Rand Capital Reports 27% Increase in Total Investment Income for Third Quarter 2024, Supported by Strategic Debt Portfolio Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

Rand Capital (NASDAQ: RAND) reported strong Q3 2024 results with total investment income increasing 27% to $2.2 million, driven by debt portfolio growth. Net asset value per share rose to $27.29, up 3% from June 30 and 16% from year-end 2023. The company received $13.1 million from the sale of SciAps, using proceeds to reduce debt. The portfolio, valued at $75.0 million across 22 businesses, is now 74% debt investments with a 13.8% weighted average yield. Rand paid a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share and maintains strong liquidity with over $24 million available.

Positive

• Total investment income grew 27% YoY to $2.2 million
• NAV increased 16% from year-end 2023 to $27.29
• Realized gain of $7.7 million from SciAps sale
• Debt reduction of $13.3 million improving balance sheet
• Portfolio yield increased to 13.8% from 13.6% at end of 2023

Negative

• Total portfolio value decreased 3% from December 2023
• Total expenses increased from $810,000 to $1.3 million YoY

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 results demonstrate strong financial performance with 27% growth in total investment income to $2.2 million. Key highlights include a $13.1 million windfall from the SciAps exit, generating a substantial $7.7 million realized gain. The NAV increase to $27.29 per share shows robust portfolio appreciation. The strategic shift toward debt investments, now comprising 74% of the portfolio, with a 13.8% weighted average yield, positions the company for stable income generation. With $24 million in total liquidity and reduced debt levels, the company has significant dry powder for new investments while maintaining its $0.29 quarterly dividend.

The improved net investment income of $0.34 per share and adjusted net investment income of $0.46 per share reflect strong operational execution. The portfolio restructuring through strategic exits and focus on mezzanine debt demonstrates disciplined capital allocation and risk management.

• Total investment income rose 27% to $2.2 million for the quarter compared with the third quarter last year, driven by strong growth in interest income from an expanded portfolio of debt investments
• Net asset value per share (“NAV”) increased to $27.29, up 3% from June 30, 2024 and 16% higher than year-end 2023
• $13.1 million received from the sale of portfolio company SciAps, Inc. with proceeds used to reduce debt balance
• Paid a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share for third quarter 2024

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 third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

"Our third quarter results reflect the strength of our investment strategy, highlighted by a 27% increase in total investment income, driven by the growth in our debt portfolio,” commented Daniel P. Penberthy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rand. “The sale of SciAps, which netted us $13.1 million in total proceeds, and the sale of our remaining BDC holdings, which generated a realized gain, not only delivered substantial returns but also allowed us to reduce debt and improve liquidity. With over $24 million in total liquidity, we are well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities. Following the closing of the SciAps transaction, we have further transitioned the portfolio closer to a targeted debt-focused portfolio, and will continue to focus on mezzanine debt investments, which we believe will help in delivering strong returns and supporting consistent shareholder dividends.”

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

• Total investment income grew $477,000, or 27%, to $2.2 million, which reflected strong growth of interest from portfolio companies given the origination of five new debt instruments over the last year. Also contributing to the total investment income growth was an increase in fee income.
• Total expenses were $1.3 million compared with $810,000 in last year’s third quarter. The change largely reflects a $354,000 increase in capital gains incentive fee expense and a $178,000 increase in the income based incentive fee expense payable to the Company’s external investment advisor. The Company had lower interest expense of $46,000 given the debt pay down during the quarter.
• Adjusted expenses, which exclude capital gains incentive fees and is a non-GAAP financial measure, were $1.0 million compared with $851,000 in the third quarter of 2023. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted expenses.
• Net investment income was $887,000, or $0.34 per share, compared with $799,000, or $0.31 per share, in the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted net investment income per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the capital gains incentive fee accrual expense, was $0.46 per share, up 59% from $0.29 per share in last year’s third quarter. See the attached description of this non-GAAP financial measure and reconciliation table for adjusted net investment income per share.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

As of September 30, 2024, Rand’s portfolio included investments with a fair value of $75.0 million across 22 portfolio businesses. This was a decrease of $2.1 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2023, and reflected new and follow-on investments and valuation adjustments in multiple portfolio companies, offset by the SciAps exit, stock sales and other portfolio company loan repayments. At September 30, 2024, Rand’s portfolio was comprised of approximately 74% in debt investments and 26% in equity investments in private companies. The annualized weighted average yield of debt investments, which includes PIK interest, was 13.8% at September 30, 2024, compared with 13.6% at the end of 2023.

Third quarter 2024:

• Funded a follow-on debt investment of $125,000 in ITA Acquisition, LLC. Rand’s total debt and equity investment in ITA Acquisition, LLC had a fair value of $4.9 million at quarter-end.
• Received $13.1 million from the previously announced sale of portfolio company SciAps, Inc., which included a realized gain of $7.7 million. The proceeds from the sale payable at closing to Rand consisted of $2.1 million in debt repayment, $165,000 in interest income and loan-related fees, and $10.8 million in equity return. These totals reflect $244,000 held in transaction-related escrows.
• Sold remaining shares in two publicly traded BDCs for total proceeds of $1.3 million, which netted a realized gain of $249,000.
• Exited investment in Mezmeriz, realizing a tax loss on an equity investment having a fair value of zero.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash was $3.4 million at September 30, 2024. During the quarter, Rand utilized the proceeds from the portfolio company sale and cash on hand to reduce its outstanding borrowings by $13.3 million, leaving a principal balance of $3.9 million on its existing $25.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility at September 30, 2024. The outstanding borrowings carried an interest rate of 8.46% at quarter-end.

The Company did not repurchase any outstanding common stock during the third quarter of 2024.

Dividends

On July 31, 2024, Rand declared its regular quarterly cash dividend distribution of $0.29 per share. The cash dividend was paid during the third quarter to shareholders of record as of August 30, 2024. Rand’s fourth quarter dividend announcement is expected in early December.

Webcast and Conference Call

Rand will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday November 6, 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 “Investors” 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 Wednesday, November 20, 2024. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter replay pin number 13749407. 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 primarily 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: 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 and the growth of its dividend and the timing for the Company’s fourth quarter dividend announcement; 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
		September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Investments at fair value:
Control investments (cost of $6,043,779 and $5,272,770, respectively)		$	4,919,969			$	4,148,960
Affiliate investments (cost of $39,484,404 and $45,720,974, respectively)			50,859,581				53,499,372
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments (cost of $21,524,089 and $17,371,862, respectively)			19,256,017				19,477,380
Total investments, at fair value (cost of $67,052,272 and $68,365,606, respectively)			75,035,567				77,125,712
Cash			3,352,734				3,295,321
Interest receivable			408,247				244,600
Prepaid income taxes			185,602				127,869
Deferred tax asset, net			367,765				39,179
Other assets			448,204				189,301
Total assets		$	79,798,119			$	81,021,982
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NET ASSETS)
Liabilities:
Due to investment adviser		$	487,483			$	979,297
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			104,381				145,516
Line of credit			3,900,000				16,250,000
Capital gains incentive fees			4,346,000				2,279,700
Deferred revenue			513,619				552,256
Total liabilities			9,351,483				20,206,769
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 9/30/24 and 12/31/23			264,892				264,892
Capital in excess of par value			55,801,170				55,801,170
Treasury stock, at cost: 67,895 shares at 9/30/24 and 12/31/23			(1,566,605	)			(1,566,605	)
Total distributable earnings			15,947,179				6,315,756
Total stockholders’ equity (net assets) (per share – 9/30/24: $27.29; 12/31/23: $23.56)			70,446,636				60,815,213
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (net assets)		$	79,798,119			$	81,021,982

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
		Three months ended September 30, 2024				Three months ended September 30, 2023				Nine months ended September 30, 2024				Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Investment income:
Interest from portfolio companies:
Control investments		$	164,167			$	175,962			$	550,535			$	506,800
Affiliate investments			1,164,525				1,002,553				3,522,726				2,731,575
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			616,903				357,162				1,681,209				1,067,745
Total interest from portfolio companies			1,945,595				1,535,677				5,754,470				4,306,120
Interest from other investments:
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			113				456				2,171				692
Total interest from other investments			113				456				2,171				692
Dividend and other investment income:
Affiliate investments			13,125				13,126				39,375				419,951
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			44,000				141,290				242,760				401,805
Total dividend and other investment income			57,125				154,416				282,135				821,756
Fee income:
Control investments			4,515				4,515				13,547				12,726
Affiliate investments			202,834				40,072				331,369				246,816
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			8,272				5,978				38,130				19,934
Total fee income			215,621				50,565				383,046				279,476
Total investment income			2,218,454				1,741,114				6,421,822				5,408,044
Expenses:
Base management fee			309,265				268,609				934,532				769,869
Income based incentive fees			178,218				—				178,218				—
Capital gains incentive fees			313,000				(41,300	)			2,066,300				740,700
Interest expense			245,006				290,522				1,028,198				707,834
Professional fees			113,168				120,828				436,935				392,110
Stockholders and office operating			57,869				57,097				209,564				206,481
Directors' fees			66,550				66,550				196,950				197,791
Administrative fees			40,000				37,250				118,167				111,750
Insurance			10,467				10,380				33,891				33,720
Corporate development			387				—				10,813				4,267
Total expenses			1,333,930				809,936				5,213,568				3,164,522
Net investment income before income taxes:			884,524				931,178				1,208,254				2,243,522
Income tax (benefit) expense, including excise tax expense			(2,511	)			132,595				(1,171	)			237,393
Net investment income			887,035				798,583				1,209,425				2,006,129
Net realized gain (loss) on sales and dispositions of investments:
Affiliate investments			6,980,728				—				6,148,837				2,596,094
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			249,354				(2,802,731	)			4,959,445				(1,527,190	)
Net realized gain (loss) on sales and dispositions of investments, before income taxes			7,230,082				(2,802,731	)			11,108,282				1,068,904
Income tax expense			—				—				—				338,158
Net realized gain (loss) on sales and dispositions of investments			7,230,082				(2,802,731	)			11,108,282				730,746
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments:
Affiliate investments			(5,153,166	)			—				3,596,779				(886,698	)
Non-Control/Non-Affiliate investments			(512,375	)			2,599,652				(4,373,590	)			3,521,053
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation before income taxes			(5,665,541	)			2,599,652				(776,811	)			2,634,355
Deferred income tax benefit			(184,940	)			—				(232,774	)			(66,441	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments			(5,480,601	)			2,599,652				(544,037	)			2,700,796
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments			1,749,481				(203,079	)			10,564,245				3,431,542
Net increase in net assets from operations		$	2,636,516			$	595,504			$	11,773,670			$	5,437,671
Weighted average shares outstanding			2,581,021				2,581,021				2,581,021				2,581,021
Basic and diluted net increase in net assets from operations per share		$	1.02			$	0.23			$	4.56			$	2.11

Rand Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(Unaudited)
		Three months ended September 30, 2024				Three months ended September 30, 2023				Nine months ended September 30, 2024				Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Net assets at beginning of period		$	68,558,616			$	61,402,028			$	60,815,213			$	57,721,320
Net investment income			887,035				798,583				1,209,425				2,006,129
Net realized gain (loss) on sales and dispositions of investments			7,230,082				(2,802,731	)			11,108,282				730,746
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments			(5,480,601	)			2,599,652				(544,037	)			2,700,796
Net increase in net assets from operations			2,636,516				595,504				11,773,670				5,437,671
Declaration of dividend			(748,496	)			(645,255	)			(2,142,247	)			(1,806,714	)
Net assets at end of period		$	70,446,636			$	61,352,277			$	70,446,636			$	61,352,277

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 September 30, 2024		Three months ended September 30, 2023			Nine months ended September 30, 2024		Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Total expenses	$	1,333,930	$	809,936		$	5,213,568	$	3,164,522
Exclude expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees		313,000		(41,300	)		2,066,300		740,700
Adjusted total expenses	$	1,020,930	$	851,236		$	3,147,268	$	2,423,822

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 September 30, 2024		Three months ended September 30, 2023			Nine months ended September 30, 2024		Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Net investment income per share	$	0.34	$	0.31		$	0.47	$	0.78
Exclude expenses/(credits) for capital gains incentive fees per share		0.12		(0.02	)		0.80		0.28
Adjusted net investment income per share	$	0.46	$	0.29		$	1.27	$	1.06

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106507003/en/

Company:

Daniel P. Penberthy

President and CEO

716.853.0802

dpenberthy@randcapital.com

Investors:

Deborah K. Pawlowski / Craig P. Mychajluk

Alliance Advisors IR

716-843-3908 / 716-843-3832

dpawlowski@allianceadvisors.com

cmychajluk@allianceadvisors.com

Source: Rand Capital Corporation

FAQ

What was Rand Capital's (RAND) total investment income in Q3 2024?

Rand Capital's total investment income in Q3 2024 was $2.2 million, representing a 27% increase from the same quarter last year.

How much did Rand Capital (RAND) receive from the SciAps sale in Q3 2024?

Rand Capital received $13.1 million from the sale of SciAps, including $2.1 million in debt repayment, $165,000 in interest income and fees, and $10.8 million in equity return.

What was Rand Capital's (RAND) Q3 2024 dividend payment?

Rand Capital paid a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share for the third quarter of 2024.

What is the current composition of Rand Capital's (RAND) investment portfolio?

As of September 30, 2024, Rand Capital's portfolio was comprised of approximately 74% in debt investments and 26% in equity investments across 22 portfolio businesses.