FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
- --- ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001
or
- --- TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 0-19509
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 76-0345915
------------------------------- ------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2929 Allen Parkway, Suite 2500
Houston, Texas 77019-2120
------------------------------- ------------------------
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 529-0900
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange
on which registered
COMMON STOCK NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Approximate aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant: $46,481,191 computed on the basis of $9.05 per share, closing price
of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Inc. on May 10, 2001. For the
purpose of calculating this amount only, all directors and executive officers of
the registrant have been treated as affiliates. There were 6,568,076 shares of
the registrant's common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding, as of May 10, 2001.
The net asset value of a share at March 31, 2001 was $14.55.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
(A Delaware Corporation)
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
Item 1. Financial Statements
Balance Sheets
- March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000 ................................................. 1
Statements of Operations
- For the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 ................................... 2
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
- For the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000..................................... 3
Statements of Cash Flows
- For the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000..................................... 4
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios
- For the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 .................................... 6
Schedule of Portfolio Securities
- March 31, 2001 ........................................................................ 7
Notes to Financial Statements ............................................................ 13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations ...................................................... 18
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk................................. 22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ......................................................... 22
SIGNATURE ................................................................................................. 22
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2001 AND DECEMBER 31, 2000
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
---- ----
ASSETS
Investments in portfolio securities at fair value
(cost $91,923,332 and $94,936,875, respectively) $ 82,504,000 $ 94,117,912
Temporary cash investments, at cost which
approximates fair value 65,030,292 77,041,332
Cash 599,093 2,200
Accounts receivable 14,384 867
Accrued interest receivable 5,080,102 4,855,256
------------- -------------
Total assets 153,227,871 176,017,567
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities:
Accounts payable 158,771 338,178
Due to management company 429,199 454,624
Notes payable to bank 66,800,000 84,300,000
------------- -------------
Total liabilities 67,387,970 85,092,802
------------- -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Net assets:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares outstanding -- --
Common stock, $.001 par value, 25,000,000 shares
authorized, 6,671,577 and 6,674,577 shares outstanding 6,672 6,675
Additional paid-in capital 98,397,154 98,046,809
Notes receivable from officers related to
771,927 shares of common stock (10,132,925) (10,132,925)
Undistributed net investment income -- 36,936
Undistributed net capital gains 6,988,332 3,786,233
Unrealized depreciation of portfolio securities, net (9,419,332) (818,963)
------------- -------------
Total net assets $ 85,839,901 $ 90,924,765
============= =============
Net assets per share $ 14.55 $ 15.40
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
1
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
---- ----
Investment income:
Income from portfolio securities $ 843,424 $ 1,695,481
Interest from temporary cash investments 26,121 26,172
Interest on notes receivable from officers 23,448 24,579
------------ -----------
Total investment income 892,993 1,746,232
------------ -----------
Expenses:
Management fees 429,199 505,962
Director fees and expenses 76,325 59,383
Professional fees 77,635 53,171
Administrative fees 12,500 12,500
Mailing, printing and other expenses 25,678 18,560
Interest expense 39,905 389,681
Franchise taxes 3,860 3,700
------------ -----------
Total expenses 665,102 1,042,957
------------ -----------
Net investment income 227,891 703,275
------------ -----------
Realized gain on sales of portfolio securities, net 3,202,098 738,049
------------ -----------
Unrealized depreciation of portfolio securities, net:
End of period (9,419,332) (1,056,702)
Beginning of period (818,963) (1,100,588)
------------ -----------
(Increase) decrease in unrealized depreciation, net (8,600,369) 43,886
------------ -----------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets from operations $ (5,170,380) $ 1,485,210
============ ===========
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
2
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
---- ----
Operations:
Net investment income $ 227,891 $ 703,275
Realized gain on sales of portfolio
securities, net 3,202,098 738,049
(Increase) decrease in unrealized depreciation of
portfolio securities, net (8,600,369) 43,886
------------ -------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations (5,170,380) 1,485,210
------------ -------------
Capital Transactions:
Interest on non-recourse portion of officer notes 111,972 111,972
Repurchase shares of common stock (26,456) (1,823,595)
------------ -------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital transactions 85,516 (1,711,623)
------------ -------------
Decrease in net assets (5,084,864) (226,413)
Net assets at beginning of period 90,924,765 101,418,820
------------ -------------
Net assets at end of period $ 85,839,901 $ 101,192,407
============ =============
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
3
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Interest and dividends received $ 221,551 $ 1,015,960
Cash paid to management company, directors,
bank and suppliers (896,390) (1,182,501)
------------ ------------
Net cash used by operating activities (674,839) (166,541)
------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of portfolio securities (3,225,792) (1,914,311)
Proceeds from sales of portfolio securities 10,000,000 996,364
Principal payments from portfolio companies - 3,722,349
Advances to portfolio companies (13,516) 35,334
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 6,760,692 2,839,736
------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Advances from bank 68,300,000 48,950,000
Repayments to bank (85,800,000) (61,250,000)
Repurchase of common stock -- (1,813,107)
Payments received on officer notes -- 991,161
Dividend payments -- (6,023)
------------ ------------
Net cash used by financing activities (17,500,000) (13,127,969)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (11,414,147) (10,454,774)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 77,043,532 55,819,682
------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 65,629,385 $ 45,364,908
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
4
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
2001 2000
---- ----
Reconciliation of increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations to net cash used by operating activities:
Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations $ (5,170,380) $ 1,485,210
Adjustments to reconcile increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations to net cash used by operating activities:
Realized gain on sale of portfolio securities, net (3,202,098) (738,049)
Increase (decrease) in unrealized depreciation, net 8,600,369 (43,886)
Accrued interest and dividends exchanged for
portfolio securities (558,567) (437,099)
Increase in accrued interest receivable (224,846) (405,145)
Interest income on non-recourse
portion of officer notes 111,972 111,972
Decrease in accounts payable (205,864) (138,412)
Decrease in due to management company (25,425) (1,132)
------------ -----------
Net cash used by operating activities $ (674,839) $ (166,541)
============ ===========
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
5
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
---- ----
Investment income $ 0.15 $ 0.29
Expenses 0.11 0.17
------- ------
Net investment income 0.04 0.12
Realized gain on sale of portfolio securities, net 0.54 0.12
Increase in unrealized depreciation of portfolio securities, net (1.46) --
------- ------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations (0.88) 0.24
------- ------
Capital Transactions:
Interest on non-recourse portion of officer notes 0.02 0.02
Effect of common stock repurchase 0.01 0.19
------- ------
Increase in net assets from capital transactions 0.03 0.21
------- ------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets (0.85) 0.45
Net assets at beginning of period 15.40 16.61
------- ------
Net assets at end of period $ 14.55 $17.06
======= ======
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.75% 1.03%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.26% 0.69%
Ratio of increase (decrease) in net assets from operations
to average net assets (5.85)% 1.47%
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
6
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(Unaudited)
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
A. C. LIQUIDATING CORPORATION February 1985
Asset held for liquidation
-10% secured promissory notes $ 188,014 $ --
AMERICAN TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY, LLC February 2001
Boring, tunneling and directional drilling
-100,000 shares of preferred stock 1,000,000 1,000,000
-1,934,532 shares of common stock 116,550 116,550
THE BRADSHAW GROUP May 2000
Sells and services midrange and high-speed
printing equipment
-1,335,000 shares of preferred stock 1,335,000 835,000
-Warrant to buy 2,229,450 shares of common
stock for $0.01 through May 2008 1 1
CHAMPION WINDOW, INC. March 1999
Primary aluminum window manufacturer & distributor
-1,400,000 shares of common stock 1,400,000 5,600,000
-20,000 shares of preferred stock 2,000,000 2,337,500
CONTAINER ACQUISITION, INC. February 1997
Shipping container repair & storage
-1,370,000 shares of common stock 1,370,000 2,870,000
-67,527 shares of preferred stock 6,752,700 6,752,700
-Conditional warrant to buy up to 370,588 shares of
common stock at $0.01 through June 2003 1,000 1,000
CRC HOLDINGS, CORP. June 1997
Pipeline construction and automatic welding equipment
-Earnout receivable 1,192,114 --
THE DRILLTEC CORPORATION August 1998
Provides protection & packaging for pipe & tubing
-Prime + 9.75% promissory note 1,000,000 1,000,000
-Warrant to buy 10% of the common
equity for $100 through September 2002 -- --
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
7
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(UNAUDITED)
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ----------
EQUICOM, INC. July 1997
Radio stations
-452,000 shares of common stock $ 141,250 $ --
-657,611 shares of preferred stock 6,576,110 2,000,000
-10% promissory note 2,562,250 2,562,250
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. December 1999
Equipment rental
-35,000 shares of common stock 101,500 --
-35,000 shares of preferred stock 1,929,000 1,362,000
-8% promissory note 1,138,000 1,138,000
FS STRATEGIES, INC. June 2000
Temporary staffing and web-based human
RESOURCES PROVIDER
-110,000 shares of common stock 5,500,000 2,000,000
GCS RE, INC. February 1989
Investment in real estate
-1,000 shares of common stock 132,910 600,000
HOT & COOL HOLDINGS, INC. March 1996
Radiator manufacturer & distributor
-9% subordinated note 1,075,000 --
-10% subordinated notes 2,200,000 --
-12% promissory notes 2,500,000 --
-Warrant to buy up to 14,942 shares of common
stock at $0.01 per share through March 2006 -- --
-Warrant to buy 10,000 shares of common stock
at $0.01 through February 2003 -- --
NCI BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. (NYSE - NCS) April 1989
Design & manufacture metal buildings
-200,000 shares of common stock 159,784 3,380,000
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
8
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(UNAUDITED)
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- -----------
PETROCON ENGINEERING, INC. September 1998
Engineering, systems & construction management
-12% promissory note $ 4,663,356 $ 4,663,356
-887,338 shares of common stock 635 635
-8% Series B junior subordinated promissory note 2,659,332 2,659,332
-Warrant to buy up to 1,552,571 shares of common -- --
stock at $0.01 per share through March 2009
RAYTEL MEDICAL CORPORATION (NASDAQ - RTEL) August 1997
Cardiovascular centers
-33,073 shares of common stock 330,730 17,568
RELIANT WINDOW HOLDINGS, LLC February 2001
Aluminum & vinyl window manufacturer & distributor
-36.86% membership interest 3,686 3,686
THE SERVICEMASTER COMPANY (NYSE-SVM) May 1999
Residential services
-Warrant to buy up to 29,411 shares of common
stock at $51 per share through September 2001 -- --
SOVEREIGN BUSINESS FORMS, INC. August 1996
Business forms manufacturer
-16,740 shares of preferred stock 1,674,000 1,674,000
-15% promissory notes 2,925,011 2,925,011
-Warrant to buy 551,894 shares of common stock
at $1 per share through August 2006 -- 1,062,890
-Warrant to buy 25,070 shares of common stock
at $1.25 per share through October 2007 -- 42,015
-Warrant to buy 273,450 shares of common stock
at $1 per share through October 2009 -- 526,637
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
9
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(Unaudited)
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- -----------
SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT, LLC December 1999
Business & personal property protection
-285,000 units of Class A equity interest $ 2,850,000 $ 3,350,000
STERNHILL PARTNERS I, LP March 2000
Venture capital fund
-3% limited partnership interest 1,200,000 1,275,000
STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC. September 1995
Processor of recycled glass
-3,089,751 shares of common stock 3,088,389 --
-3,822,157 shares of Series B preferred stock 3,820,624 3,250,000
-15% promissory note 6,750,000 6,750,000
-Warrant to buy 225,000 shares of common
stock at $0.4643 per share through August 2005 -- --
-Warrant to buy 100,000 shares of common
stock at $1.50 per share through August 2005 -- --
-Warrant to buy 2,219,237 shares of common
stock at $0.01 per share through November 2005 -- --
-1,000 shares of SMIP, Inc. common stock 150,000 --
-15% promissory note of SMIP, Inc. 175,000 175,000
SUMMIT/DPC PARTNERS, LP October 1995
Manufacturer of private label pet food
-36.11% limited partnership interest 5,132,120 8,000,000
TRAVIS INTERNATIONAL, INC. December 1986
Speciality distribution
-98,761 shares of common stock 5,397 1,500,000
TULSA INDUSTRIES, INC. December 1997
Manufacturer of oil & gas equipment
-209,089 shares of common stock 5,500,000 1,500,000
-1,058 shares of Series B preferred stock 1,058,000 1,058,000
-Junior participation in promissory note 655,769 655,769
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
10
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(Unaudited)
DATE OF
PORTFOLIO COMPANY INITIAL INVESTMENT COST FAIR VALUE
----------------- ------------------ ---- ------------
TURFGRASS AMERICA, INC. May 1999
Grows, sells & installs warm season turfgrasses
-3,167,756 shares of common stock $ 600,000 $ 600,000
-12% subordinated promissory note
with a face amount of $4,000,000 3,625,000 3,625,000
UNITED INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC. July 1998
Field service for petrochemical & power
generation industries
-35,000 shares of preferred stock 3,500,000 2,500,000
-15% promissory note 585,000 585,000
-Warrant to buy 63,637 shares of common stock
at $0.01 through June 2008 100 100
-Warrant to buy 18,887 shares of common
stock at $0.01 through March 2011 -- --
VANGUARD VII, L.P. June 2000
Venture capital fund
-1.3% limited partnership interest 600,000 550,000
------------ ------------
Total $ 91,923,332 $ 82,504,000
============ ============
Substantially all of the Fund's portfolio securities are restricted from
public sale without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The
Fund negotiates certain aspects of the method and timing of the disposition of
the Fund's investment in each portfolio company, including registration rights
and related costs.
In connection with the investments in Champion Window, Inc., Container
Acquisition, Inc., The Drilltec Corporation, Hot & Cool Holdings, Inc.,
Sovereign Business Forms, Inc., Strategic Holdings, Inc., Turfgrass America,
Inc. and United Industrial Services, Inc. rights have been obtained to demand
the registration of such securities under the Securities Act of 1933, providing
certain conditions are met. The Fund does not expect to incur significant costs,
including costs of any such registration, in connection with the future
disposition of its portfolio securities.
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, at March 31, 2001, the
Fund was considered to have a controlling interest in Champion Window, Inc.,
Container Acquisition, Inc., The Drilltec Corporation, Equicom, Inc., Reliant
Window Holdings, LLC, Sovereign Business Forms, Inc., Spectrum Management LLC,
Strategic Holdings, Inc., Tulsa Industries, Inc. and United Industrial Services,
Inc.
Income was earned in the amount of $539,573 and $1,028,377 for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, on portfolio securities of
companies in which the Fund has a controlling interest.
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
11
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2001
(Unaudited)
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, all of the Fund's
investments are in eligible portfolio companies. The Fund provides significant
managerial assistance to all of the portfolio companies in which it has
invested, except Equipment Support Services, Inc., Raytel Medical Corporation
("Raytel"), Sternhill Partners I, L.P., Summit/DPC Partners (Summit/DPC"), L.P.
and Vanguard VII, L.P. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance to
portfolio companies that comprise 85% of the total value of the investments in
portfolio companies at March 31, 2001.
The investments in portfolio securities held by the Fund are not
geographically diversified. All of the Fund's portfolio companies (except for
Raytel and Summit/DPC and certain investments in the venture capital funds) are
headquartered in Texas, although several have significant operations in other
states.
The Fund's investments in portfolio securities consist of the following
types of securities at March 31, 2001:
PERCENTAGE
TYPE OF SECURITIES COST FAIR VALUE OF FAIR VALUE
------------------ ---- ---------- -------------
Secured and Subordinated Debt $32,701,732 $26,738,718 32.4%
Preferred Stock 29,645,434 22,769,200 27.6%
Common Stock 18,597,145 18,184,753 22.0%
Limited Liability Company Investments 2,853,686 3,353,686 4.1%
Limited Partnership Investments 6,932,120 9,825,000 11.9%
Options and Warrants 1,101 1,632,643 2.0%
Other 1,192,114 -- 0.0%
----------- ----------- -----
Total $91,923,332 $82,504,000 100.0%
=========== =========== =====
The following is a summary by industry of the Fund's investments as of
March 31, 2001:
INDUSTRY FAIR VALUE PERCENTAGE
-------- ---------- ----------
Business Products and Services $22,039,254 26.7%
Industrial 16,876,650 20.5%
Building Products 15,546,186 18.8%
Energy 11,537,092 14.0%
Consumer Goods and Services 8,017,568 9.7%
Media 4,562,250 5.5%
Venture Funds and other 2,425,000 3.0%
Retailing/Distribution 1,500,000 1.8%
----------- -----
Total $82,504,000 100.0%
=========== =====
12
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(Unaudited)
(1) ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS PURPOSE
Equus II Incorporated (the "Fund"), a Delaware corporation with perpetual
existence, was formed by Equus Investments II, L.P. (the "Partnership") on
August 16, 1991. On July 1, 1992, the Partnership was reorganized and all of the
assets and liabilities of the Partnership were transferred to the Fund in
exchange for shares of common stock of the Fund. The shares of the Fund trade on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EQS.
The Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation by making investments in
equity and equity-oriented securities issued by privately-owned companies in
transactions negotiated directly with such companies. The Fund seeks to invest
primarily in companies which intend to acquire other businesses, including
leveraged buyouts. The Fund may also invest in recapitalizations of existing
businesses or special situations from time to time. The Fund's investments in
Portfolio Companies consist principally of equity securities such as common and
preferred stock, but also include other equity-oriented securities such as debt
convertible into common or preferred stock or debt combined with warrants,
options or other rights to acquire common or preferred stock. Current income is
not a significant factor in the selection of investments. The Fund elected to be
treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
(2) MANAGEMENT
The Fund has entered into a management agreement with Equus Capital
Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Management Company").
Pursuant to such agreement, the Management Company performs certain services,
including certain management and administrative services necessary for the
operation of the Fund. The Management Company receives a management fee at an
annual rate of 2% of the net assets of the Fund, paid quarterly in arrears. The
Management Company also receives compensation for providing certain investor
communication services, of which $12,500 is included in the accompanying
Statements of Operations for each of the three months ended March 31, 2001 and
2000.
The Management Company is controlled by a privately-owned corporation.
As compensation for services rendered to the Fund, each director who is not
an officer of the Fund receives an annual fee of $25,000 paid quarterly in
arrears, a fee of $3,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended in
person, a fee of $1,500 for participation in each telephonic meeting of the
Board of Directors and for each committee meeting attended ($500 for each
committee meeting if attended on the same day as a Board Meeting), and
reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such
meetings. In addition, each director who is not an officer of the Fund is
granted incentive stock options to purchase shares of the Fund's stock from time
to time. (See Note 10). Certain officers and directors of the Fund serve as
directors of Portfolio Companies, and may receive and retain fees, including
non-employee director stock options, from such Portfolio Companies in
consideration for such service.
13
(3) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Valuation of Investments - Portfolio investments are carried at fair value
with the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation included in the
determination of net assets. Investments in companies whose securities are
publicly traded are valued at their quoted market price, less a discount to
reflect the estimated effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities
("Valuation Discount"), if applicable. Cost is used to approximate fair value of
other investments until significant developments affecting an investment provide
a basis for use of an appraisal valuation. Thereafter, portfolio investments are
carried at appraised values as determined quarterly by the Management Company,
subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The fair market values of
debt securities, which are generally held to maturity, are determined on the
basis of the terms of the debt securities and the financial conditions of the
issuer. Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio
securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, amounting to
$79,106,432 and $90,328,540 (including $22,459 in publicly-traded securities,
net of a $1,518 Valuation Discount) at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000,
respectively, the Fund's estimate of fair value may significantly differ from
the fair value that would have been used had a ready market existed for the
securities. Appraised values do not reflect brokers' fees or other normal
selling costs or management incentive fees which might become payable on
disposition of such investments.
On a daily basis, the Fund adjusts its net asset value for the changes in
the value of its publicly held securities and material changes in the value of
its private securities and reports those amounts to Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. Weekly and daily net asset values appear in various publications, including
BARRON'S and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL and the Fund's website, www.equuscap.com.
Investment Transactions - Investment transactions are recorded on the
accrual method. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are computed on a
specific identification basis.
Cash Flows - For purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, the Fund
considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Income Taxes - No provision for federal income taxes has been made in the
accompanying financial statements as the Fund has qualified for pass-through
treatment as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. As such, all net income is allocable to the stockholders
for inclusion in their respective tax returns. Net capital losses are not
allocable to the shareholders but can be carried over to offset future earnings
of the Fund.
(4) BOOK TO TAX RECONCILIATION
The Fund accounts for dividends in accordance with Statement of Position
93-2 which relates to the amounts distributed by the Fund as net investment
income or net capital gains, which are often not equal to the corresponding
income or gains shown in the Fund's financial statements. The Internal Revenue
Service approved the Fund's request, effective October 31, 1998, to change its
year-end for determining capital gains for federal income tax purposes from
December 31 to October 31, which allows current year dividends to be paid prior
to the end of the calendar year. The Fund realized net capital gains of
$3,202,098 and $738,049 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Therefore, for tax purposes, the Fund had net capital gains of
$9,762,076 and $10,684,829 for the five months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 of
the 2001 and 2000 tax year, respectively. For the tax year ended October 31,
2000, the Fund had a net capital loss carryover of $2,773,744 that will be
applied to future years. The Fund had net investment income for tax purposes of
$339,863 and $815,247 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively.
14
The following is a reconciliation of the difference in the Fund's net
realized gain or loss on the sale of portfolio securities for book and tax
purposes.
2001 2000
---- ----
Net realized gain on the sale
of portfolio securities, book $ 3,202,098 $ 738,049
Undistributed 2000 net capital gains 6,559,978 --
Undistributed 1999 net capital gains -- 9,946,780
----------- -----------
Net realized gain (loss) on the sale
of portfolio securities, tax $ 9,762,076 $10,684,829
=========== ===========
(5) DIVIDENDS
The Fund declared no dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2001
and 2000, respectively. The Fund has adopted a policy to make dividend
distributions of at least $0.60 per share on an annual basis. In the event that
taxable income, including realized capital gains, exceeds $0.60 per share in any
year, additional dividends may be declared to distribute such excess.
(6) TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
Temporary cash investments, which represent the short-term utilization of
cash prior to investment in securities of portfolio companies, distributions to
the shareholders or payment of loans and expenses, consist of $65,030,292 in
money market accounts with Bank of America, N.A. earning interest at rates
ranging from 3.68% to 3.85% per annum at March 31, 2001.
(7) PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
During the three months ended March 31, 2001, the Fund invested $1,120,236
in two new companies and made follow-on investments of $2,664,123 in five
companies, including $558,567 in accrued interest and dividends received in the
form of additional portfolio securities and accretion of original issue discount
on a promissory note. In addition, the Fund realized a net capital gain of
$3,202,098 during the three months ended March 31, 2001.
During the three months ended March 31, 2000, the Fund invested $300,000 in
one new company and made follow-on investments of $2,051,410 in seven companies,
including $437,099 in accrued interest and dividends received in the form of
additional portfolio securities and accretion of original issue discount on a
promissory note. In addition, the Fund realized a net capital gain of $738,049
during the three months ended March 31, 2000.
(8) NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK
The Fund has a $100,000,000 line of credit promissory note with Bank of
America N.A., with interest payable at 1/2% over the rate earned in its money
market account. The Fund had $65,000,000 and $77,000,000 outstanding on such
notes at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively, that was secured by
$65,000,000 and $77,000,000 of the Fund's temporary cash investments. The line
of credit promissory note expires July 1, 2001.
15
The Fund has a $32,500,000 revolving line of credit with Bank of America,
N.A. that expires on July 1, 2001. The Fund had $1,800,000 and $7,300,000
outstanding under such line of credit at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000,
respectively, which is secured by the Fund's investments in portfolio
securities. The interest rate ranges from prime -1/2% to prime +1/4% or LIBOR +
1.65%. The Fund also pays interest at the rate of 1/4% per annum on the unused
portion of the line of credit.
The average daily balances outstanding on the Fund's notes payable during
the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, were $7,473,889 and $19,051,099,
respectively.
(9) STOCK OPTION PLAN
Shareholders have approved the Equus II Incorporated 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan ("Stock Incentive Plan"), which authorizes the Fund to issue options to the
directors and officers of the Fund in an aggregate amount of up to 20% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund. Implementation of this plan was
subject to the receipt of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), which was received on May 8, 1997. The Stock Incentive Plan
also provides that each director who is not an officer of the Fund is, on the
first business day following each annual meeting, granted an incentive stock
option to purchase 2,000 shares of the Fund's common stock.
Under the Stock Incentive Plan, options to purchase 306,773 and 294,773
shares of the Fund's common stock with a weighted average exercise price of
$18.71 and $19.07 per share were outstanding at March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Outstanding options at March 31, 2001 have exercise prices ranging
from $9.94 to $27.44 and expire in May 2007 through May 2010. No options were
exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. On September
30, 1999, options to purchase 654,358 shares of common stock of the Fund were
exercised by the officers of the Fund for $17 per share. The exercise price of
$11,124,086 was paid in the form of promissory notes from the officers to the
Fund. The notes bear interest at 5.42% per annum, have limited recourse and are
due on or before September 30, 2008. The notes are secured by the 654,358
shares, including any proceeds or dividends paid thereon. During 2000 and 1999,
a dividend of $0.60 and $4.25 per share was paid by the Fund, respectively. As a
result of these dividends paid in 2000 and 1999, 42,723 and 135,608 additional
shares were issued to the officers and pledged to the Fund. In addition,
principal payments of $991,161, representing 58,304 shares, were made on the
notes. As a result of the additional shares issued and payments made, the notes
are secured by 832,689 and 789,966 shares of common stock and the outstanding
note balance is $10,132,925 at March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The notes receivable, as well as 771,927 and 731,662 of such shares of
pledged common stock, are not included in the Fund's net asset value per share
as of March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The shares of stock financed by the
notes from the officers will be included in the net asset value per share as the
shares are paid for or released from collateral. Shares may be released as
payments on the notes are made or as the value of the collateral increases.
Generally accepted accounting principles require that the options issued to the
officers be accounted for using variable plan accounting due to the limited
recourse provision of such notes. Additionally, the dividends paid on the
non-recourse portion of the notes are required to be recorded as compensation
expense in the statements of operations, and interest recorded on the
non-recourse portion of the notes is required to be recorded as an increase to
additional paid-in capital. Accordingly, for the three months ended March 31,
2001 and 2000, interest of $111,972 was credited to additional paid-in capital.
Additionally, the limited recourse notes receivable from the officers are
required to be recorded as a reduction of net assets. If the notes and the
shares were included in the Fund's balance sheet, the net asset value would have
been $14.39 and $16.71 per share at March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
As of March 31, 2001 and 2000, all outstanding options were "out of the
money" and would not have had a dilutive effect on net assets per share if
exercised, assuming the Fund would use the proceeds
16
from the exercise of such options to purchase shares at the market price
pursuant to the treasury stock method.
(10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Fund has made commitments to invest, under certain circumstances, up to
an additional $250,000 in The Bradshaw Group, $2,000,000 in Container Care
International, Inc., $93,500 in Equicom, Inc., $5,200,000 in Reliant Building
Products, Inc., $1,800,000 in Sternhill Partners I L.P., $768,686 in Turfgrass
America, Inc., and $2,400,000 in Vanguard VII, L.P. In addition, the Fund has
committed to invest up to $4,500,000 in one new company.
The Fund and certain of the portfolio companies are involved in asserted
claims and have the possibility for unasserted claims which may ultimately
affect the fair value of the Fund's portfolio investments. In the opinion of
Management, the financial position or operating results of the Fund will not be
materially affected by these claims.
On March 2, 2001, the Fund announced it would purchase up to 5% of its
outstanding shares of common stock in open market transactions, subject to
market conditions and limitations. As of March 31, 2001, the Fund had
repurchased 3,000 shares for $26,456, which is included in accounts payable at
March 31, 2001. The stock was repurchased at an average discount of 43.3% from
its net asset value.
(11) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, the Fund repaid a net $63,750,000 of notes
payable to the bank.
On April 5, 2001, the Fund advanced $56,500 to Equicom, Inc. pursuant to a
10% promissory note. On April 26, 2001, the Fund advanced $222,945 to The
Bradshaw Group in exchange for a 15% secured note receivable.
In April 2001, the Fund purchased 1,507,226 shares of preferred stock of
Turfgrass America, Inc. for $768,686.
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, the Fund repurchased an additional 63,200
shares of common stock for $572,001.
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, officers of the Fund surrendered options to
acquire 224,616 shares of common stock pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan back
to the Fund, and such options have been cancelled.
17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At March 31, 2001, the Fund had $82,504,000 of its assets invested in
portfolio securities of 28 companies, and has committed to invest up to an
additional $12,512,186 in eight of such companies, and $4,500,000 in one new
company under certain conditions. Current temporary cash investments,
anticipated future investment income, proceeds from borrowings, and proceeds
from the sale of existing portfolio securities are believed to be sufficient to
finance these commitments. At March 31, 2001, the Fund had $1,800,000
outstanding on a $32,500,000 revolving line of credit loan from a bank.
Net cash used by operating activities was $674,839 and $166,541 for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
At March 31, 2001, the Fund had $65,030,292 of its total assets of
$153,227,871 invested in temporary cash investments consisting of money market
securities. This amount includes proceeds of $65,000,000 from a $100,000,000
note payable to a bank that is utilized to enable the Fund to achieve adequate
diversification to maintain its pass-through tax status as a regulated
investment company. Such amount was repaid to the bank on April 2, 2001.
The Fund has the ability to borrow funds and issue forms of senior
securities representing indebtedness or stock, such as preferred stock, subject
to certain restrictions. Net investment income and net realized gains from the
sales of portfolio investments are intended to be distributed at least annually,
to the extent such amounts are not reserved for payment of contingencies or to
make follow-on or new investments. Management believes that the availability
under its line of credit, as well as the ability to sell its investments in
publicly traded securities, are adequate to provide payment for any expenses and
contingencies of the Fund.
The Fund reserves the right to retain net long-term capital gains in excess
of net short-term capital losses for reinvestment or to pay contingencies and
expenses. Such retained amounts, if any, will be taxable to the Fund as
long-term capital gains and stockholders will be able to claim their
proportionate share of the federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains
as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities. Stockholders will
also be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of their Fund shares by the
difference between their undistributed capital gains and their tax credit.
The Fund may repurchase its shares, subject to the restrictions of the
Investment Company Act. On February 6, 2001, the Board of Directors approved a
program to purchase up to 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund's common
stock, pursuant to which the Fund repurchased 3,000 shares for $26,456 through
March 31, 2001. Such stock was repurchased at an average discount of 43.3% from
its net asset value.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSE
Net investment income after all expenses amounted to $227,891 and $703,275
for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease
in net investment income in 2001 is due to a decrease in income from portfolio
securities and an increase in professional fees and director fees and expenses
and is offset by a decrease in interest expense. Income from portfolio
securities was $843,424 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and $1,695,481
for the comparable period in 2000.
18
The decrease is attributable to the interest received upon the repayment of the
notes from Video Rental of Pennsylvania, Inc. during the first quarter of 2000
and from interest no longer being accrued on notes receivable from certain
portfolio companies. Professional fees increased to $77,635 in 2001 from $53,171
in 2000 due to an increase in the 2001 annual fee paid to the New York Stock
Exchange and legal fees incurred in 2001 related to the sale of the Fund's
investment in Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings, Inc. Director fees and expenses
increased to $76,325 in 2001 from $59,383 in 2000 due to additional meetings
held in the first quarter of 2001. Interest expense decreased to $39,905 in 2001
from $389,681 in 2000 due to a decrease in the average daily balances
outstanding on the lines of credit to $7,473,889 during the three months ended
March 31, 2001 from $19,051,099 during the comparable period in 2000.
The Management Company receives management fee compensation at an annual
rate of 2% of the net assets of the Fund paid quarterly in arrears. Such fees
amounted to $429,199 and $505,962 during the three months ended March 31, 2001
and 2000, respectively. The decrease in management fees during the three months
ended March 31, 2001 was due to the decrease in net assets.
Shareholders have approved the Equus II Incorporated 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan ("Stock Incentive Plan") which authorizes the Fund to issue options to the
directors and officers of the Fund in an aggregate amount of up to 20% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund. Implementation of this plan was
subject to the receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC, which was received on
May 8, 1997. The Stock Incentive Plan also provides that each director who is
not an officer of the Fund is, on the first business day following each annual
meeting, granted an incentive stock option to purchase 2,000 shares of the
Fund's common stock.
Under the Stock Incentive Plan, options to purchase 306,773 and 294,773
shares of the Fund's common stock with a weighted average exercise price of
$18.71 and $19.07 per share were outstanding at March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Outstanding options at March 31, 2001 have exercise prices ranging
from $9.94 to $27.44 and expire in May 2007 through May 2010. On September 30,
1999, options to purchase 654,358 shares of common stock of the Fund were
exercised by the officers of the Fund for $17 per share. The exercise price of
$11,124,086 was paid in the form of promissory notes from the officers to the
Fund. The notes bear interest at 5.42% per annum, have limited recourse and are
due on or before September 30, 2008. The notes are secured by the 654,358
shares, including any proceeds or dividends paid thereon. During 2000 and 1999,
a dividend of $0.60 and $4.25 per share was paid by the Fund, respectively. As a
result of the 2000 and 1999 dividend, 42,723 and 135,608 additional shares were
issued to the officers and pledged to the Fund. In addition, principal payments
of $991,161, representing 58,304 shares, were made on the notes. As a result of
the additional shares issued and payments made, the notes are secured by 832,689
and 789,966 shares of common stock and the outstanding note balance is
$10,132,925 at March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The notes receivable, as well as 771,927 and 731,662 of such shares of
common stock, are not included in the Fund's net asset value per share as of
March 31, 2001 and 2000. The shares of stock financed by the notes from the
officers will be included in the net asset value per share as the shares are
paid for or released from collateral. Shares may be released as payments on the
notes are made or as the value of the collateral increases. Generally accepted
accounting principles require that the options issued to the officers be
accounted for using variable plan accounting due to the limited recourse
provision of such notes. Additionally, the dividends paid on the non-recourse
portion of the notes are required to be recorded as compensation expense in the
statements of operations, and interest recorded on the non-recourse portion of
the notes is required to be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in
capital. Accordingly, for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000,
interest of $111,972 was credited to additional paid-in capital. Additionally,
the limited recourse notes receivable from the officers are required to be
recorded as a reduction of net assets. If the notes and the shares were included
in the Fund's balance sheet, the net asset value would have been $14.39 and
$16.71 per share at March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
19
As of March 31, 2001 and 2000, all outstanding options were "out of the
money" and would not have had a dilutive effect on net assets per share if
exercised, assuming the Fund would use the proceeds from the exercise of such
options to repurchase shares at the market price pursuant to the treasury stock
method.
REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON SALES OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
During the three months ended March 31, 2001, the Fund realized net capital
gains of $3,202,098 from the sale of securities of one Portfolio Company and the
write-off of one Portfolio Company. The Fund sold its investment in Stephen L.
LaFrance Holdings, Inc. for $10,000,000, realizing a capital gain of $7,501,548.
In addition, the Fund wrote off its remaining shares of Paracelsus Healthcare
Corporation, realizing a capital loss of $4,299,450.
During the three months ended March 31, 2000, the Fund realized net capital
gains of $738,049 as a result of additional compensation related to the previous
sale of three Portfolio Companies. The Fund realized a capital gain of $680,636
as a result of additional compensation from the escrow account related to the
1998 sale of WMW Industries. The Fund realized a capital gain of $65,728 as a
result of additional compensation from the escrow account related to the 1999
sale of HTD Corporation. In addition, the Fund wrote off a receivable from
Restaurant Development Group realizing a capital loss of $8,315. In addition,
during the quarter, the Fund received proceeds from Video Rental of
Pennsylvania, Inc. in the amount of $3,722,349 for the outstanding notes payable
and $250,000 for the common and preferred stock and did not realize a capital
gain.
DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Net unrealized depreciation on investments increased $8,600,369 during the
three months ended March 31, 2000, from $818,963 to $9,419,332. Such increase
resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of securities of three of
the Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $2,395,000, decreases in the
estimated fair value of securities of seven of the Fund's Portfolio Companies
aggregating $8,272,359 and the transfer of $2,723,010 in net unrealized
appreciation to net realized gains from the sale or disposition of investments
in two of the Fund's Portfolio Companies.
Net unrealized depreciation on investments decreased $43,886 during the
three months ended March 31, 2000, from $1,100,588 to $1,056,702. Such net
decrease resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of securities of
seven of the Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $6,885,614 and decreases in
the estimated fair value of securities of five of the Fund's Portfolio Companies
aggregating $6,841,728.
DIVIDENDS
The Fund declared no dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2001
and 2000.
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
During the three months ended March 31, 2001, the Fund invested $1,120,236
in two new companies and made follow-on investments of $2,664,123 in five
portfolio companies, including $558,567 in accrued interest and dividends
received in the form of additional portfolio securities and accretion of
original issue discount on a promissory note.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2001, the Fund received an additional 3,244
and 729 shares of preferred stock of Container Acquisition, Inc and Sovereign
Business Forms, Inc. ("Sovereign") in
20
payment of $324,400 and $72,900 in dividends, respectively. In addition,
Sovereign elected to convert $131,267 of accrued interest into the balance of
the 15% promissory notes due to the Fund.
On February 7, 2001, the Fund invested an additional $300,000 in Sternhill
Partners I, L.P pursuant to a $3,000,000 commitment made in March 2000.
$1,200,000 of such commitment has been funded through March 31, 2001.
On February 9, 2001, the Fund invested $1,116,550 in American Trenchless
Technology, LLC, a company formed to acquire the stock of H&I Boring and
Tunneling, a Houston-based regional provider of infrastructure services
utilizing boring, tunneling and directional drilling technologies. The company
services the water, sewer, electrical and telecommunications industries. The
Fund's investment consists of 1,934,532 shares of common stock and 100,000
shares of preferred stock.
On February 9, 2001, the Fund invested $3,686 in Reliant Window Holdings,
LLC, ("RWH") a company formed to acquire 87.5% of Alenco Window Holdings, LLC
("AWH"). AWH acquired 73% of the fully-diluted stock of Alenco Holding
Corporation ("Alenco"), a company formed to purchase certain assets of Reliant
Building Products, Inc. ("RBPI") pursuant to a plan of reorganization confirmed
in bankruptcy court. The Fund's investment consisted of a 36.86% interest in
RWH. In addition, the Fund committed to invest up to an additional $5.2 million
in RWH under certain circumstances.
On March 26, 2001, the Fund invested an additional $1,805,556 in Summit/DPC
Partners to allow the partnership to provide a working capital loan to Doane Pet
Care Enterprises ("Doane"). Summit/DPC Partners received a promissory note and
warrants to acquire common stock of Doane in exchange for the loan.
During the first quarter of 2001, the original issue discount accretion on
the discounted 12% subordinated promissory note due from Turfgrass America, Inc.
("Turfgrass") amounted to $30,000, bringing the balance of the note to
$3,625,000 at March 31, 2001. The original issue discount is being accreted over
the life of the note.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, the Fund repaid a net $63,750,000 of notes
payable to the bank.
On April 5, 2001, the Fund advanced $56,500 to Equicom, Inc. pursuant to a
10% promissory note. On April 26, 2001, the Fund advanced $222,945 to The
Bradshaw Group in exchange for a 15% secured note receivable.
In April 2001, the Fund purchased 1,507,226 shares of preferred stock of
Turfgrass America, Inc. for $768,686.
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, the Fund repurchased an additional 63,200
shares of common stock for $572,001.
Subsequent to March 31, 2001, officers of the Fund surrendered options to
acquire 224,616 shares of common stock pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan back
to the Fund, and such options have been cancelled.
21
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Fund is subject to financial market risks, including changes in
interest rates with respect to its investments in debt securities and its
outstanding debt payable, as well as changes in marketable equity security
prices. The Fund does not use derivative financial instruments to mitigate any
of these risks. The return on the Fund's investments is generally not affected
by foreign currency fluctuations.
The Fund's investment in portfolio securities consists of some fixed rate
debt securities. Since the debt securities are generally priced at a fixed rate,
changes in interest rates do not directly impact interest income. In addition,
changes in market interest rates are not typically a significant factor in the
Fund's determination of fair value of these debt securities. The Fund's debt
securities are generally held to maturity and their fair values are determined
on the basis of the terms of the debt security and the financial condition of
the issuer.
The Fund's liabilities consist of debt payable to a financial institution.
The revolving credit facilities are priced at floating rates of interest, with a
basis of LIBOR or prime rate at the Fund's option. As a result of the floating
rate, a change in interest rates could result in either an increase or decrease
in the Fund's interest expense.
A portion of the Fund's investment portfolio consists of debt and equity
investments in private companies. The Fund would anticipate no impact on these
investments from modest changes in public market equity prices. However, should
significant changes in market equity prices occur, there could be a longer-term
effect on valuations of private companies, which could affect the carrying value
and the amount and timing of gains realized on these investments. A portion of
the Fund's investment portfolio also consists of common stocks and warrants to
purchase common stock in publicly traded companies. These investments are
directly exposed to equity price risk, in that a hypothetical ten percent change
in these equity prices would result in a similar percentage change in the fair
value of these securities.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS
10. Material Contracts
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Fund during the period for which
this report is filed.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 14, 2001 EQUUS II INCORPORATED
/s/ Nolan Lehmann
------------------------------------
Nolan Lehmann
President and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
22