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, 2003 or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission File Number 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
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ]
There were 6,233,021 shares of the registrant's common stock, $.001 par value,
outstanding, as of May 13, 2003. The net asset value of a share at March 31,
2003 was $12.79.
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
(A Delaware Corporation)
INDEX
PAGE
----
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Balance Sheets
- March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002............................1
Statements of Operations
- For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002..............2
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
- For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002..............3
Statements of Cash Flows
- For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002..............4
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios
- For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 .............6
Schedule of Portfolio Securities
- March 31, 2003..................................................7
Notes to Financial Statements....................................13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations..............................20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk........25
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Controls and Procedures..........................................25
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.................................26
SIGNATURE.....................................................................27
ii
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2002
(Unaudited)
2003 2002
------------ ------------
Assets
Investments in portfolio securities at fair value
(cost $82,088,042 and $92,611,224, respectively) $ 87,382,558 $ 87,194,210
Restricted cash & temporary investments, at cost which
approximates fair value 55,432,419 58,000,000
Cash 4,852 442
Temporary cash investments, at cost which approximates
fair value 526,011 516,236
Accounts receivable 15,367 15,330
Accrued interest receivable 3,037,650 2,610,639
------------ ------------
Total assets 146,398,857 148,336,857
------------ ------------
Liabilities and net assets
Liabilities:
Accounts payable 116,881 200,882
Due to management company 783,450 384,880
Revolving line of credit 10,825,000 12,775,000
Brokerage margin account obligation 54,959,521 --
Line of credit promissory note -- 58,000,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 66,684,852 71,360,762
------------ ------------
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, 6,233,021 shares outstanding 6,233 6,233
Additional paid-in capital 82,496,540 82,496,540
Undistributed net investment losses (296,815) (423,919)
Undistributed net capital gains (losses) (7,786,469) 314,255
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio
securities, net 5,294,516 (5,417,014)
------------ ------------
Total net assets $ 79,714,005 $ 76,976,095
============ ============
Net assets per share $ 12.79 $ 12.35
============ ============
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, 2003 AND 2002
(Unaudited)
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Investment income:
Interest income from portfolio securities $ 803,598 $ 490,281
Dividend income from portfolio securities 43,000 756,703
Interest from temporary cash investments 2,408 10,067
----------- -----------
Total investment income 849,366 1,257,051
----------- -----------
Expenses:
Management fees 398,570 393,151
Director fees and expenses 54,555 61,556
Professional fees 67,125 40,953
Administrative fees 12,500 12,500
Mailing, printing and other expenses 6,448 9,774
Interest expense 183,064 154,314
Non-cash compensation expense -- 41,859
Franchise taxes -- 36,860
----------- -----------
Total expenses 722,262 750,967
----------- -----------
Net investment income 127,104 506,084
----------- -----------
Realized loss on sales of portfolio securities, net (8,100,724) (666,922)
----------- -----------
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of portfolio securities, net:
End of period 5,294,516 (2,710,696)
Beginning of period (5,417,014) (4,492,995)
----------- -----------
Increase in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net 10,711,530 1,782,299
----------- -----------
Total increase in net assets from operations $ 2,737,910 $ 1,621,461
=========== ===========
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, 2003 AND 2002
(Unaudited)
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Operations:
Net investment income $ 127,104 $ 506,084
Realized loss on sales of portfolio securities, net (8,100,724) (666,922)
Decrease in unrealized depreciation of portfolio
securities, net 10,711,530 1,782,299
----------- -----------
Increase in net assets from operations 2,737,910 1,621,461
----------- -----------
Capital Transactions:
Non-cash compensation expense -- 41,859
----------- -----------
Increase in net assets from capital transactions -- 41,859
----------- -----------
Increase in net assets 2,737,910 1,663,320
Net assets at beginning of period 76,976,095 76,966,831
----------- -----------
Net assets at end of period $79,714,005 $78,630,151
=========== ===========
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, 2003 AND 2002
(Unaudited)
2003 2002
------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Interest and dividends received $ 95,411 $ 591,796
Cash paid to management company, directors,
bank and suppliers (407,692) (753,777)
------------ ------------
Net cash used by operating activities (312,281) (161,981)
------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of portfolio securities (375,000) (3,114,329)
Proceeds from sales of portfolio securities 1,159,854 4,844,558
Principal payments from portfolio securities 1,964,547 --
Sales (purchases) of restricted cash & temporary investments, net 2,567,581 (1,000,000)
Advances to portfolio companies (37) (109)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 5,316,945 730,120
------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under brokerage margin account 54,959,521 --
Advances from bank 375,000 64,900,000
Repayments to bank (60,325,000) (64,575,000)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (4,990,479) 325,000
------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 14,185 893,139
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 516,678 33,677
------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 530,863 $ 926,816
============ ============
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, 2003 AND 2002
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
2003 2002
------------ -----------
Reconciliation of increase in net assets from operations
to net cash used by operating activities:
Increase in net assets from operations $ 2,737,910 $ 1,621,461
Adjustments to reconcile increase in net assets from
operations to net cash used by operating activities:
Realized loss on sales of portfolio securities, net 8,100,724 666,922
Decrease in unrealized depreciation, net (10,711,530) (1,782,299)
Accrued interest and dividends exchanged for
portfolio securities (326,943) (415,371)
Increase in accrued interest receivable (427,011) (249,883)
Non-cash compensation expense -- 41,859
Decrease in accounts payable (84,001) (52,987)
Increase in due to management company 398,570 8,317
------------ -----------
Net cash used by operating activities $ (312,281) $ (161,981)
============ ===========
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, 2003 AND 2002
(Unaudited)
2003 2002
------ ------
Investment income $ 0.13 $ 0.20
Expenses 0.11 0.12
------ ------
Net investment income 0.02 0.08
Realized loss on sale of portfolio securities, net (1.30) (0.11)
Decrease in unrealized depreciation of portfolio securities, net 1.72 0.29
------ ------
Increase in net assets from operations 0.44 0.26
------ ------
Capital Transactions:
Non-cash compensation expense -- 0.01
------ ------
Increase in net assets from capital transactions -- 0.01
------ ------
Net increase in net assets 0.44 0.27
Net assets at beginning of period 12.35 12.35
------ ------
Net assets at end of period $12.79 $12.62
====== ======
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during year,
in thousands 6,233 6,233
Market value $ 6.91 $ 7.82
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.92% 0.97%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.16% 0.65%
Ratio of increase in net assets from operations to average net assets 3.49% 2.08%
Total return on market price 4.07% 0.39%
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
6
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
Date of
Portfolio Company Initial Investment Cost Fair Value
----------------- ------------------ --------- ----------
Alenco Window Holdings II, LLC January 2002
Manufacturer & distributor of alumimnum
and vinyl windows
-24% membership interest $ 227 $3,200,000
American Trenchless Technology, LLC February 2001
Boring, tunneling and directional drilling
-100,000 shares of preferred stock 1,208,144 --
-1,934,532 shares of common stock 116,550 --
-50% membership interest in Glendale, LLC 300,000 300,000
The Bradshaw Group May 2000
Sells and services midrange and high-speed
printing equipment
-Prime + 2% promissory note with a face amount -- --
of $398,383 /(2)/
-15% promissory note /(2)/ 459,545 --
-1,335,000 shares of preferred stock 1,335,000 --
-Warrant to buy 2,229,450 shares of common
stock for $0.01 through May 2008 1 --
Champion Window Holdings, Inc. March 1999
Manufacturer & distributor of residential windows
-1,400,000 shares of common stock 1,400,000 18,800,000
CMC Investments, LLC December 2001
Manufacturer of oil and gas drilling rigs
-21% membership interest 781,805 232,358
-4,432 shares of Weatherford International
common stock 256,806 167,397
Container Acquisition, Inc. February 1997
Shipping container repair & storage
-78,318 shares of preferred stock 7,831,800 1,500,000
-Conditional warrant to buy up to 370,588 shares
of common stock at $0.01 through February 2007 1,000 --
-1,370,000 shares of common stock 1,370,000 --
-85% membership interest in CCI-ANI
Finance, LLC 1,571,000 2,000,000
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
7
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Date of
Portfolio Company Initial Investment Cost Fair Value
----------------- ------------------ ---------- ----------
Doane PetCare Enterprises, Inc. October 1995
(formerly Summit/DPC Partners, L.P.)
Manufacturer of private label pet food
-1,943,598 shares of common stock $3,936,643 $5,000,000
The Drilltec Corporation August 1998
Provides protection & packaging for pipe & tubing
-Prime + 9.75% promissory note /(2)/ 1,000,000 --
ENGlobal, Inc. (AMEX; ENG) December 2001
(formerly Industrial Data Systems Corporation)
Engineering and consulting services
-9.5% promissory note /(1)/ 2,670,000 2,670,000
-2,588,000 shares of convertible preferred stock /(1)(3)/ 2,588,000 2,588,000
-1,225,758 shares of common stock 716,461 1,637,398
-Options to acquire 200,000 shares of common stock -- --
Equicom, Inc. July 1997
Radio stations
-10% promissory notes 3,191,730 3,191,730
-657,611 shares of preferred stock 6,576,110 --
-452,000 shares of common stock 141,250 --
Equipment Support Services, Inc. December 1999
Equipment rental
-8% promissory note /(2)/ 1,138,000 --
-35,000 shares of preferred stock 1,929,000 --
-35,000 shares of common stock 101,500 --
GCS RE, Inc. February 1989
Investment in real estate
- 1,000 shares of common stock 320,924 600,000
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
8
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Date of
Portfolio Company Initial Investment Cost Fair Value
----------------- ------------------ ---------- ----------
Jones Industrial Services, Inc. July 1998
(formerly United Industrial Services, Inc.)
Field service for petrochemical & power
generation industries
-35,000 shares of preferred stock $3,500,000 $2,500,000
-Warrant to buy 63,637 shares of common stock
at $0.01 through June 2008 100 --
NCI Building Systems, Inc. (NYSE: NCS) April 1989
Design & manufacture metal buildings
-200,000 shares of common stock 159,784 3,102,000
PalletOne, Inc. October 2001
Wooden pallet manufacturer
-3,465,000 shares of preferred stock /(1)(3)/ 3,465,000 3,500,000
-350,000 shares of common stock 350,000 --
Reliant Window Holdings, LLC February 2001
Manufacturer & distributor of aluminum & vinyl windows
-36.86% membership interest 372,256 4,800,000
Sovereign Business Forms, Inc. August 1996
Business forms manufacturer
-15% promissory notes /(1)(3)/ 3,923,366 3,923,366
-19,561 shares of preferred stock /(1)(3)/ 1,956,100 1,735,000
-Warrant to buy 551,894 shares of common stock
at $1 per share through August 2006 -- --
-Warrant to buy 25,070 shares of common stock
at $1.25 per share through October 2007 -- --
-Warrant to buy 273,450 shares of common stock
at $1 per share through October 2009 -- --
Spectrum Management, LLC December 1999
Business & personal property protection
-285,000 units of Class A equity interest 2,850,000 2,850,000
-16% subordinated promissory note /(1)/ 1,303,698 1,303,698
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
9
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Date of
Portfolio Company Initial Investment Cost Fair Value
----------------- ------------------ ----------- -----------
Sternhill Partners I, LP March 2000
Venture capital fund
-3% limited partnership interest $ 1,801,604 $ 650,000
Strategic Holdings, Inc. September 1995
Processor of recycled glass
-15% promissory note 6,750,000 6,750,000
-3,822,157 shares of Series B preferred stock 3,820,624 3,820,624
-Warrant to buy 225,000 shares of common
stock at $0.4643 per share through August 2005 -- 98,000
-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 -- 2,035,000
-3,089,751 shares of common stock 3,088,389 2,867,000
-15% promissory note of SMIP, Inc. 175,000 175,000
-1,000 shares of SMIP, Inc. common stock 150,000 24,000
Turfgrass America, Inc. May 1999
Grows, sells & installs warm season turfgrasses
-12% subordinated promissory note 288,580 288,580
-12% subordinated promissory note 502,035 502,035
-12% subordinated promissory note
with a face amount of $4,000,000 /(3)/ 3,821,372 3,821,372
-1,507,226 shares of convertible preferred stock 768,638 --
-Warrants to buy 250,412 shares of common
stock at $0.51 per share through April 2010 -- --
-211,184 shares of common stock 600,000 --
Vanguard VII, L.P. June 2000
Venture capital fund
-1.3% limited partnership interest 1,500,000 750,000
----------- -----------
Total $82,088,042 $87,382,558
=========== ===========
(1) Income-producing. All other securities are considered non-income producing.
(2) As of March 31, 2003, the Fund has reduced the fair value of these notes to
zero and has discontinued recognizing any additional interest income on
these notes due to conditions specific to the respective Portfolio
Companies. However, the Portfolio Companies are still liable for such notes
and related interest, and they may be collected in the future.
(3) Income on these securities is paid-in-kind by the issuance of additional
securities or through the accretion of original issue discount.
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
10
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
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 American Trenchless Technology, LLC,
Champion Window Holdings, Inc., Container Acquisition, Inc., The Drilltec
Corporation, Jones Industrial Services, Inc. Sovereign Business Forms, Inc.,
Strategic Holdings, Inc. and Turfgrass America, 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, 2003, the
Fund was considered to have a controlling interest in Champion Window Holdings,
Inc., Container Acquisition, Inc., The Drilltec Corporation, Equicom, Inc.,
PalletOne, Inc., Reliant Window Holdings, LLC, Sovereign Business Forms, Inc.,
Spectrum Management LLC, and Strategic Holdings, Inc. The fair value of the
Fund's investment in ENGlobal, Inc. includes a discount of $654,770 from the
closing market price to reflect the estimated effect of restrictions on the sale
of such securities at March 31, 2003.
Income was earned in the amount of $522,868 and $929,273 for the three
months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, on portfolio securities of
companies in which the Fund has a controlling interest. Income was earned in the
amount of $250,032 and $179,876 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively, on portfolio securities of companies that are affiliates of
the Fund but are not controlled by the Fund.
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, all of the Fund's
investments are in eligible portfolio companies except Sternhill Partners I,
L.P. and Vanguard VII, L.P. The Fund provides significant managerial assistance
to all of the portfolio companies in which it has invested, except Doane PetCare
Enterprises, Inc. ("Doane"), Equipment Support Services, Inc., Sternhill
Partners I, L.P., and Vanguard VII, L.P. The Fund provides significant
managerial assistance to portfolio companies that comprise 93% of the total
value of the investments in portfolio companies at March 31, 2003.
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
11
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The investments in portfolio securities held by the Fund are not
geographically diversified. All of the Fund's portfolio companies (except for
Doane, PalletOne, Inc. 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, 2003:
Percentage
Type of Securities Cost Fair Value of Fair Value
------------------ ----------- ----------- -------------
Common Stock $12,965,112 $32,365,154 37.1%
Secured and Subordinated Debt 25,223,326 22,625,780 25.9%
Preferred Stock 34,978,416 15,642,624 17.9%
Limited Liability Company Investments 5,618,483 13,215,000 15.1%
Options and Warrants 1,101 2,133,000 2.4%
Limited Partnership Investments 3,301,604 1,400,000 1.6%
----------- ----------- -----
Total $82,088,042 $87,382,558 100.0%
=========== =========== =====
The following is a summary by industry of the Fund's investments as of
March 31, 2003:
Industry Fair Value Percentage
-------- ----------- ----------
Business products and Services $ 9,812,064 11.2%
Commercial Building Products 3,102,000 3.5%
Consumer Goods 5,000,000 5.7%
Energy 399,755 0.5%
Engineering and Consulting Services 6,895,398 7.9%
Industrial Products and Services 18,569,624 21.2%
Media 3,191,730 3.7%
Residential Building Products 26,800,000 30.7%
Shipping Products and Services 7,000,000 8.0%
Turfgrass and Landscape Products 4,611,987 5.3%
Venture Funds and Other 2,000,000 2.3%
----------- -----
Total $87,382,558 100.0%
=========== =====
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of these financial statements
12
EQUUS II INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2003 AND 2002
(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. For tax purposes, the Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated
investment company ("RIC"). The Fund has entered into a management agreement
with Equus Capital Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Management Company").
(2) Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Liquidity and Revolving Line of Credit - The Fund has a $11,965,000
revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. that expires on June 1,
2003. The Fund uses its revolving line of credit for liquidity to pay operating
expenses of the Fund and for new and follow-on investments in portfolio
securities. The Fund had $10,825,000 outstanding under this line of credit at
March 31, 2003, which is collateralized by the Fund's investments in portfolio
securities. As of May 13, 2003, the Fund's availability under the revolving line
of credit is approximately $1,090,000.
The line of credit, as amended, provides that any proceeds received from
the sale of portfolio securities or from repayments by Portfolio Companies of
the principal amount of loans must be used to pay down the line of credit. As
such payments are made, the Fund's availability under the facility is reduced by
a corresponding amount. The lender has asked the Fund to take steps to pay off
the line of credit. Accordingly, the Fund is currently in discussions with
interested parties regarding the sale of certain portfolio securities at values
that could enable the Fund to repay the line of credit. The Fund is also
pursuing arrangements to refinance the line of credit with another lender and
has approached the current lender for another extension of the due date. There
can be no assurance that the Fund can sell securities sufficient to pay off the
line of credit, extend the existing line of credit or obtain a replacement
facility by June 1, 2003. Should the Fund be unable to repay the line of credit,
extend it or refinance it with another lender, portfolio securities may be
required to be sold and such sales may be at values that are materially less
than the Management Company's estimates of fair value.
Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be called on to make follow-on
investments in certain Portfolio Companies. The Fund has guaranteed obligations
to financial institutions on behalf of Reliant
13
Window Holdings, LLC ("RWH"), Equicom, Inc. ("Equicom") and SMIP, Inc. ("SMIP")
in the respective amounts of $1,439,000, $683,520 and $420,000. RWH is currently
servicing its obligations to the financial institution, and the Management
Company does not expect the Fund to be required to provide funding under this
guarantee. The Fund has made loans to Equicom from time to time to enable the
company to service its debt, but the Management Company does not expect the Fund
to advance more than $100,000 for the last three quarters in 2003 for such
purpose. In addition, the Fund has committed to invest up to $5,550,000 in the
two venture capital funds in its portfolio. At March 31, 2003, $3,330,000 of
such amount had been funded. The Management Company does not expect the Fund to
advance more than $700,000 of its remaining commitments to the venture capital
funds in 2003. If the Fund does not have sufficient funds to make follow-on
investments, the portfolio company in need of the investment may be negatively
impacted. Also, the Fund's equity interest in and its estimated fair value of
the portfolio company could be reduced.
The interest rate on the line of credit is currently prime + 4%. 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 line of
credit during the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 was $12,076,389 and
$10,520,556, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2003 and
2002, the amount of interest paid in cash was $191,192 and $126,900,
respectively. The line of credit restricts the Fund's ability to incur
additional indebtedness, pay dividends, merge with another entity, dispose of
assets outside the ordinary course of business and engage in certain
transactions with affiliates.
RIC Borrowings, Restricted Cash and Temporary Investments - The Fund had a
$100,000,000 line of credit promissory note with Bank of America N.A. through
January 1, 2003, with interest payable at 1/2% over the rate earned on its money
market account. Because of the nature and size of its portfolio investments, the
Fund periodically borrowed money under this line of credit promissory note to
make qualifying investments to maintain its tax status as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund had $58,000,000
outstanding on such note at December 31, 2002, which was collateralized by
restricted temporary cash investments of $58,000,000. Pursuant to the terms of
the note, the Fund is required to repay the outstanding borrowings within five
business days of the initial borrowing date. The Fund repaid the outstanding
quarter end borrowings within this time period.
The Fund's line of credit promissory note expired on January 1, 2003.
During March 2003, the Fund borrowed $54,959,521 to make qualifying investments
to maintain its RIC status by utilizing an established margin account with a
securities brokerage firm. The Fund collateralized such borrowings with
restricted cash and temporary investments of $55,432,419 and other portfolio
securities of $3,274,189 in the margin account. The U.S. Treasury bills were
sold, and the total amount borrowed was repaid on April 1, 2003. The Management
Company believes the Fund will be able to use this financing arrangement to
maintain its RIC status. However, there is no assurance that such arrangement
will be available to the Fund in the future. If the Fund is unable to borrow
funds in the future to make qualifying investments, the Fund may no longer
qualify as a RIC. Failure to continue to qualify as a RIC could be material to
the Fund's shareholders in that the Fund would be subject to corporate income
tax on its net investment income and net realized gains and distributions to
shareholders would be subject to income tax as ordinary dividends.
(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. Valuations of portfolio securities are performed in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
14
United States and the financial reporting policies of the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The applicable methods prescribed by such
principles and policies are described below:
Publicly-traded portfolio securities - Investments in companies whose
securities are publicly traded are valued at their quoted market price at the
close of business on the valuation date, less a discount to reflect the
estimated effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities ("Valuation
Discount"), if applicable.
Privately-held portfolio securities - The fair value of investments for
which no market exists (including 96% of the investments of the Fund at March
31, 2003) is determined on the basis of procedures established in good faith by
the Board of Directors of the Fund. As a general principle, the current "fair
value" of an investment is the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to
receive for it upon its current sale, in an orderly manner. Appraisal valuations
are necessarily subjective and the Management Company's estimate of values may
differ materially from amounts actually received upon the disposition of
portfolio securities
Generally, cost is the primary factor used to determine fair value until
significant developments affecting the Portfolio Company (such as results of
operations or changes in general market conditions) 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. Appraisal valuations are based upon such
factors as a Portfolio Company's earnings, cash flow and net worth, the market
prices for similar securities of comparable companies, an assessment of the
company's current and future financial prospects and various other factors and
assumptions. In the case of unsuccessful operations, the appraisal may be based
upon liquidation value.
Most of the Fund's common equity investments are appraised at a multiple of
historical free cash flow generated by the Portfolio Company in its most recent
fiscal year, less outstanding funded indebtedness and other senior securities
such as preferred stock. Projections of current year free cash flow may be
utilized and adjustments for non-recurring items are considered. Multiples
utilized are estimated based on the Management Company's experience in the
private company marketplace, and are necessarily subjective in nature. Most of
the Portfolio Companies utilize a high degree of leverage. The banking
environment currently has resulted in pressure on several of these Portfolio
Companies to reduce the amount of leverage in order to maintain such financing.
From time to time, Portfolio Companies are in default of certain covenants in
their loan agreements. When the Management Company has a reasonable belief that
the Portfolio Company will be able to restructure the loan agreements to adjust
for any defaults, the Portfolio Company's securities continue to be valued
assuming that the company is a going concern. In the event a Portfolio Company
cannot generate adequate cash flow to meet the principal and interest payments
on such indebtedness or is not successful in refinancing the debt upon its
maturity, the Fund's investment could be reduced or eliminated through
foreclosure on the Portfolio Company's assets or the Portfolio Company's
reorganization or bankruptcy.
The Fund may also use, when available, third-party transactions in a
Portfolio Company's securities as the basis of valuation (the "private market
method"). The private market method will be used only with respect to completed
transactions or firm offers made by sophisticated, independent investors.
The fair 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. Certificates of deposit purchased by the
Fund generally will be valued at their face value, plus interest accrued to the
date of valuation.
15
Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio
securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, amounting to
$84,113,200 (including $1,637,398 in publicly-traded securities, net of a
$654,770 Valuation Discount) and $82,653,260 (including $1,230,650 in
publicly-traded securities, net of a $228,003 Valuation Discount) at March 31,
2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively, the Fund's estimate of fair value may
materially differ from the 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 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.
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.
Federal Income Taxes - The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company
and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise taxable
income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to
shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is recorded in
the financial statements. The Fund borrows money from time to time to maintain
its tax status under the Internal Revenue Code as a RIC. See Note 2 for further
discussion of the Fund's RIC borrowings.
Stock-Based Compensation - The Fund accounts for stock-based compensation
using the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of APB No.
25. Had the Fund accounted for the options using the fair value method under
SFAS 123, the decrease in net assets from operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, would have been:
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Increase in net assets from operations, as reported $2,737,910 $1,621,461
Stock-based employee compensation expense included
in increase in net assets from operations -- 41,859
Stock-based employee compensation expense
determined using fair value method (18,636) (26,726)
---------- ----------
Pro forma increase in net assets from operations $2,719,274 $1,636,594
========== ==========
(4) Management
The Fund has entered into a management agreement with 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, 2003 and
2002. The management fees paid by the Fund represent the
16
Management Company's primary source of revenue and support. 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 $20,000 paid quarterly in
arrears, a fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended in
person, a fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended, 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 8). 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. Additionally, two officers of the Management Company serve as directors
of the Fund.
The Management Agreement will continue in effect until June 30, 2003, and
from year-to-year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least
annually by (i) a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund or
(ii) a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund,
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Management
Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by
a vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund or the holders of a majority of the
Fund's shares on 60 days' written notice to the Management Company, and would
automatically terminate in the event of its "assignment" (as defined in the
Investment Company Act).
(5) Federal Income Tax Matters
The Fund is required to make distributions of any net taxable investment
income on an annual basis, and may elect to distribute or retain net taxable
realized capital gains. The Internal Revenue Service approved the Fund's
request, effective October 31, 1998, to change its year-end for determining
capital gains for purposes of Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code from
December 31 to October 31.
The Fund was not required to make any distributions for 2002 under income
tax regulations. As of December 31, 2002, the Fund had a capital loss
carryforward of $2,218,000, which may be used to offset future taxable capital
gains. If not utilized, the loss carryforward will expire in 2006.
(6) Dividends
The Fund declared no dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2003
and 2002.
(7) Portfolio Securities
During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Fund made follow-on
investments of $701,943 in five companies, including $326,943 in accrued
interest and dividends in the form of additional portfolio securities and
accretion of original issue discount on promissory notes. In addition, the Fund
realized a net capital loss of $8,100,724 during the three months ended March
31, 2003.
During the three months ended March 31, 2002, the Fund invested $483,749 in
one new company and made follow-on investments of $3,045,952 in eight companies,
including $415,372 in accrued interest and dividends in the form of additional
portfolio securities and accretion of original issue discount on promissory
notes. In addition, the Fund realized a net capital loss of $666,922 during the
three months ended March 31, 2002.
17
(8) 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. The Stock Incentive Plan
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 2,200 shares of the Fund's common stock. Options are issued to the
officers of the Fund at the discretion of the compensation committee in
accordance with the Stock Incentive Plan. The options have a ten year life and
vest 50% six months after the grant date and 16 2/3% on the first, second and
third anniversaries of the date of the grant.
Under the Stock Incentive Plan, options to purchase 1,086,800 and 1,073,600
shares of the Fund's common stock with a weighted average exercise price of
$8.42 and $8.43 per share were outstanding at March 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Of these options, 743,588 and 70,388 shares, with a weighted
average exercise price per share of $8.75 and $18.60 were exercisable at March
31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of the outstanding options at March 31, 2003,
1,027,400 have exercise prices ranging from $7.60 to $14.15 and the remaining
options have exercise prices ranging from $21.82 to $24.95. These options expire
in May 2007 through November 2011.
In April 2001, officers of the Fund surrendered options to acquire 247,077
shares of common stock pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan back to the Fund,
and such options were cancelled. On May 4, 2001, options to acquire a total of
13,200 shares at $8.4455 per share were issued to the non-officer directors. In
addition, on November 14, 2001, options to acquire a total of 990,000 shares at
$7.69 per share (market price on date of grant) were issued to officers of the
Fund. These options include dividend equivalent rights. Generally accepted
accounting principles require that the options be accounted for using variable
plan accounting as a result of terms of the dividend equivalent rights. The Fund
is currently discussing with the Securities and Exchange Commission whether a
business development company is authorized to issue dividend equivalent rights
with options. Since November 2001, no cash dividends have been declared by the
Fund. Consequently, no amounts have accumulated to the option holders related to
the dividend equivalent rights. Variable plan accounting resulted in additional
non-cash compensation expense of $41,859 during the quarter ended March 31,
2002, related to the 990,000 options issued in 2001.
As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, 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 had used the proceeds from the exercise of
such options to repurchase shares at the market price pursuant to the treasury
stock method.
(9) Subsequent Events
On April 1, 2003, the Fund sold the U.S. Treasury bills for $54,964,465 and
repaid the margin loan.
In April and May 2003, the Fund sold 4,432 shares of common stock of
Weatherford International, Inc. for $183,005, realizing a capital loss of
$73,829.
On May 9, 2003, the Independent Directors approved an extension of the
Management Agreement through June 30, 2004.
18
On May 13, 2003, the Fund advanced $75,000 to Equicom, Inc. pursuant to a
10% promissory note, thereby reducing the guarantee commitment to Equicom's
lender by a like amount.
19
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
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. Valuations of portfolio securities are preformed in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and the financial reporting policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). The applicable methods prescribed by such principles and policies are
described below:
Publicly-traded portfolio securities - Investments in companies whose
securities are publicly traded are valued at their quoted market price at the
close of business on the valuation date, less a discount to reflect the
estimated effects of restrictions on the sale of such securities ("Valuation
Discount"), if applicable.
Privately-held portfolio securities - The fair value of investments for
which no market exists (96% of the investments held by the Fund at March 31,
2003) is determined on the basis of procedures established in good faith by the
Board of Directors of the Fund. As a general principle, the current "fair value"
of an investment would be the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive
for it upon its current sale, in an orderly manner. Appraisal valuations are
necessarily subjective and the Management Company's estimate of values may
differ materially from amounts actually received upon the disposition of
portfolio securities
Generally, cost is the primary factor used to determine fair value until
significant developments affecting the Portfolio Company (such as results of
operations or changes in general market conditions) 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. Appraisal valuations are based upon such
factors as a Portfolio Company's earnings, cash flow and net worth, the market
prices for similar securities of comparable companies, an assessment of the
company's current and future financial prospects and various other factors and
assumptions. In the case of unsuccessful operations, the appraisal may be based
upon liquidation value.
Most of the Fund's common equity investments are appraised at a multiple of
historical free cash flow generated by the Portfolio Company in its most recent
fiscal year, less outstanding funded indebtedness and other senior securities
such as preferred stock. Projections of current year free cash flow may be
utilized and adjustments for non-recurring items are considered. Multiples
utilized are estimated based on the Management Company's experience in the
private company marketplace, and are necessarily subjective in nature. Most of
the Portfolio Companies utilize a high degree of leverage. The banking
environment currently has resulted in pressure on several of these Companies to
reduce the amount of leverage in order to maintain such financing. From time to
time, Portfolio Companies are in default of certain covenants in their loan
agreements. When the Management Company has a reasonable belief that the
Portfolio Company will be able to restructure the loan agreements to adjust for
any defaults, the Portfolio Company's securities continue to be valued assuming
that the company is a going concern. In the event a Portfolio Company cannot
generate adequate cash flow to meet the principal and interest payments on such
indebtedness or is not successful in refinancing the debt upon its maturity, the
Fund's investment could be reduced or eliminated through foreclosure on the
Portfolio Company's assets or the Portfolio Company's reorganization or
bankruptcy.
The Fund may also use, when available, third-party transactions in a
Portfolio Company's securities as the basis of valuation (the "private market
method"). The private market method will be
20
used only with respect to completed transactions or firm offers made by
sophisticated, independent investors.
The fair 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. Certificates of deposit purchased by the
Fund generally will be valued at their face value, plus interest accrued to the
date of valuation.
Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio
securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, the Fund's
estimate of fair value may materially differ from the value that would have been
used had a ready market existed for the securities.
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.
Federal Income Taxes - The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company
and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise taxable
income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to
shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is recorded in
the financial statements. The Fund borrows money from time to time to maintain
its tax status under the Internal Revenue Code as a RIC. See Note 2 for further
discussion of the Fund's RIC borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 2003, the Fund had $87,382,558 of its assets invested in
portfolio securities of 19 companies and two venture capital funds.
The Fund has a $11,965,000 revolving line of credit with Bank of America,
N.A. that expires on June 1, 2003. The Fund uses its revolving line of credit
for liquidity to pay operating expenses of the Fund and for new and follow-on
investments in portfolio securities. The Fund had $10,825,000 outstanding under
this line of credit at March 31, 2003, which is collateralized by the Fund's
investments in portfolio securities. As of May 13, 2003, the Fund's availability
under the revolving line of credit is approximately $1,090,000.
The line of credit, as amended, provides that any proceeds received from
the sale of portfolio securities or from repayments by portfolio companies of
the principal amount of loans must be used to pay down the line of credit. As
such payments are made, the Fund's availability under the facility is reduced by
a corresponding amount. The line of credit also restricts the Fund's ability to
incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, merge with another entity, dispose
of assets outside the ordinary course of business and engage in certain
transactions with affiliates.
The lender has asked the Fund to take steps to pay off the line of credit.
Accordingly, the Fund is currently in discussions with interested parties
regarding the sale of certain portfolio securities at values that could enable
the Fund to repay the line of credit. The Fund is also pursuing arrangements to
refinance the line of credit with another lender and has approached the current
lender for another extension of the due date. There can be no assurance that the
Fund can sell securities sufficient to pay off the line of credit, extend the
existing line of credit or obtain a replacement facility by June 1, 2003. Should
the Fund be unable to repay the line of credit, extend it or refinance it with
another lender, portfolio securities may be required to be sold and such sales
may be at values that are materially less than Management's estimates of fair
value.
21
Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be called on to make follow-on
investments in certain Portfolio Companies. The Fund has guaranteed obligations
to financial institutions on behalf of Reliant Window Holdings, LLC ("RWH"),
Equicom, Inc. ("Equicom") and SMIP, Inc. ("SMIP") in the respective amounts of
$1,439,000, $683,520 and $420,000. RWH is currently servicing its obligations to
the financial institution, and the Management Company does not expect the Fund
to be required to provide funding under this guarantee. The Fund has made loans
to Equicom from time to time to enable the company to service its debt, but the
Management Company does not expect the Fund to advance more than $100,000 for
the last three quarters in 2003 for such purpose. In addition, the Fund has
committed to invest up to $5,550,000 in the two venture capital funds in its
portfolio. At March 31, 2003, $3,330,000 of such amount had been funded. The
Management Company does not expect the Fund to advance more than $700,000 of its
remaining commitments to the venture capital funds in 2003. If the Fund does not
have sufficient funds to make follow-on investments, the portfolio company in
need of the investment may be negatively impacted. Also, the Fund's equity
interest in and its estimated fair value of the portfolio company could be
reduced.
Net cash used by operating activities was $239,569 and $161,981 for the
three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Management believes
that borrowings available under the revolving line of credit, net investment
income and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities will be sufficient for
the liquidity needs of the Fund. Approximately $22.6 million in estimated value
of the Fund's investments are in the form of notes receivable from Portfolio
Companies. At March 31, 2003, two of these notes, with an estimated fair value
of $7,744,738, provide that interest is paid in kind or that the original issue
discount is accreted over the life of the notes, by adding such amount to the
principal of the notes.
Because of the nature and size of its portfolio investments, the Fund
periodically borrowed money under a line of credit promissory note to make
qualifying investments to maintain its tax status under the Internal Revenue
Code as a regulated investment company ("RIC"). The Fund's line of credit
promissory note expired on January 1, 2003. Management believes the Fund will be
able to borrow sufficient funds to maintain its RIC status in the future by
utilizing an established margin account with a securities brokerage firm,
supplemented by collateralized loans from banks, if necessary. However, there
are no assurances that such arrangement will be available to the Fund in the
future. If the Fund is unable to borrow funds to make qualifying investments,
the Fund may no longer qualify as a RIC. The Fund would then be subject to
corporate income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains
and distributions to shareholders would be subject to income tax as ordinary
dividends. Failure to continue to qualify as a RIC could be material to the
Fund's shareholders.
At March 31, 2003, the Fund had $54,959,521 of its total assets of
$146,398,857 invested in U.S. Treasury bills. These securities were held by a
securities brokerage firm in an established margin account that is utilized to
enable the Fund to achieve adequate diversification to maintain its pass-through
tax status as a regulated investment company, and were pledged along with cash
and securities to secure the payment of the margin account balance. Such amount
was repaid to the brokerage firm on April 1, 2003.
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. Pursuant to the restrictions in the Fund's
existing line of credit, the Fund is not allowed to incur additional
indebtedness unless approved by the lender.
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 shareholders will be able to claim their
proportionate
22
share of the federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains as a credit
against their own federal income tax liabilities. Shareholders 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.
Results of Operations
Investment Income and Expense
Net investment income after all expenses amounted to $127,104 and $506,084
for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Income from
portfolio securities was $846,958 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and
$1,246,984 for the comparable period in 2002. The decrease from 2003 to 2002 is
due to dividends received in 2002 from Champion Window Holdings, Inc., when the
preferred stock was redeemed, and from Container Acquisition, Inc. This decrease
is partially offset by interest income accrued in 2003 on the note receivable
from Strategic Holdings, Inc. Professional fees increased to $67,125 in 2003
from $40,953 in 2002. Director fees and expenses decreased to $54,555 in 2003
from $61,556 in 2002. Interest expense increased to $183,064 in 2003 from
$154,314 in 2002 due to an increase in the average daily balances outstanding on
the lines of credit to $12,076,389 during the three months ended March 31, 2003
from $10,520,556 during the comparable period in 2002.
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 $398,570 and $393,151 during the three months ended March 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively. The decrease in management fees during the three months
ended March 31, 2003 was due to a decrease in net assets between the two
periods.
On November 14, 2001, options to acquire a total of 990,000 shares of
common stock at $7.69 per share (market price on date of grant) were issued to
officers of the Fund. These options include dividend equivalent rights.
Generally accepted accounting principles require that the options be accounted
for using variable plan accounting as a result of terms of the dividend
equivalent rights. Such accounting resulted in non-cash compensation expense of
$41,859 during the quarter ended March 31, 2002, related to the 990,000 options
issued in 2001.
Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Portfolio Securities
During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Fund realized net capital
losses of $8,100,724 from the sale of securities of three Portfolio Companies.
The Fund received $108,004 for its remaining investment in Milam Enterprises,
LLC, realizing a capital gain of $106,093. The Fund received $2,406,398 from
Doane PetCare Enterprises, Inc. for payment in full of its 15% promissory note,
realizing a capital gain of $551,850 relating to the unamortized original issue.
In addition, the Fund received $500,000 for its investment in FS Strategies,
Inc., realizing a capital loss of $8,758,667.
During the three months ended March 31, 2002, the Fund realized net capital
losses of $666,922 from the sale of securities of one Portfolio Company. The
Fund sold 60,595 shares of its investment in Weatherford International for
$2,844,558, realizing a capital loss of $666,922.
Depreciation of Portfolio Securities
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments changed by
$10,711,530 during the three months ended March 31, 2003 from unrealized
depreciation of $(5,417,014) to unrealized appreciation of $5,294,516. Such
change resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of six of the Fund's
Portfolio Companies aggregating $5,177,935, decreases in the estimated fair
value of nine of the Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $3,626,983 and the
transfer of $9,160,578 in net unrealized depreciation to net capital loss from
the sale or disposition of investments in two of the Fund's Portfolio Companies.
23
Net unrealized depreciation on investments decreased by $1,782,299 during
the three months ended March 31, 2002 from $4,492,995 to $2,710,696. Such
decrease resulted from increases in the estimated fair value of seven of the
Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $4,370,080, decreases in the estimated
fair value of six of the Fund's Portfolio Companies aggregating $3,369,000 and
the transfer of $781,219 in unrealized depreciation to net capital loss from the
sale or disposition of investments in two of the Fund's Portfolio Companies.
Dividends
The Fund declared no dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2003
and 2002.
Portfolio Investments
During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Fund made follow-on
investments of $701,943 in five portfolio companies, including $326,944 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, 2003, the Fund received an additional 430
shares of preferred stock of Sovereign Business Forms, Inc. ("Sovereign") in
dividends. In addition, Sovereign elected to convert $177,630 of accrued
interest into the balance of the 15% promissory notes due to the Fund.
On February 19, 2003, ENGlobal, Inc. made a principal payment on its 9.5%
promissory note of $110,000, reducing the note balance to $2,670,000.
On February 28, 2003, the Fund received $2,406,398 from Doane PetCare
Enterprises, Inc. for payment in full of its 15% promissory note, realizing a
capital gain of $551,850.
On March 3, 2003, the Fund invested an additional $300,000 in Vanguard VII,
L.P. pursuant to a $3,000,000 commitment made in June 2000. $1,500,000 of such
commitment has been funded through March 31, 2003.
On March 7, 2003, the Fund advanced $75,000 to Equicom, Inc. pursuant to a
10% promissory note, thereby reducing the guarantee commitment to Equicom's
lender by a like amount.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2003, original issue discount of $39,568
was accreted on the 12% promissory note from Turfgrass America, Inc., bringing
the note balance to $3,821,372. The original issue discount is being accreted
over the life of the note.
Subsequent Events
On April 1, 2003, the Fund sold the U.S. Treasury bills for $54,964,465 and
repaid the margin loan.
In April and May 2003, the Fund sold 4,432 shares of common stock of
Weatherford International, Inc. for $183,005, realizing a capital loss of
$73,829.
On May 9, 2003, the Independent Directors approved an extension of the
Management Agreement through June 30, 2004.
24
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, since the
securities are generally held to maturity. These 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 major portion of the Fund's investment portfolio consists of debt and
equity investments in private companies. Modest changes in public market equity
process generally do not significantly impact the estimated fair value of these
investments. However, significant changes in market equity prices occur, can
have 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 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.
Part II. Other Information
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Fund maintains disclosure controls and other procedures that are
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in the
reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act 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 the
Fund's management, including its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and
President and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Fund's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness
of the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days prior to the
date of this report. Based on their review and evaluation, the Fund's Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer and President and Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer concluded that the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures were
effective in ensuring that information relating to the Fund was made known to
them by others within the Fund in a timely manner, particularly during the
period in which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared, and that
no changes are required at this time.
There have been no significant changes in the Fund's internal controls or
in other factors that could significantly affect the Fund's internal controls
subsequent to the date the Fund completed its evaluation.
25
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
10. Material Contracts
99.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
99.2 Certification by the President and Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed subsequent to quarter ended March 31, 2003
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Fund during the period for
which this report is filed.
26
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 15, 2003 EQUUS II INCORPORATED
/s/ Nolan Lehmann
---------------------------------
Nolan Lehmann
President and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
27
EXHIBIT A
Form of Quarterly Certification Required
by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
I, Sam P. Douglass, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Equus II
Incorporated;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
the period covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in
this quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant
and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to
the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation
Date"); and
c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures
based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent function):
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls, which could adversely affect the
registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal
controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management
or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect
internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any
28
corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
Date: May 15, 2003
/s/ Sam P. Douglass
---------------------------------
Sam P. Douglass
Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
29
EXHIBIT A
Form of Quarterly Certification Required
by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
I, Nolan Lehmann, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Equus II
Incorporated;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
the period covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in
this quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant
and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to
the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation
Date"); and
c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures
based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent function):
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls, which could adversely affect the
registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal
controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management
or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect
internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any
30
corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
Date: May 15, 2003
/s/ Nolan Lehmann
---------------------------------
Nolan Lehmann
President
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
31