Investment Income
We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income and capital gains, if any, on the debt instruments 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, 2021, our total investment income was $755,601 and $1,977,992, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, our total investment income was $287,034 and $755,469, respectively. 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, with an average rate on the loans of 27%.
Professional Fees
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we had $79,950 and $300,297 professional fees expense, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we had $58,719 and $133,016 professional fees expense, respectively. The increase is due to legal costs incurred to close on several new short-term banking loans. In 2020, we received a refund during the first quarter of $59,957 relating to certain audit expenses incurred during 2018 and 2019.
Net Realized Gain from Investments
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we had $6,474,137 and $16,363,964, respectively, of sales of investments, resulting in $289,138 and $3,818,737, respectively, of realized gains. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we had $665,187 and $1,858,011, respectively, of sales of investments, resulting in $335,440 and $535,164, respectively, of realized gains.
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our investments had $774,169 and $1,204,319 of unrealized depreciation, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, our investments had $141,816 and $104,411 of unrealized appreciation, respectively.
Changes in Net Assets from Operations
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a net increase in net assets from operations of $31,288 and $2,557,836, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our per-share net increase in net assets from operations was $0.00 and $0.24, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded a net increase in net assets from operations of $583,344 and $894,796, respectively. Based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, our per-share net increase in net assets from operations was $0.05 and $0.08, respectively.
Cash Flows for the Nine months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
The level of cash flows used in or provided by operating activities is affected by the purchases of investments, redemptions and repayments of investments, among other factors. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $1,306,775. Cash flows used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were primarily related to purchases of investments of $18,133,352, offset mostly by redemptions and repayments of investments totaling $16,363,964. For the nine months ended September 30, 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.