UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

or

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
or
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________________ to ___________________

For the transition period from _______________________ to ___________________

 

Commission File Number 814-00991

 

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Minnesota 90-0316651
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
328 Barry Avenue South #210,1907 Wayzata Blvd, #205, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(952) 479-1923

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

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.x Yes   ¨ No

 

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

 

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

 

 Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filer¨
 
Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting companyx
  Emerging growth company¨

 

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

 

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

 

As of SeptemberOctober 30, 2017,2020, Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. had 11,067,40210,696,735 shares of common stock, and no other classes of capital stock, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

  

Index to Form 10-Q

for the Quarter Ended September 30, 20172020

 

Page No.
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited) 
   
 Condensed Balance Sheets – September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 201620193
   
 Condensed Statements of Operations – Three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and September 30, 201620194
   
 Condensed Statements of Changes in Net AssetsShareholders’ EquityNineThree and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and September 30, 201620195
   
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and September 30, 20166
Schedule of Investments – September 30, 2017 and December 31, 201620197
   
 Condensed Schedule of Investments – September 30, 2020 and Schedule of Investments – December 31, 20198
Condensed Notes to Financial Statements – September 30, 20172020910
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1719
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2122
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 6.Exhibits2223
   
SIGNATURES2223

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

  

 September 30,
2017
(unaudited)
 December 31,
2016
(audited)
  September 30, 2020 (unaudited) December 31, 2019 
ASSETS                
Investments at fair value:        
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost of $6,904,057 and $7,397,908, respectively) $6,793,306  $6,987,002 
Investments, at fair value: $8,178,263  $1,740,897 
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost: $8,309,325 and $1,976,370 respectively)        
Cash  2,336,878   2,344,751   2,120,389   8,066,656 
Note receivable  250,000   250,000 
Prepaid expenses  63,142   61,661   50,995   31,557 
Interest and dividends receivable  28,137   4,853 
Leasehold improvements, net  9,584   15,665 
Receivable for sale of investments  127,679    
Interest and dividend receivables  106,723   6,500 
Right-of-use lease asset  27,794   40,823 
Property and equipment, net  7,862   9,946   141   2,071 
Total Assets $9,238,909  $9,423,878  $10,861,984  $10,138,504 
                
LIABILITIES                
Current Liabilities:        
Accounts payable $19,420  $25,097  $26,053  $24,996 
Deferred rent  10,901   11,373 
Total Current Liabilities  30,321   36,470 
Lease liability  30,869   44,975 
Total Liabilities  30,321   36,470   56,922   69,971 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 4)        
Commitments and Contingencies        
                
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)        
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (250,000,000 authorized; 11,067,402 and 12,151,493 issued and outstanding)  11,067   12,151 
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (NET ASSETS)        
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (250,000,000 authorized; 10,696,735 and 11,067,402 outstanding)  10,696   11,067 
Additional paid-in capital  10,774,653   11,857,660   10,616,757   10,774,653 
Accumulated deficit  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)  (1,159,665)
Accumulated undistributed investment loss  (1,068,702)  (1,330,205)  (2,142,644)  (2,397,865)
Accumulated undistributed net realized gains on investment transactions  761,986   418,373   3,610,980   3,075,816 
Net unrealized depreciation in value of investments  (110,751)  (410,906)  (131,062)  (235,473)
Total Shareholders’ Equity (net assets)  9,208,588   9,387,408 
        
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $9,238,909  $9,423,878 
        
Total Shareholders' Equity (net assets)  10,805,062   10,068,533 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $10,861,984  $10,138,504 
Net Asset Value Per Common Share $0.83  $0.77  $1.01  $0.91 

  

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017
  September 30,
2016
  September 30,
2017
  September 30,
2016
  September 30,
2020
  September 30,
2019
  September 30,
2020
  September 30,
2019
 
Investment Income                                
Interest income $44,362  $89,062  $95,413  $215,222  $285,338  $28,241  $740,008  $83,917 
Dividend income  7,992   24,170   30,014   64,061   1,696   14,766   15,461   41,458 
Total Investment Income  52,354   113,232   125,427   279,283   287,034   43,007   755,469   125,375 
                
Operating Expenses                                
Professional fees  39,175   47,632   165,725   133,116   58,719   69,503   133,016   168,342 
Payroll  51,562   40,487   160,349   122,445   58,191   56,768   174,768   283,359 
Insurance  24,030   18,782   60,170   58,869   20,672   20,487   61,793   62,119 
Occupancy  22,225   21,571   64,556   60,175   16,562   16,384   49,693   57,250 
Directors’ fees  15,000   15,000   45,000   43,956 
Director's fees  22,500   22,500   67,500   67,500 
Depreciation and amortization  2,670   3,213   8,165   9,637   643   643   1,930   1,930 
Other general and administrative  4,970   5,711   10,414   14,012   3,659   3,421   11,548   28,493 
Total Operating Expenses  159,632   152,396   514,379   442,210   180,946   189,706   500,248   668,993 
Net Investment Loss $(107,278) $(39,164) $(388,952) $(162,927)
                
Net Investment Gain (Loss)  106,088   (146,699)  255,221   (543,618)
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                                
Net realized gain (loss) on investments $(404,457) $186,427  $343,613  $(346,854)
Net realized gain on investments  335,440   1,374,287   535,164   4,476,497 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  598,408   (5,009)  300,155   275,912   141,816   (1,572,874)  104,411   (4,414,995)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments  193,951   181,418   643,768   (70,942)  477,256   (198,587)  639,575   61,502 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $86,673  $142,254  $254,816  $(233,869) $583,344  $(345,286) $894,796  $(482,116)
                                
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per share:                                
Basic and diluted $0.01  $0.01  $0.02  $(0.02) $0.05  $(0.03) $0.08  $(0.04)
                                
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  12,092,575   12,151,493   12,131,638   12,151,493   10,696,735   11,067,402   10,881,382   11,067,402 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETSSHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016 
Net Assets at Beginning of Period $9,387,408  $8,741,288 
Net investment loss  (388,952)  (162,927)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments  343,613   (346,854)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments  300,155   275,912 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  254,816   (233,869)
Total net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  254,816   (233,869)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from share repurchase  (433,636)  - 
Net Assets at End of Period $9,208,588  $8,507,419 
         
Accumulated undistributed net investment loss $(1,068,702) $(1,262,854)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of June 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,248,732) $3,275,540  $(272,878) $10,221,718 
Net investment gain               106,088         106,088 
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  335,440      335,440 
Appreciation in value of investments                     141,816   141,816 
Balance as of September 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,142,644) $3,610,980  $(131,062) $10,805,062 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of June 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,122,016) $2,925,406  $159,244  $10,588,689 
Net investment loss               (146,699)        (146,699)
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  1,374,287      1,374,287 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (1,572,874)  (1,572,874)
Balance as of September 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,268,715) $4,299,693  $(1,413,630) $10,243,403 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,397,865) $3,075,816  $(235,473) $10,068,533 
Repurchase of shares  (370,667)  (371)  (157,896)                (158,267)
Net investment gain               255,221         255,221 
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  535,164      535,164 
Appreciation in value of investments                     104,411   104,411 
Balance as of September 30, 2020  10,696,735  $10,696  $10,616,757  $(1,159,665) $(2,142,644) $3,610,980  $(131,062) $10,805,062 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Common
Shares
  Par
Value
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Undistributed
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
Transactions
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
in value of
Investments
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(1,725,097) $376,566  $3,001,365  $11,278,889 
Dividend distribution                  (553,370)     (553,370)
Net investment loss               (543,618)        (543,618)
Net realized gain on investment transactions                  4,476,497      4,476,497 
Depreciation in value of investments                     (4,414,995)  (4,414,995)
Balance as of September 30, 2019  11,067,402  $11,067  $10,774,653  $(1,159,665) $(2,268,715) $4,299,693  $(1,413,630) $10,243,403 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017
 September 30,
2016
  September
30, 2020
  September
30, 2019
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value resulting from operations $254,816  $(233,869)
        
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $894,796  $(482,116)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided (used) in operating activities:                
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments  (300,155)  (275,912)
Net realized (gain) loss on investments  (343,613)  346,854 
Payments for purchases of investments  (1,872,499)  (2,049,581)
Payments for purchases of investments sold short  (111,913)  - 
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments  (104,411)  4,414,995 
Net realized gain on investments  (535,164)  (4,476,497)
Purchases of investments  (7,655,802)  (875,160)
Proceeds from sales of investments  2,735,940   1,381,928   1,858,011   6,845,428 
Proceeds from sales of investments sold short  85,936   -      30,119 
Depreciation and amortization expense  8,165   9,637 
        
Depreciation & amortization expense  1,930   1,930 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses  (1,481)  (17,051)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  (6,409)  5,471 
Interest and dividends receivable  (23,284)  (1,561)  (100,223)  (8,099)
Accounts payable  (5,677)  4,530 
Deferred interest income  -   (5,645)
Deferred rent  (472)  246 
Payable for investment purchase  -   (65,622)
Receivable for investment sales  (127,679)  (12,948)
Accounts payable and other liabilities  (13,049)  (11,905)
Net cash provided (used) in operating activities  425,763   (906,046)  (5,788,000)  5,431,218 
        
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Payments for repurchase of common stock  (433,636)  -   (158,267)   
        
Payments for common stock dividend     (553,370)
Net cash used by financing activities  (433,636)  -   (158,267)  (553,370)
        
Net decrease in cash  (7,873)  (906,046)
        
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (5,946,267)  4,877,848 
Cash, beginning of period  2,344,751   2,980,659   8,066,656   966,121 
Cash, end of period $2,336,878  $2,074,613  $2,120,389  $5,843,969 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Investment / Industry Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Short-Term Non-banking Loans            
Consumer - 15% secured loans $400,000  $400,000   3.71%
Financial - 52% secured loans  500,000   500,000   4.64%
Financial - 44% secured loans  1,400,000   1,400,000   12.99%
Real Estate - 15% secured loans            
Tailwinds, LLC  3,000,000   3,000,000   27.83%
Other  239,000   239,000   2.22%
Total Short-Term Non-Banking Loans  5,539,000   5,539,000   51.39%
             
Common Stock            
Consumer            
Ammo, Inc. (1,000,000 restricted shares)  1,750,000   2,016,000   18.70%
Business Services  28,606   32,223   0.30%
Total Common Stock  1,778,606   2,048,223   19.00%
             
Preferred Stock            
Information Technology  150,000   300,000   2.78%
             
Warrants            
Advertising        0.00%
Healthcare  679      0.00%
Total Warrants  679      0.00%
             
Other Equity            
Leisure & Hospitality  291,040   291,040   2.70%
Oil & Gas  550,000      0.00%
Total Other Equity  841,040   291,040   2.70%
             
Total Investments $8,309,325  $8,178,263   75.87%
             
Total Cash  2,120,389   2,120,389   19.67%
             
Total Investments and Cash $10,429,714 $10,298,652   95.54%

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

Investments(1) Investment Type Interest
Rate(2)
  Maturity
Date
 Principal
Amount
  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Debt Investments                                    
Consumer                                    
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Secured Loan(4)  12% 2/6/2016 $500,000   500,000             500,000   (500,000)
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Secured Loan  12% 3/13/2016 $250,000   250,000             250,000   (250,000)
               750,000      0.00%     750,000   (750,000)
Financial                                    
Bravo Financial LLC Secured Loan  12% 8/31/2018 $500,000   500,000   500,000   5.43%         
                                     
Total Debt Investments              1,250,000   500,000   5.43%     750,000   (750,000)

Investments(1) Investment Type(5) Interest
Rate(6)
  Expiration
Date(7)
 Shares/Units  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Equity Investments                                    
Advertising                                    
Creative Realities, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  12/28/2020  1,071,429      128,572   1.40%  128,572      128,572 
                                     
Bio-technology                                    
Bio Life Solutions, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  3/20/2021  100,000      96,000       96,000      96,000 
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  5/6/2019  2,732                    
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  6/28/2019  2,733                    
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  12/19/2018  8,333                    
                  96,000   1.04%  96,000      96,000 
Consumer                                    
Escalade Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  7,929   93,975   107,835       13,860      13,860 
Famous Daves of America, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  38,614   164,584   160,090       3,159   7,653   (4,494)
Forward Industries, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  20,100   23,969   24,703       758   24   734 
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Common Stock(10)  n/a  n/a  100,000   46,160   800          45,360   (45,360)
Stanley Furniture Co., Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  147,118   160,346   173,599       15,769   2,516   13,253 
Tzfat Spirits of Israel, LLC LLC Membership Units(8)  n/a  n/a  55,000   101,019   25,000          76,019   (76,019)
               590,053   492,027   5.34%  33,546   131,572   (98,026)
Education                                    
Nat'l Amer. Univ. Holdings, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  59,839   119,027   128,055   1.39%  9,032   4   9,028 
Financial                                    
OTC Markets Group Cl A Common Stock  n/a  n/a  12,618   203,015   372,231       169,216      169,216 
QC Holdings, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  15,000   10,655   6,300          4,355   (4,355)
Planet Payment, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  15,800   69,858   67,782          2,076   (2,076)
               283,528   446,313   4.85%  169,216   6,431   162,785 
Healthcare                                    
Enteromedics, Inc. Preferred LLC Units(4) (8)  n/a  n/a  156   155,321   120,112          35,209   (35,209)
Enteromedics, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  8/16/2024  67,860   679             679   (679)
HemaCare Corp. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  84,284   263,937   252,852       1,156   12,241   (11,085)
               419,937   372,964   4.05%  1,156   48,129   (46,973)
Information Technology                                    
Insite Software Solutions, Inc Warrants(8)  n/a  12/30/2023  108,960                    
MAX 4G, Inc. Preferred Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  300,000   150,000   300,000       150,000      150,000 
Simulations Plus, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  25,001   246,710   387,508       140,798      140,798 
Travelzoo, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  30,000   324,848   258,000          66,848   (66,848)
               721,558   945,508   10.27%  290,798   66,848   223,950 
Leisure & Hospitality                                    
Bitesquad.com LLC Preferred LLC Units(4) (8)  n/a  n/a  73,543   1,014,893   2,020,226       1,005,333      1,005,333 
DBR Enclave US Investors, LLC LLC Membership Units    15% 1/31/2020  500,000   500,000   500,000              
               1,514,893   2,520,226   27.37%  1,005,333      1,005,333 
Oil & Gas                                    
Northern Capital Partners I, LP Limited Partnership Units(8)  n/a  n/a  550,000   550,000   488,629          61,371   (61,371)
Southern Plains Resources, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  600,000   730,000             730,000   (730,000)
               1,280,000   488,629   5.31%     791,371   (791,371)
Publishing                                    
Educational Development Corp. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  63,702   641,971   612,762   6.65%  33,182   62,391   (29,209)
                                     
Telecommunications                                    
Tessco Technologies Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  5,000   83,090   62,250   0.68%     20,840   (20,840)
                                     
Total Equity Investments              5,654,057   6,293,306   68.34%  1,766,835   1,127,586   639,249 
                                     
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents              2,336,878   2,336,878   25.38%         
                                     
Total Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents             $9,240,935  $9,130,184   99.15% $1,766,835  $1,877,586  $(110,751)
Investments (1) Investment
Type (5)
 Interest
Rate (2)(6)
 Expiration
Date (7)
 Shares/Units  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Equity Investments                                
Advertising                                
Creative Realities, Inc. Warrants (8) n/a 12/28/2020  35,714  $  $   0.00% $  $  $—
                               
Consumer                                
Tzfat Spirits of Israel, LLC LLC Membership Units (8) n/a n/a  55,000   101,019   15,000          86,019  (86,019)
             101,019   15,000   0.15%     86,019  (86,019)
Financial                              
Manning & Napier, Inc. Common Stock n/a n/a  86,700   188,969   150,858          38,111  (38,111)
             188,969   150,858   1.50%     38,111  (38,111)
Healthcare                                
Reshape Life Sciences Inc. Warrants (8) n/a 8/16/2024  67,860   679             679  (679)
             679      0.00%     679  (679)
Information Technology                                
Kwikbit Inc. (fka MAX 4G) Preferred Stock (8) n/a n/a  300,000   150,000   300,000       150,000     150,000
             150,000   300,000   2.98%  150,000     150,000
Leisure & Hospitality                                
DBR Enclave US Investors, LLC LLC Units n/a n/a  369,200   369,200   369,200            
             369,200   369,200   3.67%       
Oil & Gas                              
Northern Capital Partners I, LP Limited Partnership Units (8) n/a n/a  550,000   550,000   150,000          400,000  (400,000)
             550,000   150,000   1.49%     400,000  (400,000)
Publishing                                
Educational Development Corp. Common Stock n/a n/a  122,304   616,503   755,839   7.50%  150,106   10,770  139,336
                                 
Total Equity Investments            1,976,370   1,740,897   17.29%  300,106   535,579  (235,473)
                                 
Total Cash            8,066,656   8,066,656   80.12%       
                                 
Total Investments and Cash           $10,043,026  $9,807,553   97.41% $300,106  $535,579  ($235,473)

 

(1)All investments and all cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents are “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 unless indicated to the contrary in the table or by footnote.
(2)Interest is presented on a per annum basis.
(3)Investment is secured but payment and collateral are subordinated to the debt of another creditor by contract.
(4)Investment is convertible into common equity of the issuer.
(5)In the case of warrants, warrants provide for the right to purchase common equity of the issuer.
(6)In the case of preferred stock, this represents the right to annual cumulative dividends calculated on a per annum basis.
(7)In the case of warrants, purchase rights under the warrants will expire at the close of business on this date.
(8)Investment is not an income-producing investment.
(9)Investment is neither a “qualifying asset” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor a restricted security.

At September 30, 2017, aggregate non-qualifying assets represented approximately 0.0% of our total assets.

(10)Value reflects 20% discount for restricted nature of securities

 - 7 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2016

Investments(1) Investment Type Interest
Rate(2)
  Maturity
Date
 Principal
Amount
  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
 of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Debt Investments                                    
Consumer                                    
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Secured Loan(4)  12% 2/6/2016 $500,000   500,000   180,000          320,000   (320,000)
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Secured Loan  12% 3/13/2016 $250,000   250,000             250,000   (250,000)
               750,000   180,000   1.92%     570,000   (570,000)
Financial                                    
Bravo Financial LLC Secured Loan  12% 8/31/2018 $500,000   500,000   500,000   5.32%         
Oil & Gas                                    
Dala Petroleum, Inc. Secured Loan  12% 12/31/2015 $25,000   25,000             25,000   (25,000)
Dala Petroleum, Inc. Secured Loan  12% 12/22/2016 $35,195   35,195             35,195   (35,195)
Dala Petroleum, Inc. Secured Loan  12% 12/16/2017 $22,500   22,500             22,500   (22,500)
               82,695      0.00%     82,695   (82,695)
                                     
Total Debt Investments              1,332,695   680,000   7.24%     652,695   (652,695)

Investments(1) Investment Type(5) Interest
Rate(6)
  Expiration
Date(7)
 Shares/Units  Cost  Fair Value  Percentage
 of Net
Assets
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Equity Investments                                    
Advertising                                    
Creative Realities, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  12/28/2020  1,071,429      32,143   0.34%  32,143      32,143 
Bio-technology                                    
Bio Life Solutions, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  3/20/2021  100,000                    
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  5/6/2019  5,464                    
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  6/28/2019  5,464                    
Combimatrix Corporation Warrants(8)  n/a  12/19/2018  16,666                    
                     0.00%         
Consumer                                    
Escalade Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  7,929   93,975   104,663       10,688      10,688 
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  40,051      15,219       15,219      15,219 
Mix 1 Life, Inc. Common Stock(10)  n/a  n/a  100,000   46,160   30,000          16,160   (16,160)
Tzfat Spirits of Israel, LLC LLC Membership Units(8)  n/a  n/a  55,000   101,019   25,000          76,019   (76,019)
               241,154   174,882   1.86%  25,907   92,179   (66,272)
Education                                    
Nat'l Amer. Univ. Holdings, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  59,839   119,027   116,686   1.24%  992   3,333   (2,341)
Financial                                    
Comm. Sales & Leasing Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  2,000   65,620   50,820          14,800   (14,800)
OTC Markets Group Cl A Common Stock  n/a  n/a  19,074   297,381   438,702       141,321      141,321 
QC Holdings, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  15,000   10,655   11,100       445      445 
               373,656   500,622   5.33%  141,766   14,800   126,966 
Healthcare                                    
WaferGen Bio-Systems, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  85,210   369,800   420,085       50,285      50,285 
WaferGen Bio-Systems, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  10/21/2020  40,000                    
               369,800   420,085   4.48%  50,285      50,285 
Information Technology                                    
Insite Software Solutions, Inc Warrants(8)  n/a  12/30/2023  108,960                    
MAX 4G, Inc. Preferred Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  300,000   150,000   300,000       150,000      150,000 
Mitek Systems Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  7,772   50,540   47,798          2,742   (2,742)
Simulations Plus, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  18,639   173,310   179,862       10,659   4,107   6,552 
Travelzoo, Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  15,100   177,459   141,940          35,519   (35,519)
               551,309   669,600   7.13%  160,659   42,368   118,291 

Investment Fund

                                    
Calamos Conv. & High Inc. Fund Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  10,000   128,357   105,500          22,857   (22,857)
Solar Senior Capital Ltd Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  6,047   91,983   99,412       7,429      7,429 
               220,340   204,912   2.18%  7,429   22,857   (15,428)
Leisure & Hospitality                                    
Bitesquad.com LLC Preferred LLC Units(4) (8)  n/a  n/a  100,000   1,380,000   2,747,011   29.26%  1,367,011      1,367,011 
Media                                    
Discovery Communications Inc. Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  5,000   149,609   137,050   1.46%     12,559   (12,559)
Oil & Gas                                    
Dala Petroleum, Inc. Preferred Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  500   500,000             500,000   (500,000)
Dala Petroleum, Inc. Warrants(8)  n/a  6/3/2017  714,286                    
Northern Capital Partners I, LP Limited Partnership Units(8)  n/a  n/a  550,000   550,000   488,629          61,371   (61,371)
Southern Plains Resources, Inc. Common Stock(8)  n/a  n/a  600,000   730,000             730,000   (730,000)
               1,780,000   488,629   5.21%     1,291,371   (1,291,371)
Publishing                                    
Educational Development Corp. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  36,905   409,380   367,205   3.91%  3,141   45,316   (42,175)
                                     
Telecommunications                                    
AT&T Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  5,000   175,260   212,650       37,390      37,390 
CenturyLink, Inc. Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  5,000   157,360   118,900          38,460   (38,460)
MagicJack VocalTek Ltd. Common Stock(8) (9)  n/a  n/a  5,754   34,141   39,415       5,274      5,274 
Tessco Technologies Inc. Common Stock  n/a  n/a  5,000   83,090   65,000          18,090   (18,090)
Windstream Holdings Inc. Common Stock(9)  n/a  n/a  1,666   21,087   12,212          8,875   (8,875)
               470,938   448,177   4.78%  42,664   65,425   (22,761)
                                     
Total Equity Investments              6,065,213   6,307,002   67.18%  1,831,997   1,590,208   241,789 
                                     
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents              2,344,751   2,344,751   24.98%         
                                     
Total Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents             $9,742,659  $9,331,753   99.40% $1,831,997  $2,242,903  $(410,906)

(1)All investments and all cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents are “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 unless indicated to the contrary in the table or by footnote.
(2)At December 31, 2019, aggregate non-qualifying assets represented approximately 0.9% of our total assets.
Interest is presentedAt December 31, 2019, the estimated net unrealized loss for federal tax purposes was $58,586, based on a per annum basis.tax cost basis of $1,799,483.
(3)Investment is secured but paymentAt December 31, 2019, the estimated aggregate gross unrealized gain for federal income tax purposes was $300,106 and collateral are subordinated to the debt of another creditor by contract.estimated aggregate gross unrealized loss for federal income tax purposes was $358,692
(4)Investment is convertible into common equity of the issuer.
(5)In the case of warrants, warrants provide for the right to purchase common equity of the issuer.
(6)In the case of preferred stock, this represents the right to annual cumulative dividends calculated on a per annum basis.
(7)In the case of warrants, purchase rights under the warrants will expire at the close of business on this date.
(8)Investment is not an income-producing investment.
(9)Investment is neither a “qualifying asset” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor a restricted security.

At December 31, 2016, aggregate non-qualifying assets represented approximately 8.3% of our total assets.

(10)Value reflects 20% discount for restricted nature of securities

 - 8 - 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

 

- 10 -

 

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


September 30, 20172020

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. is an investment company incorporated in the State of Minnesota on January 10, 2006. In this report, we generally refer to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. in the first person “we.” On occasion, we refer to our company in the third person as “Mill City Ventures” or the “company.“Company. The Company follows accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards (“ASC”) 946.

 

We are an internally managed closed-end non-diversified management investment company.were incorporated in Minnesota in January 2006. On February 7, 2013, we filed Form N-54A to become a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. We have electedoperated as a BDC until we withdrew our election to be regulatedtreated as a BDC by filing a Form N-54C with SEC on December 27, 2019. As of the time of this filing, we remain a public reporting company that files periodic reports with the SEC, and we are seeking opportunities to invest in short-term non-bank lending and specialty finance. Nevertheless, any investment we make in business will be limited and structured in such a way as to ensure that no more than 40% of our total assets consist of investment securities.

Because we operated as a BDC or investment company from 2013 through December 27, 2019, the comparative financial statements for the periods during or ending on December 31, 2019 in this report reflect our operations as a business development company, or “BDC,” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). To date,During that time, we have not made an election to be treated as a regulated investment company, or “RIC,” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”).

Wewere primarily focusfocused on investing in or lending to privately held and small-capsmall capitalization publicly traded U.S. companies, and making managerial assistance available to such companies. TheseA majority of our investments are typicallyby dollar amount were structured as purchases of preferred or common stock investment contracts, or loans evidenced by promissory notes that may behave been convertible into stock by their terms or that may behave been accompanied by the issuance to us of warrants or similar rights to purchase stock. Our investments may be made for purposes of financing acquisitions, recapitalizations, buyouts, organic growth and working capital. Our future revenues will relate to the gain we realize from the sale of securities we purchase, and to dividends and interest we derive from those securities. Our investment objective iswas to generate both current income and capital appreciation that ultimately becomebecame realized gains.

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation: TheOur accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements of Mill City Ventures have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarternine months ended September 30, 20172020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.2020.

 

The condensed balance sheet atas of December 31, 20162019 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2019.

 

Use of estimatesestimates: : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management and our independent board members to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.estimates, and the differences could be material. For more information, see the “Valuation of portfolio investments” caption below, and “Note 4 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments” below. We present our financial statements as an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in ASC 946.

 

Cash depositsdeposits: : We maintain our cash balances in financial institutions and with regulated financial investment brokers. Cash on deposit in excess of FDIC and similar coverage is subject to the usual banking risk of funds in excess of those limits.

 

Valuation of portfolio investmentsinvestments: : We carry our investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices provided by independent pricing services, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources, investments arewere measured at fair value as determined by the Valuation Committee of our Board of Directors based on, among other things, the input of our executive management, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and any independent third-party valuation experts that may behave been engaged by management to assist in the valuation of our portfolio investments, but in all cases consistent with our written valuation policies and procedures.

- 11 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

 

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material. In addition, such investments are generally less liquid than publicly traded securities. If we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded it.

 

- 9 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2017

For more information, see Note 4 “Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”

Income taxestaxes:: We Due to our change in business model, we now account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements.   Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based onrecognized for the differenceexpected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount and tax basesbasis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reducereverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the amounts expectedextent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  We believe we have no significant unrecognized tax positions.  Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019, which are the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of September 30, 2020.  We do not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

Prior to the business model change in 2019, we operated as a BDC under the 1940 Act.  As such, we planned to be realized.taxed as a regulated investment company, or “RIC”. Compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs required us to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to shareholders. Our intention was to distribute (or retain through a deemed distribution) all of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain, therefore we made no provision for income taxes prior to 2019. Book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder dividends and distributions and other permanent book and tax differences were reclassified to paid-in capital.  For more information of the current year provision, see Note 76, “Income Taxes.”

 

Revenue recognition: Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated using the specific investment method.

 

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts from and premiums to par value on securities purchased are accreted or amortized, as applicable, into interest income over the life of the related security using the effective-yield method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Loan origination fees are recognized when loans are issued. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past-due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to the policy described above if a loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

 

Dividend income on preferred equity securities is recorded as dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity securities is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.

 

Certain investments may have contractual payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest or dividends. PIK represents accrued interestedinterest or accumulated dividends that are added to the loan principal or stated value of the investment on the respective interest- or dividend-payment dates rather than being paid in cash, and generally becomes due at maturity or upon being repurchased by the issuer. PIK interest or dividends is recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable. If at any point we believe that PIK interest or dividends is not expected to be realized, the PIK-generating investment will be placed on non-accrual status. Accrued PIK interest or dividends are generally reversed through interest or dividend income, respectively, when an investment in placed on non-accrual status.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements: No new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal quarter covered by this report has had or is expected to have a material impact on our condensed financial statements.

- 12 -

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

Allocation of net gains and losses: All income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any investment are allocated in a manner proportionate to the shares owned.

 

ManagementAllocation of net gains and service fees:losses: We doAll income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any investment are allocated in a manner proportionate to the shares owned.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among other changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average of significant observable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of the ASU. The adoption of the ASU effective January 1, 2020 did not incur expenses related to management and service fees. Our executive management team manageshave a material impact on our investments as part of their employment responsibilities.financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolio by major class, at amortized cost and fair value, as of September 30, 20172020 (together with the corresponding percentage of the fair value of our total portfolio of investments):

 

  As of September 30, 2017 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Senior Secured Loans $1,250,000   18.1% $500,000   7.4%
Preferred Stock  1,320,214   19.1   2,440,338   35.9 
Common Stock  3,182,145   46.1   2,614,767   38.5 
Warrants  679   -   224,572   3.3 
Other Equity  1,151,019   16.7   1,013,629   14.9 
Total $6,904,057   100.0% $6,793,306   100.0%

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2017

  As of September 30, 2020 
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $5,539,000   66.7% $5,539,000   67.7%
Preferred Stock  150,000   1.8   300,000   3.7 
Common Stock  1,778,606   21.4   2,048,223   25.0 
Warrants  679          
Other Equity  841,040   10.1   291,040   3.6 
Total $8,309,325   100.0% $8,178,263   100.0%

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolio by major class, at amortized cost and fair value, as of December 31, 20162019 (together with the corresponding percentage of the fair value of our total portfolio of investments):

 

 As of December 31, 2016  As of December 31, 2019 
 Investments at
Amortized Cost
  Percentage of
Amortized Cost
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
  Investments at
Amortized Cost
 Percentage of
Amortized Cost
 Investments at
Fair Value
 Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Senior Secured Loans $1,332,695   18.0% $680,000   9.7%
Preferred Stock  2,030,000   27.4   3,047,011   43.6  $150,000   7.6% $300,000   17.2%
Common Stock  3,384,194   45.8   2,714,219   38.8   805,472   40.8   906,697   52.1 
Warrants  -   -   32,143   0.5   679          
Other Equity  651,019   8.8   513,629   7.4   1,020,219   51.6   534,200   30.7 
Total $7,397,908   100.0% $6,987,002   100.0% $1,976,370   100.0% $1,740,897   100.0%

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2020

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolio by industry grouping, based on fair value as of September 30, 2017:2020:

 

 As of September 30, 2017  As of September 30, 2020 
 Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
  Investments at
Fair Value
 Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Advertising $128,572   1.9%
Bio-technology  96,000   1.4 
Business Services $32,223   0.4%
Consumer  492,027   7.3   2,416,000   29.5 
Education  128,055   1.9 
Financial  946,313   13.9   1,900,000   23.2 
Healthcare  372,964   5.5 
Information Technology  945,508   13.9   300,000   3.7 
Leisure & Hospitality  2,520,226   37.1   291,040   3.6 
Oil & Gas  488,629   7.2       
Publishing  612,762   9.0 
Telecommunications  62,250   0.9 
Real Estate  3,239,000   39.6 
Total $6,793,306   100.0% $8,178,263   100.0%

 

The following table shows the composition of our investment portfolio by industry grouping, based on fair value as of December 31, 2016:2019:

 

  As of December 31, 2016 
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Advertising $32,143   0.5%
Consumer  354,882   5.1 
Education  116,686   1.7 
Financial  1,000,622   14.3 
Healthcare  420,085   6.0 
Information Technology  669,600   9.6 
Investment Fund  204,912   2.9 
Leisure & Hospitality  2,747,011   39.3 
Media  137,050   2.0 
Oil & Gas  488,629   7.0 
Publishing  367,205   5.2 
Telecommunications  448,177   6.4 
Total $6,987,002   100.0%

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2017

  As of December 31, 2019 
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Consumer $15,000   0.9%
Financial  150,858   8.7 
Information Technology  300,000   17.2 
Leisure & Hospitality  369,200   21.2 
Oil & Gas  150,000   8.6 
Publishing  755,839   43.4 
Total $1,740,897   100.0%

 

We do not “control,” and we are not an “affiliate” of (as each of those terms is defined in the 1940 Act), of any of our portfolio companies as of September 30, 2017. Under the 1940 Act, we would generally be presumed to “control” a portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its voting securities, and be an “affiliate” of a portfolio company if we owned at least 5% and up to 25% of its voting securities.2020.

 

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

General information: Accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability of inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. Observable inputs must be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based upon the best information available. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are to be categorized into one of the three hierarchy levels based on the relative observability of inputs used in the valuation. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

·Level 1:Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

·Level 2:Observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.

 

·Level 3:Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Our valuation policy and procedures: Under our valuation policies and procedures, we evaluate the source of inputs, including any markets in which our investments are trading, and then apply the resulting information in determining fair value. For our Level 1 investment assets, our valuation policy generally requires us to use the last quoted closing price of a security we own that is listed on a securities exchange, and in a case where a security we own is listed on an over-the-counter market, to average the last quoted bid and ask price on the most active market on which the security is quoted. In the case of traded debt securities the prices for which are not readily available, we may value those securities at their weighted-average yield to maturity.

 

The estimated fair value of our Level 3 investment assets is determined on a quarterly basis by the Valuation Committee of our Board of Directors, pursuant to our written Valuation Policy and Procedures. These policies and procedures generally require that we value our Level 3 equity investments at cost plus any accrued interest, unless circumstances warrant a different approach. Our Valuation Policy and Procedures provide examples of these circumstances, such as when a portfolio company has engaged in a subsequent financing of more than ade minimis size involving sophisticated investors (in which case we may use the price involved in that financing as a determinative input absent other known factors), or when a portfolio company is engaged in the process of a transaction that we determine is reasonably likely to occur (in which case we may use the price involved in the pending transaction as a determinative input absent other known factors). Other situations identified in our Valuation Policy and Procedures that may serve as input supporting a change in the valuation of our Level 3 equity investments include (i) a third-party valuation conducted by an independent and qualified professional, (ii) changes in the performance of long-term financial prospects of the portfolio company, (iii) a subsequent financing that changes the distribution rights associated with the equity security we hold, or (iv) sale transactions involving comparable companies, but only if further supported by a third-party valuation conducted by an independent and qualified professional.

When valuing preferred equity investments, we generally view intrinsic value as a key input. Intrinsic value means the value of any conversion feature (if the preferred investment is convertible) or the value of any liquidation or other preference. Discounts to intrinsic value may be applied in cases where the issuer’s financial condition is impaired or, in cases where intrinsic value relating to a conversion is determined to be a key input, to account for resale restrictions applicable to the securities issuable upon conversion.

When valuing warrants, our Valuation Policy and Procedures indicate that value will generally be the difference between closing price of the underlying equity security and the exercise price, after applying an appropriate discount for restriction, if applicable, in situations where the underlying security is marketable. If the underlying security is not marketable, then intrinsic value will be considered consistent with the principles described above. Generally, “out-of-the-money” warrants will be valued at cost or zero.

For non-traded (Level 3) debt securities with a residual maturity less than or equal to 60 days, the value will generally be the straight-line amortized face value of the debt unless justification for impairment exists.

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2017

On a quarterly basis, our management provides members of our Valuation Committee with (i) valuation reports for each portfolio investment (which reports include our cost, the most recent prior valuation and any current proposed valuation, and an indication of the valuation methodology used, together with any other supporting materials); (ii) Mill City Ventures’ bank and other statements pertaining to our cash and cash equivalents; and (iii) quarter- or period-end statements from our custodial firms holding any of our portfolio investments. The committee then discusses these materials and, consistent with the policies and approaches outlined above, makes final determinations respecting the valuation of our portfolio investments.

We made no changes to our Valuation Policy and Procedures during the reporting period.2020

 

Level 3 valuation information: Due to the inherent uncertainty in the valuation process, the estimate of the fair value of our investment portfolio as of September 30, 20172020 may differ materially from values that would have been used had a readily available market for the securities existed.

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our portfolio investments by major class, as of September 30, 2017,2020, according to the fair value hierarchy:

 

 As of September 30, 2017  As of September 30, 2020 
 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Senior Secured Loans $-  $-  $500,000  $500,000 
Short-term Non-banking Loans $  $  $5,539,000  $5,539,000 
Preferred Stock  -   120,112   2,320,226   2,440,338           300,000   300,000 
Common Stock  2,613,967   800   -   2,614,767   32,223   2,016,000      2,048,223 
Warrants  -   224,572   -   224,572             
Other Equity  -   -   1,013,629   1,013,629         291,040   291,040 
Total $2,613,967  $345,484  $3,833,855  $6,793,306  $32,223  $2,016,000  $6,130,040  $8,178,263 

  

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our portfolio investments by major class, as of December 31, 2016,2019, according to the fair value hierarchyhierarchy:

 As of December 31, 2016  As of December 31, 2019 
 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Senior Secured Loans $-  $-  $680,000  $680,000 
         
Preferred Stock  -   -   3,047,011   3,047,011  $  $  $300,000  $300,000 
Common Stock  2,684,219   30,000   -   2,714,219   906,697         906,697 
Warrants  -   32,143   -   32,143             
Other Equity  -   -   513,629   513,629         534,200   534,200 
Total $2,684,219  $62,143  $4,240,640  $6,987,002  $906,697  $  $834,200  $1,740,897 

  

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value balances for our Level 3 portfolio investment assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:2020:

 

  Senior Secured
Loans
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $680,000  $3,047,011  $-  $-  $513,629 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  (97,305)  138,321   -   -   - 
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  10,000   -   -   -   500,000 
Sales and redemptions  (182,695)  (746,225)  -   -   - 
Net realized gain  90,000   (118,881)  -   -   - 
Balance as of September 30, 2017 $500,000  $2,320,226  $-  $-  $1,013,629 
  For the nine months ended September 30, 2020    
  ST Non-banking
Loans
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
                
Balance as of January 1, 2020 $  $300,000  $  $  $534,200 
Net change in unrealized depreciation              (164,000)
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  5,793,000             
Sales and redemptions  (254,000)           (79,160)
Net realized gain (loss)                   —              —    
Balance as of June 30, 2020 $5,539,000  $300,000  $  $  $291,040 

 

The net change in unrealized depreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 20172020 attributable to Level 3 portfolio investments still held atas of September 30, 20172020 is $541,678, and is included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the statement of operations.$150,000.

 

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- 15 -

  

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 20172020

The following table lists our Level 3 investments held as of September 30, 2020 and the unobservable inputs used to determine their valuation:

Security Type9/30/20 FMV Valuation TechniqueUnobservable InputsRange
ST Non-banking Loans$5,539,000 discounted cash flowdetermining private company credit rating14-52%
Other Equity 291,040 last secured funding known by companyeconomic changes since purchase14-16%
   discounted cash flow illiquidity of companycash flow based on oil market price per barrel
economic changes since last funding
$20 - $40 per barrel
Preferred Stock 300,000 last funding secured by companyeconomic changes since last funding 
 $6,130,040    

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value balances for our Level 3 portfolio investment assets for the periodyear ended December 31, 2016:2019:

  Senior Secured
Loans
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
Balance as of December 31, 2015 $1,850,000  $1,080,000  $-  $-  $1,230,258 
Net change in unrealized appreciation  (122,500)  1,367,011   -   -   (5,579)
Purchases and other adjustments to cost  64,500   600,000   -   -   50,000 
Sales and redemptions  (724,000)  -   -   -   (761,050)
Net realized gain  (388,000)  -   -   -   - 
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $680,000  $3,047,011  $-  $-  $513,629 
  For the year ended December 31, 2019 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Warrants  Other Equity 
             
Balance as of January 1, 2019 $1,014,258  $3,136,432  $  $1,013,629 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  12,478   (2,848,275)     (348,629)
Purchases and other adjustments to cost            
Sales and redemptions  (726,691)  (3,341,639)  (128,775)  (130,800)
Net realized gain (loss)  (45)  3,053,482   128,775    
Balance as of December 31, 2019 $300,000  $  $  $534,200 

 

The net change in unrealized appreciationdepreciation for the periodyear ended December 31, 20162019 attributable to Level 3 portfolio investments still held atas of December 31, 20162019 was $713,932,$348,629, and is included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the statement of operations.

The following table lists our Level 3 investments held as of December 31, 2019 and the unobservable inputs used to determine their valuation:

Security Type12/31/19 FMVValuation TechniqueUnobservable InputsRange
Other Equity$384,200   last secured funding known by companyeconomic changes since last funding
150,000   discounted cash flowcash flow based on oil market price per barrel$35 - $45 per barrel
Preferred Stock300,000   last funding secured by companyeconomic changes since last funding
$834,200   

 

NOTE 5 – RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

We maintain a Code of Ethics and certain other policies relating to conflicts of interest and related-party transactions, as well as policies and procedures relating to what regulations applicable to BDCs generally describe as “affiliate transactions.” Nevertheless, fromFrom time to time we may hold investments in portfolio companies in which certain members of our management, our Board of Directors, or significant shareholders of ours, are also directly or indirectly invested. Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy to require our disclosure of these instances in our periodic filings with the SEC. Our related-party transactions requiring disclosure under this policy are:

 

·Mr. Joseph A. Geraci, II, our Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Douglas M. Polinsky, our Chief Executive Officer, hold direct and indirect interests in the common stock of Southern Plains Resources, Inc. (SPR), a company in which we made investments in common stock in each of March and July 2013. The company disposed of their investment in SPR in 2019.

 

·A former director of our company, Christopher Larson, had a direct interest in Mix 1 Life, Inc. and served as that company’s Chief Financial Officer at the time of a portfolio investment we made in secured convertible debt of Mix 1 Life (together with common stock purchase warrants) in February 2014. In June 2014, Mr. Larson became a director of Mix 1 Life. In August 2014, we exercised our common stock purchase warrant on a cashless basis for the purchase of Mix 1 Life common stock. In March 2015, we invested in additional secured debt of Mix 1 Life. Mr. Larson resigned from his position as a director of Mill City Ventures in November 2015.

·Lantern Advisors, LLC is a limited liability company equally owned by Messrs. Geraci and Polinsky, and owns a cashless warrant to purchase up to 153,846 shares of Creative Realities, Inc. at a price of $0.70 per share through July 14, 2019. We made an initial investment in secured convertible debt of Creative Realities (together with common stock purchase warrants) in February 2015, and then a subsequent investment in secured convertible debt of Creative Realities (together with common stock purchase warrants) in December 2015. In December 2015, we also exchanged our common stock purchase warrant obtained in February 2015 for shares of Creative Realities common stock.

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 20172020

·On August 10, 2018, we entered into a loan transaction with a shareholder and her spouse who own approximately 1,500,000 shares of our common stock. In the transaction, we obtained a two-year promissory note in the principal amount of $250,000. The promissory note bears interest payable monthly at the rate of 10% per annum. The note is secured by the debtors pledge to us of 625,000 shares of our common stock. The pledged shares are held in physical custody for us by our custodial agent Milliennium Trust Company.

 

NOTE 6 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have an agreement to lease approximately 1,917 square feet of commercial space, and two parking spots, for a period of 62 months. The 62-month lease term began October 1, 2013 and runs through November 30, 2018. The total base rent expense for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 was $11,345 and $34,034, respectively. The table below sets forth the required annual minimum lease payments:

Year Amount 
2017 $12,655 
2018  46,988 
Total $59,643 

NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES

 

We planPrior to December 27, 2019, before we withdrew our election to be treated as a BDC, we planned to be taxed as a regulated investment company or “RIC,” and intend to comply(RIC). Compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs. Currently, however, we have not elected to be treated as a RIC. Upon our election to be taxed as a RIC, we will beRICs required us to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income and we intend at that timeto shareholders. Our intention was to distribute to shareholders (or retain through a deemed distribution) all of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain. Based on the foregoing,gain, therefore we have made no provision for income taxes. The characterizationtaxes prior to December 27, 2019. Ultimately, we never elected to be a RIC. As of incomeDecember 27, 2019, we are a C-Corporation for tax purposes. Income taxes as of September 30, 2020 are described below.

As of September 30, 2020 and gains thatDecember 31, 2019, we maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets of $384,059 and $446,000, respectively. Our determination of the realizable deferred tax assets requires the exercise of significant judgment, based in part on business plans and expectations about future outcomes. In the event the actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust the valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations. We will distributecontinue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in future periods. Because of the full valuation allowance, our effective tax rate is determined in accordance withexpected to be near 0% and therefore the income tax regulationsexpense is not material for any period presented.

As of September 30, 2020, we had a federal NOL of approximately $298,065. The federal NOL may be carried forward to offset future taxable income, subject to applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Certain NOLs will expire in years 2036 and 2037. Due to tax reform enacted in 2017, NOLs created after 2017 carry forward indefinitely. The estimated federal NOL that does not expire included in the total above is $356,000. States may differvary in their treatment of post-2017 NOLs. We have state NOL carryforwards arising from GAAP. Bookboth combined and tax basis differences relating to shareholder dividendsseparate filings. The state NOL carryforwards may expire in 2036 and distributions and other permanent book and tax differences are reclassified to paid-in capital.2037.

 

NOTE 87 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

On September 25, 2017 we repurchased and retired 1,084,091 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.40.

At September 30, 2017,2020, we had 11,067,40210,696,735 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

On May 6, 2020, we repurchased and retired 100,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.50.

On May 19, 2020, we repurchased and retired 270,667 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.40.

On February 15, 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a special cash dividend of $0.05 per common share. The dividend was paid on March 15, 2019 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 8, 2019.

 

NOTE 98 – PER-SHARE INFORMATION

 

Basic net lossgain per common share is computed by dividing net lossincrease in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share is set forth below:

 

  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016 
Numerator:  Net increase in net asset value resulting from operations $86,673  $142,254 
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  12,092,575   12,151,493 
Basic and diluted net gain per common share $0.01  $0.01 
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2020  2019 
Numerator:  Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $583,344  $(345,286)
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,696,735   11,067,402 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.05  $(0.03)

 

  For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016 
Numerator:  Net increase (decrease) in net asset value resulting from operations $254,816  $(233,869)
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  12,131,638   12,151,493 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.02  $(0.02)

 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 20172020

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2020  2019 
Numerator:  Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $894,796  $(482,116)
Denominator:  Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding  10,881,382   11,067,402 
Basic and diluted net gain (loss) per common share $0.08  $(0.04)

We do not have any common stock equivalents outstanding during the periods presented.

NOTE 9 – OPERATING LEASES

On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842), and its amendments and elected the effective date transition method. We are subject to two non-cancelable operating leases for office space expiring March 31, 2022. These leases do not have significant lease escalations, holidays, concessions, leasehold improvements, or other build-out clauses. Further, the leases do not contain contingent rent provisions. The leases do not include options to renew.

Because our lease does not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease. The weighted average discount rate as of December 31, 2019 was 4.5% and the weighted average remaining lease term is 2 years.

Under ASC 840, rent expense for office facilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $16,562 and $49,693, respectively. Rent expense for office facilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $16,384 and $57,250, respectively.

The components of our operating lease were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020:

  Three Months  Nine Months 
  Ended  Ended 
  September 30, 2020  September 30, 2020 
Operating lease costs $4,779  $14,337 
Variable lease cost  4,351   13,059 
Short-term lease cost  7,432   22,297 
Total $16,562  $49,693 

Variable lease costs consist primarily of property taxes, insurance and common area or other maintenance costs for our leased facility.

2020 $5,138 
2021  21,162 
2022  5,449 
Total lease payments  31,749 
Less: interest  (880)
Present value of lease liabilities $30,869 

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MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2020

 

NOTE 10 – FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and2020 through 2016:

  

  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Per-share data(1):        
Net asset value at beginning of period $0.77  $0.72 
Net investment loss  (0.04)  (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)  0.06   (0.01)
Repurchase of common stock  0.04   - 
Net asset value at end of period $0.83  $0.70 
         
Ratio/supplemental data:        
Per-share market value of investments at end of period $0.59  $0.52 
Shares outstanding at end of period  11,067,402   12,151,493 
Weighted-average shares outstanding for period  12,131,638   12,151,493 
Net assets at end of period $9,208,588  $8,507,419 
Average net assets(2) $9,446,407  $8,601,680 
Portfolio turnover rate(3)  21.01%  16.07%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets(3)  (7.21)%  (6.51)%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets(3)  (5.47)%  (2.52)%
Ratio of realized gains (losses) to average net assets(3)  4.89%  (5.35)%

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 
Per Share Data (1)                    
Net asset value at beginning of period $0.91   1.02   0.87   0.77   0.72 
Net investment income (loss)  0.02   (0.05)  (0.04)  (0.04)  (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)  0.06   0.01   0.15   0.06   (0.01)
Repurchase of common stock  0.02         0.04    
Payment of common stock dividend     (0.05)         
Net asset value at end of period $1.01   0.93   0.98   0.83   0.70 
                     
Ratio / Supplemental Data                    
Per share market value of investments at end of period $0.76   0.70   0.82   0.51   0.47 
Shares outstanding at end of period  10,696,735   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493   12,151,493 
Average weighted shares outstanding for the period  10,881,382   11,067,402   11,067,402   12,151,493   12,151,493 
Net assets at end of period $10,805,062   10,588,689   11,278,889   9,555,551   8,354,165 
Average net assets (2) $10,220,482   12,304,975   9,955,674   9,504,851   8,670,320 
Total investment return  8.79%  (8.82)%  12.64%  2.60%  (2.78)%
Portfolio turnover rate (3)  18.18%  7.11%  11.55%  11.87%  11.90%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets (3)  (6.49)%  (7.70)%  (6.98)%  (7.38)%  (3.30)%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3)  3.35%  (6.40)%  (5.53)%  (5.89)%  (2.86)%
Ratio of realized gains (losses) to average net assets (3)  7.06%  57.36%  (12.79)%  16.51%  (12.02)%

 

(1)Per-share data was derived using the weighted-averageending number of shares outstanding for the period.
(2)Based on the monthly average of net assets as of the beginning and end of each period presented.
(3)Ratios are annualized.

NOTE 11 – GENERAL UNCERTAINTY

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. As a result, economic uncertainties and market volatility have arisen which are likely to negatively impact our investment valuations and net increase or decrease in net assets resulting from operations. Other financial impacts could occur though such potential impact is unknown at this time.

  

NOTE 1112 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

None.On October 26, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to $400,000 of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.  Repurchases, if any, are expected to begin two complete trading days after the filing with the SEC of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, and may be completed in public or private transactions.  The repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be suspended from time to time in accordance with the Company's insider trading policy and existing best practices, or it may be discontinued.  Repurchases completed under the program are expected to be funded from available working capital.

. 

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the comparisons presented in this MD&A refer to the same period in the prior year. Our MD&A is presented in seven sections:

 

·Overview
·Portfolio and Investment Activity
·Results of Operations
·Financial Condition
·Critical Accounting Estimates
·Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
·Forward Looking Statements

 

OVERVIEW

 

Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. is an investment companywas incorporated in the State of Minnesota on January 10, 2006. In this report, we generally refer to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. in the first person “we.” On occasion, we refer to our company in the third person as “Mill City Ventures” or the “company.”

 

We are an internally managed closed-end non-diversified management investment company. We have electedprovide non-bank lending and specialty finance to be regulated as a business development company, or “BDC,” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). To date, we have not made an election to be treated as a regulated investment company, or “RIC,” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”).

We primarily focus on investing in or lending to privately held and small-cap publicly traded U.S. companies and making managerial assistance availableindividuals on both a secured and unsecured basis. The loans we provide typically have maturities that range from 9 to such companies. These investments are typically structured as purchases12 months and may involve a pledge of preferredcollateral or, common stock, investment contracts, orin the case of loans evidenced by promissory notes that may be convertible into stock by their terms or that may be accompaniedmade to companies, personal guarantees by the issuance to usprincipals of warrants or similar rights to purchase stock.the borrower. Our investmentsloans may be made for purposes ofreal estate acquisitions, renovation and sale; other real estate projects; title loans; cash inventory needs; inventory financing, acquisitions, recapitalizations, buyouts, organic growthor for other purposes. We intend to remain opportunistic, however, and working capital.may engage in transactions that involve other rights (such as stock, warrants or other equity-linked investments) or that are structured differently or uniquely. Our revenues relate to the gain we realize from the sale of securities we purchase, and to dividends and interest we derive from those securities. Our investmentbusiness objective is to generate both current incomerevenues from the interest and fees we charge, and capital appreciation that ultimately become gains.from any related investments we make.

 

Our principal sources of income are interest, dividends and dividends we earn on our investments, and proceeds from the saleother fees associated with lending such as origination fees, closing fees or redemptionexit fees. We may also receive reimbursement of our investments.legal costs associated with loan documentation. Our statementsstatement of operations also reflect gain from increases and decreases in the carrying value of our asset and investments (i.e., unrealized appreciation)appreciation and depreciation). Our principal expenses relate to operating expenses, the largest components of which are generally professional fees, payroll, occupancy, and insurance expenses. Our statements of operations also reflect loss from decreases in the carrying value of our investments (i.e., unrealized depreciation).

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For example, we must invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or small-cap publicly traded U.S. companies and cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We may from time to time invest up to 30% of our assets opportunistically in other types of investments, including the securities of larger public companies and foreign securities. In addition, we will be permitted, under certain conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock, but only if our “asset coverage,” as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must not make any dividend distribution to our shareholders or repurchase securities unless we meet the applicable asset-coverage ratios at the time of the dividend distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes.

 

Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2019, as well as our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other publicly available information. All amounts herein are unaudited. In addition, the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in the context of this overview.

 

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PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we made $1,984,412 in purchases$7,655,802 of investments in portfolio companies and had $2,821,876$1,858,011 of redemptions and repayments, resulting in net investments at amortized cost of $6,904,057 for$7,200,566 at the end of the period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, we made $2,049,581 in purchases$875,160 of investments in portfolio companies and had $1,381,928$3,380,422 of redemptions and repayments, resulting in net investments at amortized cost of $7,538,930 for$7,555,775 at the end of the period.

 

Our portfolio composition by major class, based on fair value at September 30, 2017,2020, was as follows:

 

 Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
  Investments at
Fair Value
  Percentage of
Fair Value
 
Senior Secured Loans $500,000   7.4%
Short-term Non-banking Loans $5,539,000   67.7%
Equity/Other  6,293,306   92.6   2,639,263   32.3 
Total $6,793,306   100.0% $8,178,263   100.0%

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and September 30, 20162019 were as follows:

 

 For the three months ended
September 30,
 For the nine months ended
September 30,
  For the three months ended
September 30,
 For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2020  2019  2020  2019 
Total investment income $52,354  $113,232  $125,427  $279,283  $287,034  $43,007  $755,469  $125,375 
Total expenses  (159,632)  (152,396)  (514,379)  (442,210)  180,946   189,706   500,248   668,993 
Net investment loss $(107,278) $(39,164) $(388,952) $(162,927)
Net investment gain (loss) $106,088  $(146,699) $255,221  $(543,618)

Investment Income

 

We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income and capital gains, if any, on the debt securitiesinvestments we own. We may also generate revenue from dividends and capital gains on equity investments we make, if any, or on warrants or other equity interests that we may acquire. In some cases, the interest on our investments may accrue or be paid in the form of additional debt. The principal amount of the debt instruments, together with any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, will generally become due at the maturity date of those debt instruments. We may also generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring, diligence, or consulting fees. Any such fees will be recognized as earned.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, our total investment income was $52,354$287,034 and $125,427, respectively,$755,469, For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, our total investment income was attributable$43,007 and $125,375. The increase is due to the change in our business structure which now focuses on short-term non-bank lending. Our loan portfolio generates interest income, from two eligible portfolio companies, Bravo Financial, LLC and DBR Enclave LLC, and dividend payments receivedwith an average rate on accountthe loans of investments in five eligible portfolio companies - OTC Markets Group Cl A, Simulations Plus, Inc., Tessco Technologies, Inc., Escalade Inc., and National American University Holdings, Inc., and dividends received on account of investments in three non-eligible portfolio companies.24%.

Professional Fees

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our total investment income was $113,2322020, we had $58,719 and $279,283, respectively, and was attributable to interest income from four eligible portfolio companies - Bravo Financial, LLC, Mix 1 Life, Inc., Creative Realities, Inc. and DBR Phase III US Investors, LLC - and dividend payments received on account of investments in five eligible portfolio companies - Educational Development Corp., OTC Markets Group Cl A, Tessco Technologies, Inc., National American University Holdings, Inc., and Simulations Plus, Inc .- and on account of investments in seven non-eligible portfolio companies.

Operating Expenses

The composition of our operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was as follows:

  For the three months ended
September 30,
  For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
Expense item 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Professional fees $39,175  $47,632  $165,725  $133,116 
Payroll  51,562   40,487   160,349   122,445 
Occupancy  22,225   21,571   64,556   60,175 
Insurance  24,030   18,782   60,170   58,869 
Directors’ fees  15,000   15,000   45,000   43,956 
Depreciation and amortization  2,670   3,213   8,165   9,637 
Other general and administrative  4,970   5,711   10,414   14,012 
Total $159,632  $152,396  $514,379  $442,210 

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, our$133,016 professional feefees expense, was $39,175 and $165,725, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our2019, we had $69,503 and $168,342 professional feefees expense, was $47,632 and $133,116, respectively. The increase in 2017decrease is due to a refund received during the paymentfirst quarter of legal fees in connection with our collection efforts on bad debt, specifically relating$59,957, which related to the Mix 1 Life Notes.

For the threeexpenses incurred during 2018 and nine months ended September 30, 2017, our payroll expense was $51,562 and $160,349, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our payroll expense was $40,487 and $122,445, respectively. The increase in 2017 is due to the payment of the Officers’ health insurance benefits beginning in 2017.2019.

 

Net Realized Gain from Investments

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we had $338,241$665,187 and $2,821,876,$1,858,011, respectively, of principal repayments,sales of investments, resulting in ($404,457)$335,440 and $343,613,$535,164, respectively, of realized gains and losses.gains. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, we had $350,549$3,495,125 and $1,381,928,$6,875,547, respectively of principal repayments,sales of investments, resulting in $186,427$1,374,287 and ($346,854),$4,476,497 respectively, of realized gain and losses.gains, due primarily to the acquisition of our holding in BiteSquad LLC by Waitr Holdings.

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, our investments had $598,408$141,816 and $300,155$104,411 of unrealized appreciation, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, our investments had ($5,009)$1,572,874 and $275,912$4,414,995, of unrealized appreciation (depreciation),depreciation, respectively.

 

Changes in Net Assets from Operations

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we recorded a net increase in net assets from operations of $86,673$583,344 and $254,816,$894,796, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, our per-share net increase in net assets from operations was $0.01$0.05 and $0.02,$0.08, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, we recorded a net increase (decrease)decrease in net assets from operations of $142,254$345,286 and ($233,869),$482,116, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, our per-share net increase (decrease)decrease in net assets from operations was $0.01$0.03 and ($0.02),$0.04, respectively.

 

Cash Flows for the Nine Monthsmonths Ended September 30, 20172020 and 20162019

 

The level of cash flows used in or provided by operating activities is affected by the timingpurchases of purchases,investments, redemptions and repayments of portfolio investments, among other factors. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, net cash used in operating activities was $5,788,000. Cash flows used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were primarily related to purchases of investments of $7,655,802, offset mostly by redemptions and repayments of investments totaling $1,858,011 For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net cash provided in operating activities was $425,763.$5,431,218. Cash flows provided in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 were primarily related to redemptions and repayments of $2,821,876,investments of $6,845,428, offset mostly by purchases of investments totaling $1,984,412. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $906,046. Cash flows used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were primarily related to redemptions and repayments of $1,381,928 offset mostly by purchases of investments totaling $2,049,581.$875,160.

 

The level of cash flows used in or provided by financing activities is affected by the issuance or retirement of common stock, among other factors. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash used in financing activities was $433,636. Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was related to the purchase and retirement of 1,084,091 shares of common stock during the third quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, there was no cash provided or used by financing activities.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we had cash of $2,336,878,$2,120,389, a decrease of $7,873$5,946,267 from December 31, 2016.2019. The primary use of our existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for our investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our shareholders or for other general corporate purposes, including paying for operating expenses or debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities. Pending investment in portfolio companies, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to collectively as “temporary investments.” As of the date of this filing, we expect that substantially all of our temporary investments will be redeployed into portfolio company investments by December 31, 2017.investment.

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To the extent our Board of Directors determines in the future, based on our financial condition and capital market conditions, that additional capital would allow us to take advantage of additional investment opportunities, we may seek to raise additional equity capital or to engage in borrowing, subject to the limitations on borrowing applicable to BDCs.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

See Note 5 to our Financial Statements for disclosure of our related-party transactions and potential conflicts of interest.borrowing.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods.

 

In preparing the financial statements, management will make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In preparing the financial statements, management also will utilize available information, including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments, giving due consideration to materiality. Actual results will almost certainly differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses. As our expected operating results occur, we will describe additional critical accounting policies in the notes to our financial statements. Our most critical accounting policies relate to the valuation of our portfolio investments, and revenue recognition. For more information, see Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies.”refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements as described in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements made in this section of our report are forward-looking statements based on our management’s current expectations for our company. These expectations involve assumptions and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and can ordinarily be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Important assumptions include our ability to identify and consummate new investments, achieve certain margins and levels of profitability, the availability of any needed additional capital, and the ability to maintain compliance with regulations applicable to us. Some of the forward-looking statements contained in this report relate to, and are based our current assumptions regarding, the following:

 

·our future operating results;
·our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
·the outcome of compliance inspections conducted from time to time by the SEC’s Office of Compliance and Inspections;
·the success of our investments;
·our relationships with third parties;
·the dependence of our success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
·the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
·our expected financings and investments;
·our regulatory structure and tax treatment;
·our ability to operate as a BDC and to be taxed as a RIC;
·the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
·the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

 

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The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For a more complete summary of the risks and uncertainties facing our company and its business and relating to our forward-looking statements, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 201730, 2020 (related to our year ended December 31, 2016)2019) and in particular the section thereof entitled “Risk Factors.” Because of the significant uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements pertaining to our company, the inclusion of those statements should not be regarded as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that our objectives, plans, expectations or projections that are contained in this filing will be achieved in any specified time frame, if ever. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this filing. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

ITEM 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance the objectives of the control system are met.

 

As of September 30, 2017,2020, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2017.2020.

 

There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect such controls.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.          EXHIBITS

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

 Exhibit
Number
 Description
 3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 23, 2013)
 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 10-SB filed on January 29, 2008)
 31.1Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 31.2Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

* Filed herewith

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.
 
 
Date: November 14, 2017October 30, 2020By:/s/ Douglas M. Polinsky
 Douglas M. Polinsky
 Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date: November 14, 2017October 30, 2020By:/s/ Joseph A. Geraci, II
 Joseph A. Geraci, II
 Chief Financial Officer

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