Rand Capital Reports 27% Increase in Total Investment Income for 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) reported an 11% increase in total investment income for the fourth quarter and a 27% increase for the full year 2023. The company's portfolio consisted of 64% interest yielding debt instruments at year-end, resulting in a $1.33 per share dividend in 2023, up 60% from 2022. Net asset value per share was $23.56 at December 31, 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year. Rand made $2.3 million in follow-on investments in the fourth quarter and a total of $20.3 million for the full year.

Positive

• Total investment income increased by 11% to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter and by 27% to $7.3 million for the full year 2023.
• Portfolio comprised 64% interest yielding debt instruments at year-end, up from 56% in 2022, improving portfolio yield and net interest income.
• Paid total dividends of $1.33 per share in 2023, a 60% increase from 2022.
• Net asset value per share was $23.56 at December 31, 2023, up 5% from year-end 2022.
• Made $2.3 million in follow-on investments during the fourth quarter; Full year investments totaled $20.3 million.

Negative

• Total expenses increased to $1.0 million in the fourth quarter compared to $371,000 in the prior-year period.
• Net investment income per share was $0.37 for the fourth quarter, down from $0.48 in the same period of 2022.
• Net investment income per share for 2023 was $1.15, lower than $1.72 per share in the prior year.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The recent financial performance of Rand Capital Corporation, as indicated by the growth in total investment income and net asset value, suggests a strategic shift towards debt investments. The increase in interest yielding debt instruments from 56% to 64% of the portfolio has contributed to an improved portfolio yield and net interest income, which is a positive sign for investors seeking stability and consistent returns. The reported 11% growth in quarterly investment income and 27% annual growth highlight the company's successful deployment of capital in income-producing assets.

However, the rise in total expenses, particularly the substantial increase in interest expenses due to the new senior revolving credit facility and the change in accrued capital gains incentive fees, present a mixed picture. While the credit facility has enabled growth, it has also led to higher costs that have affected net investment income, as seen in the decrease from the previous year. The reported dividends, including a significant 60% increase in 2023, reflect a strong return to shareholders, but investors should consider the sustainability of such payouts in the context of the company's overall financial health.

Market Research Analyst

Examining Rand's portfolio composition and its emphasis on debt investments reveals a broader industry trend where business development companies (BDCs) are seeking to balance risk and return. Debt instruments, particularly in the lower middle market segment, can offer attractive yields, as evidenced by Rand's reported annualized weighted average yield of 13.6%. This is especially relevant in a potentially rising interest rate environment where fixed income assets can provide a hedge against market volatility.

The strategic sale of investments, such as Dealer Solutions and Design (DSD) and ACV Auctions securities, indicates an active portfolio management approach. The resulting liquidity from these sales supports future investment opportunities and dividend distributions. Rand's ability to realize gains from these sales and reinvest in new opportunities is crucial for maintaining portfolio growth and shareholder value.

Economist

The financial results of Rand Capital Corporation must be contextualized within the broader economic landscape. The shift towards interest yielding debt investments is likely a response to the macroeconomic conditions, such as interest rate changes and economic uncertainty. The company's increased portfolio yield suggests a strategic positioning to capitalize on these conditions.

The increased dividend payouts signal confidence in the company's earnings and financial strategy, potentially attracting income-focused investors. However, the sustainability of such dividends amid economic fluctuations will be a key factor for long-term shareholder value. The reported increase in net assets is a positive indicator of the company's financial stability, but it should be weighed against the increased leverage from the new credit facility and the higher interest expenses that accompany it.

• Portfolio expansion centered on debt investments drives total investment income growth of 11% to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter and 27% to $7.3 million for full year 2023
• Rand’s portfolio was comprised of 64% interest yielding debt instruments at year-end compared with 56% at the end of 2022, which improved the portfolio yield and net interest income
• Paid total dividends of $1.33 per share in 2023, up 60% from 2022
• Net asset value per share (“NAV”) was $23.56 at December 31, 2023, up 5% from year-end 2022
• $2.3 million in follow on investments during the fourth quarter; Full year 2023 investments totaled $20.3 million

BUFFALO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) (“Rand” or the “Company”), a business development company providing alternative financing for lower middle market companies, announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Daniel P. Penberthy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rand, commented, “We delivered another strong year of results as we continued to scale the business through the successful execution of our strategy. We put more than $20 million to work during 2023, primarily in income producing investments which drove higher investment income that enabled us to increase our return to shareholders during the year. In total, dividends increased 60% to $1.33 per share in 2023, which included an increase of our regular quarterly dividend earlier in the year and a special dividend paid out during the fourth quarter.

“We entered 2024 with a strong and flexible balance sheet that is supported by multiple sources of capital. We have a solid pipeline of investment opportunities and believe we can continue to execute our strategy by increasing our portfolio composition with new debt investments.”

Fourth Quarter Highlights (compared with the prior-year period unless otherwise noted)

• Total investment income grew $197,000, or 11%, to $1.9 million, which reflected a 47% increase in interest from portfolio companies, partially offset by lower dividend income. The decrease in dividend income was largely due to a large prior-year dividend from a portfolio company, which did not occur, and the sale of the Company’s investment in Dealer Solutions and Design (DSD) during the second quarter of 2023.
• Total expenses were $1.0 million compared with $371,000 in the prior-year fourth quarter. The change reflects a $293,000 increase in interest expense on borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility, along with a change in accrued capital gains incentive fees to the Company’s external investment adviser. The current period included an expense of $64,000 in capital gains incentive fees compared with a credit of $168,000 for the fourth quarter of 2022.
• Adjusted expenses, which exclude capital gains incentive fees and is a non-GAAP financial measure, were $950,000 compared with $539,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted expenses.
• Net investment income was $962,000, or $0.37 per share, compared with $1.2 million, or
  $0.48 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted net investment income per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the capital gains incentive fee accrual expense, was $0.40 per share compared with $0.41 in last year’s fourth quarter. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted net investment income per share.

2023 Highlights

• Total investment income of $7.3 million increased $1.6 million, or 27%, from the prior year.
• Total expenses were $4.2 million compared with $1.1 million in the prior year. The increase reflected $805,000 of accrued capital gains incentive fees during 2023 compared with a
  $1.0 million reduction of accrued fees during 2022. Rand entered into a senior revolving credit facility in June 2022 to drive growth. As a result, interest expense increased $975,000 in 2023 compared with the prior year.
• Excluding the capital gains incentive fee accrual, adjusted expenses, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $1.2 million to $3.4 million in 2023. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted expenses.
• Net investment income per share was $1.15 for 2023 compared with $1.72 per share in the prior year. Excluding the capital gains incentive fee accrual, adjusted net investment income per share for 2023 was $1.46, up 11%, from $1.31 in 2022. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted net investment income per share.
• Net assets at December 31, 2023 were $60.8 million, up 5% from year-end 2022.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

As of December 31, 2023, Rand’s portfolio included investments with a fair value of $77.1 million across 30 portfolio businesses. This was up $15.6 million, or 25%, from December 31, 2022, and reflected new and follow on investments and valuation adjustments in multiple portfolio companies. This was partially offset by equity sales and loan repayments. At December 31, 2023, the portfolio was comprised of approximately 64% in debt investments, 27% in equity investments in private companies, and 9% in publicly traded equities consisting of other BDCs and ACV Auctions. The annualized weighted average yield of debt investments, which includes PIK interest, was 13.6% compared with 12.6% at the end of 2022.

Fourth quarter 2023:

• Funded a follow-on debt investment of $2.2 million to BMP Food Service Supply Holdco, LLC (FSS). Subsequently FSS made a loan principal payment of $0.6 million during the quarter. Rand’s total debt and equity investment in FSS had a fair value of $7.4 million at year-end.
• Follow-on equity investment of $73,000 to Caitec, Inc.

Full year 2023:

• Invested a total of $20.3 million across nine transactions, which largely consisted of interest yielding assets.
• Portfolio investment company DSD was sold during the second quarter of 2023, which resulted in the full repayment of Rand’s subordinated debt and sale of its preferred equity investments. In total, Rand received $6.7 million of proceeds, which included a net gain of $2.5 million.
• Sold ACV Auctions public securities for $1.7 million in gains.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash at year-end was $3.3 million, which reflected the proceeds received from exiting DSD and ACV Auctions share sales in the second quarter of 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company held shares valued at approximately $4.4 million in other publicly traded BDCs and $3.0 million in ACV Auctions, all of which are available for future liquidity needs including dividends and portfolio investments.

At December 31, 2023, Rand had outstanding borrowings of $16.3 million on its existing $25.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The outstanding borrowings carried an interest rate of 8.9% at year-end.

The Company did not repurchase any outstanding common stock during 2023.

Dividends

On December 5, 2023, the Board declared an aggregate of $0.63 per share cash dividend distribution, which was paid during the fourth quarter, to shareholders of record as of December 18, 2023. The dividend consisted of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and a special dividend of $0.38 per share.

During 2023, Rand paid a total of $3.4 million in dividends, which included the four regular quarterly dividends, and the year-end 2023 special dividend.

On February 26, 2024, Rand declared its regular quarterly cash dividend distribution of $0.25 per share. The cash dividend will be distributed on or about March 29, 2024, to shareholders of record as of March 13, 2024.

Webcast and Conference Call

Rand will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, to review its financial results. The review will be accompanied by a slide presentation, which will be available on Rand’s website at www.randcapital.com in the “Investor Relations” section. Rand’s conference call can be accessed by calling (201) 689-8263. Alternatively, the webcast can be monitored on Rand’s website at www.randcapital.com under “Investor Relations” where the replay will also be available.

A telephonic replay will be available from 5:30 p.m. ET on the day of the call through Tuesday, March 19, 2024. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter replay pin number 13743458. A transcript of the call will also be posted once available.

ABOUT RAND CAPITAL

Rand Capital (Nasdaq: RAND) is an externally managed business development company (BDC). The Company’s investment objective is to maximize total return to its shareholders with current income and capital appreciation by focusing its debt and related equity investments in privately-held, lower middle market companies with committed and experienced managements in a broad variety of industries. Rand invests in businesses that have sustainable, differentiated and market-proven products, revenue of more than $10 million and EBITDA in excess of $1.5 million. The Company’s investment activities are managed by its external investment adviser, Rand Capital Management, LLC. Additional information can be found at the Company’s website where it regularly posts information: https://www.randcapital.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than historical facts, including but not limited to statements regarding the strategy of the Company and its outlook; statements regarding the implementation of the Company’s strategy, its ability to continue to increase the number and aggregate size of its debt investments and its growth trajectory; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words or expressions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (2) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; and (3) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Rand ’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Rand’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents filed with the SEC. Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded as Rand’s current plans, estimates and beliefs. Except as required by applicable law, Rand assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Audited)
		2023				2022
ASSETS
Investments at fair value:
Control investments (cost of $5,272,770 and $4,660,017, respectively)		$	4,148,960			$	3,536,207
Affiliate investments (cost of $45,720,974 and $30,204,160, respectively)			53,499,372				38,241,589
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments (cost of $17,371,862 and $20,852,060, respectively)			19,477,380				19,726,463
Total investments, at fair value (cost of $68,365,606 and $55,716,237, respectively)			77,125,712				61,504,259
Cash			3,295,321				1,368,996
Interest receivable			244,600				208,338
Prepaid income taxes			127,869				76,396
Deferred tax asset, net			39,179				28,160
Other assets			189,301				295,043
Total assets		$	81,021,982			$	63,481,192
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)
Liabilities:
Due to investment adviser		$	979,297			$	562,221
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			145,516				66,680
Line of credit			16,250,000				2,550,000
Capital gains incentive fees			2,279,700				2,167,000
Deferred revenue			552,256				413,971
Total liabilities			20,206,769				5,759,872
Stockholders’ equity (net assets):
Common stock, $0.10 par; shares authorized 100,000,000; shares issued: 2,648,916; shares outstanding: 2,581,021 at 12/31/23 and 12/31/22			264,892				264,892
Capital in excess of par value			55,801,170				51,464,267
Treasury stock, at cost: 67,895 shares at 12/31/23 and 12/31/22			(1,566,605	)			(1,566,605	)
Total distributable earnings			6,315,756				7,558,766
Total stockholders’ equity (net assets) (per share - 2023: $23.56, 2022: $22.36)			60,815,213				57,721,320
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (net assets)		$	81,021,982			$	63,481,192

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
		(Unaudited)								(Audited)
		For the Quarter Ended December 31,								For the Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Investment income:
Interest from portfolio companies:
Control investments		$	192,072			$	154,647			$	698,872			$	279,055
Affiliate investments			1,127,121				599,931				3,858,696				2,366,955
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			354,042				381,248				1,421,787				1,506,792
Total interest from portfolio companies			1,673,235				1,135,826				5,979,355				4,152,802
Interest from other investments:
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			241				82				933				131
Total interest from other investments			241				82				933				131
Dividend and other investment income:
Affiliate investments			86,125				422,200				506,076				974,669
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			129,250				122,965				531,055				481,665
Total dividend and other investment income			215,375				545,165				1,037,131				1,456,334
Fee income:
Control investments			4,516				3,900				17,242				7,800
Affiliate investments			31,245				20,371				278,061				92,531
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			5,507				27,642				25,441				55,583
Total fee income			41,268				51,913				320,744				155,914
Total investment income			1,930,119				1,732,986				7,338,163				5,765,181
Expenses:
Base management fee			287,297				230,454				1,057,166				927,226
Capital gains incentive fees			64,000				(168,000	)			804,700				(1,048,760	)
Interest expense			336,997				43,918				1,044,831				69,960
Professional fees			155,346				160,657				547,456				729,967
Directors' fees			65,709				50,050				263,500				187,833
Stockholders and office operating			55,158				41,756				261,639				205,083
Administrative fees			37,250				-				149,000				-
Insurance			10,380				11,238				44,100				43,026
Corporate development			1,660				-				5,927				3,753
Other operating			-				1,017				-				1,141
Total expenses			1,013,797				371,090				4,178,319				1,119,229
Net investment income before income taxes			916,322				1,361,896				3,159,844				4,645,952
Income tax (benefit) expense, including excise tax expense			(45,282	)			131,792				192,111				215,542
Net investment income			961,604				1,230,104				2,967,733				4,430,410
Net realized (loss) gain on sales and dispositions of investments:
Affiliate investments			(21,265	)			-				2,574,829				167,159
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			3,440				14,902				(1,523,750	)			538,334
Net realized (loss) gain on sales and dispositions, before income taxes			(17,825	)			14,902				1,051,079				705,493
Income tax expense			21,524				-				359,682				-
Net realized (loss) gain on sales and dispositions of investments			(39,349	)			14,902				691,397				705,493
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments:
Control investments			-				(748,810	)			-				(748,810	)
Affiliate investments			627,667				4,692,512				(259,031	)			4,740,353
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			(289,938	)			(4,760,553	)			3,231,115				(9,901,315	)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation before income taxes			337,729				(816,851	)			2,972,084				(5,909,772	)
Deferred income tax expense			171,005				107,980				104,564				107,980
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments			166,724				(924,831	)			2,867,520				(6,017,752	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments			127,375				(909,929	)			3,558,917				(5,312,259	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations		$	1,088,979			$	320,175			$	6,526,650			$	(881,849	)
Weighted average shares outstanding			2,581,021				2,581,021				2,581,021				2,581,021
Basic and diluted net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations per share		$	0.42			$	0.12			$	2.53			$	(0.34	)

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(Audited)
		2023				2022
Net assets at beginning of year		$	57,721,320			$	60,745,416
Net investment income			2,967,733				4,430,410
Net realized gain on sales and dispositions of investments			691,397				705,493
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments			2,867,520				(6,017,752	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations			6,526,650				(881,849	)
Declaration of dividends			(3,432,757	)			(2,142,247	)
Net assets at end of year		$	60,815,213			$	57,721,320

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP Total Expense to Non-GAAP Adjusted Expenses
(Unaudited)

In addition to reporting total expenses, which is a U.S. generally accepted accounting principle (“GAAP”) financial measure, Rand presents adjusted expenses, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted expenses is defined as GAAP total expenses removing the effect of any expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees accrual. GAAP total expenses is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Rand believes that adjusted expenses provides useful information to investors regarding financial performance because it is a method the Company uses to measure its financial and business trends related to its results of operations. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

		Three months ended December 31, 2023			Three months ended December 31, 2022				Year ended December 31, 2023			Year ended December 31, 2022
Total expenses		$	1,013,797		$	371,090			$	4,178,319		$	1,119,229
Exclude expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees			64,000			(168,000	)			804,700			(1,048,760	)
Adjusted total expenses		$	949,797		$	539,090			$	3,373,619		$	2,167,989

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Investment Income per Share to
Adjusted Net Investment Income per Share
(Unaudited)

In addition to reporting Net Investment Income per Share, which is a GAAP financial measure, the Company presents Adjusted Net Investment Income per Share, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted Net Investment Income per Share is defined as GAAP Net Investment Income per Share removing the effect of any expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees. GAAP Net Investment Income per Share is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Rand believes that Adjusted Net Investment Income per Share provides useful information to investors regarding financial performance because it is a method the Company uses to measure its financial and business trends related to its results of operations. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

		Three months ended December 31, 2023			Three months ended December 31, 2022				Year ended December 31, 2023			Year ended December 31, 2022
Net investment income per share		$	0.37		$	0.48			$	1.15		$	1.72
Exclude expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees per share			0.02			(0.07	)			0.31			(0.41	)
Adjusted net investment income per share		$	0.40		$	0.41			$	1.46		$	1.31

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240305723250/en/

Company:

Daniel P. Penberthy

President and CEO

716.853.0802

dpenberthy@randcapital.com

Investors:

Deborah K. Pawlowski / Craig P. Mychajluk

Kei Advisors LLC

716-843-3908 / 716-843-3832

dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com / cmychajluk@keiadvisors.com

Source: Rand Capital Corporation

FAQ

What was the total investment income growth for the fourth quarter and full year 2023 for Rand (RAND)?

Total investment income grew by 11% to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter and by 27% to $7.3 million for the full year 2023 for Rand (RAND).

What was the percentage increase in dividends per share in 2023 compared to 2022 for Rand (RAND)?

Rand (RAND) paid total dividends of $1.33 per share in 2023, up 60% from 2022.

What was the net asset value per share at December 31, 2023, for Rand (RAND)?

Rand (RAND) reported a net asset value per share of $23.56 at December 31, 2023, up 5% from year-end 2022.

How much did Rand (RAND) invest in follow-on investments during the fourth quarter of 2023?

Rand (RAND) made $2.3 million in follow-on investments during the fourth quarter of 2023.

What was the total amount of investments made by Rand (RAND) in full year 2023?

Rand (RAND) invested a total of $20.3 million across nine transactions in full year 2023.