operate as an SBIC in 2002. In 2012, the SEC granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC. At that time, although Rand SBIC was operated as if it were a BDC, it was registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Upon Rand’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In November 2021, Rand SBIC repaid its $11,000,000 in outstanding debentures to the SBA and received approval from the SBA to surrender its SBA license. This subsidiary was renamed Rand Capital Sub, Inc., and merged with and into Rand Capital Sub LLC (“Rand Sub”). All of Rand’s investments going forward are expected to be made out of Rand Capital Corporation.

In November 2019, Rand completed a stock sale transaction (the “Closing”) with East Asset Management (“East”). The transaction consisted of a $25 million investment in Rand by East, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock. The consideration paid by East for the shares of Rand common stock was comprised of approximately $15.5 million of cash and a contribution of $9.5 million of portfolio assets (the “Contributed Assets”). Concurrent with the Closing, Rand’s management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser. In connection with retaining RCM as investment adviser, on November 8, 2019, Rand entered into an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Prior Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Prior Administration Agreement”) with RCM pursuant to which RCM serves as Rand’s investment adviser and administrator (the Closing and the retention of RCM as investment adviser and administrator are collectively referred to herein as the “Transaction”). In connection with a change of control of RCM, Rand’s shareholders were asked to approve a new investment advisory and management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with RCM at a special meeting of shareholders held on December 16, 2020 (the “Special Meeting”). The terms of the Investment Management Agreement are identical to those contained in the Prior Investment Management Agreement, with RCM continuing to provide investment advisory and management services to Rand. Following approval by Rand’s shareholders at the Special Meeting, Rand, on December 31, 2020, entered into the Investment Management Agreement and a new administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with RCM and terminated the Prior Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, Rand pays RCM a base management fee and may pay an incentive fee, if specified benchmarks are met.

Rand is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. In connection with the completion of the Transaction, Rand shifted to an investment strategy focused on higher yielding debt investments and elected U.S. Federal tax treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) as of January 1, 2020 on its U.S. Federal tax return for the 2020 tax year. As required for the RIC election, Rand paid a special dividend to shareholders to distribute all of its accumulated earnings and profits since inception to 2019. Rand’s Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $23.7 million, or approximately $1.62 per share, on March 3, 2020. The cash and shares of Rand’s common stock comprising the special dividend were distributed on May 11, 2020 to shareholders. In addition, Rand’s Board of Directors declared a 2020 cash dividend of $1.33 per share on December 21, 2020. This cash dividend was paid on January 19, 2021 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2020. The cash dividend represented over 90% of Rand’s estimated investment company taxable income for 2020.

The Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends during the year ended December 31,2022:

QuarterDividend/ShareAmountRecord DatePayment DateType
1st$0.15March 14, 2022March 28, 2022Regular Quarterly
2nd$0.15June 1, 2022June 15, 2022Regular Quarterly
3rd$0.15September 1, 2022September 15, 2022Regular Quarterly
4th$0.20December 19, 2022December 30, 2022Regular Quarterly
4th$0.18December 19, 2022December 30, 2022Special

The Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2023:

QuarterDividend/ShareAmountRecord DatePayment DateType
1st$0.20March 13, 2023March 27, 2023Regular Quarterly
2nd$0.25May 31, 2023June 14, 2023Regular Quarterly
3rd$0.25August 31, 2023September 14, 2023Regular Quarterly
4th$0.25December 18, 2023December 29, 2023Regular Quarterly
4th$0.38December 18, 2023December 29, 2023Special

In order to continue to qualify as a RIC, Rand holds several of its equity investments in holding companies that facilitate a tax structure that is advantageous to the RIC election. Rand has the following wholly-owned blocker companies in place at December 31, 2023: Rand BMP Swanson Holdings Corp., Rand Carolina Skiff Holdings Corp., Rand DSD Holdings Corp., Rand Filterworks Holdings Corp., Rand FSS Holdings Corp., Rand INEA Holdings Corp., Rand ITA Holdings Corp., and Rand Somerset Holdings Corp. (the “Blocker Corps”). These subsidiaries are consolidated using United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for financial reporting purposes.

The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly owned subsidiaries Rand Sub, Rand BMP Swanson Holdings Corp., Rand Carolina Skiff Holdings Corp., Rand DSD Holdings Corp., Rand Filterworks Holdings Corp., Rand FSS Holdings Corp., Rand INEA Holdings Corp., Rand ITA Holdings Corp., and Rand Somerset Holdings Corp. (collectively, the “Corporation”).

Rand effected a 1-for-9 reverse stock split of its common stock effective May 21, 2020. The reverse stock split affected all issued and outstanding shares of Rand's common stock, including shares held in treasury. The reverse stock split reduced the number of issued and outstanding shares of Rand’s common stock from 23,845,470 shares and 23,304,424 shares, respectively, to 2,648,916 shares and 2,588,800 shares, respectively. The reverse stock split affected all shareholders uniformly and did not alter any shareholder's percentage interest in Rand’s outstanding common stock, except for adjustments for fractional shares.

On October 7, 2020, Rand, RCM and certain of their affiliates received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to permit Rand to co-invest in portfolio companies with certain affiliates, including other BDCs and registered investment companies, managed by RCM and certain of its affiliates in a manner consistent with Rand’s investment objective, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements, subject to compliance with certain conditions (the “Order”). On March 29, 2021, the SEC granted Rand, Callodine Group, LLC (“Callodine”), which holds a controlling interest in RCM, and certain of their affiliates a new exemptive order (the “New Order”) that superseded the Order and permits Rand to co-invest with affiliates managed by RCM and Callodine. Callodine is a yield focused asset management platform. Pursuant to the New Order, Rand is generally permitted to co-invest with affiliates covered by the New Order if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of Rand’s independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to Rand and its shareholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of Rand or its shareholders on the part of any person concerned, (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of Rand’s shareholders and is consistent with Rand’s investment objective and strategies and, (3) the investment by Rand’s affiliates would not disadvantage Rand, and Rand’s participation would not be on a basis different from or less advantageous than that on which Rand’s affiliates are investing. In addition, on September 6, 2022, the SEC granted an amendment to the New Order to permit Rand to participate in follow-on investments in its existing portfolio companies with certain Affiliated Funds (as defined in the New Order) that do not hold any investments in such existing portfolio companies.

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K. The Corporation is an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services— Investment Companies.

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

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

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

Investments - Investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by RCM and approved by Rand’s Board of Directors. The Corporation generally invests in loan, debt, and equity instruments and there is no single method 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. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of portfolio investments, there may be material risks associated with this determination including that estimated fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value for the investments existed and these differences could be material if the Corporation's assumptions and judgments differ from results of actual liquidation events. The Corporation analyzes and values each investment quarterly and records unrealized depreciation for an investment that it believes has become impaired, including where collection of a loan or debt security or realization of the recorded value of an equity security is doubtful. Conversely, the Corporation will record unrealized appreciation if it believes that an underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, the Corporation's equity securities have also appreciated in value. Additionally, the Corporation continues to assess any material risks associated with this fair value determination, including risks associated with material conflicts of interest. Under the valuation policy of the Corporation, unrestricted publicly traded securities are valued at the closing price for these securities on the last trading day of the reporting period. (See Note 2 “Investments.”)

Qualifying Assets- The Corporation’s portfolio of investments includes both qualifying and non-qualifying assets. A majority of the Corporation’s investments represent qualifying investments in privately held businesses, principally based in the United States, and represent qualifying assets as defined by Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. The non-qualifying assets generally include investments in other publicly traded BDC investment companies and other publicly traded securities.

Revenue Recognition - Interest Income - Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis except where the investment is in default or otherwise presumed to be in doubt. In such cases, interest is recognized at the time of receipt. A reserve for possible losses on interest receivable is maintained when appropriate. Interest income is not recognized if collection is doubtful, and a 100% reserve is established. The collection of interest is presumed to be in doubt when there is substantial doubt about a portfolio company’s ability to continue as a going concern or a loan is in default for more than 120 days. RCM also uses other qualitative and quantitative measures to determine the value of a portfolio investment and the collectability of any accrued interest.

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

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

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

Revenue Recognition - Fee Income– Consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of financings, income associated with portfolio company board attendance fees, income associated with portfolio company monitoring fees and income associated with portfolio company loan modification fees. The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $205,480, $120,914 and $87,018, for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is estimated to be approximately $169,000 in 2024,$164,000 in 2025 and $114,000 in 2026. No board fees were earned during the year ended December 31, 2023. The board fees earned were $25,000 and $14,096 for the years ended December 31,2022 and 2021, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Corporation recorded $115,264 in non-recurring fees related to early repayment fees, loan modification fees, and loan monitoring fees. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Corporation recorded $10,000 in non-recurring loan monitoring fees. During the year ended December 31,2021, the Corporation recorded $55,500 in non-recurring fees related to prepayment fees, application fees and loan monitoring fees.

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

Original Issue Discount – Investments may include “original issue discount”, or OID, income. This occurs when the Corporation purchases a warrant and a note from a portfolio company simultaneously, which requires an allocation of a portion of the purchase price to the warrant and reduces the purchase price allocated to the note by an equal amount in the form of a note discount or OID. The note is reported net of the OID and the OID is accreted into interest income over the life of the loan. The Corporation recognized $21,008, $25,008 and $112,175 in OID income for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. OID income is estimated to be approximately $16,000 for 2024.

Deferred Financing Fees - Origination and commitment costs related to the senior secured revolving credit facility with M&T Bank, (See Note 5 “Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility”), are amortized ratably over the term of the Credit Agreement. Amortization expense was approximately $25,000 and $12,500 for the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $25,000 in 2024, $25,000 in 2025, and $25,000 in 2026.

Deferred Debenture Costs - SBA debenture origination and commitment costs, which are netted against the debenture, are amortized ratably over the term of the SBA debentures. In November 2021, Rand SBIC repaid its $11,000,000 in outstanding debentures to the SBA and expensed all remaining SBA debenture origination and commitment costs. In addition, in November 2021, Rand SBIC received approval from the SBA to surrender its SBA license. There wasno amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. Amortization expense was approximately $175,400 for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net Assets Per Share - Net assets per share are based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding. There are no common stock equivalents outstanding.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Income taxes paid (refunded) during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 amounted to$645,248, ($5,284) and ($131,934), respectively. Interest paid during the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021 was $934,638, $48,274 and $567,070, respectively. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Corporation converted $1,225,773, $739,356, and $346,045, respectively, of interest receivable and payment-in-kind (PIK) interest into debt investments.

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

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

Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)14%
BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC (FSS)10%
Seybert’s Billiards Corporation (Seybert’s)8%
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)7%
Inter-National Electronic Alloys LLC (INEA)6%
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)17%
Seybert’s Billiards Corporation (Seybert’s)10%
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)8%
DSD Operating, LLC (DSD)8%
Caitec, Inc. (Caitec)6%

Income Taxes -The Corporation reviews the tax positions it has taken to determine if they meet the "more likely than not threshold" for the benefit of the tax position to be recognized in the financial statements. A tax position that fails to meet the more likely than not recognition threshold will result in either a reduction of a current or deferred tax asset or receivable, or the recording of a current or deferred tax liability. (See Note 4 “Income Taxes.”)

Accounting Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)”, which is intended to address issues identified during the post-implementation review of ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The amendment, among other things, eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors”, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Corporation evaluated the impact of the adoption of ASU 2022-02 on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures and determined that this guidance does not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures", to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Corporation is currently evaluating the potential effect that updated standard will have on its financial statement disclosures.

NOTE 2. – INVESTMENTS

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

Loan investments are defined as traditional loan financings typically with no equity features or required equity co-investment. 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. Equity investments will be direct investments into a portfolio company and may include preferred stock, common stock, warrants and limited liability company membership interests.

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

Loan and debt securities are generally valued using a cost approach and will be valued at cost when representative of the fair value of the investment or sufficient assets or liquidation proceeds are expected to exist from a sale of a portfolio company at its estimated fair value. The valuation may also consider the carrying interest rate versus the related inherent portfolio risk of the investment. A loan or debt instrument may be reduced in value if it is judged to be of poor quality, collection is in doubt or insufficient liquidation proceeds exist.

Equity securities may be valued using the “cost approach”, “market approach” or “income approach.” The cost approach uses estimates of the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset. The market approach uses observable prices and other relevant information generated by similar market transactions. It may include both private and public M&A transactions where the traded price is a multiple of EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) or another relevant operating metric. It may also include the market value of comparable public companies that are trading in an active market, or the use of market multiples derived from a set of comparables to assist in pricing the investment. Additionally, the Corporation adjusts valuations if a subsequent significant equity financing has occurred that includes a meaningful portion of the financing by a sophisticated, unrelated new investor. The income approach employs valuation techniques to convert future benefits or costs, usually in the form of cash flows, into a present value amount. The measurement is based on value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.

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

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

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

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

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

At December 31, 2023,9% of the Corporation’s investments were Level 1 investments and 91% were Level 3 investments. At December 31, 2022,10% of the Corporation’s investments were Level 1 investments and 90% were Level 3 investments. There wereno Level 2 investments at December 31,2023 or 2022.

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

Audited and unaudited statements of operations, balance sheets and operating budgets;

Current and projected financial, operational and technological developments of the portfolio company;

Current and projected ability of the portfolio company to service its debt obligations;

The current capital structure of the business and the seniority of the various classes of equity if a deemed liquidation event were to occur;

Pending debt or capital restructuring of the portfolio company;

Current information regarding any offers to purchase the investment, or recent fundraising transactions;

Current ability of the portfolio company to raise additional financing if needed;

Changes in the economic environment which may have a material impact on the operating results of the portfolio company;

Internal circumstances and events that may have an impact (both positive and negative) on the operating performance of the portfolio company;

Qualitative assessment of key management;

Contractual rights, obligations or restrictions associated with the investment; and

Other factors deemed relevant to assess valuation.

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

Equity Securities

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

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

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

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

For investments made within the last year, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this basis.

Loan and Debt Securities

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

The following table provides a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s Level 3 portfolio investments as of December 31,2023:

Investment Type · Market ApproachEBITDA Multiple · Market ApproachLiquidation Seniority · Market ApproachRevenue Multiple · Market Approach Transaction Pricing · Totals
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Equity$72,522$—$700,000$100,063$872,585
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Loan and Debt6,829,2634,465,882——11,295,145
Total Non-Control/Non-Affiliate$6,901,785$4,465,882$700,000$100,063$12,167,730
Affiliate Equity$5,889,991$—$3,223,984$10,550,000$19,663,975
Affiliate Loan and Debt26,177,241—2,090,0005,568,15633,835,397
Total Affiliate$32,067,232$—$5,313,984$16,118,156$53,499,372
Control Equity$—$—$—$—$—
Control Debt—4,148,960——4,148,960
Total Control$—$4,148,960$—$—$4,148,960
Total Level 3 Investments$38,969,017$8,614,842$6,013,984$16,218,219$69,816,062
Range4-7X1X1X-3XNot Applicable
Unobservable InputEBITDA MultipleAsset ValueRevenue MultipleTransaction Price
Weighted Average5.4 X1X1.7XNot Applicable

The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value at December 31,2023:

Fair Value Measurements at Reported Date Using
DescriptionDecember 31, 2023Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets(Level 1)SignificantObservable Inputs(Level 2)Other SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
Loan investments$12,417,977$—$—$12,417,977
Debt investments36,861,525——36,861,525
Equity investments27,846,2107,309,650—20,536,560
Total$77,125,712$7,309,650$—$69,816,062

The following table provides a summary of changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31,2023:

Fair Value Measurements Using SignificantUnobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Description · Loan Investments · DebtInvestments · EquityInvestments · Total
Ending Balance December 31, 2022, of Level 3 Assets$14,578,351$19,582,616$20,935,744$55,096,711
Realized gains (losses) included in net change in net assets from operations:
ClearView Social, Inc. (Clearview Social)——10,43210,432
DSD Operating, LLC (DSD)——2,459,8192,459,819
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC (Mercantile)——3,4403,440
Microcision, LLC (Microcision)——115,010115,010
Rheonix, Inc. (Rheonix)——(2,802,731)(2,802,731)
SocialFlow, Inc. (Social Flow)——(4,941)(4,941)
Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (Somerset)——(448,717)(448,717)
Total realized gains (losses)——(667,688)(667,688)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in net change in net assets from operations:
BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC (FSS)——610,000610,000
BMP Swanson Holdco, LLC (Swanson)——266,667266,667
Caitec, Inc. (Caitec)——(300,000)(300,000)
Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff)——(249,000)(249,000)
DSD——(886,698)(886,698)
Open Exchange, Inc. (Open Exchange)——(701,940)(701,940)
Post Process Technologies, Inc. (Post Process)——(100,000)(100,000)
Rheonix——2,802,7312,802,731
Somerset——594,097594,097
Total unrealized gains (losses)——2,035,8572,035,857
Purchases of securities/changes to securities/non-cash conversions:
Caitec228,606—72,522301,128
DSD31,652——31,652
FCM Industries Holdco LLC (First Coast Mulch)—3,818,156—3,818,156
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (Filterworks)—247,841—247,841
FSS—4,535,000—4,535,000
GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle)—14,170—14,170
HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays)—22,523—22,523
Highland All About People Holdings, Inc. (All About People)—3,049,1871,000,0004,049,187
Inter-National Electronic Alloys LLC (INEA)—3,338,0741,011,7654,349,839
ITA Acquisition, LLC (ITA)612,753——612,753
Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (Mattison)37,934——37,934
Pressure Pro, Inc. (Pressure Pro)—3,063,43630,0003,093,436
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)—5,000—5,000
Seybert’s Billiards Corporation (Seybert’s)—125,569—125,569
Social Flow——4,9414,941
Swanson100,115——100,115
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)——250,000250,000
Total purchases of securities/changes to securities/non-cash conversions1,011,06018,218,9562,369,22821,599,244
Repayments and sale of securities:
Clearview Social——(10,432)(10,432)
DSD(3,171,434)—(3,527,319)(6,698,753)
FSS—(640,047)(210,000)(850,047)
Hilton Displays—(300,000)—(300,000)
Mercantile——(3,440)(3,440)
Microcision——(115,010)(115,010)
Somerset——(270,380)(270,380)
Total repayments and sale of securities(3,171,434)(940,047)(4,136,581)(8,248,062)
Transfers within Level 3————
Transfers out of Level 3————
Ending Balance December 31, 2023, of Level 3 Assets$12,417,977$36,861,525$20,536,560$69,816,062
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation included in earnings related to Level 3 investments still held at reporting date$(474,273)

The following table provides a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s Level 3 portfolio investments as of December 31,2022:

Investment Type · Market ApproachEBITDA Multiple · Market ApproachLiquidation Seniority · Market ApproachRevenue Multiple · Market Approach Transaction Pricing · Totals
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Equity$300,000$125,000$1,401,940$200,063$2,027,003
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Loan and Debt6,840,2002,201,712—2,250,00011,291,912
Total Non-Control/Non-Affiliate$7,140,200$2,326,712$1,401,940$2,450,063$13,318,915
Affiliate Equity$4,784,757$—$3,223,984$10,900,000$18,908,741
Affiliate Loan and Debt12,997,848—2,085,0004,250,00019,332,848
Total Affiliate$17,782,605$—$5,308,984$15,150,000$38,241,589
Control Equity$—$—$—$—$—
Control Debt—3,536,207——3,536,207
Total Control$—$3,536,207$—$—$3,536,207
Total Level 3 Investments$24,922,805$5,862,919$6,710,924$17,600,063$55,096,711
Range5-6.5X1X1X-4XNot Applicable
Unobservable InputEBITDA MultipleAsset ValueRevenue MultipleTransaction Price
Weighted Average5.5 X1X2.0XNot Applicable

The following table provides a summary of the components of Level 1, 2 and 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value at December 31,2022:

Fair Value Measurements at Reported Date Using
DescriptionDecember 31, 2022Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets(Level 1)SignificantObservable Inputs(Level 2)Other SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
Loan investments$14,578,351$—$—$14,578,351
Debt investments19,582,616——19,582,616
Equity investments27,343,2926,407,548—20,935,744
Total$61,504,259$6,407,548$—$55,096,711

The following table provides a summary of changes in Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31,2022:

Fair Value Measurements Using SignificantUnobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Description · Loan Investments · DebtInvestments · EquityInvestments · Total
Ending Balance December 31, 2021, of Level 3 Assets$15,503,404$14,030,078$20,633,935$50,167,417
Realized gains (losses) included in net change in net assets from operations:
ClearView Social, Inc. (Clearview Social)——53,78353,783
GiveGab, Inc. (Givegab)——1,9191,919
Microcision, LLC (Microcision)——190,000190,000
New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (New Monarch)——(22,841)(22,841)
SocialFlow, Inc. (Social Flow)——(1,481,498)(1,481,498)
Total realized gains (losses)——(1,258,637)(1,258,637)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in net change in net assets from operations:
Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff)——657,000657,000
DSD Operating, LLC (DSD)——886,698886,698
ITA Acquisition, LLC (ITA)——(748,810)(748,810)
Knoa Software, Inc. (Knoa)——(379,155)(379,155)
Microcision——25,00025,000
New Monarch——22,84122,841
OnCore Golf Technology, Inc. (OnCore)——(200,000)(200,000)
Open Exchange, Inc. (Open Exchange)——(4,168,060)(4,168,060)
Post Process Technologies, Inc. (Post Process)——(248,875)(248,875)
SciAps, Inc. (Sciaps)——2,152,9842,152,984
Social Flow——1,628,0001,628,000
Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (Somerset)——(375,000)(375,000)
Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (Tilson)——1,374,9851,374,985
Total unrealized gains (losses)——627,608627,608
Purchases of securities/changes to securities/non-cash conversions:
BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC (FSS)—2,500,000600,0003,100,000
Caitec, Inc. (Caitec)73,326——73,326
DSD380,599——380,599
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC (Filterworks)—186,488139,232325,720
GoNoodle, Inc. (GoNoodle)—14,142—14,142
HDI Acquisition LLC (Hilton Displays)—26,587—26,587
ITA99,595—623,810723,405
Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC (Mattison)37,175——37,175
Sciaps—605,000—605,000
Seybert’s Billiards Corporation (Seybert’s)—2,310,496194,0002,504,496
Total purchases of securities/changes to securities/non-cash conversions590,6955,642,7131,557,0427,790,450
Repayments and sale of securities:
Clearview Social——(53,783)(53,783)
Empire Genomics, Corp. (Empire)(1,444,915)——(1,444,915)
Givegab——(1,919)(1,919)
GoNoodle—(90,175)—(90,175)
Microcision——(300,000)(300,000)
Social Flow——(268,502)(268,502)
Lumious (Tech 2000, Inc.)(70,833)——(70,833)
Total repayments and sale of securities(1,515,748)(90,175)(624,204)(2,230,127)
Transfers within Level 3————
Transfers out of Level 3————
Ending Balance December 31, 2022, of Level 3 Assets$14,578,351$19,582,616$20,935,744$55,096,711
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation included in earnings related to Level 3 investments still held at reporting date$(1,048,233)

NOTE 3. - OTHER ASSETS

Other assets was comprised of the following at December 31:

20232022
Dividend receivables$85,090$102,655
Deferred financing fees, net87,500112,500
Prepaid expenses16,71110,905
Escrow receivables—68,983
Total other assets$189,301$295,043

NOTE 4. - INCOME TAXES

The Corporation elected to be treated, for income tax purposes, as a RIC for the 2023, 2022 and 2021 tax years under Subchapter M of the Code. As a result, the Corporation didnot pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that the Corporation distributed to its stockholders as dividends. The Corporation must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income each tax year as dividends to its stockholders to maintain its RIC status. Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Corporation may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions from such current year taxable income into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Corporation determines that its estimated current year taxable income will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions for the current year from such income, the Corporation accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The Corporation incurred $52,800 in federal excise tax expense during the year ended December 31,2023. The Corporation didnot incur any federal excise tax expense during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Distributions from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with U.S. federal tax regulations, which may differ from amounts determined in accordance with GAAP and those differences could be material. These book-to-tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. Reclassifications due to permanent book-tax differences, including non-deductible taxes and the tax treatment of earnings from the subsidiaries, have no impact on net assets.

The following differences were reclassified for tax purposes for the years ended December 31,2023 and December 31, 20221:

20232022
Increase (decrease) in capital in excess of par value$4,336,903$(215,542)
(Decrease) increase in total distributable earnings(4,336,903)215,542

Taxable income generally differs from net increase (decrease) in net assets for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses and generally excludes unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, as investment gains and losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.

1 The Corporation’s permanent book-to-tax reclassifications for 2023 are an estimate and will not be finalized until the Corporation files its 2023 federal income tax returns in 2024. Therefore, the Corporation’s actual permanent book-to tax reclassifications may be different than this estimate.

The following table reconciles net increase in net assets resulting from operations to taxable income for the years ended December 31,2023 and December 31, 2022:

20232022
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations$6,526,650$(881,849)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments(2,867,520)6,017,752
Net change in deferred tax asset/liability(77,734)44,862
GAAP versus tax basis consolidation of subsidiaries(1,332,687)(863,702)
Other permanent book income and tax income differences1,348,624170,680
Temporary book income and tax income differences(82,198)(803,001)
Taxable income2$3,515,135$3,684,742

For tax purposes, distributions paid to shareholders are reported as ordinary income, long term capital gains and return of capital, or a combination thereof. The tax character of distributions paid and deemed paid during the years ended December 31,2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows:

20232022
Ordinary income$3,432,757$2,142,247
Long-term capital gains——
Return of Capital——
Total$3,432,757$2,142,247

The determination of the tax attributes of the Corporation’s distributions is made annually as of the end of the Corporation’s fiscal year based upon the Corporation’s taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full year. The actual tax characteristics of distributions to shareholders are reported to shareholders annually on Form 1099-DIV.

The tax basis components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) and reconciliation to accumulated earnings (deficit) on a book basis for the years ended December 31,2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:

20232022
Undistributed ordinary income – tax basis$332,806$250,428
Capital loss carry forwards(1,546,597)—
Unrealized appreciation on investments9,906,2125,993,782
GAAP vs tax basis consolidation of subsidiaries—863,702
Other temporary differences(2,376,665)1,389,575
Total accumulated earnings – book basis$6,315,756$8,497,487

The differences between components of distributable earnings on a tax basis and the amounts reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in net assets are primarily due to temporary book-tax differences that will reverse in subsequent periods.

As of December 31, 2023, the Corporation had a net capital loss carry forward of $1,546,597, which is considered long-term. This loss may be carried forward indefinitely.

2 The Corporation’s taxable income for 2023 is an estimate and will not be finalized until the Corporation files its 2023 federal income tax returns in 2024. Therefore, the Corporation’s actual taxable income and the Corporation’s actual taxable income that was earned in 2023 and carried forward for distribution in 2024 may be different than this estimate.

The Corporation had the following wholly-owned blocker companies in place at December 31, 2023: Rand BMP Swanson Holdings Corp., Rand Carolina Skiff Holdings Corp., Rand DSD Holdings Corp., Rand Filterworks Holdings Corp., Rand FSS Holdings Corp., Rand INEA Holdings Corp., Rand ITA Holdings Corp., and Rand Somerset Holdings Corp. (the “Blocker Corps”), which are taxable entities and therefore are not consolidated for tax purposes. The primary purpose of the Blocker Corps is to permit the Corporation to hold certain equity interests in portfolio companies that are organized as limited liability companies, or LLCs (or other forms of pass-through entities), and still allow the Corporation to satisfy the RIC tax requirement that at least 90% of its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes must consist of qualifying investment income. The Blocker Corpsare taxed at standard corporate tax rates based on their taxable income.

At December 31, 2023, the Corporation had a net deferred tax asset of $39,179 that primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards, business interest expense carryforwards, and capital loss carryforwards within the Blocker Corps. At December 31,2022, the Corporation had a net deferred tax asset of $28,160 that primarily related to unrealized appreciation on investments held in the Blocker Corps.

Income Taxes on Blocker Corporations

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered.

The tax effect of the major temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset at December 31,2023 and 2022 are approximately as follows:

20232022
Investments$(644,497)$(234,730)
NOL & tax credit carryforwards683,676262,890
Deferred tax asset, net$39,179$28,160

The major temporary differences cited above include differences in the book and tax bases of the Corporation’s portfolio company investments, as well as unrealized gains and losses on corporate investments that will be taxed when realized in future years. The Corporation assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets annually to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary. The Corporation records a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets if and to the extent it is more likely than not that the Corporation will not recover the deferred tax assets. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Corporation weights all relevant positive and negative evidence, and considers among other factors, historical financial performance, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, and tax planning strategies. Changes in circumstances, including the Blocker Corps generating significant taxable income and tax planning strategies, could cause a change in judgment about the need for a valuation allowance of the related deferred tax assets. Any change in the valuation allowance will be included in income in the period of the change in estimate.

Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Corporation estimated that a portion of its Blocker Corps’ deferred tax assets, related to a capital loss realized in 2023, is not expected to be fully recoverable in the future. As a result, the Corporation recorded a partial valuation allowance of approximately $131,000 during the year ended December 31,2023 against its U.S. Federal deferred tax assets. There wasno valuation allowance prior to this date.

The components of income tax expense (benefit) reported in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows for the years ended December 31:

202320222021
Current:
Federal$609,056$173,235$85,829
State58,320(2,555)14,835
667,376170,680100,664
Deferred:
Federal(13,797)92,304(279,167)
State2,77860,538(22,977)
(11,019)152,842(302,144)
Total$656,357$323,522$(201,480)

A reconciliation of the expense (benefit) from income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the expense reported is as follows:

202320222021
Net investment income (loss), realized gain (loss) and unrealized gain (loss) before income taxes$7,183,007$(558,327)$15,595,948
Expected tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate1,508,431(117,249)3,275,149
State - net of federal effect48,26745,807(8,142)
Pass-through expense (benefit) from portfolio investment487721(46,210)
Valuation allowance131,338——
Tax benefit of RIC status(1,067,238)400,329(3,426,735)
RIC excise tax expense52,800——
Other(17,728)(6,086)4,458
Total$656,357$323,522$(201,480)

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Corporation had $2,244,664, and $955,952, respectively, of federal net operating loss carryforwards, $766,621 and $291,416, respectively, of business interest expense carryforwards and $625,419 and $0, respectively, of capital loss carryforwards. For state tax purposes, there were various state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $1,957,489 and $567,127 at December 31,2023 and 2022, respectively.

Under the provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), net operating loss and credit carryforwards and other tax attributes may be subject to limitations if there has been a significant change in ownership in the Corporation, as defined by the IRC. Prior to the completion of the transaction with East in November 2019, the Corporation was able to utilize the remaining federal net operating losses. However, state net operating losses may be subject to similar limitations.

The Corporation is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2020 through 2023. In general, the Corporation’s state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2020 through 2023.

It is the Corporation’s policy to include interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities in income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. In addition, the Corporation records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. The uncertain tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were de minimis. No amounts were recorded for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions for the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022 and $2,627 was recorded in interest for the year ended December 31, 2021 for a late payment of federal taxes owing. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Corporation received $10,116 in interest income relating to an IRS carryback claim.

NOTE 5. – SENIOR SECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

On June 27, 2022, the Corporation entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with M&T Bank, as lender (the “Lender”), which provides the Corporation with a senior secured revolving credit facility in a principal amount not to exceed $25.0 million(the “Credit Facility”). The amount the Corporation can borrow, at any given time, under the Credit Facility is tied to a borrowing base, which is measured as (i)75% of the aggregate sum of the fair market values of the publicly traded equity securities held (other than shares of ACV Auctions) plus (ii) the least of (a)75% of the fair market value of the shares of ACV Auctions held, (b) $6.25 million and (c)25% of the aggregate borrowing base availability for the Credit Facility at any date of determination plus (iii)50% of the aggregate sum of the fair market values of eligible private loans held that meet specified criteria plus (iv) the lesser of (a)50% of the aggregate sum of the fair market values of unsecured private loans held that meet specified criteria and (b) $1.25 million minus (v) such reserves as the Lender may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of June 27, 2027. Under the borrowing base formula described above, the unused line of credit balance for the Credit Facility was $8,750,000 at December 31, 2023.

The Corporation’s borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate determined as a rate per annum equal to 3.50 percentage points above the greater of (i) the applicable daily simple secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) and (ii)0.25%. At December 31,2023, the Corporation's applicable interest rate was 8.88%. In addition, under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Corporation has also agreed to pay the Lender an unused commitment fee on a quarterly basis, computed as 0.30% multiplied by the average daily Unused Commitment Fee Base (which is defined as the difference between (i) $25.0 million and (ii) the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility) for the preceding quarter.

The Credit Agreement contains representations and warranties and affirmative, negative and financial covenants usual and customary for agreements of this type, including among others, covenants that prohibit, subject to certain specified exceptions, the Corporation’s ability to merge or consolidate with other companies, sell any material part of the Corporation’s assets, incur other indebtedness, incur liens on the Corporation’s assets, make investments or loans to third parties other than permitted investments and permitted loans, and declare any distribution or dividend other than certain permitted distributions. The Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants: (i) a tangible net worth covenant that requires the Corporation to maintain a Tangible Net Worth (defined in the Credit Agreement as the Corporation’s aggregate assets, excluding intangible assets, less all liabilities) of not less than $50.0 million, which is measured quarterly at the end of each fiscal quarter, (ii) an asset coverage ratio covenant that requires the Corporation to maintain an Asset Coverage Ratio (defined in the Credit Agreement as the ratio of the fair market value of all of the Corporation’s assets to the sum of all of the Corporation’s obligations for borrowed money plus all capital lease obligations) of not less than 3:1, which is measured quarterly at the end of each fiscal quarter and (iii) an interest coverage ratio covenant that requires the Corporation to maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio (defined in the Credit Agreement as the ratio of Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to Interest Expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement)) of not less than 2.5:1, which is measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-months basis.

Events of default under the Credit Agreement which permit the Lender to exercise its remedies, including acceleration of the principal and interest on the Credit Facility, include, among others: (i) default in the payment of principal or interest on the Credit Facility, (ii) default by the Corporation on any other obligation, condition, covenant or other provision under the Credit Agreement and related documents, (iii) failure by the Corporation to pay any material indebtedness or obligation owing to any third party or affiliate, or the failure by the Corporation to perform any agreement with any third party or affiliate that would have a material adverse effect on the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to a third party, (v) various bankruptcy and insolvency events, and (vi) any material adverse change in the Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or their business, assets, operations, management, ownership, affairs, condition (financial or otherwise) or the Lender’s collateral that the Lender reasonably determines will have a material adverse effect on the Lender’s collateral, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or their business, assets, operation or condition (financial or otherwise) or on the Corporation’s ability to repay its debts.

In connection with entry into the Credit Facility, the Corporation and each of its subsidiaries that guaranty the Credit Facility entered into a general security agreement, dated June 27, 2022, with the Lender (the “Security Agreement”). The Security Agreement secures all of the Corporation’s obligations to the Lender, including, without limitation, principal and interest on the Credit Facility and any fees and charges. The security interest granted under the Security Agreement covers all of the Corporation’s personal property including, among other things, all accounts, chattel paper, investment property, deposit accounts, general intangibles, inventory, and all of the fixtures. The Security Agreement contains various representations, warranties, covenants and agreements customary in security agreements and various events of default with remedies under the New York Uniform Commercial Code and the Security Agreement. Events of default under the Security Agreement, which permit the Lender to exercise its various remedies, are similar to those contained in the Credit Agreement.

The outstanding balance drawn on the Credit Facility at was $16,250,000 and $2,550,000 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. A closing fee of $125,000 was paid related to the closing of this Credit Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022. The unamortized closing fee was $87,500 and $112,500 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and it is recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Amortization expense related to the Credit Facility during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $25,000 and $12,500, respectively.

For the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022, the average debt outstanding under the Credit Facility and weighted average interest rate were as follows:

20232022
Average debt outstanding$11,180,959$253,562
Weighted average interest rate8.72%7.90%

Information about the Corporation’s senior securities (including debt securities and other indebtedness) is shown in the following table.

YearTotal AmountOutstanding (1)Asset CoverageRatio Per Unit (2)Involuntary LiquidationPreference Per Unit (3)Average MarketValue Per Unit (4)
Credit Facility$2,550,000$23,636N/AN/A
Credit Facility16,250,0004,737N/AN/A

(1)

Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented

(2)

Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of the Corporation’s total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.

(3)

The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the voluntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it. The N/A in this column indicates that the SEC expressly does not require this information to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.

(4)

Average market value per unit is not applicable because these are not registered for public trading.

NOTE 6. - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 500,000 shares of $10.00 par value preferred stock authorized and unissued.

On April 19, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase plan, which authorizes the Corporation to repurchase shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock with an aggregate cost of up to $1,500,000 at prices per share of common stock no greater than the then current net asset value per share. This new share repurchase authorization lasts for a period of 12 months from the authorization date until April 19, 2024. This new share repurchase plan replaces the share repurchase authorization that was previously approved by the Board of Directors in April 2022. No shares of Rand's common stock were repurchased by the Corporation during the years ended December 31,2023 or 2022.

The Corporation’s Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends during the year ended December 31,2023:

QuarterDividend/ShareAmountRecord DatePayment DateType
1st$0.20March 13, 2023March 27, 2023Regular Quarterly
2nd$0.25May 31, 2023June 14, 2023Regular Quarterly
3rd$0.25August 31, 2023September 14, 2023Regular Quarterly
4th$0.25December 18, 2023December 29, 2023Regular Quarterly
4th$0.38December 18, 2023December 29, 2023Special

Summary of changes in equity accounts:

Common StockCapital in excess of par valueTreasury Stock, at costTotal distributable earnings (losses)Total Stockholders’Equity (Net Assets)
January 1, 2022$264,892$51,679,809$(1,566,605)$10,367,320$60,745,416
Dividend declaration———(2,142,247)(2,142,247)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles—(215,542)—215,542—
Net decrease in net assets from operations———(881,849)(881,849)
December 31, 2022$264,892$51,464,267$(1,566,605)$7,558,766$57,721,320
January 1, 2023$264,892$51,464,267$(1,566,605)$7,558,766$57,721,320
Dividend declaration———(3,432,757)(3,432,757)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles—4,336,903—(4,336,903)—
Net increase in net assets from operations———6,526,6506,526,650
December 31, 2023$264,892$55,801,170$(1,566,605)$6,315,756$60,815,213

NOTE 7. - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Corporation hadno commitments at December 31,2023 or 2022.

NOTE 8. - QUARTERLY OPERATIONS AND EARNINGS DATA – UNAUDITED

4th Quarter3rd Quarter2nd Quarter1st Quarter
Investment income$1,930,119$1,741,114$1,815,432$1,851,498
Net increase in net assets from operations$1,088,979$595,504$2,671,890$2,170,277
Basic and diluted net increase in net assets from operations per weighted share outstanding$0.42$0.23$1.04$0.84
Investment income$1,732,986$1,554,265$1,353,182$1,124,748
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations$320,175$1,104,902$(1,896,389)$(410,537)
Basic and diluted net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations per weighted share outstanding$0.12$0.43$(0.73)$(0.16)

NOTE 9. – ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Corporation maintains an allowance for credit losses for estimated uncollectible interest payments due from portfolio investments. The allowance for credit losses is based on a review of the overall condition of the receivable balances and a review of past due amounts. Changes in the allowance for credit losses consist of the following:

202320222021
Balance at beginning of year$—$—$(15,000)
Write offs/Recoveries——15,000
Balance at end of year$—$—$—

NOTE 10. – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Investment Management Agreement

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

The “Base Management Fee” is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Corporation’s total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds). For the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, the Base Management Fees earned by RCM were $1,057,166, $927,226 and $858,144, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Corporation had $287,297 and $230,221, respectively, payable for the Base Management Fees, and it is included in the "Due to investment adviser" line on the Corporation's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The “Incentive Fee” is comprised of two parts: (1) the “Income Based Fee” and (2) the “Capital Gains Fee”. The Income Based Fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” (as defined in the agreement) for the immediately preceding calendar quarter.

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

(i)

no Income Based Fee in any quarter in which the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such quarter does not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.75% (7.00% annualized);

(ii)

100% of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such calendar quarter, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate of 1.75% (7.00% annualized) but is less than 2.1875% (8.75% annualized); and

(iii)

20% of the amount of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such calendar quarter, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% (8.75% annualized).

The Income Based Fee paid to RCM 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 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, the Corporation pays no Income Based Fee to RCM for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is a positive value but is less than the Income Based Fee that is payable to RCM for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Corporation pays an Income Based Fee to RCM equal to the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is equal to or greater than the Income Based Fee that is payable to RCM for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Corporation pays an Income Based Fee to the Adviser equal to the Income Based Fee calculated as described above for such quarter without regard to the Incentive Fee Cap.

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

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

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, there wereno Income Based Fees earned under the Investment Management Agreement.

The second part of the Incentive Fee is the “Capital Gains Fee”. This fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Capital Gains Fee is calculated at the end of each applicable year by subtracting (1) the sum of the cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation from (2) the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, in each case calculated from November 8, 2019. If this amount is positive at the end of any calendar year, then the Capital Gains Fee for such year is equal to 20.0% of such amount, less the cumulative aggregate amount of Capital Gains Fees paid in all prior years. If such amount is negative, then there is no Capital Gains Fee payable for that calendar year. If the Investment Management Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date shall be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying the Capital Gains Fee.

For purposes of the Capital Gains Fee:

The cumulative aggregate realized capital gains are calculated as the sum of the differences, if positive, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Corporations portfolio when sold minus (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.

The cumulative aggregate realized capital losses are calculated as the sum of the amounts by which (a) the net sales price of each investment in the portfolio when sold is less than (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.

The aggregate unrealized capital depreciation is calculated as the sum of the amount, if negative, between (a) the valuation of each investment in the portfolio as of the applicable Capital Gains Fee calculation date minus (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Corporation recorded Capital Gains Fees payable of$692,000,$332,000 and$652,240, respectively. The Capital Gains Fee expense is recorded in the “Capital gains incentive fees” line on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the current amount payable is included in the “Due to investment adviser” line on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

For purposes of calculating the amount of the capital gains incentive fee accrual to be included as part of a company’s financial statements, GAAP requires a company to consider, as part of such calculation, the amount of cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation that such company has with respect to its investments. As a result, the capital gains incentive fee accrual under GAAP is calculated using the both the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and losses and the aggregate net change in unrealized capital appreciation/depreciation at the close of the period. If the calculated amount is positive, GAAP requires the Corporation to record a capital gains incentive fee accrual equal to 20% of this cumulative amount, less the aggregate amount of actual capital gains incentive fees paid, or capital gains incentive fees accrued under GAAP, for all prior periods. However, unrealized capital appreciation is not used by the Corporation as part of the calculation to determine the amount of the Capital Gains Fee actually payable to RCM under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement.. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future. For the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022, the Corporation recorded an accrual of capital gains incentive fees, in accordance with GAAP, of $2,279,700 and $2,167,000, respectively. The accrued capital gains incentive fees are recorded in the line item “Capital gains incentive fees” on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The expense related to the accrued capital gains incentive fee was$804,700,($1,048,760) and$4,200,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively and is recorded on the “Capital gains incentive fees” line on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Administration Agreement

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

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

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Corporation recorded administrative fees of $149,000 related to costs incurred by RCM that are reimbursable under the Administration Agreement. There wereno administrative fees incurred during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.

NOTE 11. – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Subsequent to year end, on February 26, 2024, Rand’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. The cash dividend will be paid on or about March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 13, 2024.

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

SCHEDULE OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN INVESTMENTS AT

COST AND REALIZED GAIN

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

CostIncrease (Decrease)RealizedGain (Loss)
New investments:
BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC$4,535,000$—
Inter-National Electronic Alloys LLC4,300,000—
Highland All About People Holdings, Inc.4,000,000—
FCM Industries Holdco LLC3,800,000—
Pressure Pro, Inc.3,000,000—
ITA Acquisition, LLC390,000—
Tilson Technology Management, Inc.250,000—
Caitec, Inc.72,522—
Total of new investments20,347,522—
Other changes to investments:
Filterworks Acquisition USA, LLC interest conversion247,841—
Caitec, Inc. interest conversion228,606—
ITA Acquisition, LLC interest conversion222,753—
Seybert’s Billiards Corporation OID amortization and interest conversion125,569—
BMP Swanson Holdco, LLC interest conversion100,115—
Pressure Pro, Inc. OID amortization and interest conversion93,436—
Inter-National Electronic Alloys LLC interest conversion49,839—
Highland All About People Holdings, Inc. interest conversion49,187—
Mattison Avenue Holdings, LLC interest conversion37,934—
DSD Operating, LLC interest conversion31,652—
HDI Acquisition LLC interest conversion22,523—
FCM Industries Holdco LLC interest conversion18,156—
GoNoodle, Inc. interest conversion14,170—
SciAps, Inc. OID amortization5,000—
Total of other changes to investments1,246,781—
Investments repaid, sold or liquidated:
DSD Operating, LLC debt repayment and equity sale(4,238,934)2,459,819
Rheonix, Inc. liquidated(2,802,731)(2,802,731)
BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC debt repayment and equity sale(850,047)—
Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC equity sale(719,097)(448,717)
HDI Acquisition LLC debt repayment(300,000)—
ACV Auctions, Inc. stock sold(34,125)1,718,767
Microcision LLC additional proceeds—115,010
ClearView Social Inc. escrow receipt—10,432
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC escrow receipt—3,440
SocialFlow, Inc. escrow loss—(4,941)
Total of investments repaid, sold, liquidated or converted(8,944,934)1,051,079
Net change in investments, at cost and total realized gain$12,649,369$1,051,079
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